You're Not My Mate

Forgiveness

Aurelia POV

I wake up smelling strong hot cross buns. A smile stretches across my face. “Did you make me hot cross buns?” I jump in bed and then nearly pass out. “Ow.” I whimper, laying back down. My head is pounding. “What? What? Baby, what?” Liam asks, panicked. I hold my head and he pulls me close to his body.

“Oh baby, the doctor said you might have a headache today. It’s only while you heal. With Alpha blood in you, she said you should be fully healed by lunchtime today.” I can’t even nod the pain is so bad. “Please, just knock me out.” He chuckles. “Never, sweet baby. Never.” I try to concentrate on him instead. His smell. The feel of his skin against mine. And I drift back into a deep sleep.

I wake up again a few hours later and flutter my eyes open. Liam is still in bed with me and I’m wrapped around him. I timidly lift my head and know the headaches gone. I sigh in relief and flop back down onto his chest. “What time is it?” I ask, groggily.

“Just gone 3. You’ve had a good sleep. About 18 or 19 hours worth, I think.” I nod at him and sit up. He sits up with me and pulls me in between his legs. “Oh baby, you frightened me.” I reach up to stroke his face and I lean my forehead against his to work out what happened and he pulls away. My face drops. “Did you just reject me?” I ask, tears forming in my eyes. He throws his head back, shaking it. “I don’t want to relive it, baby. It was awful.” I plead with him, begging until he gives in and pulls me back to him.

I watch back through his memories of the night. And when I open my eyes, he’s got a tear rolling down his cheek. I gently kiss it away. “Hey, since when did the big bad wolf cry?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. He smiles and pulls me against him. “Since he has the most beautiful mate who means the world to him. You are never going anywhere outside this house again.” I laugh and tuck his head to my chest. “You silly, gorgeous man. It’s OK, it was only a few cuts. I’m OK.” I flash him my biggest smile and he can’t help but return it. “I need a bath though.” I say, wrinkling my nose. He laughs. “You still smell absolutely divine to me, beautiful.” I roll my eyes. “Whatever, Casanova.” He heads into the bathroom and turns on the bath while I inspect my body. 

“I think everywhere has healed, baby. We’ll have a look in the bath now.” I grin. “You’re going to come in the bath with me?” He looks confused. “Yes? Don’t I always?” I nod, excitedly. “Yes, but I was worried you’d be too Casanova and mark me as fragile.” I stand up on the bed and pull him close to me, wrapping my arms around his neck. This is the only time I can see straight into his face while standing because of our height difference. “How’s Marcus?” He lets out a small growl. “Hey, it’s not his fault. Well. It kinda is. But you know...” He rolls his eyes. “I hope you let me off the hook as easy as you do Marcus whenever I’m in trouble.” I laugh. “You’re never in trouble.” He grins at me. “No, but you’re in trouble when you’re fully healed. No more nights out with the boys.” I crinkle my nose as I remember flashbacks. “Yeah, I’m happy with that. But you won’t be going to any strip clubs, ever again.” I pout at him. “Oh baby, this is the only body I need.” And he squeezes my ass cheeks as he pulls me closer to him. I eye him suspiciously and he chuckles, leaning in to breathe in my scent.

Liam POV

Seeing her colour come back to her face today and her big smile is almost enough to help me start relaxing again. When it’s time for the bath I carry her in with me, and sit behind her. She wriggles up against me and I pull her close to me, chuckling. “Baby, NO funny business. You are too fragile.” And I kiss all along her neck. She shivers at my touch and I wrap my arms around her waist to breathe in her smell.

We lay here until the water starts to cool, and I turn on the hot tap to add more hot water and heat up the bath again. I sit her up carefully to assess the damage. Almost everywhere has healed. This is one of the times I’m so thankful she has Alpha blood running through her veins. There’s just one left, on her hip. But that was a thick, deep cut. I run my finger over it, praying it wouldn’t scar. I don’t want her to have a reminder of that night. I soak a sponge and get to work cleaning her all over. Which, judging by her breathing and massive smile, she enjoys. 

