Fallen Love

Chapter 3

Alioth

I rushed through the pack grounds like I owned the place, searching for my heart not finding her anywhere. Once I realized River was gone, Titania tried to tell me that she would be completely fine but I didn't listen. I had no control over the fear that consumed me.

With my fear, anger grew right alongside it. River knows I wish for her safety more than anything. Did she do this to scare me? To spite me? I couldn't think straight as I searched for her, my mind is centered around nothing else but her, wired to constantly make sure she is alive and well. My breathing grew harsh and heavy and my sanity was leaving me, I was close to tearing this entire forest apart.

What if she's lost? What if she's hurt? What if she is calling out for me but I can't hear past my anger and paranoia? A million thoughts ran through my head while I searched for her until I finally arrived at the lake. Seeing her amidst all the people was like a breath of fresh air. I relaxed only a little, I won't be at ease until she is in my embrace.

I noticed Scarlett sat beside her and the two spoke quietly to one another. Scarlett's expression wasn't exactly making my fear die down, she looked guilty for some reason. Did she hurt River? I jogged over to the pair and before I made it, Scarlett stood up and left, River remained seated but when got close to her, she tensed.

I immediately scooped her up and pulled her to my chest breathing in her scent, allowing her presence to calm me down. She's safe but she's not responding to my touch like she normally would. There was no eye-rolling, no laughter, no smiles. I pulled back frantically looking over her body for any indication that she's hurt but found none. She is completely okay and once my worries were put to rest, my anger took hold.

"How could you do that to me? Why would you leave?" My voice was raised but I didn't shout at her. Regardless, she still winced at the tone I used looking away absently. There was no usual fight in her eyes, no objection or excuses, only silence. It was driving me mad.

She kept her eyes off mine but I was desperate for her to look at me, to see the fear she made me feel in her absence. She must know she is my world and that her safety means everything to me. I took her chin and tilted her head up to look at me but when I saw the tears in her eyes I gasped lightly not sure what to do. She's crying but I don't know why and my mind was hectically thinking of any and all reasons as to why she was sad.

"What's wrong?" I demanded, grabbing her shoulders. "Are you hurt?"

I would have seen an injury, maybe it's internal. What if she fell and is bleeding on the inside? Her silence is driving me insane I need her to say something before I lash out at someone or something nearby. I would never hurt River but I can't say the same for anyone standing in my path of rage.

"River!" I couldn't stop the shout that left my mouth. My mate jumped back and I instantly regretted it. She was shocked at my outburst and I helplessly watched as her lip trembled until finally, small sobs raked her body.

I picked her up, holding her close to my body. I am frozen unable to act on whatever it is that's bothering her until she tells me herself. It pained me to see her this way, whatever happened made her break and I intend on finding out what that was.

I collected myself enough to lower my tone and show her the emotions I know she needs to see from me. Being angry will only upset her further, she needs to know I won't harm her, that she is my ending and beginning.

"I'm sorry my love, forgive me," I whispered in her ear, which helped a little. Her sobs softened and I felt her body relax against my own. Whatever happened is my fault, I didn't give her the attention a mate deserves, I was busy with my duty to the Star Keeper but River is my life, I've neglected her, taken her for granted. I won't any longer, I need to tell Titania that I will be taking a bit of time off to spend with my mate, she needs me and I need her.

"River, I need you to tell me what's wrong. At least tell me if you're hurt." I pleaded with her, closing my eyes waiting for her to tell me that something awful has happened to her.

When she pulled her head back to look at me, all I saw was betrayal. I was confused but I still waited for her word.

"Why didn't you tell me you had a mate before me?" She whimpered out.

Of all the things I thought she would say, that was not one of my guesses. I was stunned into silence my mouth was partly opened by her knowledge of my past. I wanted to be the one to tell her but she already knows and she has doubts, I can sense it. She thinks I don't want her, she thinks my previous mate is who I want but she doesn't know how wrong she is.

Once upon a time, yes, my first mate meant everything to me. She is gone now and River is here, I wouldn't trade her for the world.

"I was going to tell you," I promised, hoping she believed me.

"Why didn't you?"

"I wasn't sure how yet. I wanted to tell you when the time was right, when I was sure you were ready to hear it." I tell her, wiping away her tears.

She sniffled, placing her head on my chest trustingly. She didn't say anything after a while and it hurt me more than it should. Was she furious with me? Does she want to leave me?

"Is she the reason you don't let me be by myself?" She asked softly.

I sighed, pulling her closer. I should have told her sooner, she probably thinks I'm some possessive male that wants to keep her from living her life the way she wants. I just don't want to make the mistake of being careless with her the way I did with my first love.

"Yes," I answered.

She looked up at me, eyes still glistening with tears but she was calming down some and I visibly relaxed at the sight.

"I'm not her." She told me, waiting for my reaction.

I nodded in understanding, "I know that. I don't want you to be her, I want you, River. I don't want to lose you, I can't."

Her eyebrows drew together in worry, "If we can't compromise, then you've already lost me."

Her words broke my heart but I knew she was right. I need to learn to trust her. She can take care of herself but so can I. I don't want her to ever think I won't be there for her, I just don't trust those around me, not when it comes to her safety.

"I understand, my sweet mate. I will try, but it won't be easy for me." I tell her honestly hoping my explanation won't deter her from me.

"I don't expect it to be, but as long as you're willing to try then I will too. For you." She told me, pulling my head down for a soft kiss. I groaned against her lips, tasting her sweetness, wanting more.

"Forgive me," I whispered, hoping she'll give me another chance to be the mate I know she needs me to be.

Her smile was the only thing I needed for reassurance, "Always."

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