Fear

t h i r t e e n ☾ checkout at 12 o'clock

Lachlan

The next week went by uneventful. I finished unpacking the manor, continuing to make small and large changes to it. I met with my new beta Ben Reynolds multiple times, going over finances and rules the old Alpha had set. Most of them seemed way too controlling and a weapon to fuel his ego, so I got rid of them all and instilled new ones.

No liars. No thief's. No stealing mates. Seemed simple enough, I thought.

I also visited Margot multiple times. She never told me I couldn't. I liked visiting her at the dance studio. She always went late at night, I could tell as my heart would beat a little bit harder in unnecessary times. I think it was our connection trying to talk to me, trying to give me hints. And during the time I spent with her, I noticed her heart beat would raise at three things; my voice, mentions of her past, and dancing.

Watching her dance was something I would never get tired of. The world could be crumbling and I would be stuck in the same trance I find myself in when I watch her, that only breaks when she stops. I hope she never stops. I give her little hints that I was there, like lightly tapping the window. I wonder if she noticed them, if she knew they were from me.

I thought about her constantly. When I woke up, worked out, in meetings, before bed, and everything between that. Had I known this is what it would be like, I would have held off meeting her. Just for a couple months until I got my pack running the way I wanted it to be. Until I established my presence to the other lycan's out there, or any alpha who may try to challenge my strength.

Would texting her cross a line? She didn't say completely cut off communication.

Good god, was I a love-sick fool? My fingers paused over the message I was close to sending her; the image of two sloths cuddling on a tree. Holy fuck, I was.

I delete the text, and instead call Ben.

"Hey, Lachlan, what's up?" He answered casually.

"Did you ever find where the mutt who previously lived here retreated to? I want to keep track of him, he could be dangerous." I tell him.

He laughs, "I'm sure you have nothing to be scared of. He'd have to have the IQ of a bug to attempt doing anything. Besides, he was humiliated when he accepted your challenge for his spot and lost it."

"I'm only scared because I have more to lose other than myself, Ben. I live in comfort knowing I could die tomorrow, but I have a mate now, and people to protect." I say.

"I'll pull up his records and current place of residence, and get back to you."

"Thanks."

The line clicks. I lied to myself, and him. Sure, just two weeks ago I lived with that comfort. Just two weeks ago I could walk into an already lost battle, much like Marcus Goldner had. I could walk in knowing there was a strong possibility I wouldn't walk, or even crawl, out. But now? Now, I was afraid to die. I was afraid of dying without having fully gotten to know, or love, Margot.

Margot

On the second week of my break from Lachlan, I decided to cut ties. My chest pounded as I stood in front of the grand doors, breaking the promise I made to never again face them, the last time I had been here. But I had too. She didn't deserve my farewell, but my father did. He deserved to know why he may never see his daughter again.

I knock twice, my ribcage feeling like it was crushing my heart so she couldn't. I wonder if Lachlan could feel it. I remember once he said he could feel my hurt. Was he worried?

Moments later the door opens, revealing my childhood nanny.

"Margot Grace, is that you?" She says in disbelief. She puts her hands to her mouth, gasping.