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Chapter Twenty Three
Those perfectly mesmerising, electric blue eyes focused on me with an intensity that sent a thrill down my spine and caused my heart to race in my chest.
Breathing deeply I was caught up in an intoxicating scent that wrapped itself around me and I instantly knew it was from Mason. It wasn't his usual woodsy, masculine scent, this was more... sweet. Like sweet cinnamon.
Running my tongue across my upper lip, I fought the moan of pleasure that was urging its way out of my throat. The mouth watering scent laced around my tongue and settled on my lips. With the deathly silence that captured the room, I caught the slight spike in Mason's heart beat. That alone caused my stomach to tighten. My wolf delighted in the new sensations that swept over her.
As if snapping out of a trance, Mason looked away from me, breaking our eye contact and turned his intense, hooded gaze into a glare when his eyes landed on Jude.
"Why her?" His words were low, but his tone wasn't one to be taken lightly. In fact, had I been on the receiving end of his glare and words I was pretty sure I would have sunk to my knees and cowered in a corner.
Jude's jaw clenched. "I needed help." I didn't need to be a genius to figure out they were talking about me.
They both kept silent, but the air was thick with tension and I couldn't help but wonder what wasn't being said between them. And even though I knew it was stupid to break the silence, I couldn't stop my mouth running away from me.
"Haven't you guys got a doctor?" It wasn't the best thing to say, but it was the first thing that came to mind. My voice was so quiet I wasn't sure they would hear it, but after a second both pairs of eyes turned towards me. They did have a doctor, right? I mean, every pack had a doctor, even the small ones like us.
Jude wasn't giving anything away, so I voiced my question again only this time I directed it solely at Mason. "Yeah," He answered, not taking his piercing glare off Jude. "Pretty dumb move not to call her." He shook his head slightly as if he was disappointed, but there was something else there, something behind the obvious fake disappointment. A glint was in his eye, almost like amusement. Why was he being like this?
I kept my distance from the guys. Mason didn't have much self control when it came to his anger and I was pretty sure, if the heaviness of his breathing and his clenched fists was anything to go by, Jude wouldn't hold back either. My eyes scanned the dimply lit room. It was huge, filled with expensive decor and very formal, it seemed fitting for one of the country's largest packs.
My eyes travelled over everything, but her. The helpless woman who lay on the couch with her dark, sand blond hair sprawled out over the pillow. A quick glance and she would look like she was having an innocent sleep, but it wasn't until the scent of dried blood hit you and the sight of the dark red pool beneath her, that you would know something else was going on.
What should I do? I had I no idea. Picking up every sound in the room was easy thanks to the silence that engulfed us. As well as the spiked heart rate from Mason and the heavy drum coming from Jude's chest, I picked up on a small, gentler noise.
It was her heartbeat.
"What happened?" I asked the question before I could think about it. No one answered. In fact, there wasn't a single movement in the room except for the barely there rise and fall of Jude's mom's chest. "Jude, what's wrong with her?" My eyes left Jude and fell on his mom. Even battered and bloodied, you could see how beautiful she was.
Don't get involved. I didn't need to look at him to know Mason was staring at me, I could feel his eyes burning in to me. His Alpha tone had my wolf cower back a little, but I wasn't going to play stupid and I wasn't going to follow his order. "Tell me what happened Jude. I can't help if I don't know what's wrong with her."
Rain. Again his voice filtered through my mind. The tone of his voice was a warning and Mason definitely wasn't someone to be ignored. My wolf wanted to follow her mate's order; after all it was only natural to her. I, on the other hand, wanted to know why Mason was pushing me away. Why he didn't want me to know what was going on.
"Don't tell me what to do Mason." I was angry. I was angry that no one was saying what they really wanted to. I was angry that I wasn't being told what was going on and I was angry because I was scared.
My body suddenly became aware of him. Of how his body stiffened and his jaw clenched, how his wolf snapped at my refusal to obey him, but I didn't care. I wasn't following my own wolf and despite her slight hesitation, she sank from the surface, giving me complete control. I looked away from Mason and locked gazes with Jude, silently asking if I could get closer to his mom.
A brief nod and half a smile was all I needed, that was until a menacing growl ripped its way through Mason's throat. "How dare you do that?!" Within a heartbeat he had crossed the room and was standing in front of Jude, their noses almost touching, backing him up against the wall. "You've got no right!"
Not being able to move an inch, I stood looking on at two people who were going at each other for a reason I didn't know. "She's got a mind of her own, Vermont." Opposite to what most guys would be facing with Mason with his wolf bubbling at the surface, Jude was completely calm. I knew by the twitch of his balled up hands he was angry, but he was doing well not to lose it.
