Don't Fall for the Big Bad Alpha

Chapter 11

When I woke my head felt heavy, and I tried to move but couldn't do anything but lift my head. I quickly realized it was because I was tied to a chair, and began to panic. I pulled at the ropes as hard as I could, feeling the material burn my skin. At this moment I wished I'd just let Theo mark me so I could mind link him. I can't reach my parents either, since we lost the connection when I was kicked out. I realized my phone wasn't in my back pocket anymore either. I prayed that it was getting close to dinner time so Theo would head to my parents house and realize I never made it there, if only I could see my watch I would know. I felt helpless. I don't even know who's taken me at this point. All I know is I'm stuck here and I'm alone with no way to contact anyone. I wanted to yell, to scream but I was afraid it would alert the person keeping me here and I wanted to keep them away for as long as possible. I looked around the room, for anything that could help me escape. But there was nothing in the room except a bed, a table, and another chair.
I was still trying to loosen the ropes when I heard footsteps. I froze, sitting back and staring at the door in front of me. As the door opened and revealed who had taken me, my eyes went wide. My breath caught in my throat, and I felt like i would never be able to breathe again.
"Good, you're finally awake. You know you were out for over an hour? I imagined you'd wake up much sooner than that," said Jackson.
Jackson. My ex. The one who basically ruined me. I didn't even know what to say.
"Cat got your tongue, kitten? Or are you just surprised to see me?"
I shuddered as he called me that name. This is why I hated when Theo called me that when we first met. It reminded me of Jackson.
"Well, since you're not gonna talk, I will," he said, sitting in the other chair across from me, "I never thought I'd see you here again, after you got kicked out. But then today, I heard rumors that you were back. And then I looked out my window to see you kissing someone else. Now, this really shocked me. How could you ever kiss someone else, knowing you're not over me? I still don't understand it. So I thought it was time to talk again. So listen. We both know you want me back. So why don't you just say it, and I'll forget what I saw earlier, and we can go back to how things used to be. Sound good?"
"I'd never come back to you, you piece of shit," I said, glaring at him.
He moved so quickly I didn't have time to prepare myself for the pain in my face as he delivered a hard slap to my cheek. I gasped, clenching my teeth.
"Fine. We'll try again later after you've been sitting here for a while longer."
"Don't you fucking leave me here Jackson. You can't fucking do this to me."
"Watch me, kitten."
He got up, going to the door.
"Jackson! Don't fucking leave me here!" I screamed at him, pulling at the ropes as hard as I could.
After what seemed like hours I felt like I couldn't hold my head up anymore, and passed out.
•••
When I woke I was no longer in the chair, and my hands were tied to a pole above me with my feet just barely flat on the ground. I felt hands on my hips, and someone's warm breath hitting my neck.
"I'm back, kitten. Did you miss me?" He spoke huskily against my neck as he held me from behind.
"No. And don't call me that, I have a name for a fucking reason, asshat." I growled at him, trying to get his arms off of my waist.
"Stop trying to escape me kitten," he growled lowly, nipping at my neck with his teeth, "you know I've got you right where you want to be."
I growled at him, trying to ignore the burning sensation he left behind on every part of my skin that his lips touched.
"Don't touch me, asshole," I growled as I tried to yank my body away from him, but I could only move so far.
"Ah ah ah, kitten. I'd watch that mouth of yours if I were you. You know what it got you in the past."
"Hey Jackson?"
"Better. Yes, kitten?"
"Is this place soundproof?"
"Well, why do you want to know kitten?"
"I wanna know how loud I can be later, sir."
I nearly gagged talking to him like this, especially the way I had to change my tone of voice so he'd listen. Damn my mind for remembering what he likes.
"Oh is someone wanting to be a good girl?"
"Yes, sir. I wanna be a good girl now."
I had to try my hardest not to cringe and even then I barely made it.
"Well, kitten, it's not soundproof at all. But the nearest house isn't too close, and we don't mind putting on a little show anyway now do we?"
"No sir. Not at all."
