| J O S H

"Come here!" My mate growled, chasing me around the kitchen island. "Josh!" So I might have taken something he considers precious. If he wasn't so stingy I wouldn't have had to steal the damn things in the first place. I'm his mate, he's supposed to crumble when I give him the puppy eyes. He didn't this time, so I stopped asking nicely and took what I wanted. It kind of backfired, though, because now he chasing me and the stolen goods.

"Darren," I mocked, narrowly avoiding his clutches. "Come on, Daddy, catch me!"I tease through our link. Darren's eye's narrow at the challenge. My mate laughs. A truly beautiful sound if you ask me. The past few days with my mate have been amazing and quite possibly the best of my life. Every day, I would spend time with my pack while Darren went on patrol during the day. At night, Darren and I went for runs together every evening and it's been amazing.

For the first time in a long time, I feel safe.

I feel content.

As much I want to talk to Kaleb about... well everything all his time is being eaten up by a hungry tiger. Talking to Kaleb is fun and we make each other laugh. Being around him helps me feel normal. I guess I had been using his presence as a crutch when we first got back. Kaleb going into heat forced me to find my own footing.

The two love birds have been locked in their room for almost a week now. I am convinced that by the time they're done Kaleb will have a pronounced limp. I am happy for him though. He and Zev deserved the alone time. I'm glad the runt has someone like the house kitten as a mate. They are perfect for each other. But at the same time, I want my friend back. I'm sure we can find a way to spice things up around here, possibly give our mates minor heart attacks in the process.

"Are you prepared for the consequences when I do?" Darren baits back with a smirk, pulling me from my thoughts. "Just hand over the cookies and I'll reconsider giving you a spanking, pup," I press my lips together to hold in my own laugh. I've missed joking around like this. Seems like the last two weeks have been nothing but depressing. It feels good to smile for once.

"First of all, asswipe, these are my cookies now. Second, if you want them so bad you're just gonna have to keep up, old man." I snicker, tucking the package under my arm like a ball. His eyes narrow, locking on the cookies.

"Keep the same energy when you're spread over my lap, pup!" He lunges, fingers brushing against my arm. I laugh lurching away as we continue our game of cat and mouse. He stopped suddenly and I hit the brakes so I don't continue running towards him. He's panting just as hard as I am and doing just as bad of a job keeping his laughter under control.

I watch as Darren's muscles twitch as if he's going to jump over the island between us. I instinctively move backward clutching the pack of cookies to my chest. It was hell getting them away from him. He loves white chocolate macadamia cookies. I'm starting to think he loves these shits more than he loves me. If he catches me then he'll have both so it's a win-win situation for him.

I, on the other hand, will have to face his wrath, more specifically my ass if he keeps his promise. His dark brows are pinched, eyes gleaming with laughter, lips curved into a wicked smile full of mischief. An expression that mirrored my own. I wiggle my eyebrows. Darren snorts flicking me off.

"Give me my damn cookies!" My mate laughs, clearly enjoying this as much as I am. Why can't it be like this all the time? Feels like I'm constantly battling my insecurities and demons. I haven't been able to truly just be with Darren.

"Nooo!" This time the Alpha does launch himself across the massive island. An entirely manly, testosterone-filled 'eep' slips past my lips. No, I don't have to take a second to make sure the sound actually came out of me. It was the manliest sound a man could make.

Manly my ass. My wolf grumbles. I know he's not talking. He has no room to judge anymore.

Says the one who fainted after our mate promised to give us some dick. Who's scared of cock now? I ask, not really paying attention to my surroundings anymore. Too focused on giving my asshole of a wolf a taste of his own medicine.

I would like to take this time to let you know: you ain't shit. He abruptly cuts off the link before I can reply. I was so caught up in my internal conversation I don't have any time to react to Darren's big body crashing into mine. I laugh as his massive arms envelop me, crushing me against his broad chest so I can't get away.

