Song is perfect for Brent's situation

“Are you sure this is what you want to do Brent?” Skylar asked me for the tenth time since he has been here, at one of the guest houses I had moved into two weeks ago.

“Yes, I need to do this for myself, for Altan, for everyone who I have hurt but mostly, I need to do it for myself. Being here is making it worse for me Skylar. Everywhere I look I’m reminded of my past and I can’t go to work without thinking of being kidnapped and what happened when I was with them. No one except Altan really trusts me and I can’t look at Kody and his mates without thinking of what I did and feeling like the lowest piece of shit on Earth. I need to get away and just try to move on from it all. I haven’t had time to find out who I am as a person without the hunting part of me or the supernatural world. I just want to focus on Ryker and me. I don't want to take him away from his father, you must believe that. I know you have ways where he can show up and see Ryker anytime he wants but it isn’t the same so I’m going back and forth on my thoughts about it. I just feel taking him with me is what I need to help me in finding out who I am. Maybe I am one hell of a father who would do any and everything for his son or I realize I can’t do it and let Altan take him back here and I stay where I end up. I know he said he will let me take Ryker and that he will let me go and yea him not asking me to stay kind of hurt but I know he is putting his feelings aside for me and how perfect is he for doing that? He is a good man, he doesn’t need someone like me as his mate when all I have done is hurt him more than I made him happy. We spent so much time apart, jumped quickly into mating, got pregnant, and moved in together. Where is the breathing room, the getting to know one another beyond one date and a weekend getaway? I’m sure Chase has told everyone more about ‘me’ than I had. All I’m saying is I need to do this. I need to break my bond with Altan in the safest way possible and leave after Ryker is born. Can you help me or not?” I asked and I felt like if I had to explain one more time to someone my reasons for doing this, I was going to flip out. 

“Yes, I can help you so neither of you are hurting after the bond is broken. All I will need is some blood from you both and fire with a sacred prayer to sever the bond. It’s painless and safe.” He said and I couldn’t help but feel relieved. 

“Once Ryker is born and I’m given the word I can leave the hospital, we’ll do it that weekend, give Altan a few days to bond with Ryker.” 

“Ok. When are you due? I remember my mate’s being pregnant, it was the best experience we had been through. I loved everything they demanded, wanted, needed, and the yelling and the tears.” Skylar had a faraway look on his face and I smiled. It seems he really loved that time in his life.

“In two weeks but lately I have been feeling my belly tighten up and relax a few times a day. It’s not painful, just uncomfortable. As far as the other things go, I pretty much do it on my own with them all working so much I was alone a lot and since moving here, it’s just me. I know I wanted to do this but I at least thought Altan would come check on me when he would be home. I see him with Gary and Joseph outside walking by but they never stop in. I can’t blame them but it hurts at the same time.” 

“So he has been neglecting you?” Skylar asked, looking pissed off.

“No, I did this to us, I was kidnapped for most of my pregnancy and when I got back, I haven’t been myself and I decided to break our bond and leave, not him. I just would like if he showed he did care at least about Ryker but I haven’t seen them in this house since I moved in. I get texts daily but no visits. Maybe he’s just wanting to avoid getting even more hurt, I don’t know.” 

"I don't care Brent. You are still mates and you are carrying his baby, he should be here to take care of you, it's the right thing to do." Skylar was really more upset about Altan than pissed off it seems.

"That may be but Skylar, I'm not going to force him to be here, I know I shouldn't be but I'm used to doing things on my own lately so don't worry about it ok? I'll be fine." I assured him and he sighed heavily and I couldn't help but chuckle at his deflated look. 

"Well I'm going to get going, if you need anything let me know. I'll get the spell ready over the weekend and go from there."

"Ok, thank you for this. I know people don't like me around so the sooner the better for me to leave." 

"It isn't about them, it's about you. The hell with what they all think Brent. People here aren't perfect, trust me." I wonder what he means by that. 

"Thanks, I appreciate it." He nodded and left with his spell book. 

