Chapter 29

Octavia:

December Second.

It was like a wall had finally come down. He had broken it down just to show me, to share it with me. The moment those ocean blue eyes looked up at me I could see it all. The pain, the hurt, the fear, the anger thats always been there and the love I've always struggled to see. He opened it all up to me. My heart broke for him the moment our eyes connected, my eyes betrayed me as the tears spilled past them. I wanted to comfort him so badly and instead he comforted me. I didn't know what to say or do, but to hold him and apologize. Apologize for something I didn't do and for something he had no control over. I laid on him all night, holding onto him and wishing he had never gone through something so horrible.

I don't remember falling asleep, but I knew that I didn't dare to let go of him.

As I stare at him now its hard to picture him as a child. A sweet and innocent child. His strong features were still sharp as he slept peacefully. He breathed calmly, the rise and fall of his chest allowing me to relax further into the blankets and pillows. Unconsciously I reach out for his smooth face. So peaceful, my fingers run across the space in between his brows where a line would appear every time he furrowed them in concentration or anger.

I run my thumb across his smooth lips, daring to place a small kiss on them. I do. It was so light my lips barely touched his, but it was enough to make his eyes flutter. Those eyes stare back at me and a small smile graces his lips. I return it of course.

"Good morning." I whisper out to him. Although it felt good to be laying here by his side, the sight behind him made my heart sink in my chest. I look past him as the daunting white flakes fall down upon the earth. It didn't seem to be sticking to the trees or the ground but it still made me nervous.

His hand reaches for me, tucking my lose hair behind my ear as he plants a kiss on my lips making me feel ten times better already. "How'd you sleep?" He asks me, pulling the blankets up higher around my shoulders and pulling me closer to him.

"I think I should be asking you that question."

"I wasn't the one who cried last night so, no you shouldn't be asking me that question."

"I slept fine, no dreams or nightmares." I prop myself up on my elbow and look down at him. I don't think I'll ever get tired of just looking at him. Ever. "What about you?"

"It was great, because I had you here with me." He lifts himself up and push his large hands into my hair, tugging me closer to him and connecting his lips to mine. I hum in delight just as he pulls away from me. "I adore you, Octavia."

A shiver climbs its way up my spine as my name rolls off of his tongue.

My lips part to form words but before I could even let out a whisper my stomach growls loudly. I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks as I immediately reach for my stomach, willing it to be quiet. Ajax chuckles lightly before beginning to remove the blankets from his body. Just as he's about climb out of bed I grab onto his arm, pulling slightly.

"No," I whine and pout, putting on my best puppy dog eyes once he looks back at me. "Please stay in bed with me." I was taken aback at how needy I sounded just then. It's like it wasn't in control though. My body was screaming for him more and more everyday. I longed to be next to him constantly and it was a becoming insufferable.

"Octavia, it's snowing outside." His once peaceful face is quickly washed over with worry. "We have a lot of preparing to do today. It wont be long before the snow starts to stick."

I release my hold on him reluctantly. A heavy sigh escapes his lungs as he turns and makes his way  into the bathroom. I roll over in the large bed, shoving my face into the plush pillow. How did my life become so complicated? Why is this all happening to me? I just wanted a passionate love, instead I'm falling for a man who only just opened up to me a few days ago. His dark past makes my heartache, but I still feel as though I don't know him that well.

The worst part is, I may not even get the chance to get know him the way that I want to. As fate may have it, I could die tonight... a lot of us could lose our lives tonight.

Pushing those dark thoughts to the back of my head I pull myself out of Ajax's bed. I hadn't really planned on doing much today, but apparently there is still so much to do. What exactly? I don't know. Alpha duties I guess.

Ajax:

I slip on my black jeans along with a matching long sleeved shirt, with a pair of boots that can withstand the snow. I was never a fan of the white fluff that just began to stick to the trees and grass.

As a child it always meant that I wasn't permitted to go outside. My mother would follow the example of all the others and keep the children inside to keep warm, but our home was cold and empty, never warm. Snow just meant spending more time with my abusive father and crazed mother. The mark did something to her I've never seen before. She had done everything and anything my father asked of her, it was as if it was her life mission to please him every second of the day. I never understood it, even now that I have a mate. Yes, I have these unexplainable feelings for her and I want her to be her happiest whenever possible, but my mother took that feeling to the extreme.

A shiver racks its way down spine at the thought of her frail body hanging from the ceiling fan. She had done it for him. For the man who was supposed to be my father. She left a note, it was a crumpled piece of paper with three words on it. She had snuck underneath my pillow and I hadn't  found it until two days after her death.

