Denied by Destiny: Trapped in the Shadows of the Mate Bond

- Cleo -

I spent the night asleep on the side of the road.

It must have been easily 2am or 3am when I left the Red Thorn pack, I hadn't thought past getting away from Mum. Hadn't even realised what time it was...I just knew I had to leave.

I pulled the car over when anger started to turn into hurt...my vision becoming blurry with tears and my breathing getting laboured from my sobs.

I just needed to sleep, I didn't care that I was alone, by the side of a road. I was exhausted.

I lowered the car seat down, laying back and curling up into a ball...crying myself to sleep.

There was something therapeutic about crying myself to sleep...something I hadn't done in a long time.

It means I have woken up stronger, more focused...it was now just me and bump.

I was startled awake by a female police officer who gently tapped on the car window before moving me along.

I guess Jaxon's car wasn't the type to be sat by the side of the road all night without raising suspicion.

The main problem, other than walking out on everything I've ever know, I didn't actually know where to go.

I couldn't go back, I won't go back.

I love my parents, there was no doubt about that, but my childhood wasn't without its challenges.

Do I want to raise a child in a home environment where some days I would be guessing Mum's behaviour still, and worrying about how she would be around a baby.

I've managed to find a petrol station that has a self serve coffee machine and pastries for breakfast. I didn't actually eat very much last night, my stomach calling out to be fed.

My phone is in my hand, numerous missed calls and text messages from Dad, Ares...even Mum, but also Jaxon.

him, and I hadn't told him I was home...I

at the Dark Phantom pack right now, I can't.

had Jace betrayed his mate, but I had betrayed my best friend. Someone who

phone's inbox. Could he help me? Do I

tone makes me immediately regret calling him. It was early, and a Sunday

and I lower the phone down to make sure it has r

can hear him move the phone away from his ear, a swooshing noise as I guess he checks the caller

did I wake

but that's okay. I thought it was

woken him and trying to make general conversation

okay?" Genuine concern is laced within

"Erm..."

"Cleo?"

would appear I am without a pack." The words taste bitter as

are you?" A growl vibrates through the earpiece on the phone, shaking me to my

"At a petrol station."

one, I'm coming to get

I'm not in

to the

on my part, was this such a

"Please, I'm worried..."

believable but as I move my hand to my lip, I notice the trembling movement. I wasn't fine, I was a mess. "You are alone,

He had a point.

if things weren't so dire that

I can check on your welfare....and the

lip, at least it will give me time to

the Amber Desert gates before I know it, an