Chapter 17: Heart On Fire

Chapter 17

I gently turned around, and to my relief I saw the culprit was none other that Beau.

"Emery?" Beau asked in confusion.

I felt my heart beating a mile a minute as I began to cold sweat. "Beau, hey what are you doing here?" I nervously asked.

"I think the real question is why are you here?" He countered.

"Thane sent me." I answered quickly, "He's umm...busy with alpha stuff in his office and sent me to get something from down there." I nodded towards the Crypt.

"Why would he-" Beau began.

"It's not very polite to question your Luna." I said a bit rudely and felt extremely guilty about it right after.

"I'm sorry Luna." He looked down when he apologized.

"Why are you here Beau? Did Thane send you?" I hesitantly asked.

"No actually," He looked nervous as he lowered his voice, "today when the rogues attacked I caught the most magnificent scent in my life."

"I don't understand." My eyebrows furrowed in confusion because obviously I didn't catch what he was throwing.

"After Thane took down the pack of rogues I lost her scent and followed it back here. I know it's her, I know my mate is down there." His revelation shocked me.

"So why are you just standing here?" I asked exasperated.

"Only Thane, Lucas and a few other pack members are allowed down there. I can't go if the alpha isn't there." He explained anxiously.

"So why didn't you inform Thane?"

"Because Thane never shows mercy to rogues. I know that he would never kill my mate but I also know that if he finds out he might throw my mate and I out of the pack faster."

"He wouldn't do that." I shook my head as if I knew Thane better than anyone else.

"Yes he would. The previous alpha did it before him and Thane wouldn't think twice before following his father's footsteps. I was actually surprised to hear that he stopped the torturing." He looked frustrated.

"Listen," I grabbed his hand, "You and your mate are going to be together and as long as I'm here, you both will be allowed to stay here and remain apart of our pack. You're family Beau and your mate will be as well."

"But how-"

"I asked for the torturing to stop and he complied so I will ensure Thane allows you to stay."

"How are you so sure?" He looked like he was on the brink of tears.

"Because I am the Luna and it's my duty to protect everyone." I looked at him to make sure he was assured.

"I think the duty is actually the other way around." He commented as I glared at him. "Can I meet her?"

"Once I bargain my way in we will be in the clear." I grinned at his confused expression as I turned to Atticus who was approaching us.

"Luna." He greeted in a formal tone of which a soldier possessed.

"Atticus, Thane sent me to collect some important documents he have kept in the Crypt." Luckily my voice didn't waver as I tried to sound diplomatic for the first time in my lie.

Atticus gave me a weary look and I felt as if I was betraying him because honestly I was. His job was to follow his alpha and protect everyone and there I was being an insolent child. But my motives changed, I wanted to find Beau's mate more than anything.

"Emery, I didn't receive any instructions from the alpha." He spoke tiredly.

"He's really busy so don't try to communicate with him. He did send Beau with me though so don't worry." I lied through my teeth as I looked at Beau who looked as pale as a ghost.

"He sure did." Beau nervously laughed.

I discreetly elbowed Beau as I walked to the door of the Crypt and Atticus begrudgingly followed to let us down.

"Thanks Atticus." I gave him my best smile because I know after this I would officially lose his trust.

Beau lead us through the narrow dark path that brought me goosebumps.

Finally we were in front the main doors that lead to the chamber that held the rouges. I let Beau do all the talking before the heavy thick silver doors were opened up.

The first thing that struck me was the scent that brought a wave of nausea to me. The distinct smell of blood, wet dog, chemicals and other unpleasant odors mixed together had my nose and eyes burning and my stomach churning.

With a hesitant and heavy step I followed Beau into the deep dark part of the Crypt. Lining the walls of a long dimly lit hall which had no end as far as my eyes could see, were pure steel jail cells that were separated into individual cages by thick silver walls. I was guessing no more than one wolf per cage were permitted because they could conspire and escape.

Angry yellow glowing eyes, stared back at me. They were the ones that must be closed to transformation because some of the other prisoners just looked on at us with distaste and normal eyes with no glowing effect. Most of them looked starved and beaten with blood and dirt all over their torn clothing. It was an image I wanted no one to see and I knew for sure it wasn't something I could easily forget. My heart also went out to these unknown wolves who may not have deserved being trapped here.

