Chapter 7: Old enemy

Ashton's POV

She gives me a blank expression like she doesn't believe a word I'm saying or she's finding it hard to wrap her head around what I had just told her.

“Say something.” I say after moments of silence, watching her blink in disbelief.

“You can't actually be serious? You aren't actually poisoned, how are you still alive with a poison that potent in your body?” Annabelle asks, her eyes roaming all over me.

“You see that's the thing, I don't have much time anymore and I'm only telling you this because you're my mate and a healer.”

Annabelle gasps loudly covering her mouth to hide further sounds. She checks the door and locks it to make sure no one can walk in on this conversation.

“How many people know about this?” She asks.

“You're the only person apart from my right hand that knows which means that if word gets out about it I'd have to kill you.” I watch as her face morphs into fear. “That was a joke.”

She raises an eyebrow and gives me a questionable look, “I'm sure your pack loves you for other things and not your charming sense of humor.” She says under her breath, like she doesn't want me to hear it.

But I do and I almost catch myself smiling. “You are something Annabelle.”

“I need to know more details about this poison. And I'm not even sure I'm strong enough to heal you. You're an Alpha and although I have Beta genes, it can't match up with your energy as an Alpha. I could die trying to heal you, you know that right?” Annabelle says, her expression serious and firm.

I've thought about all possible means and yes I have also thought about the fact that she could die trying to heal me. Maybe I am selfish but I want her to try.

“I wouldn't ask you to risk your life for me Annabelle. We could find other ways because there's more to the poison than I'm willing to share right now. Our mate bond won't even allow me let you risk your life for me.”

“Have you ever had a mate before me?” She asks out of the blue, the question catches me off guard because everyone gets one mate.

“No, why would you ask that? You're my only mate, and I've searched for my mate for so long to know that I'm not mistaken.” I replied quickly.

She looks away from me, her eyes looking everywhere but mine. “Jason, the Alpha's son, was my mate. I rejected him and I didn't know that the moon goddess would have mercy on me so I was very surprised at our mate bond. It doesn't feel real.” She lets out.

My blood boils at the mention of his name. And at the fact that he was her mate!!! Annabelle had been mine from the beginning whether she realized it or not, but something in me had known that she was mine from the first time I saw her. Even before I discovered she was my mate.

“Lucky me then.” Was my only reply despite all the other things I wanted to say.

“I know a lot about poison and I'm trying to study and become a doctor. I can't say I can help you a hundred percent but there has to be some benefits for me right?” Annabelle says taking her seat on the couch once more.

Her legs were stretched out and they looked creamy, like if I ran my hand across them, they would feel like silk beneath my touch—I almost forgot she was talking to me as I watched her silently. “Yes, there are obviously benefits for you Annabelle.”

She lets out a small sarcastic laugh and I look at her puzzled. Before she speaks noticing my expression.

“It's nothing… just that… that, I've always thought that meeting my mate would be a ground breaking experience and filled with so much love like in the books but boy am I wrong. Ground breaking, yes, but for different reasons.”

I know what she means but this is groundbreaking for me too. The pack had tried to find my mate for as long as I could remember and it had gotten to the point where I was asked to choose for a wife from the high class families of the pack and my council made that decision. I only barely got out of it because I had to attend to business in this pack before I met her.

“This is groundbreaking for me Annabelle for all the right reasons.” I say and she just stares at me blankly, her expression bleak. So I continue our last discussion. “First of all, I would make sure you're treated well as my wife and you would have access to all the facilities and equipment you would need regarding further study of poisons.”

She nods her head briefly, urging me to continue.

“You said your dream was to become a doctor and I'll make that happen. I'm not going to mark you or make you Luna if in the end you can't find a cure, which means you can walk away from all of this at any time. I don't want to waste your time or your life on me—You don't owe me anything. And this whole arrangement is dependent on the fact that you are going to help me find a cure.”

“Can you guarantee my safety and the safety of my dad?” Annabelle asks.

“Definitely. If you join my pack you are going to be under my protection, same with your dad and I will never let anyone hurt you or the people you love. Never doubt that Annabelle.” I'm even offended at the fact that she feels the need to ask that. I will protect her with my life, because she's literally my only chance right now.

“Okay.” She doesn't say anything after that but I can tell her mind is reeling with questions. I know she has them at the top of her tongue but she doesn't say a word.

“Whenever you're ready to leave, say the word and I'll come get you. I'll bring a contract the next time I'm here so we can sign it. The sooner the better, I don't like to waste my time.”

“I can see that.” She says, tucking a stray hair behind her ears. “It'll give me more time to think about this. I know you're my best bet right now because I don't really feel like I belong in this pack but I still need to consider if this is worth risking my whole life for.”

“I understand that; but Annabelle…” I say in a low firm voice, “Always know that there is very little I wouldn't do for you. This might just be a contract but I'll be faithful to our mate bond and you're safe with me. I swear to you.”

Her eyes were looking at me with an unreadable expression. I want to touch her, maybe a hug or something but I don't trust myself to go near her. I wouldn't be able to stay away from her if I cross the line, I know it. My wolf has been going berserk since we found our mate and being with her drives me all shades of insane.

“Thank you Alpha Ashton.” She finally replies.

I give her a slight nod and I assume our conversation is over when she stands up. I need to leave here as soon as possible because her scent is killing me but I also don't want to. When I finally drag myself towards the door she stops me, her hand on my elbow.

“You're a good person Alpha Ashton, I'll trust you.”

I don't think I like the way she's formal with me but I don't want to be the one to cross the boundaries.

“I trust you too Annabelle with my life literally. Paul and my guards are still here and are going to be with you so if you need anything ask them.” And with that she let me go and I let myself out of her house.

Walking towards my car, a few of my guards in tow I keep thinking back to the last thing she said. “She trusts us.” I hear my wolf say. I shrug, being meters away from her makes us so fucking happy than we'd been in years.

But I cannot love her, not because of anything. I just want to spare her from losing when the time comes. I know that this might not work out and she'd never find a cure. I'm trying to have faith in her and risk it all but I'm a dying man.

On my twenty eighth birthday I would be gone if all of this doesn't work out and she doesn't deserve to live in that misery of losing a mate. It's why I choose not to mark her, love her or make her mine forever.