The rain was supposed to wash away the stench, numb away the ache but strangely it did neither.

It just roared down on me, I empathised though, the storm was just as furious as I was.

But we both refused to back down.

I refused to go back in and take refuge in my castle, while it refused to die down.

And so we both took stand, I stood in the bleeding rain while the storm roared with a fury that was very well echoed by the anger in me.

The slight tickle of discomfort in my knuckles disappeared and I pulled back my right fist to punch at the large the trunk of the tree I was using as a substitute punching back the past five minutes.

My left fist followed, and this time the tree swayed down to its death.

I cussed out loud and pushed my bloodied fists down to my sides again.

There was no escaping this.

Theia had lost her memory and I was not allowed to visit her.

The flame of rage crashed harder in my chest and I sunk in to my knees by the pain of it.

I couldn't endure it.

I couldn't push the pain away any longer.

I needed to see her.

I needed to feel her.

My skin itched with the craving and a loud wail ripped out of my throat.

I was at my weakest. Damn it I was barely alive without my mate. I needed her.

I had waited fifteen bloody days for the sake of her safety, for the sake of allowing Mr. and Mrs. Andersons will. But no more.

Surely Theia could feel my absence? Even if she couldn't remember... She must be missing the gap in her heart?

The rain poured harder and I slumped down further, a sigh slipping out of my lips.

I was being selfish.

I was thinking only of myself when her health was at stake and the realisation of that made me feel ill.

How could I be this selfish?

I was a beast. Her beast. But she didn't remember.

What my presence in her life only hurt her instead? What if ... She didn't accept me this time around?

My chest ached at the thought of it.

No. I would die if Theia refused me.

I loved her.

So that was how, I backed out. I walked away from the storm.

A quick walk towards the castle, and I was in its refuge.

The storm won.

***

"You're going to do it again, aren't you?"

"That's none of your business" I snapped back as I put on my t-shirt and shrugged on my boots.

Romanov sighed as he eased him back a step or two.

"You're right. It may not be my business. But I do know for a fact that you should make an entrance already."

My eyes darted up to him and I frowned, "What in bleedin' hell are you talking about, mate?"

The corners of Roman's mouth crinkled and I bit back the urge to punching it away.

This wasn't the time to act like an insufferable know it all!

"Just fūcking show yourself to her already!-"

"Roman." I warned him not to continue, my voice a low deadly growl, I ravelled in it, my anger was already getting the best of me and to hell with it I'd let it!

"-No! Let me speak! Who cares what the doctor says! Who cares what anyone else! What if... What if the only puzzle missing in her mind is you? What if you can fix her!? What if everyone is wrong? Just... Stop being a prissy child and be a man, cousin! She's yours! What are you bleedin' waiting for?"

I growled, he really was pushing it.

Pushing away Roman's bitter presence I made my way towards the large open windows, "Don't ever try to mock me with my own words."

Behind me Roman scoffed and I fisted my palm, my nails biting into the skin.

"This time when you check up on her sleeping in her room actually muster up enough guts to get yourself bloody in too"

There was a silence that carried around the empty largeness of my room as both Roman and I stood ground. I moved away first.

Gritting my teeth tightly I looked down at the ground.

Way way down.

And then.... I jumped.

***

A minute into the running and I'd reached the bottom of the hill that overlooked the forest. The hill that had Theia's home.

The concrete foundations strangely reached the floor of the forest.

I sighed as I felt the usual slight itch in my nailbeds, normal tell tales of the claws that now taking sat in its placed.

It was almost eleven at night, but by the Determined, I gripped at the house walls.

As I climbed higher my mate's sweet scent floated into my nostrils more and more. I felt the beast in me calm at being so close to her.

Quietly I silently debated on whether I'd end up sleeping outside her house again tonight.

Reaching the window I peaked in. And then let the ripple of pain break through again.

She was sleeping, curled up like a tiny kitten, her soft feathery comforters over her.

A depressing pile of books and files cluttered the foot of the bed.

So close and still untouchable.

I looked down at the wet forest floor and for a second contemplated on just going on a run. To the damned borders and back if need be.

But then something took my notice.

The damned window was not close.