Perfect. No soundproofing. I can scream and eventually someone will hear me.
"What do you say we have a little fun, kitten?"
"Yes sir. Whatever you want, sir."
I knew what this meant. It meant he'd undo the ropes from the pole to move me to the bed. I'd have a split second window where he'd be vulnerable and distracted to take him down or get away.
"Look at you, being so good now. I knew you'd come around, kitten. I knew you'd missed me."
He stroked a hand through my hair, before grabbing a handful and pulling it, pulling my head back. He wrapped his other hand around my throat, squeezing lightly. His lips trailed across my neck, leaving a trail of sloppy wet kisses behind. He sucked on my neck grossly as he held me there, and I cringed as I knew there'd be hickeys left on my skin.
"How do you want me, kitten?"
"However you want, sir."
"That's what I like to hear. C'mon, it's time to have a little fun."
He started undoing the rope, and I got ready. As soon as it was undone from the pole and my feet were stable on the ground I brought my knee up between his legs. He fell to the ground quickly, and I kicked him in the head, hoping it'd knock him out. I ran, out the door and down the stairs. I quickly found the front door, and ran out it.
"Theo! Help me! Theo! Theo help!" I screamed as loud as I could, hoping he was close, hoping he was looking for me, hoping he could hear me.
"Someone help me please!" I screamed as I ran as fast as I could from that house.
Faintly I heard the door open and Jackson yell after me, and I begin to panic. I can't tell where I'm at. I don't know what direction to go.
"Help me! Theo! Please Theo can you hear me!"
"Get back here you little bitch!" Jackson yelled, running after me.
"Please! Someone help! Theo!"
"Alex?" I heard his voice yell back, and I almost cried in relief, just hearing his voice.
"Theo! Please help me! Please! I-I'm trying to come to you but please I need your help! He's following me!"
I was yelling to him, tears falling down my face faster with every step I took that felt slower while Jackson got closer.
"Alex I'm coming! Keep talking I'm coming to your voice!" He yelled back to me, and I cried more, just hoping I'd make it to him.
"Theo please help me. He-he's chasing me and I don't know how much longer I can run from him. Please. Please help me."
"I'm coming Alex just keep running and keep talking for me!"
"Theo I don't think I can do this much longer."
"Hang on, Alex. I'm coming. I'm almost to you."
I'd almost stopped running because I felt like I couldn't anymore when I saw Theo in front of me in the massive field I'd been running through. He was just feet away. I sobbed, running into his arms. He brought me into his arms, holding me tightly.
"I've got you, love. It's okay. I'm right here," he said, kissing my head.
"Theo h-he's coming. He was chasing me. He-he's coming to get me," I stuttered, shaking.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm not gonna let him. Now I need you to tell me who, love. And let me get these ropes off of you."
He quickly untied the rope that had remained tied around my wrists when I ran out.
"J-Jackson. My ex. H-he took me. Theo you have to get me away from him, please. I can't go back with him."
"I won't let that happen, love. I'm taking you to your parents house. It's closer than the pack house and I need to see what sort of injuries you have."
"I can't run anymore, Theo."
"I know, love. You're not going to run."
With that he carefully picked me up, cradling me in his arms. He walked quickly towards my parents house, holding me close. I wrapped my arms around his neck, crying quietly into his chest. Soon enough we got to their house, and he rang the doorbell a few times in a row to get their attention. My mom opened the door and gasped, urging him inside.
"You found her!" She said, making it sound like they'd been looking for me.
"Yeah. I need to check and see how badly she's injured. I couldn't see anything outside," Theo responded, getting to the point quickly.
"There's a bathroom upstairs, first door on the left. There's a first aid kit in the bottom right drawer."
He quickly took me upstairs and into the bathroom, setting me on the counter. He pulled out the first aid kit, opening it up and looking at what was in it before turning to me. He looked me over, noticing the bruise on my cheek and the cut just below my eye. He looked at the rope burn and bruising on my wrists.
