Chapter Chapter Twenty Two
Hailey’s POV
"Liam, I am on my way back home.” I stated through the mind link as I raced through the dark forest avoiding the trees and roots.
"Hailey, baby what happened??" Liam’s voice floated into my mind. It was laced with worry and panic. I whimpered because I was the reason he was always worried and anxious.
"I’ll explain later when I meet you. Now just stay there and do what we went there to do.” I told him. Just because I couldn’t be there it didn’t mean that the matter about Logan and the rogues was any less important. Once I sought out my messed up feelings I’ll come back to do what I was born to do.
"We are coming there right now.” He growled lowly.
"No it’s necessary for you to stay and decide our next move. You’re an alpha Liam, just do your job.” I growled back.
"I have already discussed everything so there is no point in staying here." His voice was firm which made my skin crawl in fear and anger.
"But you-." I tried to argue.
"Enough I’ll meet you at the pack house.” He said with finality and added his alpha tone through it knowing I won’t be able to fight that. He really knew how to piss me off.
"Fine." I replied and put a strong guard on my mind letting him know how pissed I was.
The moon was no longer visible and my path was pitch black. If it wasn’t for my wolf I’d have fallen countless times. My mind went back to the time Zach came up to me in the clearing. I heard him walk towards me but didn’t have the strength to run away from him anymore. I felt my energy drain out of my body every time I walked away from him.
My wolf was so naïve. The minute she saw his beautiful mysterious grey eyes and his handsome face she was a goner. But I on the other hand couldn’t find it in my heart to forgive him for his rejection. That day played in my mind everyday as if it was set on replay. The pain was too much to bear and controlling my wolf was a difficult task. If she had her way she’d pounce on him and beg him to take her right there. His wolf was calling out to her and she answered like the horny ass she was.
Zach. Gosh his name felt perfect on my lips. His gorgeous face, those scary grey eyes, his pointed nose, those soft pink lips, that Greek god kind of body, everything about him was making me tear off my guard and forgive him, but every time I was near to forgiving him, my past life flashed across my eyes and the process would start all over again.
When he reached out and held my arm, it was the most amazing feeling ever. That electricity flowing through us made me melt into a puddle of pleasure. It was nothing I had ever felt for so long. It took every ounce of strength and will power to run away from him. I swear if I stayed there and heard his scared vulnerable voice for another minute I’d break down and take him back that instance. He made me feel so alive with just his touch and every inch of my skin was on fire wanting to feel his touch again desperately.
I pushed my legs beyond its limit and raced down the forest in inhuman speed. The cold night wind hit my face making my insides shiver but didn’t let it slow me down. I wanted to put distance between me and that heavenly smell which still lingered around in the air. After running for an hour I could make out the pack house from far. Signing in relief I ran towards in and entered the half open door in wolf form. As soon as my paws touched the warm wooden flooring my body slumped on the ground completely drained of energy. My breathing was shallow and my head felt heavy.
I heard footsteps running towards me but didn’t recognize them. Two pair of feet stopped in front of me but before I could lift my muzzle and look up my eyelids closed feeling too heavy. Zach’s glowing face and those grey eyes of love filled my vision before it disappeared leaving me in complete darkness.
I woke up feeling something warm pressed against me. Opening my eyes I looked down and saw bluish black paws under me. Why was I still in my wolf form? The last thing I remember was entering the door and then nothing. I felt tired and hungry. I must have been asleep for maybe an hour because my body was still feeling heavy. Suddenly something moved beside me and a hand touched my back, stroking my fur.
I recognized Liam’s scent but whimpered under his touch. My wolf didn’t like it and wanted to snap at him. But I couldn’t. No matter how weird and wrong it felt he was still someone I loved dearly. But did I love him like I did before? I used to love his touch, his kisses, but now it felt foreign and made me guilty. What has Zach done to me? I whimpered again which made Liam bring his hand to my head.
“Hey beautiful, how you feeling?” Liam’s spoke softly.
"Still a little tired.” I replied through the mind link.
“Well that’s weird. You’ve been out for almost a day.” He stated.
My head snapped towards him I was surprised it didn’t break. He nodded in sadness while I just tried to process all of it. I laid my huge head on my paws and closed my eyes suddenly feeling dizzy.
“Baby, you have to shift.” He spoke so lovingly my heart squeezed in guilt and pain. Nodding my muzzle, I took the covers in my mouth and pulled it till it covered my body. Liam eyes flashed with pain and he reluctantly stepped out of my room. If the situation was different I’d have no issue changing in front of him. But now even if I wanted to I couldn’t.
I shifted quickly and dressed into lose track pants and a large t-shirt. I didn’t care if I looked like a balloon, all I wanted to do was see my five favorite boys and decide what I must do next.
Silently and carefully I walked down and into the living room. All four of them were bending and consoling someone sitting on the couch. Suddenly five heads turned towards me and I felt a sense of déjà vu, but the difference was Liam was on the couch with unshed tears in his eyes. Ignoring my wolf I ran to him and buried my face in his neck and cried my eyes out. I rarely let anyone witness me in this position but right now I’d give a rat’s ass about everyone because I just wanted someone to comfort me.
“Shhhhh sweetheart, I’m right here. You’re safe.” Liam whispered as he stroked my hair.
“Liam give her to me.” I heard Nate’s strong yet soothing voice. I was lifted off Liam and wrapped into a familiar warmth.
“Hey baby girl. What happened? You want to talk about it.” He cooed. I’d laugh at his cooing normally but this time it actually helped and my crying quieted down to soft sobs.
