The Howling Heart's Forgiveness

Chapter 81

[Author Note: This is the start of Book 2. Enjoy]

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Looking out the window of my room, the lights off and the area quiet, I wonder how Brynlee is doing.

After announcing to her that she is pregnant, Brynlee kicked me out of her cottage saying she needed time and space to think about it. That was three hours ago.

In these last three hours I have done nothing but sit in my room worrying about her.

I know Brynlee wants to be a mother. Know that she wants a big family after living life as an only child. But I also know that she is terrified. I can feel her fear through the Mate Bond, feel her worrying over this news. I hate that I can’t be there to hold her and help her through it, but this is Brynlee’s decision. It is her body, her choice. All I can do is support her in what ever decision she makes.

If she decides that she isn’t ready to be a mother, then I can’t change her mind. As much as I want our pup, I can’t force her to stay pregnant just for my selfish needs. I had already been selfish once and rejected her for the safety of a Pack that didn’t really care for me. I will not put my needs above hers and make another mistake that will make me lose her again.

[Rune?] The link opens and Brynlee’s voice tentatively reaches out to me. I sigh with relief, happy to hear from her.

[I’m here Brynlee.] I answer back, feeling her relief through the link.

[Would you hate me if I got rid of it?] Brynlee asks with a quiet voice. Her question throws me off guard, but I can tell by how the bond wavers that this isn’t Brynlee’s final decision. It is just a simple question.

[No, baby girl, I would not hate you. I know what you’ve been through to cause us to make this pup.] I hurriedly answer, not wanting her to feel pressured into making her choice.

[Whatever you decide, I support it.] I continue while walking to my bed and taking a seat on the edge. Silence follows my statement and I wait patiently to see what Brynlee will say next. It seems that I don’t have to wait too long as the link hums once more inside my mind.

[Thank you. I needed to hear that.] She calls out, relief in her voice.

[Have you decided what to do then?] I can’t help but ask, closing my eyes and praying that she gives me the chance to be a father to my pup. To be the father that Ramos never was with me.

[Not yet. When I do, I will let you know.] With her answer, Brynlee closes the link and I am left sitting in the quiet all alone once again. The only thing comforting me is the feeling of love she already has for our unborn pup filling out Mate Bond. Maybe, just maybe, she will choose to keep our pup. If that happens, then that means I need to become stronger so that I can protect both Brynlee and our pup from any harm.

Bounding off the bed, I grab my workout bag as I make my way out of my room and towards the elevator. If I am to be stronger, then I will need to be training as much as I can when not on patrol or working around the pack. The elevator opens to reveal Jett, the two of us staring at each other in shock.

“I was just about to come see you, Rune.” He states, holding the elevator door open and allowing me to step inside. I press the button for the ground floor before turning to answer him.

“I am guessing it’s about what happened in the training room with Brynlee.” I state, getting nod from Jett.

“Everyone said you came in fuming for some reason and took Brynlee without her consent.” He sighs out, leaning against the wall of the elevator.

“Is everything all right?” I groan, running a hand over my face and noticing how the scars feel against my skin. It seems they have healed a lot more since the bond snapped into place.

“Short answer, no. Long answer, its complicated.” I answer. I have a feeling Brynlee doesn’t want anyone to know what is happening right now and decide to keep everything vague. Until she comes to a decision about our pup, I won’t say anything.

“Care to elaborate?” Jett questions, his brow raised as he crosses his arms.

“Not really. It’s something that Brynlee and I need to talk about.” The elevator doors open just in time, and I quickly bolt towards the exit of the dormitories. I can hear Jett muttering behind me but ignore him. I know he means well, know that he cares for Brynlee and me, but there are some things that just can’t be said right now, and I hope he understands this.

Wolves watch me as I exit the dorms, some giving me apprehensive looks. Five of these wolves were there when I barged in and carried Brynlee away. If Jett heard about what happened, then so did the rest of the Pack.

My steps faulter and I wave to them, giving them what I hope is a friendly smile. I will have to explain to everyone later that the Mate Bond between Brynlee and I caused me to become overprotective of her in that moment and that I lost control of my emotions. I am sure they would understand and accept my apology.

When they wave back, I continue making my way towards the training facility, the cool wind brushing past me. July is coming to an end and August is approaching fast. With Fall only a month away, we will need to start stocking up on firewood and meat from hunting so that we can prepare for winter. This could provide a good form of training for me.

“Rune!” Turning at the sound of my name, I find Quincy making his way towards me. His face is set in a disapproving frown, and I sigh. It seems I am in for another lecture for what I did a few hours ago.

“Did you carry Brynlee out of the training ring earlier?” He demands, his voice laced with anger.

“I did.” I answer, trying to stay as calm as I can in front of my rival.

“Why would you do that?”

“Because our Mate Bond reached out for me, telling me Brynlee was in danger.” I deadpan, not in the mood to deal with Quincy. Quincy steps back in shock at my words, hurt crossing his eyes before he masks it. I know deep down that he is the wolf that would have replaced me as Brynlee’s Mate had I married Tanya. I don’t take too kindly to him lecturing me about how I handle my Mate.

“That’s a lie. There is no way the Mate Bond between you two is that strong after you rejected her.” He scoffs and it takes everything in me to suppress a growl. Quincy is my superior, the Head Warrior in charge of me. Growling at him would end badly for me.

“Whether you believe it or not, that’s your decision.” I snap back, taking a step away from the red-headed wolf.

“You can even ask Brynlee for the answer, and she will tell you the same thing.” I add, deciding that I need to walk away before Quincy and I get into a fight. Quincy must have sensed that he is getting under my skin and allows me to walk away without another word. I know he will be going to Brynlee’s cottage next to confirm things with her and I am fine with that. Brynlee isn’t one to lie and he will learn sooner or later that Brynlee and I are meant to be and no once can come in between us.

The Mate Bond is whole again, there is nothing Quincy can do now unless Brynlee rejects me this time because I refuse to make the same mistake twice.

Pushing the doors to the training facility open, I feel all eyes turning towards me. I pause inside the doorway, feeling the unease in the air. It seems I left a bad impression last time I was here.

“Well, well, well, look who came back.” Turning to the person approaching me, I chuckle when I see Caspian coming to my side.

“Brynlee sent me a link. Did the bond really call out to you?” He continues, making me grimace.

“Yeah, it did.” I admit, motioning for Caspian to follow me to the change rooms.

“Well, I am glad to see you’re no longer a pissed off jack ass.” Caspian muses, bumping his shoulder playfully into mine.

“Do you need a sparing partner?”

“I do actually. Care to get your ass whooped?” I confirm, getting a playful growl from my friend.

“You’re on, Rune.” Caspian agrees before leaving the changing room. I chuckle as I throw on my workout clothes and follow him outside. I am glad that Caspian isn’t mad at me considering the person the bond called dangerous in that moment was his Mate.