I Don't Want to Fall

Chapter 6: What’s your Story

***** Ellowyn’s POV

I quietly followed

him. Elle, huh? No one has ever called me that before. I like it. Carson opened the barn doors, revealing an older tow truck that seemed to be in great shape.

“Alright, hop up in there, and we’ll go find your car.” He directed.

I smiled and did as asked, hopping in the passenger side. He looked a lot like a younger version of Ambrose. Even their personalities were similar. They act all tough and closed off, but I’m not fooled by the hard exterior.

He got into the driver’s seat while I put my seatbelt on. I could have sworn that he chuckled softly as he started the ignition. The truck roared to life, and we pulled out of the barn down the driveway. I don’t know why, but my nerves were getting to me. I laid my hands on my lap to try to calm them and stared out the window, avoiding looking towards him.

****** Carson’s POV

She looked so small sitting next to me in the tow truck and not doing a great job at covering up her nervousness. It was kind of cute. Great there, we go again getting sucked in by the cuteness. I shook my head as she stared out the window.

I glanced over at her and noticed she wasn’t wearing a ring. It peaked my curiosity though I said nothing. She had kids but wasn’t married. What was her story? I didn’t see a mark either, so no werewolf mate.

As we came up upon her jeep there beside it was that black Audi from this morning with a man outside it inspecting the jeep. Elle became rigid next to me with a look of dread on her face. She knew him, but didn’t seem happy he was here.

She unfastened her seatbelt and jumped down from the passenger side. I followed suit, getting out and standing behind her as she approached the man. For some reason, I instantly didn’t like him, whoever he was.

“Gavin, what are you doing here?” She asked, slightly aggravated.

“Don’t redirect this to me, Ellowyn! Where are the children? What kind of driving are you doing out here? If you put them in harms way-“ He shouted down at her.

Taking a better look at him, he did look like their father with some similar features, though he had black hair and dark brown eyes. They did have his olive colored skin tone, unlike Elle. He was dressed in a crisp, expensive suit, which was a big contrast to her jeans and casual outfit.

“Gavin, they are fine. We just got a flat tire.” She cut him off, sounding tired.

He suddenly noticed me, which seemed to infuriate him.

“Who’s this? Are you f*****g him you f*****g w***e? You’re MY WIFE!” He raised his hand as if to smack her, and she turned her face waiting for the blow.

Without a second thought I stepped forward catching his arm. Archer was growling inside my head.

“How dare he try to hit our mate!” Archer roared within my mind.

“He said wife, Archer.” I said solemnly.

“No ring and no mark,” He replied confidently.

****

“We are separated Gavin, and I’m working towards that divorce. I’m not with anyone, but if I was it would be none of your business. Carson is only trying to help me with the Jeep.” She stated firmly giving Archer more hope in his claim.

I tightened my grip on his arm crushing it. He glared back at me, but hid his pain well. I released him. He looked around me towards her again.

“Where are my children?” He demanded.

“Safe. It’s not your day Gavin. We had this discussion this morning. You can pick them up on Friday.” She answered calmly.

“I have a right to know where they are. They are my children just as you are still my wife.” He argued.

“Legally you have no claim to me, and today is not your day with the kids. Therefore you have no right to be here.” She stood her ground.

He rushed past me grabbing her arm and twisting it. She winced in pain as he growled in her ear.

“You’re mine no matter what you do! I own you.”

“Let her go. Now!” I demanded grabbing him from behind.

He released her instantly with a smirk on his face as she cowered from him holding her wrist that was already turning red and bruising.

“Get out of here. You are not welcome on this land. It’s privately owned, and never let me catch you placing a hand on her again.” I growled towards him.

He c****d an eyebrow as he suddenly took true interest in me looking me up and down.

“Carson, huh?” He questioned. “You’d do good to stay out of my family affairs.”

He slammed the car door and took off again out of sight.

“Are you alright?” I asked her.

She shivered and not out of cold, but straightened herself back up. Trying to recompose herself as best she could.

“I’m fine,” she said in a soft voice. “I’m sorry about all that.”

I shook my head, “That d**k is the only one who should be apologizing right now.”

She smiled half heartedly as I moved on to hook the Jeep up to the tow truck so we could continue on bringing it to the garage in town. When we were back in the truck to head on our way she wasn’t full of nerves anymore, but seemed ashamed and disheartened.

“So what’s the story there?” I asked cautiously pulling her from her thoughts.

“Oh just my own stupidity. I guess everyone has a mistake they made when they were young and clueless. Most people aren’t as dumb as I seem to have been.” She spoke in a numb tone while staring into nothing.

“People can be deceiving.” I replied now even more concerned for her.

She turned towards me taking me in with her eyes. They were full of such sadness it pulled at my heartstrings.

“Yes, they are especially when they find you weak, and longing for love.” She sighed, “I met him when I was seventeen, and all I wanted in the world was love and family. I thought I could have that with him. I was so wrong.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be I got my twins out of it, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. I just wish Gavin wasn’t so powerful so I could truly get away from him.”

“What do you mean?” I asked perplexed.

“Gavin has a lot of money and power. He has control and influence over many powerful people. He runs the town I moved from. It took a lot of planning and secrecy to get this simple separation. He was furious. He believes he has true ownership over us.” She sighed. “Anyways, what’s your story?”

“What?” I said taken for a loop with the change of topic.

“Come on,” She laughed. “Suddenly visiting Ambrose when no one comes out here. Just you and your daughter.”

My cheeks heated up. Did this girl really have me flustered. I cleared my throat nervously.

“Nothing, I just needed to get away. You know, just needed a breather.” I stumbled out.

She looked at me questioningly knowing there was more to it. Why did I feel the need to explain myself to her? It wasn’t any of her business. An annoying Archer said because she’s your mate like the know it all he tries to be.

“Alright, my family keeps worrying about me, and it can be suffocating.” I huffed.

She gave me a half smile, “Sounds nice to have people that worry about you.”

“You don’t understand.” I snapped at her frustrated.

I regretted that as soon as it left my lips. She looked down after my statement, then back out the window.

“You’re right. I don’t. I don’t have any family to worry about me.” She whispered in a sad tone.

Now I really felt like s**t. I had lost family and Claire, but I wasn’t completely alone. I had family that loved Cassidy and I, and cared about us.

We rode the rest of the way in silence.