Mate Protect Me

Chapter 36 - Happiness in Ruin

Zac’s eyes were glued to Gemma. She was covered in deep cuts, streams of dried blood marred her visible skin. Silver chains burned at her wrists and ankles, as the smelt of burnt flesh filled his nostrils. Regret filled Zac’s heart as his malice towards her evaporated in the space of a heartbeat. She was so weak looking, so frail, but she smiled looking down upon Zac. “you’re, you’re…. Luna, you’re.” Gemma thin arm reached downward as her hands lovingly rubbed her rounded belly.

“Yes Zac, I’m pregnant. Baden would lose his mind. He can’t know unless we get out of this. At this point, I think you know just as well as I, that the possibility of getting home is growing smaller each day. I am so sorry you were dragged into this because of me Zac. I used to be afraid of you, but you are so loyal to Baden, you love him. I see you as a friend and I trust you with my life.” Gemma took another step forward, but the chain had reached its limit. With a clang of the chain she was propelled backwards a few steps nearly losing her balance.

“Please try and understand my decision, I know he will berate you for it, and I’m sorry. He can’t know, it would turn into a timer for him.” Continuing to watch Zac, she could see him trying to work out the math in his head. A smile pulled at her lips, “3 months so I think 3 to 4 weeks left. I’ll end it before then Zac. If we are not found, there is no chance I will let them touch our child, even if it means my life. “If that happens and you get out, don’t tell him, not ever.”

Gemma walked back to where she was originally, silently wiping the tears that leaked as she held her belly protectively.

Zac stayed on his knees in silence, this was not fixable. He knew Gemma was right, at this point it was unlikely they would be found, and goddess if Baden found out. Zac couldn’t even imagine his reaction. Any other female would no doubt have used it, but Gemma kept it to herself realizing the pain and devastation the news could cause. “I promise Luna, but I will do any and everything I can to try get you back home.” Though only a whisper came from Zac’s voice, Gemma heard every word, her heart to tightened as the tears continued to flow.

Baden hounded Zac’s mind, before he was finally let in. “What going on there? Why won’t she link me? Is she okay?” Baden paused his uneasiness flowing outward waiting for a response.

Zac could hear the weakness in Baden’s voice, he was holding it together with a single thread. Something like this could completely destroy him. “Alpha from this point forward, I will protect Luna with my life. The second I get information or there is anything you wish to say to her you can do it through me. She needs to maintain all her strength to heal. Mind linking is taking too much energy, it is deteriorating her condition. She didn’t want to worry you.” A blatant lie, but better then the truth and one Baden would accept with ease.

Baden faltered, tyring to form words. How could Gemma to block him and not tell him why. Baden’s head felt like it had a steel rod through it, how could he have forgotten how much or a toll linking took. Let alone it being so often, and her only recently gaining the ability to link with him. Goddess in five minutes Zac had done a complete 180 in his attitude towards Gemma.

She must have been in a bad state, god it was his fault. Even Zac seemed to be struggling to maintain the link. The idea that Gemma was overly hurt or injured seared his chest. He felt quite explosive pain through their bond, though that could be physical or emotional. He knew their bodies had a limit which they were appearing to reach. They had to be found soon, or… Gritting his teeth Baden sort for control realizing time was definitely becoming a factor, in a big way.

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Alex paced his office waiting to hear back from Baden. It had been days since Gemma had ceased all mind linking. The lack of contact and communication was destroying him, he had only just got her back. His wolf would eagerly push to the surface continually, threating to take hold in search for his bonded sister.

Since Alex couldn’t mind link with Zac, as they were not in the same pack, nor were they blood related. He had to wait for Baden or Ian to contact him with information. The fact that Zac was with Gemma held no relief for Alex, the wolf held no love for her. What happened at the ceremony only took place in Alex’s mind due to Zac’s respect for Baden, he never showed an inkling of love for Gemma.

Interrupting his thoughts, a light knock sounded at the door as Alicia entered timidly. This mate of his was no more then a constant irritation, even his wolf barely felt the pull between them. Alex turned his gaze on her as she approached. Reaching a hand out she stroked his chest, her fingers catching in the buttons pf his shirt. Her tone was soft, “Alex, I know you are upset, but the introduction for me as Luna can’t be put off much longer. The pack is start to talk.”

A growl of annoyance left Alex’s lips as his hand firmly pressed against her shoulder pushing her backwards away from his body. How could she just constantly think of herself, “Don’t touch me Alicia. I’m waiting to hear from Baden, get out.” Alex tried to stay as calm as possible remembering Gemma asking him to try with Alicia, but she was so irritating. Infuriating even, she followed him around forever bring up the title of Luna. How could she even think about it at a time like this.

His frustration grew everyday as she would interrupt him constantly. She would always lay her hands on him, the sparks usually bringing mates together sent waves of disgust through him. Alex just wanted his sister home safe and sound, protected. Then he would deal with Alicia, but she was walking a fine line. It was only a matter of time before he snapped.

Alicia stood in place appearing to hold her ground in challenge. Taking in a deep breath Alex’s eye blacken with his mood as he lifted his head to look her in the eyes, “I said get out.” The words came out as a growl, fear and tears filled Alicia’s face.

Taking a step back, she couldn’t help it. The words just flowed out like a river, “Gemma would be disgusted with you, you have no heart.” Immediately regretting her emotional outburst, Alicia took another step back towards the door. It was too late, Alex’s eyes were completely black as he lunged for her.

Her scream sounded through the Rocky mountains pack house, as Alex sunk his fangs deep into her neck. There was no pleasure, only pain as he released her body allowing her to fall in a heap to the floor. “You want to be Luna so bad! I’ll make you Luna. COME HERE!” He barked the words reaching down and snagging her forearm from the floor. Ripping her back to her feet, he threw her to the couch as she cried out.

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