I couldn’t wait to leave here. As much as I don’t want to leave my mates. The memories are too great. Others tell people with addictions to leave the state or town to better their life so this is my way of bettering my life. Hopefully once I’ve done so everyone else will be better off as well because I will have my life together. 

Looking out my kitchen window into the fores, I was wondering about my men that I had left back at the retreat I was in. One person in particular, I couldn’t get Austin, my second in command out of my head. I should call him, last time I saw him things weren’t great. He was having similar issues as I was. It’s crazy how you could bond over having PTSD. I should give him a call and check up on him. 

“Hello?” I spoke into the phone once I heard someone pick up. 

“Brett? How are you?” He said into the phone and I knew something was off. Being as close as we are. I know. 

“Not great but I wanted to give you a call and see how you were doing.” I said into the phone. 

“That’s not how that works. We’ve been friends for years. What’s going on?” He said and I sighed. He’s so damn stubborn. 

“Remember how I told you how I was mates with a Tiger God?” I started.

“Yes…don’t tell me you’re still having problems even though you worked things out.” He said and I shook my head. 

“Not exactly. It’s a lot to explain but I just can’t be here. I’m pregnant and the stress I’m under, I’m going crazy with all the pain and guilt of my past. No amount of therapy can help me. I need to find myself again.” I said and he sighed. 

“I know what you mean. My family cut off all ties with me over everything and so I’m just here living at the retreat. Thankfully my program is still ongoing so the room’s been free but it’s lonely not having my family when I’d die for them and almost did several times.” He said and I couldn’t help but get pissed at his family. They lived in the middle of rogue territory and had constant attacks and Austin took it upon himself to join my troop when he was laid off from his job at the police station. 

“Why don’t you move in with me?” I asked. He shouldn’t be alone and that retreat is no better. It’s great when it comes to recovering for the most part but you still feel isolated and you slowly go mad.

“Anything to get out of here bro, I appreciate it.” He said shyly and giggled softly, making me smile. I missed hearing him giggle when he’s happy. Goodness knows it’s been a while since I’ve heard it.

“Good, that’s what I like to hear.” I smiled to myself and there was this silence. What was he thinking?

While I was waiting for him to speak I had mindlinked Ethan asking him if it was alright with him and he gave me his conditions.

“Um, is it ok if I come now? All the guys have left and moved out of state so I don’t get much visitors anymore. I’m lonely.” He said in such a sad tone that I bit my lip and thought of the possibility of having him here now.

“Sure why not. After I come get you we can hang out and buy a few things since I’m sure you only have your essentials.” I said giving in. I couldn’t leave him in there knowing all that. 

“Ok.” He said again in this shy but cheery tone.

After we talked a bit more. We hung up and I cleaned the house and headed out.

Two hours later I arrived and he was already outside waiting and smiled so wide when he saw me. He put his luggage in the bed of the truck and opened the door.

“I never thought I’d see you again.” He said blushing as he got in my truck. 

“Always the dramatic one aren’t you?” I teased and his blush turned an even deeper red. 

“You can’t say that.” He whined, twiddling with his fingers shyly, making me chuckle. I really did miss him.

“I thought I was your best friend?” I asked with a raised brow. 

“You are.” He said softly and looked out the window as I drove towards the mall. 

"I missed you Brent." He said smiling looking over at me.

"I missed you too Austin. It is good to see you again." I said and he giggled.

Austin kept glancing at my stomach and opening his mouth and closing it a few times before taking a deep breath. 

“How is it possible you’re pregnant? You’re human, aren’t you?” He asked nervously. 

“I had sex with a Tiger God, things can happen when you’re mated to a supernatural creature.” I smiled and rubbed my stomach. 

“Do you know the gender or have a name picked out?” He asked and I nodded. 

“It’s a boy and his name will be Ryker after Riley’s brother.” I said and he awed at the thought. 

“And your mate allowed you to name your child after someone from your past?” He asked shyly once again. 

“Yes, he did. He’s sweet like that.” I smiled to myself. 

“Sounds like you really love this guy. I never once considered you might like guys.” He said as he blushed again. 

