My Perfect Mate

This Ends Now

I was in and out of consciousness when we reached Silver Moon. I heard commotion and voices traveling through the air around me. I tried to reach for Alex but he wasn’t sitting in the truck anymore. I reached over to Gavin, he was still laying next to me. Thank god. I knew we were going to be okay, neither of us weren’t hurt too badly, after a few days we would be back to our normal selves. After the days excitement I realized I did need him. He was the reason I kept fighting. I knew that he wasn’t completely wrong about this being my fault. In a sense it was, the whole reason for Thomas’s terror was to get into my pants.

I felt someone lift me from the truck and put me on a stretcher. I willed my eyes to open to see who was carrying me but they felt glued shut.  My body felt heavy, and my muscles were twitching, no doubt from dehydration. I heard a familiar voice, it was my mother. How was my mother here? I tried to reach for her but I wasn’t sure where she was. I heard her voice again, it was much closer, “Oh my goddess. My poor girl. You take extra care of her, I need my little girl.” I heard sniffling, she had been crying.

I felt myself slipping again, I tried with all my might to stay awake but it was no use. I felt my mind shut off and my limbs go numb.

I woke up a few hours later hooked up to several machines in the pack hospital. I could feel my strength and energy returning. I felt an IV in my left arm, they must have been pumping me with fluids. I heard people exchanging words next to my bed.

So wait you’re telling me some sick freak is trying to claim Stella?  Who was it, who was in my room?

That’s what he said in the clearing, he wouldn’t stop until he got his hands on her. More people are going to get hurt unless we put a permanent stop to this fucker. Okay that was definitely Conner, I could hear the course tone to his voice.

Conner, please watch your language. Okay so mom was here too.

So what are we going to do? How do we track this guy?

I don’t know Alex, but we have to be careful, this guy will stop at nothing. Okay so Alex was here, and I think that last person was Matt. So I had my mom and my brothers but there’s one more person.

I felt someone touch my arm, I felt instantly comforted. “Don’t worry princess, we’re going to figure this out.” Daddy! My dad was here! I needed to wake up, I had to see my family. I called for Scarlet but there was no answer, where is she? Did Thomas take her when he invaded my mind? I had to wake up, I had to tell them that it wasn’t safe here anymore, we had to get Opal Moon out of here. They are the smallest of the packs in Western Washington, they would be easy to manipulate.

I heard my heart rate monitor spike, I needed to calm down. I wasn’t going to be good to anyone if I was dead. Okay Stella, just relax. Consciousness will come, just give it time. I slowed my heart and was eventually able to open my eyes. They were all still discussing how to take out Thomas and save thousands of lives. I opened my mouth and tried to speak but I couldn’t get anything out, my mouth was too dry. I took a deep swallow and tried again, “Guys?” It was squeaky but I got it out. “Guys, I have to tell you something.” The whole room fell silent for a fraction of a second before they all rushed me at once. They bombarded me with questions, I barely had time to think. I heard Dad, “Guys, we have to give her a chance.” they all fell silent once more. I pushed myself up a bit off the bed and readjusted, so I could sit up. There that’s better. I folded my hands in my lap and tried to take a deep breath. “Can one of you grab me some water? I’m going to be talking a lot the next couple minutes.” Conner nodded his head and disappeared into the hallway, he was back in a matter of seconds with a large cup of water with crushed ice. I took a large gulp before I began.

“First off, where is my Alpha?” Matt answered first, “he’s fine Stella, he’s right next door resting. He is healing quickly, he’ll be in as soon as they let him. I’m surprised that we can’t hear him yelling.” I crunched on a piece of ice and relaxed knowing that Gavin was alive and would be here shortly. “Okay now that that’s out of the way, we don’t have much time. We need to get Opal Moon out of here. This is the first place that Thomas will look. We can’t protect ourselves and hundreds of others. We are still small in respects to Blue Moon.” I turned to dad, “Dad, you need to take these people back with you. You have way more fighters at home than we have here. Take Alex with you, I know he misses Chelsea, I don’t want to be the reason that they are apart, especially with a danger like Thomas. She is in more danger if they are separated. At least he can protect her if goes back to Blue Moon,” I looked over at Alex, who nodded shyly as a few stray tears rolled down from his eyes. I nodded sternly at him. “Now, there’s something else. Before we left Opal, Thomas invaded my mind, not just linked. He took all my senses and paralyzed my body. He spoke to me, he is not like anything we’ve seen before. He has special abilities, almost like a hybrid. I don’t know what he’s mixed with, but I guarantee that it’s not a good combination.” They all stared at me intently, hanging on every word. “Now get me out of this bed, we have work to do.”

