The Ivory Queen
Chapter 69

***Aurora’s POV***

I take my hand off his wrist to reveal a perfect hand print burned into his flesh. Reyna gives me back control and I let out a scream as Oliver cradles his injury. I scramble off of his lap, shocked at what I’ve done.

“I’m so sorry,” I whimper. “I didn’t- I didn’t mean to-”

“What have you done!” Simone shrieks when she sees the burn. “My goddess, you’re a monster!”

I stare down at the glowing flames in my hands and a sob escapes my throat. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I croak as I bolt out of the room.

I hear Oliver’s voice call after me as I run, followed by his footsteps. Before I can even make it to the front door, Oliver reaches for my arm. I spin around immediately, holding my hands up in the air.

“No, don’t touch me! Don’t come any closer, Oliver. Get away from me!”

“Ok, it’s okay, Aurora. I’m fine. It was just a burn,” he coos. “I’m okay.” He takes a few step towards me and I back away until my back meets the door. He wraps his arms around my waist and pulls me to his chest. His scent melts away my anger and the flames slowly go out.

“I’m sorry,” I hiccup. Afraid to touch him, I try to pull away but Oliver tightens his grip.

“I’m not afraid of you,” he whispers. “You’re not a monster.” Rosalie comes into the hallway to check on us and Oliver sends her away. “I’m right here, baby. I’m not going anywhere.”

I burst into fresh tears at his tenderness and he k****s them all away. Oliver holds me until I calm down again, stroking my hair and humming his little lullaby.

“Not gonna lie, babe. I would appreciate a healing right about now,” he chuckles after a while.

“What if I hurt you again?” I ask, shaking my head.

“You won’t.”

I hesitate to touch his arm so Oliver grabs my hand and places it on his wound, making him wince. I shed a few tears as I concentrate on his burn. In a few seconds, the wound disappears completely.

“See? You didn’t hurt me,” he murmurs, kissing my forehead. “Now you and I are going to go back in that dining room and putting my mom in her place.”

“Oliver-“

“No, Aurora. You will be Luna in two days and our pack is already in love with you. You won over everyone with your kindness and selflessness. I don’t think you realize that you are the single most respected wolf in the region and that was all before we even knew what you were. My mother is wrong and she has no right to treat you like a monster.”

I flinch when he reaches for my hand but he pushes through my fears and holds it. He interlocks our fingers, bringing my hand up to his lips to deliver a soft k**s to it. We walk hand in hand into the dining room to find Carter and David successfully putting out the fire on the table and opening the windows to let the smoke out. They tell us Rosalie and Simone went out to the living room and we find them in the middle of a screaming match.

“You will not name my grandchild after that mutt and her family!”

“That’s enough!” Oliver growls at his mother. “I’m so sick and tired of this conversation. Aurora will be Luna. There is not point fighting it!”

Simone looks like she’s about to explode.

“Why do you hate me so much?” I ask, my voice calm. It’s a genuine question as I simply could not figure her out. “I have done nothing to you. I have never wronged you. I’ve never even said one cruel thing about you! I just don’t understand why you’re so angry with me!”

***Aurora’s POV***

I take my hand off his wrist to reveal a perfect hand print burned into his flesh. Reyna gives me back control and I let out a scream as Oliver cradles his injury. I scramble off of his lap, shocked at what I’ve done.

Simone’s hate filled gaze settles on me but I refuse to cower. It’s time I faced this woman and her anger once and for all.

“You still have the audacity to ask? Oliver had his teeth in his father’s throat! Does that seem normal to you? Oh right, I forgot. You sank your teeth in your own father’s throat!”

Rosalie, Carter and Oliver snarl at her instantly, furious at her accusation. Oliver pushes me behind him and glares at his mother.

Reyna, however, does not need anyone to fight her battles and takes over again. “Bring up my father again and I’ll sink my teeth in yours!”

Goddess, Must you be so violent? I snap at my wolf.

She gives me back control but not before giving Simone a triumphant smirk. A look of horror washes over Simone’s face and she looks to her children for help but they offer none. David attempts to comfort her but she pushes him away and looks me dead in the eyes.

“You truly are a monster,” she snaps. “All this fighting, all this anger started because of you. You took my son away and turned him into a man who can’t even stand the sight of his own parents. I don’t even know him anymore. My son would have never fought his father for the title! My son would have never turned his back on me! You’ll ruin this pack! You’re not fit to be Luna and you’re certainly no Queen!”

