Chapter Twenty-Five
Instead of going to class, I go home. I can't bear to be in such proximity to Joel after that kiss.
I can't believe I let that happen. The way his lips felt on mine was so right.
But I'm not going to be some worthless servant to Joel.
If I gave in, the physical connection might be nice but that's the only positive we would have.
Would he even go public with us being mates?
Bottom line, he still thinks of me as the crossbred.
I'm not going to stand for that. Not from him.
Just because he's my mate doesn't give him any entitlement to me. Not after the rejection.
Regardless of the unpredictability of my relationship with Axe, I would rather be with him.
He respects me. That's it. That's what I want.
Respect. And Axe is the only one who gives it to me.
My soul lies with Axe; I know it does. But my wolf lies with Joel.
How do I choose between my soul and my wolf?
I'm broken and I have a feeling Axe can fix that.
Yet if I don't choose Joel, what will become of my wolf?
On my way home, my mind is going crazy and I don't even realise I've gotten in the driveway.
Before I go inside I have to figure out if I should tell Axe about the kiss.
He respects me so I owe him the same, which includes not lying to him.
Keeping my abuse secrets is different to lying.
This lying has to do with cheating. I have to be honest. But what if he kicks me out?
What if he realises I'm not in with him a hundred percent?
My heart beats out of my chest as I walk inside.
As I come to the living room, a beautiful woman is sitting on the couch.
My stomach turns. Is she... who... did Axe sleep with her?
I know I just kissed my mate but this woman is in Axe's house, looking comfortable.
Did he change his mind? Does he want someone else?
Did he somehow find out about Joel and me?
I must have made a noise because she turns to look at me.
“Hi, you must be Elora,” she says enthusiastically with a great smile, standing up and walking over to me, even shaking my hand.
“Umm...” I stammer.
“I'm Carson.” She's still smiling. I frown and her smile drops. “Oh, you don't know who I am. Your mind must be thinking the worst right now. I'm Axel's sister.”
“Ohh.” I let out a heavy breath.
It's his sister. Shit. I'm still in the wrong. Axe still wants me and once I tell him what happened, he won't. I don't want to hurt him after all he's been through. What do I do?
“Axe told me you don't visit,” I murmur, feeling intimidated.
“I don't usually. It was always hard to… that's a long conversation. But Dash called me and said Axe is becoming himself again so I knew I had to come here and meet the reason for it, which is you.” Carson grabs my hands and leads me to the couch. “Let's talk.”
“Where's Axe?” I ask.
“The bathroom or his office.” She shrugs. “So tell me everything about you.”
“Umm, I'll sum it up in one word. Crossbred,” I reveal.
“You're Raines' daughter.” Her eyes enlarge. I nod. “I remember those shitty rumours about your dad years ago. You must only be young then.”
“I'm eighteen.”
“Wow. How did you and Axe come together?” Carson turns her body towards me, giving me her full attention. She actually seems genuinely interested.
“You're not repulsed that the crossbred is with your brother,” I mutter.
“No.” Her eyes soften. “I don't care what stories are told about you. Like damn, you should have heard some of the stories people made up about Axe. You are making my brother happy after his breakdown and that's all that matters to me.”
Her kindness slaps me in the face.
“I don't understand. Alpha Manson was always a strict man who opposed rogues. Yet the alpha and beta now and even you are kind to me.”
“Ugh, yeah my dad can be an asshole. Scratch that, he is an asshole. I just think the whole crossbred rogue thing is bullshit. You have pack's blood running through your veins. And even if you didn't, every rogue was once a pack member,” Carson explains.
“If only everyone thought the way you did.” I sigh.
“Not everyone has the intelligence,” she says, lightening up our talk with humour. “Now, you and Axe. Spill.” Carson grins.
“We actually met in a bad way. My mate rejected me. My father had just kicked me out. I got beaten up in the forest and when I thought I was about to die, Axe found me and nursed me back to life.”
“Oh my, I'm so sorry. Wait... did all that happen because of the crossbred thing?” Carson's eyes narrow when I nod. “What the fuck? How long has the abuse been going on?”
