Chapter 24

"Maksim," Owen said sternly as he watched his son from the sidelines. "Concentrate."

Maksim growled at the wolf in front of him as he waited for an opportunity to strike. He felt his father's eyes on him, watching his moves. The black wolf in front of the prince took a step forward and snapped his jaw. Maksim leaped out of the way and spun around with a clear view of the wolf's neck. Without hesitation, he pined the wolf down under his paws and aimed right for his neck.

"That's a kill shot," Exton said, giving his approval. "Now get off the mat."

Maksim got off the wolf and let the guard stand back up. He turned his head to look at his father.

"That was two minutes too long, Mackey," Owen said. "You had more than enough openings to end the fight as soon as it started. You were dragging it."

Maksim rolled his eyes in his head. He was tempted to tell his father he had no desire to train for hours as if Ella wasn't waiting for him in his room. He was restless without her. When he left in the morning she was still asleep. All he wanted to do was go back and bury his face in her hair.

There was a strange fear in Maksim. He couldn't quite name what it was, but it felt his chest feeling hollow and breathless whenever it tried to resurface. The night before, as he laid next to Ella, he couldn't shake off the feeling that she wasn't really next to him. He was scared to close his eyes in fear that when he opened them again, she might not be there.

Are we done yet? Maksim asked Owen as he shook his wolf's head.

Owen sighed before shrugging and looking down at his clipboard.

"Yes," he said. "Go ahead. You can leave."

Thanks, dad.

Maksim was running towards the locker room even before Owen finished his thought. He shifted back into his human form and jumped into showered. The hot water ran over his sore muscles as he stood under the water pressure and thought about Ella.

A smile appeared on his lips as he remembered the way she had looked asleep. Her face was so calm, her soft lips parted, and her hair falling over her shoulders like gold thread. He wanted to wake up next to her every morning.

After a quick shower, Maksim pulled on his clothes and made his way back to his room. He dropped off his bag and looked around for Ella until she saw a little note on the mirror that said she was going for a walk to the stable. He pulled out a black coat from the closet and then set off to find her.

The air outside was warm for a winter day. The sun was out high in the sky with no clouds. The piles of snow reflected the sunlight making everything even brighter. Maksim shielded his eyes as he walked across the frozen grounds and entered the stable. His eyes immediately found Ella standing by a brown horse. Her gloved hands gently stroked the horse's face as she held his rein with her other hand.

"I remember when you used to be scared of them," Maksim said from the entrance.

"They're not so bad," Ella said looking over her shoulder. "Not then they are not towering over you anymore."

Maksim laughed as he made his way over to her. He stopped next to the horse's wooden doors and gazed at her with adoring eyes as she continued to pet the horse.

"He likes you," Maksim said.

"I like him too," Ella smiled.

"Do you still remember how to ride?"

"No," Ella shook her head.

"I can teach you again," Maksim looked over his shoulder. "Maybe once the ice melts out in the field."

"Maybe," Ella followed his eyes.

They stared out at the fresh layers of untouched snow on the grazing grounds outside as a bird hopped around leaving behind little footprints. Ella slowly turned her eyes back to Maksim and frowned.

"Your hair is wet," she observed as she reached out and brushed a wave away from his forehead.

"Yeah, I just got out of the shower."

"Oh," Ella lowered her hand. "You might catch a cold."

Maksim smiled, shaking his head, "We don't really catch common colds."

"You had a cold when you were little," Ella reminded him.

"That was before I shifted."

Ella nodded her head as she turned back to the horse. Maksim leaned against the wooden frame and watched her as she moved around the stable quietly and gave her attention to all the other horses. They all responded to her as if they could tell with just one look that she was harmless. They forwarded their heads and stood patiently as she pet them.

Pretty soon it was feeding time. The stable staff came around with buckets of hay and carrots and fresh water. Ella stepped back and went to stand next to Maksim as they watched the staff do their work.

"Should we head back or would you like to stay?" Maksim asked as he looked down at his mate.

"I think we should head back," Ella nodded.

"Did you walk all the way here?"

"Yes," Ella said as they stepped out into the cold air.