"Is there anything I can't see right now that I should look at, love?" He sighed, thinking.
"I don't know if there's anything there but when he took me he hit me on the back of my head to knock me out," I said quietly, turning and pulling my hair up, putting it in a bun so he could see.
"Yeah, it's split alright. He either hit you really hard or used something other than his fist to hit you. Okay. I need to clean up all of this and then you need burn cream on your wrists and triple antibiotic on this and that cut on your face."
"Okay. I'm sorry, Theo..."
"Hey, why are you apologizing, love?"
"Because none of this would've happened if I had just stayed and waited to come over here with you. If I hadn't needed to go by myself it wouldn't have happened and you wouldn't have to be doing this right now."
Tears fell quickly and quietly down my face, and Theo pulled me into a hug without saying anything. He knew I was crying more because I was upset still from it happening and less that I was truly blaming myself right now.
"It's okay, love. We're here now. That's all that matters right this second. Now, let me take care of you, okay?"
"Okay, Theo."
I sat there quietly as he did everything, thinking over everything that had happened. Jackson really kidnapped me, and expected me to say I wanted him back so we could be together again. He must think I'm insane.
"There you go, love. That'll do for now. I might take you to a real doctor tomorrow, though," Theo said as he finished.
"Okay. Thanks, Theo."
"Hey, Alex, look at me," he said, tilting my chin up so I'd look at him, "I love you. And I'm not gonna let him do anything else to you. I promise."
"I love you too," I whispered, trying not to cry again.
"Come here, my love."
I got down off the counter and let him pull me into a hug, holding onto him tightly. He rested his head on top of mine, kissing my head gently. When we pulled apart he kissed my forehead, before leading me out of the bathroom. We went back downstairs, into the kitchen where my mom was doing some dishes. I couldn't tell if she was doing it because she needed to or if she was stress cleaning.
"I got her all fixed up, for now. I might have a doctor check her out tomorrow though," Theo said to her, making her put down the dishes as she saw me standing there.
She dried her hands off before coming to me, looking me over and then pulling me into a hug.
"Taking her to a doctor would probably be smart. Just in case," she said.
When she finally let me go I looked down at my feet, feeling unsure of myself. Maybe I was in shock from escaping that or maybe I was just tired but I felt like I couldn't talk. Maybe it was just because my mouth was dry. I hadn't had anything to drink since before he took me.
Quietly I walked over to the cabinets and grabbed a cup, filling it up with ice and water from the fridge. I could feel both of them watching me, but ignored it as I returned to Theo's side. Close to Theo is the only place I feel safe right now. I slowly drank my water, holding it in both hands.
"Honey, do you want something to eat? You missed dinner," my mom asked, looking at me.
"No thanks, I'm not really hungry right now," I said quietly, not meeting her eyes.
"Theo, maybe you two should stay here tonight. It might be best to wait until morning to walk back to the pack house. You two can stay in Alex's old room. I think she needs to rest," my mom offered Theo, glancing at me every once in a while.
"I think that's a good idea. Alex, do you want to go lay down?"
I nodded my head, listening to him tell my mom goodnight before I grabbed his hand and led him to my old room. I opened the door, looking at it for just a moment before walking in. Nothing had changed. It all looked exactly the same. I set the water down on the dresser, looking around before sitting on the end of the bed. I held my head in my hands, feeling overwhelmed. Everything that happened today, or yesterday, I'm not sure what time it is, is just all too much.
I felt Theo sit down beside me, putting a gentle hand on my back. I turned and leaned into him, burying my face in his chest.
"I'm sorry this happened, love. I don't want to pry, but do you think you could tell me what he did to you?" Theo asked, running a hand through my hair.
"He didn't really get to do a whole lot... I didn't let him. But he said he brought me there because he knew I wanted him back and that if I just admitted it we could go back to how things were... he wanted to touch me... but before he could do much I got out. I'm not sure if there are any marks but it felt like there would be..." I trailed off as I leaned back, moving my hair away from my neck.
