Mate Protect Me

Chapter 18 - Hurt

Heart beat still erratic Gemma backed up the bed into the head board soon as she was freed from his grip, eyes wide with unshed tears she stared at Baden. Taking a deep shaky breath a timid shallow voice squeaked, “Ba..den I need you to leave. I.. I can’t talk to you right now.”

Baden’s jaw ticked as a battle brewed within. Looking at Gemma he had scared her, she was vulnerable. Pushing her for more now could lead him to loosing what little trust she had left in him, but she didn’t understand. He needed her to understand that she would come first always, she was everything. After a few seconds Baden backed off, standing from the bed. It hurt, but if she needed space, she needed space. Pushing now could cause more harm then good.

Retreating from the bedroom Baden headed straight for his office. Eyes bright red and glowing as anger ripped through his body. Misty stood at his office door her father, Jariah a council member at her side. Baden’s rage grew exponentially as he strode straight past the two slamming his office door shut in their faces. Ian rushed down the hallway to follow Baden, but before he could even touch the door handle crashing could be heard from within.

Baden always had a temper causing devastation around him, only he had gotten better with that recently due to Gemma. It had been quite sometime since he had destroyed the office. This also sounded worse then Ian had ever heard previously. Even when trying to open the door, Ian couldn’t as something had blocked the door as the smashing continued inside.

Baden lost it, the one thing that mattered in his life was Gemma. All he could do was picture her eyes full of fear as she scrambled up the bed away from him. He frightened her, his own mate, his little Gem. A cracking sound echoed through the office as splinters flew from the coffee table that he just lobbed across the room into the wall. “f**k”, he shouted punching his first clean through a wall.

Misty’s face darkened as Baden walked right by not even acknowledging her. Her father a council member was appalled at the disrespect he and his daughter were shown. He was just about the walk into the office when the crashing started inside. Ian the Beta stood at the door after failing to enter the office, his face paled as the noises inside became louder and louder. Zac arrived minutes later with Alex hot on his heals after hearing the commotion. Zac turned straight to Ian, “what happened?”

“This is a joke, do something the announcement is in two hours. In two hours my daughter will be named as Luna.” An expression of irritation covered Jariah’s features as his fists flexed at his sides.

Completely ignoring Jariah, Ian focused on Zac. “Get Gemma, she is the only one who can calm him now.” Zac nodded as glass could be heard shattering as Baden’s roar sounded through the walls. Alex followed closely behind Zac, he had only just left Gemma and Baden in their room. Reaching the door to the bedroom Zac knocked 3 times. When there was no answer or response Alex's worry grew as he shoved past Zac entering the bedroom.

“Gemma", Alex’s voice was loud, laced with concern as he headed for the bathroom. Zac cautiously entered after Alex. Hearing a sound from the walk in robe Zac approached slowly. Flicking the light switch the small space lit up in an instant. His eyes drew a corner where pressed hard into a ball against the wall was Gemma. “Gemma?” Zac kept his voice as soft as possible watching the small girl cower into the wall. Zac took a step forward trying to close the gap between them.

Realizing someone was approaching Gemma’s fear rose as a feral growl echoed from her body trying to warn them off. She was scared herself but anger and pain seeped through the bond from Baden. He was in pain so much pain. With some commotion at the entrance to the wardrobe a body darted towards her. Unable to control her actions she flew forward to meet them. With in a second she had them pinned to the floor her hands tightly wrapped around their neck. The red splotches in her vision began to fade as her head cleared looking into eyes which reflected her own filled with sorrow.

Alex lay beneath her unmoving. Her claws had lengthened piercing into his skin, still he didn’t react. His hands landed on her sides rubbing softly. “It’s okay Gemmy, you are safe. I will keep you safe. Nobody will hurt you anymore little sister.” Alex’s voice was coaxing and gentle as he ignored the pain in his neck.

Realizing it was Alex beneath her Gemma’s chin began to quiver as she retracted her claws. “S..ssorry I’m sorry”, Gemma’s hands intertwined together turning white as they gripped each other tightly. Alex sat up moving closer placing arm around her causing her reflexes to kick in jumping away. Alex moved slightly away releasing a deep sigh.

Zac watched from the entrance, “Gemma, Baden is.. Ian needs you.” Alex turned glaring at Zac in warning. Flinching Zac steadied himself trying to stay calm under Alex’s dark gaze. Truth being, under Zac’s arrogance, Alex shook him. Zac was a strong wolf but yesterday this man threw him across the room like he was a stuffed toy while challenging Baden.

God Baden broke his arms after he touched Gemma, what would this Alex do when he found out. The though made his stomach turn as he broke eye contact with him turning his head.

Gemma closed her eyes trying to reign in her thoughts and compose herself. She was safe, nobody would hurt her here. Baden loved her, he wanted and needed her. He was hurting, the anger and pain flowing through the bond was unbearable. Raising her head Gemma looked into Alex’s face. “He, he.. I was scared. What if he doesn’t.. want me ..and I hurt him. He is hurting so much.”