I’m about to shift when Oliver embraces me in a loving hug, leaning down to my ear.

“Don’t let her win,” he murmurs, kissing my earlobe.

Reyna calms down at the sound of his voice and I close my eyes to take a few deep breathes. Simone looks thoroughly disgusted by the affection Oliver gives me and scoffs at us.

Oliver glares up at his mother and speaks to her in French. (Note: Oliver’s monologue is completely in French and Aurora is clueless as to what is being said)

“Je l’aime. Cest l’amour de ma vie et tu vas juste devoir l’accepter! {I love her. She is the love of my life and you’ll just have to accept that!} Do you think I want to fight with you? I want nothing more than to have you in my life despite everything you’ve done to me and all the times you’ve failed me. You’re right, I have changed. I’m done letting you and David control my life. But I will not fight with you any longer. You’re either accept my decision or you forget you have a son, Mom. As much as I hate pushing you away, I. Will. Do. It. I hope to Moon Goddess you don’t force me to make that decision.”

There is no emotion on Simone’s face. “J’espère que tu ne le regrettes pas {I hope you don’t regret this}.” She straightens her blouse and turns her attention to Rosalie and Carter. “Take care of my daughter,” she orders. She storms out of the house while David thanks me for the meal and heads after her.

When they’re gone, I let out another breath and bury myself in Oliver. Simone hit several nerves without even trying.

Rosalie rubs her little belly and grins. “I think the baby liked your tortillas.”

I burst out laughing at her remark.

—-

Given the events of the morning, Oliver decides to stay and work from home to keep an eye on me. I sit on his knee as he answers calls and types away on his computer. After a few excruciatingly long minutes, I muster up the courage to ask for training privileges.

“No,” he says, keeping his eyes on his work.

“Why not?” I snap. “Tais is close and I want to know how to defend myself. A Queen should know how to defend herself and her pack.”

“I said no,” he say, still not looking at me.

Infuriated, my palms light up in violet flames and I throw a fire ball at the window, burning a hole through it. I’m on my feet immediately, afraid I might hurt my mate.

“Sorry,” I whimper as Oliver pulls me down on his lap and k****s my cheek. My flames go out instantly.

“You can throw all the fires balls and tantrums you want. I’m not afraid of you,” he chuckles.

How is this even remotely funny? I could have literally killed someone!

“My answer is still no,” he shrugs and turns back to his work. I’m about to argue when his eyes fog over and he smiles to himself. Whatever news he just got must have been good but he refuses to give me any hints as to what it is and instead goes back to work. A few minutes go by and I decide to bring up the training again when his phones dings. He picks it up before I can make out who it is and his smile fades instantly. He carefully lifts me off his lap to get to his feet, rolling his shoulders back.

“What’s going on?” I ask, concerned with his change in demeanor.

“Don’t get mad,” is all he says before we hear a knock at the door. He calls out to let the mysterious guest in and my heart sinks to the pit of my stomach as Javier walks in .

“What is he doing here?” I ask as a shiver runs down my spine.

Javier is a handsome man of 6 ft 2 with a well built and toned body. His skin is fair, a beautiful contrast to his dark brown hair and eyes. I may have once had a crush on Javier but that quickly ended with Emiliano’s death. He never hit me like Salvador or Karina but he did something much worse.

How pathetic. All this power in me and I’m still afraid of the people who used to hurt me.

“I’m not doing this with her here, Oliver. I made that very clear when you called,” Javier says, his brown eyes spitting fire at me.

“I know what you said and she will be leaving now,” he says, giving my hand a k**s. “I need to speak with Javier alone, nena. Go downstairs. I have a surprise for you in the living room that should keep you occupied.”

“What is going on?” I ask, nervously eyeing Javier.

“Nothing you need to worry about for now. Just go downstairs and stay out of trouble, ok?”

Now I’m really confused. Sensing my discomfort, Oliver leans down to k**s my cheek. For a few seconds, I forget Javier is even there.

“Everything is going to be ok. I promise,” he murmurs. “Go.”

I swallow hard before taking timid steps around Javier towards the door. I stop to look back at Oliver, who gives me a reassuring smile. I walk out quickly as my heart pounds against the cage of my chest and follow Oliver’s instructions to the living room.

Almost immediately, the fear and anger evaporates as I find Celina sitting cheerfully in the living room.