"Ella, that's a long walk. Why did you do that after everything the other night?" Maksim frowned.

"I needed the walk," Ella sighed. "But I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"No," Maksim shook his head. "It's fine. I was just worried about you. I don't want you to get sick."

"I'm sorry," Ella frowned.

Maksim shook his head in confusion again, "Ell, you don't have to say sorry."

"You were worried,"

"I'm always worried about you," Maksim chuckled. "It's a Radacovick trait."

Ella smiled before she looked away towards the snow covered grounds. Maksim carefully looped her arm around his to make sure she wouldn't slip on any black ice. Once or twice, however, she almost did slip but he caught her every time.

"Maybe I should carry you," Maksim said as he watched her take timid steps. "My dad would say you're like a deer learning to walk."

"I'm fine," Ella shook her head as she tucked her hair behind her eyes and looked down to make sure she was avoiding the icy parts.

"Are you sure?" Maksim laughed as she almost slipped again and he caught her. "I can carry you. It's no problem."

"Do you want to?"

"Carry you?" Maksim raised a brow. "Well yeah. I don't want you falling."

"Okay," Ella nodded her head.

"Yes?" Maksim asked, a bit surprised she had agreed.

"Yes," Ella took a step closer to him.

Maksim searched her face as he scooped her up into his arms. He didn't understand the way his heart shrank in size as she looped her arms around his neck. He should be happy, right? She was finally in his life. But why was his heart shrinking away?

"Ell?"

"Yes?"

"Are you okay?"

Ella nodded her head quickly and smiled, "Yes, I'm okay. Why?"

"I....." Maksim felt his brain swirl in confusion. "I just wanted to make sure."

As Maksim carried Ella back to the palace he didn't ask anymore questions. The uneasiness in his chest grew with every passing second. Ella didn't speak either. Her eyes stayed on the laws and the sleeping trees.

When they returned, they were informed Mavi wanted to speak to them in her office. Ella took in a deep breath as she followed Maksim down the long winding halls filled with people.

"Is it always so crowded here?" She asked looking around.

"Yes, I guess it is." Maksim said as if noticing for the first time how many faces he didn't recognize. "They're usually here on official business. Only the first and the second floor is open to the public for business. Everything else is private."

Ella nodded as she stuck closer to her mate and made their way to the Queen's office. Upon arrival, they were quickly led inside.

"Hello, love birds," Mavi said with a bright smile as she waved them in from behind her desk.

"Hello," Ella smiled. Maksim only gave his mother a tight lip smile and a nod as he slipped into the chair in front of her. Ella followed.

"How are you feeling, Ella?" Mavi asked.

"Much better. Thank you for asking."

"Of course," the queen smiled. "You're family. We're all so happy to have you here. Maybe now, the puny king will act right and get his head in the game."

Ella looked over to Maksim who just rolled his eyes.

"You wanted to see us," he reminded his mother.

"Yes," Mavi nodded. "Jenny from PR called this morning. They are wondering when the palace will be making an official announcement about Ella."

"I think people already know what's going on," Maksim said as he scratched below his eyebrows with his thumb.

"We still have to make an official announcement and photos will have to be released to the press."

Maksim turned to his mate, "What do you think?"

"Me?" Ella looked from the queen to the future king. "I....I don't know. Whatever you think is best."

"Ella, we don't have to do this right away," Mavi informed her. "But everyone is eagerly waiting for an announcement."

Maksim watched Ella as she looked at him. The uncertainty in her eyes was clear as daylight as she played with her fingers on her lap.

"I want to do it," Maksim said, not taking his eyes off of his mate.

Ella took a deep breath and put a smile on her face before nodding in approval.

"Yes, I think we should," she said.

"Perfect," Mavi said. "I'll let Jenny know and she will take care of everything. One more thing."

Maksim knew whatever his mother was about to say couldn't possibly be good from the way she smiled at him.

"What, mom?" He asked with a groan.

"We have a small state dinner tomorrow night at the palace for Ben Zephyr and Adeline's engagement. I would really like for you and Ella to be present."

