Run

Chapter 18: The Truth

"I don't have a wolf."

"Brooke, look at me, please. I don't want you to submit," he pleads.

I look back up at him, accidentally making eye contact with him. I lower my head, being submissive.

"I-I'm sorry Alpha," I apologize. I feel my eyes well with tears. "I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You wouldn't be in this situation if it wasn't for me," he says. "Brooke, I am so, so, so sorry. This is all my fault. What I did is unforgivable, and I can't believe I let that happen to you. I want you to be happy." His voice cracks and I see tears welling up in my eyes. "I'm a horrible mate, and I can only beg for you to forgive me. What I did was wrong." I don't respond to him, which only seems to upset him more.

"Brooke, look at me, please. I don't want you to submit. I don't want you to be afraid of me. I want you to call me by my name, not my title. I want you to look into my eyes," he begs. I hesitantly look up at him, and when our eyes meet, his face brightens slightly. I look around the room, and I stop when I see a window. I stare outside, and soon become lost in my own thoughts.

I think about my dad, Felix, Uncle Earl, Aunt Tess, Faith, Claire, James, the pack, everyone.

I suddenly feel my hand being engulfed by warmth, and sparks, causing me to jump. I look down at my hand. I see another hand holding it, and I follow it up, only to see the Alpha holding it. I jump now noticing he's sitting on the hospital bed where I once was laying. Although I'm still in my ball, I still feel vulnerable, and I can't help but notice our close proximity.

"What are you thinking about?" He asks. I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts, but I just can't seem to shake them. I look back down, and the Alpha gently grips my chin, and forces me to look at him. He cups my cheek in his hand, and wipes away a stray tear that's rolling down my cheek. "Please. Tell me what's wrong."

"What happened to New Moon? After the attack?" I whisper.

"The attack from Starlight? They lost. The only ones who survived from New Moon was the Beta and his mate. They've joined Starlight, which is one of my allies." I feel relief flood through me, but only a second later to be replaced with a feeling of strong guilt.

"What is it?" He asks.

"I-I feel horrible. My father probably doesn't know I'm safe. He's the Alpha of Lunar Stone." My thoughts suddenly flood to Felix. I feel my face fall. "I've missed it," I say, more to myself than to him.

"I've missed his first birthday. I've probably missed his first steps. I've probably missed his first words."

The Alpha lets out a loud, menacing growl, and I freeze exactly how I am.