When I’m finished, I get to work on her hair. Massaging the shampoo and conditioner in, carefully washing them out. Her hair is so long, in the bath it wraps all around us. “My turn.” She says suddenly, spinning around. She grabs the sponge, and starts to wash my chest with it, rubbing it in circles. She slowly runs it down my chest and I grab her wrist. “Please, don’t.” I close my eyes. “It’s hard enough trying to restrain myself as it is, without you teasing me.” I count to 10 and open my eyes again and she’s sat pouting, sticking her bottom lip out at me.

I chuckle. “What about if I beg?” “Sweet, sweet, baby. It’s still a no. IF I think you look 100% tonight, I promise we will revisit the subject.” She sighs, rolling her eyes at me but eventually nods, in agreement. I pull her to me again and she leans against my chest with her fingers tracing around my abs. I close my eyes and try to think of anything boring to avoid her teasing. And then the ultimate c**k block saves me.

“Hey, how’s she doing?”

“She’s good Marcus. She’s already been asking after you.”

“Ah, I feel crap. Can I come see her and apologise?”

I sigh. “Baby?” “Yes?” She asks, all sweet and innocent. I know her game. “Marcus is asking if he come and see you to apologise.” She narrows her eyes and looks at me. I’m guessing to see if I’m lying or covering anything up. “OK, tell him 15 minutes.” 

“You’re in luck. Although you knew she’d see you anyway. Come up in 15 minutes.”

“Great.”

“He’s coming up in 15 minutes. So, are you ready to get out?” She groans at me, pushing her bottom lip out, but nods. I chuckle and climb out first to grab the big fluffy towels. She stands up in the bath, and I wrap her up in the towel and carry her out into the bedroom. I sit her down on the bed and fetch her some pyjamas. I try and find something which is slightly less revealing, but I don’t think she owns anything. I sigh and pick up a set of pink shorts and a white vest top and take them out to her. She stands up and I shoot her a warning glance. She rolls her eyes and sits back down. “What are you going to do when I get really hurt?” My eyes bulge at her. “I’m never letting you out my sights again. You’ll never be hurt, ever again sweet baby.” “You can’t know that.” “Oh I can.” I promise her, and myself. She throws herself back on the bed. 

Marcus is going to be here any second, so I hurry trying to get her dressed and presentable. She laughs at my panic and I narrow my eyes at her. I brush her hair for her and then give up and hand her the bobble. She giggles and pushes it up into a bun. I sit on the sofa and she comes running over, jumping onto my lap. “Baby! You need to be careful!” I scold her. She rolls her eyes at me again, getting herself a little growl from me. “I’m fine. I’m pretty much healed. It was only a few cuts.” She snuggles into my chest and I breathe in her scent. Every time I smell that strawberry smell it calms me right down. 

That’s all I thought at first, it was a few cuts. But there were over 30 wounds on her that the doctor had to work on to remove glass from her system. Luckily, none of them had been infected with anything, otherwise it could have been a lot worse. 

Aurelia POV

Curling up in Liam’s lap is my favourite place in the whole world. My body felt fine today and almost everywhere had healed. Yet Liam was treating me like I’d had a major life or death operation. I was plotting ways to make Marcus make it up to me when he knocks on the door and walks in.

“Just walk in Marcus, no worries.” Liam groans, sarcastically. “Oh s**t, sorry..” And he goes to walk back out. I shake my head laughing. “Don’t tease him! Marcus, come in.” He looks around trying to figure out where to sit and then just stands against the wall by the window. “Oh for goodness sake, sit down.” I say, and he just drops to the floor. I flop my head back against Liam, and sigh. “THIS is our Gamma? We’re doomed.” Liam chuckles at me and then pushes me up to sit.

“How are you feeling?” “I’m fine, Marcy, honestly. How are you?” “Mm. Actually I don’t feel as heartbroken today. The Elders think now that she’s.. Dead. Whatever curse it was is wearing off. I just feel sad now. Like one of our pack has died. But not like I lost a mate. It just feels.. Weird. I wake up.. And the bed is empty. I don’t have anyone to.. Kiss.. Hug.. It’s just, you know.” I nod, sadly. “Aw, Marcy, I’ll always hug you when you feel sad.” He laughs and gestures at Liam. “Yeah, I don’t think our Alpha will like that.” I turn to glare at him. “There is enough of me to go around. I’m the KIND Luna. You’re the ANGRY Alpha.” He pretends to be hurt and I burst out laughing. 