"We have plans," Maksim lied. He didn't want Ella to be overwhelmed.

"Can't you change them? Please, Maksim. It would mean so much to Adeline and me if you two came."

Before Maksim could answer, Ella spoke up.

"Of course we'll come," she said nodding her head. "We'll be there."

"Ella,I -" Ella grabbed Maksim's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"It's for your cousin, Maksim," she said. "I think we should go."

Maksim sighed, "Okay. If you say so."

"Thank you so much Ella!" Mavi cheered. "You just made my life ten times easier with this one."

"You're welcome," Ella smiled.

"Are we done?" Maksim asked.

"Yes," Mavi rolled her eyes. "Why are you so cranky today?"

"Ask dad," Maksim mumbled as he got out of his seat and pushed the chairs in. "He had me up at dawn running for miles."

"It's for your own good," Mavi shook her head. "Now get out of here you two."

"Let's go, babe," Maksim said as he placed his hand on Ella's back.

"See you later," Ella waved to Mavi.

Maksim walked Ella out and led them through a different staircase to their floor. He walked with his hands behind his back as they made their way to his room.

"Are you upset?" Ella asked as she watched him hang up their coats.

"No," Maksim shook his head, not looking at her.

"Seems like you are," Ella frowned. "I'm sorry."

"Why are you saying sorry?"

"I shouldn't have agreed to go if you didn't want to. I just thought we should go.....for your cousin and your mom."

Maksim sighed as he came back to stand in front of Ella. he cupped her face and looked into her big eyes.

"I'm not upset, baby," he said. "I don't want you to get overwhelmed."

"You'll be there," Ella pointed out.

"Yes," Maksim gave her a small smile.

"Everything will be okay."

As Ella spoke those words, Maksim felt his insides turn with worry. He was going crazy with the unnamed feeling in his gut. His mood soured as his wolf shook his head, weary of some unknown shadow lurking in the corner.

"Yes," Maksim said slowly. "Everything will be fine."

He was about to let go of Ella's face and take a step back when she stopped him. Her hands held his arms as she tilted her head back.

"Kiss me," she said.

"What?" Maksim looked down in confusion.

"You said you weren't upset with me."

"I'm not,"

"Then kiss me."

For a few seconds, Maksim stared at Ella's face in a sea of concussion. He didn't understand what was going on, but he didn't like it. His wolf was going crazy inside his body.

His mate was asking him to kiss her. He would have kissed her for hours if he could.....

But why did it feel wrong?

Ella waited for Maksim as she stared into his brown eyes. He watched her eyes shift from patient to concern.

"Maksim...." she breathed his name.

There it was again. Maksim.....

Maksim bit back the shudder that ran up his spin in worry as he leaned forward. He took a deep breath and placed a kiss on Ella's forehead. The pain and heartbreak that ripped through him would have sent anyone to their knees. Never his wildest dream did Maksim think kissing his mate would feel so wrong.

For the rest of the day, Maksim kept Ella surrounded by his family. He hovered in the background and watched her interact with his sisters and cousins. Her smile never wavered from her face. She agreed politely to everything they said and nodded her head with every request.

She was perfect.

And it was starting to terrify Maksim.

________________________

Ella stood in front of the mirror as Vivian showed her the many dresses one by one for the evening. Maksim leaned against the door frame as he observed her face carefully.

"What do you think?" Ella asked him looking up.

"I like the black one with roses," Maksim pointed to one of the dresses hanging on the rack.

"This one?" Ella asked as he pulled it off.

It was really not her style. She never wore patterns. Her closet was a block of solid colors and Maksim knew that. He had picked the dresses because it was one he knew Ella would never pick out herself.

"Yes," he said. "I like it."

Ella looked at the dresses in her hands and then slowly turned to Vivian.

"I'll wear this one," she said.

"Very well, dear," Vivian smiled. "I'll bring the matching accessories."

"Thank you," Ella smiled.

Maksim stepped out of the way as Vivian exited the closet to retrieve the accessories. He never took his eyes off of Ella as she ran her hand over the fabric of the dress and stood in the closet quietly.

