Silence. Not even a shift of fabric could be heard. Opening my eyes, I look around at the now empty space. I couldn’t stay here knowing I could help even a little.
I loved Liam and what I was going to do would take his love from me. Laying down, I let the conflicting sides war within me.
I already knew what needed to be done. I knew I could never live with myself if I didn’t do it. But I wasn’t leaving here without sucking up every small moment I could.
I had time. Not much, but enough to soak up as much as a lifetime a I could. Walking away to save them meant my demise. I would still be alive, breathing even, but without him the end would be preferable.
Chapter 19
Willow
I've asked myself so many times why I needed to walk away, but the vision I so badly wanted to go away kept coming back. I'm lying there in the blood covered mud.
Liam is at my side on his knees. The sky filled with fire as beast attacked beast. This was the part I wanted to block out. I tried to block it out.
I watch as the blade slips into Liam’s back. The way his body jerked forward, bowing as the blade entered him. His eyes as the light left them.
Loss radiated through me, I knew he was here and he was alive, but the vision haunted me. This was why I needed to risk it all. Why I needed to leave and find the beast.
I needed to save them, I needed to save him. I've spent so much effort blocking that part of the vision I was able to pretend it didn’t happen.
I had myself believing it wouldn’t happen if I didn’t remember seeing it. Tears of grief and frustration fill my eyes. It hurt to breathe the thought of being without him.
That woman was back, the one who had a relationship with Liam. The one who wanted me gone. I could feel her even though my eyes remained shut.
I knew the moment she entered the room. The air temperature dropped twenty degrees. My flesh chilled as the air cooled. A hollow spot started in my middle.
Once I leave here she was going to find her way back to him. He was going to forget me, and I was going to come back to a nightmare.
Her heavy steps were for my benefit. She wanted my attention on her. I couldn’t resist looking at the woman whose beauty outshone mine, I knew there was no way I could come close to her.
Focusing on the woman I take in her large Men’s button up shirt and my breath stalled in my chest pains. It was Liam’s shirt she was wearing.
Parading around before my eyes in his shirt was like rubbing salt in the already open wound. I get it you had him before me, and it seems entirely possible you will have him after I'm gone.
“Get out.” My voice had a coldness to it that seemed to only appear for her.
“You can't tell me what to do.” She tells me coldly.
“This is my room and I said get out.” I tell her firmly.
“This is Liam’s room, bitch.” She shouts.
She was right, and she was wrong, it was my room too. Well, at least for now.
“Mine and his so get the fuck out.” I tell her darkly.
Her laughter grated my already heated temper. I was prepared to force her out.
“She told you to get out. So get the fuck out.” Cage told Lisa.
My eyes bounced to the door as Cage entered it. His eyes dark, and full of anger.
“You really should respect your Alphas.” He tells her.
My eyes darted back to Lisa. I wanted to laugh at the white pallor of her face.
“Oh, and Lisa? Take his fucking shirt off and don’t pull this shit again.” He spits at her.
Her retreating figure was hard to focus on as she rushed from the room.
“Willow.” Cage says.
“Hi, Cage, how are you feeling today?” I ask in relief.
“I should be asking you that, sweetheart.” His laughter was forced, and sadness reflected through his eyes. I understood to a point what he was feeling. He was worried about his mate and so was I.
I wanted to confide in Cage tell him everything, but I couldn’t. He would need to tell Liam, and I couldn’t expect him to keep something so important from him.
“It will all be okay, you know?” I say quietly.
“Have you seen that?” he asks.
I couldn’t lie to him and I couldn’t tell him the truth, “No, but I know it will,” I will make sure of it, I added mentally.
“Can I sit in here for a while?” he asks.
“Of course, Cage.” I tell him.
His nod was the only acknowledgement I got that he heard what I said. I thought about rambling anything to fill the silence. Truthfully, I didn’t want to be alone with my thoughts and it seemed Cage didn’t either.
Chapter 20
Cage
She was hiding something. I wanted to pry it out of her. I wanted to beg her to see something, anything about my mate. Darkness was coming I could smell it on the air.
Our world was going to be torn to shreds when it reached us. She was lying there staring into space almost as if she was at war with herself.
Stretching out in the overstuffed chair I rest my head on the back and close my eyes. Just being in here with her has brought me a small amount of peace.
She was our hope and our salvation.
Chapter 21
Liam
I've been avoiding my mate. She wasn’t ready for the things I wanted to do to her. My instincts were clawing at me. Whispers of her laying there in our bed.
I was losing the battle. Something was coming for us she told me so, and now I can feel it in the air as if evil was coating the world around me.
“Liam.” Turning I look at Lisa. The very Lisa is parading around in one of my shirts. Fuck, I hope Willow doesn’t see this.
“Cage forced me out of your room.” She tells me.
Well, there goes that hope.
“What the fuck are you doing Lisa?” I demand.
Her eyes turn innocent something I know for sure she's not. She may use that bullshit on other pack members, but it didn’t fly with me.