As we walked along the hallway I kept feeling chills running down my spine but I swallowed my fear as I kept my stride with both Beau and the guard who followed us in. There were about a dozen guards inside as well and it suddenly occurred to me that I placed myself in unnecessary danger, but I guess curiosity killed the cat.

Growls and hiss were thrown our way and filthy remarks about me, the Luna, were spitted out along with tantalizing laughs. I ignored the remarks but I could tell Beau and all the guards were getting angry so I looked at Beau with a signal to find his mate fast.

Suddenly Beau stopped dead in his tracks and turned to the right with a fire ablaze in his irises. I've never seen such an emotion before and it began to feel uncomfortable to stare at him.

Turning my attention to the cage, I saw that it held a sole girl with raven black hair and a few tattoos splayed on her left hand. I knew from her similar expression as Beau's that she was his mate.

"Let her out." I commanded the guard.

He stared at me with a horrific expression. "I'm afraid I can't do that ma'am. Only direct word from the alpha and the alpha alone will get me to open the cage." He said with finality.

"I'm your L-"

"Luna. I know, but I still can't open the cage without the alpha being here. You get him here or to contact me and I will open it. Don't misunderstand me Luna but this is the only thing I can't help you with." He bowed in respect and turned his gaze away as he seem to be mind linking someone.

Exasperated that I got all the way here without Thane and now I can't even help Beau, I decided to point out the obvious, "That's his mate. Come on, please just let him meet her once." I begged.

The guard's attention snapped back to me with a sudden fear and anger. "You're not supposed to be here, both of you." He looked between Beau and I.

Suddenly the door burst open and I could see Thane's muscular silhouette approaching us from down the hall but I couldn't read his expression because of how far we were and the dimly lighted area. In a matter of seconds however he was right in front of me with the most enraged expression I've ever seen him sport.

With no chance to get even a syllable in, I was suddenly hauled up and over his shoulder as he quickly walked out with me and barked orders to remove Beau and seal the doors.

From my angle I could see Beau being forcefully detained by four guards who helped drag him out behind us and away from his mate. The girls broken expression and Beau's grief stricken face broke me and I knew I failed as a Luna. Beau was a great fighter however and he easily handled himself but it was no use because he was over powered, a dozen to one.

With a sudden anger I banged my fists against Thane's back, knowing he wouldn't be hurt, but trying to make him stop. "Thane stop it. I don't understand what's going on. We have to go back there. Thane!" But it was no use as we were all out the door and it was sealed tight with a series of mocking clicks.

"Kill everyone who set their filthy eyes on her." Thane said as he speed through the Crypt and I lost sight of Beau from my angle. We were back outside the Crypt and among the forest before Thane set me on my own two feet.

He said kill everyone? He wouldn't... he can't. Especially not Beau's mate. I had to get him to change his orders.

"Thane-"

"Ensure no one gets in without my direct orders and ensure Beau remains inside my office until I return." He ignored me as he angrily shouted orders to the new set of guards outside with no sight of Atticus.

He grabbed my hand and led me away from the Crypt and into the dark forest which was only lit by the glowing moon.

When we were far away enough from the Crypt, he turned to me with an unnerving death glare, "I told you to stay out of there, to stay away from all the rogues! But no you never listen! You didn't just put yourself at risk down there, you placed everyone in this pack at risk!" He exploded and I was at a lost for words.

Thane had never talked to me like that in the short time that I had known him. Nor had I seen him this furious before and I would be lying if I said I wasn't scared.

"I just-" I began.

"No Emery, not another word from you tonight. Just this once I asked you to do something for me and it was as if you didn't even care about what I said. You defied orders and put everyone at risk because of your own stupidity. Do you even understand what's going to happen now? Did you get what you were looking for?" He shouted as his eyes began to turn red and he had to shut it quickly and take deep breaths. He was about to transform because he was losing control of his anger. He released my hand and put at least six feet between us.

I quickly stepped back towards him and outstretched my hand before he stepped back again. "Don't," He forcefully mumbled.

"Thane let me." I began walking towards him again but as before he walked back.

"I could hurt you." He growled out.

I shook my head even though his eyes were still closed, "you wouldn't.. you couldn't."

"You don't know that." He sighed.

"Thane stop acting like this." I grumbled in frustration.

"I don't want to hear it Emery. Not tonight, let's just get you away from here." He opened his dazzling brown eyes which reflected the brewing anger within him.

"So your not gonna let me talk? You don't want to hear why I was down there? You're the alpha right, no else gets to talk?" I questioned as he started back the trek towards the pack house.

