Earning Trust

Becky's pov
"Becky, are you okay? I heard a commotion coming from your room," Jake asked, concern etched on his face.

I forced a smile, trying to appear nonchalant. "I'm fine, Jake. Just a minor disagreement with a pack member. Nothing to worry about."

Jake's eyes narrowed slightly, but he seemed to accept my explanation. "Okay, if you're sure...I was worried sick about you."

I felt a pang of guilt for lying to him, but I couldn't let him know about the Silverfang pack's message. Not yet, at least. I needed time to process and figure out my next move.

"Thanks, Jake. I appreciate it," I said, trying to sound sincere.

Jake nodded and turned to leave, but I could sense his unease. He knew me too well, and I wondered how long I could keep this secret from him.

As soon as Jake left, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. I looked around the room, but there was no one there. The messenger's words echoed in my mind: "We'll welcome you with open arms..." I shivered, despite the warmth of the room. What did they really want from me?

Karl's pov

I sat in my father's den, listening to his words with a mix of emotions. He told me about Becky's newfound power and how she was now with the Ravensong pack permanently. I felt a pang of jealousy and possessiveness, but it was quickly overshadowed by a deeper feeling - longing.

I missed her. I missed her smile, her laughter, and her fierce spirit. I missed the way she made me feel, like I was home.

My father's words brought me back to reality. "Karl, I need you to go to the Ravensong pack and bring Becky back. She's too powerful to be left alone, and we can't afford to lose her."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Why should I, father? She made it clear she doesn't want anything to do with me and you banished her, remember?”.

My father's expression softened. "I know, son. But I also know you care for her deeply. Take as much time as you need, but make sure she's with you when you return. We need her, Karl."

I sighed, feeling a weight settle on my shoulders. I didn't want to do this for my father or the pack. I wanted to do this for me, for us. I wanted to win her forgiveness and prove myself to her.

"Fine," I said finally. "I'll go to the Ravensong pack and bring Becky back. But not for the pack, father. For me. I need to make things right between us."

My father nodded, a small smile on his face. "I knew I could count on you, Karl. Bring her home."

Becky's pov

I walked into the pack's dinner hall, expecting a quiet evening with my new friends. But what I saw made my heart skip a beat. Karl was sitting at the table, laughing and chatting with Jake and his father. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

Jake caught my eye and smiled, oblivious to the turmoil inside me. "Becky, come meet Karl! He's an old friend, Alpha of the Silverfang pack."

I forced a smile, trying to play it cool. "Nice to meet you, Karl," I said, extending my hand as if we'd never met before.

Karl's eyes locked onto mine, and for a moment, I saw a flicker of recognition. But then, his expression smoothed out, and he took my hand in a firm handshake. "Likewise, Becky. Welcome to the Ravensong pack."

The rest of the dinner was a blur. I went through the motions, trying to avoid eye contact with Karl. But when the meal ended, he managed to catch me alone.

"Becky, can I talk to you for a minute?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

I hesitated, but my feet seemed rooted to the spot. "What is it, Karl?"

He took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity. "I know I messed up, Becky. But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to win you back. I'll earn your forgiveness, no matter how long it takes."

My heart raced as I felt the mate bond between us stir, a bond we'd never broken. I tried to push it away, but it only seemed to grow stronger.

"No, Karl," I spat, trying to keep my voice down. "You had your chance, and you blew it. I'm not going back to you."

Karl's face fell, but he didn't back down. "I'll change your mind, Becky. I promise."

I stomped off, angry and frustrated, trying to shake off the lingering connection between us. But I knew it wouldn't be easy. The mate bond still lingered, a constant reminder of what we once had.

As I walked away, I could feel Karl's eyes on me, burning with determination. I knew he wouldn't give up easily, but I couldn't let him in. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

I needed time to think, to process everything that was happening. The Silverfang pack's message, Karl's sudden appearance, the mate bond that still lingered between us...it was all too much.

I made my way back to my room, trying to clear my head. But as I lay in bed, I couldn't shake off the feeling that Karl was still out there, waiting for me.

And then, just as I was starting to drift off to sleep, I heard a faint scratching at my window. I got up to investigate and found a piece of parchment stuck to the glass.

It was a note, written in Karl's familiar handwriting. "I'm not leaving you, not this time Bec”

I felt a pang in my chest, a mix of emotions that I couldn't quite untangle. Anger, frustration, longing...it was all there.

But as I looked out into the night, I had already decided that nothing would make me go back to the man who let me go because I was weak.

I crumpled the note in my hand and turned away from the window, trying to shut out the memories that threatened to overwhelm me.

I walked into the room, hoping to have a private conversation with Rian, the alpha of the Ravensong pack. But to my dismay, I saw Karl sitting next to him, a smug look on his face. I tried to make a quick exit, not wanting to deal with Karl's presence. "I'll come back later, Alpha," I said, trying to sound casual.

But Rian caught my attention. "Becky, wait! We were just discussing something important. Please, join us."

I hesitated, not wanting to be in the same room as Karl. But Rian's curious expression made me wonder what they were discussing. "Is everything okay, Alpha?" I asked, trying to sound concerned.

Rian nodded. "Yes, everything's fine. We were just talking about...you, actually."

My heart skipped a beat. What were they saying about me?

Karl spoke up, his voice smooth as silk. "Rian was telling me about your impressive skills, Becky. I must say, I'm impressed"

I felt a surge of unease. I didn't want Karl to know anything about me.

"I should go," I said, trying to leave again.

But Rian stopped me. "No, Becky, please stay. We need to discuss something important."

I reluctantly sat down, trying to avoid eye contact with Karl. I had a feeling this conversation was not going to go well.

Rian asked, "Are you busy, Becky?"

I shook my head, trying to come up with an excuse. "No, I...I was just going for a walk."

But before I could make a quick escape, Rian said, "Perfect! I was thinking you could show Karl around the pack. Give him a tour."

I tried to decline, but Karl jumped in, his voice excited. "That's a great idea, Rian. I'd love to see more of the pack."

I tried to sneakily decline, but Karl wasn't having it. "Come on, Becky! It'll be fun, I promise!"

Rian chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement and hidden mischief. "I think Becky would be happy to show you around, Karl."

I knew I was beat. I reluctantly agreed, trying to hide my frustration. "Fine...let's go."

I couldn't believe I was stuck showing Karl around the pack. I had been hoping to avoid him, not spend the day with him. As we walked, I couldn't help but feel trapped. I had tried to decline, but Karl's enthusiasm and Rian's amusement had left me no choice.

I led Karl through the pack's territory, pointing out various landmarks and features. He asked questions and made comments, but I could sense an underlying motive behind his words.

What did he really want from me? I wondered, feeling a sense of unease.

As we walked, I couldn't help but think about our past. Karl and I had been mates, but he had betrayed me, choosing his pack over me. I had thought I was over him, but being around him again brought up old feelings.

I quickened my pace, trying to get the tour over with. But Karl kept up easily, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Don't rush it” he said, laughing. "I want to see everything."

I gritted my teeth, feeling frustrated. Why did he have to be so charming and persuasive?

As we approached the pack's training grounds, I could feel Karl's eyes on me, watching me. I knew I had to be careful around him. He was hiding something, and I wasn't going to let my guard down.

Suddenly, Karl bent over in pain and I quickly rushed to him in alarm.

“Karl!”