Filed to story: Her True Alpha and True Love Novel Read Online
We are inside Blue Moon, and lan would have felt it if someone entered. So maybe this was just a warrior out camping. I really didn’t want to find out, but I was here for a reason.
“Buttercup?” A voice I thought I’d never hear again called out into the night.
“Brad.” I whispered. This must be a dream. He died. Grace killed him.
“It’s okay, Buttercup. I can smell you. But what are you doing out here and at this hour?” He called out to me.
I moved out from behind the tree and closer to where I heard Brad. The figure walked out into the moonlight and I let out a gasp, covering my mouth with my hands.
“Buttercup, why are you dressed in only a shirt? You must be freezing,” he exclaimed, puling off his jacket. He wrapped it around me. I felt like I was staring at a ghost.
“How?” I breathed out as he led me into the cave to his makeshift home.
“I know you are in shock, and I will explain, but what are you doing out here?” He asked me, helping me sit down on what I assumed was his bed.
“I dreamwalked here. I’m not sure why or even how.
It’s a witch thing.” He nodded when I told him. Staring at his face, I reached out to touch his cheek with my hand.
He was real.
“How are you here? Grace told me she killed you?” I asked him. My voice cracked and tears flooded my eyes.
“She did. I’m not sure what happened, but before I died, I went to a place of darkness. I spoke with the moon goddess. She told me you would never let me die and that you would sacrifice some of your goddess’ given powers in exchange if she was to spar my life.” He explained. And I wondered what power she took back.
Not that it mattered. I would give up all my powers just to have Brad back.
“But why didn’t you go back to the pack house? Why are you out here and why doesn’t lan know you are alive?” I rushed out all my questions at once.
“Dying broke all my connections with the pack and the mate bond with Grace. I didn’t know where she had run off to, so I hid until I knew it was safe. I knew you would know where to look.” He nudged my shoulder.
“I was planning on coming here tomorrow to help them look for your body. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would find you alive. I’m so glad that you aren’t dead.” I cried, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I’m glad you are safe, Buttercup.” He said, holding me tight.
“They killed Donny.” I sobbed.
“I know, Buttercup. I was there. He refused to give them information about you. He was protecting you.” Brad said, and my stomach knotted with guilt.
“He should have told them,” I cried.
“They would have killed us both, anyway. At least we didn’t die in vain.” He told me.
“Please, you can go back to the pack now. Grace is gone. If you don’t want to stay here, you can come to Silver Moon. I found Eric. You could join the army if you want or you can just stay with me.” I told him through my sniffles as I let him go.
“I’m not sure what I want to do. My life has been turned upside down and l just feel lost.” He confessed.
“I know, but we are family. And I’m here for you. Right now, you are a rogue. Just join a pack and wherever you want to go is on me. I just need you to be safe. For me and for your nephew.”, I told him and he looked at me in shock.
“You’re pregnant?” He stuttered out. And I shook my head.
“James was born a few days ago. It’s a long story why my pregnancy was so short, but he’s healthy and happy.” l answered him.
“That’s wonderful, Buttercup. Now, I have a mini Buttercup.” He laughed, but I could see the pain in his eyes.
“Brad, whenever you are ready, I can form a mate bond for you with anyone who doesn’t have one already. I paired Brandon and Sage. There is no rush and I’m just letting you know. I know that this must be hard and I’m so sorry.” I breathed out.
“I know you are, Buttercup, and thank you. I think I might travel.” He said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders.
“That sounds like a wonderful plan. And I can send Eric with you. Both of you need a break and a new adventure,” I told him.
“That sounds like a great idea,” Brad said. We sat there beside the fire he had going, in silence, just watching the flames. I was so thankful to have Brad back. I wish I could have saved Donny, but I’ll make sure I honour him in someway.
“I’ll be back tomorrow to pick you up.” I told Brad.
“Where are you going?” He asked me, confused.
“I think I’m needed at home. I feel this pull in the pit of my stomach”, He nodded after I told him.
“And how do you get home?” He asked me and I shrugged.
“I don’t know” I told him. I closed my eyes and thought of home, thought about being in bed, snuggled into Derek’s chest.
When I opened my eyes again, I was lying in bed, having felt a rushing sensation. James was fussing while my mates were still asleep. I must have felt James.
I got out of bed and turned on the lamp. I walked over to James’ bassinet to find him looking up at me.
“Hey, baby boy. What’s wrong, sweetheart?” I cooed, picking him up and cradling him in my arms. Before I went over to the chair to feed him, I grabbed my phone.
After, I was comfy, and James was nursing. I unlocked my phone and called lan. Needing to speak with him, even though I knew it was late, but I thought I’d take a chance.
“Ashlyn?” He groaned into the phone.
“lan. I’m sorry I woke you.” I whispered.
“Ashlyn, what’s wrong? Why are you whispering?” He asked me, more alert.
“Everyone is just sleeping, but I needed to speak with you. I found Brad.” I told him.
“Brad’s body?” He asked.
“No, Brad is alive, and I know where he is.” I whispered.
“Wait, what?” lan asked, confused. I could hear a woman’s voice in the background.
“lan, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb you,” I told him, and he sighed.
“Ashlyn.” He started, but I interrupted him.
“lan, you don’t have to explain. I just wanted to tell you about Brad and that he is alive. I’ll be there early to get him. He wants to come back to Silver Moon with me,” I said. Before he could say anything else, I said goodbye and hung up the phone.
James had unlatched and was looking up at me.
“Don’t judge me. I know he’s allowed to be with other women and he’s not mine, but that doesn’t mean I want to hear that.” I whispered.
I changed James’ diaper and nursed him again.
When he still wasn’t asleep, I walked around the apartment with him snuggled into my chest. I was telling him all about his Uncle Brad. And how he was going to have some many adventures with him.
Finally, he fell asleep. I placed him in bed and grabbed my phone to see a text from lan.
“I know.” Was all he sent, and I knew we were feeling the same emotions. But l had moved on and I was happy for him, if he was happy. I placed my phone on the nightstand and crawled back in beside Derek. He and Mason were still spooning, and I would have watched them if I wasn’t so tired. But instead of falling asleep, I was making lists in my head of everything I needed to get done.
My anxiety wouldn’t let me sleep, so I got up and grabbed my phone before moving into the living room. I grabbed some water before I sat down on the couch. I texted Sage. To my surprise, she texted back before I even took a sip of my water.
S: Ashlyn, what are you doing up? Is everything okay?
Me: yeah, I just can’t sleep. I dreamwalked and found Brad. He’s alive. Long story and then I phoned lan, and I heard a woman in the background.
S: Okay, so Brad is alive and you still have feelings for lan. Am I missing something?
Me: it’s not that I have feelings for him. I don’t know. I know I’m being ridiculous since I have two mates and a child, but it’s weird. I want him to be happy, but I don’t want to give him up. Ugh.
S: it’s okay. I understand. You may just have to cut ties with him for a bit. Make sure those feelings are dead and gone.