"You know it's not like that" he stopped without turning back to me.

"Then what's it like? It seems to me that my purpose here is nothing. You tell me nothing! I do nothing! You expect me to know about your people and protect them and comfort them but how do you expect me to fulfill my role without knowing what's going on? How can I be your equal if you don't even respect me enough to tell me what's going on?"

"Emery-"

"No, I'm not done." I held my hand up when he turned to me. "You brought me here, so you have to live with the consequences. I didn't ask for this, you threw me into your life and I-I don't want it. I had a family Thane! I had my entire life planned out and now I'm trapped in crazy town with people I don't even know. So far the only purpose I see I have is to be the mother to your children which I don't want at such a young age. I'm just going to turn out to be your plaything. The beast's plaything. I still can't even wrap my head around your existence." I let it all out with a harsh breath.

"Let's get you back to the house." His eyes flashed red again but he walked towards me, took my hand and gently pulled me towards the direction of the pack house.

"So that's it. You're not going to say anything? It's because I'm right isn't it." I stated more than asked.

Without an answer from Thane I knew I had a long and miserable life ahead of me in this God forsaken place and my misconceptions of having a fairy tale life soon diminished. This story was turning more into that written by the Grimm Brothers instead of Disney and my misfortune had it in for me.

I removed my hand from Thane's with ease which was a first since he usually kept his grip on me. But I guess since I just stated the facts he was afraid of saying himself, he didn't have to act anymore.

Not having anything more to say I walked ahead of him since I knew my way back and I couldn't stand his presence anymore than I was already bearing.

As soon as we entered the front door I went straight up the stairs as I heard Thane instructing someone to keep an eye on me and not let me out of house under any circumstances, as if I had anywhere else to go.

He didn't follow me up and neither did anyone else but I knew for sure there were guards on the second and first floors as well as patrolling the house. He did everything to ensure my protection...well maybe not my own but his future child bearer's.

I went into his room and grabbed a pair of my pajamas and went into the guest room that I've never slept in. With a quick shower and a change of clothes, I laid on the unfamiliar bed and it felt a thousand times less comfortable than Thane's. It then struck me that it was after one in the morning and Thane barely had any sleep because I sneaked off not long after he fell asleep. I messed up real bad with him but at least I learnt the truth.

I learnt who he actually was on the inside.

As sleepiness overcame me I suddenly drifted off into darkness.

~~~

They were everywhere. The yellow eyes taunting me as I was surrounded by rogue wolves in the forest. It was pitch black and not a single star was in the sky as yellowing sharp teeth snapped at me from every direction. Their eyes and wolfish grins mocked me as I cowered down in fear.

Spinning right around I couldn't see anything further than the wolves. There was no one else.

"Thane!" I shouted. "Thane where are you?!"

"Thane."

"Tha-" right as I was about to call out to him again a gray wolf leaped towards my throat with a loud chilling growl.

~~~

I woke with a startling jump. I looked around and saw that the bedside alarm said it was four which meant I only slept for three hours. The sky outside was still dark and the memory of the dream came flashing back into my mind as the horrible snarls and growls sent chills down my spine.

I was shaken and realized that Thane was right about having nightmares after going into the secret part of the Crypt. I wrapped the comforter around myself and went in search for him.

"Thane?" I called out into the dark empty space of his room. "Thane?" I called again as I strolled down the hallway and into the kitchen and then the living room, only to come up empty. He wasn't here and by the looks of it he didn't return from last night.

Without a second thought I went back into his room instead of the guest room and curled up into his side of the bed. I kept my eyes wide open, both waiting for Thane and afraid of seeing those horrible yellow eyes in my dreams, as the sun slowly crept above the mountains in the distance and basked the entire room with glorious sunlight.

By seven o'clock I hauled myself out of the bed and got dressed for a bleak day because it didn't seem as if Thane was going to show up anytime soon.

I felt hollowed out and empty as I sad on the porch from Thane's bedroom. I saw children and parents running and playing in the garden but nothing put a smile on my face. This was my life now. Sealed, signed and delivered.

Suddenly I felt a sharp searing pain within my chest as if a fire had ignited within me. My heart was ablaze and the inferno lasted for about five seconds which knocked the wind out of me. I was hunched over and contorted with pain before it died down painstakingly slow.

It took a few minutes for the pain to go and for me to catch my breath again.

