Jaded Hearts
Chapter 38

Matt

Seeing Ariel for the first time was just confirmation for me how special my mate truly was, and I was thankful that the Moon Goddess recognized it too. Now once we got Taylor to realize it, we’d be in business.

Her first shift and run were much smoother than we anticipated, leaving Logan and Ariel plenty of time to get to know each other. We ran for over three hours before finally calling it a night and heading back to the house.

“That was so much fun. It was like I was in a virtual reality video game that I couldn’t totally control,” she said, smiling up at me.

“And you should feel closer to Ariel and Logan now. The four of us are a solid unit.”

“I should’ve done this a week ago! Why did we wait so long?”

“We waited so that you could recover. There was no rush.”

We walked to the kitchen and found our dinner neatly wrapped up and set to the side for us. I warmed it up and looked around at all the containers of sweets stacked on the counters. “Are we having a bake sale or something?”

“Morgan bakes when she’s stressed. It’s her outlet, and today was pretty damn stressful.”

I opened a container of chocolate chunk cookies and took a huge bite of the first one I grabbed. “Damn. That girl has a gift, and these are coming upstairs with us. What else did she make?”

Taylor laughed at me while we looked through the containers, stashing away goodies for ourselves. When we were satisfied that we’d been greedy enough, we sat down and enjoyed the teriyaki glazed salmon and grilled veggies.

“I don’t know if it’s because I’m pregnant or because I’m a wolf now, but I’m always hungry. I don’t get it.”

“It’s probably both. Wolves eat a ton of food, burn it all off, then eat it all over again. It’s a vicious and delicious cycle.”

Taylor nodded her head while she patted her full stomach. “Crazy … I’m a wolf. I’M A WOLF!”

She jumped up and slapped her hands over her mouth. When she started rambling about shifting and growing fur, I was too confused to do much, so I just sat back and watched.

“I’m a wolf, Matt!”

“Uhhh, yeah? We’re both well aware of that.”

“Yeah, we are, but my parents aren’t! We’re supposed to see them tomorrow. You’re supposed to ask my dad if you can marry me, but I’m a freaking wolf!”

“Oh, s**t. I forgot all about that. Calm down for a minute, and let’s think, alright? Maybe you should hold off on telling them.”

She grabbed a massive cupcake and slumped in the chair, taking a huge bite. “Huh? But why?”

“Because we’re already telling them that you’re pregnant, and that’s big enough news by itself. Add the marriage piece, and it’s almost too much. I want them to like me, and I think that if they found out I turned their only child into a werewolf after I put a baby in her, that might not go over too well.”

Taylor pulled on her l*p as she thought it over. She was just as nervous as I was, and I was the newcomer. “Alright. We’ll try it your way. Hopefully, when they do replace out, they won’t be too upset.”

“They’ll have the baby to love on by then, so I doubt they will care…too much.”

She nodded her head and looked around the room. It was like she was looking for an answer to a question she hadn’t even asked. When she stood up to carry our dishes to the sink, a young omega quickly came in and took them from her.

“Please, Gamma, let me take these for you. You should go rest now.”

Taylor looked confused for a moment at hearing “Gamma” and seeing that it was being directed at her, but she soon realized that this was her title now. Many of the pack would be calling her this.

“I don’t mind, honestly. I can do it.”

“No miss, I insist. This is my job, and you have more than enough to deal with on your own. Go and relax. I can handle the cleaning.”

Taylor turned to me and frowned. I just shrugged a shoulder and reached out my hand to her, which she begrudgingly took.

“Thank you, Katie, and before you leave for the night, help yourself to anything you see on the counters.”

“Except the German chocolate cake! That’s for Kade, but the rest is fair game,” Taylor quickly added.

“Yes, thank you, Gammas. My family will love that apple pie.”

Taylor smiled at her and nodded. “Please call me Taylor, Katie. I’d like that so much more.”

“Okay, Ms. Taylor. How’s that?”

