How much can love save?
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Leila is torn between keeping away from her mate and saving her Pack. She believes staying away from him is best for the both of them. But the only way she stands a chance at protecting the people she loves is if she accept...
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~NATASHA
I knew Max was angry, but I also knew he would try to convince me out of this when I ran into him. So I stayed away. I spent my days with Kayeel, trained with her, ate with her...even slept at her place at times.
I wanted to do this.
After that meeting, Nick asked why I did so much, but I couldn't voice my answer to him. I didn't want him to change my mind too. So I left with Kayeel. At least she didn't ask questions. I appreciated her silence and her instructions. I needed to be calm in these few days. I didn't have a whole priviledge of lifetime training for this but I knew how to read people.
That's why I knew I should go before Max took that offer. I had seen the look on his face ever since I told him about the vision. He told me I wouldn't lose him but he forgot I could also read him.
He lied.
I knew he was determined not to feel what he'd felt before. I knew he didn't want to experience the death he felt of his friend. And I read the determination to make sure that didn't happen. He would do anything. I knew he would give his life. And I was not ready for him to do that. Even if it sounded so selfish.
But I also wanted to help. I wanted to be useful. I believed everyone had a purpose. Maybe this was the reason my brother found me. Maybe it was the same reason that brought me here to stop my mate from giving up his life. Maybe that's why I had that vision when I was with him.
I was leaving tomorrow with a bus. Apparently, the borders were open for people to go in and out of the pack. That's how the refugees left. But getting in had a series of check-up points. Any threat is taken out there and then. Kayeel didn't think I was a threat. No one knew I existed. Everyone still believed Nick's sister was dead. So it would be easy for me to enter even if my ride came from within the Dark Crescent Pack.
Kayeel suggested to go back to the mansion for the night. I almost argued against it, but she thought it would be important for me. So I did.
I arrived at dinner but Max wasn't at the table. They all looked surprised to see me but welcomed me warmly nevertheless. I was glad none of them spoke of my decision, not even my mother.
Nick urged me to head to bed early so I wasn't tired for tomorrow. As soon as I made it up the stairs, I smelled him before the front door opened. My body turned without my permission and his grey eyes met mine. Devoured them.
"Natasha..." His voice was tender yet strong. His chest rose and fell, breath after breath and I just...stood there, looking at him.
His scent made my feet root on the last stair. I couldn't move. I was too afraid to move.
Go to him...please! Poppy whined.
I couldn't move.
"Max!" Nick walked towards him but Max's eyes were still on me. "I need to talk to you about something."
