Chapter 6

Ella sprinted up the stairs as her heart fluttered in her chest.

I won't break my promise, Ell....

She prayed Maksim's words were true. Ella tried to explain to her heart to go slow and be rational, but the crazy thing was beating to its own drum. How could it not when he flashed her those dimples and she melted like the chocolate in her hand.

With a jiggle of her keys, Ella opened the front door and stepped inside. The small apartment was solely lit by the sunlight coming in through the two narrow windows by the kitchen. Leo played on the living room floor as the TV blared the sounds of the cartoons he loved so much.

"Hey, pumpkin," Ella said to the little boy as she took off her sneakers and dropped her bag by the door. "Want some chocolate?"

Ella looked around before she pulled the red box out of her bag and gave a piece to Leo. the little boy took it gleefully and began to chew immediately.

"Where were you?" Mia's sudden appearance by the hallway door made Ella jump.

She turned to her sister and slowly got off the floor, "I went to the park."

"But you weren't there," Mia raised a brow.

"What? Yes, I was."

"Leo and I went looking for you," Mia took a step into the living room. "We bought you some sandwiches, but you weren't there."

"Oh, I...I went for a walk," Ella gathered her bag and tugged at her t-shirt.

"What is Leo eating?" Mia looked at her son over her sister's shoulder.

"I gave him some chocolate," Ella smiled down at the little boy. She ruffled his reddish hair before taking a deep breath and heading for her room.

Mia stepped aside to let Ella pass, but just as she was through the archway, she caught sight of the red box inside Ella's half opened bag.

"What's that?" She asked her sister.

Ella's heart jumped into her throat. She pulled the straps of her bag closer and turned away to shield it between her back and the wall.

"Nothing," Ella shook her head.

"No, I just saw something," Mia reached over and tried to turn Ella around.

"Stop it," Ella complained, pushing her hand away.

"Why Are you acting so weird?"

"I'm not acting weird, you're being overbearing."

"Just show me what's in your bag,"

"Why?"

"The fact that you won't tell me is already telling me something is off."

"Oh my god, it's just a box of chocolate," Ella pulled the half empty box out and waved it in front of her sister's face.

"Where did you get this?" Mia turned the box before opening it.

"I bought it," Ella said quickly without thinking.

Mia's hands stopped turning the box as she looked up at her sister though her lashes.

"Brought it?" She asked.

Ella nodded.

"Ellie.....this box is from the palace."

Suddenly, Ella felt her insides disappear. She felt her heart begin to shake as her mind went blank.

"Is this from Maksim?" Mia held up the box and narrowed her eyes.

Ella didn't respond. She gripped onto her bag's strap and continued to stare at her sister with wide eyes.

"You saw him today, didn't you?" Mia shook her head.

"He....." Ella started slowly. "He came to the park and we just talked."

"I thought you said you went for a walk."

"I did," Ella felt her throat dry up.

"With Maksim?"

"Y-yes."

"How did no one notice him walking around the streets?"

"He had on a hat and shades,"

"Why was he here?"

"I don't know, Mia!" Ella's nerves started to turn into irritation. "He just wanted to talk, I guess. We used to be friends, remember?"

"I remember," Mia shook her head. "You broke your leg while waiting for him on a stupid tree. Some friend he is."

"That wasn't his fault," Ella defended Maksim. "He did show up....but by then I was already in the hospital."

"He told you that?"

"Yes,"

"And you believed him?"

"..... Yes," Ella's irritation grew. "Why would he lie about something like that?"

"Ella," Mia took a deep breath. "You two are not kids anymore. You're both grown and boys his age only have one thing in mind."

"Oh my god," Ella rolled her eyes. "Please stop."

"This is how it starts," Mia waved the box of chocolates as her voice rose. "First flowers and then chocolates and then the next thing you know you'll be in his car eating his words right out of his hands."

"I was in his car, and guess what? Nothing happened!" Ella yelled back. "Not everyone is the same. Maksim is not Liam!"

"You were in his car?" Mia's face grew red. Leo started to cry on the floor from the loud voices. "What the actual fuck, Ella?"

"It's not a big deal!" Ella pushed her hands into her hair and tugged at the roots. "We just talked!"

"Wait until dad hears this,"

"No!" Ella jumped forward as her bag slipped from her shoulder and fell on the floor. "You can't tell Papa!"

