Chapter 208 - Testimony of devastation *HARSH CONTENT* (2/2)
Andy pulled Jos away from Arei and into a tight hug. ”That was a very brave thing she did today. She's super strong, don't worry, if she could relive all that she'll return to us perfectly fine.” Andy forced a smile. ”We can have another pajama party with Poseidon to celebrate her bravery, and she can get chocolate wasted to the point of a puppy coma again!” Andy tried her best to sound upbeat and positive.
”I've already texted dad about everything that's happened. He's probably already in the infirmary by now.” Peg told them as he glanced down at his cell phone.
Jos nodded and forced her feet to move as the group made their way toward the doors and down the hallway to the small Embassy suite. Jos staggered to the room she and Shelly shared undoing her tight updo as she went, her hands working on autopilot. Tears flowed freely as her eyes landed on the spot Shelly had slept. ”Here let me help you.” The familiar deep voice brought her mind back to the present as she turned to face Arei.
”She shouldn't have done that. What if something happens to the baby? What if it caused too much stress... or the fall... what if she loses it because of me?” More tears flooded Jos's eyes.
Arei bent slightly, cupping both sides of Jos's face. ”Sh... She's a fighter. She'll fight for that baby just like she fought for you today because she loves you both.” He pulled her against his chest. ”I hate that she had to relive all that, but I honestly believe it was the only thing that kept you from being sent to the cells today.” He leaned back and studied her eyes. ”I'm sorry... I thought my testimony would have helped more, but that bastard played me. There's no way to play her words there today, though. I know this isn't the way you wanted to get the upper hand, but you did. All those bastards' dirty deeds have been laid out and your actions justified in the eyes of every woman in the room and probably nearly all the men.”
Jos's teary eyes held his, her bottom lip quivering. ”I would have gladly spent whatever time handed down in those cells to prevent her from having to relive that trauma. Arei... it's so much worse than I thought... I should have realized it sooner... I should have been there for her more...” Jos's hands slid away from Arei's broad chest as she took a step back. She could feel her knees buckle but didn't have the will to catch herself as she crumpled to the bed in a pile of self-pity and regret.
Arei sat down beside her and pulled her up into his arms. ”You have to stop shouldering every bad thing that happens to other people, Kitten. You can't change the past, and even if you could, I doubt there was much you could have done to change what happened.”
Jos shook her head angrily against his tight hold. ”There's plenty I could have done, first and foremost being not sleeping with Russ!”
He frowned as he studied her upset eyes. ”Do you really think you could have prevented that? From what I've seen, had you continued to refuse him, it would have been you getting r.a.p.ed as well... if you don't already consider some of your interactions with the little shit **** already.” Jos began to protest, but Arei pressed a finger to her lips. ”Let's stop talking about what would or could have been changed and focus on what's to come. Shelly was strong for you today, now it's your turn to be strong for her. She will need your support to get through this, especially if the baby's DNA comes back as a vampire.” He brushed the damp hair away from her face. ”Do you think you can do that?” Jos nodded and Arei sent her a warm smile. ”Alright then, would you like me to give you a hand?” He asked pulling Jos back up to her feet. ”Turn around.” He whispered gently, letting his hands brush her arms as she turned. ”I'll undo these and get the zipper worked down low enough for you, alright. Do you need any other help?” He asked as he worked the hidden snap at the very top of her dress then pulled the zipper down to her lower back.
Jos shook her head. ”N... no... thank you.”
”Alright then, Kitten.” He brushed the sleeve of the dress away from her shoulder and bent, placing a light kiss to the base of her neck. ”I'm going to go change as well. If you're not out by the time I'm finished, I'll be back in here to check on you. So hurry up.” He let his hands slide down the length of her arms, giving each of her hands a squeeze before he released her and turned toward the door. ”I'll see you in a bit.”
One hour and forty-five minutes later Poseidon was entering the suite with a sleeping wolf in his arms. His eyes studied the wolf's resting face with a new appreciation. ”They gave her a sedative, so she'll be out the rest of the night. It's for the best for both her and the baby. We should get a call by no later than in the morning with the results. I've had them expedite the labs.” He finally moved his attention up to the many gloomy faces in the room. ”Though it will not be as fun, we should head to the palace now.” His eyes moved back to the limp form of the wolf in his arms. ”If she'll take it, I'd like to extend my protection to her and her child... without the bindings of a typical contract.” He shook his head. ”She's already been through so much and had so much taken away for someone so young and lovely. I could never ask anything of her in return.”
Jos walked over and ran her hand over Shelly's soft fur before moving her attention up to Poseidon. She forced a smile. ”I'm sure she would love that.” Jos gave him a hug letting her face rest against the furry head cradled in his arm. ”Thank you.” She whispered.
Poseidon reached a hand around and patted Jos's head. ”Any time, Dear. You both deserve it.” He released her and turned toward the rest of the group. ”Ready to go home?” He didn't wait on them to answer before teleporting everyone back to his palace in the blink of the eyes.