What the hell was that?

There was a dim pain in my chest that felt uncomfortable but the major pain was gone. I nearly screamed from the agony of it but I didn't, thank goodness because it would've just drew unnecessary attention to me.

I wiped the stray tears away from my betraying eyes as I wondered if Thane was in any sort of trouble or danger.

Without a second thought about it, I ran down the steps, past a few guards and found Bailey in her room.

"What's wrong?" She asked as soon as she saw my expression.

"I had this strange sensation just now." I began to explain.

"Sensation? What do mean?" She asked concerned.

I placed a hand above my chest, "It felt as if someone lit a fire in my heart, it only lasted for a few seconds but it was so strong that I felt as it my entire chest was on fire and the pain is still tingling in there."

Bailey's jaw dropped and her expression was one of absolute horror.

"Bailey?" I soon as I called her back to reality she grabbed my hand and pulled me into her room.

"Emery, you may want to ask Thane about this yourself." She said hesitantly.

"Just tell me." I pleaded.

She looked scared to even mumble a syllable and I was overcome with a fear I didn't know existed. "Emery, if a mate feels a fiery pain in his or her's chest then.... then it means that their mate is engaged in some sort of activity with someone else."

Bailey stood with a frighten expression as shock took over my body.

"Em? Are you okay? Here sit down." With my lack of a response Bailey led me towards a vacant chair in her and Lucas' room. "Can I get you anything?" She asked after a few minutes.

"W-what sort of activities?" I croaked out.

"Ummm... usually kissing or ummm, sex." She mumbled just loud enough for me to hear her.

With that I felt as if my heart had broken into a million tiny splinters across the floor as it waited for me to step on it and cut myself deeper.

I felt bile rising to my throat from nausea when I thought about what Thane must've done. Who he must've done it with.

"Emery, I'm sorry." Bailey gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze.

"It isn't your fault." I got up and strolled to her door. "Thanks for telling me."

"Em-"

"Enjoy the rest of your day Bailey."

I rushed out of her room and went straight to the backyard where the children were no longer playing.

Silently, I moved over to the marble benches by the rose garden and took a seat as my mind was clouded with emotions and thoughts that I wanted to shut out but couldn't.

I was done crying and sobbing and feeling sorry for myself. This was my fate and I didn't have any other choice. Thane did what he did and I wasn't going to cry over it like some love sick puppy because he clearly felt nothing for me. Heck I doubt he even liked me as a human being from the day we met because he knew he would be stuck with me.

I looked up at the sky to see dark grey clouds rolling in as the wind picked up and the atmosphere changed.

I placed my hands on my face as a headache came on and I tried to convince myself that I didn't care about Thane and he didn't care about me so the feeling was clearly mutual. Right?

He made me believe he actually cared for me and maybe even loved me over this past few weeks, but clearly he was a good actor because he had me fooled. I actually believed him, believed he cared.

Now it felt as if a darkness was inside of me just from picturing what he did with whomever, which caused me, not just heartache, but literal pain as well. I felt emotionally drained from his anger of last night and from his unfaithfulness today. I felt as if a weight was dragging me under yet somehow I still couldn't fully hate him and I knew then that he was right, we were mates.

This mystical bond that connected us was so strong that I couldn't muster the courage to hate him but I felt sickeningly heartbroken which was an odd feeling since I felt more relieved when Jake and I broke up because of his deranged illusions. Then again Jake wasn't my soul mate but at least he never cheated.

I just couldn't believe that he was with someone else. Was I that fooled to placed so much unyielding trust into him? To believe that he was a good guy? I couldn't believe I fell for his pretty words and warm caresses. It hurts.

Somewhere in the distance I heard a door banged opened and I guess someone was coming into the backyard. It was then that I noticed the rain was pouring. I was drenched from head to toe as the rain unforgivingly fell unto me.

I heard pounding footsteps running towards but I didn't remove my hands from my face and look up to see who it was.

"Emery what the hell are you doing?" Thane asked frantically.

I didn't answer him as he wrapped his arms around me and tried to move me.

"No. Leave me alone." Was my only words as I slipped my hands off my face and glared at him.

"It's pouring out here, let's go inside and we can talk." He tried to pull me up again.

I pushed him away and glared at him, "Don't touch me Thane. Just leave me be, please."

He shook his head defiantly, "No, if you're going to sit out here in the rain then I'm not leaving you."

