The journey home had been quiet but not too bad, Elijah was able to make her smile a few times but he could tell she was stressed and restless. She kept touching her neck too and although he asked her if the pain was getting worse, she’d simply shake her head. He did place a few kisses on her neck though whenever he got the chance and although she did not admit it, she appreciated his efforts.
They had now pulled up outside the mansion, both looked at each other.
“Be careful… they can’t know about us…” She whispered, Elijah frowned.
“Scarlett I'm serious about you-”
“We’re not doing this right now… Please, I don’t need any more negativity around here than I already get.” She said. Elijah sighed.
“Fine.” He said, thinking for now… She adjusted her shawl, making sure her neck was fully covered.
They'd just about got out of the car when the mansion doors were thrown open and Jessica ran out. She ran straight to Scarlett flinging her arms around her daughter and almost knocking her into the car.
“Scarlett! Oh, thank God you’re ok. I was so scared, I've been feeling so restless, are you really ok? By the Goddess I was terrified!” She asked checking Scarlett’s hands and face, just the way she used to as a child. The simple move made Scarlett’s eyes fill with tears, if only her mother knew her father had once again hurt her…
Jessica stopped her rambling when she saw the tears in Scarlett’s eyes. Her face paling as she cupped her daughter's face, fear filling her like an unwanted poison. Was Scarlett ok?
Scarlett glanced at her mother, her eyes caught something on her neck. Realising that a new mark had replaced her fathers. Jackson’s…
“Elijah, what happened to her?” Jessica asked, looking at Scarlett whose eyes were glazed lost in thought. Elijah came around about to say something just as Jackson and Indigo hurried over, Jackson pulled them both into his arms tightly.
“Finally! You’re both back, Jessica was so worried.” He said. “And so was I.”
“Elijah!” Indigo said, wrapping her arms around his waist the moment Jackson let go of him. He ruffled her hair giving her a tight hug back, his eyes on Scarlett - she was pale.
“We need to talk.” Elijah said, he placed a hand on Scarlett’s back making her stomach flutter but she jerked away from his touch.
“What is it?” Jackson asked now serious, concern clear on his face.
“Let’s go inside…” Elijah said. Scarlett was the first to turn away and walk off inside.
Jackson and Jessica exchanged looks before following Elijah inside.
“Indigo, you should go to Daniel's.” Jessica said, clearly telling her she should leave the house.
“I'm not a kid…” She grumbled but a warning look from her mother had her sigh and walk off.
-----
They were now seated in Jackson's office, Scarlett sat on the couch to the side in the room, next to her was Jessica. Elijah leaned against Jackson's desk, whilst his father sat in his chair.
“So, what is it?” He asked curtly, looking at Elijah and then at Scarlett, who was worrying him with her silence.
“Speak honey.” Jessica said to Scarlett, she turned her gorgeous eyes towards Elijah who fought the urge to cross the room and pull her into his arms.
“First of all, you need to keep your cool. Both of you. We don’t need any extra shit right now.” Elijah said then mind linked his father - ‘You felt her pack link break’.
Jackson frowned, disturbed by the news, but simply nodded.
“We will be calm…” He said looking at Jessica, now that they had marked each other their bond was stronger than ever, albeit not as strong as one would have with their true mate. She nodded at him, her eyes dipping to his high collared shirt. He had wanted to tell Elijah they had marked each other himself when the time was right, concerned his son might not be pleased. She too wore a high-necked dress, unless you looked closely you wouldn’t see the fresh mark. She just hoped he was ok with it, after all, he never had too much of an issue with her.
“The day I returned to town, remember the apparent rogue attack?” Elijah began.
“Yes…” Jackson said all eyes now on Elijah, who kept his eyes locked on Scarlett’s, wishing he could have mind linked her to make sure she was ok.
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