"How will you do your hair?" Maksim asked.

"I don't know,"

"Wear it up in a ponytail."

"Okay," Ella nodded.

"Shoes?"

"What do you think goes with the dress?"

"The red heels."

"Alright."

"And red lipstick."

"Sounds good."

"I think we should have sex."

Ella stilled. Her eyes snapped up from the dress as she looked up in surprise.

"What?" she asked.

Maksim pushed off the door frame and walked up. He put his hands on her hips and slowly pulled her until she was only a breath away.

"I said," he began slowly as he looked into her eyes. "I think we should have sex. I want to mark you."

Ella's eyes widened in surprise as she swallowed. Her lips parted and she blinked several times. Maksim's watchful eyes didn't give her any room to hide her reactions.

"Vi-Vivan is coming back in a few minutes," Ella stuttered.

"Then after the party?" Maksim asked. "We can stay for dinner and then come back up here."

Ella dropped her gaze and looked over Maksim's shoulder. Her heart pounded loudly in her chest as she gripped the fabric of the dress in her hands.

"Ella?" Maksim asked. "Should we have sex tonight?"

"I.....I...." Ella struggled to say something.

"I really want that," Maksim pushed her a little further.

Ella's eyes moved back to her mate slowly. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she let the seconds stretch on.

"I want to mark you tonight," Maksim leaned forward and whispered into her ear.

Ella shut her eyes and nodded, "Okay."

Maksim smiled and looked at her face, "Yes?"

Ella nodded her head again, "Yes."

"Perfect," Maksim said. "We'll leave dinner early then. Vivian is coming back in."

True to his words the door to their room opened and Vivian walked in with a large black box. She paused at the entrance of the closet and was about to turn and give the couple some privacy when Maksim called to her.

"Please come in," he said with his eyes still on Ella. "By the way, Vivian. This dress is ugly."

Ella looked down at the dress in her hand, "What should I wear then?"

"Whatever you want," Maksim said as he turned away and walked out of the closet.

As Ella got ready with Vivian, Maksim sat in their room lost in his thoughts. He rubbed his forehead over and over as he tried to wrap his mind around what was happening. It would have been too easy to blame the tie around his neck for his shortness of breath, but in reality Maksim had been feeling it ever since Ella stood in that closet and agreed with everything he said. He was sure if he had asked her to follow him off a clif, she would have.

"Maksim?" Ella's small voice pulled him out of his head.

"Yes?" he looked up, not realizing she was waiting for him.

"What do you think? Is this okay?"

Maksim's eyes widened as he looked his mate up and down. She had ditched the rose dress and picked a smile black one instead. The dark material stood out against her fresh skin as her chest chilled out the sweetheart neckline. Little thin straps sat on her shoulders as her blonde hair rested in a neat bun on the base of her neck. A few stray pieces of hair fell around her face making her look like an angel sent to earth just for him.

"Wow," Maksim smiled as he got up from his seat. "You look........wow."

The prince was speechless as his mate smiled at him. Thankfully, she had gone against the red lipstick and wore a feminine coral pink. As Maksim watched her, he realized she also left out all the shiny jewelries. The only thing around her neck was the necklace he had gotten her.

"Thank you," Ella smiled as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Shall we?" Maksim held out his elbow. "We have a big night ahead of us."

Ella took a deep breath as she looped her arm through his and nodded.

"Yes," she said with a quick smile.

The dinner was being held in the smaller ballroom looking out into the south lawn of the palace. The french windows lining the back wall provided a spectacular view of the snow outside as guests mingled inside in the warmth.

Maksim and Ella moved around the room and greeted the many guests as Ella kept a tight grip on her mate's arm. She smiled politely at everyone Maksim introduced her to and answered all their questions. She smiled at their jokes, asked about their families, complimented them on little things, and thanked them for their time before Maksim moved her onto the next person waiting to meet them.

Once dinner was served, Xavier stood up and raised his glass and tapped it with his fork to catch everyone's attention. They were all seated in a long table and all heads turned to the man standing at the head of the table.

