DAMON

Paige's pain is my pain. With our foreheads pressed to one another's we suffer silently. But despite the pain, the sensation of healing lays at our peripheries. And I know things will get better. I know she wants them to get better. But as I said, it takes time. Everything takes time.

"Are you in any physical pain?" I ask her, running my fingers through her hair as she pulls back slightly.

Her large eyes widen, reminding me of how beautiful she is. "No. Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

I laugh softly, "I'm fine. It takes a lot more than a bear trap to get me down."

Paige narrows her eyes at me and I smile at her in response. With a slight grimace, I attempt to push myself into a sitting position but her hand places itself firmly on my chest, stopping me. "What do you think you're doing?" She asks sternly. I like stern Paige.

"I want to get up, there are things I have to do. Is the pack okay?"

"I don't know," Paige responds guiltily. "I haven't been answering anyone since Arlo came over... I kind of lashed out at him."

I attempt to pull her down to me but she refuses stubbornly. Frowning at her, I reply, "For good reason. He left out a very big detail in his story. Why won't you come here?" I can feel her heart squeeze at my response. Her affection is palpable in the air. I know either I am getting better at understanding her or she is getting better at letting me in.

"I don't want to hurt you," her eyes roam over the tubes protruding from me. "Alkaline said you should have been out longer than you were."

"Alkaline always underestimates how much sedative I need to keep me out for more than a few days. I am fine, Paige. Seriously, come here." I tug at her again and she resists.

"But-" She gestures to the IV and the catheter.

"For fuck's sake, take them out then. I want you in my arms." I know I am just distracting her, but I can feel the way it cheers her up. The roundness of her eyes is evidence enough.

"I don't know how!" She responds.

"I'll guide you then." I  begin by directing her to clamp the IV as I sit up against the headboard with another grimace from the soreness in my body. Then I help her remove the tape and pull the IV catheter out. Our eyes move down in the direction of the urinary catheter somewhere under the blanket. "Now for the fun part," I smirk.

Paige frowns with feigned disapproval, "You almost lost your leg but you didn't lose your humor, huh?"

I laugh softly, "Did you just make another joke, Paige? That's like the second one since I met you."

"Shut up and tell me what to do," She rips the covers away from my torso without hesitation, causing me to grin.

"Mind your hands," I tease.

"Seriously! Tell me what to do," She growls, unbearably attractive.

I directs her through the process of removing the catheter with minimal dirty jokes and when we're finished, she dumps everything into the trash bin and allows me to pull her onto my chest. Paige curls up on my lap, burying her face into my neck and breathing in my scent just as I inhale hers. In this moment, I know that one day we will both heal and move on. One day her memories from over the years and the last few nights won't haunt her so badly. I know for certain that we will love each other with everything we have.

"I love you," I whisper to her, feeling her face nuzzle closer into my neck and her lips kiss my mark. Her mouth sends a shiver down my spine and pricks the hair on the back of my neck.

"I love you too, Wolf."

We're silent for awhile, feeling the heat of one another and basking in the peace of the moment.

"How have you been so patient with me all this time?" Paige murmurs after some time.

My response is calm and thoughtful, I know she appreciates what I have to say. "I've always believed in you, Paige. The mate bond isn't ever easy. These things take time. And after dragging you into this world- my world, I wanted to give you all the time I possibly could." I press a kiss to her temple. "You were so angry and sad when you got here. But I knew it was because you were hurting so badly and you had no way to cope. Patience is what you deserved, Paige. It was the least I could give you. That and letting you know I fell in love with you, even if you didn't always love me."

A tear runs down her cheek and I wipe it away with my thumb. She kisses my lips ever so softly.

"Thank you for not giving up on me," Paige whimpers.

I turned her face to mine by my hold on her chin, "I will never give up on you."

- - -

After months and months, I finally have her. We fall asleep in our bed, Paige tucked against my chest, warm and quiet. It feels so good, despite what it took to get here. I hold her tighter to my body and close my eyes, never wanting to leave this moment.

There is so much on my mind. I have so many things to ask her. I need to make sure she's okay. With my eyes closed I can still see her father suffocating her with his hands. I swallow a growl that tries to force its way out. Anger simmers inside of me, threatening to boil over. I am still furious with myself for being unable to protect her. She had been alone in the fight because of me.

The thoughts continue to haunt me until Paige stirs, disturbed by my restlessness, and mumbles sleepily, "Go to sleep." And because she told me to, I do.

The sensation of soft kisses on my face wakes me up the next morning. I smile slightly, but don't open my eyes. I revel in the feeling of her mouth on me. She holds my jaw, gently tipping my face to hers. "I know you're awake," she murmurs.

