Athena's Human Mate

Chapter 40

Athena crumpled to the floor, sobs shaking her whole body as her heart shattered into a million pieces.

I'm sorry Athena, he just needs time and space.

NO!  I gave him time and space, look where it got us!  He hates me!

No he doesn't, I know he loves us.

SHUT UP!!!!  This is all your fault!  He's the same as everyone else!  He doesn't care about me, you heard him!  He thinks I destroyed his life!  Fresh tears made her eyes too blurry to see.

That comment made Artemis be quiet for a moment.  She didn't know what to say that would offer any comfort.  Mother might know, but the restrictions placed on them won't allow communication.  Artemis whined, helpless to take the hurt and anguish away this time.

Athena had enough, he didn't want her, he hated being her mate, the only feelings he had for her was because of the bond.  Without that, he would've walked out forever.  Their bond was the only thing keeping him here, not her.  She wiped her face furiously, she refused to shed any more tears for him.

What are you doing?

Ignoring Artemis, Athena imagined a big silver chest in her mind.  She then gathered all her emotions, her hurt, anger, desolation, love, passion, remorse, guilt and any feelings being transmitted through the bond, shoving them inside the huge box.  Picturing herself grabbing Artemis, she pushed the wolf towards the opening.

Don't do this, this won't solve the problem.  Athena!  Stop!  Please!

Athena didn't respond, she forced Artemis into the chest with all her emotions, shutting the top and locking it.  She blocked everyone out and everything in.  She knew the mate bond was there, but refused to let the connection affect her.  Opening her eyes, she calmly got up and went to take a shower.

Roman was driving towards the gym but he didn't actually want to go there.  He already pushed himself hard earlier and would only injure his muscles, not that it made any difference now.  He kept going, passing the gym, his old apartment, which Bob already gave to another.

All of a sudden, he felt a jolt and pulled over.  Wondering if it was the car, he finally realized it was Athena.  He now felt a void inside, where he used to have her emotions.  She cut herself off from him.  He shrugged, still too angry to care what she was doing.  She can go to hell for all he cared right now.

He drove around for hours, coming home late and hoping she was in bed already.  He unlocked the door and hesitantly stepped in, half expecting her to screech at him for being gone so long.  Silence greeted him, he peeked in their room and she was laying there, his pillow clutched in her arm.

He walked to the spare room and was surprised to see most of his stuff moved in here.  Looking over his shoulder, in case she snuck up on him, he picked up some clothes and headed for the bathroom.  His soap, razor, toothbrush and deodorant were sitting on the sink.  Glad she was accepting his request, he hopped in the shower.

The next morning, he started working on a schedule to get the pack trained.  Everyone except the school kids would start at six am with stretching and a run around the property.  Roman was startled by their short endurance, at least for being wolves, he expected a lot longer trip around the place before some of them began huffing and puffing.  He could outlast them so his top priority was increasing that.

A week later, Roman hadn't said more than two words to Athena, they passed each other in the morning but spent the rest of the day avoiding each other.  At least he was avoiding her.  He didn't know if she was hiding on purpose or not.  He stayed out later, arriving home after she was in bed.