The Human |✔|
Chapter 26

Victoria's pov

"Ask me what?" I asked as soon as he closed his bedroom door.

He told me that he would talk when we got back, since we were surrounded by people and music everywhere back at the pack house. I agreed to wait, but I was pissed. He told me that there were no more secrets.

So, I spent the entire night avoiding him, but I still had fun with my girls and Caleb since he wouldn't leave Ashley's side. We travelled separately, so I waited at the door for him to come. That's when he led me here.

"Victoria don't be mad. I didn't hide anything from you" He sighed, looking tired.

"So what was Ty talking about?" I asked and he remained silent, looking as if he was contemplating telling me or not. I honestly thought we passed this stage, yet here we were once again.

"See this is what I cant take with you! You keep everything from me then expect me to-"

"I want you to move in. Like permanently with us here" He blurted out in the middle of my rambling. This had me completely speechless as I gaped at him.

I knew what I was getting into when I involved myself with him, but I never thought about moving in with him.

"That's what he meant. He was asking me if I asked you to move in with us yet" He added, while I stayed quiet. He took that as a sign to continue. "I know its a bit much, but I'm going to need you by my side, and that includes living with me"

"But isn't that a little too fast?" I asked unsurely. He chuckled.

"Victoria your stay here will last a couple more months since your house isn't finished. Don't you think by then you'd be ready?"

I mean, he had a point but that house...

"Its the only thing I have left with them" I said out loud, not intending for him to hear.

"What do you mean?"

"That house. It was my parent's house. Then my aunt. As much as I hated my parents my whole life, it was all I had that made me feel like I sorta had them" I whispered, barely audible.

Luka sighed, holding me by the waist gently as he rested his chin on my head. "It's okay Angel. I wasn't asking you to abandon the house. If you want, we can keep it and go there whenever we want time to ourselves. You know, just you and me"

"And Twinkle" I added.

"And Twinkle" He repeated with a chuckle.

It warmed my heart that he was thinking about us long term. I didn't miss how he said 'we' instead of 'you'. I know that he saw me as a life long partner, and I wanted to give him back that same energy. But it's all in time.

"Thank you" I mumbled against his chest. He kissed my forehead, letting his lips linger a while longer.

"You're mine now Angel, I'll do everything in my power to let it remain that way."

And I believed him. I believed him with all my heart.

***

"How do you think it looks?" I asked excitedly as we drove to my house to see the progress.

It has been little over a month so I knew it hasn't been much, but I was pumped to see how different it might've looked.

Our talk last night got me thinking about visiting, and since I didn't have work, I decided to go there. I also decided to go visit Velma, killing two birds with one stone. Luka offered to take me, to which I happily complied.

"I don't know. Maybe just minor changes" He replied, turning on the familiar road that led to my house.

I still didn't give him an answer about moving in, even though I knew it was inevitable. I guess I had to adapt to their way of living, but we'll take things one step at a time.

We pulled into the driveway and it felt as if it had been ages. I opened the newly fixed door and peered around the room. I could see that the fixers were really working on it. Everything looked different, my furniture was wrapped and I could see that they were replacing the walls.

I suddenly felt excited about how it will look when they're done. Luka hired some designers to decorate the whole place differently, and I couldn't wait to see it.

"It's gonna be beautiful when it's done" I said as Luka joined me.

"It will. But not as beautiful as it's owner." He added as he kissed my bare shoulder. I blushed at his compliment, loving this side of him.

"You know.... I can still pay for all of this if you want" He suggested innocently and I rolled my eyes. He didn't want me to pay for my own house.

"I said its fine. I can manage" I responded. He didn't seem satisfied, but let it go anyways.

I'm an independent woman.

"Ready to go?" He asked and I nodded.

I called Velma, letting her know I'd be stopping by and I also told her to save my number. I gave Luka the address as we backed out of my driveway in deep conversation.

"I have some things back home to do, including my daily workout, so I wont stay with you at Velma's. But I can come back for you later, or I can just run back and leave the car with you" He suggested.

"No I don't want you to run back all that way. You can come back for me around four, or send Lincoln. That's too much driving for you in one day" I told him.

"It's okay. I'll come get you myself" He answered, and I simply shrugged. I guess I'm the only one who doesn't like to drive.

We talked about random things as usual, where he told me about his childhood. He had some really funny stories that had me bellowing like Emma on a comedy movie night. Who would've thought that Caleb and Luka hated each other? Wild.

After about an hour of driving, we pulled into a gated community that I assumed Velma was living in. She lived really far.

I thought about the three hour drive that Luka would have to endure to go back home, then sit through again when he comes to pick me up.

