I Am Me (Book Two): Fate Is Wrong

Chapter 17: Devotion to Them

Nathanial's POV

Okay. I did it! I'm sobbing, but I did it. Now I just need to pack and go to Valerius. He will make things better. He will heal what I've broken.

*ring*

"Hello?"

"Hey babe. I can't talk for long, but I wanted to update you on what's going on."

Relief runs through my system. Just hearing his voice has calmed me. Everything will be fine, Nathanial. Just you wait.

"Oh thank goodness. I have been worried for so long. What's going on? Is he giving you a hard time?"

"I know, baby. I will tell you all the details when I get back. I just need you to not leave the Deacon residence."

That turns my mood real quick. What?

"What? Why?"

"My dad has got me under his thumb for the moment. I'm searching for a solution to end that bastard. Not only will he not leave me alone, he will be looking for you. I know him. He will want every advantage over me he can find."

"Why can't you run then? We can hide together. Away from him."

"I can't. Andy...Andy is pregnant."

With a single sentence my whole world shifts. That asshole has to come in and ruin my life again after he nearly contributed to bringing to the brink of no turning back. A baby? You gotta be kidding me.

"Are you sure? He could be lying."

"I'm afraid it's true. I went to see the doctor with him. I'm gonna be a father Nathan, and my dad is hanging it over me. Threatening my baby's life so that I can be the heir to the stupid family legacy."

"You can't do this alone. I will come to you, just-"

"No! I don't want you anywhere near them. Aside from this baby, you are the only thing my dad can hold over me. He knows what I'd do for you, so please, stay where you are until I get back."

"I'm sorry, but I can't. But I will call you when I have found a place."

"No, don't leave! You're more likely to be safe and dads drones probably won't find you if you're safe inside the property. You also can't contact me. I don't want them tracking where you are. I'm using a burner phone right now, please, just do what I say. Okay, I gotta go. Love you, baby."

Goddammit. With a sigh, I relent and reply my love back. This is bad. I can't stay here. It would kill Eddie if I do. He needs to move on with his mate and he can't do that with me there. It is then that I hear a door knock, in comes Dommy. 

"I swear, you better take care of him. I meant every single thing I said downstairs. This was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do and I don't want to have gone though it for nothing. So love him or lose him. And if you're gonna reject him, have any doubt, you better say something right now. He deserves true devotion from-"

"I am entirely confident in my choice. I promise to care for him as you would. No, better than you would. I will cherish him however way he needs."

"Good. I suppose it's time to say my good-byes."

With that, I head downstairs to the front door. Mr. and Mrs. Deacon both extended their thanks and offered to lend me a stay whenever I come around. I'd take them up on it at some point, but for now, I need to get away. Need to free him of me. I shake Dommy's hand and he gives a nod that says a lot more than it appears. He is grateful to have met me and to know just what he will have to do to be the best mate he could be. I'm far from the best mate to exist, but I do know that Is do anything for Eddie, and it's them that I realize exactly Eddies position all those years ago. After that last good-bye, Eddie finally walks up to me. He looks like he is still in shock, broken, and hopeful, hopeful that I would change my mind and mend him. That isn't my job though. That is Dommy's, no matter how much I want to pull him together and hold him tight.

"After all we talked about.....why?"

"We both know why. And I think I understand your position all those years ago. Why you felt stepping back would be right."

"And I understand yours", Ouch. Okay, that hurt. If he is in my position, it is about to get a hell of a lot more painful. "I finally realize what it is like to lose something and having no control over the situation to prevent it from happening. It hurts."

"I know baby, but you gotta move on. I love you, but I can't be what you need of me. But he can. I know he can because I see it in his eyes. He is gonna give you all the love and let you have the happiest life at home. And this isn't forever. I promise, I will come back and visit and When I come back, you will be a whole new person, fulfilled."

"You don't have to leave." I know nothing is making me leave, but it's the right thing to do so that Eddie can properly heal. So, I smile and kiss his nose with tenderness.

"Go to him. Love your life and experience true love."

"I already have and I'm about to let it walk out that door after I promised not to."

"It's not your fault. It's mine, but I won't let you pay for it. Be happy. For me. I gotta go now. Bye, Eddie."

He doesn't say it back as I turn away and walk from the house. Okay. Now, to find somewhere to stay.

*****************

I've been on the road for a couple of hours. The city limits is not too far ahead. So, I continue to walk. Val may not want it, but I intend to help him through this. I will help him-

*bam!*

A steering pain shoots from my shoulder and in panic I start running for cover. When I find it, I look to find the source of the shot, and it is then that I see a grip of burly men in suits. I presume them to be hired by Val's father. I gotta lose them. 

So, I run. I shift and I leave behind my things, but not before sending a text to Eddie. I don't stop running. I no longer know where I'm headed. Everything is farting to spin. I keep it up until my body finally gives and I black out just as I see a silhouette stand over me......