Theo clenched his jaw, and I assumed the angry look on his face meant there were definitely hickeys on my neck.
"I'm sorry... I tried to get him off of me but I couldn't," I said quietly, looking down.
I felt bad, I know I'd be mad if some other girl left hickeys all over him.
"It's not your fault, love. I'm not mad at you, it's just hard for me to see that someone else has left marks on you," Theo responded.
"I can imagine... I'll cover them up in the morning. I don't want you having to see it all day but I also don't want the extra reminder."
"I'm sorry, love. Why don't we go to bed? You must be tired."
"Okay. I'm just gonna change real quick."
"Do you have clothes here?"
"Yeah. There's a ton of stuff I didn't take with me when I left."
He nodded, watching as I walked over to my dresser and grabbed an oversized T-shirt out. I quickly changed, going over to the bed. Theo had taken off his pants and the nice button down he'd been wearing, leaving him in his boxers and T-shirt. I laid down, getting under the blanket. Theo pulled me close to him, and I couldn't help but feel relief that I was back in his arms tonight, and not stuck with Jackson still. Exhausted, I fell asleep quickly.
•••
I shot up in bed, panting and shaking. A thin layer of sweat covered my whole body.
"Alex? What's wrong? Are you okay, love?" Theo asked, propping himself up on his arm as he tried to wake up.
"It's fine Theo, go back to sleep," I said, resting a hand on my chest as if that would calm my racing heart.
"No, love, I'm here for you. What happened?"
"It was just a bad dream, that's all."
"If it's bothering you this much, then it must've been bad. Want to tell me about it?"
"It was about Jackson... I don't think you need to hear the rest, Theo."
"Why not?"
"I don't think it's such a good idea. You'll get upset, and it was just a bad dream anyway, it wasn't real."
"Okay, love. If you insist. Why don't you lay back down and try to go back to sleep?"
"That sounds like a good idea."
I took a deep breath, steadying myself before laying back down. I curled up next to Theo, and he pulled me closer. I rested my head on his chest, sighing. He started gently running his fingers through my hair, trying to help me fall asleep. Soon I fell back asleep.
•••
When I woke that morning Theo was up, on the phone with someone. He sat in bed still, talking quietly so as not to wake me. At some point I must've laid my head in his lap because that's where I was now, and he had been running his fingers through my hair. I slowly sat up, stretching.
"Morning," I mumbled, yawning.
"Goodmorning, love. Matt says hi," Theo responded, smiling at me.
"Hi Matt."
I rubbed my eyes, waiting for him to get off the phone.
"Hey, Matt, I think I'm gonna call you back later. Yeah. I will. Bye."
Theo put his phone down, turning his attention to me. I leaned over, putting my head on his shoulder.
"How are you feeling this morning, love?"
"I'm okay. I think I just need a shower. And maybe some breakfast."
"Good. While you're in the shower I'll go see if anyone is making breakfast and if not I'll cook for you, okay?"
"Okay. Thank you, Theo."
"You're welcome, love. Let me brush my teeth and then I'll let you have the bathroom."
I nodded, watching him get up. I sighed as he closed the door behind him, letting the smile disappear from my face. I'm thankful for Theo and everything he does for me. I am. But I just still feel gross after being around Jackson. And that dream I had.. if only he knew. In the dream Jackson got farther than he did in real life... much, much farther. It made me feel sick.
Theo came back into the room then, and I smiled up at him. He kissed my head, getting his clothes to get dressed again. I got up off the bed, heading into the bathroom. I turned on the shower, stepping in quickly. Finally alone, with the shower making too much noise for anyone to hear me, I cried. I hadn't cried like I really needed to since I got away last night. I didn't want to cry in front of Theo again. It's too much.
When I finally got out I got ready, covering up my injuries with concealer and dressing comfortably, but making sure to wear long sleeves, before heading downstairs. In the kitchen, my mom and Theo were cooking together, seeming to get along well. I sat at the bar, watching them. Theo finally noticed me and walked over to me, kissing my forehead.