"Remember all that shit you were talking?" Darren growls in my ear smiling against my neck. I quiver, trying not to let the deepness of his voice get to me. But damn, that was sexy.

"This doesn't count! I want a rematch!" I grumble to distract myself from my less than decent thoughts.

"How come it doesn't count pup?" My mate asks wearing a shit-eating grin. Bastard.

"I was distracted!" I argue. If my damn wolf hadn't opened his fat mouth Darren never would have caught me.

"Sounds like a personal problem," He grins, plucking the cookies from my grasp. I growl lowly, pulling my teeth back to reveal my fangs. Darren just looks at me unbothered as he bites into a cookie. He's an asshat. "Are you growling at me, pup?"

"Yes," I growl again. My mate snorts, finishing his cookie.

"If anyone gets to be upset it's me. You stole my cookies!" Blah, blah, blah. Completely irrelevant if you ask me. The only reason why I took the damn thing in the first place was because I wanted attention. Not only am I a cock slut but I'm turning into an attention whore too. It's been a week since we marked each other and each passing day my need for him, all of him, increases. It's getting harder to handle. I want daddy to eat me, not the damn cookies.

"I was hoping you would take a bite out of my cookie instead..." I reply honestly. Darren tosses the cookies onto the island, not giving them a second thought. His eyes melted into molten gold as he closed the distance between us.

"That can be arranged-" Darren tugs me and I fall against him. Our lips connect and I melt. The only thing keeping me from turning to puddle at his feet is Darren's grip on my waist. His tongue demands entry that I give easily. No need to fight for dominance when I'm craving the feeling of being dominated. I submit, nipping at his lips needily. Darren growls as my eyes droop from the pleasure of simply being this close to him. It feels like sparks are zipping through my entire body.

"Mghnn...," I gasp as Darren sucks on my tongues harshly. My knees buckle as I grasp his shoulders trying to keep myself upright. Daddy... The edge of the island presses into my back as Darren cages me against it with his body.

"Alpha-" Nick's voice cuts off as he clears his throat awkwardly. You've got to be fucking kidding me. I growl against my mate's lips in annoyance just as Darren chuckles into the kiss. Darren pulls away but I don't let him go far as I clutch onto his shirt, balling my fists into the material. Nick shuffles uneasily under my glare.

"Yes, Nick?" Darren asks, barely holding back his amusement. The new beta eyes me warily before turning his attention back to my mate. That's right, you should be scared. You should be very scared. I swear someone better be dead or fucking dying because this boner isn't gonna take care of itself.

"It's time for the evening border run," Nick states, a blush filling his cheeks. Are you serious? Sexy time with my mate got interrupted for fucking border patrol? I growled loudly this time, making sure everyone was aware of how not happy I am right now. I don't know why, but all of my instincts are suddenly yelling at me to keep my mate close. The fact that Nick is trying to take Darren away from me is only pissing off both me and my wolf. He's mine.

Nick shuffles back raising his hands in a sign of peace as my eyes turn glacier white. I can't explain why I'm feeling this way. Then again I can never fully explain any of my actions, can I? They're always spur of the moment and heavily influenced by my emotions, usually anger. But this isn't anger, it doesn't feel like it. Maybe I'm just being needy... Or maybe it's because I don't feel like sharing right now.

Darren ran a calming hand down my spine until my tense muscles slowly began to relax. His other hand gripped the back of my neck, forcing our gazes to lock. His eyes were golden.

"Calm down," My mate murmured, his grip on my neck tightening. He's doing it again. Controlling me. It took everything in me not to fall at his feet in a submissive puddle. Whining softly I press myself as close to him as I possibly can. I just don't want him to go. I can't handle being away from him right now and it's irritating me that I don't know why. I growl pressing my face into my mate's neck so I don't rip out Nick's knee caps. He probably doesn't need them anyway. "Nick, I'll be there in a second, okay?" Darren said as he continued to pet me.

