Jaime's pov
I have to get out . . . I need to see Eric, to warn him and . . . and to explain why I rejected him. I've been waiting for Nicholas to return to our bed, so I could escape while he was sleeping, but he didn't return and I know I can't wait anymore. Carefully climbing from the bed I quickly dressed and creep over to the door, quietly open it and cautiously making my way down the hall. If I get caught . . . no, I can't think like that or I'll lose what little courage I have. I freeze when I hear voices in front of me.
"Did you hear, that Eric kid came back and killed five of our pack members."
"What is the Alpha going to do to him?"
"What do you think?"
"It's no more than a murderer like him deserves."
The voices continued their discussion as they went further down the hall and I hurried out of my hiding place, even more determined to reach Eric before Nicholas did. I continue quickly, but carefully making my way towards the door until I was standing in front of it, holding the knob in my hands. A wave of doubt flooded me and my wolf instantly argued with my human side.
'You can do this.'
'What if I get caught?'
'So you will let your mate die because you are afraid?'
'That's not_______.'
'Then stop hesitating and go.'
Taking a deep breath and allowing my wolf's confidence to strengthen me, I turned the knob and made my way outside, heading for the woods. As I was running. I felt a pain in my stomach.
'I-Is it time?'
'Don't worry, Jaime, I will protect the pups . . . you must find our mate.'
'But__________.'
'Hurry before it's too late!'
Pushing the pain aside, I pushed myself forward, when an angry growl halted me in my tracks. Turning I saw a coal black wolf approaching me.
'You betrayed me, Jaime.'
"E-Eric?"
'What's wrong? Surprised that I didn't run off with my tail between my legs after you rejected me?'
"Yes . . . I mean no . . . I mean I need to talk to you."
'We have nothing to say to each other.'
"You're in danger! Nicholas has killed some of our pack members and he blamed you for it! They're after you!"
'Why are you telling me this, aren't you his mate?'
"You don't understand . . . I__________."
'No, you're the one that doesn't understand, you think the only reason I came back was to claim you? Wrong. I came back to kill that monster you call a mate . . . stealing you from him would have just been a bonus.'
"You're just like him. When he told me that you were my true mate, I was so happy . . . I thought you would______."
'Would what?'
"I thought you would save me. . . look it doesn't matter, you need to leave. You're only causing trouble."
'I told you before, I'm not going anywhere. And what do you mean, "save you"?'
"Have you ever been raped by your sire? Have you ever been beaten and tortured until you wished you were dead or been forced to watch the only person that cared about you in the world die because they tried to protect you? Has your innocence been stolen before you even knew what being a mate really was?"