I tried to convince him again to ask Lincoln or Caleb to come get me, but he wasn't having it. He can be so stubborn sometimes.

We finally pulled into the house number that Velma gave me. Seconds after, she emerged from the house, beaming at us as we got out of the car.

"Victoria my dear!" She rushed to me with as much speed as she could muster, then wrapped me in a warm grandmotherly hug. She did the same with Luka, then gestured for us to come in.

"I'm sorry Velma but I wont be staying with you guys. I'll be back later to pick up Victoria, but next time for sure" Luka apologized sweetly, at which she shot him the cutest old person pout I've ever seen.

"Just let me go get you some cookies for the road" She offered before quickly heading inside.

As soon as she touched the door, the one and only Jonah made himself known, smiling at me. From the corner of my eye I saw Luka stiffen, as he gently pulled me back against him. Jonah frowned at the gesture, and he had the audacity to sneer at Luka.

"I think I actually might stay" He said firmly. I spun in his arms so that I was facing him so give him my best glare.

"No you're not. You are not going to put your day on hold because of some jealousy. Don't worry I can handle myself" I hopped on my toes to give him a kiss, knowing it was the only way I could convince him. He simply nodded as he hugged my tightly, sniffing my neck a couple times too.

"Here you go" Velma handed him the cookies. "Freshly baked".

"Thank you." He beamed as he kissed her cheek before kissing mine. "I'll be back at four to get you" I waved at him before following Velma inside.

"So you're dating him now" Jonah bit out a little too harshly for my liking.

"Well nice to see you too Jonah" I retorted sarcastically. "And that's none of your business" How can a woman so sweet have a grandson so annoying?

"In here dear!" Velma shouted from what I assumed was the kitchen. I shrugged my coat off, hanging it on the coat rack then followed where her voice came from.

The scent of homemade food and pastries filled my senses immediately, and I suddenly felt hungry. Jonah had left to do what ever dweebs do, thank goodness.

"Mmmmh couldn't you warn me that you were a cooker" I joked as I sat at the island.

For an old lady, her house was quite modern and stylish, yet it had that warmness that a home should have. Velvet looking thin curtains draped over the windows, allowing just enough sunlight through. Her tiles were also lovely, giving the kitchen that homey look.

"I would've had much more for you if I had known that you were coming earlier" She said as she gave me some hot tea which I gladly accepted.

"I'm sorry for the short notice, I was just in town so I decided to stop by"

"That's okay love. I'm just happy to see you" She beamed. "So how's life with the werewolves?" She asked casually as if she just asked me about the weather, while I had a coughing fit. My eyes widen as I stared at her, but she didn't look the least surprised or fazed.

"Ho-how did you know about that" I stuttered, still processing.

"I've been alive a long time dear" She laughed. "I've had my share of werewolf drama. That's in the past though" She sighed.

"Tell me about it" I was suddenly interested. When we were at the hospital, she told me about some life experiences but never this.

"I was the mate of a werewolf" She sighed putting her cup down. I gaped at her, even more shocked.

"Are you human?" I asked softly. She must be. If she was a wolf, Luka would've known.

"Oh heavens yes" She laughed. " I was one of those rear human mates. Just like you" She said with a smile.

"I'm not his mate" I told her. "Well I wasn't his first mate I guess. He imprinted on me" Her eyes widen a fraction at my statement.

"In my few years with wolves, I've only ever heard of imprinting. You two are very special you know that?"

"I guess" I mumbled with a blush. "But not as special as you. I heard that human mates are almost impossible" I was genuinely awed.

"Well my dear, you cant help what life chooses for you. You seem to adapt better than me honestly. I took a whole three months before I accepted my mate"

"What happened?" I asked, getting ready for story time.

"I was only eighteen when my mate found me. I didn't always live here, I lived in the north, near the border. Apparently there's a huge werewolf territory there" She started.

"One day I wondered off in the woods for some reason, and I saw the largest animal ever. He spotted me and started running towards me, so my first instinct was to run for my life. Then suddenly, he shifted and called out to me. I saw what happened and I fainted" She laughed at the memory before continuing.

"He brought me to his home and when I woke up, he started telling me all these things I didn't understand, and he asked that I stay with him. Of course I didn't obliged. It took months for me to come around, and when I finally did, it was the best thing ever" I saw her eyes brighten at the memory, it was beautiful.

"We spent everyday together. It was hard keeping up with both lives but I survived and I was happy. But one day, his pack was attacked by rogues, and he died in the battle" She ended with a sigh. I held her hand reassuringly, as I could see it was still painful for her.

"After his death, I was a mess. I had no reason to stay with the pack anymore, so I left after pledging to the Alpha that I wont speak about their existence. Eventually after a couple years of healing, I moved here when I met the second love of my life, and had Jonah's mom."

