Page 27 of Unloved Mate

“They are.”

“Then where are they?” I inquired with a scoff, my hands parted.

“Hiding, I guess. Spread out.” Rohan commanded the warriors. They were obeying Rohan’s orders when a dagger came flying toward me and I caught it before it could strike. I winced in pain, dropping the weapon and looking at my bleeding hand. “Wolfsbane.” I growled, my eyes catching their crimson glow. I moved toward the direction where the weapon had come from, capturing the culprit before she could make it far. I seized her and pressed her shoulders against the tree, showing dominance from the color of her eyes. But Rohan interrupted me with unnatural speed, pushing me away from her. “Don’t hurt her.” He growled in response, ensuring I had agreed to his terms before letting me go. I turned to face the woman standing before me, knowing exactly who she was.

“Kalyani,” Rohan said and embraced her. I stood down and watched their reunion, knowing instantly that they knew each other. “We are here to take you home. Are you hurt?”

“No, I'm not.” She shot me a glare.

“Come on, let's get you to safety.”

“But the other shifters. I have to tell them it's ok.” She said to him, and he nodded and let her go, watching until she had walked down the slope.

Rohan grimaced at me and crossed his arms, and I shrugged with an apologetic glance before returning to the rest of the team. We waited until Kalyani had made it back with other Lycan shifters. They were in hundreds and I wonderedif the buses we came with would be enough to contain them. Clearing my throat, I stood in front of them, pocketing my hands and informing them of my recent ascendance to the Alpha of Midnight Shadow Pack and how Leda had saved my life. I also told them it was time to go home and there was no need to be afraid that our pack was safe. I didn't want any of the decisions I made to be hurried, so I stuck around while Kalyani and the others talked about their choice.

I was leaning against the trees, my mind doubling over what happened with Valor and me and the irresponsible decision he made with Zeke after everything we’d been through. If I had known that he would have walked right back into his arms, then I would have just accepted defeat right from the very beginning. “Hey,” Leda said as she came to stand beside me, crossing her arms as well. “They’re finally agreeing on something.”

“You know, the only reason they left in the first place was because of the attacks after your father died. But fortunately Rohan, Asher and I could curb it. They'll come back.”

“Hmm.”

“So, tell me what happened to you and Valor?”

“Nothing. I'd rather not talk about it.”

“Hmm. Look, Kane. I know how you feel about him…” she was saying, but I interrupted.

“You don't.” I shrugged.

“Rohan spent the entire day with Valor. There was no way Zeke could have gotten to the pack.”

“Or maybe he went to him.”

“What is wrong with you, Kane?! Valor is carrying your child. Doesn't that bother you? You know how dangerous Zeke is, but you still believed he did these things when all Valor has done was fight for your love.” She hissed in disappointment, butI didn't say a word to her.

“Enough of this, Leda. I don't want to talk about Valor and that's final.” I said and leaned off the tree, walking away.

By the time Rohan and the others had decided, we descended the mountains and found our vehicles where we had left them. Kalyani and the others shuffled into the bus and put their belongings in the back. I stood and inspected, ensuring that we didn't leave anyone behind. When everything was clear, we boarded the vehicles and headed back home.

***

Valor

Days had passed, and I had gone from hiding away in my room and crying to actually interacting with my family. It was over and Kane was never coming back, so it was better that I moved on. No one knew about my Omega bloodline. Neither have I spoken about the pregnancy or done anything about it. I didn't even know what to do. Every time I remembered what happened before this, it just broke me because I gave my heart to him and he shattered it into a thousand pieces. Today was a new day and I sure as hell wouldn’t let what had transpired in my past weigh me down. I was going to sit with the family and have breakfast. I put on my shirt and buttoned it down, glancing at my stomach and releasing an exasperated sigh. Finishing up, I left my room, walking down the hallway and down the stairs. I arrived at the dining room where Frey and the others had gathered for the morning meal, sharing in the banter between the kids. Giving them a forced smile, I slipped into the seat, putting food for myself. I had told them the circumstance of my return, but they had to at least guess that it was related to Zeke. There was a sudden silence, and they were looking at mewith compassion in their eyes, bringing sadness to my heart. I didn't want to feel sad, and I wanted to forget everything that happened, but they were making it hard for me. “Eh, I need to eat elsewhere.” I rose to my feet, taking my plate and leaving the dining room. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard Logan’s voice calling behind me. “Hey, is everything ok?” He questioned, following me.

“Yeah.” I gave him a slight nod.

“Ever since you came back, you haven't talked to anyone about what happened.”

“I know.” I shrugged and sat on the stairs. He came forward and settled next to me, putting his hands on my shoulder.

“Talk to me. You've always talked to me.”

“I got myself in a really huge problem, and now I don't even know what to do anymore. I rushed through things.”

“Hey, what about Ezekiel?”

“He’s been manipulating me. It’s too complicated. I have a mate now, but he sent me away because of Zeke and now everyday I blame myself for not being a good friend, for not being enough to fight for. Logan, I've never been enough, and it just hurts so much.” I professed my hurt and looked at Logan, seeing the helplessness in his eyes. Tears trickled down my cheeks and I wiped it off.

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