"Dad please listen to me."

Returning back to my dorm after the shit show today; the last thing I wanted to see was Promise here. 

My emotions are raw. I let her see more of me today than I wanted anyone ever to see. Jaye doesn't know about my past dramas. My dilemmas. I've kept them from him for a reason, he can never know.

I'm scarred. My demons haunt me. How can I be an honorable mate to Promise if I cant even be honest with myself or others. How would they react if they knew horrible cursed truth?

I've been hiding this secret for years. If Jaye knew he would definitely hate me. Hate me for how I feel. That's why he can never know. Why they can never know. They would never look at me the same again. I would not be able to stand their judgment about me. I'm not who they think I really am. I'm locked in a box with no key.

"You can't control my life dad. This decision is entirely up to me. Not you!" From what I can gather from the one sided conversation I hear. Promises dad is undeniably pissed.

She's sitting on the couch with Jaye along with Dawson sitting beside her. They both are worried about her. I must of missed most of the conversation before I came home. The only thing I can understand about it is that he's trying to control her in some aspect. Of what I have no idea about. I'm sitting across from them in the chair just observing them all.

Contemplating my decision. Do I want her to reject me? She definitely deserves better than me that's for sure. I only did all of those cruel things to push her away. To try to get Jaye to see that I'm a worthless mate. That I'm just wrong for her. That it could never be they want it to.

I went to far.

I always take things to far. I set a goal and overreach for it. Competition is in my blood. Even if it's competing with myself. My thoughts are extremely flawed.

"No! Do not come here dad I mean it! I can handle it on my own." She's getting extremely frustrated. After what I put her through today I'm surprised she still has any fight left in her. There's more to her than actually meets the eye.

"Dad I love you but you are being overly dramatic!"

"No I told you I can handle it."

"Dad please listen to me."

"Fine you win! I'll see you tomorrow!"

She throws her phone on the table. Lowering her head in her hands. I feel a strong urge to comfort her but I don't think she will allow me near her. Not after everything that has transpired between the two of us.

"What is that all about bunny." Why the hell does Dawson call her bunny? I've never seen him so damn smitten.

"My father is coming tomorrow to talk to you three." Now that has my interest peeked. Why would her father want to talk to us? How old is she? Isn't she old enough not to have to deal with her father interrupting her life?

"Promise how old are you?" She raises her head looking straight at me. She has a confusing scowl on her face.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Well I mean a lot. She is an adult right? Why would she have to listen to her dad?

"Just wondering. How old?" She scoffs, purely irritated.

"I'm young ok. I graduated early. I'm in the AP classes. I only have one class that's for first year students." That surprises me. But doesn't answer my question.

"Ok so how old are you?" Please tell me she's old enough to be with us.

"I'm eighteen Knox." Shit! Just barely old enough.

"When was your birthday?"

"Why?" She's starting to get aggravated.

"Just curious." I want to know everything about her.

"Look I'm sort of an advance being. I got my powers early. I peeked early. I worked hard so I could get through college faster so I wouldn't have to deal with peoples shit anymore. My birthday was three weeks ago. But we lied about my age so people wouldn't realize how powerful I really am. So to answer your question, I just turned eighteen." Fuck! She is young. No wonder her dad tries to control her.

"So how long will you have attend college?" Being that smart it shouldn't have to be to long. Right?

"Two years." Impressive. Most supernaturals have to attend for a full five years or more. Along with our abilities classes we have also have basic build up ones. Like business, computer science, psychology, among others. Makes me wonder what courses she's taking.

"What are wanting to be?"

"Business administrator. I want to take over my dads business." We have the same goals. My interest is definitely peeked now.

"What kind of business?" She leans back on the couch. Staring at me, probably wondering why I'm asking so many questions about her. I'm generally interested.

"Warfare." Now that definitely surprises me.

"What is your dad. I mean supernaturally that is?" I bet he's a beast.

"He's a Basilisk." Holy freaking fucking hell! Just one look from the fucker can kill you! No wonder he's into warfare. I nearly want to shit my pants. Literally!

"You're kidding?" Jaye is just as astonished as I am and by the look on Dawsons face so he is. But Dawson is a fire dragon. He's a really powerful beast in his own right. But a fucking Basilisk! Now that's fucking terrifying.

"Nope! Now do you understand why I don't want him to come here. He's going to rip you guys a new one!" Well fuck! Oh shit! Is he coming here because of me? That thought alone is beyond petrifying.

"Why did you say he was coming?" I ask, wondering if I should disappear before he gets his ass here. I'm not a coward but I'm not stupid either. Geez!

"Uhm! Well...because I sort of told him about...our situation." Holy fucking balls! Yep! I should definitely disappear.

"Don't worry though I'll handle him." I'm not so sure about that. If he knows his daughters mate has basically cheated on her he may just want to rip my dick off! I'm royally and totally fucked!

We sat and talked for nearly two hours. Ordered take-out while we relaxed and just enjoyed each other's company. It felt good to learn more about her. She dodged the subject about her mother. Though I did keep trying to pry that information out of her, she would change the topic, moving on to another. So I let it go: for now.

In the middle of our conversation we were interrupted by someone banging loudly on the door.

Jaye answered the door a bit hesitatingly, were weren't expecting company at this late hour. Unfortunately that's we got.

At the door stood an older gentleman, one I didn't recognize.

Promise gasped, standing up from the couch with a look of surprise adorned across her beautiful face.

"Dad?" Fuck! Dad? I slowly rose form my seat, as he walked directly up to her. Standing face to face, his anger was clearly visible. Maybe I should run now?

