I sighed, hearing Valor knocking on the bathroom door.

I have been sitting on the carpet in my sweats and tank for two hours and it was almost noon.

I opened the door.

"Did I hurt you?" He asked quietly.

"I'm as good as can be expected. It's not your fault. I'm sorry for being so rude to you, I know you were just trying to make it as easy as possible for me, but I always find a way to make things a challenge." I said to him.

He smiled slightly.

"So why'd you do it?" I asked.

"I saw how your brother looked at Solomon when we were outside the store. I figured, you were a good woman, I can tell you're strong. It would be stupid of me to overlook you. You may never love me, but we can be civil enough to have a successful pack and coven I hope." He said.

I nodded as I lead us out the bathroom and I slipped on my boots and brushed my hair as Valor showered and then we went on our way to my parents house for lunch.

The house was silent as we entered and I could see everyone on the porch, their eyes darting between Valor and I. I moved my hair to the side, letting my claim show, it still a bit tender from last night.

My father hit the table, the plates clattering on the table.

"It is done." I said to Alexander who nodded.

My fathers glare burned into Valor, and I could see Pierre on edge as he sat at his end of the table.

"Dad." I said strongly, his line of sight snapping to me.

"I asked him to do this. Do not be upset with him." I said.

"You know nothing about this man and you let him-

"Stop!" Solomon yelled as he stared at me, his eyes holding sadness.

"Solomon don't." I tried but he held his hand up.

"She did it because I'm gay." Solomon said, his voice cracking.

I watched as Solomon watched his father's reaction, his father staring at him in disbelief before excusing himself and walking off the porch.

I looked at Katrina who looked at my mother.

"You both knew." I said.

Pierre jumped up as my father flew up, his attack aimed at Valor who was suddenly in front of me, bent over in a protective crouch that seemed to only enrage my father more.

"All of you. Sit down." Pierre boomed.

Valor stood up straight, but his eyes never left my father.

My father growled, shrugging off Pierre and bounding down the porch steps.

I stared at my mother and Katrina.

"You both knew and you let him suffer in silence. He needed you to understand and you guys didn't want to. How could you do that to him?" I said as I stared at Katrina.

"Will-

"No mom. You told me to always stand up for what is right and this entire situation is wrong. You were going to force him to mate me knowing full well he is in love with James." I told Katrina.

My mother looked at me, stunned at my words.

"Katrina. Is that true?" My mother asked in disbelief.

"Charlotte. I didn't think-

"So you were going to let my boy have a broken heart because you were too afraid to face the truth?" My mother yelled as she stood up from the table.

Karina couldn't answer that, tears falling from her face.

Pierre turned to Valor who hadn't stopped watching me, as if he were still waiting for me to explode.

"Valor. Take her home. I'll come speak to you both in a little while." Pierre said.

Valor gave a curt nod before gripping my hand, his cold fingers lacing with mine as he led me off the porch.

It wasn't long until we were in my house and we both sat at my little kitchen table, neither one of us saying a word.

"Willow. I think it would be best for you to come stay at the coven for a few weeks. At least until tensions die down and your father doesn't try to kill me every time he sees me." Valor said quietly.

I looked at him. You couldn't deny that Valor was handsome, his pale features accented by dark brown hair and a chiseled jaw. I knew he was right though.

"Will your coven even except me? We aren't the same, who's to say they won't try to kill me like my father tries to kill you?" I asked.

"They won't touch you. I won't let them, whether they like it or not, you are their leader now and they will have to accept you." He answered.

"I need to lay down a few rules though." I said.

He looked at me silently then nodded.

"If we are going to have to share a room, I want you to know to not expect sex from me when it is time to go to sleep or at all. I doubt I will, but if I'm ever interested I'll let you know. Also, I want to have full rights to defend myself if someone touches me." I said.

"I would hope you'd defend yourself. Of course. As for sex, maybe if you weren't so uptight and defensive all the time, you would know that it can be quite pleasurable. Don't think I was oblivious to how your back arched into me when I kissed your neck, but if a nonexistent sex life is what you want between us, then you'll get it...or in a sense, not." He said smirking as he looked and me and then stood up, my jaw dropping at the audacity he had.