Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 35: Opening up

*TRIGGER WARNING* there will be *** at the start and at the end of the sensitive part. It can easily be skipped without getting lost in the story. Abuse and attempt SA mentioned.

Chloe POV

Tatiana was right even if I didn’t want to admit it, it was time for me to stop hiding and face my mate. He’s done nothing but be patient with me, it’s time for me to open up.

“Hello, mate.” I said softly and I saw his mouth open and close several times, like a fish out of water. I couldn’t help but chuckle lightly at his reaction.

“Chloe?” He asked, his voice sounding hesitant.

“It’s me.” I replied with a shy smile. He just stared for a couple minutes, not saying a word.

“I’m sorry. I had thought about what I would say and how I would act when you finally came forward, but I’m drawing a complete blank right now. I can’t seem replace my words.” He admitted and I laughed, he looked so cute when he was flustered.

“That’s ok, we have lots of time to get to know each other. I want to apologize for not coming forward sooner. I just wasn’t ready yet.” I said truthfully.

“I understand, you don’t need to apologize.” He replied and put his hand over mine on the table, before gently brushing his thumb along my skin. His touch alone was enough to calm my erratic heartbeat.

Before I could continue, the waitress came back in with a bottle of wine. I was pleased that she wasn’t making eye contact with Knox this time. Thanks to Tatiana, she seemed nervous.

‘See, my possessive side can come in handy.’ Tat said proudly in my head.

‘Go back to your corner, I’m still mad at you.’ I joked and she laughed but actually listened to me.

“Have you decided what you would like to eat?” The waitress asked, while looking intently at the pad of paper in her hands.

“Yes, we’ll both get the bone-in ribeye, rare, with a loaded baked potato and charred broccolini.” Knox replied for the both of us. I love that he knew exactly what I liked without even having to ask.

Once the waitress poured our wine and had our order, she quickly left the room.

“I’m sorry, I should of asked what you wanted. I’m use to what Tatiana likes, I hope steak is ok?” He asked, sounding a little nervous.

“It’s perfect, it’s my favourite too.” I reassured him and he smiled.

“What do you like to do for fun?” He asked, before taking a sip of his wine.

“Before we went rogue, I didn’t have much time to myself. Whenever I did have a bit of time, I liked to read. It was my way of escaping from the shitty life I was living.” I replied and my voice turned bitter at the end, just thinking about my old life.

“I’m sorry. We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to.” He said, giving me a sympathetic look.

“No, it’s ok. I don’t like talking about my past, but it will help you understand why Tat and I, are the way we are.” I replied and he simple nodded, waiting for me to continue.

“My mother and I were Omegas in Alpha Cameron’s pack. My mother loved me dearly, but she was very submissive and fearful of the consequences if we ever disobeyed the ranked members. That’s why we stayed. I wanted to leave sooner, but she was scared.” I started and could see that Knox was listening intently.

“My mother never told me who my father was. She always said that it didn’t matter and refused to answer any of my questions about him. She also wouldn’t let me shift in front of the pack. Everyone thought I was wolfless, that only added to the torment I received.” I continued, but paused when I saw Knox looking deep in thought.

“Your father would have to be an Alpha.” Knox blurted out, causing me to frown at his words. I wonder why he would think that? As if he could read the question in my mind, he continued.

“Tatiana is a big wolf and she’s strong. She was also able to resist my Alpha command the first time I saw her. Only an Alpha would have been able to do that.” He explained and I nodded.

I wonder who my father was? Or if he’s even still alive? How did my mother end up sleeping with an Alpha? I had so many questions but would never know the truth, since my mother is dead. Thinking of my mother made me sad, I miss her so much.

“Do you want to talk about something else?” He asked, when he noticed my sad expression.

“No it’s ok.” I replied and he nodded.

“Alpha Cameron hated the Omegas. He was extremely cruel with all of them, but picked on me the most. I never understood why, until my 19th birthday and figured out that he was my mate. He was already 19, so he knew we were mates before I found out.” I explained and paused to take a sip of wine. Knox stayed silent and patiently waited for me to continue.

***

“Two days before my 19th birthday, he tried to force himself on me. When I fought him off, I was beaten until I was barely conscious and locked in the dungeon. When I was finally released, Alpha Cameron informed me that I would be his personal slave from that day forward. I couldn’t let that happen. He was a monster and I knew what his sick mind had planned for me.” I continued and my voice was now laced with anger. Reliving the past was a lot harder then I expected.

I looked over to Knox and noticed that he seemed angrier than I was. His entire body was trembling and I noticed fur sprouting on his arms and neck. His eyes were the darkest I had ever seen them. My eyes widened at the sight. Maybe I said too much? He looked about ready to lose control and I new his wolf was trying to force him to shift.

“I’m sorry, do you need me to stop?” I asked, as I put my hand over his tight fist that was resting on the table. My touch seemed to calm him and bring him out of his murderous state. He relaxed, but only slightly.