I frowned at the foolishness Theia could portray sometimes. She had a deadly lack of self preservation.

Heaving out a sigh I clawed the brick harder with one hand while with the other tried to tug the window to a close with the greatest amount of discretion.

It wouldn't budge.

Damn it!

I tried again.

And again.

DAMN IT!

I give up trying to be soft handed! I grinned out just as I placed my hand on the window to slam it shut or break it in the process.

At the moment I didn't care which as long as I could move the damn thing with my actual strength.

Taking it a deep breath I was just about to tug on the window when the curtains pulled away with a sudden movement.

My stomach dropped just as the sound of something colliding with a floor sounded to my ears.

Standing, staring at me was my Theia.

I froze.

For a second I contemplated running away. I looked down hurriedly before I turned back towards Theia hesitantly.

Just one look. One more.

She's yours! What are you bleedin' waiting for?

I blinked.

The part of the room the window was located at was barely lit by the lamps and I was sure although I could see Theia perfectly, Theia could not see me.

... get yourself bloody in too.

It struck me.

Roman was right. I was the bloody Alpha King and Theia was mine.

To hell with what anyone else said... No one had the right to keep her away from me.

No even her.

Looking into Theia's squinting eyes, I slid the window open and jumped right into the room.

Fuck I swore under my breath when the nerves kicked back in again.

She could reject me.

What if... She wouldn't want me anymore?

I straightened up in the shadows, despite my nerves my gaze on her face never faltering.

I wanted to capture every small chafe in her expression.

Any small expression of disgust.

Recognition.

I watched silently as Theia assessed the situation.

Somehow she wasn't screaming, or throwing me out so I suppose that was one good thing to place on the mat.

She glanced at my fists and I stiffened.

What she did next surprised me, slowly she reached for my hand.

We both sighed when her palm wrapped around my wrist as much as it could.

The tingles...

I knew she could feel them too.

A small smile grazed my lips, but only for a second before she began moving back, towards the light.

The nerves came back.

I dipped my head down as my face began clearing under the light.

Insecurities were always so alien to me, except for when it came to her.

When it came to her, right now, I was so bloody insecure.

What if she wouldn't want me?

My ears drummed with her erratic heartbeat and I wished I could tell her how badly my own heart was beating.

"L-Look at me," she mumbled pleadingly, then she stopped and I froze, shocked. "P-please... I need to know."

I couldn't deny her, but damn it I felt unmanly because my gaze was blurring.

I didn't cry. Ever.

But still... Was I going to cry? For Theia?

I loved her.

That was it.

Without another thought, Slowly I lifted my gaze to meet hers.

My whole world become right again.

Looking up at me Theia's eyes moistened and I kicked myself on he inside, fighting myself from just grabbing her and holding her.

I didn't want to scare her.

She closed her eyes and the tears slipped down.

I couldn't help myself, I let mine slip down too. Moving a bit closer to her.

Her eyes met mine and a small smile graced her lips, my skin tingled when her grip on my hand tightened. I twisted my hand and held her wrist back.

Theia's smile widened.

"Bryce"

And then.. She fainted right into my arms.

***

Two Years Later
Piedmont Hospital

Bleached white walls and the exclusive smell of medicine and sicknesses always made me feel a little uneasy.

It was no common knowledge, but I disliked hospitals thoroughly.

The elevator stopped with a ping. Fourth floor. Sending an unconscious nod to myself I tugged on my crisp ironed coat before walking and into the hallway.

I knew the way.

I knew my location. My motive of being here and my goal.

Coming to the end of the hallway I turned left.

Arriving at my location I stopped in front of the door.

I thought about it. Did I really want to do this? Contact the object of Theia's affections?

Did I really want to risk his life?

Looking back at the door I turned the knob and walked in.

Every last bit of second thoughts seemed to leave my mind and in a second I felt myself mould into the cool and collected form of Alexander.

I was Bryce there for a second.

Theia's Bryce.

Across the room bright clear blue eyes met mine and I eased further into the room. Seating myself onto the warm coffee coloured chair as I stared back at the man who had taken so much of Theia's time and warmth for the last two years.

Our eyes stayed till finally he averted his gaze.

Yes. Now, I was Theia's Alexander.

