Mate's Redemption

Chapter 2: New surroundings

Cassia’s POV

I felt a strong hand on my shoulder but instead of pain radiating where I was being touched, I felt tingles and sparks. My eyes fluttered to the beautiful man who I had opened the door at the pack house to let in. It took me a moment to realize I was with Alpha James. My eyes went wide and instantly another panic attack started to come on. I was with another alpha, one who was known to be equally as cruel as Alpha Ross if not even crueler than him. My vision started to becoming blurry, the edges of my peripheral vision fading in and out, and I could hear some rattling. It took me a moment to realize my teeth were in fact chattering from the shaking from the panic attack. The world sounded like it was coming through a phone in a bucket of water and I was being drowned along with it. My breathing became more erratic and honestly, I was freaking the f**k out. All of this lasted for about a full minute before I felt the darkness creep in and overwhelm me. The last thing I remembered before being consumed by the blackness entirely, was a foreign but comforting voice.

“s**t! My little mate, what is wrong?”

James POV

As soon as I see my beautiful little mates eyes open and the sleep leave her body entirely, I notice the panic attack starting. Her entire face is like a deer in headlights, waiting for the final blow that will obviously never come. Especially now that I had her. I don’t know what the Black Blood Pack did to my precious little mate, but when I find out the precise details I do not doubt I will be ending the entire Alpha line from that pack. I’ve been waiting for my mate for close to an entire decade. I was twenty seven and had actually almost lost all hope of ever finding my true mate from the Moon Goddess. True mates were becoming more and more rare these days and I was slowly accepting of the fact that mine would never come to me. That is, until this beautiful flower opened the door to that piece of shits mansion to let us in. Her smell almost knocked me over. The most glorious, delicious smell that had ever danced across my nostrils. It took all my control from taking her there in front of everyone and marking her. My wolf had gotten dangerously close to taking total control in that moment when he smelled our mate. She smelled like vanilla, jasmine, and strawberries. It was the most intoxicating scent, ever. Even now, being around her muddied my thoughts and clouded my judgment. I would do anything to keep her safe or see her smile. Instead what I saw before me was my mate in a full blown panic attack, terrified of me, of everything I think. But being afraid of me was like a knife wound to the chest. Almost unbearable. I had to remember that clearly something had happened to her and that in due time I would find out the truth. We were destined mates after all. There is no way she could reject me…could she?

I push the thought aside. Physical pain immediately growing in my chest at that thought. I heard her whimper the same time I felt pain. Even though she was unconscious the mate bond was still there and she could feel it. I call for Beck to go get the attendants to handle our luggage and such and pick my mate up bride style and head for the front of the private jet.

Cassia’s POV

I’m slowly waking up. I feel calm, safe, and comfortable. Honestly, if the option was there, I would never leave wherever I was. I could feel my eyes adjusting and I rapidly blinked a few times to help them focus easier. When everything came into focus I saw strong, massive arms and hands tenderly wrapped around my body carrying me. I looked up to see who was extending this rare kindness. Again my eyes went wide in horror as I saw Alpha James to be the one carrying me. I couldn’t help it. I don’t know why I did it, but I SCREAMED. And not like a quiet scream. It was blood curdling and ear piercing. I started to scramble and push myself away from this god-like giant. He was surprised at first but his arms never budged. Instead he gingerly set me down and took a step back, hands up in surrender.

“I’m sorry, love, it’s just, well when I woke you, you fainted so I figured it was just easiest to carry you pack to our pack house.” I heard the words coming out of this gorgeous man’s mouth, he even seemed…nervous? How silly. One of the most powerful alphas in our world and he was nervous? With me? I almost laughed. Keyword being almost. Instead, tears were streaming down my cheeks.

God! What is wrong with you Cassia? He was actually being nice and here you are blubbering like a fool! Where is the old you? Where is the fighter?

I chuckled bitterly to myself thinking, Beta John killed her.

“Was something I said funny…” Alpha James quizzed me.

