My Salvation | ✔️

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

I was baffled, "Kill me? When? Why?"

Reese closed his eyes briefly, "I don't know when, or why, but when she tries, I want you to be able to defend yourself, and end her as well. I can't, she has complete control over me, but not you."

"And... I have the advantage because she knows nothing about me knowing about this information," I added onto his sentence.

Reese gave a sideways smile, "Yes, that too. My ma—I mean... Iris is smart, isn't she?"

I bathed in his praise, and for the first time he called me by my name but grew upset when he didn't call me his mate.

He must of realized his mistake, because he voices, "I cannot call you mine because the pack members cannot know, or else Odette will target you sooner than what we need it to be."

I sighed in relief with his answer, agreeing with the terms.

It explains why he said no affection, everyone would know.

Finally, I asked a question that has been bothering me all this time.

"Why did you defend your pack members when we were at the dinner table? They were insulting and making fun of my pack right in front of us!"

He tilts his head to the moon, the stars twinkling in the dark yet beautiful sky.

"She ordered me to, because it would make you hate me more. It's why she wasn't there for dinner, and I was late to dinner. I ordered my pack members to do it, they aren't happy with themselves for that, but it was an order. They had no choice," he explained.

Relieved, I ask another question, "Why did you help my pack? Father gave me some details, but it doesn't add up."

Reese tilted his head back down to meet my gaze, his eyes soft and warm.

They were no longer cold, and empty.

"Odette commanded me to, so once again, I don't know. She has something up her sleeve, and I don't know what. I'm just a pawn in her dirty game," Reese muttered out roughly, his voice rasp.

I nodded, satisfied with all his answers.

Everything happened for a reason.

Reese suddenly grew quiet, causing me to lean closer to him. He suddenly but hesitatingly hugged me tightly, his face burying into my neck.

He was inhaling my scent, but it felt like I was hallucinating the droplets of water on my shoulder.

I tried to turn my head, but he pleaded softly to me, "Please... don't look at me right now. I don't want you to see me like this. An alpha at his weak state."

I didn't push him away, but respected his wishes.

Still, I needed to get my point across.

"It's not a unmanly thing to do if you cry, Daniel. We may be wolves, and we may battle for dominance, but... we're still part human. There's nothing shameful about that. If it makes you feel better, you can always be yourself and show these sides to me when you feel like you need to. I'll never judge you."

His hold tightened on me, "Thank you..."

For awhile, we stayed that way.

Enjoying the comforts of the mate bond working between us.

Suddenly, I asked, "What made you hug me and finally break, Reese?"

He was silent for a moment, but answered, "The fear of you dying by her hands. I cannot lose you too. If I do, I would go insane. I would—"