Phoenix

Chapter 12

Bethany's POV:

 The next day, I awoke to my sister shaking me urgently. I yawned, groaning and rubbing my eyes. "Lori, what's wrong? I don't have dance class today...."

 "It's Darnell." she spoke quickly. 

 I was instantly snapped awake. I looked at my sister, who was wide-eyed, panicked, and worried. "What about, Darnell?" I asked, sitting up quickly.

 "He's gone!"

 It took a few seconds to register in my mind. I stared at her. No....He wouldn't leave....Right...? He wouldn't just leave me....Right....?

 "No....Please, Loraina...Please tell me you're lying!" I pleaded, scrambling out of bed. I held her by her shoulders.

 "I'm sorry....I've looked all over the pack house. I looked outside even! But he isn't here..."

 I shook my head. I didn't want to believe her. "No....No....He wouldn't leave me! He-he couldn't!" I ran out of the room, Loraina calling after me as she followed close behind. I swung open Darnell's bedroom door, only to see no one in there. I slowly walked in. "Darnell....Darnell, please, this isn't funny!" I called. 

 By this time, Marcus and Cassie had hurried up. They looked confused and concerned. Cassie looked half-asleep, actually.

 "Darnell...." I breathed heavily as I started to cry, sinking down to the floor. 

 "Beth!" Loraina hurried over and took my in her arms. Marcus hurried over and knelt down beside us, putting his arms around me. 

 "Aunt Beth....?" Cassie's concerned voice reached my ears.

 "Aunt Beth is really upset right now, sweetie...Do you want to hug her and make her feel better?" Lori asked.

 "Yes!" Before I knew it, Cassie was hugging me too. But even my sweet little niece couldn't comfort me. I just cried in my family's embrace, my wolf howling in despair. One thing registered clear in my mind.

 My mate was gone....My mate had just left me....There wasn't even a note.....He just left me without saying goodbye....

 Loraina's POV:

 I explained everything to Marcus through the mind-link as we comforted my sister. I could feel my mate's anger against Darnell rise in our bond. I was trying to calm my mate and comfort my heart broken sister at the same time. Not an easy job.

 I could feel my heart break for Bethany. Questions raced through my mind. How could Darnell leave just like that without even a goodbye?? Why did he leave?? He seemed so happy yesterday when he was with Bethany...

 For most of the day, Bethany didn't come out of Darnell's room. She sat on the bed, looking at a picture I'd taken of her and Darnell. Sometimes, she just lay there, crying and pleading for him to come back.

 I was sitting in Marcus' office, trying to do some paperwork. But I couldn't focus. My mind lingered constantly on my little sister and her mate. Suddenly, a pair of arms pulled me from my thoughts, as they wrapped around me. I looked up to see Marcus looking at me. He leaned down and kissed me tenderly.

 "She's strong, honey...She'll get through this..." Marcus whispered. 

 I shook my head. "Will she...? She's never gone through this before....And-and why would her mate just leave without saying anything??"

Marcus sighed as he sat down in front of me, taking my hands in his. "I don't know, Lori....But I do know, that Bethany is the sister of the strongest woman I know. She wasn't rejected. I know she'll be ok..." 

 I smiled gratefully at Marcus. "What did I ever do to deserve you...?"

 Marcus chuckled. "I know. I'm pretty great, huh?" he joked, flexing his muscles. 

 I rolled my eyes and laughed. "Ok, you just ruined it." I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled. "I love you, Marc..."

 "I love you too, Lori..." he smiled back at me.