"Yes, Alpha," The beta responded before his footsteps faded away. At this point, I basically have a death grip on Darren and I have no idea how he's still able to breathe. Turns out I'm not doing too well in the breathing department either. My breath was coming out in huffs of air, ragged and uneven almost like I'm having a panic attack. But why now?! I've been doing good! My frustration only makes it harder to breathe. I want to fucking punch something.

"Josh... Pup, what's wrong?" Darren picks me up and sets me on the island stepping between my legs. I wrap my limbs around him, forcing him to stumble into me with a soft grunt. Pulling back as much as he can he lifts my chin, pressing a kiss to my lips. Sighing, I force myself to focus on his mouth against mine, trying to match my breathing with his much steadier one. Why do I have to be so broken? Once it's easier to inhale and exhale properly, I pull away, resting my forehead against Darren's.

"I don't know. I just...need you," The words stumble from my mouth and I'm too ashamed to meet Darren's gaze. Goddess, I'm pathetic. "I don't know where it's coming from but over the past few days since we...marked each other I-I haven't been the same," I admit, peeking up at his curious gaze.

"What do you mean?" Darren asks, a gentle smile curling the corners of his lips as he stroked my cheek lovingly. "You're perfect as always." I blush, fighting the urge to duck my face from his view. I hate him and I hate that I love him. Why is he so damn...amazing?

"I-I've been craving you and it gets worse with each passing day. I feel like- like urg! I don't know it's confusing, the only way I can describe it is that the more comfortable I get with you, the more loved I feel, the more I fear you're going to leave or be taken from me. I-I think I'm getting possessive," I chuckle haplessly at the realization. I watch as Darren absorbs my words his smile only growing as he leans forwards to connect our lips again. This kiss is simple and sweet. We let our feelings seep into every brush of our lips and caress of our tongues. I love him so much.

"Silly, pup," Darren chides, tilting his head back just enough to see my face. "Sounds like the best thing to do is fill that craving and remind you that I'm yours...only yours Josh, I promise. I'm not going anywhere and neither are you." He rests his forehead against mine. A warm feeling filled my chest at his acknowledgment of my claim. My wolf was practically quivering from happiness. "Come on the border patrol with me tonight, I don't want to be away from you either."

"I thought I wasn't allowed on border patrols anymore," I say with a smirk that causes Darren to growl.

"I can always change my mind pup," He rumbles against my neck, right above my mark. I quiver. Fucking tease. "Besides this time I'll be keeping an eye on you." His breath brushed over my ear as he bit my sensitive flesh a little harshly. I whimper, nuzzling my face into his chest.

"Okay, daddy."

"You're so good for me pup," He praises.

"O-Only for you," Darren growls possessively, kissing the side of my head. "N-Now let's go before I convince you to go upstairs instead of patrol," I say pushing him away slightly. I'm actually pumped to go. I haven't been on a run with the other enforcers in forever.

I wish I could've taken a picture of the enforcers' faces when they saw me walk out of the front door with Darren. Their wide-eyed gazes shifted between me and my mate in obvious surprise. Jeez, they're acting like we've never been on a run together before.

"Let's go," Darren said walking down the front steps. Everyone began to shift no longer staring at me. I can't wait for them to stop treating me like I'm broken. Or maybe they're treating me like this is because all they can see is the old me. The one who was angry all the time. The one who beat all they're asses more times than I care to count. I wince at the sting the thought caused. I'm not a monster. I'll just have to show them that I've changed.

I sighed, shifting before trotting over to my mate my earlier eagerness settling back in. I love running with my pack, every wolf does, it's in our nature. Darren's big brown body brushed against my grey one once I was close enough.

Releasing a short howl he took off into the woods with us following close behind. I missed this too. It felt natural, easy as breathing as I fell into our normal formation. Our paws thudded into the ground causing the life around us to scamper and hide. We ran for a few hours along the border of our territory. At one point the group split in half to backtrack and make sure we hadn't missed anything.

