The Alpha's Saviour

Chapter 105 - Hope

Jaycee's POV:

I shake my head in disbelief, knowing what Layla was about to ask me. She swallows nervously, guilt shinning brightly in her eyes. 

The both of us knew I would do anything to help a friend, even face my insecurities. 

"Jaycee-" I put up my hand stomping Laylas words. I was unable to feel anymore of her guilt. It wasn't like she planned it, this was meant to be a back up plan and she knew as well as I did that the chances of me resorting to such things was.. slim.

"Everyone except Layla, please face the tree line." I say. My voice coming out shaky. I couldn't help my nervousness from the situation. Coal walks ahead standing next to Viren, Cassy and Sadie turn their backs to us respectively.

My shaky fingertips grasp the loose fitting dress before lifting it over my head and placing it  Layla's. 

"Jay I'm so sorry, I know you probably wouldn't have-"

"It's alright Layla, I had to face the scrutiny and disgusted looks from Jeff's pack over the last two years, and eventually other pack members are bound to see evidence of my time there. It's time I swallow my insecurities, I can't change what's happened to me, but I can learn to accept myself."

Layla sheds a tear at my words, her guilt anger and pity on display before she squeezes her eyes shut in an attempt to shield me from her spiraling emotions. She pushes her arms into the slots accepting the black baggy dress before throwing her arms around me. "You can always use your illusion magic she offers but I shake my head.

"I forget sometimes that Viren has already seen some of my scars. The things they made us wear when-" I stop talking the moment I register the pain is Layla's eyes. Guild floods me realising she was reliving her rape, over and over because of me and my big mouth. "Coal" I call him forward unsure how else to help my best friend.

Coal wastes no time in scooping his mate up before taking a seat on a near by rock. He places Layla on his lap stoking her back while embracing her and whispering sweet reassurances in her ear. 
"Okay Viren, let's get our fight over with, I'd like to go and change before Dinner with my family." I say bracing myself for the shock, pity and anger he was soon to unknowingly display before me. 

He turns around slowly, his purple hair falling over his face as his eyes remain plastered to the sand. Due to his positioning I am am unable to see his emotions as yet. I glance around seeing the pain and tears in Sadie and Cassy's eyes. Coals attention was solely on his mate to my relief. Laylas eyes were shut tightly, fighting back the memories of her tormentor, attempting to focus on the warmth and comfort her mate's touch provided.

"If you are uncomfortable we can reschedule or cancel, I won't make you continue our fight while feeling so uncomfortable around me." Viren says drawing my atttention back towards him. "I know how you feel about your scares darling, and I know you won't believe me when I say this, but trust me, I don't see imperfections when I look at you. I only see unimaginable strength, courage and beauty."

My heart leaps at my mates words but I take a few calming breaths reminding myself that no one could possibly only see those things. Not with the amount of puckered red and white scars that call my flesh home. 

"I appreciate your words Viren, and although your heart is in the right place, not even you can hide how you truly feel about me." I say making him frown with confusion. "Go on Viren, look me in the eyes and tell me what you see." I say dreading every word. Soon I will feel the shock and disgust I always do when people look at me. I brace myself as he shuts his eyes and raises his head.