Reclaiming Quinn - Parker Williams Page 0,47
that. For me, that was the turning point. I was dragged kicking and screaming from the house. I begged my parents to help me, but they stood there and watched as Ryker and Kristopher pulled me from my home. When we got to Ryker’s place, I was stripped of my clothes and scrubbed down by two of his servants. Then Kristopher came in and hefted me over his shoulder. He took me to a room where Ryker was waiting. He said that from that day forth, I belonged to him. Then he told me that since I was his, I had to wear his mark.”
“Your brand.”
“Yeah.”
“We could talk to someone, see if we can get it removed, or at least make it harder to see.”
The words Deke spoke came back to Quinn. This mark? It’s a testament to your strength and fortitude. “Deke told me it showed I wasn’t weak.”
“You’re not. I’m going to be honest with you. I don’t know that I could have survived like you did. I think I would have died there.”
That shocked Quinn. “But you’re an Alpha.”
“I was Gareth’s beta for a long time. I didn’t become Alpha until I did what I could to help Caleb. See, that’s the thing. You never know what you’re capable of until you’re forced to confront it. You’re still standing. Ryker is dead and buried. Who was stronger?”
Quinn found a strange comfort from Lyram’s words. “Thank you, Alpha. I think… maybe I could sleep for a bit.”
As Quinn rose, Lyram held out a hand to him. “You never need to thank me. That’s my job, and I want to be good at it.”
“You are. You’re amazing.”
Quinn detected a stain on Lyram’s cheeks. “Go get some rest. I can do some reading, then I’ll try to sleep too.”
“Good night, Alpha.”
Quinn shuffled off to the bedroom. He lay atop the sheets and closed his eyes. As had been his habit for the last several nights, Quinn’s thoughts drifted to Deke, and his heart ached.
Deke, I need you so much. I want you to come home to me.
Quinn?
Chapter Thirteen
“I HEARD him!” Quinn rushed from the bedroom, crying out to everyone. “I know I did.”
The door to the other bedroom opened, and Gareth rushed out, Sean hot on his heels.
“What’s going on?”
“I heard Deke, I know I did. I was thinking of him, wishing he could come home, and he said my name.” He let his gaze drift around the room as Lyram appeared, frowning. “I know you don’t believe me, but—”
Lyram put his hands on Quinn’s shoulders. “Hold on. Who said we don’t believe you? If you tell us you heard Deke’s voice, then we know you did.”
Another door opened, and Rupert stepped out of it. His eyes were bloodshot and his skin pale. Quinn wanted to comfort him, but right now he needed to talk.
“Everyone take a seat,” Gareth ordered. “Rupert, can you make some more coffee?”
“Right away, Alpha.”
Everyone sat, and Quinn pinned Sean with a stare. “You have to tell me how this works. I need to reach him again.”
“It’s not like that, Quinn. It’s not something that you can work at. As far as I know, it’s a part of our mate bond.”
“But Deke and I never….” His cheeks heated. “I mean, we….”
“Never made love,” Gareth supplied.
“Yeah.”
Sean cocked his head and gave Quinn an understanding look. “This tells me the two of you have the makings for an incredible connection. From what I’ve gleaned, the ability to talk to each other psychically comes from our closeness. I wasn’t able to hear Gareth’s thoughts until after our first time.”
Ugh! Not understanding was so frustrating. “So you’re saying I can’t contact Deke?”
“No, that’s not what I meant at all. You and Deke have something special, and since you’re hearing him, you need to explore that connection. What were you doing when you heard him?”
“Thinking about him.”
“That’s all?”
Quinn’s cheeks warmed. “Yeah, why?”
Sean scratched his chin. “I’m just… wow. I mean, it’s natural and everything, but with all the stuff Mother showed me from a time long ago, I never saw unmated couples talk to one another. Are you sure you never…?”
Quinn couldn’t believe Sean was being so open in front of everyone. “Isn’t this something we should talk about in private?”
“Oh.” Sean’s eyes widened. “I forgot how repressed we were. Sexuality isn’t something that wolves are ashamed of. We’re always very affectionate with each other, and touch is important to us.” He winked. “Well, except Gareth, but he’s kind of weird