Chapter 478

Chapter 0478

“But,” Patrick puts his hands on my shoulders, “that doesn’t mean that I can’t keep a closer eye on both her and Aaron. And I can ensure that you continue to train with her every day.”

It’s as good as I’m going to get for now. Unless Lily’s father does something drastic, I’ll have to wait until Lily turns 18.

I take a few more deep breaths and finally pull Donovan back. I’m restless and can’t sleep all night. I just want to be done with this and get back to check on Lily.

In the morning, I text her. She says she’s still sore but doing better. That’s all I have time for before we head out.

It’s late in the afternoon when we finally catch up to the rogues. Donovan and I are ready to go for the kill, needing something to burn off our anger. The battle doesn’t take longer than an hour. Unfortunately, we have some injured and most everyone is exhausted after running all day before the fight, so they decide to pitch their tents and sleep in the forest again.

As soon as possible, I check my phone. I have one text from Lily, sent hours ago.

Mate: Hey Clint. Just checking in.

Me: Hey Lily bud. How are things? What are you doing while your father completes his business with Alpha Mahli?

I wait and wait and wait some more. There is no response.

Anders brings some food over, but I barely touch it. I need to know she’s okay.

It’s hours later before I finally get a response. When I do, it’s not exactly what I was hoping for, but at least I heard from her.

Mate: Hey Clint, sorry it’s so late. Uh, this whole trip has been weird. We can talk more when you’re back. Will you be back tomorrow for our date?

Me: Lily, you can call or text me any time of the day or night. I’ll always answer. And yes, we will be back tomorrow, but not until late. Don’t tell your dad that, though. Are you still leaving early in the morning to go home?

Mate: Yes, that is the plan. I’m very tired. I going to go to bed. I’ll see you

tomorrow.

Me: Okay Lily. I’ll check in first thing in the morning and let you know when I’m back home.

1/2

+25 BONUS

Mate: Goodnight Clint.

Me: Goodnight, Lily bud.

That night I barely slept again. I was anxious to get to back to Lily. In the morning, I texted her, but I didn’t get a response before we took off for home.

I pushed our group, forcing them to run faster, even after Patrick and Anders told me I needed to slow down. I didn’t care, I needed to see her.

When we get back to the packhouse, I don’t bother shifting until I am at the door to my room. I walk in, dumping my bag upside down on the bed and grab my phone before walking into the bathroom to turn on the water.

Me: Hey Lily bud. We just got back. Are you home?

I didn’t get an answer, but I turned up the volume in case she texted me while I was in the shower. I quickly bathed and washed the dirt and grime out of my hair and off my body before getting out and checking my phone, just in case I didn’t hear it go off. Nothing.

I wrap the towel around my waist and walk into my room when I hear a frantic knock at my door. I walk over and before I open it, I can smell her scent of orange and ginger and I’m smiling as I open the door.

The smile on my face drops immediately when I see the look of complete despair on hers.

I pull her into the room, closing the door. “Lily? Are you okay? Did that Alpha hurt you?” I say the last part in growl. Donovan is threatening to kill the Alpha i he hurt our mate. Her back is to me, and her head is hanging down.

“Clint.” She says in a whisper. “I need your help.”

She turns and when she looks at me, I gasp in shock.

Cooper