The Chosen

Chapter fifteen

The hot water running over my body loosens my tense muscles. I bite my lips to keep the tears that are pooling in my eyes from spilling over.

After I finish rinsing my hair, I shut the water off and pull the shower curtain back a little, looking around for the towels. I locate two of them on the shelf beside the sink. I pull the shower curtain to the side and step out of the tub. I quickly wrap myself in a towel, tucking it under my arms just as there's a knock on the door.

"Ellie?" Luke's voice says behind the door. 

"Yes?"

"You okay?"

I walk forward and open the door before responding. "I'm fine." It's a lie. I had to fight back tears the entire time I was in the shower. 

He smiles softly, not buying the lie. "I set some clothes out for you on the bed. I'll wait outside while you get dressed."

"Thank you."

He smiles again before turning and walking out of the room, shutting the door softly behind him. I walk over to the king sized bed and find a pair of cotton sweat pants and a sweatshirt sitting on one of the fluffy pillows. 

Well, he obviously isn't worried about how I look, I think to myself. Which is good. Very good, actually. 

I dress quickly and walk over to the door. I open it and find Luke leaning against the wall, waiting patiently. He looks up at me when I shut the door behind me. 

"I thought you looked good when you first arrived, but you look much better cleaned up." he smiles.

"Uh, thanks. I think." 

"I meant it in a good way, I swear." he steps closer to me and puts his hands on my sides. His palms rest on my stomach, making me jump. He pulls his hands away quickly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-I didn't-I don't want you to be afraid of me." he stumbles over his words. 

"You kidnapped me, Luke." I point out.

"I know, but I had to. You wouldn't have come any other way."

"Then you should've left me alone! Do you know how much grief and pain you've caused me and my family? My mother thinks she lost her husband, and now her daughter and grandchild. And Calleo..." Tears sting my eyes as I think of Calleo. "He thinks he lost his mate and his baby. He won't get to hold his baby when it's born. He won;t get to watch him or her grow. Because of you. Because you wouldn't take no for an answer!" He winces at my words. "Could you imagine finding out that you're going to be a father and then having everything ripped away from you?" I'm yelling now. "You're a selfish bastard, and I'll never love you!"

Luke's face is full of shock, like he couldn't believe I was yelling at him.

"Everything okay, Alpha?" A male voice asks from behind me.

Luke composes himself. "Yes. We're fine."

"It doesn't sound like it." The guy presses.

"I said everything is fine." Luke growls. "Leave."

I hear the guy walk away and I cross my arms over my stomach.

"I get it, Ellie." Luke says, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know you hate me. I know there's a chance that you will never love me. But, I'm not going to stop trying."

I look up at him. "I don't hate you, Luke."

"It sure seems like it."

"You took me away from my home."