11

~Lindsey~

We ate our dinner in near silence. After the episode I just had, the shock was still wearing off. My stomach was tied in knots as my mind replayed my dream over and over again. Those three words haunted my soul.

“You’re all mine.”

I’d rather die than be his, which may be my fate if he ever finds me.

Dad had to go into work tomorrow to fill out some paperwork for his new job, so I’d be home alone again. This time, however, I’d do whatever it takes to stay awake. No dreams. No nightmares.

I’m already tempted to stay up all night tonight. The thought of that black hair and those piercing grey eyes cutting into my very soul and trying to carve me into someone smaller, more obedient, more docile, shakes me to my core. May I never see that bastard again for as long as I live. And please let the moon goddess not be so cruel as to choose him as my mate.

“Lin, do you need to talk about your dream? You’ve barely touched your food, which tells me you’re worried about something.” Dad interrupts my thoughts.

“No need. It won’t help anything. I’m sure you have the same fears. Getting caught by our old pack, facing Alpha Walt, being mated off to the highest bidder.”

“Lindsey I can promise you we’re safe here. There’s a reason I chose Black Forest. Not only does their gamma owe me his life, but their leadership here is incredible. Not to mention they have some of the strongest warriors.”

“If you say so,” I mumble as I lower my head and continue to play with the pasta on my plate. Nothing sounds or looks appetizing at the moment, which is not common at all for me. Dad eats his dinner, glancing up at me occasionally to see if I’ve eaten anymore. We sit in silence for a few more minutes before I can’t take it anymore.

“I think I’m gonna go sit out back for a while. I just need to work through my thoughts.” I state quietly, only a level or two above a whisper.

“You want me to come with you? I don’t want you feeling unsafe.” Dad responds, looking at me with worry in his eyes.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll scream if I need you.” I stand from the table and start to walk out the back.

I sit in a sun chair on the back patio and hug my knees to my chest, resting my chin on top as I stare at the sunset. Nature always seems to relax me, and since I don’t feel safe going for a walk in the woods yet, this will have to do.

I hear children playing outside down the road and find myself missing the innocence that they still hold. To be uncorrupted without any fears or worries.

I feel a tear on my arm and realize that I’ve started crying again. I quickly wipe my eyes. I check my phone to see that Hunter finally replied after I told him that I was ok and that we were starting to settle in. Uncle Rob won’t be able to have any contact with us for a while, for the safety of everyone. I’m sure Hunter has my name saved under a different name or something just in case. He’s letting me know all is well there and telling me not to worry. I just miss home.

Regret wells up in my chest. I know I had to get out. Hell, I might already be dead by now if I didn’t. Who knows what he would have done to me if I would have become his mate. I can’t help the shudder that passes through my body. I just wish this nightmare would be over.