I knew I was going to regret my next words but I said them anyways, "But you already did. You left me all night and went off with someone else."

"You felt it?" He asked in more of a statement than a question with a horrified expression.

"Well isn't that typically how it works? You cheat, I feel pain? Or did Bailey leave something out in her explanation which you forgot to tell me?" I all but yelled.

"I didn't-"

"I don't want to hear it and I don't want to fight right now." I raised my hand to silence him as I got off the bench, soaked to the bone, and shuffled my way back inside.

I went straight up the steps and into the guest bedroom that I stayed in last night.

"Emery will you listen to me?! I didn't kiss her!" He pleaded and followed me.

"Oh let me guess, she kissed you? Or was it more?" I asked as I rushed into the guest room and slammed the door before he could get in.

"Open the door Emery." Nope not a chance. "Emery, please, just let me explain." He begged.

"No Thane, I've heard enough from you. Last night you showed just how much you respected and cared for me and today you just hammered the nail straight in. Way to prove your point but I don't want to listen anymore."

I slid down to floor with my back against the door as I tried to keep my emotions in check. My teeth started to chatter from being so cold in my soaked clothing but I had nothing in this room to change into.

About five minutes passed before Thane started talking, his voice sounding distinctly close as if he were sitting in the same position as I was but on the other side of the door. His voice was broken, sorrowful and almost fearful as he began.

"Last night, when I awoke and you weren't there," he cleared his throat, "I thought... I thought you left, worse I thought you were in danger because you weren't with me. I almost had a heart attack when I didn't find you in the house and that's when Atticus contacted me and told me where you were but I was halfway to the Crypt already since I started tracking your scent. That didn't give me any peace of mind however because I swear you were going to walk into a death trap and I wasn't going to make it in time. I didn't care how many guards were there, the rogues would've outnumbered them easily just to get to you. You had my scent all over you Emery, they knew exactly who you were last night and that scared the crap out of me.

"The reason I didn't want you inside there was because I thought I was protecting you. The rogues enter our territory because they want to become an alpha of the pack and the only way they could take me down is if they get to you. Emery you're my weakness, my kryptonite. If they get to you, my entire life would be over, my wolf would be weaker and I wouldn't survive it. You have no idea how much you mean to me... since the day I met you stranded in the woods I fell for you without knowing fully that you were my mate. The fact that those filthy rogues saw you last night and knew what you looked like put you in more danger than ever, that's why I got angry. That's why I had to kill them all."

I let out a loud and audible gasp.

"Not Beau's mate, don't worry." He assured me. "I couldn't risk the other rogues contacting anyone on the outside of what you look like because if anything happens to you, I don't know what I would do to myself. My anger last night maybe wasn't justified but I was so angry at you for defying me, at myself for not ensuring you're safe and at the guards who let you go down there. I don't understand why Beau just didn't tell me his mate was down there. I hate the rogues but now that I know how much a mate means to a wolf, I wouldn't have denied him. However I just couldn't stand you being so close to them longer than necessary and I knew that if I didn't get you back to the house quickly I would've probably marked you right there in the woods just to ensure I'm always in contact with you but I can't do that to you. Not until the time is right.

"I've never been that furious before and I was afraid that I would uncontrollably transform into my wolf. I would never hurt you but if you stood just close enough, my wolf could hurt you with my level of anger and that's why I couldn't have you close to me. But when you started to speak, when you said you don't want to be here, that you don't want this, well I knew I was to blame. I'm keeping you here against your will. I stole all your dreams and you can't see your family and I can't even offer you anything to compensate. I knew you were right and it crushed me Emery, but you were wrong when you said I don't respect you or that I didn't care. I respect you more than anyone else I know. Heck, I respect you as if you're my alpha and I care for you beyond more than you can imagine. I wasn't trying to keep any secrets from you, that wasn't my intention, I was only trying to protect you. I'm sorry that you don't want this life Emery, it's killing me knowing that I'm keeping you here against your will but I can't help it, you're my soulmate.

"And I didn't kiss Abigail, you know how she is and she took advantage of my mood today and launched herself into me and kissed me but I pulled her off quickly and set her straight. I knew you felt the pain Emery, I felt it too because it doesn't just happen to one mate, it happens to us both. We're connected. I want you to know I would never disrespect you like that, never. I would never cheat because you're the one for me Emery, I can't say that enough. I know I haven't done anything for you to trust me or believe me but I want you to know that I'm telling the truth." He finished and I believed him. It was Thane, and I somehow knew he was telling the truth.

