The Forced Bride

Claire's POV It's very early in the morning and everywhere seems busy already. The challengers against Alpha Dane were going about forming alliances and navigating on strategies with other packs to go against Alpha Dane. Xavier, on the other hand, was seen moving to and fro in a particular spot. His mind had wandered away from the world he is right now. All he could think of was me. "Is she fine? What happened? Was she poisoned?" All these were questions he wouldn't get an answer from his wandering thoughts. As I was being attended to, I overheard the midwives whispering to a lady. "Seems Luna is pregnant." "Who? Me?" I questioned. Murmuring to myself. "I will have to run a proper test to be sure." The midwives whispered to the lady. I did not really know who the lady the midwives were giving out information about me to. Since the conversation took place in the outer room away from where I was. Much later, the old nurse attending me invited Xavier in. He rushed in to see me sitting upright and looking much better than the way I was brought in to be treated. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine." I said as Xavier approached me. Of course, I am very worried about you. He replied. "Are you okay?" He asked. "Yes I am." It's just a fever, I was told. But deep within me, I knew it was not fever. I forcefully asked Xavier to take me back to my room. He was surprised at my sudden decision to leave where we were immediately. "It's everything alright mate?" He queried. "Everything is fine, just take me out of this place." Xavier did not hesitate, he immediately carried me on his back and headed for my room. Laid me on the bed and asked me to get some sleep. He figured I needed enough sleep to take my mind off the chaos happening around Alpha Dane and the other pack. I waved him bye as he gently shut the door on his way out. I lay in bed silently as I planned my escape. I have to leave tonight, I murmured to myself. "My Dad will die in no time, and I am carrying the child of Xavier. Would he welcome the baby?" My thoughts were conflicting. Right now he is focused on avenging his younger sister by wanting to eliminate Alpha Dane, my father. Xavier stood before the old cabin, and the memories of his childhood flooded back right at him. He had avoided this place for so long, but with what we discussed, he believes this is one of the ways of facing one's fears and past, and with me in his life, he felt a sense of courage he hadn't known before. Right where he was, he could perceive the creaky smell of the cabin. He walked into the cabin and when his memories assaulted him, he laughed out hard as tears rolled down his chin. Xavier's eyes closed, his jaw clenched and he exhaled. As if he was exhaling all the memories that haunted him all his life. But my existence as his mate was a steady anchor. I didn't try to fix everything or offer empty words of comfort. My existence to him was all he ever needed to confront the demons of his past. As he stood there, the weight of Xavier's past began to lift. He felt the burden of his secrets, traumas, and shame slowly easing, replaced by a sense of determination and love and hope. "I will tell Claire everything," Xavier said, his voice barely in a whisper. "I want her to know the truth about my past." He headed straight to the house, screaming out Claire! Claire! He stormed into my room and there I was sitting at the edge of my bed startled at the scream of my name coming from him. "Is everything okay?" She asked as I left the bed to meet him towards the entrance to my room. Xavier took a deep breath and immediately, he began to share his story. He told me about his childhood, about the abuse and neglect. He told her about the pain and the shame. He told her about his family and how he lost his younger sister to the authority of Alpha Dane, who is my father. As he spoke, the weight of his secrets lifted. He felt a sense of peace and freedom he hadn't known before. I listened, my expression a mixture of sadness and understanding. When Xavier finished speaking, I wrapped my arms around him. "I'm proud of you for facing your past, you are fine now," I said as Xavier's eyes closed, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew he still had a long way to go, but with me by his side, he felt a sense of hope." Together, we walked out of the cabin, the sun shining down on us. Xavier felt a sense of redemption, a sense of healing. "Thank you, Claire," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Thank you for being here for me." My smile was gentle as always. "I'll always be here for you, Xavier, my mate. We're in this together for life." As we walked hand in hand, Xavier knew he was on the path to redemption. He still had scars, but with my constant love and support, he was healing. Xavier's heart beamed with love and gratitude. He knew he didn't deserve my love, affection and support, but he was grateful for it regardless. As we walked into the sunset reflection, Xavier felt a sense of healing. He knew he still had a long way to go, but he was no longer alone. He had me, and together, we would face whatever came our way. As we walked past, I only thought of how Xavier would survive when I was gone. I was leaving tonight after this beautiful moment we just shared. I knew that my decision might hurt him, but I had made up my mind and nothing was stopping me. Just as he had made up his mind avenging his younger sister's death. Curious enough, I asked him. "Will you still avenge your sister's death?" "I.....