"When I first met my wife," Xavier started. "I asked her what thought love was. My wife, being the stubborn and incredible woman that she is, sighed in frustration looking at me and said love is the condition in which the other person's happiness is essential to your own. Love is giving."

Maksim looked down at Ella's hand on his lap and then at her eyes. She listened to Xavier speak with a soft smile on her lips. He followed her eyes to Rye who watched her husband with an adoring smile and glossy eyes.

"Adeline and Ben," Xavier raised his glass. "I wish you all the happiness in life. May you value each other and give yourselves to one another completely, without any expectations or fear. Ben, Adeline is my first grandchild. She is one of the many jewels of my family. I hope you will take the time to see how wonderful and special she is. We are giving you our pride and joy, protect her and love her with all your heart."

The guest around the table all raised their glasses as they cheered to the happy couple. Maksim turned to Ella as she took a sip of her glass. His heart fluttered looking at her under the candle light as her bright eyes looked around the room.

In that moment it was so easy to forget everything and pull her into his arms to kiss her. Maksim would have if it weren't for the way she turned to smile at him.

She tried. She really did. But her smile didn't reach her eyes. And it shattered Maksim's heart. He flashed her a quick smile of his own before he looked away and focused on his plate.

After dinner, as the band started to play some slow songs, Maksim asked Ella if she wanted to dance. Of course, she said yes. He walked her to the dance floor and held her as they swayed to the music. Ella's arms hooked around his neck as she looked into his brown eyes.

"Change your mind about tonight yet?" Maksim asked, his voice low enough for just the two of them to hear.

Ella looked away and shook her head, "No."

"So we're really going for it."

"Yes," Ella said quietly.

"This time tomorrow you'll be wearing my mark."

Ella nodded, "Yep."

"Are you sure about this? I mean, are you ready?"

Ella's gaze lifted, "I'm ready if you are."

Maksim nodded his head. The song came to an end and he took a step back. From the corner of his eyes he saw his father approaching them. Ella looked up and put on her perfect smile.

"Mind if I cut in?" Owen asked, looking between the two.

"Go right ahead," Maksim said as he took another step back.

Owen patted his son's shoulder before he turned to Ella.

"May I have this dance, Ms. Dunbar?" He asked as he bowed his head and held out his hand.

"Of course," Ella smiled as she took his hand.

Maksim felt a real smile appear on his lips as he watched his father lead Ella through the next dance. He moved off the dance floor and stood by the windows as his eyes followed them in the candlelights.

"She's perfect," Xavier said as he came to stand next to his grandson.

Maksim looked over to the man and nodded with a sigh, "Yeah. She's perfect."

"Are you happy?"

"Of course," Maksim said as his eyes went back to Ella.

"That is not the face of a happy man."

Maksim chuckled as he shook his head, "No. I'm happy. Really. I just.....I - I can't explain it."

"What's wrong?" Xavier asked with concern.

"It's Ella," Maksim said quietly. "I don't know, Paws. This doesn't feel right."

"Well, this is what you wanted, correct?"

"Yes," Maksim nodded.

"You wanted her to pick you and she has. She's here wrapped up in your arms. The whole world knows she's yours. What's the issue now?"

"I don't know!" Maksim said in frustration. "I can't get this feeling out of her head that...... that what I wanted.....maybe came with a price."

A knowing look crossed Xavier's old wise eyes, "What do you mean?"

Maksim turned to look at his mate, "She's perfect. She has no flaws. She does everything I said. She does everything right. I say jump and she asks how high."

"I still don't see what your problem is." Xavier sipped his drink.

"That's not her." Maksim snapped.

As the words came out of his mouth the unsettling feeling in his chest intensified before finally taking a form. The words started to bubble out of him.

"That's not the Ella I know," Maksim shook his head. "Ella....she's.....she's opinionated, thoughtful, stubborn, hates my guts, never tells me how she feels, thinks she can take on the world alone, doesn't need help from anyone. That.....that is my Ella. Not....not this perfect princess dancing with my father."

"I don't know who she is," Maksim said, defeated as he looked at his mate again.

Xavier took a deep breath as he sat his drink down on the table.

