Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 26: Get away from her

Tatiana POV

It has been a few days since we visited Betty and Tom. I’m slowly getting more and more comfortable around Knox. I’m not ready to accept him as a mate, but I certainly don’t fear him anymore. He’s been nothing but kind and patient with me and I’m extremely appreciative of that.

His pack mates have been nice for the most part. I still get some dirty looks when I walk around. I can’t blame them though, I smell like a rogue and packs are taught to fear us.

Some have tried to talk with me, but I’m not really interest in making any friends, so I usually ignore them and turn in the opposite direction.

Knox told me that he had meetings all day and that I could go wherever I wanted on his territory. He made sure his warriors knew that I would be wandering around alone. He promised to come replace me at dinner time, so we could eat together.

I would of prefer to stay in my room all day, but my stomach was grumbling. I let out a frustrated sigh, before making my way into the walk in closet.

Knox had bought more clothes for me and since that one incident when I forgot to get dressed. I’ve gotten in a habit of making sure my bits are covered before leaving the room. I’m slowly starting to get use to this human thing. Don’t get me wrong, I’d prefer if Chloe came back and took care of this part. Human’s complicate things, like why wear clothes when you’re born without them? Or why do they feel the need to talk about useless things, like the weather, or other peoples lives? I don’t understand any of it.

I got dressed in a pair of black leggings and an oversized blue tunic, before leaving the room and making my way towards the kitchen. It was the middle of the afternoon and I figured this was the safest time to go eat, since it should be pretty quiet in there.

I walked into the kitchen and like I suspected, it was empty. I let out a relieved sigh, before heading for the fridge and pulling out a plate of leftover chicken and rice.

I sat at the Island and started eating the food in silence. After a few minutes, I heard the kitchen door open behind me.

“Hey, didn’t think anyone would be in here at this time of day.” I heard a familiar male voice.

“That’s precisely why I chose this time to eat.” I replied, while looking over my shoulder and smiling at Jag.

“Smart.” He said, before pulling a plate of leftovers out of the fridge and taking a seat across from me at the island.

We ate in comfortable silence. I liked Jag, he was a lot like Knox, strong, loyal and caring. He was quieter, but smart. One of those silent observers that you almost forget is still in the room. I can always see the wheels in head turning, even when he says nothing.

“You know, I’ve never seen Knox as happy as he is now since he found you.” Jag said, breaking the silence. I looked up at him while chewing my food. I didn’t know what to say, so I waited for him to continue.

“Since turning 19, he’s search high and low for his mate, never willing to accept anyone but his fated. His parents constantly put pressure on him to take a chosen mate, but he never caved. I hope you give him a fair chance, he’s nothing like your first mate.” Jag explained and I didn’t miss the disdain in his tone, when he mentioned my first mate..

“I know he’s not.” Is all I could reply. How do I explain, that after what my first mate put me through, I don’t want another mate. It’s safer to be alone in this cruel and unforgiving world.

“Please don’t hurt him. He’s a good man and you literally have the power in your hands to destroy him.” He pleaded and paused before continuing. “I don’t know what Alpha Cameron did to you and I can only imagine it wasn’t anything good. But if you let Knox in, he would cherish you like a queen, his queen.” I could see the pain and desperation in his eyes, as he continued to plead.

“Have you found your mate yet?” I asked curiously, while also trying to change the subject.

“Not yet, but Knox and I grew up with similar beliefs. I won’t settle for anyone other than my fated mate.” He replied with a frustrated sigh.

“I don’t plan on hurting Knox, but my beliefs in the mate bond are different from yours.” I said firmly, before standing up and making my way to the sink with my plate. I rinsed it before placing it in the dishwasher.

“I know, I just don’t want to see you or him get hurt. Let him in Tatiana, he can help you heal.” Jag one again pleaded and I could hear the desperation in his voice.

“Thanks for the company, I have to go.” I replied, while making my way to the door.

“Please, think about what I said.” Jag added, causing me to pause for a second before leaving the room.

I was frustrated and confused after my conversation with Jag. I don’t want to hurt Knox, I know he’s a good guy, but I’m not ready to dive head first into a relationship. Chloe would never forgive me if I gave into the mate bond after what we went through. I can’t risk losing her again. If she ever decided to come back to me, I know having a mate would be the last thing she would want.

I was brought out of my thoughts, when I heard a woman crying and a man yelling. The noise was coming from the library and I instinctively made my way closer. I couldn’t quite make out what was being said, but I could hear the fear in the woman’s sobs.

I knew I should mind my business and carry on, but my protective instincts kicked in and I slowly opened the library door to hear what was being said.