"Why not?" Mia gave a harsh laugh. "He should know too what his prodigy daughter is doing behind his back."

"Mia, please," Ella begged. "Nothing happened between Max and I. Nothing will ever happen."

"I trust you," Mia reached for her sister. "You're smart. I trust you. It's him I don't trust."

Ella didn't say anything as she let her sister pull her into her arms.

"You don't know what they are like, Ella," Mia said slowly as she held her sister. "They can be very charming. You won't even know when they trick you."

Ella pulled away and frowned.

"I know you two use to be friends," Mia cupped her sister's face. "But that's over now. Promise me you will stay away from him."

"Mia," Ella gently pushed her sister's hands away. "You're worried for no reason. There is nothing between Max and I. He will leave in a few days and everything will be back to normal."

"Exactly," Mia said. "He will leave in a few days. He's just passing his time with you."

"No, he's not."

"Oh yeah?" Mia frowned. "Then how come he never came by before. Why now?"

Ella's heart stumbled. She knew instantly she couldn't tell Mia about Maksim being her mate. All hell would break loose.

"I don't know," Ella dropped her gaze and looked down at her socks.

"Stay away from him," Mia said once more. "I'm only trying to protect you. We come from very different worlds. Worlds that can never collide."

Mia's words made all the butterflies in Ella's stomach drop dead like flies being struck by lightning. She continued to start at the floor as Mia picked up Leo and whipped his mouth.

"Promise me, Ella," Mia looked over at her. "Promise me this is the last time we have to speak about this in our house. I don't want to get dad involved. This will crush him."

Ella didn't respond. She bit down on the inside of her cheeks as she tried to keep her anger from turning into tears.

"Ella," Mia's voice held a storm of warnings. "Promise me."

"I promise," Ella finally said.

She grabbed her bag off the floor and hurried off to her room. She didn't bother to pick up the chocolate box from where Mia had thrown it. Her heart felt both heavy and empty. Fear, doubt and confusion clouded her mind as she saw flashes of Maksim's smile and brown eyes.

Once inside her room, Ella flopped onto her bed and buried her face in the pillows. Outside in the halls, Leo fussed as Mia tried to calm him with toys. The sounds of the streets below and the diner door bell ringing all collided into one hectic mess. Ella took a pillow and placed it over her head. She wanted to be away from all that noise. She found herself wishing she was back in the car with Maksim sitting by the empty road.

I don't want to get dad involved. This will crush him.....

Mia's words caused the pain in Ella's chest to intensify. Her frustration wanted to be voiced and heard, but she was too scared to talk to anyone in her family about how she was feeling. No one would understand her. No one could tell her what to think or what to do.

Suddenly, Ella felt her phone vibrate in her bag. She lifted her head from under the pillow and checked the text.

I want to see you tomorrow, Maksim wrote. Can I pick you up at the park?

Ella felt her hands begin to shake as she hit delete and powered her phone off.

________________________

Maksim moved the peas around on his dinner plate as he checked his phone again for the hundredth time. It's been hours since he had sent Ella the text, why hadn't she responded yet?

Ell? Maksim quickly typed another text and hit send. I'm getting a little worried. Is everything okay?

"Macky," Mavi looked at her son from across the table. "No phones during dinner."

"Sorry," the prince mumbled as he pushed the device into his pocket and moved forward in his seat.

"How was everyone's day?" Mavi asked, looking around.

"I hated every second of it," Clare shrugged as she took a sip of her water. "Just waiting to grow old and die."

"I found a rabbit burrow in the south lawn," Cleo chirped up.

"I hope you didn't disturb the little bunnies," Owen said to his youngest. "And Clare, sweetheart, your life hasn't even started yet."

"Good," the girl said. "End it before the misery starts."

"Clare," Mavi gave her a very motherly look that had the girl sink down in her seat. "We don't speak like that."

"I'm sorry," Clare sighed. "I'm just feeling very gloomy.....I think it's Macky, his emotions are rubbing off on me."

"What's wrong, Maksim?" Mavi looked at her son.

"Nothing,"

"How did it go with Ella today?" Owen asked.

"Fine,"

"You know, I don't think I told you how happy I am that you and Ella found each other," Mavi smiled. "I always knew that little girl was special."

