The Alpha's Mate

Chapter 20

Manon's POV

I ran through no man's land fairly quickly.  This time since I was in better shape it took me just a few hours.  I ran past trees and I could sense the border nearing. 

My mind kept straying back to Ronan.  I was going to have to talk to him.  My human side hating it.  After what he did, I didn't want to see him, or hear any of his excuses.  My wolf on the other hand was excited.  She wanted to see her mate, she missed him.  

I neared the eastern border.  I heard voices, one sounding like Piper, so I followed the noise.  I slowed from a run to a walk, wanting to delay seeing him.  Taking my time, I picked up rocks, chucking them against trees,  or walking along logs.  

Soon I reached the border.  Before I could reach the clearing I heard an exciting squeal from Piper.  I walked, pushing branches and reached the clearing.  "Manon!"

Piper jogged towards me, wrapping me into a hug, which I returned.

She felt my bag which was dangling from my shoulders and smiled.  "You're staying?" She questioned with a grin.  I let out a sigh, her happy mood gradually wearing off.  "No, not really."  I looked at the ground, then scanning her face. 

"What do you mean?" Her smile fading.  "You're surely going to stay a few days with me, right?"  She grabbed my wrist and started to walk me.

"I mean I guess, I don't really have a plan just yet."  We walked and I could tell by her expression, Piper was trying to figure me out.  

"Technically I'm a rogue now, Piper."  I state, not looking her way, but instead the ground.  "What?" Her face scrunched.  I sighed.  "I left my old pack."  

Piper stopped, then started at me with a confused expression before walking again.  "Why?"  I wanted to pull some excuse out of my ass, but I couldn't lie.  "I haven't exactly been the nicest person lately, Piper."  I breathed, my breath shaking in worry from both the truth and Ronan.

"I've been short tempered and mean." Running my tongue over my teeth I continued.  "My nieces and nephews are afraid of me, my family is sick of me."  We were reaching Ronan's house and it only made me feel ill.

"I left, abruptly too, people screaming, children crying.  You would think I shot their dog."  Piper didn't seem to care about my actions.  "I don't think that's really an expression." She smiled, I could tell she was trying to lighten my mood, she knew I was nervous because of Ronan. 

"What?"  I questioned, grinning.  "Shot their dog, I've never heard it before."  She smiled.  "I'm pretty sure I heard it somewhere."  She laughed, but quickly returned to a more serious attitude.  

I was quiet, so was she.  We were coming close to the house, and I was having more than second thoughts.  I want to run, I don't want to be here.  Piper broke my panic.

"You shouldn't be nervous, Manon." She whispered turning to me.  "What if-" I begin, but am interrupted.  "Don't worry, even for some reason it doesn't go well, we're here for you."