"Feeling any better?" He asked, watching me.
"Much. Just hungry now. So could you please get back to cooking?" I teased, putting on a smile for him.
"Fine, I get it. You love food more than me."
"True, but food is the way to my heart."
"Well then let me get right on that."
Soon they were done cooking, and as my dad and my sister made their way to the table I did the same. Mom and Theo brought everything in, setting it on the table. I smiled at Theo as he sat down next to me, trying to tell myself that I feel better now that I got all the crying out of my system.
After breakfast, Theo told me he wanted to go talk to Alpha Knox about what happened, and then take me to see the doctor. I agreed, feeling a little nervous but I know I'll be okay as long as Theo stays with me. After sitting with my parents for a bit longer, we left their house and headed for the pack house. I stayed close by Theo's side, grabbing his hand when I thought I heard something. I felt stupid, acting like this, but I couldn't help it. I was afraid he would take me again.
Finally we got into Alpha Knox's office, and I sat uncomfortably in the chair in front of his desk. Theo sat down next to me, resting a hand on my knee.
"So, what's brought you two to my office?" Alpha Knox said, looking at us both.
"I need to discuss something concerning my mate's safety with you," Theo said, getting right down to it.
"What seems to be the problem, Theo?"
"Last night she was walking to her parents house alone to go see her sister. But before she could get there, she was kidnapped. A man named Jackson took her. I looked and looked for her, but I didn't find her until she escaped."
"What's his last name?"
"Payne," I interjected, "Jackson Payne."
"Alexandria, if you don't mind my asking, didn't you date him?"
"Yes and he abused me for two and a half years. Your point?"
"Just trying to understand the situation, that's all."
"What don't you understand? He waited until she was alone and then kidnapped her. If she hadn't escaped who knows what he would've done to her. Now, she is my mate and if he is going to continue to be a danger to her here then I'm afraid we're both going to have to go home," Theo said.
"I understand, Theo. I'll have him brought in and I will talk to him."
"This better not happen again, James."
Theo got up, grabbing my hand as I stood up and he led me out of the office. He pulled me upstairs with him, to the room we were staying in. Once we were inside, Theo backed me against the wall, burying his face in my neck. I wrapped my arms around him, letting out a sigh of relief when he wrapped his arms around my waist.
"What's wrong, Theo?" I asked, seeing easily that he was upset about something.
"That man is infuriating. What's he gonna do? He's gonna talk to him. Yeah, talking is gonna do a whole lot."
"It's okay, Theo. I'll be okay."
"And if he does it again? If I'm not around and he decides to try again? What then?"
"Hey, that's not gonna happen. I'll make sure I'm either with you, my family, or in a crowded area if I'm by myself outside of this room. Okay?"
"That's not fair to you. To always have to be with someone just to make sure you're not taken by this guy who's obsessed with you? He needs to be punished, not you. It's just not fair to you."
"I know, darling. But it'll be okay, at least for now. We won't be here forever, and when we go home we won't even have to worry about him anymore."
"I'm so sorry, love."
"Don't apologize, you've done nothing wrong. I love you."
"I love you too, Alex. So much."
"Now, is there anything else you want to do before I beg you to lay down with me for a while?"
"Actually, I was hoping you'd let me take you to see the doctor. I know you told me you feel fine this morning but I want to have you checked out so I can be sure there's no serious damage."
"Okay. We can go ahead and go now."
"Yes, love. Let's go."
As we got to the pack doctors office, he had an opening and immediately ushered us in. Theo told him what happened, and he checked everything out. He even did an X-ray on my skull just to be sure. And everything was fine, no breaks no fractures. Finally Theo was satisfied by everything he'd done, and we left. We went back to our room at the pack house, sitting side by side on the bed.
"Theo? Can I ask you something?" I asked as he leaned back against the headboard.
"Sure, love."
"Will you mark me?"
"What? I thought you said-"
"I know what I said. But when I woke up in that house... all I could think was I wish I'd let you mark me before we left because at least then I'd be able to mind-link you and tell you what had happened. And now, I still want that..."