As soon as Mason spoke, I knew his wolf was closer to taking over than I first thought. His voice was deep and rough, a hoarse sound vibrating in his throat. "She's my mate, if I tell her not to do something you have no business going against me."
My wolf purred at the sound of acceptance from him, how there was a possessiveness edge to his voice and as the small hairs on the back of his neck spiked, I knew not only was he aware of his affect on her, but that he liked it. Jude on the other hand was losing some of that control he had. His lips curved into a snarl as he slammed his hands into Mason's chest, taking his by surprise and causing him to fall back a couple of steps. "You're doing it again." Jude's voice was raised. "She's only your mate when you want her to be."
It was true, of course it was, but that didn't mean Mason's wolf was going to accept it. A laugh broke through the moment of silence that had fallen across the room. It was a bitter, evil laugh that had the hairs on my arms stand. "You're jealous." Mason laughed. "That's what this is about, you're jealous because I got her and you didn't."
Jude's eyes narrowed. "You treat your mate like every other girl you bang." Taking a step forward, he squared his shoulders. "You don't deserve her."
"And you do?" Mason mocked him. I knew what he was doing, he was goading him. I also knew that this wasn't Mason anymore, at least not his human side. I could see his muscular build standing that little bit taller as an air of power and danger radiated from him. No, Mason was long gone. This was his wolf in control now.
Jude took another step, but never spoke. "What my mate and I do is none of your concern, so why don't you and your good for nothing mom get the hell out of my house."
His words were barely out when Jude lunged forward, driving his balled up fist straight into Mason's jaw. "Stop!" I couldn't watch another fight, it wasn't fair to me and it sure as hell wasn't fair to Jude's mom. "Both of you, stop it!" My screams and begs weren't doing anything. Mason slammed his fist into Jude's stomach twice, before bringing his left hand up and aiming it straight for his face. "Oh, my God Mason. Please stop."
Sinking to the floor, tears streaming from my eyes, I brought my knees to my chin and buried my head in my arms, covering my ears with my hands. "I hate you, I hate you, I hate you." I repeated over and over. I didn't know who I was talking to or if I was even talking about anyone. All I know is that a second later the room went quiet.
"Rain." The quiet, deep voice rumbled through me right to my core, but I refused to look up. I didn't want to speak to Mason right now, let alone look at him.
I couldn't believe they had done this.
I couldn't believe Jude had acted like this when his mother was lying across from him struggling to breath. "You're both stupid. You need to tell me what the hell is going on and why your rmom is lying there like that," Turning my attention away from Jude, my eyes locked with ones that were once an electric blue, but now shone a dying black. "And you, you're hurting my wolf and that's pissing me off, so just stop. Stop all this stupid arguing and fighting." The echo of my words fell across the room as Mason stared back at me, his wolf finally alert to what was going on around him.
"Hey," Mason's voice had changed, his words weren't harsh and his tone was no longer authoritive, instead it had been replaced with the soothing whisper, "I'm sorry, okay." I could sense him coming closer to me, but I wasn't in the mood to be sweet talked, it wouldn't work this time. "We both are, right Taylor?"
A clearing of the throat sounded a few feet away from us, "Right," Jude answered. Unlike Mason who had been controlled by his wolf, Jude was reeling and that was still clear in his hoarse voice.
Feeling completely stupid for crying and still with anger bursting through me, I stood and backed further away from the both of them. "Mason, you should go."
Throwing me a smile, he let his stance relax a little more, "I'll walk you out." He said, before turning his back to me and walking towards the double oak doors that led out onto the hallway.
My brows furrowed, "I'm not going anywhere."
Stopping still in his tracks, he turned his head slightly towards Jude before turning fully towards me. "What did you say?" His brow quirked.
My wolf cowered at the sudden change in his tone, but I refused to back down on this. He had no right to control me and tell me what to do, I might be his mate, but he didn't own me. I wasn't his property. Squaring my shoulders and lifting my head I looked straight into his eyes. "I'm not going home, I came to help Mrs Taylor and I won't leave until I've done that."
Those blue eyes that caused my stomach to clench still weren't back to their normal colour. "Please Rain," He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose, "Don't fight me on this."
I didn't want his wolf to take over again, but I didn't have a choice. I promised Jude I would help and after seeing his mom there was no way in hell I was leaving without doing something to help. Seeing the pain etched on his face and the flickering blackness of his eyes, I followed my instinct - whether they were my wolf's I had no idea - and crossed the room until I stood in front of him.
