Battle Scars

Chapter Twenty-Five

***Alberto's POV***

"I don't want secrets between us." I whispered against Frankie's hair as I held her tight in my arms. We had spent the entire night christening my office, but had yet to actually speak to each other.

"I don't have any secrets." She mumbled back to me.

"Francesca, you were freaking out during dinner last night, and you walked out on me when I was trying to talk to you about it. We're getting married in a few days. I need to know before I stand up in front of everyone, that you're going to be open and honest with me no matter what the issue is. No secrets, baby. Ever." I was begging, pleading. 

"You already know that I have self esteem issues. You made a speech last night about the sacrifices this Pack made when they knowingly walked into the face of danger to stand up for this family..." She paused to take a deep breath. "All I kept thinking is that it's not fair that I'm going to be the Luna, that I'm going to be standing by your side to lead this Pack, and yet I am not capable of protecting any of them because I'm not one of you. I couldn't help but think that a strong Alpha needs a strong Luna. I just wish that I was a werewolf, too." Her voice was wavering with emotion, and I held her a little tighter.

"Were you afraid that you weren't good enough for me because you're not a shifter?" I nearly choked on the words.

"More or less."

"I don't know how many times I can tell you before you believe me, Frankie. You are perfect just the way you are. We balance each other out well. Honestly, I was relieved to learn that my mate wasn't a werewolf, because I can worry less knowing that you're not out there facing the same dangers. I know that at the end of a patrol, or a fight, that I have you here for me to come home to, and that you're safe. It takes a weight off my shoulders to know that if anything ever happened to me, our children will still have you. I am so glad that you're not like me, because if you were, I'd be terrified every time you went out for a run without me, or went on patrol like the others, or moon goddess forbid have to stand at the front line and fight against rogues or pissed off neighboring Packs. 

"I get to sleep better at night knowing that if danger comes our way, I can lock you up tight in the house and protect you. Every time I met a new shewolf, I prayed that she wouldn't be my mate. I felt relieved each and every time I learned she wasn't, because I didn't want my mate to be a shifter. The night we found you, we were out on night patrol. Simon called to me to tell me that he had found something. I was expecting a dead animal, or another wolf trespassing on our land. When Simon told me he found a girl, I was intrigued. When I got within ten yards of you, I knew exactly who you were. I got a whiff of the most amazing scent, so alluring. As I made my way to you, I couldn't help but hope like hell that you were human. I was so elated to find that you were, and the second my eyes landed on you, all I could say was 'its her'. I was already in love, and I was so happy to have found you.

"I didn't want to let you go home after I found you. I shifted every night and ran to you. I couldn't stay away. When you didn't get scared of me in the park, and you named me Sterling, I knew you'd be able to handle who I was. I knew you'd never be scared of me, because you would scratch my ears and tell me your secrets. Every night that I wasn't on patrol, I was there just waiting, watching, making sure you were safe. The night that your dad came out, I would have killed him had you not talked me down and begged me not to, because he deserved to die for what he had put you through. Not once from the moment I met you, have I ever wished that you were anyone other than who you are. Never once was I disappointed with who the moon goddess sent for me. Never once did I think about rejecting you. Never once was I did I think about walking away from you. You are my world, baby. I can't wait to marry you, and I never want you to think otherwise." I leaned my forehead against hers as I used the pads of my thumbs to wipe her tears.