Pines Grove

Chapter 7

I shot up from my deep sleep, a scream escaping my lips, my body was covered in sweat and my chest was heaving for air. I flinched as I felt a hand wrap around my bicep, I looked over to see a near naked Braxton under the sheets, laying next to me.  Almost immediately my body relaxed, I fought back my tears and bit my lip harshly as my eyes glossed over. I looked down and seen that my claws were buried deep into the mattress. I sighed softly as I pulled my hands free, I frowned and fell against Braxton, closing my eyes and taking in his sent. Slowly but surely, I calmed down, my breathing went back to normal and I was no longer shaking. 

I pulled away from Brax and looked into his eyes for a brief moment, "I've missed you." I said and forced a small weak smile. He lifted his large hand and pushed hair back behind my ear, "I've missed you too Koda babe.". I leaned into his touch and let out a soft whimper. His touch sent shivers down my spine, and the realization that I had Braxton in my bed was overwhelming. I had been ignoring and pushing my feelings for him deep down, now I was finally opening up, but instead of going about it slowly, it was like the flood gates had been opened all at once.

Braxton was my mate. I had run away from him and everything I knew, yet he still loved me. He's respected me and given me my space, at this point I knew I didn't deserve him. I wanted him to mark me, I wanted him to claim me, I wanted a life with him. In doing so I would have to be ready to go back home and face my parents, which I was not ready to do.

We were interrupted by the opening of my bedroom door, thankfully I was fully clothed. Braxtons hand left my cheek, I almost reached out and placed it back on my cheek but I resisted the urge to do so. After a moment or so my brother appeared from behind the door, a dreadful look washed over his face, causing me to frown. "What's going on?" I asked and slid out of bed. "I just got off the phone with mom and dad, Koda. They want me and Braxton home. Immediately." He said softly slipping his phone into the front pocket of his jeans. My eyes shot from him to Braxton, my mouth open slightly. "But you guys just got here.." I said, once again my eyes glossed over. I had really missed them, I wasn't ready for them to leave so soon. Part of me wanted my old life back, my Braxton, my bed, my brother and my friends, but the other part thought going home was sickening. 

Braxton sighed and got up, he grabbed his shirt and jeans that he had taken off in his sleep the night before and dressed quickly. "Koda, we can't disobey." He said the pain in his voice was unbearable. I winced and looked down, the tears began falling down my cheeks and I wrapped my arms around myself, holding myself as the tears began to flow. I flinched slightly as two pairs of large arms wrapped around my small figure, I leaned into their embrace and eventually gathered myself. I wiped the tears from my eyes and exhaled.

"Come home with us." My brother suddenly blurted out as he retracted his arms. I looked at him for a moment, my face expressionless, I simply didn't know what to say. Before I could respond Braxton jumped in, "I miss you too Koda. I think Its time to come home." He said in a gentle voice. I was overwhelmed, the thought of going hadn't crossed my mind in over a year. My wolf seemed to like the idea, but flashbacks overwhelmed my vision and I shook my head. "I can't go back there," I said finally and walked away.

It took about thirty minutes to gather ourselves and say our goodbyes, I watched out the window, tears rolling down my cheeks. I could see Braxton and my brother walking away, It was tearing me apart inside seeing my mate leave once again. He was my other half, and he was walking away. 

A sudden rush of anger washed over me, I stopped crying. I stood up from my chair and rushed into my room, frantically I put on a pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt, then threw all of my clothes into a large duffel bag, followed by my personal hygiene items and a few belongings of mine. I grabbed Ryker's leash and gathered him before walking out the door, leaving everything behind. I rushed down the stairs, Ryker following at my heels. A smile upon my face as I ran towards the parking garage, I could see my 67 Chevy Camaro sitting in the darkness. In moments I had everything loaded, including Ryker and was tearing out of the parking lot towards my mate and my brother. 

I caught up with them after a few minutes, driving behind the old piece of shit they were driving. The roads were dead by 8 o'clock here in Pines Grove so I turned into the lane and pulled up beside them, rolling down my window, Braxton did the same. A large smile crossed my lips "I couldn't watch you two leave again." I yelled over, out of the open window. They began laughing and I put the pedal to the metal, shooting past them and in the lane ahead of them. 

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