Only Mine

Chapter 22: I'm Not Waiting Any Longer

     We walk into the house hand in hand when suddenly his body leans into mine, pushing me hard against the wall. His soft lips grazing over mine when before I know it, his tongue slips between my lips. Skimming my tongue with his, my body fills with an urge I cannot go through with. This urge causes me to pull away, and stare into his eyes with a burning passion yet telling him I can't. "We can, you choose not to since you're scared." He says as he moves away. "I am not." I lie. "You are. I can feel it." He says and I hang my head. I couldn't deny that.

I am scared. After our first child, we'd take over as the King and Queen. But what if I can't defeat King Carter? And die trying.

"You can and you will." Blake says as he presses a kiss to my forehead. "I know you still love him." He says and he pulls away. "What?" I ask confused. "The Alpha. He still holds your heart and I know he always will." He casually continues and my heart sinks.

It was true what he was saying. And it pains me to admit it. River sparked these flames in me. Whenever I'm near him, my heart races and I get butterflies.

But I can't deny I don't feel anything for Blake. It's like I can't control myself when I'm with him. But it could just be the prophecy that makes me feel the way I do. It said I would forget every male before him, but it seems as if I can't. I remember each and every one.

"I'm sending you back home. Even if this prophecy says we'll be together in the end, I'm letting you go back to the one who has your heart." Blake interrupts my thoughts and I look at him. "Blake..." I say pleadingly and he shakes his head. "Just get packed up. I'm taking you home first thing in the morning." He says before walking off towards his office. I open my mouth to call him back, tell him that I have feelings for him but instead, I go off to the room to pack my things.

I pack within the hour and decide I'll take myself home instead of having to leave with Blake. Seeing him will only make matters worse. I couldn't be a reminder of what he wanted. And I didn't want to see a reminder of how I fucked things up.

   I write a small note and leave it on his pillow. I open the window, knowing the bedroom was soundproof. I shift into my wolf and grab my bag in my jaws. I had packed thinking life would turn out for me like it has for Danielle, my distant cousin. She had gotten herself three wonderful mates and rule over the North with the aid of the Order.
   I envied that about her, though I did love her. She had gotten so much so fast. I know the way she got it was terrible, losing her father and brother then her mate. That was one thing we have in common. We lost a father and a mate. But I know my envy is making me dark inside and I know I have to let it go. And I think that River can help tame my darkness and I can help him with his.

  I cross out of Gethen territory and run in no pack's land. I wasn't getting killed traveling back home. That wouldn't be pretty if the Haydens or CrescentLakes killed me. That would cause a large war between the packs, which ultimately will throw off the tense peace we have at the moment.

"Alpha Female! You're back so soon. And alone." Colin says as I trot up to the gates.
Never mind that Colin.
I lift my head once the gates open. I walk down the road like the regal wolf I am. I may not be the Queen over the wolves, but to my pack, I am.

I am their Queen. Their Mother. Their Alpha.

   But I am also a Queen without her king. A mother without the father. And an Alpha Female without her Alpha Male.

   And all of that changes today.

River

  I stretch out my muscles after doing paperwork for hours.
Everything completely fell apart the moment Alexa went with Blake. The pack didn't know how to react to the news of two enemy packs becoming one. That dream I had all those months ago, is coming true. Blake took Alexa from me.

  I hear howls from the pack and I quickly rush down to the pack compound. I was praying it's not a rival pack attack, we wouldn't do well in one of those. Not after those other attacks we've faced.

  I try to walk between the pack to no avail until my mother noticed me. She growls lowly and the pack makes a pathway for me. What I see catches me off guard.

   "Hello River." Alexa says and she rises from the bench.
   "What are you doing here Alexa? I thought you went with Blake." I ask and I try to reign in my wolf. He was hurt and felt she betrayed him by going with the Gethen Alpha.
  "I came home. Is that an issue?" She asks and I can hear her anger loud and clear. I simply shake my head and take her bag.
  "Let's get you settled back in." I say and she nods.

Alexa

   Sometimes, I really just want to bash in his head. I know him and his wolf are hurt but he didn't have to be so harsh with me. He knows I was forced to attend the Gathering, so why is he angry that I was chosen?

He opens the door to the house and I follow him inside.
"River..." I start and he turns around, a hard look in his eyes.
  "What Alexa?" He growls and I look away.
  "I miss you." I say and I hear his sigh.
"I've missed you too," he says and he wraps his arms around me. I inhale his welcoming scent and I lay my head on his chest. He runs his hand down my hair and presses a soft kiss to the top of my head.
  "It's okay now, I've got you back." He says and I smile.
 
  I'm finally where I'm meant to be.