“Anyway, I’m really sorry you got hurt. I hope you know I’d never want to see you hurt. You’re my Luna, but you’re like my little sister too. I’m sorry I let you down. It won’t happen again.” I smile at him. “Oh shut up you fool, come here.” I try to nudge Liam to move over and Marcus comes to sit next to us. I lean over and give him a hug. “If you need to cool off, just come see us OK? Don’t go off doing anything crazy.” “Of course.” “So, do you remember everything that happened?” “Uh, honestly no.” I smile sweetly. “Well, consider this my very own revenge.” And I pull him close to me. He looks at me suspiciously first of all. “You’re not gonna kiss me, right?” Liam laughs behind me as I rest my forehead against his. “Don’t let him escape Liam.” “Ok, baby.”

I flick back through my memories and show him the club. I can feel him cringing as he tries to pull away, but true to his word, Liam holds his head against mine. I pull away once him and the waitress finish. “That, is my beautifully gift wrapped revenge for you. Don’t mess with me again, Gamma.” I warn. Liam chuckles as I lean back and see Marcus cringing. “Why didn’t you stop me?” “Oh, there was no stopping you. And you both seemed to be enjoying yourself.” He throws himself backwards and covers his eyes. “f**k my life.” 

I lean back into Liam’s arms laughing. “Remind me NEVER to cross you, you little minx.” I laugh at him and lean up to kiss his lips gently. Then Marcus shoots up. “That was f*****g awesome though. Can you do that with any memory?” “Marcus.” Liam warns. “Sorry. That was awesome. Can you do that with any memory?” We chuckle. “Yep, yours or mine. I’m still testing it out but you know.. It’s pretty cool.” His mouth drops. “Amazing. You are, amazing.” “And she’s mine, thank you.” Liam warns, pulling me closer to him, possessively. I turn to kiss him. “Oh trust me, we all know that. Mr Possessive.” He frowns and pouts at me, so I gently peck his nose. 

“So, Marcy, what’s the plan?” “Plan A. Find a new nickname. Plan B. Throw myself into training. Plan C. Take time to chill. Plan D. Start the hunt again for my mate.” I nod. “That sounds good. I mean, I can call you 3-Shot-Marcy? Humpback? The Bouncer?” “STOP!” He shouts, covering his ears. “Marcy is fine.” He groans as me and Liam laugh. “Right, I’m going to the gym and leaving you two alone. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.” He winks as he leaves. 

I slide down and lay my head in Liam’s lap. “You’re so good with everyone, sweet baby.” I smile up at him, stroking his face. “You are too, handsome. Different situations require different reactions. That’s why we’re perfect for each other.” He leans down and rubs his nose on my face. I crinkle my nose, and then he starts tickling me under my arms, my stomach and my sides, but being oh so careful with my still healing cut. My laughter fills the room, while my whole body is squirming, trying to get away from him. He finally releases me and I drop down in his lap, breathless. “This is how I want to see you every day of our lives. Laying on me, happy, and laughing.” I sit up, and straddle on his lap. “Just waking up with you makes me happy.” 

He kisses me gently, then pulls away. I pout trying to pull his head back. “No, no, wait! I was out shopping when you called me yesterday, I got you some bits to help this feel more like home.” My mouth drops. “You told me you were training” I glare at him. He laughs, lifting me up and moving me off him onto the sofa. He sneaks into the walk-in closet and comes back out holding some shopping bags. My eyes bulge, how much has he bought?

“I’ll open them for you, you rest sweet baby.” I have to restrain myself from rolling my eyes. Instead, I bounce excitedly for my presents. He pulls out new comfy pyjamas, slippers, a dressing gown, a photo frame - which he tells me is for any photo that I choose. Then he pulls out some furnishings for our bedroom, flowers, and cushions. “I saw the different furnishings you had in your bedroom back home and I wanted to make this feel homely for you.” I smile and stand up on the sofa to give him a hug. “They’re perfect.” “And.. I got you a little something.. That’s for me too.” 

I raise an eyebrow. “You have my attention.” I sit back down, watching him pull out the last bag. He pulls out a black lace piece of lingerie and a set of handcuffs. I smirk at him. “I hope you got the right size.” He flashes me his teeth smiling wickedly. “I checked the ones you already have in the closet.” I grin, of course he did. “Did I do good?” “Very good, very, very, good.” He leans down to kiss me on the lips and I run my fingers through his hair.