CHAPTER3
1088 Words
Laura’s POV
The slight crackle of a fire awakened me. The cabin was barely lit, the shadows flickering across the walls. I was momentarily unable to recall my whereabouts. The night's events—the woodland, the rogues, the rejection-came flooding back.
My heart raced; I sat up fast.
Calum's voice from across the room said, "Easy." He raised his hands in a soothing motion as he stood by the fire. "This place is safe for you."
Secure. The words were strange, even comical. However, I nodded since I was too tired to argue.
I said in a scratchy voice, "Thank you."
He offered me a mug of water that he had brought over. "You appeared to need assistance."
I took a sip of water while closely observing him. There was something so lovely about his generosity to be genuine.
He sat on a chair's edge and said, "Where are you from?"
Uncertain of how much to divulge, I hesitated. "A pack nearby," I responded at last. It doesn't matter. I no longer belong there.
Calum c****d his head, looking empathetically. "What took place?"
I was unaware of the floodgate that was opened by the query. I was telling him everything before I realized it, including the anguish, humiliation, and rejection. I spoke while crying, and to my amazement, Calum listened without interjecting.
When I was done, he said, "I'm sorry." "No one is worthy of that."
I was surprised by the earnestness in his voice. I felt... understood for the first time in what seemed like an eternity.
With his eyes meeting mine, Calum said, "You're stronger than you think." "Avoid letting them shatter you."
I was deeply moved by what he said. Even though I still had some reservations about his motives, I wanted to believe him.
Like a confined animal, Eric paced his office back at the herd. The rejection felt like a weight on his shoulders, even though it should have been a relief.
Damon leaned against the doorframe and remarked, "I see you're still brooding."
Eric glared at him. "What are you looking for?"
I wanted to check in. The border guards are becoming restless. Instead of focusing on whatever this is, you might want to go there.
Low in his throat, Eric gave a snarl. "Damon, this is none of your business."
Damon retorted, "Everything you do impacts the pack." "Including turning down your partner."
Eric's jaw tensed, but he remained silent. His guilt was already consuming him, and Damon's remarks fueled it even more.
Damon went on, "At least make sure she's safe if you won't own up to your mistake." That is how much you owe her.
Eric's hands curled into fists at his sides, but he didn't answer. He knew in his heart that Damon was correct.
Calum and I sat outside the cottage later that night, enjoying the wide-open sky. The moon glowed silver above the woodland, and the stars twinkled brightly.
"It's lovely," I whispered, gazing up at the heavens.
"It is," Calum said, looking at me rather than the stars.
I turned to face him when I sensed his eyes were on me. There was something kind, almost respectful, about the way he looked at me.
"Why are you treating me with such kindness?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.
Calum smiled a gentle, melancholy smile. "Because I understand the feeling of being lost," to have a sense of alienation.
His words resonated with me, and I grabbed his hand before I could stop myself. I sincerely said, "Thank you."
The distance between us appeared to get closer as the moment drew on. Calum leaned in, and I didn't back down. The sensation of rejection was momentarily overshadowed by the warmth of his lips against mine.
As the kiss grew more intense, I allowed myself to lose myself in the solace he provided.
The sun peeked through the gaps in the cabin walls, and the morning arrived too soon. I sat outdoors by the creek, trying to think while splashing water in my face.
What had I done? I felt both reassured and torn as the night's events replayed in my head.
Calum said, "You're quiet this morning," as he left the cabin.
I looked at him, not knowing how to react. "I've been contemplating."
"Roughly?"
I stood facing him and confessed, "I'm going back." "To the group."
He quickly covered it up with a neutral smile, but his attitude darkened somewhat. "Are you certain that's a wise choice? Following all that they have done to you?
"I have no other option," I stated forcefully. "I can't make it out here by myself."
Calum took a step forward and spoke quietly. You're not required to. Remain here. Alongside me.
Although the offer was alluring, I had a gut feeling that it wasn't right. I appreciate that, but I have to get this done. For me.
After examining me for a while, he nodded. "If you desire that."
I knew I couldn't stay in the cabin, but it wasn't easy to leave its shelter. I experienced a mix of anxiety and resolve as I made my way farther into the forest and toward the pack's boundaries.
I felt a knot in my throat when I saw the familiar area. Rough hands seized me from behind as I was about to approach.
One of the guards grumbled, "What do we have here?"
I fought against their hold as panic swept through me.
"Give me a break!" I yelled, but all they did was tighten their grip.
Another guard smiled and added, "Alpha Eric will want to see this."
As they pulled me in the direction of the group, my heart fell. What was waiting for me across the border: punishment or mercy?
With their hands tight and unforgiving, the guards pulled me through the pack's gates. My heart thumped with rage instead of dread. Even though I was broken when I left this location, I had changed as a person.
While I was being paraded like a felon, pack members gathered and whispered. Their inquisitive, critical looks pierced me, but I maintained my composure.
Eric was waiting for us in the main hall, his presence as dominant as ever. A tempest was building inside his black eyes as they met mine.
"Where have you been?" His voice was like a dagger slicing through the air.
I straightened my shoulders and wrenched my arms away from the guards. "Why are you concerned"? Remember how you turned me down?
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