Anger burned through my system and thoughts of ending her tried to consume me. “Go change Lisa.”
“No.” No? She said no? She was tormenting my mate.
“I know your pack, Lisa and I’ve let you get away with shit in the past, but this this shit isn’t happening.” I tell her coldly.
“I don’t understand?” she says.
Bullshit, I wanted to shout. “Leave Willow alone, and stop trying to find your way back into my bed, it’s not fucking happening.”
Her pout did nothing for me. With a sigh of disgust, I turn from her and question my sanity. What the fuck was I thinking sticking my dick in her?
I should talk to the other alphas about a pack mate swap. Send her to them and let them deal with her shit.
Fuck, I needed to check on Willow make sure she's okay and Lisa didn’t… fuck who am I kidding it’s too late to protect her from Lisa. I needed to go do damage control.
The dirt and gravel shifted under my shoes as I turned and headed home. The air became heavy the closer I came to her. I wasn’t sure what to expect.
Was she a mess of tears and hurt? Or was she angry and ready to feed me my balls?
Shit, I think I preferred the second option. At least then I wouldn't try to fuck her. My cock already hard got harder with the thought of her moist pussy wrapping around my dick.
Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Reaching for the screen door handle one step closer to her I pull and enter the cabin. She was only a few feet away.
Just a few feet, a door, and a few feet more. Opening the door to my room shock punched me in the face. What the fuck?
Chapter 22
Willow
The door swung open silently. But I felt him like he was a part of me. I’m not sure how much time has passed since Cage came in here.
But he moved the chair some time ago to my side of the bed. His eyes were closed, and his feet rested on the
bottom of my bed.
He looked calm. Okay, maybe that was a stretch. He looked better than he did when he came in here.
“Willow?” Liam’s voice echoed around me and warmed my cold body. Turning my head, I look at him and smile. I missed him. I know it's irrational, crazy even.
“Everything ok?” I ask.
Turning I look at Cage and then back to Liam.
“Yes.” I reply.
“And Cage?” Liam asks.
“He saved me from Lisa,” I tell him quietly.
“Saved you?” he asked his voice full of concern.
“Well, she wouldn’t leave, and Cage made her.” I tell him in frustration.
“What did she do?” he asks his voice dark.
“Nothing, Liam.” I didn’t want to admit her clothing choice was hurtful. So, I didn’t say anything. “Cage looked exhausted, he took a nap.”
In an odd way it was comforting to have him here with me. It was like I knew he needed me, and it was a relief to make him feel better.
Cage set up and removed himself from the room without a word, but he did give me a wink before disappearing.
Liam was in front of me before I could blink. His lips pressed to mine. Fire erupted through my body. His lips felt amazing pressed against mine.
“I need you, please, Liam.” I wasn’t above begging for him. I wanted him inside me. His growl of pleasure had my heart rate spiking, and my breathing turning to pants.
His fingers toy with the hem of my shirt. Tugging gently as if asking for permission. Then his right hand slid under the fabric caressing my stomach gently.
Tingles erupted where he touched. Moans poured from my lips as his hand moved further towards its goal.
“Sweetheart...” he starts.
“Please, Liam. I need you.” And I did. I needed him like I needed my next breath. More growls pass his lips as he presses them harder against mine. I almost cry as he leans back.
The hem of my shirt once again between his thumb and fingers. I watch as he pulls it up, and over my head. His eyes darkening as he did so.
My nipples beaded as cool air caressed them. Reaching for his shirt I pull it up over his head and gasp as I taken in the smooth tan skin I exposed.
His muscular body was beautiful. Running my fingers over his abs I sigh as they clench under my soft exploration. My hands reach their destination his pants.
Looking up at him I smile as I pull the button apart and slowly release the zipper. His cock sprang free, and my eyes widened in shock.
He was huge I wasn’t so sure it would fit. Biting my lip, I try to forget how we wouldn’t fit together.
“Sshhh sweetheart I promise we’ll fit.” He whispers huskly.
Closing my eyes, I press my lips against his in a biting desperate kiss. All that separated us was a sheet, my panties and his jeans.
Liam’s, hand entered my panties and slowly pushed down towards my pussy. Everything in me stilled even my lungs. As his finger tip pressed between my pussy lips my eyes rolled into the back of my head.
I have never felt such pleasure before. Then it was inside me and I screamed as tingles and sparks shot through my body. My stomach clenched as he slowly moved it in and out.
I thought it couldn’t get any better, but then he added another finger stretching me. Biting my lip, I fight the screams of both pleasure and pain that wanted to escape.
I felt myself climbing towards some cliff as his fingers pumped in, and out of my over, and over in, and out. Just as I felt the need to crash over the edge he pulled his fingers from my pussy and ripped the panties from my body.
“Liam…” I start.
I couldn’t finish as my world was ripped apart by pleasure and pain as he pressed his hard cock into my pussy. He pressed deeper and deeper unrelenting as he took my virginity.