They emptied the room so I could change, my muscles were still a little sore, I had to be gentle with myself. I had just slipped on my shoes when I had a memory flash across my eyes, I think it was Scarlet that recovered it. I knew that she was in there some where, I think Thomas just suppressed her a bit.

I closed my eyes as I let the memory play it’s way through.

I was sitting at the lunch table, I think I was in middle school. Some girls from a nearby table were laughing a pointing at me. I felt demolished even though it was just another day of bulling for me. I picked at my food for a while before I heard a soft voice behind me. I turned my head and saw a boy not much taller than me. He was standing there with his tray of food, “Can I sit with you?” he seemed harmless, I could tell he was incredibly shy. I gave him a polite smile and nodded my head. He smiled at me and stepped through the bench and sat down. It wasn’t until he was sitting that I noticed his extremely unique eye color. They were almost the same color as my hair, they were a fiery orange, with flecks of red, they were captivating.

We sat together for lunch everyday for the next couple of weeks. Then one day he didn’t show up. I never saw him again. As time passed I must have forgotten all about him, but it was clear that he didn’t forget about me.

My eyes fluttered a bit and then shot open, “Guys get in here!” my brothers burst through the door, “I know who this guy is, and I know how we can get him.” smiles spread across their faces one at a time.

It took some convincing, especially with Gavin. I finally convinced them to use me as bait. If Thomas could invade my mind, maybe I could do the same to him. Once we connected with him I would pretend that I wanted to be his, the hope was that he would be so overwhelmed that he would let his guard down and he would be vulnerable enough for us to take him out. I was sick of his s**t, I just wanted to go back to  living my best life. The doctor made us wait a couple of days before I put myself at any further risk. Those three days were the longest of my life.

We didn’t waste much time once I was discharged from the hospital. We gathered supplies, weapons and the rest of the pack. We decided to leave most of Silver Moon pack behind, we had to make sure not to raise suspicion when Thomas came a knockin’. Alex, mom and dad led the way for the refugees to follow them home. With the innocents on their way to safety, we needed to regroup. We shuffled as many women and children down to the bunkers below to keep them safe. We didn’t want to make a drastic change in life but we needed to make sure that we were protected while we waited for the other shoe to drop. 

It took a couple days but life had seemed to calm a bit. We were still on high alert, but we couldn’t live in fear. We decided to host a movie night for those that wanted to attend and blow off some steam. The rec room was packed with people. Everyone was utilizing the space to play games and have a good time. Conner and Matt were mingling through an unfamiliar pack, they were laughing with some other warriors. I couldn’t help but wonder if they wanted to stick around after this whole cluster f**k was over.

Gavin and I were sitting on the love seat in front of the TV. I had my feet resting in his lap, he was tracing circles on my shin. I craved his touch, little sparks were erupting underneath his fingers as they work their way across my skin. We sat in comfortable silence, I knew that this was our chance to talk things through before the chaos started. “Baby?” Gavin shot his gaze up to my face with sparks in his eyes. He looked like a puppy that had just received some praise. “Yes my Goddess?” I still wasn’t used to him calling me that. “I want to apologize for over reacting a few days ago. I knew that I shouldn’t have run off like that. I did it because I knew it would hurt you, like you hurt me.” He shook his head, “No, no, no I was the one that freaked out, none of this is your fault, not even a little bit. I’m so sorry my love. I was frustrated that I couldn’t control something that wasn’t even mine to control. I took it out on you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, never forget how much I love you. I would do anything for you and I am so ashamed that I hurt you like that.” I swung me feet off of his lap and sat up on my knees to kiss him. He beat me to it, his hands cupped my face and pressed his lips against mine. I inhaled his intoxicating scent, sandalwood and coconut. I knew that Scarlet was not here with me anymore, she would be at the forefront of my mind whimpering and salivating. My mood dropped, Would I ever hear her again? Was she lost forever? And then I realized, I might not be able to shift ever again.

I shot up from the couch, Gavin looked alarmed, “What is it my love? what’s wrong?” I waved him off. “I’m fine, I just need to go check on something, come with me?” He pushed himself off of the couch and we headed out front.

