Kronos's POV:

"It's all your fault!" My mother shrieked, the impact of her fist landing on my tiny body. Her beatings echoing through the room.

It hurts...

Please stop...

Whimpering, I curled up as I took her blows. Tears flowing down my face. "Mom, I'm sorry..."

Instantly, I was met with a blow to my stomach. I gagged, coughing up blood. My back slammed into the wall as the force of her kick threw me across the room. A crack within my frail body sounded as I cried out in more pain.

"Don't you dare call me by that name. I don't recall ever having a son like you. If only you didn't exist, life would have been so much easier."

Slowly opening my swollen eyes, I stared at the woman who I thought loved me. Who claimed she would never hurt me. My swore protector. The person who gave me life in the first place.

What did I ever do wrong?

My mother wobbled walked over to me and bent down to where I laid. Her bottle of liquor not that far from her as her breath reeked of how much she drank. "Why don't you do mommy a favor and just die?"

Suddenly, her hands wrapped around my small throat as she squeezed it tightly. Gasping, I used every last ounce of my energy as I tried to pry her hands off me. My hands frantically trying to get her to release me but to no prevail. The struggling I was doing only caused her to tighten her grip as my vision blurred.

Is this how I die?

Maybe it's best that way. Everyone would be happy. No one loves me and wants me here. I would be less of a burden anyways. Who would even care I disappeared from this cruel world?

As the world darkened, the last thing I saw was my mother's smile.

Is it so wrong to ask to be loved?

***

My body jolted up, as I panted and struggled to breathe. Sweat soaked my clothing. I found my hands grabbing my neck, knowing that I had almost died by the hands of my mother.

A dream...

It felt so real.

"Kronos? What's wrong?" A sweet voice sounded.

Turning over to my left, I saw my mate. She stood there with a tray of food. The smell of breakfast lingered in the air as she put down the tray onto the nightstand. I looked around, realizing it was morning and past 11am on the clock. When was the last time I had slept in like this?

I felt the bed shift as Rhea sat down close to me. Not so close as she knew I am sensitive to touch. "Were you having a nightmare?" She asked.

Her voice was intoxicating, my wolf yearning to hear her more. The scent she left wrapped around me like a sheet of bliss. I nodded at her question, forgetting my dream just briefly.

"What did you dream about?"

I grew tight lipped, not wanting to remember the ordeal I went through. Shaking my head, I refused to write anything on the notepad next to me.

Rhea smiled at me kindly, "That's okay. Whatever you dreamed about is in the past. It's not real now. You're safe and I'll protect you."

The warmth in my chest grew as my heart raced at her words. Protect me? She won't hurt me like my mother did, will she? Can I believe her words? Uncertainty and doubt washed over me.

Noticing this, Rhea's hand reached over to me. Just inches from my face, she asked, "Can I touch you?"

I hesitated, unsure. She hasn't hurt me... yet. I'm scared she will hurt me if I let her in. What are the chances if she's the same as the rest?

My wolf reassured me, wanting the touch of our mate. Blinking once, I nodded at her question.

Yes... you can touch me. I thought.

The sparks flew as Rhea cupped my cheek gently. Her thumb caressing me in a affectionate manner. Without realizing, I leaned into her touch, reaching my hand to cover hers. She stilled, shock written all over her face.

Her face quickly grew red but a smile came soon after.

"Kronos, I know you can't trust me now, but I promise you... I will never hurt you. You're my mate, my other half. As partners, we help each other grow to be better. I'm not only your friend, but your lover. My words may mean nothing but I will prove to you that not everyone here will hurt you. However, if any harm falls on you, I will see it as a direct attack on me as well." Rhea spoke, her eyes never leaving mine.

She breathed in and out, caressing me once more. "In turn, I hope you can do the same for me and have my back. I will do my best to be patient with you and if you need me to step back or understand, please communicate with me. That's all I ask for."

I grew speechless, not knowing what to say.

Apollo, my wolf, scoffed.

Rolling my eyes, I cut the link.

Grabbing Rhea's hand tightly, I opened my mouth and attempted to speak. Fear quickly grew within me again as I remembered my mother's words and started to shake.

"Kronos's... it's okay. Don't rush it."

I frowned, sighing in disappointment.

Grabbing my notepad, I quickly wrote out what I wanted to say. Rhea sat there, waiting in anticipation. After a few minutes, I gave her my notepad.

'Having you as my mate, I couldn't ask for more. Thank you for being yourself. Although we had just reunited, I'm looking forward to all the days I'll spend with you.'

Nodding, Rhea smiled brightly again as sudden tears streamed down her face. Without thinking, she jumped into my arms and hugged me tightly. I stiffened, fear washing over me but with the sparks, I calmed down.

Slowly bringing my arms up, I hugged her back.

... it wouldn't be so bad... to open up just a little bit. Maybe she isn't the same as the rest.

I thought, as I experienced true happiness for the first time in many years.