"Yeah," Maksim sighed.

"Isn't Ella human?" Cleo asked with curiosity.

"Yes," Owen smiled down at her.

"Humans are so breakable," the little girl said as she took a forkful of mash potato. "They can die from anything. Cold, fever, flu, a bad fall, bears, thun-"

"Cleo," Maksim looked up from his plate and shook his head. "Stop."

"It's true," Cleo insisted.

"Yes, it is, but I don't want to think about it."

"You should think about it," Clare pushed. "You don't want to accidentally crush poor Ella while shifting near her."

"What is wrong with you two?" Maksim said in anger.

"Everyone stop!" Mavi raised her voice. "No more talks of death at the dinner table."

"I want to switch schools," Maksim suddenly said.

"What?" Owen looked over at him with concern.

"It's your senior year at St. Rieka," Mavi frowned.

"I want to go to St. Vincent's Academy,"

"St. V's?" Mavi raised a brow.

"Yes," Maksim nodded. "I know St. Rieka is great, but it's so far away from home. I want to get to know the people of this town. I want to be a part of them."

"It's also doesn't hurt that Ella goes to St. V," Clare mumbled under her breath.

"What's all this about?" Mavi asked in confusion. "All your friends are at St. Rieka. It's Dorin tradition to go there."

"Well, I don't want to follow tradition," Maksim said. "I know there is a lot going on with the protesters right now. I think it's the best decision. It will show the people we care and that we are here for them. I mean isn't that what they want? To see us and to know that we are not some mysterious figure behind curtains."

Mavi and Owen looked at each other as Maksim waited for them to answer.

"What good is a king if he doesn't know his people," Clare offered her advice. "I think it's a great idea. And if Macky attends St. V then I would like to attend too. I am tired of being homeschooled."

"I want to go too," Cleo raised her fork.

The kid united and all looked at their parents. Mavi and Owen looked at one another once more.

"We will have to think about this," Mavi finally answered.

"There are security risks," Owen reached out and took his wife's hand. "But we see your point. We will think about this and let you know soon."

"Thank you," Maksim nodded.

___________________________

Ella didn't come out of her room for the rest of the day. She laid in her bed and stared out the small window listening to the city sounds. A few times, Mia had come in to call her for dinner, but Ella faked having a headache and didn't move.

As she heard her family chattering and laughing around the dinner table, there was a soft knock at her door.

"Ellie?" Lily poked her head in. "I brought you something to eat."

Ella turned her head to the skinny girl standing by her door. Lily's oversized glasses and her messy hair was starting to become a signature look for the girl. And she wore it well.... Like a deep thinker with a soul full of stories to tell.

"Thank you," Ella said as she sat up in bed slowly.

Lily walked up to her bed and handed her the plate of pasta. She took a seat and dug into her own portion. The two sisters eat in silence as the rest of the family chatted away outside.

"I saw you and Maksim today," Lily said quietly.

Ella sighed as she set her plate down. She wasn't in the mood to hear another lecture. Especially not one from her younger sister.

"Don't worry," Lily said quickly. "I won't tell Mia or Papa."

Ella looked up at the girl, not knowing what to say, "Thanks...."

"Do you like him?"

Ella shrugged, "I don't think it matters."

"Why not?" Lily tilted her head.

If it weren't for the blonde hair and the blue eyes, no one would have ever believed Lily was a part of the Dunbar family. She was always the quietest one. The one who never said anything but always saw and heard everything. Out of her whole family, sometimes Ella felt as if only Lily understood her or tried to.

"You know why it doesn't matter," Ella rolled her eyes.

"I think it's stupid that we have to live like this for what Liam did,"

Ella nodded.

"Can I tell you something, Ell?" Lily asked in a quiet voice.

"Of course," Ella looked up.

The hesitation and fear in Lily's eyes began to make Ella nervous. She watched closely as the girl sat her plate down and pulled her legs under her on the bed.

"Promise you won't tell dad or Mia?"

"I promise," Ella said, realizing how many times she had made a promise that day.

"I mean it, Ell," Lily urged. "They will freak out if they find out."

"Lily," Ella moved her plate over. "You're scaring me. Spill it."

"I....I kissed a werewolf," Lily covered her mouth.