"Did you hear my toast today?" He asked.

"Yes," Maksim nodded. "Great toast. You got Mimzy to cry."

"Yes, that surprised me too," Xavier smiled before taking another deep breath. "My toast wasn't just for Ben and Adeline. It was for you and Ella too."

Maksim looked at his grandfather with curiosity in his eyes.

"Love is giving, Maksim," Xavier said slowly. "Rye was correct when she said love is when the other person's happiness is essential to your own. In everything that has happened in the past few days, who has it benefited the most?"

"Me," Maksim said, feeling as if someone had poured cold water all over him.

"What has Ella gotten out of everything? And please do not count yourself."

"Nothing," Maksim said, feeling like the world's biggest idiot.

"You have been so busy worrying about securing your happiness...... you forgot to stop and think about her. That, my dear son, is not love." Xavier said slowly.

Maksim felt the weight of Xavier's words pin him to the ground. He felt disgusted with himself for basking in happiness while Ella had just given up her whole world for him.

"What makes her happy, Maksim? What can you do to bring a real smile on her face?"

Maksim lifted his gaze from the floor to when Ella spoke to Adeline and Ben. He felt a new sense of responsibility start to rise in him as she looked over her shoulder and gave him a small smile.

"Put her needs first," Xavier said. "The rest will fall into place."

Maksim turned to look at his grandfather. He gave a small nod before he took a deep breath and set off across the dance floor to set things right.

Ella watched him approach through her lashes. She fiddler with her hands as she tried to hold the fake smile on her lips for everyone's sake. Maksim's eyes scanned her as he held his hand out.

"Shall we?" he asked. "We have plans, remember?"

Ella took a deep breath before she took his hand. Maksim laced his fingers through hers and led her out of the ball room and up to their floor. He could hear Ella's heart pounding in her chest as her heels clicked on the marble floor. She followed quietly as he brought her into their room and dimmed the lights.

Ella stood still in the middle of the floor as Maksim removed his suit jacket. In the dark space, he watched her eyes as he undid his tie and the top few buttons of his shirt. When he took a few steps towards her, he noticed immediately how her body tried to move away but she forced herself to stand her ground.

Come on, Ell, Maksim thought. Don't make me do this.

"Take off your dress," Maksim said as he pushed his hands into his pockets.

Ella's eyes widened slightly. She began to fidget with her hands as she looked around the room.

"No one's here," Maksim assured her. "Just you and me."

Ella turned her eyes back to the boy standing in front of her and nodded.

"I.....I need...." she stumbled with her words.

"What's that, love?" Maksim raised a brow.

Ella swallowed, "I need help with the zipper."

"Turn around," Maksim spun his fingers in the air.

Ella slowly turned in her spot. Her body had started to tremble and she was trying really hard to not let it show. Maksim took a step forward and took hold of the small zipper on the back of her dress. As soon as his fingers brushed her back, her whole body tensed.

Maksim stood still behind her. He waited to see what she would do as he held the zipper in his hand and did nothing.

Seconds ticked by. And then minutes. Ella's breathing became more and more urgent as the hands on the clock moved.

Come on, Ell, Maksim begged in his mind over and over. Say no. Tell me you don't want this.

When Ella remained silent as a mouse, Maksim carefully and slowly slid the zipper down. Maksim's own hands began to tremble as he wondered how far he had to go before she gave up and told him no.

The two parts of the dress fell wide open exposing Ella's back as Maksim slid the zipper down all the way. He bit down on his jaw to keep his anger and frustration in control as he pulled his hands back.

With every passing second he grew more and more worried about Ella. Her heart rate was out of control. Maksim watched in horror as Ella slowly lifted her shaking hands and slid one strap of the dress down her arm.

"Stop." Maksim said, taking a step back. He couldn't do it. He couldn't let her do that. He could feel her holding back her tears.

Ella's hands froze as she turned her head slightly to look at him over her shoulder. Maksim reached out quickly and zipped the dress back up before getting as far away from her as the room would possibly allow.

