My Alpha's Mark

173 Hell

When I left my room I wasn’t sure I’d be able to catch up to Jake. The odds of finding him were low because of how long I’d spent talking to Viktor after Jake walked out. Miraculously I found him, he hadn’t gone that far. He was standing outside of the packhouse. He stood there for awhile. I kept an eye on the surrounding in case someone came up. I had to remain unseen or I wouldn’t figure out who he was going to see. Jake’s hands balled into fists and he took his first step since I’d found him. He’d made up his mind.

I mirrored him and gave chase. A current of pain ran through my body with every step I took. It felt as if I were being punched in the stomach repeatedly. My wolf begged me to return to the room but I was being careful. I walked, not ran. Okay, I wasn’t going slow enough for it to be considered a walk, but I had to keep Jake within my sights or I’d lose him.

I couldn’t lose him.

I realized where he was headed about ten minutes in. I wracked my brain but couldn’t figure out why he would be going there. I came up with reasons why he had their numbers but I couldn’t figure out why he would be going there. Especially right after I had woken up and after we confirmed that I was still pregnant. There was only one question on my mind. One word that was on repeat.

Why?

Why?

Why?

Why would he go to them?

What reason would he have to leave me and go to them?

Should I be worried for them or should I be worried for myself?

I don’t know what the answer is but I do know that I’m afraid. I’m afraid to see where this is going to go. I’m afraid about what this means, but I’m not going to turn around. I’m going to continue to follow him. I’m going to see this through. I stand behind a tree and watch as Jake looks around to see if anyone has seen him. He looks back over his should to make sure he hasn’t been followed. It’s a little too late for that though. I’m here. Hidden in the shadows. My mouth dried as I watch, as I wait to see where he’s going to go.

Which sister is it?

The door opened and I don’t know how I feel. I’m stuck between wanting to feel relieved and wanting to scream. Jade stepped out from the door and walked out. She doesn’t slow down, she doesn’t stop. She walked up to Jake, brings her hand back, and slaps him across the face. His head slammed back before she spat at his feet and turned on her heel. I don’t know what I’m seeing, but a million thoughts are running through my mind. Jade slammed the door behind her but in the next minute, the door opened and I hold my breath when I see who walked out.

Clara.

No, no, no. There has to be a reason, Kacie. He wouldn’t.

He obviously would.

He wouldn’t, Kacie. There could be a reason.

No.

No?

No. We’re not going to stand here and try and make excuses for him, Athena.

“What are you doing here?” Clara asked.

Her hands were folded in front of her chest. Her eyes were puffy from crying. The orbs that hung from her ears weren’t as bright as they usually were. She wasn’t dressed like she normally was. She wore black sweats and a loose black sweatshirt. There was something different about her. Something was off.

“I,” Jake started. His expression morphed into confusion and desperation.

“Why are you here, Jake?” Clara asked. The anger in her voice was evident and her forehead scrunched as she glared at him. “You want to make sure I stay quiet? You wanted to remind me to keep my mouth shut? You wanted me to keep what happened to myself? What about me? Fucking alphaholes and their lackeys,” she spat.

“I need you to swear,” Jake said quietly.

“You’re not my Beta, Jake. I don’t need to do anything for you! The longer you stay here, the more I hate you!”

“Please,” Jake begged. He dropped his eyes to the floor and bowed his head. Clara’s eyes searched his face for what, I don’t know. She bit her lip and ran her fingers through her hair.

“Damn you and damn your Goddess! Damn you all to hell!” Clara screamed as tears leaked from her eyes. “I don’t want to ever see you again, Beta.” She turned to leave but Jake reached out and grabbed her arm.

“Promise me, first,” he whispered.

“You have some nerve,” Clara choked. “Let go of me, Beta.” When he didn’t she spoke again. “Let go of me or I’ll make you.” He took a step toward her and wrapped both arms around Clara. My heart broke as I stared at him.

“It’s shameful, but I need you to promise me,” Jake said.

“Fuck you. Fuck you, your Alpha, your Luna, and your Goddess. You’ve made a fool of me in front of my sisters. Stop now, before I change my mind and make a fool out of you in front of your entire pack.”

“She’s pregnant,” Jake murmured.

“I don’t want to fucking here it. I don’t want to hear your excuses. I don’t want to hear another reason why I shouldn’t hate her. She’s taken everything from me. She’s taken my future, she’s taken my second chance, I’m done. I’m done with all of this.”

“It isn’t often this happens. We usually find our mates by smell, but your darkness blocked it off. It took us touching to find out. What happened after we touched… was an accident. It was my wolf, but it was wrong all the same,” Jake murmured.

“Get off of me, Beta. I don’t want to hear your bullshit. I don’t want to hear your lies. Get off of me and don’t fucking appear in front of me again,” Clara hissed.