“N-no, sorry sir.” My eyes immediately dropping to the floor. “D-do you need me to carry your bags from the plane? I’m fine now, I can start my work. I’m so sorry, Alpha James, sir, please don’t punish me on our plane departure.” I was stumbling over my words, an anxious, terrified mess in front of this gorgeous man. He was probably tired of dealing with me and ready to have his beta do what he wished with me. I closed my eyes, silently waiting for whatever my punishment was to me when I felt a hand on my face. It was different from the touches I had become accustomed to though. This tough was tender, gentle and had a lot of love behind it. I looked up to see Alpha James with a pained expression on his face.

“My love, you are my mate. You won’t know the meaning of the words suffering or sadness in your life ever again.”

I was stunned. I think my jaw may have actually been on the floor. My mate?

Why didn’t I feel the mate bond then?

“I’m sorry, Alpha James,” I start, barely above a whisper, “But, I do not think we are-..” I’m cut off by a guttural growl.

“You are my mate! MINE!” He emphasized the last word and then the light switch went on. Everything clicked. I had been given to this man to be his concubine. His s*x slave. To do as he wished and be his toy. I couldn’t even speak. Fear constricted my throat and for the second time the panic consumed me and I fainted. As always, I welcomed the abyss that enveloped me. What I didn’t feel this time was the thud of hitting the ground before losing consciousness entirely like usually happened.

I woke up this time, in a bed. Whose bed, I wondered silently to myself. It was the biggest bed I had ever seen. It was literally five times the size of my entire bedroom at the Black Blood Pack. The sheets were the softest linens I had ever felt. Even Alpha Ross didn’t have bedding this soft, I mused to myself. I would know. I did all of the laundry for the entire pack. I glance around the room. I’m alone, so far as I can tell. The bed I’m in is centered and up against a big three-panel window with small indoor black shutters. The bedding is simple and tasteful. Charcoal grey comforter and pillow covers to match. The decor is equally simple, and stunning. Real wood accent pieces are all over. The chairs, The tables, shelving all of it. The room itself is painted white with black doors and the wall behind me is also painted black to accent the rest of the bright modern decor used in the room. I glance to my right and see a second black door and assume that leads to the bathroom. Just then I feel my bladder scream at me to relieve it. I oblige. I get up, tip toe to the bathroom and open the door. I must not have heard the shower on or it had just turned off as I had gotten my bearings. Either way, out of the steamy shower steps a naked Alpha James. I stop dead in my tracks. He was gorgeous. Caramel colored hair flopped over his forehead, dripping with water. His perfectly sculpted body made him look like an olympian. He was truly one of the most gorgeous creatures I had ever laid my eyes on. His towel was hanging over his shoulder and he was buck ass naked! My eyes just about popped out of my head. My cheeks feel like they’re being touched with a lit torch. I scurry out of the bathroom, but before the latch clicks and the door closes, I hear a soft chuckle. I’m MORTIFIED. I cannot believe where I am and who I just walked in on! This has to be some sort of sick dream. Yeah. That’s it. I’m still asleep, and this is some sick nightmare. Realistic, but sick. I decide that since I’m dreaming, I might as well do what I never get to - go back to bed. I slip under the soft sheets, closing my eyes in bliss and I slowly drift off again, peaceful at the smell enveloping me. It smelled like the forest, spearmint, and the tiniest hint of citrus. It was divine, and it made me feel safe. Like I was finally home again.

*Cassia’s Nightmare*

The ceremony has just ended. My brother has just kissed his new wife and they head down the isle in new marital bliss. And then the screams begin. This time the dream is different though. It’s in slow motion this time. I hear ever sickening crunch of bone as necks are snaps and the wet ripping of flesh and throats are ripped out. I begin to scream, myself. This is is worse than how it usually is. Usually things happen quickly and then slow down around the time my father died that day. This time, I watch it all in agonizing slowness that breaks my heart all over again. Just as Alpha Ross is about to rip out my father’s throat, and I’m doomed to relive this nightmare all over again I hear a voice.

“Little one? Are you alright?!” I’m being sucked out of the dream through a funnel and it all slowly fades away to darkness. Then I feel my eyes fluttering open and after my eyes adjust I look to see who was calling me. I should have known who that sweet voice belonged to. Alpha James. I pull the blanket up over my head and will the earth to swallow me whole. I touch my cheeks and realize that I was crying in my sleep. No wonder he woke me up. I’m not surprised though. I cry myself to sleep, in my sleep, and wake up with a tear streaked face often.

