A Tainted Love

Chapter Twenty-One

Russell's POV

I felt Paige's mind enter mine and was instantly filled with worry when I felt her pain. When she sent me the thought that she was getting ready to have the baby I went into overdrive. I snuck away through the crowd and raced through the woods. I heard screams behind me and people following me, but only one thing was on my mind: getting to my mate.

I dodged trees, jumped over logs, and swam through rivers. I eventually heard the wolves behind me tire and turn back. I was too intent on getting back that I didn't really pay attention. I kept telling myself they were right behind me and I had to go faster.

I tried to push past Paige's barrier in our minds, but I couldn't get past. She had a hard-to-break barrier up and I couldn't find a way around. I wanted to know what was going on. Did she have the baby? Did something go wrong? This was too early for the baby to be born and I was really worried.

I pushed myself harder, but soon I had to stop for a drink and to rest. I had gone about ten miles, maybe more. I wasn't fully sure, and I had no way of really telling since I hadn't been paying that much attention to my surroundings. I only knew which way was home and I was headed in that direction.

I found a small creek and settled down next to it. I would rest a few moments and then continue on my journey. I wanted to be there for Paige at this time and I had to make it back in order for that to happen. I wanted to experience this with my mate. It had taken us a long while for this child to be conceived and now I was about to miss the labor.

I tried once more to get into Paige's mind as I rested and found myself making some progress before she pushed me away once more. I drank slowly as to not make myself sick and then started running again.

My paws started bleeding, leaving red paw prints in the snow behind me. The snow was melting, but it was still chilly in the atmosphere. I couldn't really feel it, but I could tell by the ice on the trees. They were still there, but barely, so it had to be somewhat chilly.

Soon I reached the edge of Garret's territory. I was that close, but I collapsed. My legs hurt and my paws were bleeding. I was worn out from running the entire way. It was one of the things that made our journey to find Hannah longer. We had to keep resting as to not tire ourselves just in case we ran into a fight or another werewolf. I had pushed myself as far as I could this time and I had to rest or I wouldn't make it.

It had been about thirty minutes and I knew that I might have missed my mate's labor, but I would get there tonight. I heard a twig snap and then a growl. I looked up just as Reese came flying out of the bushes and lands on top of me.

It took him a moment, but he seemed to recognize me. He climbed off of me and changed back. I did the same, but couldn't find the strength to stand. "What are you doing here? Where's Garret?" he asked me.

It took me a moment to respond and he repeated the question. "I heard you the first time," I managed to get out. "I have to get to Paige, she's having my pup."

"You're not going anywhere until you tell me what happened." He moved toward me and I growled at him.

"You will not keep me from my mate. I will get to her even if I have to kill you. Move out of my way pup," I snapped at him. I climbed to my feet, ignoring my aching muscles. I was trying to act tougher than I was feeling and I soon failed as I fell to the ground.

Reese rolled his eyes and came over to where I was. He put his arm around my back and put my arm on his shoulders. He then hoisted me to my feet and we started walking toward their camp.

"You're not going the right way. I want to go to my camp and I mean now. If you don't take me I'll find someone who will." I looked around for such a person.