Chapter 20

**Daniel**

When she said she wanted to meet my mother it was like something clicked. I guess I wasn't expecting her to actually want to meet her, but I was glad she did. I felt closer to her after we talked it was like everything was in the open and we could both breathe. I wiped the tears from her eyes and hugged her. I noticed she had been crying and I never meant to make her cry.
"It's okay. Thank you," I whispered in her ear.
"For what?" she said looking up at me.
"For listening, for being open with me. For making me believe that underneath it all, you are the woman I always imagined you to be."
I could tell by the look on her face she was shocked by my words, but I meant it all. I was finally getting to know the real her and it felt good.
"Daniel I don't know what to say."
"Don't say anything, there's no need. I just want you to know that you gave me something I didn't have in the beginning, hope. I was determined to try to make this work but I never was really sure that we would be okay until now. I always thought that you would run back to Ryland and I would have to drag you back kicking and screaming. That it would take years for us to finally reach a break through, but you proved me wrong and I'm glad. To be honest with you I don't know what I would have done if that had happened. I wouldn't want to force you to be with me, but there was no way I was ever going to loose you," I told her truthfully.
'Well you don't have to worry about any of that now. You're mine and I'm not going anywhere."
I just chuckled at that. It was the first time she said I belonged to her. If I could see my wolf I knew he would be doing back flips and cartwheels from the happy vibes I was getting from him. Things were finally going right and I just hoped they would stay this way.
"Daniel, my office now," Rick yelled through the link. I cursed and Marilyn looked at me confused.
"It's Rick he wants to see me. I have to go," I told her regretfully. I hated to leave her, especially now, but I had no choice.
"It's okay just go. I'll be here when you get back."
I left, made my way to his office and knocked.
"Come in" he said and I opened the door.
"Sit," he said and I took my usual seat.
"What's up," I asked wanting to get this over with.
"Well seems like we aren't the only one's with rogue problems."
"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.
"West Wood territory is having some serious issues and they want us to head over."
"Anyone get hurt?"
"No. But something is about to happen. These damn rogues are planning something and it won't be long until they strike. I think they're targeting us since we are the strongest three packs. But I have a feeling that your mate's uncle and the bastard who wants Jasmine are working with them. If that's the case things just got very personal."
"Agreed."
If I ever got my hands on that fucking uncle of hers I was going to kill him. I wanted his blood on my hands and nobody was going to stand in my way.
"I want you bring her with us. If my suspicions are correct then she needs to be with you at all times. I'm bringing Jasmine as well. That motherfucker will never touch her again as long as I'm breathing."
It took him a while to calm down since the thought of Jasmine in danger pissed him off to no end, just as the thought of Marilyn being danger did to me. Only it was worse for him since he and Jasmine were fully mated with pups.
"What are you going to tell her?" I knew he didn't want her to know he was still out there.
"The truth. There are rogues attacking left and right a they need our help. I'm just going to leave out the part about me thinking he's involved."
I just shook my head.
"She's going to kill you when she finds out."
"She won't find out. Not until I know she's safe. Besides if she does get a little pissed after it's nothing I can't handle. A good fight every now and then makes things more interesting," he said smiling with amusement.
"You're sick man," I said laughing. His mind was completely headed to the gutter.
"Once you've fully mated you'll understand."
"Whatever. Anyway I'm going to visit mom, you coming? I know she would want to see you."
We grew up together and my mother always considered him a son.
"You bringing your mate?"
"Yep"
"Then I'm definitely coming."
My mother could be a little over protective and high spirited which he found entertaining. I shook my head laughing and headed towards the door, back to my mate.

**Ryland**

Now that I knew where my mate ran off too I had to go to her. But first I had to ask Marcus for permission. As his third in command it wouldn't be good if I just left without informing him. He wouldn't take it lightly. He had forbidden me from going after Marilyn but I knew that he wouldn't stop me from going after my mate. If he tried he would definitely loose a Gamma.
I ran back to the pack house as fast as I could. When I got there I went straight to his office and knocked.
"Come in Ryland," he said from the other side of the door.
"I was wondering when you would show up," he said not bothering to look up at me. He was busy doing paper work but this couldn't wait.
"Then you know why I'm here."
"Of course. You want permission to go after your mate. Am I correct?"
"Yes Alpha," I said bowing in respect. He sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"Before I answer or deny your request I want to discuss a few things with you. I was planning on calling a pack meeting but I guess now is as good a time as any since you're already here," I sat down curious as to what this was all about.
"Your mate belongs to the West Wood Territory and their alpha contacted me today. They have been having some issues with rogues and need our help."
I felt my anger rise at the thought of rogues being so close to my mate, especially when I wasn't there to protect her.
"As far as I know there have not been any injuries or death so your mate is fine."
It calmed me a little knowing that she was safe and unharmed, but I was still on edge.
"I realize that as her mate you want to get to her as soon as possible, and if you want to leave now I won't stop you. However, I highly suggest you wait a few days to leave with the rest of us. If you choose not to you would be entering an unknown territory on your own. I assure you that their alpha will be reluctant to let you through and rightfully so giving recent events. Your wolf will likely go crazy if they won't let you pass thinking that they are trying to keep your mate away from you and things could get ugly."
I knew he was right. That is exactly what my wolf would think if they didn't allow me to pass the borders. It wouldn't end well because I wouldn't be thinking clearly at that point. I agreed with him and told him I would wait. These few days would be the longest of my life but I would get through it knowing I would be seeing my mate very soon. When I did she had better be ready. I wanted answers and she was going to give them to me whether she wanted to or not.