Broken
1158 Words
I could tell that Mari was hurt at my request, but I needed to get Chris and Kate out of here before a fight broke out. Why did Mari even want me? Would she still want me after she found out about my past? I knew absolutely nothing about this woman other than she was the sexist Alpha I had ever seen.
I cringed as I remembered the moment she went to lift my shirt. The fear and shame were still pounding through me. I was covered in scars. I was not beautiful. She would resent me and reject me. Wouldn’t she? But, another part of me foolishly wanted her. Marigold was beautiful. I could not believe that I was mated to an Alpha. And she was stunning. She was tall and perfectly muscled. Most female shifters had muscles, but not like my Marigold. She was built like an sss warrior. She oozed authority and power. I could not believe she was mine.
On the other hand, my heart was still racing from the feel of her on me. She was so soft, but obviously strong. I was sure I was still a vivid red from her pinning me against the wall. Oh, and just the memory of her grinding against me. When she called me babygirl and made me beg, I though I would die before I could find my words. The moment her lips had touched mine, I was gone. I knew that even if I didn't knew her right now, this woman would be the love of my life.
She’s our mate, Aria. We can’t leave her. She will accept us. Rue assured me.
Rue, she’s an Alpha of one of the biggest packs. My mating spot is ruined. Her mark might hide some of it. But do you think she’d want me around then?
She’d still want us. Rue grumbled stubbornly.
Yes, but should she? What happens if her pack fails because of us, Rue?? I want her too, but...
I know. She needs to be safe. Rue agreed.
“Aria, we came as soon as I felt something was wrong through the pack link!” Kate interrupted my inner dialogue and scooped me into a hug.
“I’m fine, Kate. I promise.” I told her sincerely. I shook my head as she held me back as if to examine me for injury. I was so luck they had found me. I was broken, but they didn't care. They never had. To them, I was perfect. I felt like crying.
“What happened, love?” Chris asked me, “You felt so panicked.” I blushed. Had I really opened the mind-link? How much had I shared?
I don't think we mind-linked. Rue mentioned.
How else would they know?
I really don't know. She admitted.
“I didn’t even notice that I called out. I’m so sorry. Well, she went to l-lift my shirt and we hadn’t had a chance to t-talk yet-” I stammered. Kate’s eyes widened.
“Aria! She’s your soulmate. She won’t care about your scars.” Kate chastised me. I bowed my head.
I agree with Kate. Rue pouted. I tried my best not to roll my eyes.
“Your mate is a marvel, Aria. I have never met an Alpha so fair and level-headed. She was talking circles around the other Alphas. My only protest was your distress.” Chris admitted. My chest swelled at the mention of my Alpha being the best. And by that display in her room, I was sure she was the strongest Alpha our world had seen in generations. I had never seen another Alpha affect Chris like that before. Honestly, I had never seen an Alpha be able to force full submission like that. She had barely exerted herself. She had been in complete control.
“I’m really okay.” I comforted them again. “I want to try; she's my Fated Mate. I want what you guys have more than anything. I feel it with her. I just...I’ll still have a place here if she rejects me?” I asked nervously. Maybe I could focus better if I had a back up.
“Always. This is your home, Aria.” Kate said firmly and without hesitation. I felt relief flood through me.
"That applies even once you are mated. If there is any point where you need us. You better come home or have us come get you. You are my daughter." Chris stated firmly. I blushed.
"He's right, love. You are family." Kate kissed my cheek. I smiled softly.
"Do you have any suggestions on the whole mate thing? I feel like I'm destined to mess this up. Maybe she'll have a second-chance mate or someone who would be better for her." I made eye contact with Kate. She looked a mixture of furious and confused.
"Aria, you are not a placeholder. You banish that thought this second." Kate ordered.
"Love, just be present and honest with her. When you are ready, tell her what you know. The Goddess would not have gifted you to her if she wouldn't react well." Chris pointed out. I nodded.
"And be honest with yourself. Because of the soulmate bond, you are going to think its going to fast. That's normal. Every werewolf falls in love quickly." Kate added.
“Why don’t you ask your mate to join you for dinner, love?” Chris suggested, “You are welcome to eat with all of us or set up something just for the two of you if you aren’t ready to announce that you found your mate. It’s up to you.” I hesitated.
“He’s right. I’ll do whatever you want, Aria. We can eat by ourselves.” Mari had opened the door and walked up to me. Without even thinking, I reached out to her and she held me close. I breathed in her fresh, earthy scent. She smelled like fall leaves and fresh air. Mari seemed to relax as I melted into her.
“No. We’ll go to dinner. Tonight is where people form alliances. You can’t miss that,” I frowned at my silly Alpha. She was willing to risk her pack’s safety for me. I would have none of that. This was exactly what I was worried about, Rue.
This is why we are her mate, though. She needs us to balance her.
“Spoken like a true Luna,” Kate beamed with pride. Shock traveled through me like electricity down a wire. I would be a Luna.
“Come on, my Luna.” Mari purred at me and locked her hand with mine. I felt so little compared to her and I loved it. I would enjoy this fantasy for as long as I could without Mari hurting her pack for me. But, if it came down to it, I knew I would leave to keep her safe.
- Writer
