Chapter 21: Leaving In Order To Protect

[Dove]
I had been toying with the dilemma for days.

How would Cole feel when he learned that the ones he loved had tried to harm the thing he protects? The pain would be unbearable.

But Megan was insistent to tell Cole - the Alpha has to know everything about the pack. I relented. We will talk to Cole.

But he was still away.

CONNIE'S BED & BREAKFAST is Connie’s private property; she lives and works there. It is far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of the village but still within a walkable distance for a casual visit.

Situated near the highway, it serves as a place of solace for lost and tired humans. It has also been serving as a lookout to warn the village of unexpected danger or persistent intruders, thus keeping the pack invisible and safe.

Interestingly, my time with Connie had been increasing since Cole left. There was always something she would needed help with. I felt like I was being kept busy on purpose.

“Dove!”

I looked up from the pot of steaming stew as Megan strode over to me with wide eyes that looked anxious and angry.

“Cole’s back, did you know?”

The spatula in my hand dropped into the pot and drops of hot stew splattered on my wrists. I winced away in pain but quickly recovered as the red spots disappeared.

“Did he just arrive?” I asked, wiping my hands on my apron and stepping away from the stove towards her.

Megan shook her head and growled, “He was back two days ago! That blockhead kept quiet about it. He had been hanging out at Jude’s.”

I turned to Connie who had been folding the napkins and humming when Megan stormed in and asked, "Connie, did you know that Cole's back?"

“I didn’t know,” she shook her head slowly with a surprised expression that was unusually calm.

Ignoring her, Megan grabbed my hand and reminded me of the ‘thing’ that Cole needs to know.

“What thing?” Connie asked with raised brows.

We paused and looked at her. Then, Megan hastily said, “Cole hasn’t mated with Dove yet.” She winced at my hard slap on her shoulder and added, “So Dove needs to ask him about it? Right, Dove?”

I threw a killing stare at Megan’s awkward and apologetic smile and then mimicked the same smile at Connie.

“Yes. I’ll be right back, Connie.”

“Sure, dear!” Connie returned to the napkins and her humming.

I pushed Megan towards the exit and shook my head at her back. If someone told me Megan was Cole’s sister, I’d believe it - they have the worst excuses when lying.

“He’s back in the mansion. Let’s go,” she said without stopping.

I nodded and followed suit.



******


My feet weren’t as eager and hopeful as Megan’s. Each step was made with hesitation. My heart grew dense when we finally arrived at the mansion.

I shifted to human form and looked up at Cole’s window. It was black. He would probably be in the study, I thought. Gripping my hands into fists, I lifted my chin and gazed straight ahead. What has to happen will happen. Let’s be strong and face it, Dove.

“Megan!”

We turned around and Patrick was running towards us. A tiny werewoman was beside him.

Megan already had her hands on both hips in preparation for Patrick’s arrival.

“We really don’t understand what that man wants!” Patrick’s voice was loud and clear even before he reached us.

When he finally arrived, Megan shot an exasperated look and said, “Just. Follow. The. Damn. Script. Patrick.”

“But he’s asking for some ‘net price’ - it’s not in the script, Megan,” Patrick was flustered. He turned to the tiny werewoman and she nodded, holding up the script.

Megan scanned the paper without taking it, slapped her forehead and roared. I was startled but Patrick and his companion watched on with nonchalance.

“It’s the wrong script. Damn!” She turned to me and said, “Sorry, Dove. I'll settle this and meet you inside. Please wait for me. I want to be there when you tell him.”

I nodded and the trio sprinted off.

After a sigh and a weak smile, I walked into the mansion. Claire was going about her usual routine in the kitchen. I went in the opposite direction, towards Cole’s wing. His study is near his quarters.

Why didn’t Cole tell me he was back? The attitude seemed cold and worry was gnawing at my consciousness. We have been apart for more than a week, has he grown tired of me? Did he meet another woman when he was out there? There must be many beautiful women in the other packs.

Chuckling silently, I mentally slapped myself. Don’t be silly, Dove.

I was nearing the study. Many ‘what ifs’ and possible scenarios started jamming up my train of thoughts. Standing at the door, I inhaled sharply to steady my nerves and held up a hand to announce my presence when I heard my name.

“Dove would weaken your powers.”

What? I held my breath. With careful movements, I pressed my ears on the wooden door. The voices were muffled but they clearly belonged to Cole and Jude and I could still make out some words.

“I believe she can… unique powers… silver hair….,” Jude's voice said.

The harsh revelation pushed me away. I shook my head in a useless denial. So it's true that weakening the Alpha is my power? Was that the reason I was despised back home? I thought my curse was just a superstition!

The wooden door stared quietly at me as more questions crowded my mind. Am I going to weaken Cole’s powers? Was that the reason why we haven’t mated? Had he been trying to keep his distance because he knew that I would hurt him?

Silence washed over me as I stood there, numb and lost.

Finally, Cole’s smile plastered across my mind and I stared at the wooden door until a wet veil went over it. I want to protect that smile.

I won't allow Cole’s powers to weaken. I can’t stay.

In a heartbeat, I turned and ran.