“Little one, please” I heard him softly plead, “don’t hide. I promise I won’t hurt you.”

I wanted to trust him. I heard sincerity in his voice but my past trauma wouldn’t allow me to move. I heard a defeated sigh and some movement. When he spoke next he sounded further away.

“Okay, I moved to the chair across the room, please uncover your beautiful face so I can talk to you, little one.”

I could feel and hear he had indeed moved so I lowered the blanket slightly, and peered over the top of the sheet.

“I’d really love to see that beautiful face of yours in its entirety.” He gently requested.

I nodded and lowered the sheet all the way and finally sat up in the bed. I watched him like a hawk. Ready to bolt for the window to my left if need be. It was a french doored window that led to a small balcony and then what I assume was the first floor. We had to be on the second, and top floor of the house. I was lost in thought, planning my escape silently in my head when he cut into my thoughts.

“Are you feeling okay?” He prodded.

“I’m sorry, Alpha James, what?” No one ever asked if I was okay. I hadn’t been asked how I felt in four years. It felt foreign, uncomfortable and weird.

“I said, are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine, Alpha, thank you.”

“I would really love if you would call me James.” He smiled at me.

My eyes widened, “I could never! You’re an alpha! Possibly the most powerful one in our would. How could I call you by your name? With such informality?”

A playful smirk danced across his lips, “Because we’re mates, my love.”

I still didn’t believe it because I did not feel the mate bond. True, my heart leapt when he was around and his touch made my stomach flutter but that was the extent. There was no world stopping fireworks from his touch. So, as I did the first time I tried to interject.

“I’m s-s-sorry sir, I-I d-don’t f-fe-feel th-the m-ma-...”

I was cut off as I was the first time as a deep grow ripped through his chest. His eyes for a few seconds were littered with crimson red speckles.

“MINE” He growled again. The crimson red taking over more of his otherwise honey colored eyes. I realized his wolf was showing itself. I quickly averted my eyes down and tried to wait but due to past trauma the panic set in again. I tried to steady my breathing, tried to keep my wits about me but as always, my brain did not cooperate with what I willed it to do. The darkness consumed me much faster this time, and the familiar thud I usually felt before the darkness consumed me didn’t happen again. I hadn't thought to take into account that was probably because I was sitting in a bed when I fainted.

James POV

“I’m s-s-sorry sir, I-I d-don’t f-fe-feel th-the m-ma-...” My wolf cut her off with a vicious growl. I tried to keep the beast subdued but when she denies the mate bond that I feel so strongly, it might as well be a physical line tethering us together, I lose a otherwise vice grip on my self control. Already I love her so much. My little…I suddenly realize I haven’t even asked her her name yet.

Idiot! How could you not ask her her name?

Then it dawned on me again, every time I raised my voice in the slightest, became tense or even just slightly generally unhappy she had a panic attack and fainted. I think she had fainted at this point, three times? I had to keep my temper under better control. I ran a hand through my hair and buried my head in my hands. I let out a sigh. I really needed her, whatever my gorgeous little mate was name, to accept me. I couldn’t handle rejection. As an alpha especially, it would kill me. Her wolf would just give her the silent treatment permanently and refuse to shift and be with her again. For an alpha it was different. If my mate rejected me, my pack would reject me as well and I would be outcast and die alone. As these thoughts raced through my mind I saw her tiny frame falling again, her eyes roll into the back of her skull. Again, I caught her before she could fall out of the bed and land on the floor and gently laid her back against the pillow behind her. Control, James, control. I brought a chair a safe distance away and sat and watched the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. Eventually, her breath quickened a bit and she began to wake up, for the third time. Her state of panic this time did not seem as bad as it was earlier, but I could still sense her fear and panic. This time, I took a different approach.

“I’d like to apologize,” I began, “My name is James, I’m alpha of the Crimson Wave Pack.” I smiled gently. She stared at me, slack jawed. I started to extend my hand but then thought better of it and retracted it back into my lap. A long silence followed. I decided to keep trying.

“Since I’ve told you my name, may I know yours, little one?”

“Cassia” she breathed, doe-eyed.

