Book 2 Chapter 12

Caleb's Point of View

Of all of the ways that today could have turned out this was the one scenario that I had never

considered. How could she hit me? I never seen my parents raise a hand to each other. I have never

been so upset with Daphne. To be honest I am barely containing my anger right now. I had to leave

the house before I said or did something that we would both end up regretting.

Currently I am storming off towards the woods. I am hoping that a nice long run with my wolf will

help clear my head. I cannot believe that amount of rage that is coursing through me right now. Not

only did she strike me, but she thought that I would cheat on her. Daphne has that little trust in me.

I know that she had a difficult past, but I have never done anything that would make her jump to

that kind of conclusion. I do not even look at other women.

Finally entering the woods, I quickly strip down before shifting. I love allowing my wolf out, but

tonight he is as angry and hurt as I am. Like a rocket I take off at breakneck speed, running towards

my favorite spot in the world. I easily jump over fallen trees, and limbs in my path with the single

determination of finding some peace. I slow my speed as I leap over the last bit of rock in my way.

Panting I finally come to a stop, and lap at the water in the lake. It is a small lake that is fed through

an underground spring that has a small waterfall.

My wolf paces lazily around the waters edge, until I come to the spot that I had brought Daphne. It

seems like a lifetime ago that I brought her up here. She was the only woman that has ever seen this

spot with me. It is where I came as a boy after my parents passed to think, and center myself. For

some reason, this spot is calming and soothing to my soul, and exactly what I need right now.

After pacing for a moment, I lay down staring at the waterfall. My mind briefly transports back to

when I brought Daphne here. She was amazed by the water and loved being here. I miss hearing

her laughter. My anger has finally dissipated, and I whimper as the hurt finally settles into my soul.

Unable to stop myself I how! out in frustration. I have done everything I can think of to make

Daphne both love and trust me. I took her away from her abusive parents. I reunited her with her

sister. Hell, I even accepted her sister's pack as my own. There is literally nothing that I would not do

for her, and yet she still doubts me. I lay there for awhile longer, wallowing in my own self pity and

doubt.

As the moon is now high, I know that I should be getting back. Even though I am still hurt by her

actions I do not want Daphne to worry about me not coming home. As I near my discarded clothing

I can already hear my phone ringing. I shift quickly assuming that it is Daphne, or perhaps Theo

attempting to call me. I was shocked when the number finally registered in my brain.

Heaving a sigh of annoyance at my phone I know that I can no longer put off speaking to them. “I

hope there is a good reason for you calling my personal cell this late.” I do not even attempt to stop

the snarl that is in my voice.

"Oh, Alpha Caleb I thought that I had called your office number. I was intending on leaving you a

message.” I can hear the surprise in Alpha Noah's voice and I mentally facepalm myself as I recall

that I had forwarded my office number to my cell phone.

“It is ok Noah. Sorry for snapping, it's been a long day.” Although I may not personally like the man,

I do need to start treating him as somewhat equal. “What is it that you wished to talk to me about?"

"Well, I noticed that I lacked an invitation to your next meeting. Seeing as we are allies, I assume

that it was simply an oversight of a secretary but wanted to call you to ensure that my assumptions

were right.” I must give the man credit for his ability to twist words. If he came straight out and

asked why he was not invited he would sound like a whining child. This way he can displace blame

on someone else, and at the same time save himself some pride.

“Unfortunately, your assumptions are not right Alpha Noah. I did not invite you because this was

not a meeting for all my allies, rather a gathering of my friends. Although yes, we are tentative allies

while you get your pack together, I would hardly call us friends.” I do not see a reason to beat

around the bush. I do not like him, and if he did not know that fact before he does now.

"Alpha Caleb, I do believe it would be in everyone's best interest if we did become friends. After all I

am your closest neighbor, and we have many unmated wolves in each pack. There is also the issue

of this years Mabon Ball which I do believe either you or Alpha Jerome is hosting this year. I know

that we have not had a peaceful past, but I would like to rectify that, and I would hope that we

would move to become friends as well.” His voice sound sincere and after fighting with Daphne I

have no will to fight with anyone else.

“You know what Alpha Noah you are right. Seeing as there may be possible mates between our two

packs we should be friendly. I will expect to see you here next week as my guest. I will personally

see to it that you receive the invitation shortly.” After I caved into his request, we finished our

conversation and hung up.

It was not until I was fully dressed and walking back to the house that I realized that I know needed

to tell Daphne that he would be here. Regardless of our fight earlier I never want her to feel

uncomfortable in her own home. Sighing I creep quietly into the house in case she is already

sleeping.

Creeping open our bedroom door I can see that Daphne is already in bed. I inch closer to her and

through the bright moonlight I can see the tear stains upon her cheeks. My heart aches that she

cried, but I am still feeling the sharp knife of betrayal at her lack of trust. None the less I quickly

disrobe and climb into bed next to her. Perhaps tomorrow we can have a better day.