Chapter Thirty Seven

Christian all, but stomped into his apartment. Now that he was in his territory, he felt more comfortable showing his agitation. He took off his jacket, folded it in half and placed it on his couch. Anna watched his every move. The fact that he folded the jacket was a good sign. She slowly walked closer to him, but stopped a few feet away. He hadn't turned to face her. He just stood there with his posture rigid and ready to attack something. She looked down at his hands and saw them balled into fists. He was slipping and she felt guilty. All of this happened because she allowed Jack to affect them. Maybe she should have done something that day? No, using her powers to intentionally hurt someone wasn't something to take lightly. She had to be able to live with herself.

She returned her attention back to Christian and saw him try to control his breathing. She had never seen him this upset before. Maybe his animal need to protect her was outweighing his restraint? She walked toward him and wrapped his arms around his chest. His heartbeat slowed and she felt him relax. She leaned her head against his back and closed her eyes. No words needed to be spoken. There was really nothing she could say to calm him down. Jack was determined to harass them and they needed to be ready for his next move or they would be caught off guard again. She felt his hand hold one of her hands and squeeze it. He closed his eyes as well and let her scent and loving presence relax his mind. His head drooped as if he was going to fall asleep.

All was becoming well until they heard Taylor clear his throat. Christian opened his eyes abruptly. Anna opened her eyes slowly. His touch was soothing her as well.

"You told me to bring Alexa here," said Taylor. "Do you still want to see her?"

Christian felt Anna's hands drift away from his chest; he felt a slight chill when she removed herself from him completely. They both turned around at the same time to see Taylor and Alexa standing a few feet away from the elevator. Christian held back a snarl. Officially, he had no problem with Alexa, but his patience was thin at the moment. Anna was confused. Why would Christian want to speak with Alexa at a time like this?

Alexa lowered her eyes when Christian turned to face her and waited for Christian to allow her to raise her eyes.

"Rise," said Christian.

Alexa looked up at Christian. He folded his arms. Anna gently placed her hand on Christian's arms. He looked at her and down at his arm. He assumed his mate didn't feel like his behavior was appropriate, so for her, he put his arms at his sides.

"Taylor told me what you said, but I would like to hear it from you directly."

Alexa looked over at Anna and back at Christian. Anna didn't like Alexa's look. Was Alexa reporting on Anna? What did she have to do with…oh right, his father hated the Fae and she was part Fae. Of course she would be a person of interest to Corin. She was also hurt, she would never be a threat to her boyfriend; she loved him. How could she convince Corin of her loyalty?

"Go on," said Christian.

"Anna, I didn't say anything that would cause you unwanted attention," said Alexa.

Anna could tell Alexa was nervous, possibly even frightened of Anna. Alexa's reaction upset Anna. Everyone could sense Anna's anger at that moment and became still. Their fear caused Anna to calm herself down.

"I'm sorry; I know you wouldn't do anything to hurt me, Alexa. Sometimes, my heightened gets the best of me."

"I know. It's also what I reported to Corin. I told him Christian was well, but your heightened emotions were possibly unstable."

"You shouldn't have said anything," said Christian.

Taylor inched closer to Alexa and everyone noticed. Clearly, they were back together. Christian also knew that he could use his Alpha wolf status to order Taylor to back down, but Christian wouldn't do that to his friend.

"I also said that you were good for her. You keep her constant. Corin knows that it's better not to interfere in your relationship, for the moment."

Anna and Christian looked at each other. She couldn't help, but smile. She knew he would have smiled as well, but he had to be serious. Christian looked back at Alexa.

"Well, thank you for being honest with me and my father."

Alexa was shocked to hear that; she thought she would be in trouble no matter what she did. Christian asked when she would be summoned by Corin again. She said she didn't know; next time he will call her. She will not be required to see him on her own. Christian looked between Taylor and Alexa.

"So you two are seeing each other again?"

Taylor and Alexa looked away from each other.

"Do I have to make the question an order?"

"Christian…" chastised Anna.

"That's not necessary. Alexa and I are…" said Taylor.

"Physically acquainted," said Alexa.

Anna and Christian looked at Alexa. Taylor turned his head slowly toward Alexa and didn't say a word. Alexa faced forward and didn't have the decency to look back at Taylor. Taylor would make Alexa pay for that comment later, but for now; he just needed to answer Christian's question. Taylor returned his attention back toward Anna and Christian. Christian had slight pity in his eyes; which made Taylor feel worse. Alexa should have let him answer the question.

"She's right," said Taylor. "Having an emotional connection is not opportune at the moment."