We regrouped at the end, returning together. Thankfully nothing came up that was out of the ordinary. Overall, today's been a good day. I'm glad to see the number was starting to pile up. I like being happy. I shifted with the rest of my pack mates. We retrieved some clothes that had been left for us in a bin on the back porch.

The cool air rustled through the trees creating a soothing symphony as the leaves brushed against one another. I took a deep breath filling my lungs before letting the accumulated air out slowly, my eyes drifting closed as I did so.

I am content.

And that seems to be when all the fucked up shit happens. When I'm comfortable and finally feeling secure. Something fucking happens. And when it does, it comes out of nowhere and everything comes crumbling down. So when I come full circle to the front of the packhouse, am I surprised at what I see? No. No, I'm not.

The scent on the bodies had obviously been tampered with but the message left by them was still clear. Kaleb. That's what their dismembered bodies were arranged to spell. Why him?! Why does it have to him?! He doesn't deserve this!

My heart feels like it's in my throat. I can't breathe. I can't fucking breathe. How come when we're given even a slice of peace the universe decides we've had too much and takes it away. I'm pissed and I-I'm scared. I fucking hate that I'm scared but I am. I'm scared that the progress I've made is going to come crumbling down. I'm scared

I'm going to lose my mate. I'm scared something is going to happen to the runt.

I'm scared.

I don't do well with fear. But anger I'm good at, it's the only emotion I understood until Darren showed me love. I love my mate. I feel everything he feels and right now he's pissed. His jaw was clenched as he stared down at the mutilated bodies of Jared's men. I want to run to his side so he can reassure me but I stop myself. I am a fucking Beta for crying out loud. I am not helpless. Or so I tell myself...

"We need to tell Zev-" He began but I cut him off causing his gaze to snap towards me. His lovely brown orbs fill with worry that mixes with his anger. I have to show him that I am strong, even if I don't feel that way. Nick who was next to him looked at me as well. I couldn't meet his eyes because I knew they held pity. And I knew that seeing it would send me into a downward spiral.

"I'll do it," I rushed out. I need to get away. I like to think I'm not a coward but it looks like I'm not brave enough to face my demons right now. I don't wait for his reply. I turn on my heels and rush through the front door of the pact house. I was about to run upstairs to their room when I caught a whiff of their scent coming from Samira's temporary patient room. I quickly changed directions bursting through the door.

I honestly hate that I did. They looked so happy. Kaleb was on his mate's lap, his tiny arms pulling his small body as close to the tiger as possible. The house ca's expression can only be described as the face of a man who'd been given the world, or perhaps something even more precious that. And I'm the one who has to ruin their obviously happy moment. Zev curled his body around Kaleb's almost on instinct as his eyes snapped up, immediately going into defense mode. The little omega tried to wiggle his way from his mate's arms when he caught sight of my facial expression. Zev growled deeply when Kaleb didn't stop trying to get to me and the runt whimpered submissively in response, stilling in his mate's massive arms.

"Josh, are you okay?" Kaleb asked, brows furrowed with concern.

"I- you need come see this," I said quickly turning on my heel, unable to look at the beautiful picture I ruined anymore. They didn't say anything else but I felt it as Zev followed with Kaleb in his arms. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I can't help but beg for their forgiveness even though I know this isn't my fault. So why do I feel like it is?

I came to a stop by the front door but couldn't stomach to look at what was on the other side again. I really am weak. "Darren is outside," My voice sounded strained even to my own ears. Zev's entire demeanor had changed since we left Samira's room. His eyes were glowing that terrifying emerald again. His jaw was clenched so tightly I'm almost scared he'll crack it.

The tiger set his mate on the couch like he was the most precious thing on this planet. He kissed his mate's forehead gently before pulling away. And then it hit me. Kaleb hasn't kept his hands off his stomach. The runt is pregnant. I was filled with so much happiness for a single instant before it was dashed away by the current circumstances. I'm pissed. Jared won't lay a finger on him ever again. Never. I clenched my fists in order to try and calm myself down.

