My Say

23

No longer than Jax sat me on the couch than the door became a drum. The calls to go away didn't stop the pounding, it wasn't until Jax opened the door as Elizabeth tended to me did it stop. But then the yelling began. Even Elizabeth got in on the action telling whoever it was to get the HELL out of her house. If it had been any other situation I'd have laughed, Elizabeth never curses. She says that cursing shows that we have run out of words and there are too many for that.

I lay on the couch balled up covered head to toe, not a piece of me showing. I just wanted them all to go away, my wolf was agitated and sad, she kept rubbing against me trying to comfort me. At this point I didn't want comfort just death, why did he forget me? That thought ran and ran in circles in my poor brain. As if caught in a vortex I couldn't break free from.

I don't know how long I lay there, I had blocked out the world. The world tilted and began to move, it was a rough ride. Then freedom, I was flying. The wind in my hair and it was so peaceful. The cold water was a shock. Coming up coughing and sputtering was about as graceful as a drunk hobbled goat.

"Are you ready to act like an adult now?" His voice sliced through me. Gathering myself together I exited the lake. Without a word I headed back down the path home, "You are not going to play the silent game with me! We need to talk about this!" Continuing on as if I were alone, his temper was growing. But he still followed, "I didn't forget you, I was told it would be too dangerous for me to return to you. I did fight to get back to you. When I met Ann I told her I wouldn't accept her until you were brought to me." My feet stumbled, halting my momentum. "I was told they tried to move you to a foster home only you ran, a car hit you and you died." Voice cracking, tears pouring down his face, "You were dead. So I blamed Ann. She had me drugged and flew home to Ireland. It took us several years before we became mates." He clears his voice and sniffles, "You're an Aunt. A male and female, his name is Rommell and her's is Paton. I never forgot you pup, you were my first."

Without a thought I launched myself into his arms, bawling and clawing. I attempt to lock myself into him. "Please don't do that again. I can't survive another loss."

"Never again pup, you're mine. Never again will you be alone." I hang down his body as he walks back to Elizabeth's. "Are you going to be OK?"

"Yeah, I'm skipping tonight. Heading to bed."

"Good, we'll discuss the ins and outs of what's going to happen tomorrow. Just know that when I get on that plane you'll be at my side." He kisses my forehead before sending me into the house.

I'm afraid to let him go, what if he disappears? "I'm afraid", my voice is tiny and fear leaks out of every pore.

"Never again. This I promise." A last hug and kiss. "Go get a hot bath and some food. A good night's sleep because tomorrow will be a long one."

The sun has just cracked the horizon as the long day began. Pack members of all ranks rushed around to get ready for this last day of meetings. Breakfast was a spotty affair as most chose to eat in their rooms, there were no formal meetings today. Instead just groups meeting to tie up loose ends to their treaties and agreements. By lunch everything was set for the End Ball. Most of those working tonight's event had been sent home to rest. The kitchen staff was prepping the last of the food, deserts were on cooling racks and meat was slow cooking in large pans. Finally there was light at the end of the tunnel. I hadn't seen Bo, Ann, or King Prick the anticipation was killing me, my stomach was eating itself. Red, Amelia, and Keri had all taken a bit of time to check on me but in the rush to get everything done, the talk was short. But as I sat down for lunch they caught up to me, Keri was the first.