“I’ll take it. Have a good night.”

* * *

Taylor

After dinner, Matt and I had a quick shower before we headed off to bed. I was so tired I could barely hold my head up, so when I finally slipped under the blanket, I welcomed the long night of sleep.

But when I closed my eyes, I didn’t immediately drift off to dreamland like I usually did when I was in Matt’s arms. Instead, it felt like I was floating on a cloud, hovering between consciousness and sleep. And it was annoying. I tossed and turned for a few minutes before soft flashes of light danced before my eyes.

When they cleared, I was standing at the waterfall under the full moon.

“How in the hell did I get here?” I asked myself aloud.

“I brought you. I hope you don’t mind.”

I jumped so hard I swear I pinched a muscle in my neck. “Ahh! Who are you?”

“I’m Selene, but I’m also known as the Moon Goddess.”

“Damn, that was unexpected.”

She had materialized before me out of thin air, but after the initial shock wore off, I was no longer afraid. She wore a long, powder blue dress that billowed and flowed in the wind. Her hair was pure white and was pulled up in a thick braided crown.

Despite the white hair, her face didn’t look a day over thirty. Smooth porcelain skin, bright pink lips, and huge teal colored eyes stared back at me. She looked every bit the goddess she claimed herself to be, that was for sure.

“Selene, huh? I’ve heard a lot about you lately. Especially since Ariel had her first shift.”

“Yes, Ariel. She’s a bold and saucy little wolf now, isn’t she?”

“Absolutely. It’s surprising at times.”

Selene tilted her head and smiled. “How is that? She’s exactly like you. Or the ‘you’ you will become once you let go of your past and embrace the blessings I’ve given you.”

“I’ve embraced my life. I love my life.”

“I have no doubt about that. Matthew’s one of my most incredible children. He’s been a pure and gentle soul since the beginning, and incredibly handsome. He’s perfect, isn’t he?”

“He is. I sometimes wonder why he’s mine. I’m scarred and flawed and … broken. Why would you pair him with me?”

“Because he can heal your wounds if you’d let him. And you deserve him, just like he deserves you.”

“Me? The physically and mentally abused drama magnet?”

“Know your worth, Taylor. Women like you don’t happen often, so never forget how rare and special you are. Yes, you were abused; Andrew did horrible things to you. He broke bones, but he never broke your spirit. He never broke your will to do good and be a better person. Your past was just the groundwork for who you were meant to become. Don’t let it be any more than that.”

“Is that why I’m here? Because I’m meant to become something great?”

“You were great from the moment you took your first breath, but you’re here because I want to explain to you why I chose your wolf to wear my mark and carry my image.”

“Please. I’ve been going crazy trying to figure out why.”

“It’s simple: there is no one better suited. One of my children tried to destroy you and use you all because of something he found to be my fault. And still, you found a way to try again and love another. You’re resilient, and you’re strong. You care deeply for so many people, and you never ask for anything in return. You have the true qualities of a goddess, and natural-born or not, I’m proud that you are now one of mine.”

Wow. I was blown away by her words. Never have I seen myself the way she saw me. It was incredible.

“You are protected, as your children will be.”

“Wait. Children? Meaning more than one?”

“Yes, dear. You and Matthew will have many beautiful babies together. He’s an extremely strong wolf, if you know what I mean. This is just the first pregnancy I see in the cards for you two.”

“So how many do you see total? And what do you mean ‘protected’? Will I have a force field or something?”

“When the time is right, you’ll know. I’m very proud of you, Taylor. Now go back to your mate and take care of him. He’s worth all your effort and more.”

I had so many questions, but my brain wouldn’t allow me to ask them. When I finally thought I had a solid question in my head, I shot upright in bed, and the bright sun was shining down on me.

“That was bananas!”

I didn’t realize that I was as loud as I was until Matt jumped up beside me, clearly confused as to what was happening. “Baby? What’s wrong, what happened?”

