The Wild in the Earth Child

Chapter Fifteen

Drake

I stood like a statue on the other side of the door. Listening to my mate sob.

I had heard her talking when I approached and assumed she was on the phone with her family, so I decided I'd wait in the hall to give her some privacy. Then I heard her say his name.

I almost came through the door right then. But managed to control myself. I knew this conversation had to happen in order for her family to return home, a deals a deal.

But when I heard her tell him she missed him. That she loved him. It felt like someone had stabbed me in the chest. Like someone had carved me open and stomped on my heart.

My wolf was clawing and whimpering. It was all I could do not to lose control. My wolf wanted me to scoop her up and carry her away, somewhere where no one could have her but me. Where she'd be mine and only mine.

But I knew if I ever really wanted her to be mine I had to keep my head. I just really didn't know how hard that was going to be until I heard her tell another man she loved him. Not just any man. Garrett.

My claws had extended and were still buried in the palms of my hands. Blood dripping on the floor as I tightened my fists. The pain was nothing compared to hearing her say those words. Nothing compared to listening to her sobs and knowing there was nothing I could do about it aside from letting her go.

And I couldn't do that.

I knew she felt alone right now. I had hoped seeing her brother would help but apparently it didn't.

There was only one thing I could try. The fear of her rejection had me hesitating on the other side of the door. But if I ever wanted to be what Garrett was to her, I needed to try.

With my bloody hands I turned the knob slowly and quietly opened the door.

She sat in the middle of the floor on her knees, head in her hands, the phone laying on the floor where she'd dropped it.

I stood there a moment. Trying to calm my wolf. Mate. Hurting. He whined.

I know. And it bothered the hell out of me too. I was really struggling with all these emotions I'd never had to deal with before. I felt awkward and didn't really know what to do.

So I let my wolf decide for me. He knew what his mate wanted even if the stupid man in me didn't.

I found myself walking towards her and reaching down to lift her into my arms.

She let out a startled sound and looked at me in surprise. I doubt she had even heard me enter the room.

I carried her over to the small couch and sat down with her in my lap. Her sobs had quieted as she studied my face. Her body stiff in my arms.

I let my wolf guide my movements as I held her against me, running my hand down her wild curls and down her back. Rubbing her arm softly with my thumb.

Eventually I felt her body relax as she seemingly melted into me. Finally laying her head in the crook of my shoulder she let out a shuddered breath. One of her hands moved to my side and she gently clutched onto my shirt.

I let my head rest on top of hers and breathed in her scent. I found my wolf settling too. Finding our own comfort in being able to comfort our mate.

I know she probably really didn't. But for the first time I felt like she actually wanted me there. Like in this moment she actually needed me. It was an amazing feeling. Indescribable.