15. Jackson

15

Jackson

‘What a fucking day,’ I say to my wolf.

The morning started out with a bang. Both my parents decided to have a meeting with me to discuss their place in the Pack and my plan to move forward with my mate. I didn’t have much to say about the latter because I’m still working that out. Another part of me wanted to tear into them.

I made the morning that much more awkward when I pointedly asked my Dad if Mom knew the truth. My father’s eyes turned sharp, and my Mom played confused but patted his arm, consoling him. The memory makes me sick.

The Pack run was almost a success until someone separated a pup. Just solidifying the need for more security. I don’t know how our Pack has made it this far without a Delta, but that will change tomorrow. Tonight, though, I want to be tucked in with my mate safely secured in my arms.

Not having her on the run was another hurdle I had to deal with. My wolf wouldn’t leave the property. He wouldn’t leave her. We both knew she was safe, but she wasn’t with us. My hand runs through my hair as my feet carry me down the hall towards my room.

I open the door and immediately realize Charlie’s not there. I turn and quickly move down the hall. She was supposed to stay with Holly, so they are both hopefully in Holly’s room.

I push through Holly’s large oak door. My body is on edge from the situation with Kyler and Hunter. “Holly? Charlie?” I say quietly.

No answer.

It’s beginning to get hard to focus on reality as my instincts flare. The fear that something actually happened to her or Holly has me tearing the door from the hinges. I quickly scan the room. My hand reaches for the weapon I’m used to carrying, but it’s not there. My wolf growls, but the beast relaxes as my eyes land on the two girls.

They’re both wrapped up in two oversized comforters. Charlie has the same sleep shirt on as yesterday. I love that she’s wearing my clothing. Her head is lying on the edge of the sofa, a large serving spoon hangs from her hand, and Holly’s soft snores fill the room from the other side of the couch.

I managed not to laugh at my sweet sister’s sounds and set her spoon on the small side table. Only to find the half-melted three-gallon jug of ice cream sitting on the floor between them. The laugh rolls through my body as I realize they’re probably both passed out in a sugar coma.

Holly is light in my arms. Her long blonde hair floats softly behind us as I carry her to her bed and tuck her in.

I came back for Holly. She’s been hiding her condition well, but lying here, her normally bright cheeks are sunken in, and the dark circles around her eyes are more pronounced. The sight reminds me I need to check in with Emma and Hunter about the antidote.

I suspect they have their hands full after tonight’s incident when someone tried to break into Emma’s house. The reminder that my Pack continues to be in danger has me clenching my jaw. Whoever is behind this has another thing coming when my boys get here .

My eyes wander back to Charlie. The thought that she could already carry our baby has me sweeping her into my arms and pulling her close to my chest. A growl grows deep at the rightness of her, of our bond.

‘It’s good to have her back where she belongs,” my wolf says.

“Yeah,” I whisper.

Tonight’s Pack dinner and presentation were hard; I fought my instincts not to look at her. I wanted to turn to Charlie, grab her hand, and pull her under my arm. But we had an agreement that no one besides our close friends would know until she was ready, and I have to respect that decision. The mind link eased some of my turmoil. Her sweet voice still echoes in my ears as the Alpha chant chorused through our Pack.

“My Alpha, my mate, my forever.” I breathe in how lucky I am to have such a strong woman beside me.

I kiss her forehead carrying her to our bed, where I plan to fuck her senseless again.

“Hey, Alpha,” her small purr of a voice pulls at my heartstrings as I lay beside her. She turns her tiny body into mine, and I can’t help but wrap my arms around her.

‘You want to talk about it?’ Her voice is soft and soothing to every jagged edge. I think of opening up to her and sharing the weight of everything that is pulsing through me: the anger, the hurt, the loneliness, and the inadequacy.

“Yeah,” I growl.

She sits up, nestled against the large pillows that line the headboard. Her golden brown eyes take me in while her soft hand sweeps down my cheek. I lean into her touch, soaking up all of her strength.

“What happened that made you feel this way?” She asks.

‘Where do I even begin? ’ I ask my wolf.

‘With the truth. ’

“Kyler got separated from the pack tonight.”

Her sharp breath has me pausing—I know she has questions, but I need to get this out first.I nod and continue, “I don’t know the entire story yet, but I have to sit down with him tomorrow and find out how he got across the river and ended up at Hunter’s house.”

Her small head nods, causing her hair to fall in front of her face. My thick fingers sweep a chunk behind her ear.

“Charlie, I never really wanted to come back.” It’s the truth I’ve struggled with the most, “I’m not sad to be here. I love you, that changed everything but…” I clench my jaw tightly thinking over the words to share. “There are some things I have to deal with that have weighed heavily on me for years.”

She leans in and kisses my forehead. ‘I know exactly how that feels,’ she says into my mind.

“Well…I need to deal with those issues tomorrow. So I can be better. Be the best for you, all of this is for you. You own every part of me now.”

My hand sweeps behind her head, fingers woven into her dark locks. I pull her forehead to mine, ‘You changed everything for me. With you by my side, I will face every challenge head-on. Knowing I get to return to you, you give me strength I’ve never known. A purpose to fight all the demons, Charlie. I love you with every piece of my heart. ’

“I love you,” I whisper, taking her mouth in mine. Tasting her sweetness as she melts in my hands, giving herself to me, which is powerful.

She says, “Jackson, there is no world or home where I won’t be next to you. We wanted to wait to announce our bond, but maybe we could plan something sooner?” The hope in her voice has me kissing her again. “I love you, Jackson; I want to love you for the rest of my forever.” Her voice is almost pleading as her eyes fill with tears.

I nod. ‘Forever, Mate,” I pull her into my chest, holding her as she fills me with the determination to handle everything to be the Alpha she deserves. I just hope I can live up to my own expectations.