Chapter 20

"I'm sorry, Claire." I mumbled while I relentlessly kissed her left palm. There she was, on my bed. Her body burning at a high temperature, sweats broke on her forehead while her eyes were barely opened. I cried regardless of the Deltas and Gabriel that surrounded us.

"I'm sorry for being a disappointing mate!" I continued. "I'm sorry for not being there for you, I'm sorry I couldn't protect you, I'm sorry I failed you, don't leave me please." I pleaded. "I won't be able to forgive myself." I whispered to myself while my hands clutched to her palm hoping she won't lose consciousness.

The door opened for some figures to saunter in, but I didn't bother. My whole concentration was on Claire.

"I need everyone apart from the medical staffs to leave now." My mother pronounced with all authority and immediately, they all left my room in silence. I stayed regardless, seated by Claire's side crying like a child till my mother's hands comforted my shoulder. I wished I could look her in the eye and tell her this was all my fault. To tell her how bad a mate I was but I did otherwise.

"She'll be fine, Kevin. Just let me do my job." Her soft voice soothed and in a divine way, my fears were allayed. I slowly let go of her hand before facing my mother.

She assured me with a smile while her eyes beckoned me to leave. And so, I wobbled out of the room like a hopeless being. I was immediately greeted by Uncle Walker who stood against the wall opposite my door.

"Nothing will happen to her, Kevin." He started on a solemn note, but I walked away from him slowly, nodding like an enchanted being.

"Why didn't you tell me you have a mate?" He asked by my side, how he joined me I didn't know. All I kept on doing was taking a snail pace across the hallway.

"Kevin." He held me back so our eyes could meet. His countenance described worry intertwined with support at the same time.

"Talk to me." He whispered.

"Ever since I was little, I've only been driven by one thing." I mumbled while my eyes stared at the marble floor, reminiscing about my Father. "Revenge." I pursed my lips.

"It made me dark, empty. It corrupted my good will that I never for once thought I deserved love. But then I met Claire," my eyes returned to his.

"She is like a light I can never reach. I felt like the moon goddess had made a mistake mating an undeserving person like me to her." I paused again recalling how we first met and the arguments we've had ever since.

"No matter how hard I tried," I smiled sadly.

"I was falling for her and a part of me had thought that perhaps I might lose her like I lost my father. A part of me, knew that I don't deserve love."

"Kevin." Uncle Walker called with a sigh following suit, his hand gripped my shoulder gently. "You deserve Love. Don't let your past ruin this beautiful present destined for you."

His hand slowly dropped from my shoulder.

"I have to leave now; I'll be back by morning, but I want you to be strong. Nothing's going to happen to her."

I nodded while he heaved another sigh before parting away. I resumed my snail pace till I arrived the stairs and then sat on one of its steps. I didn't even know how to feel anymore, my muscles were partially numb from the magnanimous pain I received from the mate bond. All because of my recklessness and stupidity.

"Hey." Gabriel's voice jolted me from my oblivion. I turned to my left where he joined me. Smiling sadly even though he tried being comforting enough.

"Tonight," he continued, staring across the stairs. "You were something else. Your eyes," he gestured with his hands and a frown as if he were reliving that moment.

"They were different from the usual eyes a werewolf should have. They were a sparkling red."

I heaved a sigh whilst closed my eyes, reminiscing on that moment too. I was different at that time, blessed with a terrifying level of strength I never had. To be honest, I couldn't explain why it happened, but I didn't feel like talking about it either. I should be concerned about my mate who is struggling between life and death.

"And when you ran, you sped faster than even a werewolf eye could catch. It was like lightening and your strength too." He muttered but I shrugged. "The only werewolf I've heard do this was the first Alpha of Greenville."

I held his gaze, a bit interested in his story.

"Legend has it that he had this same strength, agility and unique red eyes. They say it's a gift ordained by the moon goddess to only a few werewolves. The Wolf of Justice, a warrior by heart." He paused while my heart picked on a higher pace as my gaze refused to waver from his.

"You're a Wolf of Justice, Kevin."

"I am no Wolf of Justice." I outrightly denied with my gaze finally peeling off him.

"But you are," He proposed solemnly. "That explains why Lupus has this unmatched strength compared to us. That explains why a young werewolf like you could be able to take down Alpha Jason, a 700-Year-old werewolf."

"I am no Wolf of Justice Gabriel!" I almost blared as my hands curled into a fist. "Just because a miracle of some sorts happened this night doesn't mean I'm one kind of special wolf. Why does it have to be now that I show this useless traits you speak of?!"

I retorted but deep down, I knew he was right.

"That's because this traits you speak of don't just show up immediately, it takes time. Seeing your mate in grave danger must have activated this powers."

"I'm not the Wolf of Justice!"

"Why can't you accept the truth? You should be happy that you have been blessed with such wonderful gift."

"Blessed or cursed?" I retorted. "I am a dark entity Gabriel, all my life I've done nothing but made reckless, stupid and selfish decisions. I'm a broken wolf not a SPECIAL warrior by heart."

"Kevin you're destined for greatness. Just because your past haunts you don’t make you unworthy."

"It does." I toned sharply. "Every good thing I get in life is ruined before I even enjoy it, My mate for example. I am unworthy of any gifts, Gabriel. I am no Wolf of Justice; the moon goddess definitely made a mistake."

