Page 87 of Broken Souls

“No... I couldn't bear to have another child after I gave you up. My mate didn't want another either. He has a son. He was from a pack and he got a woman pregnant but he went rogue for personal reasons. We built our place close to that pack because he visits his son often. But when you turned eighteen, my mate and I came to this area and built a temporary shelter so I could find you.”

“I'm glad you came back for me,” I whisper, clenching my fingers around hers.

“Do you know where your father went when he was exiled?”

“I don't know.”

“I should hunt him down and make him pay. If I met his bitch mate, I would rip her apart too,” she says angrily.

“My mate gave me justice.” I smile, thinking of Axe.

“Axe sounds like a wonderful person. I can't believe Manson is his father.”

“Neither can I.” It goes silent between us for a while. “What are you planning on doing now?”

“I'm not leaving you again, Elora,” she says, making my eyes tear up again. It feels like we've both cried ten times already during this conversation.

“I know Axe will let you join the pack,” I suggest hopefully.

“Honey, I like being a rogue, living off the land with my mate.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I told you my mate and I built a temporary shelter. We can turn it into a more permanent home. My mate will still have to visit his son sometimes, so I'll talk to him about travelling arrangements.”

“Thank you.” I smile, knowing she's going to stay close.

“I know I don't know you the way I should and I don't know if this will mean anything to you, but I'm so proud of you for the strong woman you've become. No one should have to go through what you did and I'll take the blame for it.” Lizzy pulls me into her arms and I cry against her chest.

“I don't blame you. It was my father's fault,” I assure her.

I don't want her to feel guilty. My father was supposed to protect me and he didn't. So the blame is on him.

“Elora,” Axe's voice calls. I pull away from Lizzy and see Axe standing in the doorway, dirt on his body with only a pair of briefs on. “Who is this?” He frowns.

“This is Lizzy.” My voice breaks.

“Your mother.” Axe's eyes go wide. “How did you find her?”

“I went for a long run after I took the kids back.” I stand up and go over to him. “How is the boy?”

“He's okay. I took him for a run and then took him home,” he says. “It's really late but I'm starving. Why don't we get some dinner? Lizzy, would you like to join?”

“Oh, yes, thank you.” Lizzy smiles. I smile at their exchange, Axe's kindness and Lizzy's interest in spending time with Axe and me.

“Elora, why don't you get her something appropriate to wear into town? I'll have a quick shower and get dressed,” Axe says.

Within ten minutes we are in the car and Axe is driving us into town. I see The Grail Cafe come into view.

“Let's go there. With how late it is, we won't find many open restaurants,” I say.

Axe pulls into the parking lot and we walk inside the cafe, which is empty. We take a seat at the booth.

“Hi, what can I get you?” a waitress asks with a tired smile, clearly not expecting customers at this hour.

“Three coffees. We may as well stay up now,” Axe says.

We order our food and then look at each other. I'm not sure what to say now.