Truths Collide (WolfGirl 2)

Chapter 13: Sacrifice

(Scarlet James)

Tristan has us packing and on the road in two hours. He said anything else I needed I could always have Anna ship it to me. So as we drive out of ShadowBrooke , I quickly send a few people one message.

Me: I have to get out of here. I love you, please don't come after me or ask me to come back. I won't be any time soon.

I receive replies immediately.

Timmy: Get your ass back here. We're going to get through this together. We always do.

Mom: I love you and I'm sorry. I need you to know that I didn't want this for you. But you need to do what's best for you like you always have. Stay strong. You'll get your happy ending. I trust Tristan.

Everyone continues to blow up my phone until I finally turn it off. Tristan glances at me before turning down the music.

"You okay?" he asks.

"I don't know. I'm trying not to think about any of it really," I reply, but all I can think about was the night Caius marked me. I can't get it out of my mind.

I fully turn in my seat to look at him, "How are you okay with this, Tristan? You didn't even have to think about it. What about your mate?"

Tristan pauses, "You are my mate. I know you don't believe it or understand why I know you are, but it's the truth," Tristan looks stressed by these questions, "I don't know what you want me to say...."

"I don't want you to hate me later on," I reply, quietly.

"That's never going to happen," he shakes his head, "you are the only girl I wanted to be with even before I shifted."

"I'm sorry fate didn't choose us. That must be hard after wanting it for so long."

"God, I keep thinking why and all those what ifs," he grips the steering wheel tighter. He's angry. And heartbroken, "Don't get me wrong. I still want to be with you, of course. I just hoped to do it the right way. I wanted you to want me too."

What do I say to that?

"You'll find her one day," I say softly, not sure if that's what he wants to hear.

He doesn't say anything at first, but then in the lowest voice, he says, "You just don't understand it."

"I'm sorry," I whisper, choking on my tears.

"For what?" he asks, his tone going cold. I deserve that. I have a lot to be sorry for.

"For hurting you," I reply, not daring to look at him.

He's silent for a moment before saying, "When you called and told me about my mom...I can't describe to you how I felt."

I don't know what to say to him. I don't think anything I say will make him feel better. This will take time to fix.

Tristan hesitates, "Caius and I were never close growing up. A few months after I transformed, I left for the army and that made everything worse. It was always Mom...who kept the family together, other than that it was always business."

"I heard that technically you're a part of the Royal Pack now, so why do ShadowBrooke's dirty work?" I know this is a sensitive topic, but I want to know.

"Power. If I wasn't as successful as I am, the Elders would've probably exiled me but they know they can't with the Royals backing my every decision. They need to be on the Royals' good side too. I'm their link. And the job they gave me as the Pack messenger, shifters worldwide don't have to have met me to know who I am. Plus I had to protect my mom from my dad. Coming back to do the Pack's dirty work ensured her safety."