I started talking as fast as I could. I never remembered dreams once I woke up, and I didn’t want to forget this one. My poor Matty wasn’t ready, though. He was obviously still half asleep, if the blank stare or the way he was rubbing his eyes were any indication.

“You were kidnapped and taken where? And how many babies were there?”

He was so sweet. I slowed down and tried to explain it all again. When I was no longer as excited, I was able to clearly tell him what had happened.

“That’s awesome, Taylor. I’ve never known anyone who received a visit from Selene. How was it?”

“It was inspiring. That’s the only way I can describe it.”

“You’re inspiring, love. Now come on, let’s get dressed and go see your parents, then my parents. Why did we decide to visit all of them on the same day?”

“I have no idea, but they’re expecting us, so let’s just get going.”

* * *

Matt

Meeting the parents. Why was I so nervous? At this point in our relationship, I knew that Taylor and I would still be together no matter what her parents thought of me, but I still wanted to make a good impression.

I had changed my clothes three times before Taylor went into the closet and grabbed a simple blue polo and jeans for me.

“This? Really? You don’t think I need to wear a tie or something?”

“No. My dad’s a very casual guy, so you don’t need to dress up for him. He’ll appreciate the fact that you’re even there. The tie won’t change anything.”

I put on the clothes she chose, and we were soon down in the garage, ready to leave.

“Can I drive?” Taylor asked, looking excitedly at my truck. It was a full-size lifted Ram 1500. I usually had to help her in and help her out of it, but she wanted to drive so, who was I to tell her no.

“Sure, I don’t mind riding shotgun.”

After I lifted her up into the driver’s seat, she settled in and moved the seat all the way up to the steering wheel. She then had to raise the seat a bit so she could see the mirrors and over the hood.

I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my lips. “You’re so little, Tesoro. Did you want to take a smaller car?”

“No! I love your truck. We’re taking it.”

When she pressed the button, and the engine roared to life, I heard her m**n beside me. I raised an eyebrow and turned in my seat to look at her. “Is there something I need to know?”

“I just love the sound and feel of a Hemi engine. It’s so sexy.”

“Wow, you just keep surprising me. Most women don’t know about cars, let alone the engine just from hearing it.”

“My dad loves cars. He has an old Mustang in the garage he’s been working on for as long as I can remember.”

She put the truck in drive and shot out of the garage, going way faster than necessary. “I need this truck in my life! It’s amazing.”

“If we survive the trip, we’ll see about getting you one.”

She looked over at me and blew a k**s before gunning it down the driveway. She was going to kill us. I was sure of it.

* * *

After pulling up to her parents’ house, I sent up a silent “thank you” that we had made it in one piece. Taylor was a maniac on the road, there was no doubt about it. I walked around and opened her door, then lifted her out.

“We made it in record time. Wasn’t that fun?”

“If you say so, angel, but I’ll drive to my parents’ place if it’s alright with you.”

She gave a small pout, then took my hand and led me up the short walkway to the house. Standing on the porch, I could feel my heart racing like crazy.

“Calm down, Matt. They’ll love you, I promise.” She opened the door and pulled me in behind her.

“Mom! Dad! We’re here!”

“In the kitchen, Tay-Tay.”

I chuckled at the g***n that bubbled from her mouth, and I made a mental note to call her by that whenever I got the chance. When I saw Nancy, she perked up and smiled.

“Good morning, Nancy. It’s nice to finally meet you in person.”

“You too, sweetie. You’re even more good-looking in person. That grandbaby of mine is going to be stunning.”

“Mom, stop flirting with him. Where’s Dad?”

“Who’s flirting? I’m just telling the truth; he’s a good-looking young man.”

“Mom … where’s Dad?”

“He’s got a call from work; he should be done soon. Come on, let’s go into the living room. I want to get to know more about you, Matthew.”

The three of us sat down, and I told Nancy all about myself, leaving out the whole werewolf thing.

“You seem to have a good head on your shoulders. I like you, and I approve.”

