An Artemis' Mistake?

Chapter 31

I have no idea how to react at everything Aiden told me. How can someone endure so much pain?

During all his story, my heart was breaking for him, more every passing minute.

He was so young and had to face that much hurt all on his own. To see everyone he loved leaving him or turning their backs on him must have scarred him.

Now besides the fact that he lost all those dear to him, he has to deal with the fact that he had forgotten them. The guilt must be immense.

"Why didn't Blaze told you the whole story?"

"He was afraid I would take my own life, which I would. I wasn't ready. I had nothing to live for."

"And now?"

"Now I have you."

I rise myself to be able to look him in the eyes.

"You do have me Aiden, and Ella, Kara and their parents, even Chris and Adam. We all love you. You are not alone anymore."

"I..." He's trying to control his emotions and failing.

"I know I didn't meet your parents, nor Dawn, however by what you told me they seem like wonderful people, and I know they loved you."

He gets exalted, "And how did I repay that love?!" He gets out of the bed, obviously drowning in self-loading as he paces the floor.

"Aiden...You did what you had to do to survive. That's what they wanted, are you telling me you family would want you to suffer and die, rather than live and be happy even if that meant forgetting them?"

"I..." He looks so defeated.

I go to him and grab him by the shoulders.

"Don't you dare tell me they would! I would rather Rose forget me a hundred times and live than that she dying remembering me. You know that's the truth. You can't blame yourself because you found a life, you should be proud because they would be so proud of the man you became. Of what you overcame." I cup his cheek as I say this. "Please, Aiden, forgive yourself."

"I know you're right but it's hard. I would give anything to have Dawn living a happy life."

"Ella told me you were more of a brother than a cousin, you helped her even if just by being in her life, she loves you and she needs you. Even if you couldn't help Dawn you already paid the price and make someone's life better by your presence. You must remember that. Dawn would be proud of her big brother."

I wipe his tears with my thumb and hug him tightly.

He hugs me back and hides his face with my hair. We stay like that until he's calmer.

When his breathing is finally normal, he lets me go.

"Thank you, Kitten, seriously."

"I told you, I'm here for you Aiden, anytime."

He nods, "Now that you know the truth, what should we do?"

"My pack has to know, especially my inner circle."

"Probably should call Will and Jack, too." He seems hesitant but I can tell he really wants to see them again.

"I agree, they need to know, and sooner or later so does your pack."

"Kitten, I left them."

"You were 14 and had no choice, but now you do, and if you leave them at Richard's command again, their pain will be on you. My pack will fight Richard, and they have to protect their Alpha."