My grandmother always told me that since the day we were born, we have begun to die. As much as I hate to admit it, I have to say it. Today I know, in all honesty that either my brother, Chris, or myself will die. There’s come a time when everyone might, and I might not be too lucky. If setting Janet free meant me losing my own life so be it. All I want more than ever is to make sure she’s safe.
The mark on her neck, the same one I share on mine, means more than just sex and bonding. I have vowed to protect her from so much, and made promises I will keep. I never knew how much it costed to be someone’s mate, but I don’t regret it. The moon goddess had created a perfect match, and I was meant to save her from this never ending nightmare.
I knew I loved her when I first met her, but when I lost her, I never realized how much I did until she was gone. It was like a piece of me was ripped out. I prayed the goddess would keep her alive, and give her back to me. I missed every thing about her. Her smile, and the way her eyes light up when I was around. If she was okay, would she see me the same? Would she be angry that I wasn’t there to save her?
I vowed that when I got her back, I would never EVER let her leave my sight. Even if it made her mad, or upset. She had to be safe, because I couldn’t lose her again. I wanted nothing more than to embrace her into a hug, and kiss her. To believe that she’s okay.
I had joined my men in fighting off the gang of rogues. I didn’t exactly know what to call them, but there were a few sacrificial tables around the room we were inside. The idea of some sort of werewolf cult kept crossing my mind.
The sound of painful cries was blocked out by a loud ringing in my ears; like when it’s dead silent. I tore into another rogue, who hadn’t exactly shifted when I got ahold of him.
Before I knew it, almost every rogue was down. My men had minor scratches and one had a fractured wrist. When I caught the slightest scent of something sweet, I rushed towards it.
I pushed a door open, and there stood Janet. Her t-shirt was ripped and hardly covering her bruised body, and there was a silver knife to her throat. Behind her stood Simon, with a scowl on his face.
My heart beat out of my chest. I choked on my own words trying to figure out what all I should say to keep my mate alive. “No, please.” I choked.
My brother’s face flipped into a grin.
“Give me a good reason not to.” Any reason wouldn’t be good enough for him. He’s wicked. My eyes were never taken off of Janet who was struggling in his grip. She looked sickly skinny, and her body was almost white.
“No answer? That’s what I thought.” His laugh filled the room, slicing through the thickness of the bloody smell. It took me awhile to realize the smell was coming from his unbathed skin. It was revolting the even look at him. He was skin and bones, a cut up face and his eyes were pale. When he grinned again, there were gaps where his teeth had fallen out.
“don’t worry Janet,” I cooed. She was crying and from her bruised eye it looked like they were squeezed shut. My heart seemed to fall to the floor. What was I supposed to do? He had the upper hand, if I didn’t anything wrong she’d be gone.
“Hush, pup.” He commented. I continued to growl. He had my mate, and was threatening her life to take my place. There’s no way in hell he could taken either one of those things away from me.
I stood there for what seemed like hours, contemplating my options on what to do. I had to save my mates life, I couldn’t live without her. Physically and mentally, of course. I wasn’t sure what to do.
My mind was spinning with metaphors and ways to get my mate away from my brother. There’s no telling what he has done to her, but I won’t let him live from this huge mistake. The fact that he took her away from me and harmed her was enough to kill him. He’s done nothing but hurt me since I became something he was never meant to be. An alpha.
“Was that what you want? Alpha’s position? I’ll give you anything you want, just release Janet!” I shouted.
“Don’t play me as a kid!” I watched Simon’s facial features waver. He should be scared. When I get ahold of him-. Black specks dotted my vision, and I was struggling to keep my wolf at bay. Any more anger would have me tearing up this entire place from it’s base. My brother harshly gripped Janet tighter and I flinched. When I glanced over, a relieved sigh almost escaped my lips. Chris.
“Don’t do this,” Chris choked. I couldn’t imagine how it felt to see someone you were meant to be with after so long. After they rejected you. I couldn’t have a mutual feeling, because I would never know how it feels to be rejected by someone that special. Yet, through his pain, Chris still managed to keep a twinkle in his eye, and hope in his heart.
When their eyes met, it looked like some sort of romantic movie. They shared the same look, and the same fiery passion for one another. It was difficult to watch, especially though our situation. It was sickening that Chris, as sweet as he was, was paired with someone as cold as Simon. He deserved so much better. But, no one could fill the void on their minds.
“And why shouldn’t I?” Simon snapped out of his trance. The scowl was back on his face from moments before, and still every emotion he had was negative. I wondered what struck all this negativity, he was such a sweet child.
Chris stepped closer, and Simon stepped back dragging Janet along with him. I didn’t know what to do, so I stood there, ready. I was putting all my trust into Chris. As much as I hate to say it, he’s the only reason Janet could live. He seemed to be the only one having an effect on my brother.
“You know what it feels like to be without your mate. It hurts. Even though you didn’t want me, imagine losing me for good. Do you not feel the pain in your chest? The loneliness that I have felt for a entire year now? Even though you don’t want me, don’t let them suffer. You told me yourself, on the first day we met, that all you ever wanted was to be happy. The truth beyond that is, you’ll never be happy unless you make the people around you happy. You can’t be selfish about all of this. When we first met, do you remember that night we had? Out here, where this place is? We were laying under that old willow tree, and looking up at the stars? Remember what I said to you, after I told you I loved you? ‘How could you not fall in love with the glow of the moon and stars, the warmth of the sun, the ancient life within the trees, and the sweet melodies of the wind?’ That was the beginning of our story, and Simon, they have their own. Don’t be the reason their story had to end like ours. I know this isn’t the best way to say hello after awhile, please just listen to me. Don’t let them, or anyone get in the way of who you are. The Simon I fell in love with would never kill over some rank. Where did he go? Simon, please. Don’t do this.” As strong as Chris was, I watched his eyes brim with tears. If I wasn’t so upset right now I would be crying too. I wasn’t such a soft heart, but that did get to me. Hopefully it got to him too.
“I-I’m sorry.” The words took me off guard, and the knife close to Janet’s neck fell to the floor with a clank. She took the chance to run to me, and I embraced her in a tight hug. She passed out just when. I was beyond afraid. What was going to happen now? I couldn’t kill him with Chris around. It just wasn’t right.
Why was Simon apologizing? Was this part of his plan, or was it the fact Chris’ words got to him. Either way, I watched him reach down to the floor and pick up the knife.
“Josh, why can you have so much love? Mom and dad love you, pack love you, and this woman in your arms. A few years ago we were having such a good time and then suddenly you said you found your mate and I found him…I can’t accept that you’re the Alpha and I’m just a lowly gay human…”
“But I love you,” he choked to Chris, cutting his own throat from ear to ear.