Damn, thought Anna and Christian. Taylor and Alexa would either be dead or an official couple by tomorrow morning. The gauntlet had me slammed between them. Anna wanted to reach out and hug them both. Why were they playing these games? Finding a soulmate was one of the best gifts a person could receive in this world and they were taking unnecessary jabs at each other.

"Well, just make sure it doesn't get in the way of work," said Christian.

Alexa bowed her head. Taylor nodded his head.

"Yes, my prince," said Alexa.

"No problem, boss," said Taylor.

Anna wanted to interject again, but didn't. Christian was too formal sometimes. His friend was just humiliated by his potential mate and all he could say was 'don't let it get in the way of work.'

"Taylor, I'll see you in the morning. Alexa, good night."

Taylor and Alexa finally glanced at each other before they walked to the elevator. There was going to be a big argument in Taylor's room tonight.

As soon as they left, the Jack problem seeped back into their minds. Alexa was not their real problem; neither was Corin at the moment. Anna knew Christian would never admit it out loud, but he knew that his father would never hurt him. Corin loved Christian and Anna knew that Corin wished he had done things differently. Anna was able to forgive her father for his actions, but Christian was too hurt to forgive Corin. If his mother lived, maybe things would have been different?

"What are you thinking about," he asked?

She blinked and looked up at him.

"Jack unfortunately and your father."

Christian became confused. What did Corin have to do with Jack? If anything Corin would have Jack killed. No, Christian wouldn't want to be in Corin's debt. Christian had to take care of Jack himself.

"What does Corin have to do with this?"

She shook her head.

"I knew you would think the worst about him."

"Jack is the worst."

"No, I'm talking about your father."

His face turned to stone. His emotions were a like a light switch when it came to his father. Everything became dark.

"He's not worth discussing."

She promised herself that she would let him find his way with his father so she dropped the subject. He saw how his reaction upset her and quickly pushed away his anger. She was only being herself; a beautiful loving person that forgave easily. He just couldn't forgive his father. Corin must have known about Christian and his mother's struggles and he ignored it. Christian grew up fine without him.

He rubbed her arm.

"I'm sorry; I'm not mad at you. You know that, right?"

"I know; I'm sorry too, you're right, your father has nothing to do with this."

He knew she didn't fully agree with her statement, but he let it pass. He didn't want to fight with his lover. They had a real threat to deal with.

"So, how do we deal with Mr. Hyde?"

She chuckled. Clearly, he felt better if he was able to make a slightly inappropriate joke.

"I don't know, but we have to protect ourselves."

He didn't like the sound of that. Christian didn't want her to confront Jack again. If Jack needed to be put down; Christian wanted to be the one to do it.

"Do you trust me, Anna?"

She was confused by the question. Of course, she trusted him with all of heart.

"Yes, you know I do."

He moved to gently hold each of her hands and looked into her eyes. He needed to choose his words carefully. He knew this was going to be a fight regardless, but he could at least ease the blow a little. Christian couldn't allow Anna to have blood on her hands. She was still developing a Fae hybrid. Killing this soon may irrevocably affect her. He was already broken and had dealt with his scars for years. Christian wouldn't enjoy killing Jack, but Christian would protect his mate at all cost. He could see in her eyes that she was trying to figure out what he planned to say.

"I know you can handle almost anything, but I think it's best that I handle Jack."

He was waiting for her reaction. She hadn't pulled her hands away from him. Hopefully, that was a good sign. Then her eyes flashed white for a moment.

"What do you think will happen," she asked? "Are you saying you don't trust me?"

He felt terrible. He was ready for her anger, but not her pain. Of course he trusted her and he knew she could take care of Jack easily. She could probably erase him from everyone's memory, but that wasn't the point. Taking a life affects everything. She wouldn't be the same and he didn't want that type of burden on her.

"Of course I trust you. It's not about trust. It's about what it could do to you."

"What do mean?"

He gently removed one hand and placed it on the side of her face. Her lovely eyes were so pure. They would never be the same if she took Jack's life. He couldn't let her take away the innocence in her eyes. Not even to protect him. He would rather die than have her lose herself.

"It may not even be necessary," he said. "Jack may be all talk, but if he's a real threat."

"Give me a reason," she said.

"What?"

"Give me a reason why I should let you kill Jack?"

He remained quiet. If he said what he thought; it may change everything.

Thanks for reading! The big question (of who will handle Jack) has officially come up. It's a very morbid conversation to have, but Jack brought this on himself. If Jack goes through with his plan, he will be dealt with. Right now, it's important for Anna and Christian to understand each other and get on the same page.

As always, I appreciate your reviews, comments and constructive criticism.