"You know that means that we'll have to-"
"I know. And we will, when the time is right. But still soon because I refuse to go through heat," I laughed, smiling at him.
"I won't let that happen, love. Especially not with him around," Theo growled.
"Hey, stop talking about him. That's not important right now. What's important is right here, you and me, right now."
I leaned up and kissed him gently, one hand on the bed supporting myself, and the other resting on his chest.
"Alex, love, are you sure you want this to happen right now? Of course you know I want this and that's not why I'm asking. I just don't want you to rush this because you're afraid right now. And I know it's hard, but I want you to do this because it's what you truly want," Theo pulled away, brushing his thumb against my cheek as he spoke.
"Of course this is what I truly want. Don't you remember when I told you I wanted this before we left to come here?"
"I do. I just needed to make sure. I don't ever want you to regret anything we do, love."
"With you, I don't think I could ever regret a thing."
He smiled at me, pulling me close. We fell back onto the bed together, each craving the other in a way only mates could.
•••
*later*
Stepping out of the shower and wrapping up in a towel, Theo reached over me and grabbed the other towel hanging up. He flashed me a grin as he wrapped it around his waist, water dripping from his dark hair. I couldn't help but smile, taking in the sight of him. I stepped in front of the mirror to brush my hair and my smile widened a bit as I saw Theo's mark on my neck. I couldn't stop the smile that came to my lips at the fact that his mark was on me. He came up behind me, a similar but admittedly smaller looking mark on his neck. He lightly traced a finger across my mark, and I couldn't stop the shiver that ran through me. My eyes closed when he put his lips there instead, making me grab onto the counter in front of me. Every time he touched the mark it all felt so intense.
"Theo, fuck," I mumbled, my head falling back against his shoulder.
"I love the sounds that come from that pretty little mouth of yours, love," Theo said as he pulled away a little, his eyes catching mine in the mirror, "I can't wait to hear more."
I bit my lip at the thought. I want him so badly now.
"Come, lets go get dressed before we end up needing another shower," I said simply, pulling him along behind me.
He groaned, complaining under his breath.
After we got dressed, it was around dinner time. We could go eat with the rest of those who live in the pack house or go eat with my family, and Theo suggested we go eat with my family.
We walked to their house, and I held Theo's hand the whole way. I was a bit nervous for them to realize Theo had marked me. I didn't want them to be weird about it.
We finally arrived, knocking on the door. My mom opened it, immediately noticing something was different. She ushered us in anyway, greeting us before rushing back into the kitchen. We went into the living room where everyone else was, sitting down on the couch. My dad looked over, obviously noticing the mark.
"Oh, wow. That was fast," my dad muttered, obviously thinking we couldn't hear him.
"What was that, dad?" I asked, looking at him.
"What? Oh, nothing, honey. Just surprised to see you marked after we just saw you this morning."
"It's not a problem, is it?"
"No, of course not. It was bound to happen. I'm just surprised, I guess."
"I met him 4 months ago, dad. It's not like I let him mark me the day we met."
"I understand, Alex. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to upset you."
I rolled my eyes, getting up. I went into the kitchen, asking my mom if she needed any help. When she sent me away I wasn't sure where to go, I just knew I didn't want to go back in there with him. I quickly went upstairs to my room, shutting the door behind me. I felt like a teenager, but I was just frustrated. I don't know why he feels the need to act like that.
"I thought I'd find you up here," Theo said as he came into my room, walking to where I was sitting on the bed.
I looked up at him as he stood in front of me, not really knowing what to say. He grabbed my hands, moving forward to stand between my legs.
"He's your dad, love. He can't be expected to be excited for stuff like this."
"I know. But he doesn't have to act like it's such a bad thing," I said, looking down.
"I agree, but I think that he could've reacted a lot worse and didn't."
"How do you think he'd react if he knew how bad I want you right now?" I said coyly, looking up at him from under my lashes.
"Badly, but who cares what he thinks," Theo responded quickly, letting go of my hands to grab my hips instead.
