Page 32 of Broken Souls

“I'm s-scared Axe will make me leave if I tell him,” my voice breaks.

“If I make sure that doesn't happen, will you promise not to hurt my brother?”

“Yes, yes, please.” I nod hopelessly.

“Taken care of. Now, tell me who the mutts are who've abused you.”

I sigh. “Carson.” I haven’t even opened up to Axe. But maybe telling a woman and a stranger at that would be easier.

“No, Elora. This is something I won't let you hide. I want every name,” Carson demands, her alpha blood rising in her.

Should I tell her? What if she tells Axe? What if she goes on a rampage? No, I can't keep quiet anymore. Axe and I are together. Carson is his sister. I need to open up to those who care.

“I mean, the comments have come from everyone but the abuse has been mainly Ember Chambers, Hannah Willet, and Mitchell Wyomi.”

“They beat you up?”

“Along with my half-brother, Kieryn,” I add.

“What? Why didn't your dad stop it?” She glares, not at me, but the words.

“I don't think he ever knew. Kieryn and my father's bitch mate made sure he wasn't home when they attacked.”

“I'm so angry. I'm sad but I'm angry,” she huffs.

We talk more in depth about the abuse, about Axe and me, about the future, but then we land back on Joel. I even tell her who he is.

“I know the mate bond is near impossible to resist but I need you to be strong. The way to get a mate to do whatever you want is by physical seduction. Joel will manipulate your body against your mind and it will be too hard for you to fight it. So stay clear of him.”

“Your words are encouraging. I really needed a girl friend to talk to.” I smile with appreciation.

“You can call me anytime and now that I know things are good with Axel, I'll visit more.” Carson pulls me into a hug. Carson is the first she-wolf I've ever connected with.

“You're not going to go on a killing spree, right?” I pull away.

“I don't have to.” Carson nods her head behind me and I turn around, seeing Axe standing in the doorway with black eyes. Shit. He was listening... to all of it. He now has all the names he needs.

“Axe.” I stand up shakily. “I'm sorry about the kiss,” I apologise, not being able to meet his eyes. He comes over and grabs my hands, lifting my chin so I have to look at him.

“I'm not angry with you, Elora. I'm angry that this shit has been happening in my pack and I didn't know. I'm fucking livid, so things are about to change.”

“What do you mean?” I ask anxiously.

“I think it's about time I come out of retirement.” His eyes have a glint in them. I'm not sure what it means but he's definitely planning something.

“Alpha Axe is back.” Carson smirks.

“I need to talk to Dash. Take care of my girl, Car.” Axe kisses my cheek then walks out of the house.

“He just called me his girl,” I utter, stupefied.

“I swear years of therapy couldn't do what you just did for Axe.”

“His girl,” I whisper.

The alpha verbally claimed me as his. This brought us closer, very close. I feel our emotional relationship progressed incredibly in just these few moments.

Chapter Twenty-Six