ABBY

Chapter 12

Staring out into the forest, Lawrence sips leisurely on a premium cognac and ice. His mind wanders to the happenings of a few days ago. The petite woman has him mesmerized. Caught up in his own little world, he doesn't notice his brother, Dominique coming through the door to join him on the patio of the Pack house. "What's on your mind, Brother? You've been distant for the past week now." He speaks, startling Lawrence, nearly dropping his drink. Smirking, Dom takes a seat next to his brother.

Looking over at Law, Dominique can see something is bothering him. Waiting patiently for him to speak, Dom takes a sip from his own drink. "I found her, Dom. I found my mate." Law says, his voice low and sad. "But I don't think she'll accept me."

It takes Dominique a few seconds to grasp Lawrence's meaning. His brother found his mate, but he's not overly excited about it. For a Lycan to find their mate, is a momentous occasion.  Why is Law hesitant? What is wrong with this picture?

Worried, he looks at Law and sees a man who's concerned. The frown between his brows are deep and permanent. In the years he's known his brother, this is the first time he's seen him like this. "Do we know her?" He asks, trying to keep the concern out of his voice. "Yeah, we do. But we lost contact while we were still young and us boys, who got into all kinds of trouble." Lawrence states and a long sigh follows as he leans forward to let his elbows rest on his knees.

Dominique waits patiently for his brother to continue. He's the eldest of the two and seeing his brother like this, breaks his heart. They may be twins, but their personalities differ like night and day. He's the dominant Alpha and likes to take control and call the shots. Being a stubborn a*s at times. Where Law is the more mellow one. Taking things as they come and has a heart of gold.

He's running all the girls they've met through his mind, but all fail to pique his interest. "It's Abby Davidson." Law answers his thoughts. Shock must've been clear on his face, because Lawrence starts to snicker. "How is that even a possibility? I think the Moon Goddess made a huge mistake here. That little mouse is your mate?" Dom goes off but is met by a deep growl from Lawrence. Looking over at his brother, he's met by a pair of golden eyes. Dean is not happy by the way he talked about their mate and neither is his brother.

"Easy..." Dom says, backing down.

"I'm sorry for going off like that." Dominique apologizes and lifts his hands in surrender. Law's eyes turn back to green, but his demeanour still says he's upset. "When did you meet her?" Dom asks, still a bit cautious. "A few days ago. At the hospital. She was sick and needed help." Law explains.

"Have you told Mom and Dad yet?" Dominique asks, staring into the now dark forest, swirling the last of the ice-cubes in his glass. "No, I haven't. Not yet, anyway. I'm afraid to." Lawrence sighs. "I'm afraid of their reaction." He finishes, sounding defeated.

Maybe Dominique is right. The Moon Goddess is truly cruel, or she has a wicked sense of humour. Lawrence's mind has been occupied ever since he saw Abby. She basically came back from the dead. Rising above everyone's expectations and succeeded in becoming a powerful captain of a huge war galleon, manned by at least sixty hardened seamen.

Only Lord Bolton, Dr. Hugh and himself knew of her return. And he's determined to keep the secret. "Dom, don't tell them, please." Lawrence pleads, his voice breaking. Dom looks at him, weighing the situation. "What are you so afraid of, Law? It's not as if she'll disappear into thin air." Dominique says, jokingly, but the look he gets from his brother wipes the smirk from his face. 

Turning his gaze to the forest, Law answers: "I'm afraid that she might run and then I'll lose her again." The pain in his heart is almost unbearable as his chest becomes constricted. "Again?" Dominique asks, raising his eyebrows. He's not sure where this is going. He was always the one teasing Lawrence when it came to girls. Calling him a "lovesick puppy". Lawrence is the more romantic one of the two. Did he know that him and Abby Davidson were destined?

The petite blond-haired girl with the sad sky-blue eyes appears in front of him. She's a total mystery to Dominique. He realizes that he knew nothing about her and still don't. A quiet, shy, withdrawn girl who would only stand on the step of the patio and watch everyone play. Maybe a look of fear and sadness in her eyes. She was always on guard with her walls high. Then one day, she just vanished. No one saw or heard from her again. That is until now. Lawrence was devastated. He was always the one protecting her when they were young.

The day they met Abby is still fresh in Law’s memory. They were playing outside the huge mansion while their parents enjoyed cake and tea with Lord Bolton and William. Shirley later joined they and she had Abby with her. He remembers the small five-year old girl hiding behind Lord Bolton chair. Yet, he caught her peaking his ways on numerous occasions. Now

Now that he thinks about it, even back then. All he wanted to do, was keep her safe. He wanted to protect her and keep her in his sights all the time. Dom even teased him for being obsessed with Abby. But she pushed them away and became more withdrawn by the day. He never understood why.

"Why do you think she might not accept you as her mate?" Dominique asks Lawrence. The mystery girl is piquing his interest. He's a bit weary with the question, though. Not sure if he really wants the answer to it. He's worried about Lawrence. 

Ignoring the question, Lawrence sinks back into the chair. The day he's been dreaming about, finally arrived. Yet, he's edgy and hesitant. Dean, his wolf is also quiet as if he's left. Only making his presence known when needed. Lawrence stays quiet, hesitant to answer.

Dominique gets up and stretches out. "I'm turning in. Don't worry so much, Brother. Things will work out. Just be patient." He says and walks off to his bedroom. Lawrence follows the retreating broad back of his brother as a tinge of jealousy creeps up. Dominique found his mate at a dinner gala when they turned eighteen. It was a magical sight. 

Dom is still training to be an Alpha. Their grandfather is a strict teacher, but General Collard is the best. He rules the pack with an iron fist along with Sebastian, their father as Beta. Lawrence is not keen on becoming the next Beta of the Castelena Pack. Since he's not finding his mate, he doesn't see himself worthy of the position.

But now that he found her, what does the future hold in store for them? Maybe he will get the chance now to ask the questions that been bugging him. Why did she leave? Why did she stop their friendship? Did he do something to offend her? He needs to know and he will do anything in his power to make things right.

One week after Lawrence laid eyes on his mate, the rug was pulled from under him.