“Cassia” I purred back. What a gorgeous name. Perfect for my perfect mate. I thought to myself.

“Well, Cassia, I know you are having a hard time feeling the mate bond but I feel it very strongly. It is okay if you don’t feel the same thing I do yet. You will in time.” I was very sure of that. Considering I could hear her heart race this entire time. But it wasn’t of fear, I could tell that much. I think Cassia felt the mate bond just like I did, and she was confused on what the feelings meant. She looked at me and tried to begin talking, but this time I put a hand up to stop her and prevent my wolf from scaring the absolute f**k out of her again.

“Cassia,” I began. Damn her name felt good coming out of my mouth.

“Yes, sir?” She whispered.

“Please, Cassia, call me James. I am your mate, and you mine. We belong to each other. We do not need to hold these formalities.” I took a breath and continued, “I can tell there has been some sort of trauma. I hope that as we get to know each other and you trust me more we can work past that in our relationship.”

She nodded. Chewing my words over in that sexy little mouth of hers. Oh the things I will do to those lips… I had to stop myself. Cassia was no where even near ready for the fantasies I had been playing out in my head since we laid eyes on each other. And that is fine. I will wait. She is more than worth it. My perfect little Cassia.

Cassia’s POV

“Please, Cassia, call me James. I am your mate, and you mine. We belong to each other. We do not need to hold these formalities.” I took a breath and continued, “I can tell there has been some sort of trauma. I hope that as we get to know each other and you trust me more we can work past that in our relationship.” He finished.

I heard what he was saying but at the same time I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. It was just to much to take in. He wants me? Why? I couldn’t understand it. I was still fearful of this being a lie and having been sold as a concubine to this cruel alpha but so far, I have been unconscious around him more than not and he hasn’t done a single thing to harm me. In fact, so far he’s protected me. He even asked if I was okay…

What was I feeling stirring in my chest? Was it hope? I felt my eyes fill with tears and began to overflow. I was too afraid to hope for any sort of loving relationship after being orphaned and my entire pack killed in front of my very eyes.

“Cassia, my sweet, why are you crying?” James gently prodded. I could see the genuine concern wrinkle his brow.

“I-I just…” a sob slipped out and wracked my body. It was all too much. I hadn’t allowed myself to cry since the first night I was taken. And after what I have endured the last four years, to now be here and feel this, this hope? Along with the pain and fear I held constantly in the black hole where my heart was, was too much. I stopped bothering trying to talk as the sobs just kept coming, along with the tears. James got up and slowly crossed the room. He tentatively crawled in the other side of the bed, and wrapped an arm gingerly around me. I froze instantly, men who touched me always took what they wanted and left me bloody and unconscious afterwards. I tried not to move, as his touch also brought me comfort and sent waves of peace through my body, but the trauma was too fresh. Everything was still too raw. And after just a second of being frozen, I got up and bolted. I didn’t want to. I wanted to be comforted. I desperately wanted to be held so I could let all this anguish and hurt out, but I was too afraid. Afraid of anyone’s touch at this point. Even a friendly hug was something I was uncomfortable with after four years in hell with that s**t pack, the Black Blood Pack.

His face was crestfallen.

“Cassia, please come back and sit on the bed, I’m sorry. I will get up and move. I only wanted to provide comfort for you through the mate touch. I’ll sit back in the chair now.”

I felt a pang in my chest. I didn’t like rejecting him just as much as he didn’t like the rejection, it would seem. I watched him cautiously walk back to the chair and sit down. Some part of me wanted some form of touch so I decided to try and ask him for it. After all, he did say he was my mate. And before my pack was killed off, I was a snarky girl filled with fire. Had he found me before my pack was killed, this would’ve been entirely different. I would have enjoyed running and playing hard to get just as much as he would have enjoyed the chase.

“James…” I whispered. He leaned forward expectantly, waiting for me to continue, so I tried. “C-could you s-scoot closer, a-and h-h-hold my h-hand?” I finished looking down. I didn’t have time to look up before I felt his giant hand envelope mine and start rubbing soothing circles on the back of my hand with his thumb. I sighed contentedly and my eyes felt heavy once more. I drifted off to sleep much faster this time. And this time, no nightmare happened. For once, in a very long time, I slept peacefully.