I asserted before touring down the stairs. I needed some fresh air to clear my head and not to be filling them with clusters of gifts and destiny. I might be a special wolf, but I wasn't ready to accept it. I don't deserve it!

##############

And after hours of waiting till the morning dawned, the door finally opened.

"How is she?" I asked as I arose from the wall I leaned on, fearfully studying my mother's face until her lips parted into a smile.

"You can see her now." She answered softly. I hastily sauntered into my room while mother left the both of us. There she was, sitting up on my bed, her head resting against pillows. I didn't even care whether she hadn't accepted me or not, I rushed towards the bed, staring at each other deeply. Tears began to form in my eyes again as I took her right hand between mine, our hips touching as we sat side by side "How are you feeling?" I asked gently. Her eyes moved from mine to our hands bonded.

"It still hurts." She whispered with hint of tears. I kissed her hand softly.

"I'm so sorry Claire." I mumbled. "This was all my fault; I should have been a better man for you. I shouldn't have let any harm befall you. I thought I lost you, I didn't even know how to feel or how to ease your pain. I can't risk you in danger Claire. I love you so much!" I continued to say like an obsessed being as I dearly clung unto her hand.

She slowly leaned her head against my left shoulder.

"Can I remain like this for some minutes?" She whispered. I went mute, choosing to enjoy this moment between us. Her eyes gradually closed with a tiny smile. I could feel it, the exciting sparks helped eased her pain.

"I love you too, Kevin." She mumbled softly while I patted her hair gently. On a different circumstance, I would have blushed or smile like an idiot but this time, all I wanted for her was to get better. It was a moment to enjoy in silence.

"Henceforth, you're going to be living with me here in the Pack house. You're also relieved of your duties at Greenville High." I uttered, dearly hoping she wouldn't disagree but when she leaned further. I took that as a yes.

"Kevin." Gabriel called as he opened the door partially. I almost glared at him for ruining our moment.

"Your Mother demands your presence."

I nodded while he flashed a mischievous smile before closing the door.

"You can go, I'll be fine." She said but I hesitated. She leaned back to her pillows, donning a tiny smile of assurance.

"I'll be back." I assured while she nodded. I hastily reached for the door where I was greeted by my Beta's smiling face.

"Your Mother is in that room, lover boy." He gestured his hand towards the room adjacent mine.

"Don't you have some work to be attending to." I glared at him while he chuckled.

"Protecting the Alpha and his Luna is my utmost priority at the moment." He replied before giggling away. Anxiety started to rule my heart as I reached for the doorknob. I was going to face my mother squarely; we were going to have a proper conversation after so long. I wondered what she had to say, perhaps insult me how bad a mate I was or comfort me. Nevertheless, I turned the doorknob and sauntered in.

"Claire's condition is fairly stable." Those were her first words. She wasn't even staring at me, instead, she was packing her stuffs into her luggage bag. I didn't need anyone to tell me she was still mad at her son.

"Of course, she'll get better, but it might take a while." She paused her lips as she finally looked me in the eye. Her eyes expressed mixed feelings I couldn't properly decipher. Sadness and love mostly.

"If you know you can't bear it though, there's a way to speed up her healing." She explained. "You have to complete your mate bond by marking her. That way your wolf spirit will effectively hasten her healing."

I nodded like an obedient child whilst unsure if Claire was ready to take that big step with me. After all, she hasn't accepted me yet.

"I also want you to keep her safe from any work or stress related issues, she's still recuperating." She added. "So, on this note, I guess I have to my leave now."

I looked to her perfectly arranged bag before rolling the words out.

"I miss you mom." I whispered whilst tears embattled my eyes. "I miss your talks, your cooking, your warm hugs." She smiled even as hard as she tried to maintain that stern face.

"If I hadn't been so stubborn perhaps my life wouldn't have fallen apart like this. And thank you, for breaking your vow just to save my mate."

She heaved a sigh.

"I didn't come to Greenville because of you, I did it for my Luna, my daughter in law. It would have been heartlessness on my own part if I refused to show up." She walked towards me with her sweet smile still retained.

"Look at you, look how messy your hair has become," she tucked my loose strands gently behind my ear. I could see the tears she fought from showing too. It told just how much she missed me too.

"And your beards really need some shaving, you look lean too. Apparently you haven't been having good food lately. Just few days without me, look what you've become."

We stared at each other and when I couldn't fight it anymore, she smiled. Pulling me in her warm embrace.

"It's okay to cry." She soothed while I sobbed in her embrace. This warmth, care and pat on my back were what I needed at this point.

"I've been a bad Alpha mother, a bad mate, a bad son!" I said clumsily.

"Perhaps but you're changing." She soothed.

"Please stay with us." I pleaded but she chuckled.

"I'm still a bit mad at you, Kevin. You'll have to make it up to me by being a better mate and the Wolf of Justice you are."

I frowned before pulling away from her embrace.

"How do you know?"

"I'm your mother." She wore a bright smile. "I can feel it in your aura, and I know you're definitely judging yourself as unworthy." She held onto my cheek.

"Kevin, you have a great future ahead of you. Forget your past and make your present a better life."

She smiled one more time before reaching for her bag.

"I have to go now and remember, take care of my beautiful daughter unless you want me to be madder than ever."

A tiny smile crept to my face and all I dearly hoped for, was Claire to finally accept me.