Cursed, Loved, Redeemed

Seeing Red

I sat in that hospital bed for what seemed like forever before I was finally cleared to leave. Thanks to my wolf healing I had no need for the cast and my stitches were removed. Some slight scarring on my shoulder is all that remains from my first fight in wolf form. “You’re welcome by the way” Pyro’s voice breaking into my thoughts and startling me. I hope I get used to this soon, sharing my thoughts with someone else is not exactly the easiest thing for me… I don’t let anyone get close to me… and now I don’t have a choice. “I’m not just anyone, ungrateful pup. We are one and the same. My job is to protect you, always” and with that, he puts a mental block up, cutting off my ability to talk to him… maybe I was wrong about this. Maybe having him with me now will be a good thing. I’ll always have someone I can trust with me. I won’t have to feel so alone.

After the omega showed me to my room I decided to go look for the gorgeous she-wolf that Pyro thinks is my mate. All I can do is hope that he’s wrong. I can’t have a mate. I’ve never had anyone that truly cared for me, how would my mate be any different? Even Alex and Xander don’t know the real me. They only know the person I pretend to be. Strong, confident, doesn’t care about anything. They’ve never seen me be anything else. And they never will.

I learned from a young age if I allow my emotions to show, it only leads to trouble. And I’ve kept my mask on since. I certainly won’t be dropping it for some she-wolf, no matter how gorgeous she is.

Her scent suddenly reaches me, pulling myself from my thoughts. How is she nearby? I’m still in my room at the pack house. I slowly walk towards the door when I hear a knock. Quickly closing the distance between myself and the door, I pull it open. There she is, standing in front of me wearing a skin tight black dress and high heels to match. My eyes greedily taking in every inch of her. God she is so sexy. It’s taking every bit of will power I have not to pin her against the wall and claim her as my own.

“Mate” she growls suddenly, pulling me from my thoughts. Hearing her say that made my heart stop. “Wait I-” my sentence was stopped abruptly as she launched herself at me, easily leaping into my arms and crushing my lips against hers. This is the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had in my entire life. Her kisses sending sparks through my entire body, and this strange feeling rising in my chest. When the kiss finally breaks, both of us are left gasping for air. I gently set her down and take a step backwards.

“Did I do something wrong?” She asks, tears clearly forming in her eyes. God damnit, this she-wolf is going to be the death of me. Seeing her tears brings me physical pain, and before I even know what I’m doing, I have her wrapped in my arms.

People in the hallway have started staring at us, so I pick her up bridal style and carry her into my room. She really is so tiny, she weighs basically nothing, and her small body fits perfectly in my arms. Her head resting against my chest. As soon as we’re in my room, I close the door and just stand there in silence. Holding her against me and breathing in her scent.

The rest of the world ceases to exist. All my problems and worries about this situation no longer matter. As long as I have her with me, I know I can do anything.

“Uhm.. Dominic?” Her voice is soft, barely above a whisper. “I’m really sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you. If you just put me down, I can leave you be. I didn’t mean to cause any problems or anything.”

“Oh, no. I’m never going to be putting you down beautiful. I believe you requested we get to know each other. And since you saved me the trouble of finding you, I think it’s only right that we start right now” I tell her softly, and walk over to my bed to lay down, keeping her in my arms and pressed tightly against my chest.

“Can we talk about the mate bond?” She asks me, making my heart beat quicken. Oh god I knew it! She’s not even going to give me a chance. She already changed her mind and wants to get rid of me!

“It’s just that, well… you’re not supposed to be able to feel the mate bond until you’re 16, and well. I’m not 16 yet…”

My head starts spinning. What does she mean she isn’t 16 yet? How am I feeling the sparks? Pyro was so certain she was my mate. Was he wrong? What is happening? It feels like my heart is going to explode and I’m so dizzy. The whole world is spinning. I knew she would reject me. I knew this was too good to be true.

As my eyes were starting to burn, a clear sign I was going to cry, Pyro began fighting me for control. I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold on forever and I could NOT shift inside. It would get me in a world of trouble. Without another glance at Brooke I ran out of my own room. I didn’t pay attention to anyone or anything. All I cared about was getting away.

As I burst through the doors, all I could see was red, and I lost control completely. The last thing I remember was shifting before taking my clothes off, shredding everything I was wearing.

-Pyro POV-

Filled with rage I ran. I kept running not really sure where I was going. Out of nowhere this little fur-ball comes flying at me, knocking me over. I blink in shock, trying to figure out what just happened.

In front of me stood this tiny she-wolf, barely bigger than an actual wolf. But that’s not the weirdest thing. Her fur is purple. Bright purple. And her eyes were a glowing golden color, flecked with silver.

I knew this was my mate. What I didn’t know was why she was here. And since we aren’t from the same pack, and we haven’t mated, I can’t mind link her to speak to her.

“Hello Pyro, my name is Harley. I’m so glad I finally get to meet you” her voice rings through my mind catching me off guard yet again. She sure is full of surprises isn’t she. “I know this doesn’t make sense to you right now, it doesn’t make sense to me either really. The moon goddess saw fit to bless me with a few powers, and I’m supposed to be destined for something big. But so are you. I know the humans don’t see it yet but it’s our job to convince them. And above all else, we need to keep them together.”

I pondered what she told me for a minute before nodding my head at her.

She must have taken that as some kind of invitation or something because she immediately walked up to me, rubbed her head on my shoulder and licked my cheek before turning her back to me and lifting her tail. I let out a low growl and accepted her invitation.

-Dominic POV-

I have no idea what lead to this at all but it appears our wolves are mating. How dare they make this decision without my approval! This is my life. I should have a say in if or when I mate. It should not be up to this horny mutt.

I resign myself to the back of our shared mind, not wanting to witness any more wolf action. I’m not happy about the situation but I realize for now there’s nothing to be done. I just have to hope they don’t mark each other.

If they mark each other, there will be nothing I can do. I won’t be able to back out of this. What happens then? What if I hurt her? What if she does to me what everyone else has done? I’m not ready for something like this. I’m not prepared to let my guard down and love her, or let her love me.

But then I have to worry that I’m waiting too long. What if she doesn’t accept the waiting? What if she demands to either reject me or mate with me immediately? How am I supposed to choose? How can I make that decision when I’m not ready? But then again, having a mate is everything I’ve secretly wanted, but never dreamed to have for myself. I’ve never been deserving of something like that. I’m certain to f**k it up.

And what if she rejects me anyway? Just the thought that she might sends a horrible pain coursing through me. Am I even strong enough to survive a rejection? Would Pyro go insane with rage if she did?

“Hey there pup, calm down now.” Pyro says softly to me, trying to calm my racing thoughts. “You don’t need to worry about any of that right now. Harley isn’t going to just let her reject us, and we both saw how Ellie looked at you. Give her a chance, this one could be just exactly what you need.”

I decide to trust my wolf, and just give in to the moment, forgetting all my worries and hesitation for now. Maybe she really is the angel I took her to be.