Chapter 8

The cottage is small, maybe one room, but it’s hidden by the surrounding forest. I would've missed it if Ashton hadn’t pointed it out. “Does anyone live there?” I ask as he leads me forward.

“No. We’re too far from my territory. It’s probably dusty and filled with squirrels by now. I haven’t been here since before Laura. She was my mate. My friends Joel and Trixie used to hang out with me here. Joel was killed by rogues, and I avoid Trixie now.” Ashton opens the door and finds a lantern.

The space is small but cute. There is a fireplace in the living area with a coffee table and a two-person couch. There’s a double bed with a dusty quilt and pillows off to the side. The kitchen area has a basin and spigot, along with cupboards and a table. No refrigerator and no bathroom. “So what is this place?”

Ashton smacks the dust off of the sofa and then sits down to relax. “I’m not really sure. I found it as a kid. I guess you could call it my secret hideaway.” I smile that I’m not the only one with a secret place.

I take the seat beside Ashton. “My secret place is at the end of the tunnel. It’s hidden behind a waterfall. It’s so beautiful there, but no one knows about it. It’s off territory too.” I relax into the sofa. Ashton is so large that the only place for his arm is over my shoulder. He pulls me to his side and lets out a calm breath. Goddess, he smells good, and his body is solid. “Why did you stop coming here?”

Ashton crosses his denim-clad legs on the coffee table. “When I met Laura, she became my world. I spent every moment I could with her. I was getting ready to take up my position, so I never had the chance to bring her here. She would’ve loved it.”

I love it here. It’s so peaceful and comfortable. “Ashton, you don’t have to answer this, but what happened to her?”

His hand runs up and down my arm, “I don’t mind. She was killed. Trixie found her on the other side of the territory after we were attacked by rogues. It never made sense to me because she didn’t die until after the rogues were annihilated. I’ve asked Trixie, but she doesn’t know either.”

I couldn’t imagine the loss he feels. I look up to his handsome face, and a scream escapes my mouth. My heart is racing, and my body is hot. Pain scolds throughout my body like fire. I know it’s too early for the heat. I haven't mated yet. All I can think of is the pain. “Gypsy!” Ashton picks me up and lays me on the dusty bed. I don’t care about the dust as I flail, toss, and turn. I clench my jaw as the pain continues. There’s no point in screaming. Ashton uses a cloth to dab my forehead. He holds my hand. “I’m here, Gypsy. Squeeze my hand all you need.”

Tears leak down my face. Goddess, the pain. What’s happening to me? It hurts more than anything I’ve ever felt. I squeeze Ashton’s hand, but it does nothing. I feel like I’m being tortured. Yes, I know what torture feels like. I can barely breathe, my muscles ache, my insides feel like lava, my head is pounding.

After what feels like forever, my body relaxes, and the pain goes away. I’m a sobbing sweaty mess as Ashton soothes my back and wipes my face. I’m so tired. I look up at Ashton, and he’s the last thing I see before everything goes dark.

***

Gypsy passed out. I swear to the Goddess of the Moon, I’m going to kill that Beta. How could anyone treat this innocent, beautiful girl so badly. She doesn’t deserve this. Moon Goddess, how could you do this to her? How could you pair her with him?

I look through the cupboards and find nothing. Gypsy will need to eat when she comes to, which I’m sure will take a long time. I kiss her sweaty forehead. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Just rest.”

I drop my clothes just outside of the cottage to shift and rush back to my territory. I clear the river and keep running until I’m at the pack house. I shift and find a pair of sweats from the stash. I sneak into the kitchen in search of food. “Ah, son. I’ve been looking for you.” Shit. I close the fridge and turn to face my father.

“Yes, sir?” I say with a yawn.

He gives me his steely glare that makes everyone else bow to him. “I know you’ve had a hard time since Laura was killed, but it’s time you start thinking about taking your place. I can’t be the Alpha forever. I'm getting older. I can’t step down if my Beta is a lush.”

My brows raise on their own. My father is never so blunt. “I’m sorry, Father. Losing Laura should’ve killed me, but I care about the pack. I just need a little more time.” Father pats my shoulder and gives me a nod before turning away.

Back to the task at hand. I grab a container of leftovers and a bottle of juice. I load them into a pouch then shift and sprint back to the edge of the territory. I sniff around to make sure no one is around then step across the border to get back to Gypsy.

She’s still asleep when I open the door of the cottage. I check her forehead with my hand. She’s no longer burning up. I wipe down her face and wait.

***

My body aches as I open my eyes. Ashton is sitting beside the bed holding my hand. “What happened?” I croak out.

Ashton rings out a washcloth and dabs at my face. “Since you were rejected, I’m assuming your mate was having sex. Did you accept his rejection?”

I nod, “of course I did. He was… having…” ugh the thought turns my stomach. “Never mind, I don’t even want to go there.” I gingerly sit up.

Ashton grabs a bag and comes back to sit beside me on the bed.

He opens a bottle of orange juice and hands it to me. I take a sip and close my eyes. My father used to wake me up with breakfast in bed, and the orange juice was always my favorite. I haven’t had any since he left. “Did he hear you accept his rejection?”

I look up to Ashton and shake my head. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get that chance.”

A container of meatloaf is placed in my hands. “Here, you need to eat. Sorry it’s cold.” I take the spoon he offers and dig in. It’s actually really good with the ketchup-like sauce on top. “You’ll feel it every time. You have to accept his rejection where he can hear you. You don’t have to be right next to him.”

I swallow down another bite, but I’m full, so I set the container aside. "I'll keep that in mind. Shit! What time is it?”