How much can love save?
*
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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~LEILA
"Come on, sweetheart, I'm sure it didn't mean anything."
"Of course, it did." I sat down on the bed, brushing at my hair for the millionth time that day. "Why would she bring it up then? What if that woman meant something?"
Nick moved from where he lay down and sat next to me. "You're only paranoid because we never asked her how she navigated her way through your pack and returned safely after all those days."
I stopped brushing, throwing my hands up. "Of course, I'm paranoid, Nick. I can pretend all I want that it didn't scare me but it did. Who helped her all those days? Who took her into custody? What bargain did she naively strike with them without knowing? Am I supposed to expect anything?"
"You know I'd kill anyone who took advantage of her on those days, even if they were a god."
I still wallowed at the mention of that woman from Rey when she bid Natasha goodbye. I didn't know what got into me. It was enough to keep me on edge the whole day. I didn't dare once ask Rey about where she had been or how she'd gotten into my pack for fear of what I'd find out in that story. Rey also enjoyed exaggerating events, and sometimes, I didn't know if what she said was real or not. All I knew was that she was real and here with us. But sometimes I asked myself if I was being stupid not to ask.
"I don't know...she looked calm when she came back. Max said he'd found her with nobody else."
"Ask her then." Nick held my hands in his, calming me from brushing my hair vigorously. "Ask her if you're anxious, Leila."
"What if I don't like what I find out?"
"Then we'll start from there...or you'll remain anxious for the rest of your life."
I looked at him. "Aren't you the least bit worried?"
"I am...and your anxiety is also rubbing in on me. But I figured Rey speaks freely with you more than me. But if you need me to be there, I will."
I sighed, relief hitting me.
*
It had been a few hours since Natasha had left. Max kept himself away after openly threatening Nick that morning. Nick hadn't taken a big deal out of it, he knew he was upset.
Nick and I watched Rey teasingly spur around with Max in the training ground. She giggled freely when she thought she had actually knocked him down. Max pretended to groan and fall over. I smiled at them. I smiled more when she threw herself over him and he pretended to howl in pain. She laughed more and he claimed her, closing her into his arms with a teasing roar. She screamed and laughed, and I found myself chuckling.
Nick held my hand and squeezed. I looked at his beautiful face and felt warm in my chest. Everything looked normal as if the chaos outside didn't matter. My little pup was playing with my best friend and my mate was standing right beside me, looking at me with adoration.