“He knows.” I whispered and heard Liam growl while Nate sighed loudly, the rest just kept shut. Nate stroked my back while he placed a kiss on my forehead.
“What happened, tell us exactly.” Nate asked quietly.
I nodded and told them everything. How Zach approached me in the woods. How his touch made me feel alive and satisfied. I told them how he begged for me to stay and what it took for me to run away from him. All the time I explained my eyes were glued to Liam who was looking at the ground with rage. I should have just shut my mouth but I needed them to know because whatever it was, the truth is out and I was sure Zach would do anything to get me back. I may hate to admit but a small part of me wished he did.
“This was bound to happen. It’s not easy for mates to stay away and if they do nature finds a way to bring them back together.” Nate explained to me, but it felt it wasn’t exactly meant for me. Liam didn’t look up and that made me feel horrible. Will this be us now? Will we never be able to look each other in the eye? It was my fault, I should have known better that one day he’d be back for me. I should have never made Liam fall for me.
"Hailey he will find his mate soon. Maybe destiny is separating you’ll not only for you but for him too.” My wolf said reassuring me.
"I really wish he finds her soon so he can get the love he deserves.” I told her. She just nodded sadly. She was very fond of Liam but never gave him the place which belonged to Zach’s wolf.
“Okay. We’ll see what happens but as of now we have to go to their pack house in six days as planned. One of our spies has told us that Logan will declare war in three to four months from now. He has combined many forces so we need to do the same.” Liam stood up and looked at all of us with a stern business face. He then turned to me with cold eyes making me flinch. I saw his eyes soften but it disappeared quickly.
“Hailey you have this week to train as a witch and pack warrior. Tomorrow the warriors will be ready by morning; Tyler will assist you in the training techniques. This will be your first session with all of them.” He stated monotonously.
I nodded in respect but it hurt to see him react this way towards me. He then turned and left and seconds later I heard the door to our room shut loudly. No it was his room; I think I lost the right to that. I was just sad that we couldn’t talk about this, but my wolf was glad she was going to see him in a week’s time.
As if reading my mind, Nate took my hand and squeezed it. “It will all turn out fine, little girl. Give him some time. For now you can bunk with me.” He said, pulling me to my feet and guiding me to his room. I let him because my mind was filled with Zach’s begging voice and Liam’s cold face.
Zach’s POV
I entered the cottage and I looked around expecting to see Hailey, but all I saw was Hayden, Craig and Levi deep in conversation. As if sensing me they turned and looked at me with grave expressions. Did they somehow find out about me and Hailey? Did Hayden know?
I was scared he’d blame me for everything his sister went through and I couldn’t lose my best friend right now.
“Zach, where have you been?” Hayden asked as he stood in front of me.
“Around.” I shrugged acting calm while my insides were forming a storm.
“Well you should have been here. The Sky Pack just left, they said something about an emergency regarding Lily.” He informed me.
“They’re gone.” I yelled out. No she couldn’t have. My energy left me and I closed my eyes in extreme tiredness.
“You ok, man?” Hayden whispered holding my shoulder. I nodded and blinked to get rid of the tiredness.
“Zach, they said the meeting happening in a week’s time is still on. They will arrive at our door in the morning as planned.” Craig said from behind Hayden.
“Yeah so we must leave and get things ready for their stay and stuff.” Levi spoke up. I nodded in agreement.
“You guys do the preparations. We’ll leave for home tomorrow. I’ll just go to bed now because I’m feeling a bit tired.” I said and turned to climb the stairs. Her smell was still in the air and it made my wolf whimper loudly.
“Zach.” Hayden called me before I could climb the stairs. “Are you ok? You don’t look so good.” He asked in worry.
I wanted to tell him about Hailey. He had every right to know that she was in front of him for two days. But if I did I’d have to tell him that I lied about her being my mate. If I did that he would never forgive me for hurting his sister. I would lose my best friend. But I couldn’t be selfish, I owed it to him for all those years he blamed himself for losing her when in reality it was me.
“Hayden, I need to tell you something.” I started slowly. He nodded, “You know you can tell me anything.” He smiled in reassurance
“I met Hailey, Hay.” His smile fell and he just stared at me as if I grew an extra head. His hand left my shoulders and he took a step back.
“Zach this is really not the time to playing such a sick joke.” He glared. I shook my head and signed.
“I am not lying. Lily from the Blue Sky Pack is our Hailey. She has changed since three years and because of that we couldn’t recognize her.” I told him.
I watched in sadness as he let tears fall from his eyes when realization dawned over his face. He must have just recognized the small similarities in her. Suddenly he turned to me and glared. I looked at him blankly not letting my emotions show.
“How did you know? Did she tell you? Why would she tell you and not me? I’m her brother.” He said in frustration.
“She didn’t.” I whispered. “Then how did you know that it was her? He yelled. I stepped ahead and held his shoulder. Taking a deep breath,
“Hayden she is my mate.” I waited as his face screwed up in confusion, then in understanding and then his golden eyes flashed as if his wolf was fighting to come out. I knew I could have stopped him if I wanted but I didn’t, and my wolf, being an alpha didn’t object because he too thought I deserved what was coming.
I didn’t move as Hayden’s fist connected with my jaw. I stumbled back a little as it stung me from the beta strength he had. I held my jaw as I watched his tense back walk away.
“I’m really sorry Hayden.” I whispered into nothingness hoping he heard me. Now I just hoped in one week’s time I could plan how to convince Hailey that she was all I needed and plead Hayden to forgive me. It was something I will do because I owed myself and them for all the crap I did.
And at all cost I will succeed.
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