Chapter 174

DELILAH

I didn't bother turning around when Luca entered the room. I continued brushing my hair, watching him in the mirror.

"Can we talk?" he asked as I stood from the chair.

"Now you want to talk, after Clara spoke to you? Look, I just put Mia to bed, and I want to rest," I said, attempting to walk past him. He grabbed my hand, pulling me back.

"Please, Delilah, I'm begging you. Let's talk for a few minutes," he said softly. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting—months—for you to say those words. Do you know how hard it's been?" I asked. He cupped my face, turning me to face him.

"I'm sorry, my love. I'm so sorry. I just didn't want to burden you…"

"Burden me with what? We have a child, Luca, and you hardly spend time with me or her. If you think your work is more important…"

"Nothing matters more to me than you and Mia. You both mean everything," he interrupted, and I frowned.

"It doesn't seem that way. In fact, it hasn't for a while. You don't talk to me like before; you ignore me, you hardly touch me. Don't you love me anymore?" My voice trembled. If he said yes, I didn't know what I would do.

Despite his treatment, I loved Luca so fucking much. So much that even if he admitted it, I'd still stay. I wasn't sure I could love anyone else.

"I love you more than life itself, Delilah. You have no idea…"

"I haven't felt this love you claim to have for four years, Luca!" I screamed, hot tears streaming down my face.

"Delilah…"

"Why? I need to know why you've been so distant. Tell me what's going on," I urged, grasping his hand. Looking at him, I felt something was wrong. The Luca I loved had a glint in his eyes and a warm smile whenever he looked at me. While I still saw love, something else was there.

"Talk to me, Luca. Tell me what's wrong, and let me help you," I murmured, touching his face. He shook his head.

"You can't help me. I don't think anyone can," he whispered, almost inaudibly.

"There are voices in my head, Delilah. Sometimes I can't understand them, but other times… I can. And the things they tell me to do… I can't take it," he revealed. My eyes widened.

"What are they telling you to do? Why didn't you tell me sooner? We could have found a solution together," I said. He shook his head again.

"Don't you get it? The voices get louder when I'm with you because my mind is relaxed, I'm relaxed. That's why I've buried myself in work—it keeps my mind busy. I didn't want to hurt you, Delilah. I didn't want to make you cry. It's just…"

"Shhh, it's okay. It'll be okay. We'll solve it together. Did you tell Damon and Clara about this?" I asked. He nodded.

"I told them I was hearing voices, but I don't think they understood." I sighed.

"We need to explain it to them so we can find a solution. This has something to do with the deal you made with those witches, doesn't it?" I asked softly. He pursed his lips, confirming my suspicion.

"What exactly did you promise them, Luca?" I asked, staring into his eyes.

"They said they needed a werewolf vessel. I didn't ask many questions; at the time, all that mattered was helping Clara with her pregnancy. I agreed to be a vessel if they helped her, and they did." My eyes widened in understanding.

Those bloody witches were behind this.

"It's okay, it'll be okay," I murmured, wrapping my arms around him and kissing him. He kissed me back with such hunger that I moaned.

"Fucking hell, I've missed you," he murmured against my lips.

"Can you hear the voices now?" I asked, still kissing him. He shook his head.

"My mind is occupied with how badly I want to pin you against that door," he murmured. I giggled as he gently pushed me backward against the door.

I reached for his shirt, about to unbutton it, when Mia's loud wail came through the baby monitor.

We both froze. I sighed.

"I need to check on her and probably feed her," I said. He slowly pulled away.

"Come with me? You're hardly home, and I'm sure she misses you," I said, extending my hand, which he took.

We went to Mia's room. As soon as she saw me, she stopped crying and laughed.

"You naughty little princess. You like stressing Mama, huh?" I said, picking her up and cuddling her. I kissed her chubby face before turning to Luca, who was standing behind me.

"Do you mind holding her while I get the milk I pumped?" I asked.

"Of course not," he replied, taking Mia. Mia looked at him before snuggling close, and the look in his eyes almost made me cry.

I'd thought he was neglecting me and Mia because he was tired and regretted being with me, not knowing he was going through so much.

Watching him rock Mia, I vowed we would be happy again, no matter what it took.

NOTE:

I won't be continuing Luca and Delilah's story in this book, as it focuses on Clara and Damon. There will be one more bonus chapter, and then this book is complete. If you want more of Luca and Delilah's story, please comment below, and I'll consider writing another book about them. Your comments will determine if there's a sequel!