Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 83: You can’t be real

Chloe POV

I thanked Freda for everything she did for me and gave her a big hug. She seemed like such a nice woman. I wish I could convince them to come with me, but they didn’t trust me enough yet. Maybe over time I could convince them.

Toby reluctantly agreed to escort me to my territory border, but he refused to go any further than that. He was very standoffish with me, but I understood why. As a rogue it was a constant fight to stay alive and you quickly learn not to trust anyone. Even though he was standoffish, he didn’t rub me the wrong way. I knew it was all an act to keep me at arms length. I actually bet he was a really nice guy when he wasn’t trying to make you dislike him.

After waving goodbye to Freda, we left the cave. I had tried to communicate with Tatiana, but she wasn’t answering me. I was worried about her. Was she gone because of the injuries we sustained or because of our bond with Knox breaking? Hopefully when we see him again she comes back to me. I already miss her and I’ve only been awake for an hour.

Toby offered to carry me, but I really didn’t want that. It was awkward enough as it was and I didn’t need to be scooped up in his arms to make it worse.

I must admit, walking was a challenge though, I had lost a lot of muscle and strength over the past week. We moved slow and luckily he wasn’t pushing me to go faster.

We walked in silence for what felt like hours but in reality was probably only 20 minutes. I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to say something.

“Thanks for walking back with me.” I said softy before glanced up at him. His face was void of emotions and he continued to look straight ahead.

“No problem.” He replied in a clipped tone.

“Listen, I know you don’t trust me and I understand your reasons, but I promise I mean you and Freda no harm.” I said and he glanced down at me with furrowed brows. I could tell he was searching my face for any signs of deceit.

“My mother is all I have in this world. I would do anything to keep her safe. You can’t blame me for being suspicious of your intentions.” He replied pointedly.

“I don’t… I was a rogue once too, remember? Do you want to hear something funny?” I asked with a light chuckle. He glanced down at me curiously but didn’t say anything. I knew it was his way of telling me to continue.

“I was actually a feral wolf, after my first mate killed my mother, it broke me. I fell apart and my wolf Tatiana, took over. I lived in wolf form for over 2 years. That’s not the funny part though, I’m getting there”, I explained. I could tell I had his full attention and he was curious where I was going with my story.

“When I first met my second chance mate, Knox, my wolf was in full control. Just like you, she didn’t trust anyone so she tried to kill him.” I said and chuckled lightly. Ok, at the time it wasn’t funny, but now looking back we could certainly laugh about it.

“Really? And he didn’t kill you for attacking him?” He asked with a bit surprise in his tone.

“Nope, the man was persistence. He found where I liked to hangout and he would come to visit me everyday even if I wanted nothing to do with him. He brought me a steak dinner once with wine and everything.” I replied with another chuckle. The thought only made me miss him more. To my complete shock, Toby actually chuckled too.

“He brought a wolf steak and wine?” He laughed.

“Oh, that’s not even the best part. He brought me a blanket to nest in and a portrait of himself incase I missed his handsome face.” I said and this time Toby bursted out laughing.

“He brought you a portrait of himself?” Toby said in between fits of laughter and I nodded while laughing along with him.

“My point is, I didn’t trust him at the beginning. He worked hard to win me over and it didn’t happen overnight. I’m not telling you to trust me right away, but at least give me a chance to earn your trust.” I said in a more serious tone. He didn’t reply but I could tell he was deep in thought.

“I know you and your mother have survived on your own for 20 years, but that couldn’t have been easy. Always looking over your shoulder, wondering when the next time someone would try to kill you. You and your mother would be so much safer on our territory.” I told him and watched as he shook his head.

“I actually like you, Chloe. I can tell you’re an honest person, but I don’t trust Packs and Alphas. They kill rogues on sight and don’t even bat an eyelash about it. I’ve seen it happen first hand, my father was killed in front of my mother and I by a bunch of warriors. I was only five at the time and the attack was completely unprovoked. They literally killed him because he was a rogue. The only reason they didn’t kill my mother was because of me. I guess they had a sliver of humanity in them that they couldn’t bring themselves to kill a five year old and a lone she-wolf.” He scoffed and I swallowed the lump in my throat. I wasn’t expecting that as an explanation. His hesitancy to trust made so much more sense.