"So?" I mutter, pulling her onto my chest. A gasp escapes from her as our skin presses together. I open my eyes, I have to see her face. Paige's eyes are still heavy lidded, her full lips twisted into a small smile, and her cheeks bright pink. The cuts and bruises marring her neck are slowly fading. I take my hand and tip her chin up, pressing kisses to the tender skin of her throat. She moans softly, leaning into my touch. Her skin is warm and soft beneath my mouth, she tastes like honey. I press my nose to her carotid and inhale deeply.

Her face appears before mine, her hair curtaining around her face. Our noses are almost touching. "Are you well, Wolf?"

I raise a single brow, running my hands down to her waist before wrapping them around her back. "I'm well, mate."

"Are you in any pain?" Her eyes are searching mine, dark with desire.

"Not too much, why?" I'm teasing her, a small smirk playing on my lips.

Paige leans down to my ear, nipping the lobe as she whispers, "Because I want you inside of me."

A low growl works its way out of the depths of my chest. Her responding smile is wide and wild. I crash my lips to hers, grasping the back of her neck to pull her impossibly closer. Our tongues are flicking, teeth biting lips, breath intertwining. We're panting as I pull her shirt up over her head and she slides over my lap. Our lips meet again, fierce with our desire. She's moaning into my mouth, drawing another shiver down my spine. Her body is trembling over mine, excited energy spilling out of her. I can smell her want in the air.

She's kissing me as if her life depends on it and I am willing to give her all I have. I suck her lower lip into my mouth, drawing her forward. I prop myself up slightly against the headboard, hands slipping down to her breasts. I lean down to pull one hardened nipple into my mouth, eliciting a long moan from her with another hard shudder. I favor the other one next before bringing her warm mouth back to mine.

Goddess I can never get enough of her.

She's shifting over me, wiggling in desperation. I am quick to give, pulling her panties to the side as her hand grasps my cock. She positions me at her entrance and immediately slides down. I growl, kissing her hard. Our hearts beat in sync as our breath is gasped out at the feeling. Our bond thrives between us, fueled by the closeness of our bodies. I am equally as desperate as she begins to slide up and down my length. My fingers grasp the skin of her hips, guiding her movements, begging her for more. Paige captures her lips with mine, her fingers locking behind my neck. Our movements are fast and needing, breaths panted into each others mouths as our tongues entangle.

Paige moans into my mouth and I drive into her harder and faster. Her head is lulling back, eyes rolling up before squeezing shut tight. She is unbearably beautiful. Her fingers thread through my hair as she cries out my name. Paige rolls her hips bringing our lips together once again to moan into my mouth. There is almost nothing better than being inside of her.

I bite her lip and then pull back softly, grasping the back of her neck to pull her forehead to mine. I can feel all of her emotions. The passion, the love, the need, the intimacy. With a few more rolls of her hips I explode inside of her with a growl. My teeth are grazing her mark. Paige cries out, clutching to me tightly as we both attempt to collect ourselves.

Slowly, we untangle our limbs enough to look into each other's eyes. I smile, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I could get used to that," I murmur to her.

The smile I get in return is an even better reward.

- - -

By noon, Paige manages to get me out of bed. I note that I can still feel and wiggle my toes, which feels like progress. She acts as a crutch, helping me from our room to the couch. By the time we get there, I'm out of breath. Her eyes are on me with concern but she doesn't say anything, for my sake.

"We need to go do a round, it will help out Cody and Faith. I need to know how much I have missed."

"Okay," she responds.

I lean down to adjust the bandages on my leg. When she doesn't say anything for a few moments I look up to her. "What?"

"There's no way you're going to be able to walk with all of the snow drifts and patches of ice. You could fall and there's no way I will be able to hold you up." The concern in my voice makes my heart stutter, I have to look away from her with a swallow. The reminder that we almost lost each other strikes me hard. When I look back at her, I know her thoughts mirror mine.

"Alright, well we can have Cody and Faith come here instead." I reassure her with a smile before I mindlink Cody. His response is without surprise at the fact I am awake and he promises to make it over in a few minutes.

I settle back on the couch, feeling minorly useless as I watch Paige stoop in front of the hearth and coax a fire to life. I can't help the way my eyes trace the curve of her ass in her crouched position.

"Don't give me that look," she laughs lightly. I see how her smile is still struggling to reach her eyes. Since we left our room, I noted the way the burden seemed to settle on her shoulders once again.

I grasp her hand and squeeze as she comes over to me, "What?" I respond innocently.

Paige bends over to press a kiss to my cheek, "I'm going to make you some breakfast. Stay out of trouble."

"You got it, boss." She rolls her eyes at me, a gesture that makes me want to hobble back to bed with her, and then disappears into the kitchen. Soon after I can smell bacon sizzling and coffee brewing.

