Fighting for Our Destiny

Chapter 2: The Truth

After I calmed down, I decided that I was going to take it slow, not forcing myself on her. As time drew closer to dinner, my nerves were eating my alive. Why would she run from her mate like that? Does she not want a mate? I don't think I could handle it if she didn't want me.

The doorbell chiming drew me from my thoughts and I immediately rushed downstairs to welcome them inside. Stephanie was the last to enter and she had the saddest look on her face. It  made me want to hug her and protect her.

Dinner was called and we all ate in almost complete silence. The only sounds were that of chewing and utensils scrapping plates.

"That Alfredo was delicious LeAnne!" Linda commented as she push her plate away.

"Yes, absolutely delicious!" Nathan added. Their children all added nods of agreement.

"Thank you!" Mom exclaimed. I could tell she was overjoyed with the comments. Mom looked like she had this new glow about her with the news of her being pregnant. It seems like everything is going good in my life except for my mate not talking or even looking at me now. What could possibly be wrong?

"Let us menfolk conduct pack business in my office. We will join back with the womenfolk afterward." Dad announced.

After we settled in dad's office, Dad and I on his side of the desk facing the Jennings, we started with details of the rouge attack.

"There was about 30 of them and they attacked at about 4:30 am on August 28th. They caught most families as they slept but I had gotten up to go do rounds with my warrior team. They came in three waves, going deeper into pack housing with each wave." Nathan explained.

"Any idea why they attacked?" Dad asked.

"Not really. They didn't seem to have a true purpose except for killing. Though I have suspicions that they were after the land and to claim some of our women. Several of the women were raped but later later killed because they fought back."

"This is outrage! It's against everything we're taught to be claiming false mates!" I exclaimed.

"Derrick Coffey, calm yourself this instant! It is in the past, we have to plan for the future. Nathan Jennings, you and your family will be inducted into our pack Sunday after church services are over. That will be followed by a party to celebrate." Dad stated all in one breath.

"Yes Alpha," Nathan and his sons bowed their heads showing submission to my father, their new alpha.

"Now let's go join our women and discuss some other things with them," Dad directed. After we settled into the living-room, tension was so thick you could probably cut it with a knife.

"Earlier we learned that there is mates joining our families but one of them wasn't too thrilled with it. Can the mates join me up here next to the couch?" Stephanie and I moved next to the couch and awaited my father's questioning.

"Stephanie, I'm going to get straight to the point, why did you run away crying from Derrick?"

Tears started flowing once the question was out and I automatically wanted to take her in my arms but I withheld. Waiting for her to explain was agonizing.

"Did my father explain what happened during the attack?" Stephanie asked between sobs.

"Just the number of attackers and the probable reason. Is there more to that?" Dad asked in response.

"He tell you of the rapes?" I tensed, fearing her next words.

After my father's nod, Stephanie continued, "While dad was trying to protect some of our neighbors, a group broke into our house. I was raped and I just found out that I'm pregnant."

As Stephanie sobbed uncontrollably, I was seeing red. My anger level had never been this high before. I was about to shift. I need to punch something! I felt someone grab me and yell for everyone to remain in the house. I was forced outside by my dad where a tree took the brunt of my anger.

I broke the tree in half and ripped its branches off. I could feel eyes on me as I caught my breath, I turned to find my mom standing there calmly, watching me with careful eyes. I dropped to the ground, my mother rushed to me and held me close as I sobbed for my mate.

Eventually I was able to make my way in the house for my mom to clean up my injured hands. I felt sparks on my shoulder and knew that Stephanie was behind me. I pulled her hand to where she moved in front of me and I looked at her face to find more tears brimming in those beautiful hazel eyes.

"I understand that I've been deflowered and that you don't want me. I'm leaving now." Before I could say anything, she ripped her hand from mine and walked away. I couldn't go after her, I was too shocked to move. Why would she think like that? Of course I want her! She's my soul-mate!

I couldn't really do anything after Stephanie left, I just laid on my bed starring at the ceiling trying to think of how I could convince her that I DID want her. Hell, if she'll let me, I'll even raise her child as mine.

Just thinking of the rouge that did this to my beautiful mate got my blood boiling. I swear if I ever, ever, ever get my hands on him, I'll rip him limb from limb. He'll pray for death to take him before I'm done with him.