My heart suddenly bounced up into my throat and the realisation that this was the first time I had Mason cornered slipped into my head. I didn't want Mason to get angry and lash out again and if my hearing was anything to go by I had picked up on the slight change in Jude's mom's breathing. It was getting weaker. "I'll come and see you before I leave, okay?" Mason's eyes quickly flashed behind me and by the sudden heavy pant of his chest I knew Jude had done something stupid, like smirk. Placing my hands on either side of his neck - ignoring the spark that ignited through my whole body - I pulled his face closer to mine, "I promise I will Mason, but right now I need to help her. She's not going to make it if we don't do something now."
Stepping back out of my hold and shooting one last glare in Jude's direction, Mason turned and left. I had no idea what had just happened. So many questions circled around my head, but I had no other choice but to push them back. I wanted to know exactly what had gone on, why Mason was here and why Jude's mom was hurt in the first place, but now wasn't the time.
Slipping my jacket off and folding it over the nearest chair, my bare arms instantly met the warmth causing a light, tickling shiver to run down my back. Slowly I walked towards the woman lying in front of me. "How long has she been like this?" I asked Jude, but kept my eyes firmly on her.
His voice was closer, "Not long, as soon as I found her I brought her here and left to get help. I didn't even realise I was driving towards your house until I pulled up outside."
Closer up I could see a gash across her brow, a forming bruise on her jaw and dried blood that reddened her pink lips. Despite this, I couldn't help but notice the resemblance to Jude. From the way her lips settled into the same line his did to her light brown lashes that fanned out across her cheeks. I had no idea what his father looked like, but it was obvious his looks came from his mom. It wasn't until my eyes dropped to her waist that I saw the reality of what was in front of me.
"She was attacked." It wasn't a question.
He didn't speak. Instead he moved around me and sat next to his mom on the couch, his hand gently pulling the blanket to uncover her back. "It's never been like this," His voice was barely above a whisper. "I don't know what happened, I wasn't here." Even though his eyes firmly stayed on her, I knew the pain they held. It was in his voice, he regretted not being here for her.
"Who did it?"
After heaving a sigh that sounded as if he held the whole world on his shoulders, he turned to me, a small, forced smile tugging at his lips. "That's not your concern, pretty girl." Planting a kiss on his mom's cheek, he stood and grabbed hold of my hands. "I know I' m asking a lot, but what happened can't be undone. I just need someone to help her. Please, Harper."
I wanted to know everything and I would, but right now I honoured his pleading. "I'll call Dr. Morgan. She'll know what to do." Dr. Morgan was our pack's medical genius. I've only ever needed her once and that was on the night of my first shift, but she's highly thought of in the pack.
Grabbing my jacket and pulling out the phone, a hand caught my arm. "Will your Alpha know?"
"Probably." I answered.
"Then forget it." The cold tone of voice he had used with Mason was back.
"Alpha Hudson is a good man. If he knew what had happened to your mom, he wouldn't mind our doctor helping you both."
"I don't want him to know. I don't want anyone to know and you promised me that." The grip he had on my hands tightened.
"You said you were out of your depth with this, right? Well so am I, Jude. I don't know what to do, her injuries are worse than I thought they were and the only person who can help her is a doctor. Whether Alpha Hudson finds out or not doesn't matter, what matters is that we get help for her so she doesn't die." The loudness of my voice showed the anger I had in me.
Was he seriously going to let his mom suffer just because he didn't want anyone to know she was attacked?
Throwing his head back and groaning, he ran his fingers through his hair. "You have no idea what this will start, Harper." He went quiet and I knew he was contemplating whether or not he should say anything else. "Things are bad right now, but I can handle it. This shouldn't have happened and if I would have been here it wouldn't have."
"But you weren't!" I shouted. I didn't care who heard me. "You weren't there Jude and what happens when you're not there again? Does she get attacked again? Because obviously this pack isn't giving you protection, if they were this wouldn't have happened. If they were Mason would have called the doctor, he wouldn't have just left it."
The more I said, the more things started slipping into place.
"It's his duty as future Alpha, he wouldn't have followed your order you would have followed his, he..." The words died on my tongue as realisation sank to the very pit of my stomach.
"He knew." Oh God, I felt sick. "Mason knew about the attack, didn't he?" Backing away from Jude, I fought to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat.
Reaching out, Jude caught my elbow holding me in place. "You don't understand, Rainie." He brought his hands up and rubbed them over his face, "This is why I didn't want you here, it too complicated."
"Uncomplicate it then." My patience was running low and there wasn't much time left before I went on the hunt for Mason.
