Broken Mate (Sequel to My Cruel Mate)

Chapter 15

As we went back to the pack, I noticed my dad and Zack were members of the rescue party. So he was lying. They did care about me.

Something that worried me was there were only two bodies on the ground. One of the men escaped. I hoped he realized I wasn't worth coming after again.

We made it back and I was bombarded with hugs, cries and questions. I explained everything from the moment I saw the man in the crowd to when I agreed to go.

I looked over to Zack, "Did they hurt you two?"

He shook his head, "They just took us to the woods and told us our fate was in your hands."

"They said if we told anyone anything, your punishment would be worse." Ash added, "We didn't want to risk it, but we were coming up with our own plan of finding you."

After making sure I was alright, my family headed home. Nate had called a doctor to stitch up his arm and inspect my arm. He tensed up anytime he saw it. The doctor said it wasn't deep enough to need stitching, but to keep it clean.

"Can I sleep in your room tonight?" I asked quietly.

"Of course." He said, "Anything you want or need, just ask."

I got ready for bed and looked at myself in the mirror. My neck had a slight bruise forming and my cheek was a little pink. I stared down at my hands. It was over, right? The last of the men wouldn't be strong enough or be able to pull something like that off again alone.

I went into Nate's room and got into bed. He followed and put his arm over me. I felt safe with him. I felt like nothing could touch me. I pushed myself against him as much as I could and before I knew it, I was asleep.

* * *

I woke up with a jolt. I had the same dream as before. It was morning and Nate must have already gotten up. I went to the bathroom to wash my face. It's just a dream. I went downstairs and out into the back garden.

My mind started racing. It was too peaceful as I tried to focus on the birds chirping and the wind blowing through my hair. I wanted to enjoy this like a normal person would. I couldn't fight away the thoughts and memories.

Will I ever be normal? I almost immediately answered my own question. No. I felt tears escape my eyes. I stared down and held out my small hands. I watched as droplets landed in my palms.

For a second, I considered it. A choice that should never cross someone's mind. Maybe it would be better, for my own sake, to just... end it. I started crying uncontrollably. I shook my head and pushed the thought away. The thought of my family grieving all over again made me regret even thinking it. I couldn't put them through that.

And Nate. He has done so much for me. He's done his best to make me feel happy and safe. I would do anything to return the favor, starting with forcing any negative thoughts out of my head.

I wiped my face and took a deep breath. Then I noticed it. There was somebody close by. A scent that had been there for a few minutes that I hadn't noticed.

"Who's there?" The fance was wooden and tall, so I couldn't see past it.

I looked up to a tree that hung over the backyard just in time to see a man jump down the other side and I heard him start running.

"Nate, help!" I mind linked him, "Someone was watching me!"