Chapter 85

Selene

After eating Phoenix's delicious omelet, we step outside to shift into our wolves. I really don't want to go out, but he's right. My wolf needs to get out, and maybe I need to as well.

I've been hiding. Hiding from my reality, from everything and everyone. It's been easy to lose myself in this bubble we've created. But each night, the nightmares come. Zack's face, his touch—I can't escape him, even though he's dead. But then Phoenix pulls me close, holds me tight, and the nightmares fade away, leaving me with the only peace I seem to know anymore.

Maybe I'm relying on him too much. Maybe I'm using him as my escape, and I know we can't keep living like this. He's got responsibilities, a destiny to fulfill. He's going to be Alpha soon, and I'm holding him back by keeping us holed up here.

I can't do that to him. I won't.

"Ready?" Phoenix asks, already pulling off his shirt. My eyes trail over his magnificent body, but before I can even appreciate the view, he shifts. I roll my eyes, huffing loudly, and surrender to the shift myself. It stings more than usual, probably because I haven't shifted in over a week, but it's over before I can even think about the pain.

My wolf wants to admire Phoenix's wolf, but he's already running, disappearing into the trees.

"Keep up, little wolf," he taunts, his voice smug as I take off after him.

It feels nice out today. The wind breezes through my fur, and the earth feels soft and squishy beneath my paws from last night's storm. I keep pace with him, staying close, letting the rhythm of the run clear my head.

"How does it feel, baby?" His voice is gentle, tugging at the part of me that always feels safe with him.

"Good. Freeing," I reply. And it does. It feels like I can breathe again, like I'm not drowning in my own thoughts and emotions. Maybe we could just stay like this—running free, away from everything. Leave society behind. Forget the pack. Forget the responsibilities.

But I made a promise to Phoenix. I told him I'd try, and besides, we can't run forever. He'll be Alpha soon, and I'll have to step up, whether I'm ready or not. And he said he would make sure the security is increased at LcyCorp. It's not like I don't miss my job—I enjoyed the hell out of it, but too much has changed. How do I know that everything will be okay again?

I let my wolf take control for a while, just enjoying the moment, the peace. She brushes against Phoenix's wolf and purrs softly. Soon, she's egging him on, darting ahead, teasing him. His growl vibrates through the air as he chases after her, both of us moving at full speed through the woods. She weaves through the trunks, running in circles just to slow him down, but it's no use. He tackles us to the ground, his wolf standing over us with his tongue hanging out and a wolfish grin on his face.

She purrs again, submitting to him.

But even in this moment, as safe as I feel, I can't stop the doubts creeping in. Outside this bubble that we've created, I don't know how to feel safe again. Now, I don't doubt Phoenix's ability to protect me as my mate, it wasn't his fault his dad's security sucked, but I just can't go through this again. I can't spend my life looking over my shoulder, waiting for the next threat to find me.

When we get back to the house, I stop dead in my tracks. Philip and my mom are waiting by the back door.

Fuck.

I stay in my wolf form, my body tense. "Did...did you know they were coming?" I ask Phoenix, hoping this wasn't a step-up.

"No," he growls in my mind, clearly as surprised as I am.

"Honey, shift so we can talk," my mom says softly, her eyes filled with worry.

I growl in response. I know Phoenix didn't trick me, I can feel his own anger coursing through me, but I don't know what to do right now. Should I turn around and dart back into the forest, or do I finally face the people that care about me?

It has been an entire week. They've respected my space, given me time, but now...they're here, and I can't avoid them anymore.

"What do I do?" I ask Phoenix, my heart pounding in my chest.

"We'll face them together. You're not alone baby. Not now, not ever." His voice is steady, reassuring and calming me.

"Let me go put on some clothes," I tell Mom through the mind-link. I'm sure there are lots of outfits that fit me throughout the forest, and there's no way in fucking hell I want Philip to see me naked, even if we are werewolves.

"Already got some. For both of you." She points to the deck, where two neatly folded pile of clothes sit. She places them in front of us, and both her and Philip turn around so we can shift and change.

Once we're dressed, Mom pulls me into a tight hug. Her familiar scent washes over me, and I relax somewhat. It has been too long since I've seen my own mother, I've missed her despite what's been going on. She looks a bit thinner, dark circles beneath her eyes from lack of sleep.

That must be my fault.

"Phoenix explained that you needed some time, but I just needed to see you, to make sure you're safe," she says, still squeezing the life out of me.

"C-Can't breathe," I manage to say, and she instantly lets go, laughing softly.

"Sorry, I just missed you so much. We don't need to talk about what happened, I understand that you're not ready and Phoenix and Luke already explained the just of it, but there is one thing I'd like for my little girl to answer."

My brows furrow. "What?" I whisper.

She looks between Phoenix and I, her eyes narrowing. "Why the hell didn't you me tell me Phoenix was your mate?"