Page 31 of Broken Souls

“I'm Carson.” She's still smiling. I frown and her smile drops. “Oh, you don't know who I am. Your mind must be thinking the worst right now. I'm Axel's sister.”

“Ohh.” I let out a heavy breath.

It's his sister. Shit. I'm still in the wrong. Axe still wants me and once I tell him what happened, he won't. I don't want to hurt him after all he's been through. What do I do?

“Axe told me you don't visit,” I murmur, feeling intimidated.

“I don't usually. It was always hard to… that's a long conversation. But Dash called me and said Axe is becoming himself again so I knew I had to come here and meet the reason for it, which is you.” Carson grabs my hands and leads me to the couch. “Let's talk.”

“Where's Axe?” I ask.

“The bathroom or his office.” She shrugs. “So tell me everything about you.”

“Umm, I'll sum it up in one word. Crossbred,” I reveal.

“You're Raines' daughter.” Her eyes enlarge. I nod. “I remember those shitty rumours about your dad years ago. You must only be young then.”

“I'm eighteen.”

“Wow. How did you and Axe come together?” Carson turns her body towards me, giving me her full attention. She actually seems genuinely interested.

“You're not repulsed that the crossbred is with your brother,” I mutter.

“No.” Her eyes soften. “I don't care what stories are told about you. Like damn, you should have heard some of the stories people made up about Axe. You are making my brother happy after his breakdown and that's all that matters to me.”

Her kindness slaps me in the face.

“I don't understand. Alpha Manson was always a strict man who opposed rogues. Yet the alpha and beta now and even you are kind to me.”

“Ugh, yeah my dad can be an asshole. Scratch that, he is an asshole. I just think the whole crossbred rogue thing is bullshit. You have pack's blood running through your veins. And even if you didn't, every rogue was once a pack member,” Carson explains.

“If only everyone thought the way you did.” I sigh.

“Not everyone has the intelligence,” she says, lightening up our talk with humour. “Now, you and Axe. Spill.” Carson grins.

“We actually met in a bad way. My mate rejected me. My father had just kicked me out. I got beaten up in the forest and when I thought I was about to die, Axe found me and nursed me back to life.”

“Oh my, I'm so sorry. Wait... did all that happen because of the crossbred thing?” Carson's eyes narrow when I nod. “What the fuck? How long has the abuse been going on?”

“Always.” I shrug.

“I-I don't know what to say. Why didn't you speak up? Never mind, stupid question. Are things better now?” Her eyes crease with concern.

“Yes. I feel protected with Axe. He saved me, not just physically, but in every way.” I can't help the smile that comes when I think of him.

“Aww. Even though your meeting was bad, I'm so glad you two found each other.” Carson smiles.

“But something happened today and I'm scared to tell Axe,” I let out, knowing I need advice.

“You can tell me,” she says gently.

“My mate came to me because his girlfriend left him. He kissed me.” I look down ashamed. “I-I don't want to lose Axe.” My eyes tear up.

“Do you want your mate?” she asks kindly, no judgement in her tone.

“Personally, no. But I just can't stop thinking of what will happen with my wolf if I'm not with him,” I say honestly. All I'm worried about is my wolf.

“I understand. My mate and I are inseparable. A wolf mates for life but I believe love can happen between two unmated wolves. Your wolf can bond with Axe's. Since he's your alpha, a bond has already formed between your wolves. They can get closer. Plus being in a pack helps your wolf stay stable. You'll be fine. Choose who your heart wants, Elora.” Her voice is so melodic, I could listen to her all day. Even with such an intense subject, her voice is calming me.