Hunted

Chapter 38: Running Out of Time

Colton walked me back to my house. It seemed like everything was back to normal between us but I knew that it wasn’t real just brought on by this mate situation. There was something inside me that was telling me that  I was comfortable around Colton. I guess that must be the mate bond. It was frustrating, she couldn’t be sure if it was how she actually felt or if it was something that was through this mysterious whatever it was. This must have been why Colton never told her, or why he had Hope keep it a secret.

I guess I could understand him wanting me to actually like him since I didn’t feel any of the same things he was. I took a peak at him. He was just walking with me acting like nothing had changed. I guess for him nothing had really changed. This was how he felt..since he met me? I think I would have exploded if I felt this way the whole time.

“Thanks for walking me home Colt.” I smiled and went to go up the stairs. Colton grabbed my wrist before I could make it far. “I..um I don’t wanna say bye yet. Can we still talk?” The look he gave me made me scoff. Instead I just rolled my eyes and went over to the chairs on the deck.

“Come on then.” I shook my head and plopped down. He looked like I had just given him a mega gold star or something. “What do you wanna talk about?” I asked looking over at him as he sat down next to me.

“I wasn’t able to protect you twice now. I…I don’t know how I got so drunk at your birthday.” I tensed up at the mention of my birthday party. “I heard. I’m not upset with you.” I sighed and touched his hand.

I would be a liar if I said I wasn’t disappointed that he hadn’t been there to help me but you can’t expect people to save you. I got very lucky that Aaron happened to get there in time. I wonder what would have happened if I had to be the one to defend myself on my own. Would I have been able to completely defend myself? Would I have been able to get away?

“I should have protected you as your mate. I promise…I never will let you down again.” Colton slipped his fingers in between mine and gave them a squeeze. I should want to pull away from him but I don’t…I should want to tell him he’s a moron and to get off my porch but I can’t. “Then you’ve got a lot of work to do Colton.” I sighed and squeezed his hand back.

We sat on the porch and talked for what seemed like hours. Finally it was time for him to go. I could tell he wanted to kiss me but he was too scared to ask. From what I had heard from my friends Colton being afraid to kill a girl was something completely new. I wondered how all of this made him feel. I gave him a wave before heading inside. Something felt wrong as I walked up to my room.

The air smelled different..it didn’t…seem to be the same. I opened up my door and the window was cracked ever so slightly. I could smell someone else in my room. They weren’t there anymore but they certainly had been. I didn’t recognize the scent. Oh no. No no no. I looked around the room.

It had to be here somewhere. If my window was left open and something feels wrong where is it? On the wall next to the window was a note with tape keeping it up.

I see you’ve finally found our spirit, now our mating can be complete. I will be back for you shortly my love.

The feeling of complete dread filled me. Why? Why couldn’t this lunatic leave me alone? One monster coming after me wasn’t enough?! I ripped the note off the wall and shoved it into the trash can. I was done collecting these disgusting notes. I wasn’t going to give any hope that I actually would want anything from this monster.

“No one needs to know.” I whispered to myself as I doubled checked there was no one at the door or in the hallway that could have noticed what happened. I didn’t have to tell anyone about this one. Maybe if I just kept it a secret and acted like I never got a note, they would leave me alone and I could just move on with my life? That’s a big maybe…

Unknown

I watched Emmry as she came home from her walk with the moron. I had been running near by when I caught her scent. It was even better now that she had shifted. I wasn’t sure that was even possible. I thought about taking her right then. She was alone, not paying attention. She was in wolf form but she didn’t know how to use her own body yet. It was the perfect time. Of course that i***t had to show up. I could have taken him. He was not the best fighter but it would have allowed for potential for Emmry to escape or contact the pack and let them know. She was apart of the pack link now. If everything had gone to plan on her birthday this would not be happening right now.

Sometimes you have to do all the work yourself. I followed them as they walked back to her house and sat on the front porch. It angered me to watch them hold hands. There was no way she could feel the mate bond with him. I felt it with her first, and I wasn’t going to share with anyone. It took them forever to say goodbye. I was leaning against the tree watching her window. I wanted to see when she would go up and notice my visit.

I suddenly saw her face in the window. Was that admiration? Or simply love. I couldn’t tell I was a decent way away. I sighed as she walked away from the window. Soon she was going to be mine, no matter what anyone had to say about it. If they asked me now she was already mine. You can never take back your first mating. I will always be there for her.

I waited for awhile to see if she would come back to the window and she didn’t. I should probably get out of here in case she decided to let her father know about the note I left her. Though I think I finally got the wording right. If she truly accepts my love she will keep it a secret and wait for me to collect her. Which will need to be soon. I was running out of time.