Chapter 71 Paced Recovery

~Gale~

My hands gripped the steering wheel. I shouldn’t be here. When we got back to the pack, Jaymer was in the clinic, but Andrix had left.

This wasn’t going to work.

How do I even begin?

I couldn’t just walk up to him and say, “Hi, I’m sorry for torturing you for months but I’m your mate so let’s just forget about it?”

Idiot.

Gil was howling in my head. He’d been missing our mate and I couldn’t get him to shut up. I tugged at my hair and let out a groan. I should go back, think about it more, and then return on a later day.

On the passenger seat was a box of chocolates that made me feel more stupid. What should I say? “I saw it when I was passing by and thought it’d be nice to…”

I groaned again.

Fuck. I can’t do it.

I finally found my mate and the first thing I did was torture the living daylights out of him. Goddess, he drove me crazy.

Those months were hell. I couldn’t sleep and I barely ate. If it wasn’t for the coffee, the drinking, and the weekly sessions I forced myself to see him, I wouldn’t have gotten through them. I was Beta. The pack relied on me. One little mistake could’ve been disastrous. I couldn’t let my emotions overpower me.

I tried… so hard to get him off my mind, to forget about his alluring blue eyes and that charming smile. His tenacity drew me to him like a moth to a flame. I got burned.

Gil whimpered.

“Shut it, you. We’re leaving,” I told him.

I fumbled with the keys that it dropped. I ducked down to reach it, then a sudden knock on the window surprised me that my head hit the steering wheel. I turned to glare at the person, only that person was none other than my mate.

Sweat bathed him from the top of his head down his wet gray cotton shirt. He leaned on the window and smiled. He looked like he was out for a run.

Gil all but howled happily.

Andrix knocked again, pulling me out of my sinful thoughts. I lowered the windows and his scent wafted to me.

Sweet basil and plain mint - it was just… him.

“Didn’t think I’d see you around here,” he said.

I still couldn’t understand.

“I was just passing through,” I said, then showed him the keys. “Dropped my keys.”

“Since you’re here, how about a cup of coffee?” he asked. “My place is a five-minute walk. You can leave your car here. I’ll inform them the Red Claw Pack’s Beta’s dropping by.”

At the mention of coffee, my brain decided it was the best time to send a signal and make me yawn.

Andrix chuckled. “Looks like you need more than a cup.”

“Back off,” I said, my hand on the grab handle.

He stepped to the side. Against my better judgment, I grabbed the box beside me then stepped out. The car’s lights flashed as I locked the doors.

I should really get myself a car of my own. Maybe a McLaren 720S…

Unlike Liam’s babies, mine wouldn’t be sitting in a garage.

“That for me?” he asked, smirking.

“I bought it for me,” I said, yawning.

Gil, you bastard! He yawned on purpose. Why does this apply in this setting!

“This way,” he said, knowing full well that I bought it for him. “So, what brings the Beta of the Red Claw Pack all the way here?”

“Call me Gil.”

He raised a brow at me.

Goddess…

“My wolf says ‘hi’.”

“Gil,” he said, as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

I wasn’t the slightest bit disgusted.

Goddess…

I was totally into Luna’s uncle. This was just… weird.

“My wolf says ‘hi’ back. His name’s Axel. Would you like to meet him?”

Gil all but howled louder.

“Maybe… next time,” I said, and Gil growled at me.

“Glad there’s the next time,” he said.

His place was a charming modern log cabin. We climbed a set of stairs that led to an L- shaped deck. The interior was surprisingly modern – simplistic and cozy. He took off his running shoes by the door and neatly set them to the side. I did the same.

“Let me take a quick shower then I’ll fix you a cup of coffee you’ve never had before,” he said with a wink.

He had house slippers for me to use. I put them on and followed him inside.

“Make yourself at home,” he said as he disappeared up the stairs.