The night sky was filled with brilliant, bright stars. It twilight so the sun had set behind the ridge but the sky still held some of its light. I stood a few feet in front of Gavin. I looked over my shoulder at him, “Stand back a little bit, I’m going to see if I can shift.” He knew by now not to question me. He took three steps back and nodded. I closed my eyes and turned my head towards the sky, I relaxed my mind and my muscles. I willed my body to shift but nothing was happening. I lowered my head and took a few deep breaths before I tried again. After 10 minutes I realized what Thomas took from me.

“Motherfucker!” I screamed into the wind, I was beyond livid, I knew that my eyes were glowing. I couldn’t focus on anything besides ripping his head from his body. Gavin strode towards me and my outburst had raised concerns from my brothers. They came rushing out, looking like they were ready to rip someone apart. Gavin held up his hand to them before wrapping his arms around me. I broke down, It was so much worse than I thought, he took her away from me completely!

I violently shook in Gavin’s arms, I couldn’t breath or talk or even feel. My entire body was numb from rage. Gavin finally convinced me to go back inside, “maybe a hot bath will do you some good." I nodded my head meekly before he led me inside.

I lowered myself down into the bubbles and let the heat penetrate my skin. I laid my head back and closed my eyes. For the first time in four days, I was finally at peace. I still had so much anxiety about Thomas resurfaces but I had to live in the moment from now on.

I was in a darkly lit room, there wasn’t much when it came to furnishings. There was a four post bed in the far corner of the room. The colors of the walls were crimson red, it was so eerie in here. I wanted to get out of here and fast. I ran towards the door, the knob wouldn’t turn, it was frozen in place. I started to kick and punch the door to try and get it open, It wouldn't budge. I was desperately trying to escape, I was exhausting all efforts. I figured there would be another way out. I scanned the walls, there weren't any windows, I started to panic, what the hell is this place?

I saw the door knob start to jiggle and I took a few steps back. I heard pounding on the other side. “Stella! Stella are you in there?” It was Gavin, he was here to take me home. I sprinted to the door and tried to respond but no words were coming out. I couldn’t talk so I tried to scream and still nothing. I tried pounding on the door to signal that I was in here but there was a sudden force field that protected the door. I threw myself against the force field trying to break through. It was useless, nothing was happening. Nothing that I was attempting was going to get me out of here. I sat on the floor, defeated. I placed my head between my knees and tried one more thing. Thomas may have taken my wolf but I might be able to link. I tried Gavin first and I got nothing back. Then I tried Conner and still nothing. I tried to link anyone I could think of. I couldn’t get through to anyone.

Tears pricked my eyes and they started to burn. I wasn’t going to cry, I am not a damsel in distress. Gavin used to remind me that I was a bad ass motherfucker. I would do what ever it took to survive. I would not sit here and cry and wait for my rescuer to show up.

I sprang forward in the tub, I must have dozed off. But that dream felt so real. A knot instantly formed in my stomach, something didn’t feel right. I stood up and wrapped myself in a towel. I slid the barn door aside and stopped dead in my tracks.

Thomas was sitting on the edge of my bed with a wicked grin across his mouth, “Well hello there gorgeous.” I stepped cautiously into my bedroom. “Hello,” my voice was low and shaky. Thomas looked me up and down, mentally devouring me. I felt dirty, I wanted to get out of here but if I wanted the plan to work so I had to play along. Gross. I took a deep breath, forgive me Gavin.

I turned on as much charm as I could muster and seductively walked over to the bed. Thomas’s eyes never left my body. His eyes danced with desire. Don’t puke, don’t puke. I didn’t bother linking the boys, I'm not even sure if I had the ability to do that anymore. I knew Gavin would sense something was wrong and come running. I would only have to pretend for a couple minutes. Thomas’s stench was overwhelming, I really hoped that he didn’t smell like this all the time. I stood in front of him as he looked up at me with those horrendous red eyes. It took all my will power to not look away, I knew that if I did he would see right through me.

“This is more like it.” he said with amusement in his voice. I leaned forward so my nose was almost touching his. “This is my biggest fantasy. Wet curls falling around your angelic face, wearing nothing but a towel." He suddenly stood and made me stumble back. I grasped my towel making sure the sudden movement didn’t shift the tie. Thomas’s eyes lit up at the opportunity of a nip slip. The more I played along the more I felt uncomfortable. How far would I have to go? Please Gavin, where are you? No, you can do this on your own, you just have to wait for the right opportunity.

