The True Union

Chapter 13 Derrick

He needed to get out of here. He still had no clue if he was losing her in less than a day, and the more time he spent with her the harder he fell for her. How could he keep his word and let her go if that was her choice? He promised her he would stand by whatever she decided, but could he? This woman was everything he ever dreamed of perfection in every way. And he could lose her forever. No, he would have to make sure that wasn’t her choice. He could handle the war if he needed to, but he couldn’t lose her.

Around midnight, he knew he should let her sleep. They had finished dinner not long ago; both having been caught up with each other to worry about food. He just couldn’t bring himself to leave her though, he had only been apart from her for those few minutes since they met. “Sam, can I be honest with you about something crazy?” Laughing, she nodded. “I haven’t left this room aside from five minutes the day after I found you. I’ve slept, worked and showered here. I find the idea of being away from you very difficult. Would you mind if I slept in here again tonight? I’ll sleep on the couch if you want.”

He watched with bated breath as she thought over her response. Slowly she nodded, “I think I would like your company tonight.” He noticed that she didn’t say where he should sleep though. Deciding he should play the gentlemen; he leaned over and kissed her forehead. Then he slowly crossed the room, grabbing a spare blanket from the closet and laid down on the couch. “Goodnight baby girl.” He didn’t mean to use such an intimate endearment, but he smiled when she replied, “Goodnight darling.” He laid there for a good hour just listening to her soft snores, before it finally lulled him off to sleep.

Within a few hours he was jolted awake. He was confused for a few seconds before Sam screamed again. “You can’t make me leave; you can’t make me. I won’t go.” He looked over and saw her thrashing around in her bed. Before he could put any thought behind it, he ran to her and pulled her to his side. As if she knew she was safe now, she instantly calmed, resuming her soft, peaceful snoring. Soon, her warmth and small noises pulled him back under.

He woke up with a start. Sam was shaking him violently. “What on earth are you doing in my bed? Didn’t you go to sleep over there?” She asked, motioning towards the couch. “Sorry baby girl, you were having a nightmare. I came to calm you down and must have fallen asleep holding you.” She should slap him, and he knew it. She didn’t know he’d slept with her every night since she’d arrived, but that was beside the point. And he wasn’t about to admit that right now. “Oh, I was, thank you.” Well, that wasn’t what he expected. He’d take it though. He glanced at the clock and saw it was nine am. He really should be getting ready. The plane was set to leave at one. Knowing it was an hour drive to the airport, he only had about three hours.

“Alright, so here’s the deal. I have to leave at noon. I propose we eat breakfast, then we’ll shower and get ready. After all that’s done, we can sit down, and you can tell me your decision. Sound good?” She nodded, then asked, ” You meant separate showers, right?” Realizing how it sounded, he laughed. “Yes, baby girl, separate showers. You can go first. Now, even if you want to do it before you eat.” I’ll text Jared and ask him to bring something up.” Knowing his time was running out, he really didn’t want to leave her now, even for the briefest moment.

Two hours later, they were sitting side by side on the couch. It was the moment of truth. He felt her hand wrap around his as she spoke, “I think I should accompany you to the meeting. I know it’ll be hard, but if you really don’t want a war, then there’s no reason for a forced mating. Also, all but one other option ensures one will happen. I’m scared, but I trust that you’ll keep me safe.” He let out the breath he had been holding since she began. “I agree. That’s the best option and you’re right. I’ll protect you above anything else.” He pulled her into a hug, and they stayed like that for many minutes.

Soon it was noon, and they headed together to his car. Jared looked relieved when they showed up. “Alright, so what’s the plan, boss?” Chuckling, he pushed him towards the car. On the ride to the airport, Derrick filled Jared in on their plan. It was definitely their best option. The few hours it took on the plane went by in laughter. Jared also seemed to enjoy her company. This was perfect, he thought, his best friend and his best girl.

Their rental car was ready upon arrival and the five of them quickly loaded up. Everything was going great until they got to the hotel. He could sense Sam getting more and more anxious as they drove through the large city. When they stopped at the valet to unload their luggage, he saw the determination that grew in her eyes. Before he could even say a word, she took off running. Blinking, unable to believe what he was seeing and the crushing pain in his heart, he stood frozen. “Go get her you i***t, if you love her run.” Hearing his best friend’s words, he did just that.

He chased her six city blocks, before he was finally close enough to grab her. Pulling her into him, he turned her. Looking into her frantic eyes, he did the only thing he could think of to calm her down. He kissed her. He kissed her like he would never get to kiss her again. Feeling her lip’s part, he snuck his tongue in as it danced with hers. This was bliss. He didn’t know how long they stood wrapped in each other’s bodies, but he didn’t care. He would gladly spend the rest of his life in her arms with his mouth on hers. When he finally pulled back, he saw pure desire in her eyes. And he half wished they were in their hotel room not on the street.

“What’s wrong baby girl?” Seeming to just remember what was happening, she shook her head. “I can’t do this; I can’t face dad and Charlie and Marcus. I can’t watch as my father loses it in front of a roomful of other alphas. He’ll disown me for the embarrassment alone.” “OK baby girl, calm down. First, who’s Marcus? Is that your dad’s Beta?” It better not be that man they want her to mate. “No Marcus Richmond.” Well f**k, he knew that name. That has to be who they wanted her to mate. “Wait, your parents were trying to have you mate that i***t?” No wonder she ran. He’d have done the same in her shoes. “More importantly though, I’ll stand behind whatever decision you make. Just please don’t leave me. I can face anything, but that.” He knew his plea meant far longer than the next couple of days as he dealt with the fallout of her disappearance, but we would keep begging everyday if he had to. He would do whatever it took to have forever with her. He looked into her eyes pleading with her to accept him.