chapter 18

I thank Cassy for her hospitality, then look around the front for Jeremy. Who was still being tattooed but was now sitting silently with his head down. He can't even fake a smile for me. I know him too well, so it would be completely pointless. I know he caved when Ryan called him and told him where I was. It was the only possibility. Jeremy stands up and comes up, and gives me an awkward hug. It will be okay, Em. I do it anymore. Sitting back and watching you self-destruct, I can't do it. You can be mad. You can hate me. I'll call you tomorrow. Please understand why. I love you, Em." He whispers into my ear before pulling away and standing back. I walk out the front door. I feel Ryan's deep rumble behind my back. As Jeremy admits to letting him know where I was.

How could he do this to me? The tears start streaming down my face again, even heavier than before.


I look back, and The fight, the drive to be intense, everything I had been building up, is gone in a single instant. He seems stunned at first, and then a look of pure agony and heartbreak takes hold of his features. I don't bother saying anything. I turn and carry on walking.


"I didn't drive; Jeremy did. So, if you want to talk, you have two options: either do it here or drive." I say; the words coming out of my mouth don't sound like me anymore. The shattering and submission scared me. I felt broken and hopeless beyond repair.


His eyes widen, and he slowly brings his hand forward, clutching my hand. The eletric shoots into me. The pure want and desire that had been building up in me took hold, almost boiling over. God damn it fucking, mate bond.

I widen my eyes when I see his sharp breath. He actually feels it too.


"Not leaving my fucking sight, not again, understand that right now. Before you decide to run. Again. we are doing this now." His voice was husky and full of arousal. The last thing I wanted to do was talk!
There is no room to escape. I know He means it, and I don't even care, But knowing what deep dark scars I am about to rip open, Scared me. I know what is coming and might not be ready, but something tells me I have no choice.

Ryan wants answers, he warned me, and I knew he would be as stubborn as a bloody mule.

He might think he can act like he hasn't been gone for the last 11 years, but he doesn't know me as well as he thinks he does if he thinks I will just roll over, Mate bond or not.


We start walking down the hot sidewalk. I let him lead me to an old worn-out red chevy. Ryan is standing next to me, holding the door, waiting for me to climb in.


"Get in now." His voice growls at me. I have no idea what crawled up his ass to make him so mad, he has me, and it technically is still Saturday…
"Hate to be that person and point out the obvious, Damien, But I'm getting in," I can't seem to help myself from sneering at his name, his new name,

His eyes flash angrily at me. His face takes on a hard stone cold look. "What the hell did I tell you about calling me that?" He comes face to face with me, pinning me against the car with his body. His nose is touching mine; One little move, and I would be kissing him. His rapid hot breaths are hitting my mouth in warm bursts.

I can almost taste him. God damn it. I can't help but remember every time I looked into these eyes before. Those they didn't hold anger but untainted love and admiration for me. "One more time of testing me, and I swear to God. Emilia, Don't make this harder for me. I'm barely able to keep my wolf back from marking you as it is." He says, looking up at me. The glint of red flashes into his eyes. His wolf was there right under the surface.


Finally, having lost his bit of control, he grabs my hips and lifts me, dumping me into the seat. He shuts the door and disappears around the back. I buckle my belt, but the shock from his wolf has my jaw still hanging when he opens his door and slides into his seat before turning the key, slamming it into gear, and shooting away from the parking spot.


Finally coming out of my stunned shock silence, I look over at his face, which has softened slightly, "So, Where are you taking me? The packhouse is the other way, and we are heading out of the town if you didn't realize." I meekly ask. The look on his face now reminds me of the soft nineteen-year-old I loved.


"Don't worry, I know where your packhouse is. But I also know that you have been there all week, I'm assuming, ignoring me and probably trying to distract yourself from reality. So I'm not taking you there, where you can have the protection of Johnny's pack, which won't give me a minute to open my fucking mouth. We're talking and will be doing it without interruptions."


"I don't think that's a good idea. Maybe we can just go to Gregg's cafe around the corner, natural territory?" Maybe he would have taken me somewhat seriously if I had a little less wobbling to my voice.


"Nope, sorry, no can do. I don't think what I have to say can be said around others. Get ready, little mate, because I am done playing your games. I don't care if it takes a lifetime of chasing you; I will get my answers."
I snap my mouth shut, stunned at his bluntness.