I'm going to kill him myself. But first I have to comfort my clearly frightened friend.

Zev looked at me. "Make sure no one touches him," He warned. Like he even has to ask. I nod, moving to the couch just as Zev moves to the door. I make sure to keep some distance between us though. Zev is possessive enough as it is on a good day, now that Kaleb's pregnant the urge to kill everything in a ten-mile radius must be eating away at the house cat. I like my arms where they are thank you very much.

It looked like it was all he could do to keep his tiger in check in front of his frightened omega. Then he was outside and it was just me and the runt. I've seen him scared, terrified even, but that just doesn't compare to the look of absolute desolation on Kaleb's face right now.

His eyes were wet with tears that wouldn't fall as he curled around his belly protectively. He doesn't deserve this. My wolf growled in agreement. I'm going to protect him, even though I couldn't save myself I am going to save Kaleb.

I have to.

||

When Zev came back inside he looked even more pissed than before. Darren was right behind him, looking just as angry. The two of them practically radiated the emotion. Without a word he scooped up him mate who practically melted into his embrace before walking up the steps. I stood up, looking at my mate who gestured for me to follow and I did.

The four of us wound up in Darren and I's room. It was on the highest floor and I could hear my mate stationing enforcers on every floor beneath us and damn near twenty of them at the door, two of them were just below the window in case someone decided to scale up the side of the house to the top floor.

"Please Zev, just tell me what it was..." The little omega tried but failed to get answers out of his mate who just silenced him with loving kisses. I waited by the door for Zev to finish up so the three of us could get going. Darren looked at me with a raised eyebrow as he read my thoughts.

"No, you're staying here with Kaleb," He said firmly, leaving no room for arguments. Too bad, he should know who he's talking to. I was made for arguing.

"I'm not. I'm going with you. I'm going to help," I responded firmly. Darren just walked over to me til we were close enough that chests were practically brushing against each other. He's only an inch taller but it feels like he's towering over me. I keep my back ramrod straight, refusing to show even an ounce of submission. My defiance only pisses off the Alpha wolf side of my mate. Darren's eyes glow a radiant gold as he snarls at me, flashing his fangs. I swallow the needy whine that tried to escape me. Every fiber of my being is screaming at me to just submit.

"No. You're staying here." He put his foot down, using his Alpha tone and dominance to force me into compliance. Usually, I could handle the weight of it before we were mated but now I don't stand a chance. My will to fight crumbles and I submit instantly. My mate nuzzles the side of my head briefly breathing in my scent to calm himself.

"F-Fine," I relent. I need to protect Kaleb anyway and the best way to do that is to be by his side. For now. Darren kisses my neck before pulling away completely. It takes everything in me not to pull him back against me.

"We'll be back soon, don't leave this room," That's the last thing that was said before our mates left us. I hate this. I hate feeling like a damsel in distress. I can take care of myself, I know I can. With a sigh, I sit on the small couch next to Kaleb. The runt his lip worriedly. I can practically hear all the negative thoughts rolling around in his head. I didn't need the pack link when it's written all over his face.

I know he's not just fearing for himself anymore. It cut me up inside because the last thing he needs right now is stress. We need to make him feel better. My wolf whined. The urge to make the pact's omega feel safe was brought to the forefront of our primal instincts. I bump my shoulder with the tiny omega's, barely even nudging him.

"You guys work fast," I smirk trying to lighten the air as I looked pointedly at his belly. Kaleb blushed, sniffling a little. "When I asked when you were having pups I didn't think it would be this soon." I continue unable to mask my shock or amusement. I'm honestly not surprised, these two are so hopelessly in love I would've been surprised if he wasn't pregnant after five straight days of non-stop fucking.

"I can't wait til Darren gets you pregnant," He humphed clearly not appreciating my teasing. I felt my whole face turn into a tomato. Me...h-have Darren's...