Groaning, his legs gave way beneath him as he sat on the chair. Resting his elbows on his knees, he let his face rest in the palm of his hands. For a few minutes he didn't say anything, and neither did I. Instead, I watched the rise and fall of strong back as he took each deep breath. Finally, after what felt like a life time, he spoke. "You'll keep your promise?"
Raising his head, his eyes met mine and in them I saw the vulnerability, uncertainty and apprehension I saw in the car on the way here. The same look that broke my heart. "Of course." Whether I wanted to or not, whether I thought it was right or wrong, I had made that promise and I wasn't going to break it.
"Firstly, you have to understand I can't give you all the answers and I won't tell you everything, but I will tell you what I can." His voice was level, serious.
I kept my eyes locked with his, "You mean you'll only tell me what you want me to know."
A smile crossed his lips and for a second he looked like the carefree Jude I first met. I always knew there was something dangerous about him, but it couldn't be that bad, could it? "You're too smart for your own good, you know that don't you Harper."
"So you know I'll find out the truth eventually, isn't it best that you tell me?" I countered.
Briefly turning his attention towards his mom, he sighed before his eyes met mine and nodding. "Call your doctor, then we'll talk."
Dr Morgan was there within ten minutes after I explained her wounds over the phone. There were more that I first thought. Not only did she have a puncture wound to the stomach, but her back and shoulder was clawed leaving deep, open gashes running along her shoulder blades. Beneath her torn clothes, her body was covered in bruises, but they would heal within a couple of days.
Sitting in the far corner of the room, I watched Dr Morgan work. She didn't ask the questions I thought she would, but there was a look in her eye that told me I would have to explain this to her later. It was impossible to explain something when I didn't know what was happening, but at least it gave me some time to come up with a lie that was believable.
"She'll heal." Dr Morgan said, "It'll take longer than usual, but she'll be fine, no lasting damage just a few scars."
The moment she had said those words, the breath I held was released and the feeling of relief washed over me. Looking over to Jude, I could see he was feeling some relief on his own. His shoulders slumped and his head fell forward. Suddenly he looked exhausted.
"Why will it take longer?" I asked. "She's a full wolf; shouldn't she heal in the next couple of days?"
Dr Morgan shook her head, "She was attacked in human form and by more than one wolf. By the marks on her body I'd say there were five or six wolves who did this to her, plus she's weak." My eyes flickered to Jude who kept his head bowed. "She's exhausted; all her vitals are low so she doesn't have the strength to heal like she normally would."
She looked away from me and continued to speak to Jude. "Your mother's in bad health and if she was to be attacked again this savagely, she might not survive it." The truth sucked a hiss breath from him. Maybe now he would see this wasn't something he can keep a secret.
Packing up her bag, she gave some final orders to Jude about the care his mom needs and instructions on changing her dressings. "Thank you," His voice was humble as he took hold of her hand in his, shaking it firmly. "I appreciate this Dr Morgan, I really do. Thank you for all you've done."
I stood and made my way over to the door, holding it open for her. "Thanks doc, again I'm sorry for calling you out at this time."
Smiling at me, she slipped her arms through her jacket and wrapped a scarf around her neck. "It's fine, Rainie. Just make sure you keep yourself safe and I assume I was the only person you called?"
I nodded.
"Your mother and father won't find out from me, but I suggest you keep your business private and let others do the same. There's no reason to bring trouble to your door, or our pack's." She didn't say the words, but I understood what she was telling me. Whatever the hell is going on here, keep out of it. Little did she know, I had no intention of letting Jude keep his business private. As soon as she left I wanted answers and if he wasn't going to give me them, I'd go to Mason.
* * *
The soft shades of pink and orange mixed in the sky, but they were still clouded by the slight dust of blackness from the night. It was the early hours on the morning and Jude's mom was still asleep, probably due to the painkillers Dr Morgan had given her. Jude had given in to his tiredness about an hour ago.
Me on the other hand, I couldn't get comfortable enough to sleep. There was a constant pulse in my temples and my stomach was still in knots.
Are you okay? I reached out to my wolf. She had gone unnoticed ever since Mason left the room, but I needed her.
Her voice was faint, but I was thankful it was still there. Yes, are you?
I smiled, wishing I could let her free to run. I'm scared. I don't know what to do, I don't know what to think and when I see Mason I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to say.
Do you believe he knew about the attack? The desperation for me to say no was evident in her voice.
I don't know, but I need to and the best person to ask isn't in this room. I - we - knew what had to be done. Quietly standing, I gave a last look over my shoulder to the sleeping mother and son before leaving through the door with one destination in mind - Mason's room.
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