I was happy to hear that she got a second chance at love.

"I lived here not knowing it was another territory, until I saw Luka's dad. He was walking with his mate, and she had the mark on her neck. He was just a pup, around 18, but he was smart. He noticed that I recognized what his claim was and questioned me. I had no real reason to hide my experience from him, so I promised I wouldn't speak of their existence" She looked at me with a mischievous smile.

"When I was at the hospital and you talked about this mysterious man to me, I suspected something. But it wasn't confirmed until I saw Luka's face that day in my hospital room. He looked just like his father at that age, and so I put two and two together"

So she knew all along.

"I thought you were his first mate though. I didn't know he lost a mate" She sighed.

"His mate, Ella, died little over a year ago. He's been a mess about it"

"Until you showed up I assume" She smiled as I looked away, hiding my blush.

"It must've been really hard for him. I know the pain of a broken mate bond, and it must've been ten times multiplied for him since he's a wolf AND Alpha blood. Don't take his pain lightly Victoria. You're helping him through it, but it will always be there until he completes the mating process with you" she said and I nodded.

"When do I know the mating process is completed?" I asked. She checked my neck too but saw nothing.

"Just three things. I'm sure you've done the first step already which is accepting him. But I'll leave you to explore the rest with him yourself, I wont spoil it for you" Sh smirked mischievously, which only made me become alert.

"Will I become a wolf too?" I blurted out, causing her to laugh hardly at me, shaking her head from side to side.

"You wont become a wolf" She wanted while her laughter died down. "But changes will happen, just minor things though" She added with a wink.

"Tell meeeeeee" I pleaded while she laughed again, saying no.

"I wont rob you of your experiences. When they do actually happen, I'll be here to talk" She offered, to which I reluctantly agreed.

I guess that's fair. At least I knew I wasn't alone. Even though I had Ashley and Emma, they were wolves so they'll see things differently.

"I'm actually really relieved that you know about them. I can talk to you now without hiding things" I clapped excitedly as she chuckled again. She has such a beautiful laugh.

We spent the remaining hours talking and eating. As suspected, her food was delicious. Jonah joined us shortly after dinner, but he barely interrupted or joined our conversation.

I noticed I was getting undesirably tired, so I went to the couch to catch a nap until Luka came to pick me up.

.

.

"Victoria" Someone called, shaking me from my slumber. "Victoria wake up" I noticed it was a male's voice.

"Luka?" I mumbled. "Take me to bed. I'm still sleepy"

"It's not Luka. It's Jonah" I immediately shot up, eyes wide and scanning. My vision was blurry for a second, but eventually focused on my ex boyfriend.

I suddenly noticed that I wasn't in Velma's warm living room, but in an open clear area in the middle of what seemed like nowhere. It was also getting dark.

"Where the hell am I? Why am I with you? What did you do to me? What time is it?" I threw all the questions at once at him as I scrambled to my feet.

"Hey hey relax" He urged, as if he didn't just kidnap me. How did he even carry me here without me waking up? I'm normally a light sleeper .I remembered him sitting beside me at dinner, then I felt suddenly sleepy.

Oh my gosh...

"You asshole! You drugged me!" I shouted in pure anger and disbelief as I stepped away from him, stumbling slightly. He made a move to catch me but I shunned his hand away.

"Don't touch me you creep" I seethed deadly. If he could drug and kidnap someone, what lengths would he go for what he wanted?

"I just want to talk" He said, raising his hands in surrender. I chuckled darkly.

"Oh and we couldn't have talked in Velma's living room?!" This guy wasn't for real. He couldnt be.

"You wouldn't have listened to me" He whined like some sick puppy.

"Damn right I wouldn't! And you think I'm gonna talk now. You must be delirious" I checked my watch to see that it was almost seven. Shit! Luka must be freaking. I searched my pockets for my phone but didn't find it.

"Looking for this?" He asked smugly. "Your boyfriend must be calling you endlessly. If you just listen to what I have to say I'll take you back right now. If you refuse, we'll be out here all night" He spoke as if he had just won.

"I rather walk" I replied dryly as I turned to leave.

"There's nothing but trees for miles!" I continued walking. "Wow she hates me that much" I heared him say to himself. Damn right you freak.

"Grandma would've wanted us to talk!" He shouted and I stopped suddenly.

"What did you do with her?!" I shouted as I walked back to him.

"Relax, she's okay. I wouldn't hurt my grandma"

"I wouldn't be too sure" I mumbled loud enough for him to hear.

"She was taking her afternoon nap when I took you. Will you please just listen to me. I'm sure hearing what I have to say is better than walking for miles and worrying your boyfriend all night" He reasoned.

