Escaping Rogue

twenty three

"You don't know how good it feels to be in an actual bed again." I whispered, falling backwards into the soft mattress. It was such a huge difference compared to the concrete of the cellar. Especially on my back. My back felt so much better.

"Considering I haven't been able to even come in here since you've been gone, I do."

Quickly I sat up, or as fast as I could manage with a whole baby in my way. My eyes found the man, who was leaning against the bedpost with his arms crossed. I swear to god, if he has been sleeping in his office again I'll kill him. He knows I don't like it when he does that!

Chuckling, he shook his head before moving to sit down next to me. "Not the office, baby. I just haven't exactly slept much. When I do, it was most likely on a couch or outside."

My heart could only pound with pure pain when I looked at him. This whole thing was so much, so intense. It took a toll on everyone, but I could see it within him too much.

He believed it was his fault. I know he did. That's why he didn't sleep. That's why he was so adamant about finding Theo. He genuinely believes that he was the reason I was taken, that Mario was taken.

Moving to the edge of the bed, I sat in front of him. My hands ran up his chest and down his arms, pulling his hands from their crossed position and lacing them in mine. He was so guarded, trying so hard to remain like he was strong when I knew right now, this entire event has shattered everything in him.

I looked into the silver eyes, wanting him to just let himself go for once. "It's not your fault, Christian."

And I got what I wanted. Instantly, I watched the strongest man I know, break.

He fell into my arms, wrapping his around my frame so tightly he'd for sure never lose me again. For the first time ever, I heard the sobs. I could feel the wet tears on my shoulder, the violent trembles he emitted. And it broke me too.

"It is, Alena. If I hadn't gotten so mad, if I could've controlled my anger...you were scared to tell me. And I only proved to you that you were right to be scared of my reaction. I messed up. And because I messed up...he took you from me. He stole you when I was weakest and did god knows what to you." I grabbed the back of his head, messing with the brown hair. "I risked you and our baby. Its my fault, Lena. I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

Quickly I pulled him back, forcing him to look at me. Through bleary eyes I met his own, tears racing down our cheeks. "Don't you dare blame yourself for this Christian Bade. None of this is your fault. Not one bit of it. Theo had been planning this all along. It's why he sent Ben to Hanson's pack. It's why he convinced Hanson to be in on his scheme." I couldn't say it, but it was why he waited for the exact moment I'd be left alone. Theo was waiting for me to be without Chris, because it was the only way he would ever have a chance of getting me. And he did.

At first I did blame Christian. I was bitter in the beginning because he had left me vulnerable. Me, his pregnant mate, was left alone in unfamiliar territory surrounded by potential friends or threats. But the longer I was locked up, the more I came to realize it wasn't anybody's fault. Theo was the mastermind, it was strictly his doing, his plan. I couldn't blame anyone but him.

"Im still sorry, Lena. I'm sorry I couldn't get to you sooner. And for reacting the way I did that morning."

I smiled softly, picking up his hand and pressing it to my stomach. "We're okay now. All three of us, we're together again and that's all that matters, Chris."

This was the first time he really got to enjoy the baby. The tiny bump on my stomach, it was the first moment I had dreamed of having with him. His hand was warm above the fabric of my shirt.

He smiled. "I can still hear it's heartbeats."

I laughed through the tears, placing my hand on his and the other on his cheek.  "Good, he's been waiting to meet you."