Seems like the tables have turned. My wolf notes sarcastically. I don't even acknowledge him as my mind tries to wrap around the possibility of Darren impregnating me. Is that even something I w-want? Oh goddess, I can't handle this on top of everything else right now.

"Th- That's not- I- I can't" I sputtered. Kaleb's lips pursed as he fought to keep his laughter in check. I don't see how he finds this funny. This is very serious. Extremely serious. Oh fuck, I can't have Darren's p-pups right?! "Darren can't get me p-pregnant," I managed to get out in one barely tangible breath, Kaleb just smiled knowingly at me. He's enjoying this way too much.

"I think we both know that is incorrect. We were all taught about the birds and bees, Josh." He had the audacity to smirk at me. Flashbacks of unwanted sex talks when we turned sixteen popped into my head and I literally almost jumped out the window. Male omegas can get pregnant but so can an Alpha's mate if they are also male. Holy fuck how could I forget such important information when just a few days ago I had been begging my mate to fill me with his seed. I am so not ready for kids. Not at all. Not even a little. "So, when are you guys going to have pups?" The little attack chihuahua asked smugly. At least he's feeling better but I'm about to have a panic attack. I put my face in my hands so the runt couldn't see how ridiculously red they are, groaning hopelessly. This is so not how I had wanted this conversation to go.

"I don't even want to think about it," I whined, peaking at my best friend through my fingers. Kaleb just smiled like the demon he truly is and curled further into the cushions with a victorious smirk. Everyone thinks Kaleb is a cute fragile innocent thing, when in actuality he has the strongest backbone I've ever seen. And he's really aggressive for only being five feet off the ground.

"Aw, but your Gigantor babies would be so cute." He cooed evilly. "I bet Darren would love to fill you up with his pups." I glare at him but didn't move my hands from my face. Kaleb giggled, clearly laughing at me. He's truly evil.

"Glad I'm providing quality entertainment," I grumble, letting my hands slip from my face. The runt bit his lip to keep from laughing. "It's too early to be thinking about children for me and Darren. Maybe one day we will..." I trail off. The idea wasn't off putting but it was a little intimidating. I don't think I'll be a good dad. When I don't think I'll live up to expectations I tend to run from it. Hence why I ran from my mate in the first place. I'm a chaotic mess. "We- I have a lot to work on first," I admit, staring at my hands. Kaleb bumped his shoulder with mine, smiling up at me when I glanced down at him.

"You're doing great. I'm sure Darren is proud of you." He said encouragingly. I smiled back at him. Despite being a hellspawn sometimes he can be really reassuring too. Is it bad to say that I need a lot of reassurance lately? "Speaking of Darren, have you talked about marking each other?" He asked, genuine curiosity lighting up his grey eyes. We've done a lot more than that. I think to myself.

"I- We talked about it and then he... um, he-" I rubbed the back of my neck my blush deepening. Seriously, fuck this blushing shit. Saying it out loud was apparently a lot harder than I thought it would be.

"Oh Goddess, he marked you?" Kaleb squealed damn near breaking my eardrums. I couldn't help ducking my head to escape his ecstatic gaze. Kaleb cooed like I was the cutest thing he'd ever seen. Of course, that made my traitorous cheeks light up again. This shit is getting old.

"Yes-" I started but was cut off by Zev reappearing with my mate. Suddenly, my throat felt like it closed up as my mate immediately came to me, his eyes shining with anger but also love as he gazed at me. A frown marred his features and his brows were pinched. His large strides swallowed the floor beneath him until he was standing next to me. I look up at him my stupid blush deepening. Darren noticed and raised a brow, eyes flicking to Kaleb before returning to my face. Please don't ask, please don't ask, please do-

"What were you guys talking about?" My mate asked, amusement smoothing some of the irritation from his face. In that time, Zev walked over to Kaleb and took one of his tiny hands in his large one. I nibbed my lip nervously. I don't know if my cheeks or my heart could handle repeating the conversation Kaleb and I just had to my mate. So I gave the most intelligent response that I could.

