CHAPTER 6: COMPROMISE

LOUISA

I am going to kill someone.

I am not even exaggerating.

It is the cold hard truth

I will kill someone.

And it will be that Alpha

“Our mate,” my wolf whispers

“Shut up!” I hiss at her.

Mate or not, the bastard has my kids

“Can you just take a moment to breathe,” she says, completely ignoring my order. “And think through this situation.”

“I am thinking through the situation,” I grit out. “I am well aware of the situation at hand. It is why I am fucking worried and terrified.”

“Lou-”

“This is the Tryst pack, for goddess sakes!” I snap, nearly breaking down in tears. “The Tryst pack! You know their rules! They kill all rogues that cross their territory on sight!”

“And yet, we are still alive.”

“That-”

“That means something. It means our mate-”

“It means nothing!” I stop to take a breath and give my hands some respite after banging on the door for what feels like hours. “What do we need a mate for, Gabby? We are okay on our own. We are beholden to no one. Or have you forgotten our women were treated in our pack? How subjugated rhey were?”

“This isn't the Blood Moon as you have stated before. It is the Tryst pack. One of the most powerful packs in this part of the hemisphere. So you think they got to this height by subjugating their women?”

“It doesn't matter what they did or what their customs are, I don't care. And we are not staying. I will get my children and leave.”

“You mean his children.”

Shit.

“They are his children too, you know,” she continues.”Just because you don't want to admit it or acknowledge it doesn't make it less true. Travis Raid is the father of the twins and the moon goddess has somehow led him back to you.”

“Oh, Gabby,” I sigh.

“Can’t you see how wonderfully well it has all worked out. The man you had a one night stand with is your mate. And the father of your kids.”

“It doesn't matter.”

“Why not? What are you so afraid of?”

“Oh, let me see. Number one, we are rogues and we are locked up in a pack who is most strict with rogues. They are probably discussing whether we live or die, right now.”

“Louisa-”

“I am not done. Travis whether he knows it or not, is Gaines most sworn enemy. He resents Travis. He wants the man destroyed. Gaines, is also the man who has been hunting me all these years. And now, I am in his enemies pack. What do you think his reaction would be once he finds out I am here and worse, Travis's mate?”

“Exactly the reason why we should remain here,” she counters. “See, for all his hatred and bravado in the face of Travis, Gaines can't do anything to him. He knows Travis is stronger, more powerful and more influential. And to top it off, he really has no right over you considering you have found your mate. And everyone knows he killed his mate. He can't argue against that.”

“Then what about the witch?” I demand

“Oh, come on. You are just looking for excuses at this point.”

“No, I am not. I am being realistic. Everyone knows Selene Lance has her eyes set on Travis. And she is a deranged lunatic. I don't want to get involved in any trouble.”

“So, you would leave your mate in the hands of a mad woman because you don't want any trouble?”

“Don't make me sound callous.”

“You are being callous.”

“I am being pragmatic! I have children to protect!”

“Their father can protect them better!”

“How dare you say that?! You know how much I have sacrificed for my children!”

“And I am not denying that but it also doesn't negate the fact that Travis can protect them and you better than you can on your own. I mean, he is an Alpha for one, which means he comes with a fucking pack. The strongest pack. And if you don't fuck this up, that pack would also defend you and your children.”

When Gabby begins to use swear words that is when I know I have pushed her limit.

But that doesn't mean that I have learned from it.

“I think we should stop talking for now,” I tell her. “It is clear, neither of us are going to give in.”

“You are the one who refuses to see reason.”

“I am going to go find my kids now,” I say, ignoring her words

“Hmm, you will have to get through the doors first,” she responds sarcastically

“I don't need the doors,” I say as I turn toward the double glass windows. “There are other ways of exit.”

“You are unbelievable.”

I ignore her.

Instead, I move a few steps back before taking off towards the windows, crashing into it and falling out of it and down to the pack grounds.

I know it's a matter of seconds before the wolves gather to see what the commotion is about and probably aimute before the actual guards come for me

And so I take off

Following the scents of my children

I know they are safe and unhurt if not, Gabby would have been out of her mind with rage and fear.

But since she was picking on me instead it is a guarantee that at least, they are safe

And the sooner I find them, the sooner I can leave this pack and go back to my normal life

I am ashamed to say that it takes me a few minutes to realize that I am not heading towards the dungeon where I thought they were.

The path is different, quiet more serene and relaxed than that of the dungeons and the moment I break through the clearing, I come fact to face with the pack clinic

Terror

That is what I instantly feel.

What the hell happened to my children?