My eyes land on the bandages covering my leg. Thoughts of that night continue to haunt me. With each blink I can see myself struggling to get out of the trap as the traitor locks his hands around Paige's throat.

A sharp knock on the door pulls me out of my thoughts, I turn my head just in time to see the Cody and Faith step in through the entryway.

"Well look at you, alive and well." Cody smirks, crossing over to clap me on the back and sit in the armchair by the fire.

"Nice to see you too," I tell him, accepting Faith's hug. She's quiet as she sits on Cody's lap. Her arm is tucked in close to her body. Both of them look tired, some old cuts and bruises still marking their faces. "Have either of you slept?"

"Some," Faith responds. "How is your leg?"

"I can still feel it, so it's good." I adjust myself in my seat, "What did I miss?"

"Five lives lost between our pack and Arlo's, eleven in critical care, and the rest are just minorly injured. We out numbered the hunters by a lot, I think that saved our asses. The infirmary was organized and our supplies covered both packs. We'll hold the death rituals next week, once everyone's healed up." Faith says, running a hand through her short hair. "Overall, things feel better than they did. I think the pack is relieved that the threat is gone. I mean, we were preparing for months and it hung heavily over the pack knowing a threat was so close. Now, I think they can breathe easier, but everyone is tired."

I nod, taking all of the information in. "And you two?"

"We feel better," Cody inclines his head. "I'm sorry we barely made it to you in time."

I shake my head, "I heard you came at the best time. My memory is pretty foggy around the end of the fight. Paige filled me in as best as she could and she's been taking care of me since I woke up." My eyes fall on the kitchen entry as Paige comes through with a plate of eggs, bacon, and toast and a cup of coffee. She sets the plate on my lap and the coffee in my hand. Once freed, her hand rests itself on my shoulder, almost subconscious with how natural it was. Faith and Cody didn't miss it, nor the way she bowed her head slightly to each of them.

"I wanted to apologize, again. For everything. I was stupid, selfish, and blind. After everything..." Paige swallows hard and I squeeze her hand reassuringly. "I just hope you can at some point forgive me for breaking your trust, multiple times."

"We're all good, Paige, and we accept your apology. You proved more than loyalty the other night in that fight. We saw who you really fought for and we won't forget it." Faith smiles at her softly. "And on that note, even though I fought you to stay instead of going to Damon, you showed a lot of courage, and he's likely here now because of it. You're a strong woman, Paige. Very strong. And I'm grateful to have you here."

"We all are," Cody interjected, shocking even me. "I know I have never been easy on you. But thank you for proving me wrong and saving our brother." He moves his eyes to mine and nods slightly. I know he means every word.

Paige wiped a tear from her cheek and nodded, looking down for a moment before back up to them. "I have to thank you guys for saving me too. And for giving me so many undeserved chances."

"It's all behind us now," Faith smiles wide and content. "Your pack is eager to finally get to know you. The welcome has been a long time coming."

Paige wipes away another tear and nods with a watery smile, "That's nice to know." I can feel her emotions bubbling inside of her. She's sad, regretful, but most of all unbearably relieved. I can't even imagine the whiplash she has been through in the last few months. It must have been ceaselessly exhausting. Squeezing her hand, I kiss her fingers and pull her down next to me.

The four of us settle into what will become our new dynamic for the first time. Two Alphas and their Betas, finally seeing completely eye to eye. Never have I felt more complete than I do in this moment, my arm around Paige and my two closest friends sitting in comfortable silence.

I sink into this moment, forever grateful for every step that brought me the real Paige. Inevitably, we have a long way to go ahead of us in order to heal. But for the first time since I met her, it wasn't completely terrifying or uncertain.

PAIGE

Two days after Cody and Faith came by our house and accepted my apologies, Damon managed to walk again by the time we woke up. I was unbelievably relieved when he made it to the bathroom on his own, but that didn't stop my worry. Now I am trudging through the mucky old snow to get to Rhia's. I have two more apologies to make, plus, I just want to see her.

I knock twice on the front door of Damon's childhood home before pushing in. The inside is warm and smells like sugar cookies and cinnamon. The safety I feel in their home almost brings tears to my eyes.

"Rhia?" I call out.

"In here, sweetheart," she calls from the den. I follow the sound of her voice until I round the corner and leap into her embrace. She holds me close to her, pressing her cheek into my hair and kissing my head. "I'm so happy to see you." Her voice is so genuine it makes me cry out unexpectedly. Rhia doesn't flinch, she only holds me tighter, rubbing my back with her hand.

"I'm so sorry for pushing you away the other day," I tell her, tears rolling down my cheeks. I wonder vaguely when a day will come that I won't cry.

