Chapter 47 FREEDOM LOOMS

Chapter 47 FREEDOM LOOMS
I quickly bolt upright and stand in front of the two men in sheer panic. "But-but it's so soon. I haven't had time to prepare. And I'm not feeling well. Shouldn't we wait? Logan said we could wait until I was feeling better."

"Unfortunately we don't have that kind of time," Grog says as Logan stands up in front of me. "We're making a move on a pack in two days and we have to know that you will be loyal to us and your mate during the raid." He looks at Logan who nods his head in agreement.

Oh, goodness, I felt myself unable to breathe and light headedness slowly started to creep over me like a nightmare. I can hardly believe what is happening. I need more time. I had counted on having more time. How can I possibly escape now? If I were to mate Logan I won't even want to leave here anymore. I'd want to stay here with him and stand by his side as he and his brothers born of evil bring the world of wolves down on its knees.

I suck a sharp breath of air in horror. Nothing and no one can comfort me now. I am in a place now where nothing I can do would change the situation I am in. There is no getting out of it. I have to do it. I have to become Logan's mate to prove myself to them this one and final time; my ultimate test of loyalty.

Logan rubs my back in what he feels are soothing circles. To me, it is nothing other than a reminder of him invading my personal space.

"Okay," I force myself to say. "Okay."

Logan can't hide his surprise at my willingness to give in so easily. He knows I might fight him on it a little seeing that I am still mated to the Samuel, who he refers to as the asshole who stole his mate, but never did he expect this.

"Really?" he asks.

I nod and smile so bright, Logan has to believe what I said as true.

"Yes." I look up at the other man standing beside me. "Grog is right. I have to prove myself. I don't know any better way." Even Grog looks taken aback and it makes me smile to myself internally.

He clasps his hands together in delight. "Alright then, tomorrow it is."

"But," I add. "There is just one thing I'd like to request."

Grog's eyes level with mine, curiosity heavy in them. "And what's that?"

"A mating ceremony," I answer automatically. "I've never had one before and if I'm going to do this with my true mate," I turn and smile at Logan, "I'd like to do it right."

Logan's delight is blatant. He smiles as bright as I had and kisses the top of my head. "What a wonderful idea. The ceremony is outdated now and hardly anyone does it anymore, so it'll be perfect for us. I'd like that very much."

"And I want the whole pack to be there," I add quickly. "They should all share in our happy day. Everyone."

Grog grins. "I'm impressed. I had my doubts about you at first, Grace, but I'm starting to see in you what Logan did all along, potential. Welcome to the pack. I'll announce it to everyone. We'll have it tomorrow at sundown. Logan will handle all the details."

I smile up at him. "Okay. You think you can handle it all?"

He grins back. "For you, I can handle anything. I'll start right away."

And then both the men turn and stalk away side by side, leaving me alone with my thoughts, and the realization of what I have just done.

At precisely one A.M I make my way to the garden where Dylan is already waiting on me to arrive. The night air is warm and full of the scent of flowers and earth. He is leaning against one of the lighted post on the man-made stone covered walkway built through the center of the garden.

He has changed clothes since the last time I saw him. He looks more cleaned up. No stubble from the beard he wore before, no dirt soiled clothes, his brown hair back to its normal kempt look. It is as if the unruly boy from earlier today never existed.

He unfolds his arms from his chest and drops them to his sides when he sees me. He smiles. "You're here. I didn't think you'd be able to get away."

I pick a honey suckle from the winding vine up one of the lamp post, the glow emitting from the light giving the flower an outline of bright color. "I said I'd come and I did."

The truth is, it hasn't been easy getting away from Logan. I almost believed I wouldn't get to meet Dylan at all tonight and tell him of my plans for the mating ceremony. Logan had wanted to stay up most of the night talking details about the upcoming ceremony,also about our life together after everything was done. I got the feeling that he didn't want to close his eyes, afraid I'd evaporate if he did.

I bring the flower to my nose, smell it and let it drop to the ground. "Did you have any trouble getting here?" I asked Dylan as I get near him.

He shakes his head. "Not much." He looks around the garden, taking in all of its beauty before his eyes rest back on me. "This is quite a place. I've been given a tour of the pack before, but it never included here."

"Grog built it for Amelia for their first anniversary. It's for her use only. He didn't want anyone but them to find it."

Dylan's hand rests over his heart dramatically. "Aw. If he wasn't so morbid that might be sweet."

I give a soft laugh and glance up at the moon above their heads. "Yeah."

A peaceful quiet settles itself between us as we both now take in the stars and the sky. From the nearby pond frogs croak, crickets sing, and trees rage in the warm breeze. I take in a deep breath letting it wash through my lungs and exhale.

I remember visiting the pond at my old pack, back when I still lived at home with my parents. I used to just sit and listen to nature all around me and let myself get lost in it. It always helped calm my nerves when I felt over anxious about meeting my mate or just wanted a break from my life.

I laugh to myself. It is funny. Now that I have actually met my true mate and known him well enough, I wanted nothing more than to get myself as far away from him as possible.

"You know, I don't ever remember a time since being here that I've felt this peaceful. It's nice," I admit.

Dylan speaks. "I don't suppose there's been much chance for peace."

"No. There hasn't been."

I am momentarily distracted by the rustling of something coming from Dylan and turn to look at him. He is digging a folded piece of paper out of his pocket and on the top of it, in elegant script, was my name.

"What's that?" I ask him immediately.

He frees the paper from his pocket and hands it to her. "A note for you," he says softly. I look at it curiously, but don't take it. I am still not sure how much I can trust him. Though, there must have been some trust for him deep within me or else I would have never risked coming here tonight to meet him. "It's from Samuel," he adds.

I don't even need a second to decide what to do next. I quickly reach out and take the note from his hand and flip open the paper. I see my name at the top of the slightly worn note and exhale in a mix of surprise and relief. It is from him. It really is. I know his handwriting.

Grace,

I've sent this note with Dylan in hopes of it reaching you. He says he has ties to Grog's pack that could help him lead you to freedom and I believe him. I do not know what happened to you the day you disappeared, but I do know who was responsible for it and I promise to make them pay for what they've done.

I won't ask how you're doing because I already know the answer to that question and it isn't as if your response will reach me soon enough. There is no doubt in my mind you are as well and as strong as the day you left me. You always were. But if you ever find yourself doubting me or yourself just remember that the love between mates never gives up.

We haven't given up hope of reaching you. Doreen has given us some insight to the location of the pack and now that we have gathered enough wolves to fight, we are coming for you and I will not stop unless I am no longer breathing. Have faith in that.

Please understand that I don't write the letter lightly. We are at war now, a war that cannot be stopped until the enemy is dead. In this war, like all wars, there will be injured and casualties. I only ask that do whatever you have to to make sure you are not among them. I couldn't live if you were.

You are half of my soul, keep
safe until I find you again and I WILL FIND YOU.

\-Your mate and Alpha, Samuel Jackson.