Joining Our Packs

Chapter Two Even Strong She-Wolfs Cry

Amelia's POV

After that night in the pack clinic, I've been watching Cassie become a shell of herself each day the mate bond has grown weaker putting strain on her heart. She's done everything to try to help Carter get better to no avail. It makes me wonder if I can handle the rejection if I need to. Her eyes are almost as sunken as Carter’s and large reddish-purple rings marr her ivory skin. Even in her final weeks of pregnancy, I can tell she has lost a significant amount of weight and I worry about my niece.

“What are you thinking about with such a sad look on your face?” Isaiah questions taking the seat across from me.

It's been a little over a week since we returned to the pack after the first week Marcus helped create a treaty that allowed Isaiah’s pack onto our land. For that to happen, we had to start the paperwork to reinstate Isaiah’s former pack the Scarlett Moon. I remembered the pack well my parents are the ones who helped organize the group that eradicated the rogues that had conquered it. Their leader though had managed to escape. That was when packs started adding extra security to their borders. Silver Crest still remains high in the supernatural shifter council to this day and we've given the pack's word that the rogues are reformed.

“The effects of a breaking mate bond.” I finally answer his question watching the implications of my words sink in.

Isaiah doesn't speak for a long time his eyes locked on his shoes as he searches for the right words.

“Are you considering rejecting me?” He asks sadness filling his dark brown orbs. Swirls of black mix with the brown and I know Ishmael is listening as well.

I swallow the lump in my throat, ‘yes, I'm still considering it, I don't want to, but, I'm not sure I can make that decision without knowing whether carter will live.’ I think trying to rationalize my thoughts before speaking.

“I know we've moved past the initial issues between our packs, however, I'm still not sure I can accept you.”

“I understand. Like I told you many times now I will not stop trying to prove to you that you can trust me, little mate.” He says then he stands and walks from the room.

I'm left looking at his back as he exits. ‘The man could make even the strongest she-wolf drool.’ Shaking those thoughts away I look down at the pile of paperwork building on my desk. It had become increasingly hard to concentrate on the business side of pack responsibilities during the recent events. I began sorting the stack into human business, pack business, and personal inquiries. It took nearly half an hour just to sort it all out and by that time my stomach had started growing loudly. Cassie wasn't the only one neglecting to eat.

Deciding to hold off starting my work until after lunch I exit my office. The dining hall is emptier than usual, the regular pack members opting to eat in their own quarters with the rogues inside the territory. Isaiah's scent is faint so I know he's not been here for a while making me relax slightly. I fill my plate heading to the table with Hale and Hayden, my cousins have decided to stay in the pack until Carter wakes up. Our other guest Alpha’s and Luna’s have mostly returned to their own packs. Merrik and Nerissa have stayed along with Logan and Clarissa although their leave is already prepared for two days from now. They shared healing secrets from their people with us during the first few days and while it was appreciated nothing helped Carter.

“Hey Amelia, you just missed the others,” Hale says.

“Hey, I would've been down earlier if I haven't been postponing work so long,” I tell him.

“No worries, are you going to visit Carter today?” He asks.

“I am, I have some more work to do first then I'm heading over. Have y'all been today?”

“Early this morning,” Hayden starts.

“We try to go when Cassie isn't there,” Hale continues.

“It's hard seeing her so heartbroken,” Hayden concludes.

“I would have to agree. I was just thinking about that this morning.”

“Do you think she'll be okay if Carter doesn't make it?” Hayden asks and Hale elbows I'm. Hayden looks sorry for even asking such a question while rubbing the sore spot on his ribs.

“Cassie is strong. She might not want to move on but she will survive for her children.” I tell them.

Half of my food sits on my plate untouched and I can't fathom trying to take another bite. I leave the table dump the food and head back upstairs. Once inside my office, I close the door, secure the lock, and lean my back against the hardwood. Tears fall freely away from the others and I choke back my sobs as my body slides down the door. My arms circle my knees and I let my head fall forward landing on my knees.

Isaiah's POV

This last week I have done everything I could to prove to my mate that I could be someone she could trust. I had thought we were growing closer since she had been speaking to me again and allowing me to sit with her in her office while we worked on reforming the Scarlett Moon pack. A few times we were close enough that our arms or fingertips would brush creating those amazing sparks only the mate bond could offer. How wrong I was. Amelia had looked so sad when I entered her office this morning, her shiny eyes betrayed her when she looked up at me.

She might be prepared to withstand the rejection but I would not accept it. I would not lose my mate not after knowing her. She is too precious a creature to endure such pain because of me.

Landing another solid punch on Levi I watch as he stumbles a few steps quickly regaining his balance and coming at me with a counterattack. We've been sparing since I left Amelia's office and I've found he's been needing the outlet as much as I. My gamma Raya has refused to even acknowledge him as her mate. Whatever breakdown she had the first time they met was long forgotten by the time we entered the pack lands. Kyle had told me about her past or what he knew of it and I was aware her alpha mate had rejected her. However, Levi kept pursuing her. We were in the same predicament and that had created a bond of friendship I hadn't known I needed.

Sweat pours down my forehead and I use my arm to wipe it away. “Ready for a break?” I ask Levi tossing him a bottle of water while grabbing my own.

“Yea man,” he says easily catching the bottle and popping it open.

I chug the rest of my water, pick my shirt up off the ground and run it over my stomach soaking up some of the sweat.

“I'm going to go grab a shower I'll see you later,” I tell him heading towards the pack house.

I've just hit the stairs when Ishmael starts pacing in my mind “what's wrong Ish?”

“Mate is in distress,” he whines “she needs us.”

“She doesn't want us around Ish.” I sigh trying to ignore his whining yips.

I'm cresting the second flight of steps when I feel my wolf pushing forward trying to take control and I force him back.

“Go to mate or I will,” He growls at me.

“Don't threaten me, Ishmael.”

I start walking again reaching the third floor where the offices sit and the sound of crying reaches my ears prickling my senses as Ishmael pushes at my mind. The only person on this floor right now should be my mate. Slipping down the hallway much to Ishmael’s delight I reach her door. I hear her stuffing her sobs and I try to turn the handle. Not very surprisingly I find it locked.

“Amelia, are you okay?” I ask softly leaning my head against her door.

“I'm fine, go away.” Her voice breaks and I can hear the desperation in her words. She's been so strong for everyone yet she's crying alone.

“If you don't want to talk I'll sit out here and be a silent companion.” I offer, preparing to slide onto my butt. Before I can the door unlatches swinging open with enough force I almost fall inside on top of my mate.

“I said go away,” Her voice is rough and she angrily wipes at the tears staining her cheeks.

“No can do.” I can't stop myself I tug her small body against mine burying my face in her neck and holding her close.

She tries half-heartedly to push me off. Her body easily submits to my touch and she relaxes in my arms her sobs shaking her body once more. I scoot us into her office lock the door and lift her into my arms moving across the room I sit on the couch with her in my lap.

I don't know how long we stay like that when her head pops up and she wrinkles her nose at me. “You stink.”

I can't help the laugh that escapes me of all the things my mate could've said she decided to insult me.

“I was on my way from a starting session to take a shower. I thought comforting you was more important little mate.” I explain.

“I think we both need a shower now.” Her voice becomes breathy taking in my shirtless state with her body pressed into me.

“We could shower together?” I offer huskily looking at her plump lips. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth looking up at me through her long wet lashes and I feel myself hardening.

“Hmm,” she hums leaning closer to me, “maybe another time.” With that, she jumps off my lap exiting the room.

I groan adjusting myself in my jeans then head to my room to shower. My little mate sure knows how to get me worked up.