Ella pushed the strap of her dress back up as Maksim turned the light on. She wrapped her arms around herself as she turned to look at him. Maksim noticed the way she trembled before he picked up his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

"What were you going to do, Ell?" He asked looking into her eyes.

"I......I thought..." Ella stuttered in confusion and fear.

"Why didn't you say no?" Maksim begged her to know. "Why didn't you tell me I don't even like you, Maksim Radacovick?"

"This is what you wanted," Ella said quietly.

"But it's not what you wanted," Maksim moved away in frustration. He hand a hand through his hair and then rubbed his neck before he rubbed his face. Ella watched him pace the floor as he repeated the actions all over again.

"Are you.....are you upset?" She asked.

"I'm livid," Maksim gave a harsh laugh. "What are you doing, Ella?"

"What am I doing wrong?" Ella's eyes started to become glossy.

"Nothing," Maksim rushed forward and cupped her face. "You're doing nothing wrong. But baby....this isn't you. This is not who you are."

Tears started to come down Ella's face as she gripped Maksim's wrists.

"Why are you agreeing with everything I am saying or asking?" Maksim asked desperately. "You were....you were about to let me....." he couldn't even finish his thought.

"Ella," Maksim pulled her closer. "This isn't you. I know this isn't you. What's wrong? Please tell me. I'm losing my mind."

Ella's lips parted but no words came out. Maksim waited to speak as his eyes searched her face.

"Please tell me," Maksim begged.

"I'm....." Ella's voice was barely a whisper. "I'm scared."

Maksim felt like he found a small pocket of oxygen in space. He clung to it desperately as Elal slowly began to speak and the pressure from his chest lifted.

"I'm so scared I'm going to lose you if I mess up again," Ella began to cry. "I have no one. Everyone I ever loved..... they.....they just.....they just threw me out of their lives. I'm terrified you will wake up one morning and tell me to leave."

"No, no," Maksim shook his head as he felt his own eyes tear up. "Baby, I would neve-"

"But you did," Ella shut her eyes and sobbed harder. "You left me too."

Maksim's heart began to shake as Ella leaned against his body weeping like a scared child. His arms wrapped around her and he held all her weight as she buried her face in his chest.

"If I.....if I mess up, you will walk away again," Ella cried. "I can't live with that..... You're all I have now."

"Ella," Maksim pulled her face up to his. His eyes were wet just as hers as he pushed her hair out of her face. "I am so sorry for what I did. I can't live without you. I was dumb and stupid. I was so selfish. I can't take back what I did but I promise you it will never happen again. I will follow you to the end of the earth."

"I want to believe you," Ella sobbed.

"I'm not asking you to trust me right away," Maksim said. "I will earn it. I swear."

"Don't leave me," Ella lifted her hand and placed it against his cheek. "I'm so lost..... I don't have a home or a family.....I have nothing. I never had just nothing. I can't breathe every time I think of how alone I am now."

"You're not alone," Maksim reminded her. "I'm right by your side. I won't ever let you fall."

Ella slowly nodded her head. Maksim kissed her forehead and held her against his chest for a long time. He felt her tears soak through the fabric of his shirt and warm his skin as she wrapped her arms around him.

They stood in the middle of the room not saying a world. The silent air filled with Ella's sniffles as her tears slowly stopped running down her face. She unwrapped her arms from around her mate and wiped her eyes.

"We're going to take this real slow," Maksim said in a gentle voice as he watched her tuck her hair back.

Ella nodded before lifting her gaze. She took a step back from him and tried to wipe off the tea stains in his shirt.

"Sorry about that," she said.

"I don't care," Maksim stopped her hand from fussing with it. He brought her fingers up to his lips and pressed a kiss upon it.

"How do we take things slow?" Ella asked as she looked back at his face.

Maksim smiled, "Well for starters, you are moving next door."

"What?" Ella asked in confusion.

"Vivian is preparing the room next door for you. It's yours. We're not going to share a room until you want to," Maksim informed her. "Deal?"

Ella took a long deep breath, "Deal."

What do you think will happen next? 

Also, there will be a book on Ben and Adeline. I didn't want to focus on them too much in this chapter.