Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 82: You’re awake

Knox POV

It’s been over a week since I lost Chloe and I was a complete mess. I felt like my heart was torn out the moment our bond snapped. I couldn’t feel her anymore, all I felt was emptiness and I hated it.

I haven’t been sleeping or eating, the only thing I’ve been able to do is bury myself in work so that I wouldn’t breakdown. So many emotions were swirling within me, anger, frustration, regret and mainly sadness. I missed her so much. I haven’t heard from my wolf since it happened and I knew he was mourning the loss of our mate.

Vincent was surprised that I wasn’t in worse condition, he said that when he felt his mate bond snap it completely destroyed him. Why was it different for me? I mean, I was heartbroken and completely devastated, but I was still able to function and take care of my responsibilities. I almost felt like I was betraying her by not locking myself away and falling apart. Why wasn’t it affecting me as intensely as it did Vincent?

We still haven’t been able to replace her body, I’ve had warriors out there everyday searching the river front for any sign of her, but nothing. Maybe that’s why I wasn’t falling apart, as long as I didn’t see her deceased body, there was still a smidge of hope that she wasn’t actually dead.

We lost quite a few warriors during the attack so we held a big funeral to honour them and their families a few days ago. We didn’t hold one for Chloe, I wasn’t ready for that yet. I wanted to have a proper burial for her once we recovered her body.

After the attack, the twins were sworn in as Alphas of The Desert Hill Pack and we’ve since formed an alliance. They also formed an alliance with Alpha Victor, which meant that between our three packs we were a powerhouse. No one would dare mess with any of us.

Vincent didn’t take Chloe’s death well either. I think because my mother suffered a similar loss, she was able to help him heal from the pain. They’ve become close over the past week, but I can tell it’s only as friends. I guess they understand each other’s pains since they both lost their mates and a child.

My family and friends tried to comfort me, but I just wanted to be alone. Long gone was the happy and lighthearted Knox. Now I was just angry and sad. I wasn’t sure I would ever go back to the person I was before losing Chloe.

I blamed myself for what happened, I should have known Cameron would do something like that. I still didn’t know who tipped him off, but I was going to replace out. I wish I had followed my gut instinct, if I had, Chloe would probably still be alive. I also wish that I had been the one to die, not her. I would trade spots with her in a heart beat.

It’s crazy how much that woman impacted my life. Before I met her, I despised rogues. I thought they were all horrible, disgusting creatures. Boy was I wrong. Chloe was the one to open my eyes and make me see the truth. She made me realize that not all rogues were bad people and that they deserve a chance just like anyone else. She was a survivor with a heart of gold. After everything she had been through she still let me into her heart. Goddess I love that woman. It made me angry that she was taking away from me far too soon. How could the moon goddess be so cruel? My thoughts were interrupted when there was a knock at my office door.

“Come in.” I announced.

The door opened before Max and Jo walked in.

“Can you give me a little breathing space? Goddess Jo, you’re suffocating me.” Max spat out in frustration as she dropped a tray of food on my desk and plopped down on the couch.

“You shouldn’t even be out of bed yet, the doctor said you need to rest.” Jo argue.

“Jo, I’m fine, it’s been over a week and you can’t even see the wound anymore.” Max replied with an eye roll.

“I don’t care, I almost lost you and I’m not going to risk it.” Jo retorted.

“I’m busy, what do you want?” I asked in a short tone. I really just wanted to be left alone and I definitely wasn’t in the mood to listen to their bickering.

“You haven’t been eating, I brought you something to eat.” Max said and motioned to the tray of food that she had put down in front of me.

“I’m not hungry.” I replied.

“Listen, I know you’re sad, hell, we all are, but you have to eat. The pack already lost it’s Luna, they can’t lose their Alpha too.” She argued.

“I ate early.” I lied.

“Bullshit!” Jo stated while faking a cough.

“Listen, if you don’t pickup that damn sandwich and take a bite, I’ll tie you down and force feed it to you.” Max snapped while crossing her arms over her chest.

I really didn’t want to deal with either of them right now, so instead of arguing, I picked up the sandwich and took a bite.

“There, now get out.” I said irritably.

“I know you’re still mourning and that’s understandable, but you know Chloe wouldn’t want you to shut yourself off from everyone who loves you. Don’t push us away, Knox.” Max pleaded and I could see the sadness in her eyes. As tough as she was, I knew she was also struggling with the loss of her friend.

“I’m sorry, I just don’t know how to deal with everything right now.” I said truthfully before running my hands over my face.

“I know, it’s going to take all of us some time to process what happened. She was such an amazing woman.” Max replied and I heard her voice break. She actually looked like she about to cry which was surprising for Max.

“How’s that project coming along?” Jo asked, changing the subject and I saw Max give him a grateful smile.

Since Chloe died, I’ve busied myself with a project in her honour. I was hoping my project would be a way for everyone to remember how amazing she was. She was a true leader, someone who would have done so much good in this cruel world.

“It’s coming along, I’m going there tomorrow to check on the progress.” I replied with a sigh. This project was dear to my heart and I knew if Chloe was alive she would be proud of me.

“Great, we’re coming with you. I want to help.” Max stated.

“Sure. I’m heading over there right after lunch.” I replied.

“Perfect, how are the twins and Sheryl? They adjust over at The Desert Hill Pack?” Jo asked.

“Ya, once they got rid of Cameron’s loyal followers, the rest seem thrilled with the change.” I replied.

“I bet.” Jo said.

