Page 52 of Destined Mate

“Bodey,” Michael called as his footsteps hurried down the hallway. When he entered the room, he warned, “You’re out of line.”

Bodey shot his father a death glare but didn’t budge. “Not happening.”

Alpha will rolled off him in waves so strong I sensed them even from behind him. I could only imagine how Theo felt with it channeling right at him. Bodey wasn’t his alpha, so he didn’t have to listen, but his wolf would be affected.

I was about to lose my shit. He was acting no better than Zeke, trying to bully others into doing his will.

“Son,” Michael added, “if she called him, we can’t stand in her way. She’s pretty much healed, anyway. There’s no reason for her to stay if she asked to go.”

“Noreason?” Bodey’s body shook. “Herpackinjured her!”

“That doesn’t change the fact that she wants to return,” Michael said, his gaze flicking between his son and Theo.

I wanted to retract my decision, but it was too late. This was why I had to get out of there. “I need to leave. I’ve made my decision.”

“See?” Michael placed a hand on his son’s shoulders. “Those are the rules.”

Bodey somehow stiffened more, as if he was ready to argue with his dad as well. The comment Samuel had made yesterday about Bodey being a rule follower had hit home.

“I’ll go get my bag.” I spun and headed up the stairs.

I rushed into my room and grabbed my bag, but my legs froze. I didn’t want to leave. This place had been safe but at the cost of my heart.

Soft steps headed toward me, and Janet slipped into the room. “You know he cares about you?” Her face softened. “I don’t know what happened between the two of you last night, but it’s clear you’re both hurting.”

I wiped the tears falling from my eyes. “I care about him, too. And that’s the real problem because he made it clear last night that we can’t be together.” I blew out a breath, trying to rekindle the anger I’d had on my way up here.

For a moment, neither of us spoke, and I centered myself so I could get my ass back downstairs. Turning toward her, I placed a hand on her shoulder and said, “I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but it’s in Bodey’s best interest if I leave. He needs to focus on finding the one he’s searching for. And I’m causing more friction when the alphas’ focus should be on Samuel’s coronation and the queen of the Southwest. I need to return to my family.”

I left out the part that staying here would destroy me. Bodey had trusted me with his secret.

Janet smiled sadly. “You’re doing what’s best for my son. I see that, and all I can do is thank you. I just thought you two had found something special in each other, and maybe you have. But sometimes love isn’t enough.”

My mouth went dry, and I tried to swallow. If I wasn’t careful, I’d start crying all over again, and my eyes were stinging.

She hugged me, and I returned the gesture. I wasn’t hugely into physical affection, but I’d grown to care about her and the rest of them.

When she pulled away, she brushed my cheek with the back of her hand. “Remember, you need to take care of yourself. Don’t stay in a dangerous situation.”

“I won’t.” That wasn’t a lie. I was determined to find a way out of the hell that was my life. I now knew that not all packs mistreated their members, but I had to go back for my family and to find a way to legitimately break free without getting others involved in that battle.

Whatever she saw on my face must have reassured her because she dropped her hands. “If you need anything, all you have to do is call or text one of us.” She took my phone from my hand and typed in some numbers. When she handed it back to me, she said, “You have our contact information now. Even though you’re not an official pack member, in my heart, you’ll always be one of us.”

Yeah, she wasn’t helping me with my not-crying strategy. I bit my inner cheek to keep from sobbing. “Thank you.”

Someone heavier trekked up the stairs, and Samuel joined us in the room. He cleared his throat. “Are you two done? I’d like to talk to Callie for a second before she leaves.”

“Of course. I need to go downstairs and check on Bodey and Michael.” She hurried over and kissed Samuel’s cheek, then left us.

My heart panged. We were both adopted, but my parents didn’t show me affection like that. I was happy for him—Samuel deserved it—but sometimes, I wished Fate had been kinder to me.

Enough wallowing.

Samuel rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m really gonna miss you. Out of everyone here, you understood me best.”

I mashed my lips into a line to prevent more tears from forming. “That’s because we’re kinda in the same situation, though our futures look very different.” I placed my hands on his shoulders and smiled. “Just know you will be anamazingking.”

He grabbed my hand and held it tightly. “When I’m king, I’ll make things right for you. I promise.”

---