"Ugh-" Okay maybe not intelligent but it's better than nothing, right?

"My god-children," The hellspawn said casually. I glared at him because he is truly evil. He had the audacity to smile and rub his stomach innocently. I can feel Darren's gaze caressing my face but refuse to meet his eyes. Darren gripped my chin in his large hand and tilted my face up, connecting our lips in a brief kiss he knew I'd be okay with in front of others I still gasped in surprise, melting into him even though he pulled away just as quickly. When he saw my needy expression he pecked my lip one last time before pulling away completely.

"You're too cute for your own good," My mate cooed through our bond.

"S-Stop it. I-I already told you I'm not c-cute!" I argue weakly. I love the fact that he finds me cute but that doesn't mean I'm going to admit to it. "S-So what did you guys find out?" I say out loud trying to remove the attention from me. stuttered out quickly. Darren chuckled as he straightened back up, crossing his arms over his broad chest. He sighed his good mood gone as quickly as it had come. Zev pulled the runt into his lap where he curled up against his mate's chest. Zev's arms wrapped around his small body protectively as he buried his nose in his mate's hair.

"Nothing," Darren growled frustratedly, his eyes flashing gold. He rubbed a hand down his face as he leaned against the wall next to me.

"What was outside?" Kaleb asked again but that only resulted in Zev growling angrily. Kaleb rubbed the protective hand on his belly soothingly and the house cat seemed to visibly relax. It's actually terrifying how much control Kaleb has over that beast. I'm pretty sure he's not even aware of how much power he has over the man who literally worships the ground he walks on. I pale as the question brings back unwanted images and even more unwanted memories.

"A message," Darren replied vaguely, his eyes glowing a murderous golden. I could tell Kaleb wanted to ask more but it was abundantly clear that none of us were going to tell him just yet. I would but I don't want to place any unnecessary stress on him and his pup. I also don't want the housecat to decapitate me and play with my head like yarn.

A few moments later the runt was taken back to his room by his possessive mate. Waving goodnight as the door closed behind them.

"Do...Do you want to talk about it?" I ask hesitantly. I don't even actually want to talk about it but I know that we have to. It's literally the elephant in the room ruining everyone's night. My mate sighed running a hand down his face.

"What I want is to take a shower together and then get in bed with my mate and fall asleep," His voice was tired, the anger from before now on simmer. I looked at him, really looked at him. In front of me is a man who has had his entire life turned upside down over the course of a month and a half. First, he loses his parents and then has to find a way to protect the remaining members of his decimated pack. To top it all off, his mate had been taken from him and abused. He hadn't been able to do anything to stop any of it. Yet, no one seems to care.

I care.

"Darren, I'm right here," I assure him. I walk over to my mate and he pulls me against his muscled chest. "I'm not going to be taken from you again," I say even though the words aren't one-hundred-percent the truth. It doesn't count as being taken if I leave willingly right? If we all make it out of this okay and everything goes according to plan hopefully he'll forgive me. He's going to be pissed when he finds out but I'll take whatever punishment he gives. I'll take every spanking and I'll be the perfect mate for him from that point on. I promise.

"I know, I'm not going to let that happen again," You won't have a choice, but for now, I'm all yours. I'm a horrible mate, I know. I'm going to better. I just have a demon to kill first.

"I know," I repeat his words instead of voicing my thoughts.

|| AUTHOR'S NOTE

Sorry, not sorry.

I hope you guys don't hate me too much after this chapter because I have some great news for you guys.

I don't know if you remember our beloved twins from The Tiger's Omega but I'm thrilled to share that the time has finally come! Nox's story is well on its way and the first chapter will be posted with the final part of this story.

I would also like to note that we're about halfway through Darren and Josh's little short story. We'll see where it takes us.

As always, thanks so much for reading and I hope you enjoyed this chapter please leave your thoughts in the comments I love reading them.

p.s.

Okay, but, Josh is lowkey a brat and I love it.