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.

his car back to him, and I hadn't told him I was home...I didn't really get the chance before I was

Dark Phantom pack right now, I can't. It wasn't just

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

hover over an unsaved number, his text messages still in my phone's inbox. Could he help me? Do I want him to help me? Before I

It was early, and

phone down to

the phone away from his ear,

did I

that's okay. I thought it was

I feel awkward knowing I had woken him and trying to make general conversation with him. I needed

Are you okay?" Genuine concern is

"Erm..."

"Cleo?"

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

you?" A growl vibrates through the earpiece on

"At a petrol station."

I'm coming to get

I'm not in any

over to

my part,

"Please, I'm worried..."

my hand to my lip, I notice the trembling movement. I wasn't fine, I was a mess. "You are alone, and you sound upset otherwise...and let's be honest you wouldn't

He had a point.

wouldn't have even considered calling him if things weren't

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

at least it will give me

at the Amber Desert gates before I know it, an ominous sensation washing over