“I’m so sorry about your father. That’s horrible.” I said softly.

“It’s just the hard reality when you’re a rogue.” He said with a casual shrug, but I could see the pained expression on his face.

“I think you would benefit from talking to the twins, Parker and Preston. They were rogues for over 6 years, but now I’m assuming they took their rightful place as the Alphas to the Desert Hill pack. Maybe you would feel more comfortable with them?” I suggested and I saw a flash of recognition cross his face.

“Do you know them?” I asked curiously.

“I think we met them once. I can’t remember their names but they were twins and their first names both started with a P. They actually saved my mother and I once. We were attacked by rogues and they helped us fight them off. We never saw them again after that day.” He replied.

“That doesn’t surprise me. They always looked out for me too when I was a rogue.” I said.

“Would you be willing to talk to them?” I asked in a hopeful tone.

“Maybe, how did they become Alphas? Did they kill the old one?” He asked curiously.

“No, I did, before I got killed by someone else of course.” I replied with a humourless chuckle.

“He was my first mate, the one who savagely killed my mother in front of me. He had it coming.” I added bitterly.

“s**t, that’s crazy. I’m sorry about your mother.” He said and gave me a small smile.

“Thank you.” I replied.

We were getting close to the border, it had been a slow and exhausting walk. My legs felt like they were made of jello and I knew it wouldn’t be long before they gave out. Luckily I didn’t have much further to go.

“This is as far as I can go.” Toby stated and I nodded.

“Thank you, Toby.” I replied and gave him a hug. He was stiff at first but eventually relaxed and hugged me back.

“I know your mom said not to tell anyone where you guys are staying, but would you be willing to talk to the twins? You know they were rogues too so they won’t hurt you guys. I would really like to help you guys, especially after everything you’ve done for me.” I said and I could tell he was thinking over my words.

“I’m going to take a leap of faith. I don’t do it often, but something tells me I can trust you. I hope I don’t end up regretting this.” He said with a sigh.

“I promise you won’t!” I practically squealed excitedly and hugged him again. He actually chuckled at my excitement.

“Take care of yourself Chloe. Your mate’s a lucky man.” Toby said.

“You too.” I replied before he turned around and headed back the way he came.

I was happy that he started warming up to me. I can’t wait to bring the twins by to visit them. If anyone can talk some sense into him it was them. Bonus that they had already met.

I turned around and started walking towards my territory, my heart started beating faster the closer I got. I couldn’t wait to see Knox. I missed him so much and I was worried about him. I knew he was probably devastated from losing me.

I got a rush of adrenaline and started walking faster. It wasn’t long before I crossed the border and entered our territory. I had butterflies in my stomach, would he be excited to see me? I don’t know why, but I was also nervous. It felt like I was going on our first date all over again.

It didn’t take long before a couple wolves surrounded me. I recognized them immediately as some of our warriors that were likely on patrol. I knew they had also recognized me right away because they shifted into their human forms.

“Luna?” They questions in unison with shocked expressions on their faces.

“It’s me.” I replied with a soft smile.

“But we were told you were dead?” One of them asked. I really wish they would put some shorts on or something, their nakedness was making this conversation slightly awkward.

“It’s a long story, can you mind-link Alpha Knox please?” I asked.

“I’m sorry Luna, he’s not here right now. He had some business to take care of. He should be back in the next hour though.” One of the warriors replied and I couldn’t help but frown. Where did Knox go? Was he already over the fact that I was dead? I immediately pushed that thought away, I knew Knox loved me. I shouldn’t even entertain the thought of him being over me.

“Ok. Then I need you to do me a favour.” I said.

“Anything, Luna.” One of them replied eagerly.

“Don’t tell anyone you saw me. I want it to be a surprise.” I explained.

“Of course, Luna.” The same warrior replied with a nod.

“Thank you.” I said with a smile and was about to walk away when one of them spoke up.

“We’re happy to have you back Luna, it hasn’t been the same around here without you. The Alpha has been beside himself.” He stated sincerely.

“I’m glad to be back.” I replied before walking away from them and towards the pack house. I was frustrated that I had to wait, but anxious to finally be back in my mates arms.

