Chapter Nineteen

ELLIE

As Seth and I neared Clayton’s office, my heart pounded like a drum in my chest.

Seth’s arm was snug around me, his warmth seeping into my skin. But it didn’t do much to calm the fear that was slowly creeping up my spine.

He seemed to sense my unease, tilting his head to whisper in my ear.

“Everything’s going to be fine, Ellie,” he said softly. “They’re just worried, that’s all.”

I nodded, but didn’t say anything. No matter how much he tried to reassure me, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things wouldn’t be “fine.”

They were going to be disappointed in me.

When we got to the door, Seth knocked lightly and pushed it open without waiting for Clayton’s permission.

It wasn’t surprising. I doubted Clayton was expecting anyone else this early in the morning.

As Seth opened the door, he let go of my waist. His hand moved to my shoulder, gently guiding me into the room. I walked in, my gaze fixed on the floor.

I risked a quick glance at Dad and Clayton, immediately wishing I hadn’t.

I was expecting to see disappointment and anger, despite Seth’s reassurances. But instead, I saw sadness in Dad’s eyes and pity in Clayton’s.

I didn’t want to make Dad sad, and I certainly didn’t want anyone’s pity. I was perfectly capable of feeling sorry for myself.

I took a deep breath.

“I’m sorry,” I mumbled, my eyes back on the floor.

“No, Ellie. No,” Dad started. “You have nothing to apologize for.”

I looked up at him, tears welling in my eyes.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. A lecture, maybe. Or some kind of punishment. But not this.

It’s always harder when you know you’ve messed up, but people are still kind to you.

Dad walked over to me, his arms open.

“Come here, pickle,” he said, his voice shaky.

Seth let go of my shoulder, and I ran into Dad’s open arms.

He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

A sob slipped out.

“I’m so sorry, Ellie,” he whispered. “I should have seen it. I should have been there for you.”

I felt another hand on my head.

Looking up, I saw Clayton standing there.

He gave me a soft smile.

“I’m sorry too. I should have made sure you were alright. I am your Alpha, after all.”

Clayton sighed.

“Just promise me you won’t run off again? If things get too much, you need to tell someone. Your dad, me, or Seth.”

A tear slipped down my cheek. I should have known that they cared. This pack, these people, they were my family.

I nodded slightly.

“Good,” Clayton said. “Now, I think you and your dad should go home and get some rest.”

Dad released me, then put an arm around my shoulder. He gently led me toward the door.

Before we got there, Seth stepped forward.

“Wait. There’s something I need to discuss with both of you,” he said, his gaze shifting between the two men.

Clayton sighed.

“If it’s not about security or the threat at our border, it’ll have to wait. It’s been a long night.”

Seth looked at me, then back at Clayton.

“It’s not, but it can’t wait.”

Clayton rolled his eyes and let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright.”

He gestured toward the couch.

Dad guided me to the couch, his arm still around my shoulder. It stayed there as we sat down.

Seth sat down next to me, so I was sandwiched between them.

Seth’s hand rested lightly on my thigh. I felt my cheeks heat up. It was different when it was just us, but with Dad and Clayton in the room, it felt strange.

Seth looked up at Clayton, who was standing in front of us with a puzzled look on his face.

“Alpha,” Seth started, “I would like to formally request permission to take Ellie as my mate.”

I felt Dad squeeze my shoulder a little tighter, a slight frown on his face. Clayton looked between the three of us, then his gaze settled on me.

“Is this what you want, Ellie?” he asked.

I swallowed nervously, then nodded.

“I feel…”

I hesitated. It was hard to put into words how I felt.

“Like we belong together.”

Seth looked at me and smiled, then looked back up at Clayton.

“I think we might be second-chance mates. Ellie probably doesn’t feel the full pull because her wolf is…,” he paused and gave my leg a gentle squeeze, “Dormant.”

I furrowed my brow and looked at Seth. He smiled.

“Like I told you before, Ellie. Your wolf hasn’t left, she’s just…” he frowned, “hibernating, like a bear in winter. Once she’s healed, I’m sure she’ll come back.”

I sighed. Of all the things Seth had told me, I believed most of them. But my wolf returning? I didn’t think that was going to happen.

Clayton nodded, then looked at Dad.

“Gabriel?” he asked.

I looked at my dad hopefully. What if he didn’t approve? He seemed to like Seth when there was a chance he was my fated mate, but this was different.

I saw the serious look on his face.

I let out a breath when he finally nodded.

“If it’s what Ellie wants?”

He paused and looked at me, his expression serious.

“Once the decision is made, there’s no going back, Ellie. This is a lifetime commitment.”

I swallowed nervously.

“I know,” I whispered.

I looked at Seth, then back at Dad.

“It’s what I want.”

Dad’s eyes flashed black. He was mind-linking someone. Either Clayton or Seth. Maybe both.

I couldn't stand it when he did that. It used to scare me when I was a kid. Now, it just annoyed me because it meant they were discussing something they didn't want me to know.

“Dad?” I muttered.

His eyes shifted back to their usual blue, and he flashed a smile.

“Alright, kiddo, let’s get you home and tucked in. Tomorrow, you need to swing by the hospital.”

I scrunched up my face.

“Why?”

Clayton let out a chuckle.

“Because you can’t return to training until the doctor gives you the green light. That’s what you want, right?”

I glanced at Seth. He was smiling, nodding gently.

“Is that what you guys were mind-linking about?”

Clayton rolled his eyes. “You always dodge a question by throwing another one, don’t you?”

I couldn't help but grin.

“Yes, I want to get back to training.”

Clayton nodded.

“Good. As long as you’re on the mend, you can start some light training. Now, do as you're told and get some sleep. I’ll start planning the ceremony in the morning.

The timing isn’t ideal, with enemies at our doorstep, but they're probably in chaos right now.”

My heart tightened. He didn’t have to spell it out. The crescent moon pack had lost their Alpha because I had taken him down.

Dad gave my shoulder a comforting squeeze.

“Let’s go, you have some big days coming up. You need your rest.”

Before I could get up from the couch, Seth took my hand and kissed my knuckles.

“Sleep well, Ellie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I smiled, feeling that warm sensation wrap around me again.

“Goodnight,” I murmured.

Dad guided me towards the door, his arm gently encircling me.

Everything had happened so fast. I wondered what was going through his mind.

“You’re not mad, are you?” I asked as we walked home, my voice barely a whisper.

He looked down at me, smiling, and shook his head.

“If I have to lose you, I’d rather it be to someone like Seth, not the lake,” he teased gently.

I smiled back.

“You won’t lose me. You’ll always be my dad.”

He softly kissed the top of my head.

“That’s one thing you can always count on, kiddo.”