Page 44 of Locked Souls

I never should have left the house. I should have just died inside quietly, continuing to fantasize about what could be.

Or maybe Chas was right. I should have written a book, made millions, and moved to a beach.

CHASTITY

I wake up wrapped in tight arms, and I cuddle down deeper into the blankets. It’s dark outside, and I don’t know what’s woken me. I listen for a few minutes, but the house is quiet. No babies crying, or yelling out “Mommy”.

I close my eyes and try to fall back to sleep, but I can’t. There is something nagging in my brain, and I can’t figure out what the hell it is.

Ash mumbles something in his sleep, and I hug him tighter. I still can’t believe all the hell he’s been through. Isabella’s days are numbered, and I hope I’m the one to pull the final trigger. She’s a parasite.

Levi shifts behind me and grinds his cock against my ass. Biting my bottom lip, I hide my moan when he shifts closer and almost slips inside me. Even in his sleep, his dick wants admission.

After Ash calmed down, Bastian and Jonas came home and we all watched a movie. It was like the old days, when I would hang out with them in their dorm. Except, this time, we wouldn’t have gotten reprimanded.

Though, Levi does have a penchant for spankings.

I can't believe we are returning to the Academy in the morning. It almost feels as if we have come full circle.

Sighing, I lift Levi's arm and try to shuffle down to the end of the bed. Sleep isn't coming back to me, so maybe I'll swipe Tempest's Kindle and read for a bit.

Grabbing my robe, I carefully crack the door, so I can slip into the hall without waking anyone. I peek in on the kids and Bastian, he and Jonas snuck in here after the movie was over, then shuffle over to check on Charity.

She's probably going to need to eat soon. I know they say never to wake a sleeping baby, but she can just hang out with me on the couch.

Moving over to her crib, I rub her little belly and brush her hair off her forehead until she begins to stir.

When she's squirming and about to cry, I pick her up and cradle her tight to me. Holding her brings me peace and sadness.

I love being a mom, but I will always have an ache in my heart for my missing baby.

Laying Charity on the changing table, I quickly swap out her damp diaper and put her in something warmer.

The house has a chill to it, and I don't want her catching a cold. When she's bundled up, I grab my Boppy pillow and an extra blanket, then head into the living room.

I miss our house, with the huge bay windows that show our pool. We always leave the night lights on.

It's peaceful. This place is nice, but it's too big. Placing Charity in her bouncer, I turn the vibrations on, then leave her for a minute.

I don't want to wake anyone, but I need something to read. Remembering Levi has that book, I change course and quickly grab it off the nightstand.

Ash is now in the middle of the bed, and he's spooning Levi. I'd take a photo if I wasn't so worried that my flash would wake them.

Leaving them to snuggle, I return to Charity, freezing when I reach the living room.

Snake is there, rocking my daughter in his arms. There is a lamp on now, and the look on his face will stay with me for a long time.

He's amazed. He touches her little nose and her cheeks, and Charity blinks up at him.

I gently clear my throat, so I don't startle him, and he looks over at me.

“Hey,” he grunts, and I move closer.

“Hi,” I mumble, then he smiles and we both laugh.

“Fuck, this is awkward,” he mutters, and I have to nod, agreeing.

“It doesn't have to be, though. Since we're both awake at three AM, why don't you tell me about yourself.”