The Twin

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

"I don't get it, why was he like that?" I asked, throwing my clothes into the suitcase.

Vincent grunted as he grabbed his suitcase, almost toppling over. I shook my head in amusement, he's always doing something that isn't for a clumsy person.

"He was bullied by the pack, for being the weaker alpha," he explained.

I frowned, "He deserved better."

"Yeah, but we never gave that to him. I can't really blame him for becoming the man he was before he died."

My heart began to ache as I thought about the pain he was in. Not once, did I ever help him, I only ignored him. I would yell at him when he became too controlling, I would cuss him out when he refused to let me join him at the alpha meetings, I would slap him whenever he said something rude. We argued constantly, but when we didn't, he was almost like Vincent. Made sure I was smiling, made sure I felt okay, asked if I wanted to go out. But most of the time, he was trying his hardest to prove he could be the Alpha the pack wanted. I pitied him, knowing he'll never get the happy ending he needed. Those pretty blue eyes would never be filled with anything but pain.

I frowned as I thought of something, "You know...that man who saved us?"

"Yeah, what about him?"

"He had the same eyes as Dominic."

Vincent froze, "Don't come up with ridiculous ideas."

"I'm not, I'm just saying....those blue eyes sort of grew on me."

"Did you ever tell him you loved him?" Vincent suddenly asked.

I nodded, "Why?"

A small, sad smile touched his lips as he folded his clothes, "At least he got to die knowing, at one point, he was loved by someone."

"So, where are we going?" Rocco asked as Athos got into the car.

"Barnesville, Pennsylvania," Athos answered, his voice lacking emotion.

I silently studied Vincent's uncle, noticing how handsome he truly is. He's tall, has dark hair, hazel eyes, olive skin, and large muscles. He does have a few tattoos, but they aren't ugly ones, they made him even more attractive. He was perfectly sculpted, like most alphas in our world.

Beside me, Vincent grabbed my hand and kissed it as we drove past the pack's graveyard. The most beautiful grave sat on the highest hill, showing off Dominic's full name. Lying before it was a single, dead rose, the one I had placed there many weeks ago.

"Vince?" I called, stepping inside the house.

I walked into the kitchen when I heard laughter and cruel words, shocked by the sight of Vincent. He was watching them with pained eyes, his jaw clenched and his chest showing his attempt at not breaking down. Once again, bruises covered his body, along with some blood.

"The pack doesn't need a weakling like you," a warrior sneered as he punched him in the stomach.

Vincent crumbled to the ground, a cry for air leaving his mouth. I quickly shoved the warrior away, baring my canines as I stood before him.

"What do you think you're doing?" I snapped.

They all frowned, "Why are you protecting him?"

"Because he's my mate, why are you hurting him? You were just playing pool with him last night."

"Dude...she doesn't know," another whispered.

I frowned, "Know what?"

"Nothing, we're sorry, Vince."

I didn't miss how they spat out his name, but I ignored it. I turned around to see Vincent half unconscious and pale. Concerned, I knelt before him and cupped his face. I could feel tears in my eyes as he flinched away from me, eying my hands with fear.

"I won't hurt you, V," I said softly.

His eyes snapped to mine, once again, he seemed confused. His odd moods had me worried, I didn't understand why he seemed to forget who I am to him.

He closed his eyes, waiting for me to hurt him as I got closer. I gently wrapped my arms around him and held him against me, trying to soothe his aching heart.

"Shhhhh, you're okay," I murmured as he cried.

I opened my eyes when Vincent nudged me, telling me we were stopping to eat. Silently, I climbed out of the SUV, frowning from the memory. Now I know why he saw me as another abuser, why he flinched from my touch. It was Dominic the entire time, not Vincent.

"The pack abused him," I said in a hushed voice.

Vincent frowned, "Who?"

"Dominic. I caught the warriors beating him up, that's where his bruises came from."

"Wait....is that why you would always ask me why I was bruised a few hours before bed?" He asked.

I nodded, "I thought he was you."

"Goddess....they....he never told me."

"How come you never told me you had a twin?"

He sighed, "Dominic didn't want you to meet him nor know about him. He said there was no point, you would never love him."

"Then....why would he threaten my life so you would leave?"

"That's the thing, I don't know. I never understood his reasoning for forcing me to leave."

"Maybe he did it to protect you."

We spun around to see that man again, his blue eyes sparkling in the sun. Despite it being bright out, he was cloaked by the shadows, except for his one hand. My chest tightened when I saw a ring, the same ring Dominic loved to wear.

Vincent tilted his head, "Why would he?"

The man shrugged, "Not my place to tell you, especially when I don't know myself."

"Whatever."

"Hey, go inside, I forgot my phone in the car," I told him, taking my hand from his.

He hesitated, but nodded and walked inside, not before giving the man an uncertain glance. Once we were alone, I turned to face him.

"You...asshole," I snapped, my voice breaking. "I thought...you died. You died right in front of me!"

Dominic nodded, "I am dead, Liv."

"But...then how..?"

"It's a long story, it's my second chance to protect you both the correct way. I was being stupid the first time."

I frowned, "How come you never told Vince you were abused?"

"I didn't want him to worry....I wasn't worth it."

"He loves you, your whole family does. Including me, but in a family sort of way now."

He was quiet for moment before holding something out. I swallowed as I took the bracelet, trying not to cry.

"I wanted to give that to you on your birthday. I'm sorry I failed you and Vince."

"Dominic?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm so sorry."

He stared at me, a trickle of emotion shined in his eyes, "I am too. Do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"Tell my brother that I love him, even if it looked like I didn't. I am s—so sorry for hurting him and you. I....I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for hurting my parents as well."

I nodded, "I will."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

As he began walking away, I tried grabbing his hand, but mine went straight through it. He stared at me with a look that had me crying, but he didn't say another word. He was suddenly gone, leaving me alone in the parking lot. Holding onto a bracelet that had my name on it and my birthstone.

"I'm so sorry, Dominic," I whimpered.

"Olive..."

I spun around to see Vincent staring at me, his face pale. I nodded, answering his unspoken question.

His brother was the one who saved his life.