I snuck in through the backdoor because I wanted to see Knox before anyone else. I made sure to avoid all the main living areas and quickly climbed the stairs to the Alpha floor.

Once I reached are room, I went inside and closed the door. I paused once inside and scanned the room with my eyes. Oh, how I missed this place. I thought to myself.

My mate’s scent was faint. He must not have come in here recently. I walked over to the bed and sat down before leaning over and inhaling his pillow. I wanted to take in his comforting scent, but the pillow barely smelled of him. He definitely hasn’t been sleeping in here. My eyebrows furrowed together, where has he been sleeping?

I had been waiting for just about 45 minutes when I heard the door handle giggle. Someone was coming in. I sat up on the bed and scooted to the edge. My heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest.

The door was pushed open and Knox walked in. He immediately froze when his eyes landed on me and he stood there for several minutes just staring. It was odd he didn’t seem as surprised to see me as I was expecting. He stood there looking at me and I swear he still hadn’t blinked once.

I stood from the bed ignoring my body’s protest. I was confused by his behaviour. Why wasn’t he running to me? I expected him to wrapped his arms around me and tell me how much he missed and loved me?

I took a minute to take in his appearance. His hair was unkempt and he had definitely lost weight. The dark circles around his eyes was a clear sign that he hasn’t been sleeping.

“Are you not happy to see me?” I finally asked, with a hint of disappointment in my tone.

“Our you kidding me? Of course I am, but I know your not real. I see your beautiful face everywhere I go and I know as soon as I blink you’ll be gone, like every other time I’ve seen you.” He said and his voice was broken. I could hear the sadness in his tone.

“I’m really here, Knox. You’re not dreaming.” I said and he shook his head in denial.

“I saw you go over that cliff, I felt our bond break, you’re dead.” He replied as a tear slid down his cheek. I slowly walked over to him while shaking my head.

I cupped his cheeks with my hands, causing him to gasp and close his eyes. His hands reached up and cupped mine.

“I can feel you and even smell you. This dream feels so real.” He practically whispered.

“It’s not a dream, Knox. You felt our bond snap because I did die, but a rogue found me and managed to bring me back. I’m alive and standing right in front of you.” I explained and his eyes opened before a few tears trickled down his cheeks.

“Goddess, I want this to be real so bad. I miss you so much.” He choked out. Seriously, what was it going to take for him to believe me?

Ok, this was maybe a little harsh, but he needed to snap out of it and believe me. I pulled one hand away from his cheek and slapped him. His eyes widened in shock, but before he could say anything I smashed my lips with his and kissed him passionately. His arms wrapped around my body and he held onto me for dear life. I could feel his desperation through the k**s.

After a few minutes, I broke the k**s. We were both panting heavily.

“Do you believe me now?” I asked and the edge of my lips twitch upward when I saw the desire swirling in his eyes.

He dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around my waist, his face was pressed against my abdomen. I ran my fingers through his unruly hair and felt him shiver.

“How is this possible?“ he asked, his arms still firmly wrapped around me.

We stayed in that position for several minutes before my legs couldn’t take it anymore. I felt like they were about to give out.

“Can we sit down? Im exhausted.” I admitted.

He didn’t say anything before standing up and scooping me in his arms. He carrying me over to the bed and sat down with me on his lap. It was clear he wasn’t ready to let me go.

“I missed you so much, Chloe. I still can’t believe you’re really here.” He said before lowering his face to the crook of my neck and inhaling deeply.

“I missed you too. I’m so happy to be home.” I replied truthfully.

“Where have you been?” He asked, but never took his face away from my neck. I could feel his nose running along my skin and it caused a shiver to run down my spine. I was instantly overwhelmed with desire.

“A rogue she-wolf found me in the river. Her and her son took care of me until I woke up from the coma.” I explained.

“I’m never letting you out of my arms. You’re mine, Chloe.” He said in a low husky voice.

“I’m yours, Knox and you’re mine.” I replied and I felt him nod against neck. His face had yet to come up for air.

For the first time in a long time I felt relieved. Cameron was dead and I was finally home in my mate’s arms where I belonged. We could finally focus all of our attention on each other.