"Unfortunately, me. I know we can't do this here but I just want you right now."
"I know, love. And I know your dad upset you, but I think you should cut him some slack. A lot has happened in the past few days."
"You're right. I just wish he hadn't said anything. He could've thought it but not said a word."
Theo nodded, brushing some hair from my face gently. He tucked my hair behind my ear, moving down to tilt my chin up so I'd look him in the eye again.
"Alex," Theo said, looking at me.
"Theo?" I asked, my brows furrowed.
"I love you."
"I love you too, darling. So, so much."
"Should we go back downstairs now?"
"No. Mom will call when dinner's ready. I want to just be here with you, right now. If that's okay."
"Of course it is, love."
Theo and I moved to sit at the top of the bed, and he leaned back against the headboard as I leaned into him. I rested my head in the crook of his neck, wrapping my arms around him. He kissed my head, running a hand down my back. I actually started to feel myself get tired, my eyelids feeling heavy. It was then that my mom called that dinner was ready. I sighed, moving away from Theo and getting up. I grabbed his hand as he came over to me, pulling him downstairs with me and into the dining room. We sat down, Theo to my right. Dinner was pretty calm, for the most part. No one else said anything about the mark.
Afterwards, I helped mom clean up and then Theo and I decided to go ahead and leave the house. We'd both enjoyed dinner but we really just wanted some time to ourselves after everything that's happened today. We took the long way back, walking slowly. We were just enjoying being out here, alone together. We were talking quietly as we walked hand in hand. I felt so calm right then, just being there with Theo. It was all going so well until Theo stopped in his tracks.
"Theo? What's wrong?" I asked, looking up at him.
"It's Liam, it seems that James has called an emergency pack meeting," Theo stated, frowning.
"Okay, well it's fine, we can be at the pack house in less than a minute, come on."
"I know, love. I was just enjoying some alone time with you."
"Me too, but this could be important."
Theo nodded, and we walked to the pack house quickly. As we got inside everyone was crowded in the large living room, and Alpha Knox was standing on the stair balcony one floor up. We quickly found Liam and went over to him where he stood halfway up the steps on the left side.
"Liam. What's going on?" Theo asked as we stood next to him.
"I'm not sure, Theo. Knox called everyone here and we've just been waiting ever since," Liam said, looking at Theo.
As they continued to talk I started feeling uneasy, for a reason unknown to me. I started scanning the crowd, hoping to find the source. When I found it I froze, my eyes going wide.
In the middle of the crowd stood an all too familiar face, staring up at me and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I began to panic as Jackson started coming towards me, pushing through the crowd without taking his eyes off me. I let go of Theo's hand, putting my hand on my chest in hopes of calming my heart and slowing my breathing.
"Alex? What's wrong, love? Hey, talk to me, what's the matter?" Theo asked as he looked over and saw me like this, wrapping an arm around my waist to try and make me feel better.
I glanced over at him, and when I turned back I'd lost track of Jackson.
"Fuck." I muttered, on the verge of tears.
"Alex, you've got to talk to me. I can't help if I don't know what's wrong."
"Thank you all for coming. I called this emergency meeting because..." James finally began, but I could hardly hear what he was saying through the ringing in my ears.
"Hey, come on. Liam will keep us updated, we're gonna get out of this room for a bit," Theo said as he pulled me away and into a separate room to the side.
As he shut the door I tugged on my hair, trying to calm down.
"Alex, what's wrong?"
"I saw Jackson. And-and he definitely saw me. He was smiling and staring at me, and he started walking towards me. I-I lost him when I turned to look at you. I don't-I don't know where he is now but Theo I-I just can't do this."
"Hey, it's okay, love. I'm here. I won't let anything happen to you. Right now, I just need you to breathe. Look at me, focus on me, on this room. Breathe. Slowly."
I listened to Theo, and slowly started feeling a bit better.
"Okay. I can't let him do this to me. Let's go back out there," I said, standing up straight again.
