14

I n order to keep the peace, I allow Leera to believe that I’m giving her the independence she so desperately wanted, but with her being kidnapped, there’s just no way in hell I’m leaving her alone.

I will not lose her again. Not now. Not ever.

So I’ll grant her the illusion of my submission for now, unless something causes me to show myself.

I make myself comfortable in my car, parked with a direct line of sight to the main door of her dorm building. Benny is stationed at the other end of the building. At the only other door out of her building.

We’ll be tired tomorrow, but for my mate to be safe, being tired feels like a very small payment to make. Andrei, Slate, and the twins all offered to take shifts, but I refuse to leave. I can’t. Benny also declined and vowed to stay in position.

Thinking of how easily she allowed herself to smile at dinner, having been kidnapped mere days ago. I know she's strong, but she thinks being strong means doing everything on your own. It doesn't have to be that way, but it seems that's a lesson she'll have to learn on her own over time. I am proud of her tenacity to overcome this, though. Some people allow themselves to wallow in the fear, but you have to find a way to keep going or it will drown you.

Thankfully she wasn’t harmed, and, because of the drugs, she slept nearly the entirety of her captivation. In our short amount of time together, I had already noticed she struggled with some panic and anxiety before all of this happened. The last thing I want is for those to worsen.

I can also feel her wolf growing stronger. I still can't get a solid read on her, and neither can my wolf, but Leera can feel her so much more now, and that will allow them to finally connect as well. I know my wolf can't wait to be reunited with his mate.

He chooses that moment to huff in agreement, and I smile.

I've been without Imogen for five hundred years, but it makes me wonder how many lifetimes we've had together.

Our bodies, and the bodies of our wolves, can change from life cycle to life cycle, but our souls will always recognize each other.

How many lives have we lived together?

How old are our souls?

How long between lifetimes do we have to wait to find one another again?

I allow my thoughts to carry me away while keeping my eyes trained on the door.

Checking the time, I see it's nearing ten o'clock. Being right here all evening, I allowed Leera some space and didn't text or call her. I would have responded if she initiated, but I wanted to make sure she had all the time she needed to decompress with her best friend. If hers is anything like mine, they're also good for the soul.

I pick up my phone, shooting her a quick text just so she doesn't think I've forgotten about her.

Benny, how are you doing over there? I ask, checking in.

Living the dream! I can hear the sarcastic smile in his voice before he continues. But really, Boss, everything is fine.

Nodding to myself, I settle in for a long night when Benny pipes back up, Hey, Boss?

Mhmm?

What's the plan for tomorrow?

You and the others will go to the rink to practice like normal, and I'll be with Leera.

What are you going to do if she catches you following her?

Beg for forgiveness. It's all I can do. I won't be sorry for making sure she's okay.

His only response this time is a snort.

I wasn't lying when I said that Leera made it hard to care about anything anymore. I still don't know what I'll do about away games if she doesn't agree to come with me. It's just all too much to try and figure out right now. So, I'll just take everything one day at a time until we get it all figured out.