I placed the box on the countertop. His house was… neat. The copper and bronze accents complimented the natural tint of the timbers. I plopped down on the sofa, facing a wide-screen tv. The round coffee table was empty save for a small potted cactus plant.

I let out a sigh.

What am I doing here?

“You missed him,” said Gil.

“I miss sleeping, Gil. You wouldn’t let me rest.”

With his scent all over the place, I found myself sinking deeper into the soft cushions. I hadn’t slept enough since the Blue Moon Pack. I shook my head awake. Sleeping on someone’s sofa? Wake up!

“You really need that coffee,” said Andrix.

He had sweatpants on and… nothing on top except for a white towel hung on his neck.

I fucking woke up.

His hard pecs, harder abs, and…

“Eyes up here, babe,” he said, chuckling.

I met his gaze, getting pulled further into the abyss of his clear blue eyes that stared back at me. I couldn’t see his features properly than because he was bound, but seeing him up close and personal and half-naked…

Gil was running around in circles.

“Don’t you have a shirt?” I muttered as I peeled my eyes off him.

“I figured it’ll be more fun to tease you.”

He disappeared into the kitchen. I followed him and sat on a stool, leaning on the countertop. His scent was getting to me.

I shouldn’t have come here. This was a bad time.

“So, what are you here for?” he asked, leaning forward on his side.

“I already told you. I was just passing through.”

Thankfully, that was enough to get him to back off. I was controlling my breathing. Being so close to him was triggering another session.

“You won’t mind?” he asked, opening the box.

“Help yourself.”

“Mm…”

My right hand balled into a fist, the knuckles turning white. Why did he have to make that sound?

“It’s ready,” he said.

I forced a smile. He poured me a cup and another for himself.

The bitter aroma soothed me. I took a sip and gulped it down immediately. Disgusting!

Andrix laughed as he took a sip of his own.

“You said it was ‘coffee like I’ve never had before,” I accused.

It tasted too bitter and there was just… something off about it. Whatever it was, it was disgusting. He drank it like it was a normal cup of coffee.

“Have you ever had coffee like this before?” he asked calmly.

“What do you think?”

“Exactly,” he said. He tricked me!

“How can you drink that… thing…”

“Coffee,” he corrected.

“That isn’t coffee. It’s just black water.”

“I can’t taste anything unless it's something strong,” he said, calmly taking a sip. Then he stuck out his tongue like a child. It looked cute though.

“Calm down. It was like this long before you.”

Before you were in the “Fun House”.

I forced myself to take another sip, holding my breath so it’d pass my tongue faster. I shuddered.

“That bad, huh?”

“Yeah…” I said awkwardly. I was being rude to my host.

“I thought we were over it,” he said, breaking the silence.

“Over what?”

“The torture thing.”

He placed his mug down into the sink. Then, he took out another cup, put in a teabag, and poured hot water.

“Hope this tastes better,” he said, placing it in front of me.

“Chamomile?” I asked, slightly narrowing my eyes at him.

“Yeah… does it taste bad?”

Was he feigning ignorance, or was he really worried? I decided on the former.

“Can you taste tea?”

“No. I just keep a bunch of stuff around for health and stuff,” he said.

“Thank you,” I said under my breath. I seldom drink tea, but it was better than his coffee.

“You’re still hung up on the torture thing?” he asked, sitting beside me. He propped an elbow up and leaned his head into his hand, so he was facing me. I was getting more conscious of what I looked like. I was wearing a hoodie and tattered jeans, a stud earring on my right ear. I styled my hair just right this morning and even put on a bit of cologne.

“I’ve been tortured countless times before, babe. Don’t think too much of it,” he said casually. I gulped and set down the mug.

“What!” I blurted out.

How can he talk about it like it’s normal?

“Calm down,” he said, chuckling. “The pack went through dark times. They tried to extract information from me… I’d rather die for the pack than betray it.”

“I’m sorry,” I said, looking down at the mug.