“I’m sorry sweetheart, but I promise it will feel better soon.” His lips pressed to mine kissing me gentling me as he let my body become accustomed to his enormous size. His cock rubbed against my cervix causing a spark of pleasure.
I couldn’t help the moan that passed my lips. He took that as encouragement and soon he was pulling back before pushing back inside my body.
It hurt, but the pleasure started to override the pain. Moans passed my lips as his pulled further away before slamming home over and over in and out.
His hips rocked harder, and faster against mine, and with each return thrust he pressed against my cervix. Each nudge had the pleasure intensifying and I found myself on the edge again.
Wrapping my legs around his hips I fight to keep him inside of me as I flew to the stars. His body jerked, and warmth filled me as he crashed as well.
Closing my eyes, I fight the reality that wanted to intrude. Kissing Liam, I let his love keep it at bay.
“Get some rest, sweetheart.” He says sweetly.
I smile against his lips as he slowly pulled out of me. His hard cock rubbing against my sensitive walls. He pulled me close, his front to my back. I let the darkness take me.
Chapter 23
Willow
Darkness has descended over the forest and I knew it was time for me to go. The idea of leaving him behind… was too much. Mathis was waiting in the other room. I could almost feel him.
Pressing a gentle kiss to his lips, I fight the need to climb back into bed and hold him close.
You need to do this…. My subconscious whispered. His pack won’t survive without them…. Closing my eyes as tears filled them I fight back the sobs and walk quietly from the room. Without looking back, I pull the door open, and slowly close it behind me.
My feet were silent as the wood floor caressed the bottom of my bare feet. Looking at Mathis who was holding a pair of plain white shoes dangling from the fingers on his right hand.
“Are we doing this together?” I couldn’t help, but ask I wasn’t sure I could do this alone.
“I wasn’t going to join you...” he tells me.
Swallowing I fight the fears wanting to swallow my bravado. “I understand.”
“I wasn’t finished. I’m going to help you through this alpha.” Mathis says.
My heart pounded hard in my chest.
“I already left a note with Cage explaining everything.” Mathis had thought of everything.
“What about Cages mate? We can’t leave her out there with them…” I knew what would happened to her.
“We won’t.” he says.
Relief flooded me. Taking the shoes from his hands I slip them on my bare feet. Socks were not important, and I wasn’t going to bother asking for some.
Without a word he walked to the door and I quietly followed him. The cool night air greeted my heated flesh. It was a relief and it wasn’t. Pain echoed in my chest the further I got from Liam.
The distance was becoming almost painful. There was no turning back now. I had to save them I had to save Liam.
Chapter 24
Liam
I knew she was gone before I even opened my eyes. There was a discomfort that had started a little while ago. Making my skin ache. Hurt echoed through me.
“Alpha?” Cage asks.
“Cage?” I ask.
“I have something you need to see.” He tells me.
I knew by the scents in the air she left alone and willing. That thought had pain crushing my heart.
“Come in.” I tell him quietly.
The sound of paper crumpling had my eyes opening and looking at his hands.
“She’s with Mathis.” He tells me.
Anger fought with the pain. She was my mate.
“They are looking for our mates. Her visions have driven her to this.” He says.
Reaching for the paper I grab it quickly smoothing all the wrinkles before reading.
This wasn’t an easy decision to make on either of our parts. Willow is being torn to shreds at the thought of leaving, but this needs to happen.
She f
oresees our deaths and without this necessary venture we will cease to exist. At this very moment we are well on our way.
There are many mates to find and very little time to do so. Forgive me, alpha, for this indiscretion. I will keep her safe.
-Mathis
Looking at the fragile object now clenched between my fingers I fight the need to tear it to shreds.
“I’m sorry, Alpha.” He tells me sadly.
He needed his mate as much as I needed mine. She foresees our deaths? Did she really see us dying? Why didn’t she come to me? So many fucking questions and no mate to answer them.
“Mathis is with her. He will keep her safe.” He says.
“We bonded last night, Cage.” I tell him quietly.
His eyes got big and we both knew there was a possibility she could be with child. Right this moment my possibly pregnant mate was out there looking for our salvation with only one person to protect her.
Chapter 25
Willow
We’ve been on the go since we left Liam days ago I’ve lost track of time. Climbing to my feet, I rub the small of my back it was starting to ache again.
“Willow?” Mathis asks.
“I’m okay, Mathis.” sighing I look around the stone cliffs, “I can feel her. We’re almost there.”
The sound of thunder had me jumping and looking to the beautiful sky. No rain, no clouds, just sunshine, bright beautiful sunshine. Standing there for a moment, I soak in the warmth it provided. That warmth disappeared quickly as a shadow engulfed it.
Looking above my head I scream as the wing beast from my vision came at me from above.
“Run Willow!” Mathis shouted.
I tried to move, but I couldn’t fear kept me in place. One clawed foot wrapped around me and then I was being lifted in the air by a scaly winged beast.
Dragons…
The thought was whispered through my mind hesitantly even my subconscious feared it.
Liam's Mate Page 4