I always had blind faith in him but he was being honest. At least I hoped he was.

I got up too quickly and opened to door only for Thane to fall back since his back was rested against the door. He looked up at me with a fearful and sorrowful expression. "I'm sorry." He whispered still lying on the floor.

I knelt beside him while shaking my head, "No, no it's my fault. I brought hell into your life. You're such a good guy Thane. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

I covered my face with my hands to cover my shame but I was suddenly engulfed in his embrace and I knew that familiar feeling, it was home.

I hugged him back and curled myself into his arms, "I'm so sorry Thane."

He shushed me while keeping me in his arms as he nuzzled my neck. "It's not your fault sweetheart, it's all mine."

"No it's not." I pulled away slightly to look him in his eyes, "You were just trying to protect me while I was putting myself in more danger, it's my fault."

"Stop blaming yourself." Before I could get another word in, he suddenly pulled us both to our feet. "What happened, happened. We can't change the past but I can promise to be better in the future."

I wanted to apologize for what I said to him yesterday but before I could say a word, he picked me up bridal style and walked us over to the en suite bathroom in his room.

He set me on the counter before grabbing a towel and drying my hair.

"You don't have to do that." I meekly mumbled.

"I want to. You're my responsibility and I want to take care of you." He tried his best to towel dry most of the water out of my hair. To my surprise, Thane had a blow dryer which he plugged in for me before he left the bathroom.

I tried my best to use the heat to dry my hair because I was freezing. As I was about to get some clothes, Thane walked back in with fresh, dry clothing for me.

Without a word, he rest the clothing down as he went to the shower and turned it on, adjusting the water temperature for me.

"I suggest you go in soon before you catch a cold." He said gently before he left me to it.

His caring nature never ceased to amaze me and I appreciated it from him but I knew I had to tell him my side of things before we can move forward. That is if he can forgive me and I can forgive him.

I quickly stripped off my soaked clothing and hopped into the steaming hot shower. No matter how long I stood under the cascading water, I still felt cold.

It was this internal chill within me knowing that Thane and I had unresolved issues lurking around us.

When I was finished, I dried off and saw that Thane picked out a pair of pajamas for me and to my embarrassment, an underwear as well.

My cheeks burned bright red as I exited the bathroom just as Thane entered the bedroom. He was also freshly showered and changed in dry clothing.

"Thane can we-" I started but he held his hand up stop me.

"Why don't you make yourself comfortable while I get the fireplace going. Then we can talk, alright?" He inquired and I nodded before heading over to the sofa in our room since it was closer to the fire.

I wrapped the plush throw around me as I saw Thane put some pieces of wood into the fireplace before lighting it up.

Outside was still raining cats and dogs but now that I was inside, I didn't mind it.

As the fireplace crackled to life, Thane joined me on the couch. He had something in his hand but before I could get a good look at it, he turned me around so that was my back was facing him.

Without a word, he began brushing my hair.

My mate was untangling the knots that were in my hair that was caused because it got wet. Even if I was still angry at him, he would make it impossible because of his actions. This was the first time a guy actually brushed my hair and I'm not going to lie and I say I wasn't squealing on the inside.

His gentle touch made my eyes close down. Just as I stifled a yawn, he stopped and turned me back so that we were sitting side by side.

I chewed on my lip from embarrassment. "Thank you."

He gave me a half smile, "Cold?"

I nodded my head because I still was even though the fire was on and a blanket was covering me.

Thane opened his arms and looked into my eyes for permission and with a simple nod from me, he moved the blanket so that it wrapped around the two us before he wrapped me into his arms.

He was really warm and I couldn't help but revel in his body heat. My own personal heater.

As silence blanketed us I began grovelling, "Thane, I didn't mean what I said last night. I want to be here, with you. I want to do this with you, my mate. Over the past few weeks I've had more adventure than I've ever experienced in my entire life and I wouldn't ask to change a thing. I'm sorry I always misjudge your intentions, I'm just trying to understand you and your world. But just know that I'm happy here, with you. You transformed my dreams into something I didn't realize I wanted or needed and I can't thank you enough." I finally expressed my feelings to him.

