As seven o'clock came closer and closer to time, the twins became more and more antsy. I could tell they were unsure on what to feel at this point. All I could feel was nausea and fear as I knew this could end poorly and probably would change all the things that I had worked so hard for to this point. I dreaded the idea of the twin speaking to him with a possibility of something going wrong and hurting them more.
The fears for myself were a completely different thing, even though they did not compare to my worries for the kids. I could not help being in fear and turmoil as I knew I would have to see him again for the 1st time since the attack.
All day, little things would catch my eye or I would think of something and I would revert back to what happened. I have had many horrible things happen in the past but for some reason this one scared me more than anything. I so desperately wished to have someone at my side that I could trust. If not for his anger and distaste for the situation, I would have called Hunter for him to be on the line with me just to have his presence to keep me safe and sane.
I kept reminding myself that he will not be in my presence and he will not be able to touch the kids or me. If things get heated or scary, I have the opportunity to hang up and be done with him for a little while.
As we set up the face time on Zara's iPad, my entire body was trembling and I thought not to show it.
When it began to ring I notice that the twins became anxious and they both lightly grabbed at my pants. I let go of Addie and stabilized her in my lap with my legs so that I could use either hand to gently rub their backs. We all froze when a woman's face filled the screen, without knowing who she was. For a moment, I wondered if it was Jenny, but realized that there was no way it could be her after what happened.
She gave me a fake smile that made my skin crawl. Clearly she was an Alpha. "It's nice to finally meet you in person, Will." She glanced to either side of me and then down towards Addie. "I hope you are all doing well. Are you kids enjoying California?"
The twins both look to me with panic and I gave them both the largest smile I could produce. "This is your dad's lawyer. Go ahead and tell her."
"It's really hot but really pretty,"Archer replied quietly before glancing to Ashley as she nodded.
"And we've made a lot of friends. We also live with some really nice people."
I noticed the muscles in her smile twitch slightly as the smile became less and less with sincerity. "Good," she replied with some annoyance in her voice. "I believe they are Elijah's friends, correct?"
I nodded, "yes, there are the children of Elijah's mom's best friend. They are more like siblings to him and they have been beyond helpful and kind to us."
Her glance diverted from me and she smiled back to the twins, "well I won't keep you from your dad any longer. Hold on 1 second."
I fought not to throw up was the anticipation as I felt nausea hit me. But I didn't want to show weakness in front of him and make him think that he had any control over me anymore. When he came into view, I felt my heart skip and my pheromones try to increase.
Jayden was as dazzling as ever but looked worn out and slightly aged. His eyes immediately locked on mine as I found it hard to continue to breathe and my body began shaking. I wanted to have him right then and there. I wanted him to hold me and to feel him.
I dropped my gaze so that he could not see how terrified but aroused I was. I patted the twins on the back and gave them a smile. "Why don't we start by saying hello." I said quietly to them and they both glance to me to try to gain confidence.
They both turned to Jayden as I released their backs and wrapped my arms around Addie. "Hi," Ashley whispered as I could feel and hear are becoming emotional.
I stole a glance to Jay and saw that his eyes were welling with tears as he smiled towards both of them. "My sweet girl," he said with a shaking voice, "I've missed you so much."
"Hi dad," Archer whispered and Jayden gulped loudly. I had to fight from crying for multiple reasons as I look to Archer.
"My handsome little man,"he replied, "I've missed you. I've been looking forward to seeing all of you."
His gaze locked on mine again but I couldn't seem to look away. "How has Addie been? She's definitely grown a bunch."
I nodded and tried to fake a smile but it was impossible. "She's walking," I replied quietly and saw his face turned to pain. "I made sure to take a video for you. I'll be sure to send it to your lawyer so you can see it."
"You can just send it to me directly," he replied. "I don't even know your new number and want to be able to call the twins whenever they want to talk."
I ignored the comment as I didn't want to deal with it while the twins were present. The nausea was becoming worse and I fought not to show it, but my body began trembling.