“You w***e! Why were you talking to him?” I heard a familiar male voice roar and it instantly made my b***d boil. It was that Kyle guy and everything about him rubs me the wrong way.

“We were just talkin…” a scared female voice stared to reply, but stopped when the sound of someone punching the wall resonated through the room. I recognize her voice immediately as his mate, Sheryl.

“I told you not to talk to anyone, yet you continue to disobey me. Like the other day, when you were making friends with that rogue.” He seethed.

“I’m sorry.” She sobbed.

“Sorry? You’ll be sorry alrigh…” he started and I stepped into the room, drawing his attention towards me.

I saw Sheryl pushed up against the wall, while Kyle had her caged in with his hands. She looked frighten and he was radiating in anger.

I stalked towards him like a true predator, canines and claws extended. While my eyes stayed locked with his. I wanted to rip him to shreds and it was taking everything in me to stay in control.

“What the f**k are you doing here b***h?!” He questioned angrily.

“Get away from her.” I said in a calm, but dangerous tone, barely able to contain my own rage. This man reminded me so much of my first mate, Alpha Cameron, that it was scary.

“I’m talking to my mate. Who the hell do you think you are, interrupting us like this?” He spat out, but removed his hands from the wall and turned his body towards me.

“I won’t say it again, get away from her.” I warned, while stopping only feet away from him.

“Sheryl, let’s get out of here.” He seethed, while motioning for Sheryl to follow him. She didn’t listen and stayed where she was.

“She’s not leaving with you.” I gritted out.

“Seriously?! You’re going to listen to her over your mate?” He asked Sheryl, while chuckling dryly.

“Fine, stay. But pack your s**t and get the f**k out of my apartment before I return.” He spat out angrily, before storming out of the library.

“Are you ok?” I asked softly, while making my way over to where Sheryl stood. I noticed her eyes were red and puffy and cheeks were stained with tears. She let out a relived breath after he was gone.

“Ya, sorry about that. He has a bit of a temper. He just needs sometime to cool down, he would never actually hurt me.” She replied nervously, while wiping the tears from her cheeks.

“Has he ever hit you?” I asked, unable to stop the question from leaving my lips. She looked at me with a surprised expression, before answering the question.

“Of course not, he’s my mate.” She replied, like my question was completely absurd.

“That doesn’t mean anything, Sheryl. My first mate assaulted me, before he killed my mother in front of my own eyes. So don’t think the mate bond will stop Kyle from hurting you.” I replied truthfully. I saw her jaw drop at my words and I was actually surprised that I had been so open with her. I could see how toxic Kyle was and maybe me telling her about my past, would help her see beyond the mate bond.

“Kyle isn’t like that. He just got a little jealous when he saw me talking with one of the warriors. He’s a good man and will be a good father.” She said, but her eyes wouldn’t meet mine. Her hand rubbed her stomach gently, reminding me that she was expecting a pup.

He might not be physically abusing Sheryl, but the emotional abuse was clear as day. It was taking everything in me not to growl at her. The fact that she was defending him, didn’t sit well with me.

“Remember, your not only making decisions for yourself, but also for your unborn baby.” I added, while watching her hand that was caressing her stomach.

“Please don’t make this into a bigger deal than it actually is. We just had a small disagreement. He’ll apologize after he’s had time to cool down.” She pleaded and I sighed.

“I can protect you if your scared of him.” I said and meant every word. I was practically begging her to leave him.

“I’m not scared of him, I love him.” She replied with a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.

“When you decide you’ve had enough, I’ll be here for you, day or night, remember that. I can’t force you to leave him, but if I ever see him lay a finger on you, I’ll end his life.” I said calmly, but with a stern tone.

“Thank you, but he won’t.” She replied, with that same smile that was just for show.

“I better get going. Thanks for not making this into a big deal.” She said, while picking up her bag nervously and making her way towards the door.

“I mean it, Sheryl. I want you to call me, day or night, if he acts like he just did. You and your unborn pup deserve better.” I said and she paused for a second to look back at me.

“But he’s my mate.” She said softly.

“Mate or not, you don’t deserve to be treated like this.” I replied sternly.

“I’ll be fine, I promise. He’s just a little over protective because of the pup. He got a little jealous that’s all.” She once again tried to defend him.

“That’s not an excuse.” I practically gritted out. I really wanted to smack some sense into her. She was like the classic battered wife, trying to defend her abusive mates actions.

“I’ll see you later.” Is all she said, before leaving the room.

I let out a frustrated sigh. As much as I hate the guy, if she’s not willing to leave him, there’s not much I can do. She needs to want help, in order for anyone to do anything. Ya I saw him being verbal abusive, but he never laid a finger on her. It took everything in me not to kill the guy. One day I will, I have a feeling about that.