Barely Breathing

Chapter 39: There's no escaping me anymore

I hugged him and let my head lay in his chest as he stood up and carry me. I smiled as I thought, 'this is where I belong forever, in his arms. "

Papa is right. Tho' the monsters of my past may still haunt me I should not let them hold me a prisoner forever. I need to stop running from everything else. And, learn to live.

My parents, my pack, I would make them proud by living the life they so much want to save. That's the only way I could repay them - to be happy.

A lone tear fell and I buried my face on his neck. He stopped walking. He kissed the top of my head, not saying a word. But him, holding me like this is all I need.

He patiently waited until I finish pouring my heart out. How can I not love this man even more? He had sacrificed a lot for me already and is willing to move mountains just to keep me safe and happy.

"Let me down." I sniffled.

"How can I be sure you aren't running away again?" There's humor in his voice.

"Maybe I don't want to run away anymore," I said softly.

He put me down gently and held my arms to steady me. His eyes caught mine and I want to melt at the way he's looking at me. "I am a man of words Willow. And I intend to keep my promises, to take what's rightfully mine. There's no escaping me anymore."

A small smile formed on my lips. But before I could say a word, he pulled me in and stepped closer. There's a storm brewing in his eyes. He reached out and tucked the loose strands of my hair behind my ear. That simple gesture skyrocketed all my senses. Pleasant tingles crawled on my skin. I'm pretty sure he can hear the loud beating of my heart, I felt my cheeks burned.

He was staring at my lips and I unconsciously licked them, earning a growl from him.

Just when I thought he would kiss me, Gabbiel appeared behind him.

"Alpha the council want to talk t-" Gabbiel coughed, eyes elsewhere. "S-sorry alpha, I didn't mean to-"

"Where are they?" Xyrus was breathing hard and still holding me in his arms. His eyes were closed and I swear I saw his jaw clenched for a second.

"The rest were kept hostage by our warriors at the forest just like you instructed. The council what was left of them are in your office." Gabbiel answered still not looking at us.

"I'll be there in a minute."

Gabbiel nodded his head and went inside the packhouse. I cleared my throat, stepping away.

"What happened when I was out?" I was too absorbed with him that I forgot about the war.

His face changed into pure rage. "Those two bastards - I tortured them slowly until they begged me to kill them. You should have seen their face pleading to taste death instead."

"I knew you would do that," I said truthfully.

"You are not afraid of me?" Worry crossed his eyes.

I cupped his face on my palms, this might have caught him in surprise as he stilled. I smiled and instantly he relax and gave me a boyish smile.

"Why would I? I'm your chosen mate aren't I?" Even in my ears, it sounded so cheezy. But I can't help the smile plastered on my lips.

Xyrus was now smiling from ear to ear. It felt nice to be able to make him smile like this.

"I think we kept them too long, we should go see the council."

We went inside the packhouse hand in hand and I bet we both have smiled in our faces. Tash rushed to me and it didn't take long before Ehren and the twins crushed me in a hug.

"Oh my gosh, Willow it was crazy out there! I thought I'd lost you." Tash was crying.

"I thought I would lose you too." I smiled.

"Luna are you alright?" Heather asked inspecting me for some injury.

I nodded at her. "I'm so glad you are all safe."

"Don't ever do that again" Cassey frowned.

"Yeah, we were scared when we couldn't find you at the hideout," Callie added.

"We had to tie Elony just so you know she won't come after you," Cassey said laughing.

"Hey!" Elony was frowning at them.

Xyrus cleared his throat. It was then I realized he was patiently waiting for me at the end of the stairs.

He smiled. "You can stay with your friends if you like."

"No." I abruptly said. "I'm coming with you."

Ignoring the girls' secret smiles and knowing look, I went up the stairs with Xyrus heading to the library.