From Here to Ecstasy
Chapter 48 - Pain & Memories

Recap

Willow stopped walking with me and sniffed the air, turning towards my mom and falling to her knees, holding her head and screaming.

What the fuck was going on?

Griffith’s POV

I dropped to my knees in front of Willow, trying to see what was wrong, but she kept screaming or mumbling something intelligible.

I pulled her onto my lap as I rubbed her back. I was scared something was wrong with her. I didn’t know what to do to help her or even where she was hurt. I was frantically moving my hands all over her body, looking for any wounds, but I couldn’t replace anything wrong.

Every one of my brothers and sisters showed up to help me with her. I was afraid someone got to her and was mentally attacking her. We circled around her and mentally sought out the problem or problems.

I went down hard, almost landing on top of Willow. The images she was seeing was of someone I hadn’t met. She was about four years old. My body was seizing up on me and my mind went hazy. I knew I was shaking like I was having a seizure. Her memories went through her mind into mine. I saw her torture when she turned eleven. The man had beat her when she told him she wasn’t going to do what he wanted. It was a memory I was going to need to get rid of, not only for my peace of mind but for hers, too.

I saw the exact moment she was kidnapped from her own yard. She was a trusting child, but she trusted the wrong wolf. He grabbed her up and covered her mouth as someone else gave her a shot. And, I knew who that someone else was. Too bad I couldn’t growl out loud. I wanted to let this woman know I was coming for her.

I saw her as a six-year-old as she was running around and laughing. I could hear two more laughs and giggles. She was playing tag with two adults, but their backs were to me and I couldn’t tell who it was. She was laughing and having a great time hiding from the two adults, who could only be her parents.

I stopped shaking and we both took a huge gulp of air. I pulled into my lap and checked her over, giving her a kiss on the forehead and watched her head turn to the two people who were standing by my mother.

“Those are my parents, Griffith. Will you come with me to meet them? I haven’t seen them since I was very young. I’m scared that they will be mad at me,” Willow whispered in my mind.

“They won’t be mad, honey. They will be so happy to see the strong woman you are today.” I stood up and reached for her hand. “Come on, they are waiting to see you. They are in shock.”

Willow looked towards her parents, tears running down her face. I could feel her shaking, but I could tell she wanted to run to them. “Go on, Willow, do what your heart is telling you to do,” I whispered in her ear. She took off, running fast. She jumped in her dad’s arms, pulling her mom to her.

I watched as they all cried. I walked over, but I stood back. I wanted them to have their time to bond again. I didn’t want to intrude and take away their joy. Their faces were lit up in happiness and joy. I heard their thoughts on what they had missed out on. But, I had one thing they could be a part of, something I had in the works since I met Willow.

Willow turned her head, looking around for me. “Come meet my mommy and daddy, Griffith.” She waved me over.

I walked up to them and shook hands with her father. “Hello, sir. My name is Griffith and your angel is my mate.”

The man smiled at me. “She is an angel. It was a nickname we had for her. My name is dad or Achelois.” He pointed towards his mate. “My mate's name is Chara or mom.” He laughed and slapped me on my back. I knew he was about to test me. He wanted to know if I was able to protect his daughter. When he couldn’t move me he smiled, knowing I passed his first test.

I wasn’t looking forward to the talk about Willow’s captivity. I knew it would break their hearts to know what she went through. But, they needed to know what had happened, if not to settle everyone’s mind but to be a support system for Willow. I was happy her parents were here but worried about Willow. She hadn’t had nightmares yet, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before she had them. She was going to remember what had transpired because she would want to know what she had done wrong which was absolutely fucking nothing. Someone had been working with the fucker to be able to get to her and I knew who it was now.

I looked over at my mom, noticing she was about to explode. My wolf let her know I had it under control. That I would be taking care of this she-wolf as soon as my mate was settled. I had my sister’s keeping an eye on the bitch, noticing my youngest brothers bouncing above her head, completely invisible. I rolled my eyes and turned back to my mom.

“Uh, honey, we have something we need to take care of before we head into the packhouse, okay?” I asked as I motioned for her to stay with her parents and my mom. She shook her head yes, a question on her tongue.

“What’s-” She tried to ask.

I kissed her and gave her a hug. I had my wolf tell her what was going on. I told him to let her know that if for some reason she’s called on to not worry that she will be protected.

She nodded her head at me and kissed me. “Stay safe. I may not know what’s going on, but I trust you.”

I nodded and let Asher know to protect Willow. He knew what I was talking about before I even opened my mouth. I didn’t know how Willow would react with what was about to happen, but I couldn’t worry about it.

I teleported right in front of the she-bitch, causing her to jump and turn to run. “Nope.” I froze her where she stood, keeping her mouth free.

“You, mother fucker! Let me loose! I haven’t done anything to you!” She screamed.

Maybe I should have frozen her mouth. “Well, that wasn’t nice. Your words are partly true. You didn’t do anything to me. But, it affects me all the same. You-” I was cut off.

“I challenge Willow for the Luna position!” She yelled.