“How are the new pack members adapting? Do they have everything they need?” I asked

Since Alec was locked away and I was reassured that he would never see the light of day again, we decided to disperse his pack. His loyal followers had all been killed in the war. The only ones left were the elders, woman and children. Since they no longer had an Alpha, we gave them the option to join one of our three packs, mine, the twins and Alpha Victor’s. They were all grateful and my pack ended up with 30 new members.

“Good, they’re still being assessed so we can assign them the most appropriate job for their skill sets.” Jo replied.

“Good, keep an eye on them and let me know if they need anything.” I said and he nodded.

We sat there in silence for several minutes, no one knew what to say. I sometimes wished that I had died too so at least then I could be with Chloe in the afterworld. I felt so lost without her.

————

Chloe POV

My whole body hurt, I felt stiff and sore like had been lying in the same position for weeks. I tried opening my eyes but they were glued shut with all the crusty build up. It took a few minutes, but they eventually opened.

I frowned as I sat up and scanned my surroundings, I didn’t recognize the place. It almost seemed like I was in some sort of dark cave, the walls, floor and roof were all made of stone. I looked down at my chest and noticed the gauze wrapped around it. It took a few moments, but then the memories of what happened flooded my mind. I was shot and fell into the river. How am I even alive?

I think I had met the moon goddess? Or was that just a dream? I wasn’t sure anymore, if it wasn’t for the pain I was feeling, I would have questioned if I was actually still alive.

“Oh good, you’re awake.” I heard a friendly female voice announce from somewhere behind me.

My head snapped towards the voice and my eyes locked on a woman in her mid 40’s. She was beautiful, she had light brown skin and thick curly black hair. She had a friendly but cautious look on her face.

“Where am I?” I asked asked in a raspy voice, my throat felt like it was made of sandpaper it was so dry.

“Our home.” She replied.

“Here, drink.” She instructed as she handed me a bottle of water. I quickly took the bottle and thanked her before downing the contents. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was until she handed me that bottle.

“Better?” She asked with a friendly smile and I nodded.

“How did I end up here?” I asked curiously.

“I found you in the river, you were unresponsive and face down in the water. You actually didn’t have a pulse at first, but somehow I managed to bring you back.” She explained.

“Thank you.” I practically whispered.

“How long was I out for?” I asked.

“A week and a half.” She replied and my eyes went wide, I was in a coma for that long?

“Now, you mind telling me what happened to you? Warriors have been frantically searching the river for you.” She asked.

“That’s probably my mate, he watched me get shot before I fell into the river.” I explained and my hand automatically reached for my mark at the thought of my mate. I couldn’t feel our connection anymore. The woman clearly understood where my head was at, because she answered my silent question.

“You technically died so the mate bond was broken. You won’t feel him until he marks you again.” She explained.

“Oh.” Was all I could manage. I wondered if Knox had felt it when I died. He must be devastated and going out of his mind. I need to get to him fast.

“Who are you? I can sense a strong aura from you, you must be a high ranking pack member.” She asked curiously.

“My name’s Chloe, I’m the Luna of The Volcano Pack. Who are you?” I asked.

“I’m Freda, a rogue.” She replied cautiously and watched me carefully for a reaction.

“Thank you for everything, Freda. I probably wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for you.” I said sincerity and she smiled.

“s**t, she’s awake? I knew we should have gotten rid of her sooner.” I heard a deep rough masculine voice say, before a man walked into the cave and stood beside Freda.

His hostile tone put me on edge. He was maybe a year or two older than I was, but he was huge. At least 6’5 and extremely muscular. He was rough around the edges and it was clear he had been living as a rogue for a long time.

Freda glared at the man before turning her attention back towards me.

“Don’t mind him, Darling. He’s just worried that you’ll tell your Alpha where we live. Packs don’t exactly like us rogues.” She explained with a sad smile.

“I was a rogue up till a few weeks ago when I met my second chance mate.” I admitted and watched as both their eyes widened in shock at my confession.

“But you’re a Luna?” Freda questioned.

“Yes, but my first mate rejected me and I was forced to flee and turn rogue. It’s a long story and I don’t mind telling you all about it one day, but right now I really do need to get back to my mate.” I explained and I watched as an understanding look crossed her face.

“I understand darling, can you do us a favour though?” She asked.

“Of course, what is it?” I asked curiously.

“Promise not to tell anymore where we live? I would prefer not to be killed.” She said and chuckled humourlessly.

“Ok, but I promise you, my pack would accept you even if you’re rogues.” I explained and she immediately had a skeptical look on her face.

“I was a rogue for over two years before I found my second chance mate. He’s taken in quite a few rogues since then and with me by his side, we will continue to help people like you. The good rogues.” I added and I swear I saw a flash of hope in her eyes but she quickly looked away.

“We can’t trust her mother, it could be a setup.” The man said and now I knew they were related.

“Hush, Toby. She’s not a threat to us.” She scolded. The guy I now knew was named Toby, huffed in frustration before turning around and leaving the cave.

“Sorry about him, Darling. He doesn’t trust anyone easily and rightfully so. He was born a rogue and we’ve basically spent the last 20 odd years hiding from your people.” She stated.

“I’m sorry you went through all that. I was a rogue for two years and that was so hard. I can’t imagine living like that for over 20 years.” I said truthfully with a sad smile.

“Oh, it’s not your fault, hun. How about I have Toby escort you close to your pack border? You’ll be too weak to make the trip by yourself after being in a coma for so long.” The woman offered. I wasn’t sure how I felt about Toby taking me, but I also knew I wasn’t strong enough to walk on my own yet.

“Thank you, that would be great.” I replied. I missed Knox like crazy and if I had to spend a little awkward time with the guy name, Toby, to get to him, I would do it.