You Can't Change Your Mind

Chapter 20

Everyone started clapping and I realized that the funeral was over and Chase was walking on stage. I clapped along, even though my heart was beating out of my chest with what is to come.

"Okay, if all of you would meet around the back of the church in five minutes me and Matthew will be having the battle of the Alpha rank. This will be a fight to the death, I recommend the children and a few moms go to the park across the street. They don't need to see this." With that he nodded and walked off the stage and disappeared.

I looked around me at this huge church. All of the pack members from both packs were in attendance. In total there were probably 300 people here, whoever won was going to have a huge pack!

"Come on." Tucker grabbed my hand and lead me outside along with the rest of the crowd.

My stomach churned, I was shaking with fear. He couldn't get hurt, he just couldn't. Regardless if he loved me anymore or not, he couldn't die.

I watched as he stepped up in front of the crowd, he gave another long speech but I couldn't comprehend the words. I was just too scared for him. Even though I hate Matt I don't want him to die, but Chase can't die. He can't even get hurt! I don't know what I would do if he did.

Matt came out and the fight began. Most times I couldn't even watch, burying my head into Tucker's chest.

They were both in wolf form at this point, and you could tell they were both weakening. Matt wasn't looking so good, but luckily Chase only had a few wounds. Matt lunged at Chase, but Chase was too fast. I closed my eyes and gripped Tucker's arm as I heard a howl of pain, and a crunch. Tears streamed down my face.

I couldn't breath.

Tucker wrapped me up in his arms steadying me. Whispering in my ear.

"He won Lexi, he won. It'll be okay." He whispered over and over slowly calming my tears.

I watched a few pack members take Matt's body away, and in a few ways I felt relieve. He can't hurt me anymore, he can't take the pack away from Chase now.

And Chase didn't die.

I slowly walked over to Chase where he sat on the ground, now shifted and in some shorts. A few people surrounded him making sure he was okay.

His side had a large bandage on it, but that's the only damage I could see.

"Good job Chase." I smiled at him.

"Thank you." He brushed me off easily. I ran after him as he walked away.

"You're alpha now! Of both packs, that so great!" I tried to sound happy for him.

"Please go away, I have things to do." He continued walking without even looking at me. I crumpled to the ground right there behind the church. The grass itched my leg as I sat there, tears silently flowing down my face. I heard footsteps behind and I turned to see Tucker coming up.

"Come here." He held out his arms to me. I grabbed his hand and pulled myself up, launching into his embrace. There was no loud sobbing, just silent tears of pain.

"What do I do Tucker? I love him?" I asked, my eyes closed, leaning into him.

"We will go get your things from his room tonight, you can come stay with me, I'll sleep on the floor. And you'll start school tomorrow with everyone else. You'll continue on with life like the strong girl you are." His chin rested on my head.

I pulled open my eyes to look up at him, "Thank you." I whispered before leaning into him again.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Tucker really, you don't have to sleep on the floor!" I sat on his bed in a t-shirt and sofee shorts.

We had gone and gotten my things from Chase and I'd room earlier without problem. Chase wasn't there making it an easy deal.

"I'm fine Lexi, I promise! I don't want to make this weird for you!" He insisted, adjusting his pillow to avoid eye contact.

"Get in the bed Tucker." I demanded scooching over to one side so that he had room.

Tucker looked up at me. "Get in bed Tucker!" I demanded him again.

"Fine." He muttered grabbing his pillow and crawling into bed.

"Thank you." I rolled my eyes shutting off the bedside lamp.

We layer there in silence for awhile, I was pretty sure he wasn't asleep either. I think both of our minds were just running wild. So much has happened within the last few days. My head is just a jumble of things.

Suddenly a piercing pain shot into my gut. "Ahhhhh!" I screamed out in pain tears ran down my face already. This hurt worse that my first shift. My heart ached, my body burned, I couldn't see or hear anything. My breath was ripped away from me. My body shook with sobs, as I was silently aching.

I finally caught enough breath to talk. "Tucker, help me." I begged so confused as to what's going on. It felt like I was burning alive. Suddenly I felt a tear, and I felt free. The fire dispersed. My heart wasn't heavy anymore, I didn't feel the constant unhappiness of my wolf from not being with Alex.

"Tucker what just happened?" I begged him, clinging to him for dear life. I lay there a sweaty mess with dried tears handing from my chin.

"I think Alex remated with someone else." He whispered running his fingers gently through my hair.

I just curled into him further, "Good, I'm glad he's happy." I breathed out, still catching my breath.

I am really glad for him. I mean it was pretty fast, but at least I don't have to worry anymore. Now he has someone be love and live with. Maybe they will help him to be the man I know he can become.

.

.

.

.

.

.

TUCKER'S POV

I felt her breath fan across my neck, a small shiver ran through my body as I held her in my arms. I had never had a sister before. It made me giddy with joy, I loved her.

How is she so selfless?

How is she happy for the man that rejected her? The man that almost raped her?

How the hell is she standing by Chases side while he's pushing her away?

I'll never understand this beautiful girl, I never will.