"What?" Ella's eyes grew wide as she pulled her little sister's hand. "What do you mean?"

"There....there is this boy at school. His name is Charlie and....and we had English together last year."

Ella's heart started to pound in her chest as she listened to her sister's words. No doubt Mia would freak out and raise hell if she found out.

"Ella," Lilly gripped her hand. "I really like him. He....he is my mate."

"Lily," Ella said breathlessly. "Wh-what.....you know.....Papa..."

"I know, I know," Lily moved closer. "Please don't tell anyone."

Ella didn't know what to say or what to think as Lily's eyes began to water. What was she supposed to do when she was in the same boat with the girl.

"I know he's not lying to me," Lily lowered her voice. "I read so many books, Ella. After Charlie told me I was his mate, I didn't believe him. But I started to read the books on mates and werewolves and it all fit."

The two girls sat across from each other on the bed. Their hands holding one another as their voices whispered their secrets.

"It's all there," Lily said. "The scent, the sparks, the restlessness from being away from one another."

Ella's heart contracted as she realized Lily described everything she had been experiencing with Maksim.

"How long...." Ella asked. "How long have you known this?"

"About a month," Lily said slowly.

"And no one else knows?"

"Ella they will kill me," Lily said in fright.

"Why are you telling me?"

"Because...." Lily frowned as the first tear rolled down her eyes. "I don't know what to do. I have no one to talk to about this and after seeing you and Maksim, I thought you would understand. I....I'm so scared and confused..."

"Me too," Ella confessed. "I'm scared and confused too."

A small smile appeared on Lily's face as she looked up at her sister, "Is Maksim....is he...."

"Yes," Ella nodded. "He's my mate."

Suddenly, Lily threw her arms around Ella's neck and pulled her into a hug.

"I'm so happy for you, Ell,"

"No, Lily," Ella stopped her. "You don't understand."

Lily let go of her sister and sat back down. She watched her with confused eyes as Ella ran a hand through her hair.

"What are we going to do?" Ella asked. "Dad will never accept this? Mia will kill us."

"I can't stand her," Lily groaned. "Why do we have to pay for her stupidity? It's not our fault she never read books and got tricked."

"Hey," Ella smacked her arm. "Don't say that."

"It's true!" Lily said. "It's not like we wanted this to happen to us. It just did and it's selfish of them to keep us away from our other half."

Ella let out the breath she had been holding. She didn't know what to say.

"We need to change their mind," Lily said suddenly.

"What?" Ella's eyes napped up.

"Yes," Lily nodded. "We need to tell them about Maksim and Charlie. We need to show them that they are our mates."

"Are you crazy?" Ella hissed. "They will kick us out of this house."

"Ella, why are you so scared all the time?"

"I'm not scared,"

"You always let Mia push you around and you never say anything. I know you don't like creating problems and being confrontational but sometimes you have to be."

"No," Ella shook her head with worry. "You know how crazy dad and mIa are. They will tell us to stay away or leave."

"So we'll leave,"

"Lily!" Ella said in shock. "You are only 15 and I am only 17. We don't have jobs or money. Where will we go? What will we do?"

"You are the future queen," Lily said. "Maksim will take you in without missing a heartbeat."

"I am not going to be his charity case,"

"You are his mate!"

"Lily, stop this," Ella held her hands down. "We have to think about what we are doing. We can't be dumb and rush into stupid decisions."

"I don't care what you do, but I'm leaving,"

"What?" Ella gripped her sister's hand. "Who are you?"

"Ella, I am not staying here like this without Charlie. I've been saving up my allowance and in a few months I will have enough. Charlie and I are leaving."

"Are you crazy?" Ella couldn't believe what she was hearing. "What about Mom and dad, and Piper and Mia?"

"I will tell them about Charlie," Lily said. "Either they accept us and let us be or I'm leaving."

"I can't believe this," Ella's head began to hurt.

"Stop being so scared."

"Stop living in your books," Ella pushed back. "This is real life. You are a minor. It's not going to be easy running away from home. It's freaking illegal."

"Fine, then you can stay." Lily got off the bed and grabbed the two dinner plates. "Stay here with your dear family while Maksim goes crazy and dies."

"What?" Ella's blood chilled.

"Yeah," Lily nodded. "What's what happens to wolves when they lose their mates. They start to go crazy."  

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