He didn't answer me and I continued, "I do sometimes feel trapped but that's not because of being here, it's because you don't tell me anything and I feel useless. I feel like you get super over protective sometimes and I appreciate you for that, but I want some freedom to make decisions for myself. Just because I'm outside doesn't mean I'm going to runaway or get attacked. You'll live in paranoia your entire life if you think like that. I just wish you would trust me with information and to handle things on my own. I was so angry at you for taking me out of the Crypt the way you did. But when you said you were going to kill all the rogues I couldn't bare it. I would've said anything to you so that you'd change your mind and let them live.

"I'm sorry for making you think that I didn't want you or hated you. I never meant it. Thane, you have no idea how much you mean to me." I confessed as I looked up to see his gaze on me.

His eyes were filled with what could only be described as adoration and relief. He placed a kiss on my forehead before clearing his throat, "You have nothing to be sorry for sweetheart. I made you feel that way and I know that I have you locked here in this house but I only want you safe. Consider having full freedom and access to the jeep anytime you want from now on. If you want space away from the pack house then you have it. As long as I don't lose you is what's important to me. I know we both said things in anger but you mean the world and more to me and you have no idea how happy I am to have heard you say that I mean something to you. I don't want anyone but you Emery."

I saw emotions swirling in his eyes, "Do you forgive me for running off to the Crypt?"

"Do you forgive me for everything last night and that kiss with Abigail today?" He countered.

I grimaced as he reminded be about that blonde hair witch.

"I know that she's delusional about you and I believe you when you said she initiated it but don't bring it up again. I forgive you." I kissed his cheek and he blushed in return.

"You were forgiven since I saw you in the rain today."

I wrapped my arms around his neck. "Thank you taking care of me."

I felt his lips turn up in a smile against my forehead, "Anytime sweetheart. Just please don't sit out in the rain again? I'm asking not forcing you."

I smiled at what he said, "I'll think about...but if I do then promise me you'll heat me up after?"

"If I didn't know any better sweetheart, I'd think you were flirting with me." He pulled away enough to look at me with a playful look in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes at him before I shifted so that I was laying my head against his chest, "Maybe I am."

"Knew it, now if only I could kiss you..." He trailed off.

My felt my face instantly heat up from what he said, "Maybe you could."

"Is that an invitation?" He asked coyly.

"Maybe it is." I shrugged.

"You're killing me sweetheart but as much as I would love to, I want it to be perfect." He answered.

"Such a tease." I mumbled with a smile as I looked up at him. "Can you stay with me tonight?" I asked as the sun was beginning to set.

"Don't I every night?" He questioned with a confused look on his face.

"Not last night." I pouted.

His arms around me tightened, "I'm sorry about that. I should've come back to you but the anger was eating away at me and I didn't want to hurt you."

"I know you did it to protect me but I feel safer when you're here with me."

I can see some confusion written on his face, "Why? Did something happen?"

"No, not really. It's just that I had a nightmare about the rogues and when I woke up you weren't there..." I shook my head to get rid of the awful memory.

"Hey, look at me." He placed one of his hands on my cheek, "they're not going to touch you or even lay their eyes on you. As long as I'm alive, they're not going to get to you, ever and I'll make sure of it." He vowed.

"I know Thane but I just need you right now." I said as placed my head back on his chest and wrapped my arms around his waist.

"I'm happy to hear that." He said with a hint of adoration in his voice.

As my eyes began to close I remembered something, "Thane?" I whispered.

"Yeah?"

"What are we?" I asked as I moved to look him in the eyes.

He eyebrows furrowed in confusion, "What do you mean?"

"I mean what do you classify our relationship as?" I wondered.

"Well we're soulmates." He said in finality.

"Yeah I know but I mean something a bit more tangible." I clarified.

"Well unless you're proposing to me Emery, I guess you're my girlfriend?" He smiled.

I smirked at him, "Not a proposal but are you asking me something Thane?"

He grinned down at me, "Be my girlfriend Emery Aiken?"

I smiled at his shy demeanor, "Hmmm, unfortunately I would have to say..." I stretch out my answer to torture him a bit, "Yes!" I laughed at his relieved expression.

"You mean way more to me than that title sweetheart but it'll do for now." He mumbled.

I just nodded, "You should get some sleep, you've basically been awake for over twenty four hours."

"You should as well sweetheart because I think you have a date with your boyfriend tomorrow."

"Do I?"

"You do."

"Is he going to set me up again?"

"I'll beat his ass if he does." He mumbled.

"Good." I grinned.

A/N

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