"Talk" I snapped eventually as I leaned against his car.

"I want us to start over, be friends" He stated as though it was the simplest thing in the world.

"No" I replied dryly.

"Come on Vic we-"

"Victoria" I corrected.

"Victoria... We were such good friends before and when we were dating. I know I hurt you with the one thing you feared the most, but I'm so so sorry and I wish I could go back in time to fix it. Look, I'm not asking for a second chance to be with you, I just want you to forgive me, and for us to be friends" He sighed after he ended.

"Fine" I said and his face lit up, pulling me in an awkward hug but I pushed him away. There was no way I was being his friend, but I figured the faster I agreed, the faster I leave.

I forgave him about two years ago. Forgiveness frees the soul. But I vowed not to become friends with someone like that, who easily leaves you in your most vulnerable states. In addition, the stunt he pulled today proved that he was definitely not friend material.

We got in his car and he finally drove off. He handed me back my phone, but I barely had cell service. He tried talking to me but I ended them as soon as they started.

My phone finally got some signal, and I felt it started vibrating instantly.

"Luka" I whispered.

"Victoria! Gosh where the hell are you?!" I could hear the relief in his voice, but the urgency was overwhelming.

I glanced at Jonah, contemplating whether or not I should tell him just yet, when I knew he could easily kill him.

"Funny story actually" I chuckled awkwardly.

"Victoria I'm not playing games. Where are you?" He asked once again, and I sighed.

"I really don't know" I told him honestly as we pulled onto a main road, but we were still surrounded by trees.

"You're driving. Who are you with? Let me talk to them"

I cringed at his request, knowing it wasn't the best idea. "Yeaaa I don't think so"

"Victoria..." He warned lowly and I immediately pushed the phone in Jonah's direction. He reluctantly took it, giving me a weird look.

'He's gonna kill you' I mouthed to him before he put the phone to his ear.

"She's safe" was all Jonah said, and I could hear the shouting from where I sat.

"Will you chill! I wouldn't hurt her..... Yes I'm taking her back now....No dude just sit and wait till I bring her....No....I said I'm taking her! She's safe"

He argued back on forth on the phone, until I heard him mumble some sort of address, which I assumed was where we were. I could tell he mumbled it in hopes that Luka wouldn't hear, but little did he know.

We sat in silence for a while longer, till I saw headlights coming down the road, the car engine roaring at full speed. It's him.

In a matter of seconds, he reached us, swinging the car in front of Jonah's so he couldn't drive away. He immediately got out of the car with his face laced with anger. His chest was heaving up and down rapidly with his eyes dark as night.

I quickly jumped out and rushed to him, wrapping my arms around him tightly in hopes to calm him. He seemed to relax slightly, but he was still very angry.

Jonah got out of the car also, and it was then and there I knew he didn't want to live. I turned to give him a 'are you serious' look.

"Leave now! " I shouted, but he didn't make a move to leave. By now Luka was trying to pry me from him so he could get to him.

"Go!" I shouted.

His eyes finally widened as if he's just noticing that he'd actually die if he didn't go. He looked at me for a second before looking back to Luka, who was still trying to get me off him without hurting me.

"He wont hurt me. Just go if you want to live" I didn't like the guy, but I didn't want him to die either.

He finally got in the car and sped away, so I relaxed and let Luka go.

"What did he do to you? Why are you out here with him?" He asked seeming much calmer, but still pissed. "Velma said you didn't say goodbye, so I knew something was up"

"Well you see.." I trailed.

When I tell him, I'm not sure if I would be able to save the asshole's life this time. However, he urged me to continue.

" He drugged me, kidnapped me and forced me to be his friend before setting me free" I rambled out in a fast sentence, and his anger was back in full folds.

"I'm gonna kill that f**ker" He gritted out, walking to his car with determination in each step.

"You cant do that" I reasoned as I followed closely behind him, joining him in the already roaring car.

"And why the hell not?"

" Because it's not legal" I tried.

"So?"

"And you'll break poor Velma's heart" I added sadly. I seemed to get him with this one, causing him to sigh n in defeat.

"Fine. But I'll kick his ass for touching you. Did he hurt you?"

"No, but I'm exhausted" I dragged. I really was tired.

"I'll get you home, get you some food and put you to bed" He said sweetly.

"I'm not a baby you know" I replied, rolling my eyes.

"You're my baby" He teased causing my cheeks to burn with a blush

We drove into an area that I recognized, and I noticed Jonah just brought me out of town. We passed a turn-off that led to Velma's house and I suddenly remembered something.

"Luka?" I called.

"Hhmm?"

"Velma was the mate of a wolf"

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