I laughed out loud. “Thank you, that’s a big relief. You have no idea.”

“I see you’ve got a way with my ladies, don’t you?” Taylor’s dad, Robert, came into the room, stood next to her, and pulled down on her ear.

Taylor immediately smacked his hand off, but it was clear that this was their thing. He’d probably been doing it her whole life.

It was sweet.

I stood up and reached out to shake his hand. “I’ve been working for almost seven months on one of your ladies to get her to like me, and I think the other is just being polite. It’s nice to meet you, sir.”

Robert took my hand and squeezed hard. Not hard enough to hurt me, but a regular human would’ve absolutely felt it an hour or two later. When he saw that I didn’t wince or draw back from the handshake, he gave a small nod of approval.

“It’s good to meet you too. I’ve been asking my princess for months when we’d get to meet you, but she refused me every time. Looking at you now, I don’t understand why.”

“Because we were just dating, Dad. It wasn’t official, and I wasn’t going to subject him to your questions until I knew that we were going somewhere,” Taylor chimed in.

“I ask questions any good father would ask. So, Matthew, how many children do you have?”

“Dad!”

“What? This is a legitimate question,” Robert said, before looking over to me for my reply.

“Um, that I know of?” s**t. That was not good, and the look on Robert and Taylor’s face confirmed it. Nancy, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying watching this train wreck go down.

“Let me rephrase that. I’ve not had the chance to hold and nurture a child of my own yet.”

Nancy gave a small thumbs up from her seat, which made me calm down slightly.

“Uh huh. And how many women have you been with?”

“Ohhhh my god! He can’t be serious right now.”

“It’s alright, tesoro. I don’t mind.”

I looked back at Robert and let him know. “I have never been a fan of sleeping around; it was always pointless to me. I plan for your daughter to be the only woman I ever share that part of myself with.”

Another thumbs up from Nancy made me chuckle. I was killing this interrogation.

“Do you know what her ex did? Do you know how he broke my princess, made her hide it from us so that we didn’t even know until the very end?”

“Yes sir, Taylor told me.”

“Are you a good man, Matthew Stone? Do you understand how a woman is to be treated?”

“Yes, and I do believe I’m a good man. And I absolutely understand how women should be treated, but Taylor isn’t just any woman to me. She’s my queen and my reason for waking up each morning. I’ve waited my entire life for her, so I’ll treat her accordingly.”

Taylor smiled at me through watery eyes, and I just couldn’t help myself. I stood up and gave a quick peck on the tip of her nose before I sat back in my seat to continue. “Sorry, but that smile of hers is my weakness.”

Robert looked between Taylor and me a few times before he let out a deep breath.

“It’s hard for a father to let go of his daughter. Since the day she was born, it’s been my job to take care of her and keep her safe. I failed at doing that when that boy got his hands on her, and I promised her and myself that I’d never fail her again. But I feel comfortable passing that responsibility off to you now. I know you’ll do what’s right by her.”

This was easier than I thought. Something had to be up. “Thank you, Robert. You trusting me with her means the world to me.”

“You’re welcome. But no s*x until marriage! Got it?”

s**t!

After a few tense seconds of me trying to figure out how to respond, Robert bent over laughing, and Nancy quickly joined in. Taylor and I were both sitting with blank stares, not knowing what the hell was going on.

“Oh, the look on your faces! I’m just kidding, I know I’ve got a grandbaby on the way. Nancy already told me.”

“Mom! You told him?!”

“I did. I don’t lie to or keep secrets from my husband. That’s something for you to take into your own marriage. It makes things so much simpler.”

“Let me ask one more question, Matt. Did you want to marry Tay before you knew about the baby? Or are you marrying her because you think it’s the right thing to do?” Robert turned to me and asked.

“I’ve wanted to marry her since I first met her. Finding out she was carrying my child had no bearing on that aspect at all.”

He nodded again and pulled Taylor to him for a huge hug. “You found a good one, princess. I’d be honored to have him as my son-in-law.”