Information was valuable – the smallest thing could ensure victory. Extracting it, however, wasn’t always easy. I enjoyed what I do – I wasn’t going to lie to myself. Inflicting pain upon others fed a side of me – the side that was once on the receiving end. It was sick – twisted, even.

“Look at me,” he said, his fingers on my jaw. His touch sent tingles through my skin. Any more of this and it’d be triggered. “It was a walk in the park, babe. Don’t think too much about it.”

How can you say it so calmly? I’m your mate. I should’ve protected you.

“I am Beta. I could’ve spared you that hell,” I said softly.

His eyes shone brightly, and his smile was kind and genuine. It didn’t affect him at all? I refused to believe it. I went through it and it fucked me up. Liam saved me from that hell, but he couldn’t save me from myself.

He accepted both sides of me and put it to use instead of banishing me from the pack. In every way except blood, he was my brother.

Andrix was different. It didn’t bother him… or did it? He seemed to be indifferent.

Can’t he feel anything?

“You did,” he said, leaning forward. “You kept me sane.”

“I-“

He cut me off by sticking his tongue inside my mouth. I tasted that disgusting black water on his tongue, then… him. My hands tugged into his wet hair, pulling him closer to me.

He growled as he pulled away.

“I can taste you,” he breathed.

“Wha-“

His tongue explored every corner of my mouth and I wasn’t complaining. I needed this. His hands went to my hips and he pulled me off the stool. My legs wrapped around his waist.

“No,” I breathed as we both gasped for air.

My head was spinning. His scent, his touch, his taste… everything about him was heavenly. His hands ran up and down my thighs. I had a better idea in my mind, and he seemed on board with it.

“Fuck!” he cursed as I bit into his shoulder.

Pain assaulted my lower abdomen. It was happening. I lost control and it took over.

“I’m sorry,” I said, tightening my hold around him.

I captured his lips again, fervent for more. My blood felt hot. I needed something- something that only he could give. I peppered his face with kisses, then traced his jaw down to his neck.

“You’re in heat,” he said, growling in my ear.

In a quick second, I was on my back on the sofa and he was straddling me. He ground hips into mine. I couldn’t help but moan, my pants feeling constricted.

He smirked. “Is this what you came for?”

“No,” I replied, my breathing rapid as the sweet pleasure built up. I felt like I could cum with just his kisses and movements.

He suddenly stopped and I whimpered at the loss. I tried to buck my hips up, but his weight held me in place. “Andrix!!!”

It hurt. It hurt so much. My heat came around this week and it was driving me to insanity. Cold showers didn’t do it anymore – not since we knew who our mate was.

Andrix chuckled. “You poor thing,” he whispered, entangling his fingers with my hair as he leaned forward to place kisses on my neck. “How long did you wait?”

“T-Two days,” I replied, panting as he sucked on my sweet spot.

He growled as he nipped at my marking spot.

He inhaled sharply like he was taking in my scent, making me shiver. “You poor thing… Why didn’t you come sooner?” he asked, pulling away.

Another shot of pain in my lower abdomen made my arms shoot up. I didn’t need him worrying about me now, I needed him to help me. It hurt, and he could make it go away. I needed more – more of what he could give me.

I pulled him to me, but he resisted. Yanking my arms off him, he suddenly got off me.

“Is this what you came for?” he asked calmly, throwing the towel on the floor.

My eyes wandered down and I swallowed at how turned on he was.

He sighed. “Your scent’s everywhere.”

“I’m sorry,” I said.

He kneeled beside me and cupped my face. It hurt. It hurt so much…

“Is this what you came for?”

Enough! I made a move to get up. He pressed my shoulder down. Goddess, I felt like a whore. I was the Beta of the Red Claw Pack and here I was on someone’s couch, practically offering myself to a beautiful man.

His hand crept down to my thigh, kneading the flesh near where I wanted his hand to be. His other hand went inside my shirt, and soon his fingers played with my nipples. I closed my eyes as I bit back on my moans.

