Running Into Landon

~Adela~

It’s been days since the run-in with my mom. I still can’t believe she put her hands on me. She didn’t even do that when I was a kid, so I don’t really know what to do with that. Daddy would never have let her touch me even if she wanted to. I miss having him around right now.

I’ve been keeping to myself since then. I have a kitchen where I’m staying, and I’m constantly getting food at my doorstep. I’ve been going to the old house and out in the woods. I’ve been trying to find enough peace to connect with my sister. I thought maybe the memories from the old house would spark something. So far, I haven’t been able to reach her through our bond.

I’m not going to lie; I’m scared. I haven’t been able to feel Aida, and I haven’t heard from her. I don’t know where she is. I wonder if I’d even feel it if she were hurt or dead. I wish I could talk to her... could see her. I need her right now; I need to know she’s okay.

I’m walking through the woods to my usual spot. It’s quiet, and not too many people go there. I thought about going to the spot I knew Landon always frequented, but I decided against it. I still have my shadow even though he tries to act like he isn’t following me. I let him continue with the game; it seems to make him happy.

Just as I’m about to get to the spot I frequent, a familiar scent overwhelms me. It smells like oak with an underlining scent of musk. I used to wish for that scent in the past. I may not have always shown it, but I was always ecstatic to smell it.

I consider turning around and leaving, but the snap of a twig under my foot chooses for me. He turns around upon hearing me, and I stop and look at him. I can see he’s uncomfortable, and, honestly, so am I. He looks beyond me, and I’m guessing he spots my shadow.

Landon picks up his shirt and walks toward me. I want to speak, but my throat is closed up. I can’t seem to dig my voice out and don’t know what to do about it. Landon walks past me, and I smell her. She’s all over him, and it makes my blood boil. My life is reduced to trash because of her. “You never wrote.” Landon stops walking. “You didn’t call or visit.”

“Did you really expect me to?” I shrug.

“Maybe not, but it would have been nice. It’s almost as if all of those years we spent together never happened. I understand feeling the mate bond, but I don’t get how that means acting like we never happened.” Landon sighs and turns toward me.

“Need I remind you of the hateful actions towards my mate? You almost killed her, and you harassed her. So I’m supposed to carry a torch for someone who refuses to let me go?”

“You were MINE! You took me as your chosen mate. You were about to make me Luna of this pack. I’m supposed to what? I’m supposed to be happy that you found your mate?! And it wasn’t just that you found your mate, but the fact that it was my sister……..my weak and pathetic sis-” The ground shakes as the growl falls from Landon’s lips. Oh yeah, let’s not talk badly about that waste of space. I turn my head to the side. “Was it something I said?” I smirk at Landon, watching him try to fight his wolf for control. I wish he would let him have at it. I want to see what damage he’s prepared to do.

Landon takes a step toward me, letting his aura out to intimidate. It’s heavy and strong, and I’m struggling not to submit. “While you are on these lands, you WILL NOT speak ill of my mate. You will show her the respect you would show any Luna at any pack.”

“E….every Lllll….Luna isssss not meant to…..to be re….re….respected.” I can barely get the sentence out through gritted teeth. Landon pulls his aura in, and I drop to my knees, trying to regain my composure. That was beyond intense. Landon turns to leave while I gulp for air. “I…I chose you, you know.” Landon stops again, and I struggle to my feet. “I gave up everything for you. I let my fated mate go because of the promise you made me.” Landon slowly turns to me.

“You what?”

“I met my mate, me and Aida both. We rejected them because you and your brother made promises. You promised us that we would be yours, that we would stand by your side. You promised us that we would run this pack with you. I let go of my happiness for you.”

“You delusional bitch. If you turned away from your Goddess-given mate, that’s your fault. Lincoln and I never made any promises to either of you. We never asked you to give up your mates or told you that we would give up ours. Hell, we went away to find our fated mate! Why would we have done that if we were so insistent on your being by our side? I’d imagine whoever your mate was, you deemed him not good enough, and THAT’S why you let him go. I’m sure your main issue with my mate is not because she exists but more so because of who she is.”

Landon steps closer to me, his scent washing over me. I want to reach out and touch his tight muscles, but I’m sure that would end up with me dead. I may not have been completely devoted to him, but I always knew what a sexy man he was. I should have had him at least once; I bet my sister wouldn’t have wanted him then. “I meant what I said. As long as you’re here, you will show my mate some fucking respect.” Landon turns and stalks off. I’m slightly tempted to go after him, but I don’t want to die today. I need to find my sister before anything like that can happen. Shit! Where the fuck are you, Aida?!