Waiting For Her (The Alphas Young Mate)

Eighteen | Burning Memory.

POV | Aliah

2 Months Ago

A week after the night of the storm was the first time my body grew weak. The dull ache that had lived in my chest for days on end began to consume my body. First my muscles, then my bones, finally my skin. The painful throb that lulled me to sleep each night became an intense burn that kept me awake.

The only thing on repeat in my head was Ace's voice and the anger that consumed it in that moment. What added to the misery of it all were the questions that continued to burn. Why did this hurt? What was this constant ache each time I thought of him? Why did I feel the need to hide from his gaze? The gaze that made my stomach knot.

I knew who could give me the answers, but the thought of asking him for help made my chest pull tight.

Rejection.

I was unsure why but that was the only way I could describe the feeling. Even if I wanted to go near Ace it held me back, as if it were screaming at me each time I even considered us crossing paths. The comfort I had found in him turned to anger and fear. Angry of the way he made me feel, and fearful of feeling it again.

So I kept my distance.

Despite the efforts I put into my training the pain remained. I bore it alone for as long as I could before I turned to Mayian. She was the only person I had ever confided in about Ace before, and the only one I trusted to do so again with.

Walking up the familiar wooden steps I winced in pain, breath hitching in my throat before firm arms caught me. Mayian's Father Ronelio helped me inside. His caring gaze being one I had grown accustomed too as Mayian's entire family had watched me slowly wither before their eyes.

Though I knew they were aware of the changes in my behavior and body, not once did they pry. I knew they held loyalty to their Alpha, but without any knowledge from myself, they were safe from being accused of withholding anything. Despite their concerned eyes I kept my mouth shut and smiled through. On this day however, I needed my friend.

Within seconds the firm arms holding me up were replaced by the much smaller ones of Mayian. She thanked her dad before turning to me with a loosened grip. Her features pained with worry while my eyes began to water. The words I had been holding back since that night finally fighting their way out in a whisper as my tears fell.

"Everything hurts Mayian... everything"

And with the admission of my pain, I cried. Fisting my hands in Mayian's shirt I pulled her close, soaking her shirt with my tears. A simple embrace being all she could give while she hushed me, rocking my aching body with hers.

"Everytime I move, everytime I breathe, i-it follows me. Ever since that night I've been in pain, i-it's all his fault, I h-hate him" My body trembled while I stumbled on my words. Shaking my head at the thoughts and memories that swarmed again.

"What night Aliah?" She questioned while she continued stroking my now damp hair.

"T-the night of the storm, h-he screamed at me. He didn't want me near him, i-it hurt for days, weeks. The pain hasn't stopped. I can feel him Mayian, we're connected. I don't know how but I can feel him. He was so angry, furious. I felt it course through me like I was being ripped apart'

"I can't stop hearing his voice in my head, everytime I feel Amestris I can't do it without him.. I need him, I hate that I need him... I-I need him..."

As I cried, Mayian froze. Listening to things I had never before shared. I knew from the silence that she was processing it all. Ace and I were connected, something that until now I believe only those in the pack house were aware of. Though friends closer to me in the pack knew Ace and I shared a special bond, but not to its full extent. Though they asked I could never answer, not only for the fact that I myself didn't understand, but I was always too scared of the rumors that would follow.

Calming my breathing I lifted my head, despite the heaviness I felt weighing me down a part of me felt lighter. Mayian looked on at me as if a lightbulb had gone off in her head.

Placing her hands either side of my face she smiled before saying the same thing she had thought all along.

"You and Ace are connected... I-It makes so much sense but I think you're in pain because you like him Aliah. His words hurt you because like a mate bond, you said it yourself you're connected to him. You didn't just hear his words, you felt them. Mate or not Aliah, you like our Alpha, you like Ace... I think he's the only one who can take your pain away..."

Present Day

As I looked into Ace's eyes the memory rushed through me. The pain I had tried to hide for these past two months, despite everything was gone. No more aching bones or muscles, no more burning skin. Nothing but the spark of Ace's lips on me remained. Much like the night of the storm, his touch consumed me.

Mayian was right. Ace took my pain away. After all this time all I needed was him, but I was too stubborn to ask for help. Instead I let myself get angry and shut him out. Forcing myself to suffer in silence knowing he could still feel me like I could him. I endured the pain while he was forced to sit and watch from afar.

Pushing myself from my seat I wrapped my arms around Ace. Burying my face between my folded arm and his neck I sniffled as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

"Angel.." He whispered into my hair.

His strong arms circled my waist as he pulled me close. Every part of my skin tingling from his touch despite the fabric between us from the rumble of a single word from his chest. It reminded me that we were connected in a way that even I was yet to understand.

"I'm sorry... I'll never shut you out again. I promise" Though my words were a whisper I felt Ace relax before tightening his hold on me.

Through all my pain I never once thought if any of it belonged to him. I was so consumed in hiding mine that I ignored his. Every bit of doubt between us faded to nothing. The certainty of our connection felt stronger than ever as we finally pulled away from one anothers vice grip.

"I'm sorry too Angel, I promise to answer all your questions. No more Secrets" Pulling a hand free from my waist Ace smiled, wiping a stray tear from my check as he spoke.

The sound of others around us watching on didn't phase me anymore. The fear of rumors I dreaded being spread from being close to the Alpha vanished. Ace has done nothing but protect me. He believed in me when my own Father didn't. I owe it to him to listen and try harder. It was time to grow up.

For me.

For my Pack.

For my Alpha.