Rhia holds my cheeks and wipes my tears with her thumbs. "Oh, baby. Don't apologize for needing space."

"But you were just trying to be there for me-"

She cuts me off, "I was, but, honey- you have to deal with your pain the way you need to deal with it. I only needed you to know I was there for you if you needed me. And you didn't need me then, you needed your mate and yourself. And look at you now! Look at how strong you are. We're all okay." Her smile is so warm and gentle.

I hug her tightly to me again. "Thank you," I whisper. Over her shoulder, I see Berenger standing and smiling softly at the two of us. I'm shocked to see his eyes are misty too. I reach out for him and he reaches back, taking my hand in his large and rough one, squeezing softly. I feel bad for being so wary of him, but in his eyes I see that he never judged me for it. I am endlessly grateful for Damon's family, standing in for my own. I close my eyes, surrounded by their love, feeling just a little bit fuller than I had before I came in.

- - -

After some asking around, I managed to track Arlo down at the guest cabin. He had yet to go back to his pack land, though most of his members had. On the patchwork stone walkway that lead to the front door, I hesitated slightly. Wringing my hands together in front of me, I took a deep breath, gathered my courage and approached the front door.

Speaking with Damon had lead me to see Arlo in a better light and cope with the past a little better. What was done was done and it was clear that Arlo regretted everything that had happened. He was the only tie I had left to my mother and I wasn't about to let that go.

I knocked three times on the door. It only took a few seconds for the door to swing open. The massive Alpha looked shocked to see me. His eyes were dark and tired, as if he hadn't slept in a while. His shoulders stooped slightly under an invisible burden.

"Paige," he said softly. "Would you like to come in?"

I nodded and followed him into the sitting area. We sat across from each other, me in the chair and him on the couch.

Right away, I looked into his eyes, "Arlo, I shouldn't have slammed the door in your face the other day."

"I deserved it," he shrugged.

"I was mad and hurt. Tye gave me his full story and I never knew that she was changed. Hell, I never even knew about you." I take a shaky breath in, release it. "It was all just too much, too fast."

The large Alpha is silent for a moment, chewing on the inside of his lip. He shakes his head finally and raises his eyes to the ceiling. "I'm not proud of what I did to her that night, causing that fight. I'm full of regret over everything when it came to her. Maybe if I had never found her, she would still be alive. That fight cost me her life, Paige. I didn't even know she was killed and I can't tell you how sorry I am." He wipes at his eyes, a frown twisting his lips. "Goddess, it's just unbearable to think about."

I nod, wiping away my own tears, crying again. "I don't hold the fight against you, Arlo. I don't blame you for changing her. She would have been happier with you, as a wolf. Mom always loved the wolves, she hated what my father did for work. She may still be alive if she didn't meet you, but she wouldn't have been happy. And I can't say that path would have been worth it. It would be selfish." A deep sigh releases from me. "I would be selfish to say I wish she was still alive, stuck in that house with my father and I. I wish with everything I have that she was still alive, but she's not, and that's just how it is. And that's... okay." I wipe my nose and nod, slowly believing myself. "It's okay."

Arlo reaches his hand out to me, an offering, or maybe testing the waters. Regardless, I take it. I don't have it in me to be mad anymore. I feel like I've been mad enough for my whole life and then some. And besides, it really wasn't his fault.

"You're a wonderful woman, Paige. You remind me exactly of her."

That makes me smile, albeit through the tears. I squeeze his hand, "Thank you for that."

"Will you still allow me to keep in touch with you?"

Nodding, I look into his deep brown eyes. "Of course. Come down anytime, and maybe I'll come visit you too."

Arlo smiles at that, releasing my hand. We get up in unison and embrace one another in a tight hug. With everything I lost, he's another thing I'm determined to keep.

- - -

I walk home alone as the sky begins to dim. It's quiet out, save for the bird calls and the wind rustling the bows of higher evergreen branches. Inside of me, I know there are still things that have gone unsaid. There is still pain so severe it could drop me to my knees, memories that make my heart stutter and tears jerk, and there is fear that curls in my gut at every unknown curve. Those things never truly go away, it's clear to me. The path to healing is long, dark, and winding. 

Pausing for a moment as our cabin comes into view, I take a deep breath. Yeah, there's a long painful journey ahead. But behind me is miles and miles of progress.

"Damon?" I call, walking into our home.

He peeks out from the kitchen entry, his smile wide and sweet, dimples poking through his cheeks. The exact smile I fell in love with over and over. When I look at him, I see my whole world spread out right in front of me. I fill with true hope, for the first time in a very long time.

alright! one more chapter: the epilogue. 

thank you for reading thus far. please feel free to comment/vote/share if you so desire. you are all near and dear to my heart. 

LS