Reclaiming Herself—Completed

Chapter Thirty-Two

Patrick.

The mood in the room immediately lightened from the heaviness it had just experienced. There was a new sense of determination that seemed to propel the group into forward thinking. Patrick hated being the bearer of bad news, but if they were going to catch Richard, they needed to find him first.

“Not to put a damper on things, but we do need to remember that we don’t currently know where Richard is right now. Caleb is working on it, but until we get a location, I’m afraid there’s not a lot we can do at the moment. So, let’s put a pin in things until we formally make a plan and hold him accountable,” he said.

Patrick could read the disappointment in Danielle’s eyes as he looked over at her, but he also saw understanding.

“I suppose there is logic in that. There’s no use getting things together when we don’t even know all the details. We’ll just need to hold onto these feelings until we can act upon them,” Danielle responded.

It killed Patrick to see her spirit and passion dim, but they would need to play things safely if they were going to hold Richard accountable, and he wanted to do things right in order to ensure that the other alpha couldn’t weasel out of the charges.

After dismissing the group, Patrick gently tugged on Danielle’s hand. Once everyone else had left the office, he sheepishly gazed at her.

“I’m sorry for missing breakfast. I might have already forgotten about the plans when Matt informed me of Maria.”

“It’s alright,” she replied with a shrug of her shoulders.

But, Patrick shook his head. “No, it isn’t alright. I sincerely apologize. Having you here is still new, and I’m so used to just doing whatever is expected of me in the moment that I didn’t take into account the fact that I already made plans with you. I should’ve taken the meeting after breakfast. Or, at the very least, I should’ve informed you about the meeting and–”

Danielle stopped him by placing her hand on his shoulder. “Really, it’s okay. Alphas get called into meetings and work all the time. If anything, it’s normal. I can’t expect you to be at my beck and call.”

“You should though. I mean, yes, I have work to do, but you’re still a priority. A major one at that. I want you to feel like you’re important to me because you are.”

“I know,” she said with a soft smile. “You’re probably the first man I’ve ever met who expresses his emotions and feelings so outwardly.”

Seeing Patrick’s grimace, Danielle quickly added, “Which is a good thing. I like knowing what you’re thinking and not having to guess. It’s a wonderful change and something I can get used to.”

Relief filled Patrick at her response. “Oh good,” he then chuckled. “I’m glad you think that.”

Danielle nodded. “So, you don’t need to feel guilty for being a good alpha. In fact, I prefer it, since I’ve seen first hand what a terrible alpha is like. Besides, now, you’ll just have to make it up to me.”

Patrick grinned at her. “And how can I do that?”

“Um, good question,” she laughed. “Perhaps going on a walk? Or run? Or just something to get out of the house? I never really did much outside of the pack house at d**k’s, so I think it’ll be nice.”

“Why don’t we change back into workout gear and do that right now?”

Danielle’s eyes lit up, and Patrick felt his heart melt. Seeing the pure joy on her face, especially after seeing her so defeated and guarded, made him swoon for her even more than he thought possible. She truly was the most gorgeous woman he’d ever laid eyes on.

“Do you really mean it?”

“Of course! Though, I’m not entirely sure about the running part,” he smiled.

Unable to wipe the smile off her face, Danielle beamed at him. “That’s fair.”

Once in appropriate attire, Patrick told Matthew that he was in charge until they got back, and he and Danielle set off for the forest line. Patrick was well-accustomed to the trails surrounding the pack house, and he immediately set off for one of the more gentle routes. He certainly didn’t want to push her body further than it could handle. He guided her to the start of the trail, and they set off at a leisurely pace.

“So, Danielle,” Patrick began, feeling the tension and awkwardness between them build.

“Yes, Patrick?” she asked with a sly smile.

The two of them hadn’t really been alone for most, if not all, of the time they’d spent together. There were always warriors nearby for her protection or Caleb or Brenda around in case she needed support. Suddenly, he was feeling embarrassed and unable to formulate sentences. He was shy, which was highly unusual for an extravert like himself.

“Uh,” he began. “H-how are you doing?”

“How am I doing?” she teased back. “Well, for starters, I just learned a terrible and dark secret about the past of my family, a disgusting and vile secret about the man who abused me, and an unsettling and off-putting secret about possibly being dragon blessed–whatever that means. So, all in all, I’m doing great.”

Patrick winced at each statement she made. Though he hadn’t meant it, his question had been a bit insensitive. She had just learned a lot of information, most of which was painful to hear.

“I, uh, meant…I’m sorry,” he stumbled.

Danielle briefly placed her hand on his arm. “It’s okay. I merely enjoy watching you squirm. I mean, I’ve been better, but judging from where I came from, I’m doing much better. I have clothes, a real bed, freedom,” she laughed. “All in all, I really am doing alright, and it’s thanks to you.”

“Of course. I’d do anything for you,” he quickly replied. “Whatever you need or want, consider it yours. If it’s within my power, I’ll do it for you.”

“Thank you. It really means a lot to hear those words, especially from my mate. For so long, I didn’t want my mate. To be honest, I assumed that my mate wouldn’t want me after d**k had defiled me in such a way. I told myself that it was better to wish myself dead or that whoever I was supposed to be paired up with wouldn’t ever meet me because I didn’t want to be a disappointment or have them with me only out of pity.”

“I could never–”

She gave him a genuine smile as she interrupted him. “I know. I believe you. That’s why I’ve given you a chance, and I’m glad I am. I think you’re exactly what I need.”

Patrick felt himself swell up with pride and warmth. To hear such words from his mate meant the world to him, since he knew that he had almost lost her multiple times. He was beyond grateful to the Moon Goddess for giving him a woman who was caring, understanding, strong, and powerful. He marveled at her.

“Danielle, I really want to get to know you. I want to give us a chance, and this a chance. I’ll do whatever it takes and go at whatever pace you need. If you want to take the lead on things, then I’ll happily follow. I don’t want to push you into doing what I want if you’re not ready. I just…I want to make you happy.”

“That sounds great, Patrick. I’d– I think that I’d really like that. And, I appreciate how willing you are to let me handle things and help me along the way. I want to get to know you as well. It might be the bond talking, but I think there really is something here, and I’d be willing to explore it.”

Feeling giddy, he gave her a goofy grin. He couldn’t help. For the first time in a long time, he felt excited and happy. He felt like living for himself again. Patrick had put so much of his time and effort into saving others and helping others that he let his own needs get swept aside. He didn’t realize how badly he needed to also take care of himself until he met Danielle.

The two spent the next 30 minutes following the trail through the forest. Patrick didn’t want to tire her out too much, but also wanted to help her feel accomplished with what she was able to achieve. Her body was still very frail, and he wanted to make sure that she pushed herself without hurting herself.

The two then came to a massive tree near a bubbling stream, and he turned to see sheer delight on her face.

“Is this for us?” she asked with a huge smile.

“It is. I thought you should enjoy a nice lunch and had some help in arranging everything. I hope you like it.”

Nestled next to the tree was a picnic blanket and basket. He had asked Taylor and a few others to set up lunch for them to enjoy on their walk. He wanted to surprise her, and was rewarded by her excitement.

“This is wonderful,” she said before leaning over and placing a kiss on his cheek. “No one has ever done anything like this for me. Thank you.”