Chapter 55: Can They Leave?

Bella’s pov.

I still didn’t know how I felt about all the things John had said.

I know he was telling the truth. I could feel it in his voice, the way he looked at me and talked. He wasn’t lying.

But it still didn’t sit right with me.

How could somebody kill their own pup?

A life growing inside of them?

It would’ve been different if they both didn’t want the pup, or they couldn’t take care of it.

But there are always options for people like that. Along with adoption. There are so many pack members without mates that would’ve loved to adopt the pup.

It just makes me sad.

“John! John!” Magan giggled uncontrollably as John tickled her, snapping me out of my thoughts as my eyes drifted towards them.

I smiled as I watched the two of them laughing together.

seeing them as a family... almost...

"Why don't you put the dishes down and come join us?" John asked as he watched me looking at them.

"I think I'll finish them first," I chuckled, continuing to wash the dishes from dinner.

"They aren't going anywhere! Come on! just relax and have fun for once!" he said, watching my face for my reaction.

I looked over at him with amusement.

Wondering how he could just so confidently tell me what to do.

"I said... I will be finishing these first, and then I will come over there!" I laughed while rolling my eyes, hoping he'll take it for an answer.

He looked at me for a few more minutes before focusing back on Megan.

Her laughter continued to echo through the house.

I hummed while I finished the dishes, making sure I dried them all before putting them away.

"Finally!" Megan groaned as I sat down beside her, laughing at her attitude.

"I know, I know! I'm finally sitting down with you!" I smiled while pinching her cheeks, knowing how much it means to her when I take the time to play and hangout with her.

“Your mom likes a clean and tidy house, Megan. That’s not a bad thing, you’ll understand some day,” John told her seriously, making me smirk slightly.

It’s true. I love a clean space. It makes me feel better, and I have a clearer mind not having to worry about a mess and clutter everywhere.

“Megan, honey. Do you think mommy and John could talk for a little now? There’s lots we still need to discuss. You do know the king and queen are here, right? Well we need to speak about them and what we need to do tomorrow morning… we’ll be back with you as soon as we can, okay?” I said as I looked at her, holding her little hands in mine as I watched her expression drop a little, her smile more of a frown now.

“I guess…” she mumbled before pulling her hands away and walking slowly towards her room, making my heart restrict…

She’s always so sad about little things, it doesn’t help my mom heart at all.

“What did you want to talk about?” John asked suddenly, making my head whip towards him.

“Oh, yeah… the king and queen, when do you think they’ll be leaving? I know we have to have breakfast as a pack tomorrow with them present and that meeting afterwards… but I seriously don’t want to see them again!” I groaned, placing my head in my hands as I thought about what they had said to me earlier, “what they said still doesn’t sit right with me. How can they think it was okay to threaten me? To basically force you to move away from the one place you’ve been happy? I don’t think it’s fair.”

John laughed sadly, a far away look in his eyes as he looked out the balcony door.

“I… don’t know, Bella. They’ve always been like that. Especially my brother. Since the day I can remember he always thought he could boss me around. I guess since he’s the oldest… no, it doesn’t make it fair. But what can I do? He’s the king. I’m supposed to listen to him. But, I won’t be moving away. I have too many things that mean something to me here. I couldn’t leave it all behind. I couldn’t leave you behind…” he whispered while looking into my eyes.

My body moving towards him on its own…

My head rested on his chest, his arms wrapping around me and pulling me closer.

I sighed peacefully as I made myself comfortable. Loving the way I felt in his arms. Loving the fact that we’re in this place together again.

“John?” I whispered, biting my lip as I thought about what I was about to say.

“Yes?” He asked, his voice curious as he played with my hair.

“I’m sorry…” I started to say, needing to get this off my chest, “I’m sorry for not trusting you enough. To be able to ask you the questions I needed to ask. I should’ve come to you. I should’ve asked. I was just scared… I didn’t know what would happen, what you’d say. I thought… I don’t know, maybe you would’ve chosen her over me. That you wanted her more. I know now… that it wasn’t true. And that the answer will always be no as long as you don’t ask.”

“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong, I know you were scared. But I’m glad we talked, and that we’re okay now. I wish you would’ve come to me sooner but I know you needed time. Time to think, time to figure everything out,” he said softly, turning my face to look up at him, “you don’t have anything to worry about, Bella. I’m… yours. I don’t want anyone else, I want you.”

He leaned down, placing a tender kiss to my head.

My cheeks tingled from smiling so much.

“I-I missed you, John,” I mumbled sheepishly, grinning up at him as I thought about how much I cared for this man. In such a short amount of time…

I can’t even imagine what could’ve happened if I didn’t ask him the things I needed to ask. If I didn’t say the things I needed to say.

From now on… I know that no matter what, I should always ask him if I have my doubts.

If I have questions that need answers.

And I should never be afraid to come to him…

Even if I think I can’t.