I had too.

That's all it said. She loved him more than me, something I will never be able to understand. I sigh heavily and I try to shake away the weight that began to dawn upon my shoulders. Because of me the life of my mate rest in my hands along with the hundreds of warriors who are putting their life on the line for their Luna. It's all my fault.

A low growl rips through my chest as I punch the wall angrily, putting a hole through it. I could feel the heat rise and my body start to shake, my wolf threatening to break through. I hate this. I hate that all of this is happening and none of it is in my control.

I stalk out of the closet, my anger still evident, and make my way down to the first level of my home where Samuel promised to meet me in five minutes. We have a lot to discuss and I don't want to waste anytime.

Pacing the length of the foyer I run my hands through my hair nervously as I go over battle strategies in my head. The west and east borders are the ones that need the most reinforcements. All the children, elderly and those not yet fully trained in combat need to be escorted to the bunker out in the woods as soon as possible.

Settling against the wall I focus my hearing up to Octavia's room. I can hear her shuffling around her room, the opening and closing of a door before the shower turns on. I doubt she will agree to going to the bunker with rest of the wolves who aren't fighting. She will want to be out there, in the middle of the battlefield... But that is exactly what I don't want her to do.

A series of knocks at the front door yank me from my thoughts. I push myself off the wall and open the large oak door to reveal Sam and Cynthia.

"Alpha," Cynthia beams as she bows her head in respect. "If you don't mind I thought it would a good idea to keep Luna Octavia company."

I nod once, not having any problem with her being here. Although her chirpy smile and attitude made me uneasy. We're gearing up to go to battle and she is as happy as ever. I step aside and allow both of them to enter. Sam rolls his eyes as his younger sister practically skips up the steps and over to Octavia's room.

"Why is she so happy? Doesn't she know what's going on?" I ask my anger building up inside of me once again. My hands begin to shake slightly and I immediately shove them into my pockets. I shove the anger down and nearly choke on it. What is going on with me today? I can barely control my emotions.

"I have no idea, but she's been driving me insane all morning. I'm glad she's off of my back." Sam's face was serious and his shoulders tense. It was so unlike him, he's usually so laid back and care free.

"Come on, man. Let's get this over with so that we can start taking people over to the bunker." I head up the stairs and into my office.

We talked territory lines for a while and a bit about battle strategy, but that is more of Weston's department. He's working with a few trainees who only have one more lesson until they complete their training. We need all the warriors we can get. We sat in my office for a long time, nothing but stressed filled sighs and angry grunting came out of me as we tried to figure out how to best escape this situation with the least amount of casualties.

"Take Marcus and whomever you deem fit and trustworthy to go with you and make sure the bunker is stocked and ready. Then I want those who won't be participating in battle moved over there in intervals of fifty. Let's not make a big fuss out of this. It's just a precaution."

Samuel nods as he begins to rise from his seat in front of me. Light foot steps down the hall catch both of our attention. The smell of vanilla and coconut calms me and I sigh, my tense shoulders relaxing. I call for her to come in the moment her knuckles tap the door.

Her big forest green eyes scan the room quickly. She greets Samuel with a hug and I clear my throat quickly. My wolf stirred inside of me, the thought of her touching any other man upsets him. He's acting so strange today.

"I will return with updates." Samuel says before bowing his head respectfully and exiting the room.

"What can I help you with?" I say refusing to look at her. I gather all the papers in my desk and sort them neatly into different piles before beginning to file them away. She smelled fresh and clean and was dressed in a pair of athletic leggings that hugged her figure a little too well.

"Cynthia and I are probably just going to stick around here for a while, so is it necessary to have that many bodyguard around?" Her voice was light and held a sense of nervousness. I look up at her, shocked. She of all people knew what could take place today and she's questioning why she has so much security?

"Octavia, they are there for your security and I'm sure they aren't really bothering you. So, if you'll excuse me I have to meet Weston in a few minutes." I roll up the map of the pack lands and put it away under my desk. I glance at my watch as I stand, getting ready to go.

"They could be doing much more useful things though. I don't need protection inside my own home, besides it's not like I'm going to be alone. Cynthia will be with me at all times I-"

"No!" I slam my hands down on the desk in anger. I could see her jump slightly but I still refuse to look right at her. "If something were to happen to you I would never forgive myself."

"What do you think will happen? It's not like Jalex can just cross the territory lines and waltz into our home without anyone noticing or you being informed." She was becoming frustrated as her hands clenched into fist at her sides.