“Always.” I shrug.
“I-I don't know what to say. Why didn't you speak up? Never mind, stupid question. Are things better now?” Her eyes crease with concern.
“Yes. I feel protected with Axe. He saved me, not just physically, but in every way.” I can't help the smile that comes when I think of him.
“Aww. Even though your meeting was bad, I'm so glad you two found each other.” Carson smiles.
“But something happened today and I'm scared to tell Axe,” I let out, knowing I need advice.
“You can tell me,” she says gently.
“My mate came to me because his girlfriend left him. He kissed me.” I look down ashamed. “I-I don't want to lose Axe.” My eyes tear up.
“Do you want your mate?” she asks kindly, no judgement in her tone.
“Personally, no. But I just can't stop thinking of what will happen with my wolf if I'm not with him,” I say honestly. All I'm worried about is my wolf.
“I understand. My mate and I are inseparable.
A wolf mates for life but I believe love can happen between two unmated wolves.
Your wolf can bond with Axe's. Since he's your alpha, a bond has already formed between your wolves.
They can get closer. Plus being in a pack helps your wolf stay stable.
You'll be fine. Choose who your heart wants, Elora.” Her voice is so melodic, I could listen to her all day.
Even with such an intense subject, her voice is calming me.
“I'm s-scared Axe will make me leave if I tell him,” my voice breaks.
“If I make sure that doesn't happen, will you promise not to hurt my brother?”
“Yes, yes, please.” I nod hopelessly.
“Taken care of. Now, tell me who the mutts are who've abused you.”
I sigh. “Carson.” I haven’t even opened up to Axe. But maybe telling a woman and a stranger at that would be easier.
“No, Elora. This is something I won't let you hide. I want every name,” Carson demands, her alpha blood rising in her.
Should I tell her? What if she tells Axe? What if she goes on a rampage? No, I can't keep quiet anymore. Axe and I are together. Carson is his sister. I need to open up to those who care.
“I mean, the comments have come from everyone but the abuse has been mainly Ember Chambers, Hannah Willet, and Mitchell Wyomi.”
“They beat you up?”
“Along with my half-brother, Kieryn,” I add.
“What? Why didn't your dad stop it?” She glares, not at me, but the words.
“I don't think he ever knew. Kieryn and my father's bitch mate made sure he wasn't home when they attacked.”
“I'm so angry. I'm sad but I'm angry,” she huffs.
We talk more in depth about the abuse, about Axe and me, about the future, but then we land back on Joel. I even tell her who he is.
“I know the mate bond is near impossible to resist but I need you to be strong. The way to get a mate to do whatever you want is by physical seduction. Joel will manipulate your body against your mind and it will be too hard for you to fight it. So stay clear of him.”
“Your words are encouraging. I really needed a girl friend to talk to.” I smile with appreciation.
“You can call me anytime and now that I know things are good with Axel, I'll visit more.” Carson pulls me into a hug. Carson is the first she-wolf I've ever connected with.
“You're not going to go on a killing spree, right?” I pull away.
“I don't have to.” Carson nods her head behind me and I turn around, seeing Axe standing in the doorway with black eyes. Shit. He was listening... to all of it. He now has all the names he needs.
“Axe.” I stand up shakily. “I'm sorry about the kiss,” I apologise, not being able to meet his eyes. He comes over and grabs my hands, lifting my chin so I have to look at him.
“I'm not angry with you, Elora. I'm angry that this shit has been happening in my pack and I didn't know. I'm fucking livid, so things are about to change.”
“What do you mean?” I ask anxiously.
“I think it's about time I come out of retirement.” His eyes have a glint in them. I'm not sure what it means but he's definitely planning something.
“Alpha Axe is back.” Carson smirks.
“I need to talk to Dash. Take care of my girl, Car.” Axe kisses my cheek then walks out of the house.
“He just called me his girl,” I utter, stupefied.
“I swear years of therapy couldn't do what you just did for Axe.”
“His girl,” I whisper.
The alpha verbally claimed me as his. This brought us closer, very close. I feel our emotional relationship progressed incredibly in just these few moments.