“It’s a complicated situation and a headache to process but I don’t regret it. I love all three of them. Though Altan is my true mate. ” I said. 

“And do they know I’m coming? I mean the pack that is.” He asked and I could tell he was beyond nervous. 

“Of course they do. I already messed up and didn’t want to dig myself into a bigger hole by going behind Ethan’s back and bringing an ex hunter on his territory.” I said and he nodded silently. 

Once we got to the mall, I parked and we walked into it. 

“You lead the way Austin, cause I have no idea what you need from what you don’t. Considering I have no idea where we’ll be leaving to after I have the baby I think you should play things safe and get winter clothes and summer clothes as well as stuff that’s in between.” I said and he shivered and I swear he squeaked but I have no idea why other than it’s a bit chilly in here. 

“Ok let’s go then.” He said linking his arm around mine. He always had this fear of getting lost so he always stayed closer to me. 

He dragged me to many stores and tried on many outfits and asked me what I thought of what he was wearing and the whole time he was being shy and blushing, waiting with held breath to know what I thought. He helped pick out some comfy clothes for me with my big belly and even helped me up when my back decided it was going to tense up on me at times from sitting for so long.

After we had left the mall, I treated him to dinner because he was definitely needing a good meal. 

“Thanks for today Brett, I had fun.” He smiled shyly. 

“No worries, it was my pleasure. I missed hanging out with you like the old days before all the madness.” I smiled and held his hand as we walked to the truck. 

“We should get going. The restaurant’s getting ready to close.” I said and didn't realize we spent quite a while in the mall and by the time we walked out the sun was barely just setting now you can barely see anything outside.

When we had got into my driveway. Ethan was waiting on my patio. I knew he said he wanted to meet the new hunter for safety reasons as well as to welcome him but I thought he’d wait until the morning as it was so late and he’d be too occupied in bed, with pack work or bonding time with the little ones.

“Alpha Ethan, I thought you’d be with your family or doing paperwork.” I said and he nodded. 

“I would be but this was more important.” He said and I was slightly terrified he was going to put me in the pack hospital for involving another hunter in this madness. 

“I’m sorry.” Was all I could say and he looked at Austin and his eyes changed color as he circled him. Austin looked confused as to why I apologized but he will soon learn everything. 

“I’ll be taking your friend here to the interrogation room for a bit.” He spoke and I felt sick for some reason. 

"Is that necessary at this time?” Austin stuttered out. 

“You’re a new hunter on my land. I don’t know you. I do know my priority is to the pack so until I have someone look into your memories to validate you’re trustworthy, I can’t allow you to roam around unsupervised.” He said and they began walking to the bunker where there was an interrogation room. It was one of Ethan’s conditions that I wasn’t allowed in the room. 

By the time Ethan had brought him back, he was passed out in his arms. 

“Good news, he’s legit. Poor kid, I almost feel sorry for him with all his memories revealed. Goodnight Brent” He said and basically tossed Austin into my unexpecting arms and I wasn't prepared for it so I stumbled backwards some, trying to balance myself. 

“Goodnight Alpha.” I said walking into the house and pushing the door closed with my foot and locking the door. 

I was almost to the couch so I could lay Austin down when I felt my stomach get tight and it was painful. I dropped Austin and bent over holding my stomach.

"Oh Brent, what's wrong?" Austin asked as he came to my side and rubbed my back.

"I think I'm in labor." I gasped out when I felt even more pain and saw spots in my vision. 

"Ok what do we do?" He calmly asked me.

"Pack doctor." I said and he ran outside as I tried to sit on the chair and took deep breaths.

"Seems you want out now huh? Just hold on a little longer Ryker." I caressed my belly and felt him kick my ribs, already in position to be born it seems.

I try to contact Altan but his mindlink is closed, he must be in bed so I tried Gary and Joseph, same thing as Altan. I don't have the strength to walk across the huge land to get to their house so hopefully someone will get Altan when I go to the pack hospital.

Francisco Lachowski as Austin