The Heart Sees
Chapter 28

Troy's P.O.V

Lu and I had such an amazing time together and Brax was over the moon to be able to run with Lilac. I was surprised by her behaviour though.... she was unusually submissive. She seems slightly afraid of me still but when I hugged her before we came inside she didn't pull away... and she let me hold her hand.

"There you guys are! You should taste this pie Liam made me, it's so good" Terry said in between bites as Liam blushed. "Applie is my favourite too" he smiled and Liam mouthed a thank you to me.

"Thanks Terry but I have my own pie" I said as I smirked, walking to the fridge and grabbing it along with a couple of forks.

"Oh I see, alright then. You two have fun" Terry winked and I knew Lu was blushing. I started walking up the stairs, leaving Liam and Terry in the kitchen, but Lu followed me.

"Are you okay staying in my room still?" I asked as I opened the door.

"Yes" Lu admitted but didn't explain, I wish I knew what she was thinking.

"Good I'll set up a movie for us" I smiled as I set the pie down beside the bed and went to grab one.

"But how will you be able to watch it?" She asked as I heard the slight squeak of the bed, meaning she had sat down.

"Audio visual. Basically they explain all the actions with words as they happen. Is that okay with you?" I frowned.

"Yes alpha Troy" Lu said softly and I nodded, putting the dvd in the player. I wish she would just call me Troy but at least now she was using my name. I sat beside Lu on the bed, leaning against the head board.

"You can just call me Troy" I smiled at her and heard some rustling.

"Troy I know it's only been a few weeks since I woke up but... it's bothering me that I don't know what happened after I blacked out.... could you explain what I missed? You said I was in the hospital and entire week" Lu asked and I paused the movie in a panic.

'Should I tell her everything?'I asked Brax.

'We should be honest with her. If we lie and don't tell her she'll be angry' Brax reasoned.

"Okay" I sighed, "I'll tell you everything but promise me you won't run away?" I asked desperately.

"Why would I run away?" She asked, confused.

"Because I am a failure of a mate...." I said sadly. "I will never forgive myself " I hung my head.

"I promise I won't run Troy... you've been nothing but kind to me since I woke up" Lu smiled reassuringly.

"Okay... I'm here for you no matter what and I want you to know that I will never leave you and you can't blame yourself for what happened" I warned her and she nodded. "Okay..." I took a breath and recounted everything that had happened between us and what happened with Chase.

She started to cry and nodded at me, "I knew something was wrong... when I woke up it hurt down there" she admitted. I reached a a hand out to comfort her but pulled myself back.

"I am so sorry Lu... I understand if you don't want me as your mate. I failed you and those terrible things happened to you. I don't know the exact details of what happened with Chase but I know enough...." I admitted sadly. My heart broke as I listened to her sobs. I couldn't do anything but sit and wait for her... I was desperate to hold her... thankfully she put me out of my misery by jumping at me and wrapping me in a tight bear hug. I wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back as I felt myself tear up. " I am so sorry I failed you" I said as my voice cracked with emotion.

"You saved me Troy... you got me out of there. Nothing that happened was your fault.. thank you" she stuttered out between sniffles. I put my nose against her neck, inhaling her scent to calm myself, I had to be strong for her... "this must have been hard for you... since I can't remember anything" she added sadly.

"It has been... but part of me is glad that you don't remember the terrible things that happened to you" I admitted as a few tears rolled down my cheeks.

"I don't understand.... how did Chase remove my mark? And how did we both survive it?" Lu asked but made no move to get off of my lap or release me from the hug.

"He bit over your mark and if he had bit you again you would be wearing his mark" I explained with a shiver. "I'm not sure how we survived it... maybe because we never completed the bond?" I said thoughtfully. "But it was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. I never want to lose you again" I hugged her tighter to my chest.

"I'm sorry that you had to go through that" she said and I chuckled.

"No Lu... I am sorry for what you went through. I can't even imagine..." I tried to swallow the lump in my throat.

"Was I.... will there be a pup?" Lu asked as she went stiff, shaking in fear.

"No, you weren't in heat" I said and she let out a breath she was holding.

"So.. I'm part of this pack... and we were chosen mates before this?" She clarified and I nodded. "And you still want to be my mate? Even though I am tainted-" I cut her off by leaning back and tilting her chin up to look towards me.

"You are not tainted. I think you are the strongest she wolf I have ever met... and the most selfless. The only reason you went with him was to save my life. You went through it all because of me and I will spend every minute, until my last breath, trying to make it up to you. If anything, I am not worthy of you my little omega" I said honestly.

I felt tears drip onto my hand and I loosened my grip, "you didn't hurt me it's just... I've never had anyone say anything like that to me before.... you're the mate I have always dreamed of Troy... I can see why I chose you" she said and my heart fluttered at her words.

"I promise I won't rush you in to anything, we can go at whatever pace you want... that is if you are willing to give me another chance?" I asked nervously and she nodded against me. "Thank you Lu.... I won't fail you again.. I would rather die" I held her hand against my heart. "I swear to you as your mate and alpha I will protect you with my life" I made the sacred oath to her and she gasped. Alphas used to make the sacred oath to their mates and betas as a sign of devotion and respect in return for their loyalty and obedience. It wasn't used anymore but Lu deserved this and it felt right to offer myself to her this way. I know that I would die for her without a second thought... she and the pack are my whole life.

"Troy you don't have to... those vows are for life" Lu asked worriedly.

"I promise" I said as I bit my finger, just enough to get a bit of blood out and offered it to her. "With this offering of my flesh and blood I pledge myself to you as your protector and mate... to treasure you and honour you.... to try to be the man you deserve" I said firmly.

"I can't accept your life... this is too much Troy" she sniffled.

"Please Lu.... will you accept me?" I asked as I held my breath, a drop of blood neatly pebbled on my finger tip. Alpha's also didn't make this pledge because of the risk... if the person deems you have failed them or broken the oath... the alpha will be sentenced to whatever punishment they see fit. It was good to keep alpha's in line and keep them from being power hungry.... to look after their people.

"I accept you as my mate Troy... but I cannot accept your life this way. I can't bear the thought of having to choose a punishment for you if anything happens...." she said sadly and I licked the wound on my finger.

"I understand... but I meant what I said" I replied. "Being your mate is already more than I deserve... thank you" I smiled sadly and pressed my forehead to hers.