My Arrogant Mate Is An Alpha Jerk [Book 2 of Alpha Mate Trilogy]

Chapter Eight: We Can't Anymore

I haven't spoken to Row in over a week and it's scaring me. I've been my house mostly, instead of going out. I feel like crap ever since the beach incident with Markus, and I racked my brain trying to come up with why my mate rather be with someone else then me? Is it me? Am I bad? Why doesn't he want to be with me, but is with Carla? Does she know his secrets? Why won't he tell me? Does he not trust me or something? I sighed, I have to stop beat myself over these things and I should have fun, and I don't need Row, Tyler, or Markus to do that. I need to drive somewhere, somewhere far away. Then the thought came to me.

"Mom!" I shouted jumping up from the couch. "Mom!"

"I'm out here," She said standing outside on the patio. She held a hot mug in her hand which I presumed with coffee, and looked very, very tired. Ever since my dad died, I have been more worried about Markus then with my mom. She's taking it well I guess, she's stopped randomly crying now. Only certain things provoke her and when she goes to bed alone. I stayed with her a few times but I hear her screaming and crying for dad, and then she said it would be better if she slept alone.

She smelt of soap and perfume and her hair was wet and comb back. She finally took a shower without someone forcing her. I touched her shoulder and she smiled at me, "You know I love you Ella,"

"Yeah mom." I smiled back. "I love you too."

"What wrong?"

"Nothing," I stuffed my hands in my pockets. "I want my driver's license."

"License?"

"Yeah, I'm sick of everyone driving me around and I think I should be more independent."

"If you think so," She said. "We should go down to the DMV and get the drivers' booklet, then you can get your permit."

"Okay, you where are you up to going?"

"I'll be out in a minute,"

"Okay, I'll be in the car,"

~

"It wasn't that hard," I said looking at the piece of paper in my hand. "I didn't even look at the booklet."

"That was Cassandra, she's a friend of mine and that why you passed the test."

"So I did fail?"

"No, but if you did then you would still have the permit. Now come on and drive home," She said handing my the keys.

I got into the driver's seat and started the car. I put on my seat belt and adjust my mirror and pulled my seat forward. I put my foot on the brake and shifted from parked to drive, and we were off. I was driving! By myself, but I kept a cool façade and my mother nodded at me.

" You're a natural, just like you father." She choked.

"Thanks mom," I patted her knee. "You want to listen to music?"

"Your dad like rock, especially while we played pool."

"That's nice mom,"

"It was, now I never get to do it again. I'm thirty-four and my husband is dead and I'm alone for the rest of my life." She choked.

"I'm here mom,"

She disregarded my comment. "He promised me forever and look, he's dead and buried six feet under."

"Mom, look," I tried to grabbed her hand and she snatched it away. "Mom?"

"Not now Ella, I can't."

"Fine," I said looking back the abandon road leading to our house. "That's okay."

I didn't even park and she jumped out of the car and hurried into house and shutting the door. I dialed Rowan's number, just hoping she'll pick up.