"I fucking said no." I growl out finally looking up at her. Her brows furrowed in anger over  her vibrant green eyes. Her arms cross over her chest. She looked like a stubborn child.

I move around my desk and stand in front of her. There was barely an inch of space between us as I look down at her. I grasp her chin forcing her to look up at me. Anger consumed me and I tug a bit harshly pulling her face closer to mine and forcing her onto the tips of her toes. "If you fucking disobey me and find away to get rid of the guards I will lock you away until this shit show is over." I release her face and stalk past her and out of my office.

She mumbled something as I left, but all I could see is red. Red, red, red. I wanted to punch something or someone. I take a deep breath trying to calm myself and my nerves but it was really no use. I still felt extremely agitated. Whatever is going on with me I just hope it sticks around for when the battle comes. I'm going to rip that son of a bitch into a million pieces for even daring to think of me and my mate.

Octavia:

"So, if you don't mind me asking why haven't you two mated yet?" Cynthia asks as she digs through some old family photos that were tucked away in my closet. She seemed really interested in my life and what it was like before I got here. She probably asked fifty questions about my father alone and now she's obsessing over my non existent sex life with Ajax.

He seemed really pissy today and it was really starting to irk me. We're all frustrated and scared, what gives him the right to take it out on the rest of us? I roll my eyes and flip over laying flat on my stomach. I don't bother to respond to Cynthia, hoping she forgets that she even asked me a question in the first place... she doesn't.

"Well?"

"Cynthia, I don't know. We're just not there yet." I huff angrily. My hands started to shake slightly as my wolf stirred in anger. What the hell? I clench my fist trying to shove her away, but she only pushes back harder trying to gain control. My whole body begins to shake as a wave of heat consumes me, causing a scream to escape my lungs.

"Are you okay?" Cynthia rushes over to me, lifting me off of the bed and helping me to stand.

I shake my head "no" as I clench my teeth, trying to refrain from letting out another cry of pain. My head began to hurt, it felt as though my brain was pulsing and pressing up against my skull harshly. My wolf, she's angry. I could feel her beating and tearing at the walls inside my head, trying to gain control.

"Wait here, I'll be back." Cynthia says, propping me up against the wall before disappearing. I reach out for her, not wanting to be alone but she ignored my plea for help and made a quick exit through the door.

I lean my head back against the wall. A thin layer of sweat began to coat my body and my heart thumped  loudly in my chest, all I could hear was the pumping of my blood in my ears. Where is Ajax? I force my eyes open and look all around the room, but he's not here.

I wave of nausea hits and I groan as my mouth generates more salvia. I begin to shake my head, please don't throw up. Please don't throw up. I lurch forward violently as the bile rises in my throat with the contents of my stomach, pouring out onto the floor besides me. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand lazily. Fuck.

It felt like forever before Cynthia finally came back.

"Come on." She grunts lightly while lifting me up from the floor. There was someone behind her that I couldn't quite make out. It must be a guard who's here to help.

"My head is going to explode." I whine trying to massage my temples. Cynthia swats away my hands and passes me over to the large man who picks me up bridal style.

"You're going to be just fine." Cynthia laughs. What the hell? Why is she laughing? I dont find this situation funny at all. What is happening to me?

My vision begins to fail me, everything seemed blurry and the bright lights in the hallway made my head hurt even more. I squint desperate to try and see anything, but it is no use. I groan again and grasp onto the man tightly as another wave of nausea hits. If I throw up on this guard I'm going to be so freaking embarrassed.

The cool wind hits my cheeks, automatically making me feel better. Why are we outside? The snow flakes melt immediately against my hot skin and I wish they would do more to help lower my temperature.

"Are you taking me to the pack doctor?" I question rather loudly. I could barely hear myself with the noise of my heartbeat in my hears.

Cynthia mumbles something before I'm dropped onto the floor rather violently. I gasp for air, once my body hits the ground. What the fuck? I try to prop myself up and look around. The ground was covered lightly in snow and the naked trees blew harshly in the wind. Why are we in the woods?

A large hand grabs me roughly before I'm gagged with a piece of cloth an a pair of shiny silver hand cuffs are strapped onto my wrist. I finally get a good look at the man as he lifts me off the ground. His head was shiny and bald, a large pink scar ran the length of his face giving him a mean look, but his chocolate brown eyes seemed soft. I could be wrong though. What I do know is he is not one of guards. We are moving again, going further and further into the forest.

I struggle and push against him as reality sets in. I'm being kidnapped. Was I drugged? Is that why I feel this way? My head begins to pound even harder. I kick and scream, but of course it is muddled by the piece of cloth. I think back and try to recall anything that I ate or took that could have been drugged, nothing comes to mind.

