rather you tell us more about you. Like how you grew up, for example.”
Dove falls back into the cushion and sighs deeply. I know she doesn’t want to talk about that time of her life since it was shitty before she was adopted by Donna.
“I didn’t have much of a childhood,” say says, shrugging. “I was bounced from one foster home to the next. None of which were great, but I guess it could have been worse. Then Zane and I got put in the same home. That’s how we met. The guy hurt him, beat him up badly, and then he tried to hurt me… but Zane wouldn’t let it happen.” She pauses and looks up at me, her eyes filled with tears, adoration, and love.
“After that, Donna adopted me, and she was great. She showed me what a loving home felt like. We didn’t have much money, but it was enough. I definitely didn’t grow up like you in a mansion…” I don’t think she meant it in a condescending way, but maybe she is just a tad jealous.
“Believe me, Dove. You didn’t miss anything growing up at our mansion,” Xander says, emphasizing the last word.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“It’s fine. I just don’t want you to think you would’ve had a better life growing up with us because I can assure you that you wouldn’t have. Our father was a sadistic prick, and our mother was a helpless victim who couldn’t protect herself or her children. Leaving with you, even though you weren’t given much of a life, was the kindest thing she could’ve done.” The corners of his mouth tug up into a ghost of a smile. And even though it is a tiny gesture, it’s genuine, and I believe him.
“You’re right. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today if it weren’t for my upbringing. Still, it would have been nice growing up with brothers.”
Both Damon and Xander look away, their faces fall almost as if they are ashamed of something. I don’t understand their expressions until Xander opens his mouth to explain.
“I’m going to be honest with you, Dove. Until I found Ella, I wasn’t much different from our father.” He sucks in a ragged breath. “There’s a reason the other families fear me. I’ve always had a reputation of being cruel and ruthless, and that reputation was earned in ways I’m not proud of. There is blood on my hands, lots of it, and though the blood can be washed away, I’ll never forget the things that I’ve done.” Regret clings to each word he says, and I understand what he’s feeling, the emotions rolling through him. It’s because of Dove that I didn’t fall off the edge, that I didn’t let go completely.
“I’m sure you just did what you had to—”
“No!” Xander cuts her off. “Don’t try to sugarcoat it. I hurt and killed people for fun. I wasn’t any better than him. Even Damon didn’t talk to me for years. Trust me, you can be glad we didn’t meet until now. You wouldn’t have liked the brother you discovered then.”
Of course, I heard the rumors about Xander Rossi, I just didn’t realize how much truth they held or how much he had changed.
“I’m still glad I found you,” Dove exclaims. “Well, I guess you found me.”
“We’re glad we found you too. Family is everything to us,” Damon interjects. “And now you’re part of it.”
“I’m not gonna lie, I was scared of you guys, since you know… you basically kidnapped and held me prisoner. Honestly, I still don’t know how I feel about everything. I don’t know much about you yet, but I hope, maybe we can get to know each other. If you really do want me to be part of your family.”
“We do, and you already are part of the family,” Damon points out.
Family. The word resonates within me. I never considered having a family with Dove, my obsession with her has always been enough for me. I’m not sure I could ever share her, even with a child of our own, but I know someday, Dove will want kids, and all that matters to me is making her happy. Seeing her smile and laugh.
I want to replace all the bad in her life with good because she deserves it. The day I met her, the kindness she showed me without even knowing who I was or how I got my injuries. It speaks volumes about