"Alexander"

I nodded candidly, "Sebastian"

Lucian eyed me warily before he eased down a notch.

"Is everything fine? Is Theia, fine?"

Of course! My mind bit our bitterly, Of course that's what he asks about!

Jaw tightening on reflex I tried my hardest to tell him to pīss off but managed a decent reply, "I'm thinking of proposing"

Lucian's eyes darted to mine, clearly panic stricken before it eased down and he actually smiled.

"Congratulations then!" He spoke out carefully.

I eyed him warily for a minute before nodding again.

The man was finally learning.

"Any other reasons for stopping by today, your highness?"

This time, I smirked.

"No... Usual visitation, just like every fortnight for two years, Dr. Lucian"

Dr. Sebastian Lucian sighed as he leaned back into his office chair.

"I thank you, truly. But why? Why so much effort? I thought you hate me!"

I smiled.Then leaned forward and put my hand on the doctor's table.

"I'm just making sure the amount of effort and care the woman I love has put in you doesn't go to waste."

My eyes widened in surprise when I noticed the clear emotion of shame fleet through Dr. Lucian's face at the mention of his past.

Months in the Psychological rehabilitation centre, months with Theia visiting him, for hours a day, sometimes even helping with the treatment; with the process of helping Sebastian quit the drugs; but mostly just talking, conversing; comforting with him.

Helping him heal. Helping his wolf heal.

Months had gone with my Theia's efforts, she really cared for Dr. Lucian and I was going to make sure he appreciated every minute of it.

She deserved that.

"She's been very good to me-" he stopped and his gaze found mine,"-I'm moving."

I nodded slowly. Theia had told me. Lucien told her everything about him. It wasn't a shock that they were now close friends. It didn't bother me half as much as it did when Lucien's treatment had started.

I suppose it was okay in a sense that she had brought his wolf back, and that meant, in his case, that Dr. Lucian was completely same again and I didn't have to worry about some crazy bulk of a man leaping around for my mate anymore.

Despite myself and my prior knowledge, I still couldn't help but act like I didn't know.

"Really? Where are you moving?" I drawled out smoothly, slowly tapping my index finger onto the glass table.

"Germany. I'm hoping King Naight allows me in the pack"

Yes. Yes. I knew he would. I'd spoken to uncle Naight after all.

"That's a good idea actually. Are you opening a private practice there?"

Lucian shook his head in a no and turned, spinning in his chair before moving back into place.

He was nervous.

Good.

"I'm hoping to join a hospital. I like the crowded practice better."

I chuckled, "And maybe you'll find some sweet there, too?"

Lucian froze for a second before he began beaming, he nodded enthusiastically. "I like myself that prospect!"

His smile slowed a fraction and he looked at me, my eyes narrowed automatically, "You-You wouldn't mind if I-if I kept into contact with Theia-right?"

Yes. I would mind!

I sighed. I was being selfish again, "No. I won't. As long as you don't set your h-"

"I love her"

I froze. My glare already on Lucian, I fisted my hands in a very very controlled manner.

If I lost my control. This could be a bloodbath.

Lucian continued,"I-I love her because—it's complicated—She's too nice for her own good. But I love her just like Roman or Matthew do—"

His gaze found mine and his shoulder slumped

"—okay maybe I love her more than that! But I want someone like her. Not her. Believe me. I swear!"

"You need to stop saying Love in same sentence as her if you want to live you know" I ground out, gritting my teeth in a fairly well controlled rage.

Just the thought of someone else touching Theia intimately, seeing Theia naked, making Theia laugh. I bawled my fists with a renewed fury.

"Okay. Sorry Alpha"

Still furious. I nodded.

"When are you leaving?"

"This weekend" Lucian replied quickly, I approved.

"Good good.—"

Getting up to my feet I extended a hand towards him.

"-All the best for your future happiness, Dr Lucian."

"Thank you, your majesty," Lucian replied solemnly as we shook hands.

Looking at Dr. Lucian Sebastian I gave him a final nod, before turning around and walking out of the office.

Dr. Lucian was now going to move on to newer tales and I sincerely did wish him all the best.

And now... I smiled as I thought about the flight I was due to catch.

Theia was waiting.