The Alpha's Eden

Time

Eden PoV

The truth was I didn't have the strength to fight back when Jace had hurt me. Even arguing was way out of my capability at that point. So much had happened, so many snippets of information, visions and premonitions that had led me to do what I'd done. It was dark and the bitter winter cold had started to chill right down to my bones.

There was also a sense of hopelessness that hung between the three of us that I couldn't ignore. It almost crushed me and the pain was excruciating.

Yet at that point it had just become one more source of pain on top of a dozen that already riddled my body. Plus I didn't exactly need to be psychic in order to figure out where this was going to go.

"Eden you seriously need blood. Human blood, as soon as possible" Blake sighed but refused to look at me and instead stared down at the ground.

"I know, I know" I muttered as I wrapped my arms around my aching body for warmth. I shivered and tightened my clothes around me.

"You're cold" he said as if it was a major revelation.

"Why do we care if she's hot or cold. Saint Eden can look after herself. Hell I'm sure any human would be happy to sacrifice themselves to save a saint like her" Jace taunted me and shook his head in disgust.

"You should have died fighting today Jace. That was your destiny as a mortal and I couldn't bear the idea of losing you. Of our children never knowing their dad. So yes I acted selfishly. But I'd do it a thousand times over if it meant you were still here. Hate me all you want but it doesn't change anything. I'd rather you hate me than you be dead" I knew my explanation was pointless but I had to say it. "Then I got so scared maybe you'd die too so I thought maybe I could protect you too Blake" I added and gave up on stopping the tears that fell down my face.

"It's been a long day. A day of shocks. We need time" Blake tried to meditate and his eyes darted between Jace and I, but never he never met my eyes.

"Let's go. We'll be in contact to see the twins" Jace rolled his eyes at Blake's efforts and then headed towards the others nearer the Woodmoor grounds.

I followed them but hung back a good few metres because I was too sore to keep up and wasn't sure my presence was welcomed anyways. They'd made their stance clear.

They needed time.

I had to respect that even if it hurt like my soul was on fire.

My mind started to spiral and a slew of unwelcome thoughts hit me like a punch to the gut.

The Woodmoor packhouse was engulfed in fire. Bright orange hues flames danced high up into the dark sky and the air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke. Behind the flames, grey clouds of smoke covered over the stars and dimmed their usual shine.

Everyone stood near the edge of the forest as we prepared to make our return journey back home but Jace and Blake stayed back by the area where the dead were slain.

I narrowed my eyes in their direction and noticed how the plumes of the heavy smoke had started to dark cast over the two of them. It was like a barrier had formed between the three of us and my chest ached with a terrible fear that I had pushed them too far this time and that now the fight was over, the true battle had begun.

Apparently I wasn't the only one to notice because Hayden tilted his head as if to analyse the situation.

A similar emotion washed over him and he pulled his true mate closer into his side. The fear of losing her too drove that small action, even if in an unconscious way. If I had my own way my own mates would be as close to me as possible right now, but the sad reality was that they didn't want that.