The Prophecy of the Red Wolf [WattpadPrize14]

Chapter 8

I wait for an answer and I feel my heart breaking more with each passing second. Big fat tears continue to splash onto her lap as Arianna wrings her hands tighter. My heart squeezes at the sight and I sigh, reaching over to pull her onto my lap.

I guess since she just got her freedom, she’s not going to want to be tied to me so soon. I hug her with all I’ve got, trying to ease the heartbreak that I am already feeling. I have to let her go, I realize.

Taking in a shaky breath, I blink away the tears and clear my throat.

I’m sorry…” I started. “I’m sorry I assumed that you wanted to stay. I’m sorry I assumed you liked having me around. I’m sorry I assumed you needed my help. I’m sorry I assumed you would accept our mating call..” my voice broke at that point but I pushed on.

“I’m sorry for subjecting you to another form of abduction and imprisonment. I’m no better than the person or persons that took you and kept you for five years. For that I am truly, deeply sorry…” My heart completely broke by that point and I couldn’t keep the tears from falling any longer.

Standing up with Arianna still in my arms, I say softly “I’ll take you back to bed. It’s late and you’re probably tired. Don’t worry, I’ll be sleeping in Nate's room. We’ll discuss what you want to do in the morning..”

Blake clapped his hand on my back as I passed him. I didn’t lift my head, I didn’t want to see the pity in his eyes. I just nodded absently.

I hug her close to me one last time before I set her down on the bed. I busied myself tucking the duvet into her sides without looking at her face. I was afraid of what I’d find. Pity? Sorry? Relief?

I moved in to give her a kiss on the forehead but stop short. I don’t think that’s appropriate anymore. I clench my eyes close tightly, it hurts too much. Straightening my back up, I give a curt nod in her direction and moved to leave. Each step feeling heavier than the last.

I trudge down the stairs, letting my tears flow freely now. I passed Nate and Blake’s floor to continue down the stairs. I did say I would sleep in Nate’s room but I doubt I’ll be getting any sleep tonight. I just want to curl up into a ball and die.

Reaching the sitting room, I flop onto the couch. I let the events of the past month run through my mind like an old movie reel. I don’t know if the pain in my heart will ever go away but maybe that’s a good thing. It will always remind me of my Arianna.

I laugh through the tears, at my short lived happiness. I laugh at my stupidity. I laugh at my broken dreams. I laugh at my crushed hopes. I laugh and laugh hoping it’ll lessen the pain. And I laugh again, knowing it doesn’t.

Just as the remnants of my laugh fade away, Arianna steps in front of me. I avoid her face again and just look at her feet. Forcing a smile, I stand and asks her if she needs something. “Some snacks perhaps?” I query, forcing my voice to sound cheerful. I’m sure it sounded like I got strangled.

And then it hit me. She probably wants to leave right now.

“You want to leave now, don’t you?” I ask resignedly.

A pregnant pause. I guess that’s my answer.

“Okay… I’ll go call a cab. You can let the driver know where you want to go. I’ll get Blake to go with you so you’ll be safe and then he’ll come back once you’re at your destination. Don’t worry, I’ll give him an alpha command to never tell me where you went. Ever.” I assure her.

She takes a step closer and I take that as consent to my suggestion.

“Umm… Okay.. I guess I’ll go get Blake and pack you some clothes, the ones Blake got for you. And also your coat. I’ll call the cab on the way up. Just think about where you want to go… I mean, if you haven’t yet already…” I tacked the end on; pretty sure that she knows where she wants to go.