Chapter 50

None of us said a word as we walked out to the car. My dad looks like he’s a mix of proud and concerned. Yeah, there’s a long lecture coming my way, but it was so worth it. I can’t read the look on Uncle Kain’s face, but Uncle Gavin looks proud. Even if he is trying to hide his smirk.

As soon as our car doors shut, I had four sets of eyes on me.

“What the hell were you thinking,” my dad yelled.

“Are you completely crazy,” Ryker added.

“That was awesome. Did you see the look on their faces?” Ezra smiled wide until my dad and Ryker stared him down. Drake just ran his hand through his hair and shook his head.

“Don’t be mad at me, someone had to tell them how stupid they're acting. They act like it’s normal to hate each other, just because of the species you were born as. You have all these Alphas and kings in the same room acting tough, but nobody has the guts to call them out on their crap.”

“There’s a reason for that, Bella. I don’t want you to think I’m mad about you standing up for yourself and your friends, but this probably just put a huge target on our backs. Our whole pack could be at risk, but especially you. There is no hiding who you are now, and they will want revenge for what they took as disrespect. I will say though, you handled them like a champ. You stared an Alpha and a King down and didn’t even flinch. Their aura didn’t affect you. I’m proud of you for standing up for yourself, but damn it, that was dangerous.”

“Well, I didn’t mean for all that to happen, but once I started, I couldn’t stop. Their way of thinking is wrong, and things need to change. I know I was right to stand up to them. Do they even care what positions they put their heirs in? Rowen has to hide his best friend just because he’s a warlock. Why should his species even matter? Reese is a great friend.”

“I know, I think the same way you do. That’s why we don’t run Green Ridge like that, but we may have just stirred a lot of stuff up that we’re not prepared for. We need to meet with Kain and Gavin when we get home, and your mother. Shit, she’s going to be pissed about you being exposed.”

“Well, yes, but she will also be happy that I stood up to them. I think, maybe.” Dad gave me a look that says he’s not so sure.

“Can you guys start the meeting without me? Cyrus said Creed is probably at the house waiting for me.”

“Oh good, more great news.” Dad tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

I tried to hide my smirk as I turned to look out my window.

I could feel some tension in the car the rest of the way home, but everyone seemed lost in their thoughts. I understand that standing up to them was dangerous, but I’m not sorry. I didn’t mean to put Green Ridge in danger, but something needs to be done. Maybe being safe isn’t the best option in this case. The question is, how do we get them to open their eyes and see that accepting people for who they are doesn’t hurt them. It doesn’t make their species or pack weaker, it makes them stronger.

As we drove up the long road to our pack, I noticed a black truck parked just outside our boarder with four guards standing in front of it. My heart started racing. It seems like forever since I’ve seen him. I’ve missed him like crazy and I need answers.

“I’m assuming this visitor is here for you.” My dad gave me a smirk.

“He better be,” I smirked back.

We pulled up next to the truck, and I confirmed it was Creed.

“Let him through,” dad told the guards.

My palms are sweaty, and my heart won’t stop racing. I’m so excited and nervous, I can’t even be mad at him.

We pulled up in front of the house, and I couldn't hide my smile anymore. Dad looked at me like he wanted to say something, but just shook his head.

“Let’s go guys. Give her some privacy,” dad told the boys. The four of them got out and headed inside.

I got out of the car just as Creed was walking up to the passenger side. He looks just as nervous as I feel, but he looks good. Who knew simple jeans and a white tee shirt could look so good?

“I’m sorry babe,” Creed let out a deep breath and held his hands out for me to hug him.

I couldn’t help myself, “Do you really think saying sorry is going to cut it?” I crossed my arms in front of me and stared directly into his eyes.

“Not even close, but I want to spend the rest of my life making it up to you,” He grabbed a hold of me and pulled me tight against him. He’s shaking, and I melted into his arms. I enjoyed the sparks moving around my body as I took in his scent. I’ve missed him so much.

“Why did you leave like that? You should have woken me up, and why haven’t you called me?”

“I’m so sorry, Bella. I didn’t know what to do. All I knew at that moment was that I couldn’t lead the king to you. You were sleeping so peacefully. All I knew was that I couldn’t let him find you. I cleared my phone and smashed it before I left. I didn't want to chance being tracked. I also don’t have pockets when I fly,” he smirked and kissed the top of my head.

“It’s over babe, we’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

“Yeah, I met your brother today. He mentioned that he was the new king. Are you OK?”

“Yeah, I’m OK, better than OK now that I have you back in my arms. We went in completely undetected and were able to catch him off guard. With the amount of anger and pain he’s caused me and Cyrus throughout the years, he barely had time to shift. We should have done it years ago. I guess I just needed the right motivation.”

“You still should have woken me up and let me tell you goodbye before you left. I was scared and confused. I didn’t know what to think.”

Creed nodded, “I know, I didn’t want to say goodbye. I didn’t want to walk away from you at all. You’re stuck with me now. I promise you, I’m never leaving you again.”

He lifted my chin and crashed his lips against mine. I wrapped my hand around his neck as I deepened the kiss.

“Bella, we need you in here.” I pulled away from Creed as my dad’s mind link came in.

“So um, I should probably tell you about my day, well, and the last couple of weeks.”