"What are doing here? You said you were coming tomorrow?" He ignored her questions, looking to all of us. Grunting out in apparent disproval.

"Wanted to you catch you unaware." Well that he surely did. Promise nervously bites her bottom lip. As we all stand perfectly immobile. My thoughts only venture about to where I could secretly hide.

"So which one is he?" The 'he' in question is standing to his left shaking in his boots. Promise doesn't answer him, choosing to ignore him. I can see her body shivering, absolutely terrified of him. She's not the only one!

"If the he you're referring to is the mate that disappointed her then that would be me." I have no idea where this hint of bravery is coming from but I can't let my best friend or cousin take the blame for all that I have done. I'm fucking stupid that way!

"Timothy!" Her father screams out, as  a wiry guy steps across the threshold.

Eyeing us with a hint of excitement.

"This is the gentleman right here," her father says pointing his gnarled finger at me "You can do the unlinking spell now." What?

Timothy reaches hurriedly into a big burlap brown bag dragging out items as he tosses them carelessly on the table.

"Wait, dad no! You can't do this. We worked everything out. Please dad don't do this!" Promise frantically begs, though her father continues to ignore her pleas.

"Sir if you would just give me five minutes of your time I can explain everything. You do not have to do this." I rushed out my plea. This seriously can't be happening. We're just now admittedly headed in a good direction.

"Why would allow you, a man with no redeeming qualities whatsoever, five minutes of my time. You have disregarding my daughters feelings this entire time. You are the man who not once but twice, been adulterous, without a regard to my daughters feelings at all." Fuck! The damn man just blurted out my infidelity. They had no idea about Marley and I at the party. What a cluster fuck this is turning out to be. Yea I should definitely run and hide!

"Sir just five minutes. Please." I'm trying my best to be overly polite to him. I don't dare look at Promise, during our exchange. I do not want to see the hurt on her face now that she has the knowledge about Marley and I. It would just be too much for me to handle at this moment. I have to focus on not allowing her father to sever the mate link. Unfortunately!

"Fine, five minutes. No more. This better be worth my time." I gives in reluctantly, I direct him out of our room. Standing in the hallway with the door closed behind us. I confess all my sins to Promises father, he listens closely to every word that I spew out of my mouth. Never once interrupted my spiel. By the time I have finished with my confession, he surprises me by laughing out loudly.

"Knox is it?" I nod my head "I've known plenty of people with this same dilemma. You're way to hard on yourself. But the way you went about it is unforgivable. Though I understand where you are coming from, you need to let them all know, you can't keep it a secret. Secrets have a way of hurting the ones you love. Take it from me, this is one thing I truly know about. My wife...well she want what I expected let's just say that. Talk to them, the sooner the better." He sighs, undoubtedly conflicted.

"I'll give you a week. A week to confess to them. If by then you don't tell them, I will sever the link. Don't think I won't. She's my only daughter, my only child; and has been through enough already. No more games and definitely no more cheating. Understood?" Thank Fuck!

"Yes I understand completely, thank you so much." He nods his head, then yells out for Timothy.

"Gather your things. There's been a change of plans," Timothy just nods his head frantically "I will tell my Promise goodbye, then be on my way. One week Knox. Not a second more." He reminds me as he goes to tell Promise goodbye. Blowing a long awaited breath, I feel a bit relieved at the outcome. It could have been a hell of a lot worse.

After her father left, we discussed my adulatory. I apologized relentless, hoping for another chance. If things were ever easy she would forgive me and we could move on quickly. But unfortunately, things do not work out that way.

I realize now that I have to confess about everything, sooner than I even wanted too. It's the only way I can get them all to understand. Releasing a breath, I begin to lay my soul out to them. Hoping upon hope that I don't lose them all.

"There's something I need to tell all of you. It's one of the hardest things I have ever done. So please be patient with me. The reason I've been acting out and pushing you away Promise is a secret that I've been living with since I was seventeen." They all look to me in wonderment. Swallowing down my pride, I fear their rejection of me. Knowing there're about to learn I'm not who they think I am. I've been lying to myself for years. Here goes everything.

"I'm Bi." I bite out, they all look to one another. Before they can speak I continue on.

"I like men and women. I've been with both..sexually. My parents don't know. Not many people do. It confused me when I realized I was your mate Promise. Knowing that I like both men and women. It threw me off my game, literally! I was confused and I...well panicked. I didn't know what to do. That's why," I look to Jaye "you have never seen me kiss a woman before or a man for that matter. I can't bring myself to do it. Because...I'm in love with someone that I can never have. There it is. That's what I have been holding back. I'm so sorry Promise I know this is something that you don't want to hear. Especially about me being in love with someone else." They're all completely silent. Digesting my horrid news. Deep inside I feel like I've just lost apart of myself.

"Hell cuz, I have known this for years. It's no surprise here. Well the in love part is. But the rest I knew about." Dawson just laughs. How the hell did he know?

"How?" He shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.

"I saw you with that guy Brian when you were like eighteen. Kissing in the backroom at high school. It's no big deal to me." Relief flows through me. At least Dawson accepts me and understands. Turning my gaze to Promise, I wait patiently for her reply.

"Don't look at me. I think it's hot. Super hot actually. I don't see the big deal. But who are you in love with because that could be a major problem." No doubt about it, I seriously think I'm falling for this woman. She thinks it's hot? Why didn't I confess this shit sooner?

Being in love with someone who could never love you back is a pain that's indescribable. I confessed half my burden already but this part is definitely the hardest.

Looking directly into Jayes eyes, I see his questioning gaze. Fuck! This part is going to hurt not just me but Jaye also.

"I'm in love with you Jaye."

I have been for years!

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