An Unwavering Promise--Completed

Chapter Twenty-Five

Eleanor’s POV

The ride was quiet as Alexander drove through the Seattle traffic. The wolves on sight had cleared up the explosion at the coffee shop, ensuring that nothing would appear on the news. The last thing the top-secret government agency group needed was another news story.

I had to admit to myself and to Rae that I was extremely curious about the group Alexander was a part of. Part of me was still pretty bitter over the fact that he had kept something like this from me, but then either Rae or logic would jump in to defend him. He had been strictly told to not let anyone outside of the agency know about his ties to them, which I understood; however, I was still his mate.

As if you’re the poster child for telling your mate everything.

I bristled at Rae’s words and spat back, At least I told him! He’s never had to drag information out of me. I’ve been rather forthright, if I do say so myself.

Uh-huh. Rae huffed back at me as Alexander gave me a worried glance.

“What’s wrong?” he then asked.

“Nothing,” I grumbled back.

Liar.

Shut up.

Make me.

Oh my gosh! How old are you? Why are you annoyed with me?

I just think you’re being childish. After that stunt you pulled off with Dominic earlier, you have the audacity to be mad at your mate for not telling you something? Also, it wasn’t like you easily confided in him about the conversations with Nathan. You have yet to admit that you want to use the darkness. You want the power. You want to see what it can do for you. When are you going to tell Alex that? Hmm?

I remained silent, trying to still my thoughts. Rae was right, as she usually was. But how was I supposed to tell Alexander that I wanted this? He had been vehemently against it, so how could I oppose him and let him watch me put myself at risk because I was tempted by my crazy uncle’s words? He wouldn’t understand. He would tell me to forget about it and seal myself off from it. There were risks, sure, but if it could somehow help me free the dragons and take care of the demons at the same time, then how could I turn my back on it? Even I was scared of how easily I’d give myself up if it meant saving him and everyone I loved.

I’m sure he’d understand your desire to help and do the right thing. But he wouldn’t let yo kill yourself over it.

Even though he would make the same decision if he could?

Would you let him sacrifice himself?

I pouted, knowing that Rae had just pointed out the hypocrisy of my thought process.

“Okay. What is happening in that head of yours?” Alexander finally burst out. “You’re driving me crazy with those facial expressions!”

“Oh,” I said, feeling my face get hot.

I had no idea that I was letting all my feelings display themselves on my face so freely for everyone to see. The very last thing I wanted to do was tell him what I had just been discussing with my wolf.

“I was, um, just arguing with Rae,” I stated carefully.

I mean, technically, I wasn’t lying. He just didn’t know what we had been arguing about.

“What were you guys fighting about?” he then asked.

Natalie grumbled, “Who cares…”

Alexander glared at her in the back seat.

“Nothing important,” I said.

Liar again. So much for being forthright with him.

Can you just butt out for a second?

It’s our relationship you’re jeopardizing. I have every right to be involved.

I doubt he’ll leave me over not telling him what we are fighting about.

Maybe. Maybe not. He’ll definitely be pissed if you end up going through with the plan you’ve been scheming for most of the car ride.

My face paled.

I’m not stupid, El. I’m literally in your head all the time. There isn’t anything you can hide from me. I know you want answers, but don’t think you can go behind our mate’s back to get them. I can’t tell you want to do, especially because I know you won’t follow my advice, but tell Alex this. Tell him what you’ve been wanting to do. Tell him about what you’re thinking of doing. Before it’s too late. Before you cross the line and regret your choices.

He’ll say no. I can just tell. He already feels insecure as it is. If I mention this, he won’t let me do it. I need these answers, Rae. I won’t stop until I get them.

“It seems important,” Alexander said, dragging my thoughts back to him.

He looked concerned, and I knew I shouldn’t keep all of this from him. But, something was holding me back. There was a part of me that knew he couldn’t understand what I was going through and that he wouldn’t support my decision.

“I just… There’s just been a lot going on, is all. Don’t worry about it. I’m sure I’ll shake out of the funky mood in no time. Besides, I’m eager to see your headquarters. I have so many questions!” I gushed, doing my best to show my excitement.

Alexander smiled at me. “It will be nice to finally let you in on everything. I’m glad you know now. I have this off my chest, and it feels so good to be open with you. I’m sorry, again, for keeping it from you.”

“You had to. It’s company policy,” Natalie chipped in.

“Well, still. I’m glad my mate’s in the loop now. No more hiding things from her, and no more sneaking around. I mean, I won’t be able to tell you what I’m working on, but you’ll at least know more about what’s going on with me,” he rambled.

I tucked a piece of his hair behind his ear and gazed at the profile of his face with a smile. He was adorable, and most of the time, I knew I didn’t deserve him.

So, you’ve made up your mind then?

He’ll have to understand.

And if he doesn’t?

Then, I’ll have to pray to the Moon Goddess that he’ll forgive me. Somehow. It’ll be easier this way. For both of us.

Does it matter that I don’t approve?

No, Rae. I’m sorry. It doesn’t.

Don’t apologize if you don’t mean it.

I am sorry, truly. I wish you could agree with me on this.

I find it hard to believe that you think answers are more important than your mate.

I never said that.

Your actions will prove otherwise.

Then so be it. For far too long I’ve known nothing about my past, about my parents, about anything that’s been going on. For whatever reason, I’m part of something greater, but to fully understand that, then I need to seek out those who can help me. Even if they’re unsavory people. Alex loves me too much to let me go do what needs to be done. He needs to see that not only can I take care of myself, but that I’ve been doing it for years. I don’t want nor need him to protect me. I want to know what the greater picture is. I don’t think Alex will let me do what needs to be done. I don’t want to hurt him, and at the same time, I don’t want him to hold me back from not only the promises I made, but also whatever destiny I’m supposed to fulfill. I’ll try to talk to him, but whether he likes it or not, I’m going through with this plan.

It had better be worth it.

I hope it will.

If we lose him, I’ll never forgive you.

I know.

“We’re almost there!” Alexander called out, drawing my attention to where he was pointing.

A huge skyscraper loomed in front of us.

“I just need to park, and then I’ll give you the whole tour,” he beamed at me.

“ Just the interesting parts,” I joked back.

Nodding, Alexander chuckled, “Sure. Like where we make cool technology, and keep the spaceship. Ooh! Where we conduct our experiments on the aliens.”

“Sounds about right,” I laughed with him.

My heart and mind were heavy with guilt and sorrow, and other emotions I knew my therapist would want me to identify. But, in this moment, I only relished the laughter of my mate and how easily we clicked and joked. Even Natalie was laughing and joining in. I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to pull off what I was about to do, but I had a weird sense of calm–like the kind people get before they know the storm is about to hit. I knew that however I was going to pull off this insane stunt was the right one. I just hope that my mate would be able to understand that once things settled down.

Alexander pulled into a parking spot in the garage of the building. We all piled out of the car, and I walked over to where he was. Standing on my tippy-toes, I pulled him into a long kiss.

“What was that for?” he asked, grinning.

“I just love you,” I replied.

Natalie rolled her eyes and walked away, calling out, “Gross!” behind her.

Grabbing Alexander’s hand, we made our way into the elevator and into the building.