Secrets Of The Past

•Chapter Two• Hello Tomorrow

Mathew

I was in my office, trying to get some work done, but for the life of me, I just couldn't concentrate. My mate would be arriving soon—though not fast enough to suit me or my wolf. Groaning in frustration, I raked my fingers through my hair and rose to my feet. I needed a run.

Outside, the woods called to me like a lifeline. I stripped, shifted, and took off like a bat out of hell. The wind caressed my fur, the earth pounded beneath my paws, and for a moment, I felt free.

There was one place I always felt closest to her.

Fifteen minutes later, I broke through the trees and stopped beneath the ancient oak where I'd last held her. Seventeen years ago, she'd been just a child—but even then, my wolf had known. She was ours.

Her scent—strawberries and vanilla—still haunted me.

She'd been taken far away, her wolf bound to protect her from going feral. I understood the necessity, but the pain of losing her had nearly destroyed me. I waited. I hoped. But she never came back.

Until now.

I laid down at the spot where I'd held her, placing my head on my paws with a soft whine. My wolf stirred restlessly. Soon, he whispered. Soon.

Back at the packhouse, I found Kale and Kile brawling again. "Enough!" I snapped in my Alpha voice. They dropped instantly, tails tucked and ears flat.

"In my office. Now."

After chewing them out and assigning a brutal punishment, I turned to the window, watching them sprint away. "Incredible warriors. Shame they're idiots," I muttered.

Thirty minutes later, Ashley and Chris entered my office. Ashley was about to call Silvia.

"Want to hear her voice?" Ashley teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

Hell yes, I did. But I only nodded.

Ashley dialed, putting the call on speaker.

"Hey, Ash!" Silvia's voice rang out, and my wolf purred in delight.

"Hey, babes!" Ashley replied. "Just wanted to make sure you haven't changed your mind about coming." Ashley's voice held a hint of worry, her brows creased as she spoke.

"Not a chance!" she said when asked if she was still coming. "Sam won't stop coming to my door every day and—"

Loud knocking interrupted her. "Silvia, please open the door! I know you're home!"

Chris cursed. I growled, barely holding back my shift.

"He's been at it for a month," Silvia said, weariness in her voice. My heart clenched. Goliath whined.

Ashley soothed her, asking when she'd leave.

"Tonight," Silvia replied. "I'll stop at a hotel, then head out tomorrow after lunch."

Goliath wagged his tail, a wolfy grin on his face.

We laughed at Silvia's tendency to get lost, recalling the Krazy Boys concert fiasco. Her giggle sent butterflies through my stomach. I wanted to see her eyes sparkle again.

Then Ashley's voice sharpened. "Is that asshole still at your door?"

"Hang on," Silvia said.

We waited in tense silence. Then we heard a phone ring and a male voice.

"What the hell do you want?" he snapped.

"Bug off! This is your fault!" he shouted. "I told you never to come to my place but you never listen! No, I don't give a shit. I—we—need her to trust us again. Once I take her as my mate, I'll own her pack and—" He paused, "Fine, on my way," He growled before he hung up. Then muttered, "Stupid twat."

My wolf snarled. I barely kept from shifting.

"He just left," Silvia said. Ashley sighed in relief. I relaxed slightly—but not fully.

"The bastard's a wolf," I said quietly. "And he knows who she is. I want her out of there ASAP."

Ashley nodded. "I'm glad you're leaving tonight," she told Silvia. "I want you here as soon as possible."

Once the call ended, I slammed my fists on the desk. It shook under the force.

"Do you know his full name?" I asked.

Ashley nodded.

I turned to Chris. "Find out what pack he belongs to. And how he knows about Silvia."

Chris nodded. "On it."

I mind-linked Kale and Kile. When they arrived, I handed them a photo of Silvia. "This is my mate. Your future Luna." I tossed another photo—her beside her car.

"She'll pass through Springfield tomorrow. Take four warriors. Follow her at a safe distance. Do not approach unless she's in danger."

They nodded and left.

Alone again, I growled. "I don't know who you are yet," I said to the empty room, "but I'll kill you before I let you take what's mine."

Goliath howled in agreement.

She was ours. A gift from the goddess. And we would die to protect her.

I traced Silvia's face in the photo, pride swelling in my chest. So beautiful. So perfect.

Later, I ate in silence, thinking of her. She'd forgotten who she was—a side effect of the binding ceremony. I wondered how she'd react when she remembered. Would she hate us?

If she rejected me, I'd be lost.

I showered, climbed into bed, and tried to sleep. Thoughts of Silvia stirred my desire, but anger at her ex quickly killed it.

I dreamed of her—mated to me, carrying my pup. Her joy lit up the room. I wrapped my arms around her, kissed her mark.

"I love you both so much," I whispered.

"And we both love you back," she replied.

I woke smiling, expecting her beside me. But the bed was empty.

Sighing, I got up and dressed. It was nine a.m. I hoped she was on the road.

In the dining room, I found Ashley and Chris.

"Any word?" I asked.

"She checked into a motel last night," Ashley said. "She hasn't texted yet, so I assume she's still sleeping."

I nodded, then turned to Chris. "Any word on that bastard's pack?"

Chris shook his head. "Not yet. But I have a bad feeling."

"Let me know the moment you find anything."

Chris sipped his coffee. "Do you remember the Crestfield pack?"

My eyes narrowed. "Yeah."

"They were nearly wiped out when they attacked Silvia's pack. The Luna moved the survivors a few towns away."

Chris leaned forward. "The Crestfield Alpha had a son. Samuel."

My blood ran cold.

"I think that's our guy," Chris said. "Still digging for proof."

"Keep at it," I ordered.

An hour later, Chris burst into my office.

"I found the Crestfield Luna. She says her son is dead."

I frowned. "Dead?"

Chris's expression darkened. "Samuel abandoned his duties. He joined the Red River rogues."

Silence fell.

The Red River rogues.

The most notorious, brutal, and deadly rogue pack in existence.

My heart thundered.

Samuel wasn't just a threat.

He was a monster.

And he was coming for my mate.

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Chapter two is now edited! Please vote and comment. I'm very anxious to hear what you all have to say. Tho knowing me, I might have missed an error or two, so if u guys find any, plz let me know. Thanx bunches! ;)