Tears spill past my eyes as I search my surroundings. Where is Cynthia? Is she apart of this? Is she the mole? Is that how Siren could get in and out of the territory without anyone seeing? All these burning questions did nothing to help this painful ache in my head.

I'm dropped to the floor once more and his large hand comes up to cover my already gagged mouth. We're hidden behind a tree and just by my surroundings I could tell we we're near the border. Where are my guards? What did Cynthia do with them? Ajax is going to kill of me for being so naive. None of us even saw it coming. There was a few minutes of silence before Cynthia creeped over to us.

"The coast is clear. Let's get her out of here before the big man has our heads." She says this with a playful smirk and I could feel the anger in my stomach grow. How could she betray us like that? Her pack. Her family. I dig down deep searching for my wolf, needing her strength but the silver cuffs around my wrist made that difficult. I could feel them burning and itching as they rubbed up against my exposed skin.

The burly man barely even huffs as he lifts me again, this time throwing me over his shoulder and running. More tears spilled as we crossed the territory lines. It felt like they ran for miles before I was back on the ground. I try to calm myself and take deep breaths, but I couldn't. How is all this stupid crap happening to me? Me of all people?

I shake away my thoughts and try to ease my nerves. How can I get out of this? Ajax is smart. He'll track my scent and find me. I know he will. He must know that I'm gone by now.

Cynthia disappears behind another tree before reappearing with a duffle bag. She drops it beside me and kneels as she unzip the army green colored bag. She pulls out two bottles of alcohol and a thick jacket.

What the hell? Are they celebrating already? I think it is a little too soon to be counting all their eggs.

"Ted." Cynthia calls over to the man. The burly man turns just in time to catch the bottle.

He twists the cap off with ease and takes a swig before stalking over to me. My brows furrow together and I try to scoot away as his large figure dawns upon me. He quickly tosses the content of the bottle all over me, causing me to gasp and nearly choke on my own saliva.

Cynthia follows suit and douses me in another bottle of vodka.

"Sorry girly, we gotta do what we gotta do." She giggles as she begins to unlock one of the hand cuffs.

Before I could even think of punching her in her stupid face Ted grabs ahold of my arm keeping me still as Cynthia shoves me into the jacket. It smelled of honey and graham crackers. It was nice but strange. I clench my jaw in anger as it dawns upon me... they're covering my scent.

"Alrighty," Cynthia smiles as she leans in close to get a whiff of me. "That's much better."

I lurch forward angrily, growling. I want to rip her throat out and eat her alive. My head aches more and I squint my eyes shut willing the pain to go away, but it doesn't. I take in a deep breath and try to scoot away from her, to get onto my feet and run.

Ted, grabs my arm quickly pulling me up to my feet as if I weighed nothing.

"Enough games. Pack up. Boss wants us back as soon as possible." His voice was rough and mean, just how I expected it to be.

"Get it over with then." Cynthia sneers as she shoves the bottles of alcohol back into the bag.

What is she talking about?

A small scream tries to escape my lips as I'm shoved up against a tree harshly. My eyes grow wide as Ted raises his extremely large fist and it comes crashing down onto my face.

"Now thats what I'm talking about!" Was the last thing I heard before there was a sharp prick at my neck and a darkness consumed me.

"Did you have to bruise such a pretty face?" A dark chuckle echoes around the room as a light hand sweeps across my chin. The pounding in my head heightens at the sound of heavy chains being dragged across the room.

My eyelids feel heavy as I try to push them open, but they wont budge. I'm consumed in the darkness. My ankles feel heavy as cool metal clasps around them and my wrists. My chest burns as I struggle to take in the slightest breath. Why am I struggling so hard to breath? Where am I?

"Ajax?" Where's Ajax? A groan escapes my dry lips as I try to lift my heavy foggy head.

"Shh," A velvet like voice whispers. "You won't be needing him anymore."

I push my eyes open, forcing them. I need to get out of here.

Blue. Ice cold blue.

I was hoping and praying for his unpredictable ocean blue eyes... Instead I received the ice burg that sunk the entire titanic.

Hello my little ghost readers!! Yes I finally finished another chapter and I'm so beyond excited!

The thing that really pushed / motivated me to finish this was the fact the my story finally got its first ranking!!! Forcefully Mated to Him is officially at #88 on the evil list or whatever and that just really made me happy.

So thank you to everyone for reading and getting this story to over 6K reads. I appreciate it and it would be great if y'all commented every once and a while so I can thank you and appreciate all you cuties.

I hoped you enjoyed!