“I’m going to kill him.” He gritted out, while shaking his head and trying to regain full control.

“Alpha Cameron will pay for what he did, mark my words.” I replied confidently.

“He certainly will. I’m sorry, I just can’t believe he would do that to his own mate.” Knox said apologetically, while running his fingers through his hair.

“Continue.” He added and I looked at him skeptically. I wasn’t sure if tell him the next part was a good idea, especially with the way he just reacted.

“I’m good now, I promise. I just wasn’t expecting any of that. I won’t let my wolf take control again.” He tried to reassure me, but I could see the internal struggle he was still having.

Our conversation was interrupted when the waitress walked in with our food. We were both silent while she placed the plates down in front of us.

“Can I get you anything else?” She asked.

“No, this is perfect, thank you.” Knox replied and the waitress left the room.

“I need to know everything, Chloe. I know it’s hard for you to talk about and it’s hard for me to hear, but please tell me.” He pleaded and I let out a defeated sigh. He’s right, it’s either now or another day and I would prefer to get it over with.

“When I went home the day before my birthday, I convinced my mother to runaway with me. She finally saw how much danger we were in. We spent the day getting everything ready and preparing to run. We waited till the middle of the night, when everyone would be sleeping before we left. We were almost at the border when Alpha Cameron appeared in front of us. He had predicted that I would run and was waiting. It was after midnight, so I recognized him as my mate. He rejected me, but wasn’t going to let me leave. He was still planning on making me his slave or toy, whatever you want to call it. Once I accepted his rejection, I thought we were done, but that was just the beginning. He slashed my mothers throat in front of me…” I explained and trailed off at the end, remembering the fearful look on my mothers face.

“I watched her die and there was nothing I could do to save her. When I held my mothers lifeless body, something in my soul snapped and I lost it. Tatiana took over and I fell into a dark pit somewhere in the back of our mind. I don’t know what happened after that, Tatiana was the only reason we survived. She was stronger than me and continued to fight even when I was ready to die.” I added and by the last sentence my voice was barely above a whisper. I felt shame for leaving Tatiana all those years ago. I hated that I was weak and didn’t fight like she did.

***

‘You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for, Chloe. Everyone has a breaking point and yours was watching our mom die.’ Tatiana said softly in my head. As much as I wanted to believe it, I didn’t feel strong. I bet Knox thinks I’m a cowered for abandoning my wolf.

I looked over at Knox and could tell he was once again struggling with his wolf for control. This time he seemed to be winning the battle. Maybe he was more mentally prepared for the worst case scenario?

“You’re so strong, Chloe, don’t ever doubt that. You and Tat have been through so much and your still here to tell the story. I promise, I won’t ever let anyone treat you like that again. I hope you believe me.” He said and I could see the pain in his eyes. He looked so helpless, like he wanted to take my pain away, but didn’t know how.

“I believe you.” I whispered, while wiping a stray tear that ran down my cheek.

“I don’t know if I’ll make it through the Alpha meeting next week without ripping his throat out.” Knox admitted and let out a frustrated sigh.

“You can’t do anything, not at that meeting. You’ll get in trouble if you start something in front of the humans.” I said nervously.

“I know, but you saw how close I was to losing control while you told me the story. Imagine how my wolf is going to be when he’s face to face with that piece of shit.” He gritted out.

“I’ll come with you.” I blurted out and I couldn’t believe my own words. I don’t want to see that a*****e, but I really don’t want to see Knox getting in trouble. At least if I’m there, I can calm his wolf down.

“I don’t want you anywhere near him. I’ll be fine, I promise.” He tried to reassure me.

“We can talk about it later, I think that’s enough for tonight. Let’s eat.” I suggested, even though my appetite was long gone.

We were both quiet throughout dinner. Knox still looked like he was struggling with his wolf. I wish I didn’t have to ruin our night, but this needed to be done.

When we were done eating, Knox paid and we headed out to the truck. He helped me into the passenger seat before getting into the driver side. He was about to start the engine, but paused and turned his attention to me.

“I’m sorry if I was quiet at dinner. Gunner is just a little upset and I’m trying to keep him calm. I want you to know how happy I am that you opened up to me. I know it wasn’t easy, but it means a lot. You and Tat mean the world to me and I hate that I wasn’t there for you sooner.” He explained, before leaning in and gently kissing my lips.

“I love you so much, I would give my life for you and Tat.” He confessed and my eyes widened. He loves me? As if he could read my mind, he continued.

“I’ve love you since the first day I laid eyes on you. You’re smart, strong, independent, feisty, loyal and beautiful. There isn’t a single thing I dislike about you. Knowing what you’ve been through only confirms how strong and brave you are.” He said and I smiled. Before I could reply, he added.

“I don’t expect you to tell me that you love me back, not yet. When you do, I want it to come from your heart and feel that you mean it.”

I used my hand to wipe away another stray tear from my cheek. This man is going to be the death of me. Could I be falling in love with him?