Apart.

8.

Recap:

I knew this would last though. I'd be in pain for a while longer yet.

That was the last thing I thought before everything went black as the pain consumed me.

•••

When I finally opened my eyes and stirred in my bed, Axel - who had been sleeping in the chair beside me - told me I had been unconscious for a day, and that my writhing and pain-induced state lasted for around another 20minutes.

At that point my stomach seemed to realise it was a good time to make itself known, so Axel and I were currently sitting cross legged on my bed eating some peanut butter sandwiches he had run downstairs to make.

He had been rather cautious around me up until now, but I could tell he still wanted to rip Jake's dick off.

"So —" he started.

"I'm gonna go find him." I said in a quiet voice. "He has no right to deny the mate bond. And I honestly think Ben would die if I didn't."

Despite the events of the past day Ben was as quiet as ever. I was beginning to get seriously concerned about his well-being.

"Thank the Goddess! I have been waiting for you to finally say that," I looked up at him and noticed the fiery determination in his eyes, "I coming with you."

"What why?" I questioned, brows raised.

"Um, because he's been hurting you immensely for the past 7months, had sex with someone who wasn't his mate last night, and neither of us have any idea of what he's actually like as a person." Axel rolled his eyes, "I mean, if the past half a year is any indication, I'd be rejecting his ass there and then if I were you."

My lips curved in a tiny smile as my gaze dropped to my lap. Axel really is the greatest friend ever, I couldn't deny his want to come with me. I'd probably end up needing him more than ever.

"You're the flipping best ever, Axel."

A proud smirk crossed his face, "Don't I know it. As if I'd leave you to fend for yourself against dick-head Alpha-to-be, Jake Smith. We'll show him exactly what he's been missing."

We finished our sandwiches and after Axel helped me to the bathroom to shower (I was still majorly sore and weak), I gave him a quick hug.

I know how much he hates hugging, so when he hesitantly return it, a wide grin made itself into my face.

"I'll be back in an hour to check on you." He said as he left my room.

•••

When I was finally squeaky clean, I had managed to get dressed and hobble over to my bed. I was healing slower than expected because Ben was so absent and I had no mate around to help me.

I was only laying there for 5minutes before Trent, Alice and Chelsea all came in to check on me.

I explained what Axel and I were thinking and they each watched on in complete silence, nodding their heads and occasionally muttering small words of support and agreement. I think I told them how fine I was feeling around 80 times before Alice was actually convinced.

I sighed once they left.
Don't get me wrong, it was nice to see them, but I was weak, and alone without Ben, and all I really wanted to do was sleep.

Axel walked in 20mins later, waking me from my nap.

"Ok dude, so I spoke with the pack doctor - apparently we have one of those -" he and I scoffed at the same time for completely opposite reasons, "he advised that you get to your mate as soon as possible if you want to recover. Being in the presence of your mate will help Ben and heal the aches and pains you're currently feeling because of the ignorant asshole."

"I figured as much." I added quietly. It was beginning to get on my nerves. How much my friends seemingly forgot Jake was actually my mate and name-called him constantly. I know he's being irresponsible and inconsiderate, but he's still my mate, I still want to defend him and forgive him. The mate bond does that to a person.

"So it's settled." Jake continued as I raised my head to meet his eye, "We'll set off tomorrow. You can ride on my back in human form so you don't risk weakening yourself further."

At first my response was to put it off for a few days, but I knew if I didn't confront Jake now, I may never get the courage back up to do so.

So as my lost expression was swept away by a hard-set one, we both knew I was up for the challenge.

After playing a few video games and eating some more food, Axel left my room.

"Rest up, Hayden. You're gonna need the strength for the 23hour trip tomorrow."

I sighed exasperatedly and flopped back onto my bed, falling into a deep sleep.

•••

okie dokie!!! finally going to see jake again! hella pumped for this guys, stay tuned! 💗🤩