His Savior

Mate

~Cory~

Everyone is running around, crazy this morning. Well, actually, it's been the past week. Laslo has been on a mission to make everything look brand new and bright. From what I've heard, there is someone he is eager to impress. They will be on packlands, at his request, and it's like a 'one shot' type of thing. I can't imagine anyone turning Laslo down, so I'm sure he has nothing to worry about.

I continue to be the punching bag for the family, with no one in this pack to help me. Well, no one except for the Beta, Cyrus Franks. He was always loyal to my father and did what he could once he died. He is very limited in what he can do, unfortunately. We found out really quickly that Gunner Barlowe, the Gamma, is very much on the Luna's and Laslo's side. Any help I get from Cyrus is highly discreet and not much. I can't complain, though, because any help is better than none at all.

Cyrus has been helping me with school, and I was able to get my GED. That night that Laslo beat me, well, it caused me to almost die. Yeah, he beat me close to death, and I spent months in the hospital trying to recover. If I had a wolf, my recovery time would probably have been cut to about a week. The rumor around the pack was that I encountered a rogue along the border, and Laslo came and saved my life. I was considered even more pathetic than usual, and Laslo was an even bigger hero than before. Anger was also mixed in with that because I could have cost the pack their future Alpha. My weak and pathetic self could have cost him his life, and then where would we be? It's funny how easily people will believe the worst in someone without even knowing anything about them.

I've been running around all morning, trying to get last-minute things done. Over the past two years, I have evolved into a pack slave of sorts; I mean, if you can deem that an evolution. I still get beat up by the head family, except for Flora. As far as the rest of the pack is concerned, I'm useless, and they don't know how deep the abuse goes. I refuse to make friends as if I could. I just know that if I tried, they would be left to face Laslo, and I wouldn't put that on anyone.

They are outside right now welcoming the visitors, and I take this moment to step out the back. I was told I didn't have to serve, which is a first. Usually, I have to put on a white top with black slacks and play waiter. I won't complain because the last thing I need is all eyes on me. Eyes on me come with fury and abuse. I'd rather sit that out today if I can.

I open my water bottle and take a swig to wash down my pill. I realize that I only have three pills left, and I definitely need a refill. I could ask the doctor myself, but they hate it when I end up in the clinic. Margaret usually keeps track of my meds, and I'm sure she will have a new bottle for me in the next day or two.

I decide to take a stroll through the garden. I always feel at peace when I'm out there among the plants. No one really goes out there, and there is a bench that I love to sit on. It faces a fountain we have in the middle of the garden. I can usually escape there for a few hours when no one is looking for me. I set out for the garden, leaving the commotion of the visitors behind me.

~Zahara~

We are heading into the dining room for lunch, but my stomach is so twisted up that I can't eat. I know that I won't be able to hold any food down. I could feel Laslo's eyes on me the minute I got out of the car, and my skin hasn't stopped crawling since. I know I have to present a passive appearance, but it's hard. I don't want to be anywhere around him, and I need to find a way to at least get some air. I will be stuck in a room with him once we start the meeting, and I need to get prepared.

Dad?

Yes, Bean?

Can I step out and get some air, please? I just need to get my thoughts together. I'm uncomfortable and want to be ready for the meeting. My father sighs in our mindlink. I know he wants to protect me, but we also have an image to uphold.

Yes, but don't be out too long and take Lennox with you. I sigh in relief because I wasn't sure that my dad would agree for me to go for a walk. I will owe him big time for this. Everyone is already seated at the table. I close my eyes so I can mindlink Lennox.

Dad permitted me to go for a walk. I need to get some air. I feel suffocated.

I got you. You lead, and you know I will follow.

Love you lots, Lennox. The past two years would have been hard to get through without Lennox by my side. I'm so grateful for our friendship and that he was able to be there for me. He's like a brother to me, and I know he sees me as his sister. I stand up after the drinks have been served. I turn to the head of the table where Laslo and his mother are sitting. "Please excuse me. I need some fresh air right now. I will just go for a short walk and be back for the meeting." The Luna looks at me with concern on her face.

"Is everything alright? Do I need to call the doctor?" I hold my hand up quickly, hoping I can calm the situation.

"No, please don't go through the trouble. I'm fine. It's nothing that a bit of fresh air can't solve." Laslo rises out of his seat.

"I will go with you so you won't get lost." I try to keep my face emotionless. The thought of being alone with him makes me want to vomit.

"Please, Alpha, don't worry yourself. I won't be alone or get lost. Lennox will join me, and we will be back in time for the meeting." I move away from my chair, and Lennox rises from his. I turn to everyone. "Please, continue with your meal." I notice Luna Margaret put her hand on Laslo's arm, and he finally sits back in his seat. I can see anger in his eyes, but I choose to ignore it. Lennox moves in front of me and holds the back door open for me. I step out onto the deck and take a deep breath. There is something in the air, a scent that has me intrigued. It's not super strong, but it's there, lingering. "Do you smell that Lennox?" Lennox stands next to me, sniffing the air. He looks at me, confused, but I ignore it and set out to find what the scent belongs to. I let my wolf guide me, and she takes over, partially, to follow the scent. We walk away from the pack house and towards the woods. Before we get to the forest, we see an immaculate garden. There are flowers as well as food, and everything is thriving. The smell is getting stronger, so I know I'm going in the right direction.

I continue walking through the garden with Lennox hot on my heels. There's a bit of a maze, but nothing you can get lost in. I continue to move, and the scent continues to get stronger. It's a mixture of fresh linens with a hint of mint. The scent makes my mouth water, and I can't wait to find the source. I can hear water splashing, and I realize that there's a fountain in front of me. It fits in, what looks to be, the middle of the garden. I can see a bench and legs coming from it. As I get closer, I see a person sitting on the bench. Their clothes are tattered and unkempt. My eyes take in the frail frame of the person and the scruffy head of hair. Aria starts to leap into my mind.

MATE! MATE! MATE!

Our mate sits before us, but I can't see his face. I have no idea who he is or why he looks like he does. When I thought of my mate, I always imagined a strong, put-together individual. This is not the sight I see before me, but that doesn't mean I won't accept him. He's my Goddess-given mate, and I plan to cherish him no matter what. He must have sensed me staring at him because he turns his head to look at me, and I'm immediately captivated by his brown eyes. I take in his whole face, and realization strikes me. I know exactly who my mate is; I could never forget him. I close my eyes, taking a deep breath to let his scent run through me. I open my eyes and look directly at him. "Cory?"