MATEO’S P. O. V.
She is all packed up. I made sure to be as close as I could so that she would get my scent all the time. I saturate everything that I can with it. I want her to want me. Even if she does manage to leave today I know she is going to need to come back.
As I am pacing outside her room for like the fifth time when I am stopped by her brother. “Look, I know I come off as a jackass, but she is my sister. Honestly I thought you were the one to take her. I was trying to see if you would break, but it seems that I was wrong. My parents wanted to make sure that you were given an invitation to her birthday party. It’s on Friday. I hope that you can come.” He smiles and puts out his hand for me to shake.
I take his hand to shake it back. “Thank you. As long as there are no more emergencies with my pack I will be there. Not sure if I can make it, but I will do my best. I would like to keep good relations with your pack.” Still I don’t want to give anything away. But I sure as hell will be there.
“Great. I am really grateful that you found my sister and were able to help her to come home. I am sure her mate will be grateful too. She is supposed to meet him at the party, so I am sure it will be something grand for you as well.” Yeah, if you only knew, kid.
“Well, if you will excuse me. My son is rather sad to see your sister leaving. I need to comfort him.”
“It’s crazy how close they got so fast. It must be because she has so many brothers. Maybe he senses it. Bring him to the birthday party. I am sure my sister would love to see him then as well.”
“I will see what I can do. No promises though.” I don’t want him confirming if I am going to be there. I will be but I don’t want Lila prepared for me. I am going to spring on her. If she leaves here, I am not leaving that party without her.
I leave Jace in the hall. He isn’t a bad guy, I just don’t like how it seems like he is blocking her from me. I don’t think he means to intentionally. It’s just the brother in him. Still she is my mate and I will have her.
I tracked down Callum in her room, he snuck in there when I wasn’t looking. Still don’t mind though. He hands her a handful of pictures. She takes them all and then takes Callum into her arms. She loves him as much as I do. She is supposed to be here with us. Too bad she is being a jackass. “Hey, Callum, let’s let her pack, alright buddy.” He nods and runs to my arms. He knows I need him too.
She looks at us sadly. Lila starts to say something but then she closes her mouth. I am sure it is along the lines of sorry, but I don’t want her to feel sorry. I want her to stay. I lift Callum up into my arms and leave her alone. I have been keeping a brave face all day. I will continue until she can’t see me anymore.
LILA’S P. O. V.
So much of me wants to stay. I see Callum and I want to stay. I see Mateo and I definitely want to stay. I see Ash and I want to stay.
On the other hand, I see my nightmares. I see those people in the cells. I see my brother waiting to take me home after I have been missing for a week, because he took me. This makes me feel like I have to leave.
I have my bags packed, but I am sitting on the bed debating on if I am making the right choice. Eli comes into the room and sits next to me. “What’s bothering you?”
“Nothing.” I hope he drops it.
“Nice try. I have known you since you were born. Something is bothering you.”
I bite my bottom lip thinking. “It’s just that everyone here has been so great. I wish I could stay a little longer is all. I’m going to miss them.”
“You know they aren’t that far away. And now with the alliance they are going to need regular visits, like our pack does. I am sure you could even talk to Aunt Jasmine about being the one to do the visits. You could see them all again.” He is trying to help. I know he is, but he has no idea what I am going through right now. He accepted his mate. He didn’t run from her.
“Yeah, that would be nice. I’ll talk to mom when I get home.”
He puts his arm around me and pulls me in for a hug. “You know I love you right?”
“Yeah, I love you too.” I put my arms around his waist.
“You all packed?”
“Yeah. Can you and Jace carry the bags? I am still a little weak. Not that I like to admit it.” I chuckle a little.
“No problem.” He kisses my head. “I’ll get Jace. Tell your friends bye. I am sure that little guy would like one more hug before you hit the road.”
I nod. Not really sure I should do any of that. It will just want me to stay longer.
After Eli and Jace get my bags I prepare to leave. Taking deep breaths as I gaing the strength to leave. As soon as I leave the room I see them. Ash is right outside the room. He pulls me into a hug. Even though Mateo kind of growls about it. “Hurry back please. I don’t know how long I can live with him like this.” He whispers it so that only I can hear it. I chuckle a little but don’t answer.
Callum is next, he just hugs me with no words. “I love you little guy. I will visit ok. I want to see you grow up.” He gives me a knowing look, which I hate, because he does know.
When I get to Mateo he smiles at me checking the rest of the hall. He pulls me into his arms. “I will see you again mate. My Luna.” With that he kisses me. He keeps it brief but I feel the need in it. He wants to keep me right here. His hands pull me closer. “I am right here for you whenever you are ready.” He pecks my cheeks and lets me go.
As I descend the stairs I want to run back to his arms. I felt safe there. But I don’t. I keep going.