"Are you sure, love?"
"Yes. Let's go."
Theo nodded, smiling at me. He grabbed my hand, and we walked back to where Liam was. Liam quickly caught us up, saying that James hadn't gotten to the point yet. He was just droning on about pack values. I quickly glanced around the room again, trying and failing to find him. Theo wrapped his arm around my waist, squeezing my hip comfortingly as I leaned into him.
"So the point of this meeting is that I've received a letter from the rogues who have been trying to wage war against us. And it seems that they are getting ready to attack. I'm afraid it will be worse than it has ever been before," James said as I finally started paying attention.
I glanced at Theo, seeing him processing and planning in his head.
"Theo?" I mind linked Theo, wanting to have a conversation without others hearing.
"Yes, love? Can this wait?" He responded, looking at me for a moment before turning his attention back to James.
"Well it's about this situation..."
"What is it, Alex?"
"I know you may not like this idea, but I need you to let me help train everyone for the attack and I need you to let me fight."
"Of course you can train. And you know I will be worried about you, but I'd be so damn proud to see you out there fighting for this pack and ours."
"Thank you Theo. I'm so glad you understand."
I smiled over at him, turning back to James.
Everything was going well, until I started to feel like someone was staring at me again. I glanced over at Theo, and he was still staring up at James. I took a deep breath, trying to force myself to keep my eyes forward. I couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching me though, and I had to look down at my feet for a second as I took a deep breath, trying to calm down and not look for whoever was looking at me.
"Love? Are you alright?" Theo linked, glancing at me.
"I don't know, I just, I feel like someone is staring at me. I don't want to look though, I just don't want to see him staring at me again," I responded, sighing.
"I'm sorry, love. I've got you though, I'm not gonna let anything happen to you. You're strong, we'll get through this. Together."
I nodded softly, looking over at him. He leaned over, kissing my cheek. I smiled, a faint blush appearing on my cheeks. That was until I caught Jackson's scent, very very close to me. I couldn't help it this time, I glanced away from Theo, quickly spotting Jackson with that Cheshire Cat grin standing at the bottom of the stairs. I quickly grabbed onto Theo's arm, panic running through me quickly. I shook my head no at Jackson, hoping he'd take the hint to leave me alone. This made him laugh, and move up two stairs.
"Theo," I linked, my heart feeling like it was pounding out of my chest.
"What is it, Alex?" He asked, rubbing my back slightly.
"I thought I could be strong but now that he's coming towards me I can't-I don't know what to do. Theo I-I'm scared."
Fuck, I hate admitting that I'm scared.
"Okay, love. Right now I need you to calm down, and focus on me. Okay? Now, tell me where he is."
"He's on the third stair up from the bottom, staring at me and grinning."
A shudder ran through me as I looked at that grin again.
Theo moved so he could see Jackson, peering around my head as I was frozen in place. He protectively pulled me closer to his body, and I could hear and feel him growling quietly. Jackson raised an eyebrow at him, as if Theo was just some random guy I was with and not my mate, not an alpha.
Theo growled again as Jackson came closer. Jackson rolled his eyes, he must not know who he's dealing with. Theo grabbed the collar of my sweatshirt then, tugging it over so Jackson could see my mark. Jackson's eyes went wide, seeing that I was marked and by an alpha, too. Theo growled again, challenging Jackson to come any closer. Jackson quickly surrendered, raising his hands and going back down the stairs. When Theo wasn't looking, Jackson quickly turned and winked at me, grinning again.
I took a shaky breath, turning back towards Theo and staring at the ground. Theo gently held me against him, rubbing my back lightly. I leaned into him, realizing I hadn't been listening to James and didn't know what he said after explaining the letter.
"I'm sorry, love. I know he worries you. But at least he backed off when he saw the mark, right?" Theo linked, looking over at me.
"Yeah. I'm just not sure it means he'll stay away," I responded, sighing.
"All we can do is hope he does and keep an eye out. It'll be okay, I promise. I love you."
"I love you too, Theo."