“You’re… sensitive,” he said, his voice husky. “Answer me…”

He nipped at my marking spot. “Why did you come here?”

“N-No,” I whispered. He pulled the zipper down and undid the button, then his fingers teased around the band of my boxers.

“To get fucked? Is that it? You came all the way here for dick?” he asked, growling.

My eyes snapped open. Was he… mad? He was smiling, but for the first time since we met, there was no amusement in his eyes.

I sighed, then I held his wrists firmly. He raised a brow at me. “I came here to apologize. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for what I did. I know it’s not enough to make it up to you, but I just had to say it.”

I pushed his hands off me and slowly sat up, biting my tongue at the growing pain. “I came here to reject you.”

My eyes widened when he grabbed my throat.

His jaw clenched. “You are my mate!” he shouted.

“I’m sorry.”

I’ve been thinking about it. I can’t keep on thinking about it, so I came, to free the both of us. I should’ve protected you – I didn’t. I put you through things worse than nightmares.

“It’s for –“

“Shut up,” he said coldly, and my mouth zipped. His grip loosened. I gasped for air and was denied it when he kissed me again, harder, hungrier. I shouldn’t be enjoying this, and yet my heart swelled. I wanted him... wanted my mate, but after all, I did, I couldn’t force him to be with me just because of a bond. I kissed him back like my life depended on it, allowing myself one last memory.

He broke the kiss for air. “I, Beta-“

He gave me a quick kiss. “Shut up. I won’t accept your rejection, mangoes. Don’t make me put a gag you.”

My brows furrowed. There was something wrong with his head. I might’ve caused it.

“I keep repeating myself around you. Don’t think too much about it.” He removed his hand from my throat and the words died in my mouth.

I can’t think about it!

Another shot of pain and I groaned. I have to get out of here.

He smirked. “We can talk about it all you want, but for now, let’s just fuck,” he said, nuzzling the crook of my neck. “Mmm… Don’t put on cologne. I prefer your scent. Sweet… like mangoes.”

I can’t get out of here!

For the rest of the morning until late afternoon, he cured me. Not that I was a manwhore like Rigel and Liam once were, but that was the best fuck of my life. Luckily, werewolves healed fast.

“Mm… you alright?” he asked as he placed soft kisses on my shoulders.

“No more,” I said sleepily, and he chuckled.

He peppered my face with kisses. I couldn’t help but smile.

“I can feel you staring.”

“It’s a compliment,” he said. “My mate’s hot.”

My eyes snapped open. He was on his side, facing me with a soft smile. Then I remembered all the horrible things I did to him, spoiling the moment.

“You’re thinking about it… again.”

“I can’t help it,” I said, sighing. I sat up and searched the room for my clothes.

Stupid. It’s on the stairs.

“Do I have to fuck you harder to make you understand?” he said bluntly.

My back hit the mattress and he was on top of me, again. His eyes were dangerous – they pulled me in with how bright they were. I was being placed in a trance and I was willingly accepting it.

“I… care about you,” he said softly.

“This can’t work, Andrix. Mates don’t torture their mates.”

“I don’t care. I like both Gales,” he said casually then stole a quick kiss. “I like him most when he’s on my bed…”

“Andrix…”

He kissed me again.

“…screaming my name...”

His hands traveled to my hips.

“…thrashing under me.”

“Andrix…”

“I say we give it a try,” he said. “We’ll talk it out and when you’re being unreasonable, we’ll fuck.”

I rolled my eyes. “We’ll take it slow… however long you need,” he said as he leaned forward. “I can’t make it longer, but from earlier, I judge it’s, just right?”

More than enough. I felt like I was being ripped in half!

Gil whimpered. I sighed. “Fine. We’ll take it slow.”

He started moving his hips and I moaned in response.

We will, babe,” he whispered. “We will…”