Thomas took a step towards me and reached his hand up to caress my cheek. I tried to recoil but he used his other hand to hold my head in place. Suddenly his lips were on mine, he tried to get his tongue in my mouth but I fought it. He pulled back from me with anger in his eyes, “Just let this happen, I don’t want to do this with force.” Don’t puke, don’t puke, don’t puke. Thomas reached up and untwisted the knot on my towel making it fall to the floor. I felt exposed, I wanted to abort mission, but I was so close. I just had to wait for him to touch me so I could grab on and break his hand. Come on Stella, almost there. I dipped into him just enough for him to reach his hand up and rub his finger down my arm. I didn’t lose eye contact, not once. Just when I thought there was no turning back, the door burst open. It caught Thomas off guard long enough for him to get distracted. I swung my arm over his head and locked my hand on my wrist. I was just about to twist and break his neck when there was a sudden puff of red smoke. I felt like my arms were empty. When the smoke dissipated I looked down to see that Thomas was gone. "f**k!" I was beyond furious. I was so f*****g close and I let him slip through my fingers. Suddenly that familiar pain came back. I lost all feeling and dropped to my knees. My mark on my shoulder started to gush blood. It felt like my heart was getting ripped out of my chest. 

Alright darling, enough is enough. If you turn around you can see that I have poor Gavin by the throat. Come with me now and I'll let him live. If you don't, I will kill him and your brothers. The choice is yours. 

I spun around to see Gavin pressed up against the wall, he was clutching his throat but no one was standing in front of him. Thomas was doing this remotely. Gavin was starting to lose his fight, his face started turning blue. I had to save him, if Gavin survived there was still a chance that he would come find me. 

I turned my head up to the ceiling and shouted, "Fine you sick f**k! Take me, take me but please let Gavin live." Suddenly Gavin's body dropped to the floor. I rushed over to help him but was restricted. A puff of smoke surrounded me. Seconds later, Thomas was standing behind me. His arm was clutched around my waist and his face with in my hair. "I knew that you would come to you senses. I want Gavin to know that no matter how hard he tries, he will never find you. You might as well forget about him." Thomas started to kiss my neck, I cringed. I knew that I couldn't escape this, he would kill everyone I love.

Gavin stumbled to his feet, "Don't you f*****g touch her." I could feel tears spring to my eyes. I looked at Gavin, "Please baby, please don't come any closer. I need you to stay alive. I need you to survive. I love you, I'm so sorry. This is all my fault." I saw Gavin crumble to the ground once more. I pleaded with Thomas. "Thomas please, let me just say goodbye. I will go with you, I won't fight, I won't try to run away just please let me say goodbye." I was full on sobbing at this point. I knew what my fate held for me, but I couldn't fully except it until I got to say goodbye to my mate. 

Thomas exhaled loudly in my ear, his breath smelled worse than his body odor. "You have 1 minute. If you try anything at all. I will kill him, do you understand?" I nodded my head, "No precious, I need to hear you say it." I gulped down the throw up in my mouth, "Yes I understand." Thomas finally let me go, I tumbled to the ground. I crawled over to Gavin as fast as I could. I threw my arms around him and sobbed, I knew that I only had a minute. I had to center myself, I needed to make sure he knew how much I love him. Gavin was grabbing for me, I pulled him to his knees. He desperately kissed me, it was probably the last time I would feel his touch. I knew Thomas would get sick of me eventually and kill me. I knew that Gavin and I had no future, it was being ripped from our hands. 

"Baby, you can't go with him. He will kill you!" I shook my head, "But if I don't, he will kill all of us. I have to believe that you will find me. You have to find me, whether I am dead or alive." Gavin shut his eyes tight and sobbed. I think we both know that I wouldn't make it out of this alive. I had to do what I had to do to protect the ones I loved. At all costs. 

Gavin grabbed my face and kissed me, he pulled away from me slightly, "I love you with all of my heart and I will find you. Do you understand me? I will find you, you need to survive. I need to be able to touch you again." I nodded my head as tears were strolling down my face.

Before I had a chance to say I love you, Thomas came up behind me and grabbed me, "No! No! No! Please please!" I was clawing at the floor trying to stay with Gavin. Thomas had placed some kind of spell on him were he was frozen, forced to watch me be taken from him. He wanted Gavin to witness his mate being ripped from his arms. I knew that if I was going to tell him that I loved him, it would be now. "I love you Gavin Richard Mitchell! I love you so much, never forget that! I will survive, I will survive for us!" I was sobbing as Thomas continued to drag me to the center of the room. Red smoke bloomed around our feet and blackness settled in.