After about ten minutes of a mind numbing make out with my mate, I finally was able to convince him to let us leave the room.

It is still so weird to say; My mate. I should be beyond happy, if not for one tiny little problem. Or should I say, wolf.

Let's go talk to Jackson. I hate the thought of him in the cells. Rose has not stopped asking to see Jackson since he was sent to the cells.

He isn't our mate.

He still feels like our mate. She whispers quietly before retreating to the corner of my mind.

Dammit, she is right and I hate it. Why can't I just be with Reed now? Don't I deserve the happily ever after that I have dreamed of?

"Aspen!" Strong, tingly hands wrapped around my wrist and quickly pulled me to the left into a firm chest.

Reed's honey eyes met mine and his hands held my face firmly as he looked me over weirdly. He cocks an eyebrow as she stares at me.

"Did you not see the wall?"

"Um, no sorry. I was lost in my thoughts." I grin sheepishly, wrapping my own hands around his wrists.

"What's wrong, baby?" his eyes held a deep concern as he twisted his hands to hold mine.

"I-"

"Aspen!" I was caught off guard when I was tackled into a tight hug.

"Ian told me everything! When were you going to come and find me to introduce me!" Jenna said excitedly bouncing us up and down.

I pulled away slightly with a shy smile at I looked towards Reed. He stood there looking less than pleased, with his arms crossed over his chest.

"Jen, I told you to leave them alone." Ian appeared from nowhere and pulled us apart.

Jenna rolled her eyes at her mate and stuck her hand out to Reed.

"Jenna. This one's beta." she tilts her head towards me with a smile.

Reed looks like he is about to say finding but thinks better of it, before shaking her hand.

"Reed Kennedy. Alpha of Shadow Wolves."

"Nice to meet you. I know it's been crazy but we should all-"

I'm worried about Jackson. Can't we please just check on him?

No, Rose. He isn't our mate. Reed is. What is wrong with you?

She only whimpered as a response. I thought she would be happy. All we've ever wanted was a mate and he is here now.

"Are you alright, Penny?" Ian's eyes held concern when I met his gaze.

Before he could step forward, Reed growled and rushed in front of me.

We'll leave you two alone. But we need to double date soon. Jenna's voice sounded in my head.

"Please tell me what is wrong?" Reed whispered, kissing my forehead, before pulling me into a hug.

My cheek rested against his chest. I can't talk him, can I? What should i even say, 'I can't stop thinking of Jackson.'

Somehow, I don't think that will end well for us.

"I just want answers." technically, I'm not lying.

Reed's arms tighten around me and a small growl rumbles through his chest.

"What are you asking, exactly." he spoke carefully like he knows the answer to the question.

I take a deep breath, collecting all the courage I can. I untangle myself from his grip and look into his eyes so he can see my resolve.

"I'm going to the cells to see Jackson."

"NO!" he growls out.

" I am future alpha of this pack and as a guest on my land you will respect me and my choices."

"You are only future Alpha of THIS pack until I mark and mate you! At this rate, could be sooner rather than later." Anger flooded though me.

How dare he! I'm just supposed to give up my pack? Be some love sick puppy that follows his command and is at his beck and call?!

The sound of my palm hitting his cheek echoed through the halls and probably the entire house.

Before he could even growl or look at me completely, I ran off.

I told myself not to cry at i ran down the stairs. No one dares stop me as i made my way towards the cells.

Good. Perhaps they heard what i said and didn't want a slap either.

I slowed my pace when i came to the basement stairs. I walk down slowly, catching my breath and wiping away the traitor tears that fell.

Two guards were standing in front of the door that leads to the cells. I expected them to move when they saw me, buy instead they bowed their heads and stood their ground.

"What cell is he in?" I asked calmly, hoping they would take the hint to move.

Instead they looked at each other probably communicating in the link. Already frustrated, I turned on my alpha voice.

"Which.Cell?!" I demanded through my teeth.

"Four" one whimpered before opening the door.

I huffed as i walk down the cold cement hallway. Empty cells on each side of me, I made my way towards the middle.

"I knew you'd come." Jackson was sitting in the cot, staring straight ahead of him.

"Can't fight the bond for long." he continued calmly when I didn't respond.

"You aren't my mate."

"Your wolf says otherwise." he says with a smirk, walking over to the bars to stand in front of me.

"How would you know what my wolf says?"

He grins but his attention shifts to the door.

"Look who came to join us. Come to take my mate away, again?"Jackson doesn't lock eyes with Reed, knowing that would be a direct challenge.

Reed calmly steps beside me, but his eyes look anything but calm.

Before I can even blink, Reed's hands shoot out and he grabs Jackson by his shirt collar, pulling him right against the bars.

"What did you do to her?" Reed growls.

When Jackson doesn't answer, Reed pushes him back, but pulls him roughly forward again. Blood starts to run down Jackson's nose and mouth as I watch Reed continuously slam him into the bars.

"Enough, Reed!" I grab his wrist, ignoring the tingles that make my heart flutter.

Jackson let out a laugh and I look over to see him giving us a bloody yet satisfied grin.

"She didn't let you mark her, did she?" he chuckled.

"What I do with my mate is none of your concern." I can see dash wanting to come out.

"My mate won't let you mark her because she wants to choose me" Jackson taunts, spitting out blood.

Reed lets go of Jackson, before turning to look at me.

But I don't meet his gaze.

Truth be told, I don't know why he didn't mark me but I don't think I did anything to imply he couldn't. Did I?

Also, I don't want to choose Jackson, did I? OK sure, Rose kept talking about him, but that doesn't mean that I chose him. Up until like twenty minutes ago, I was perfectly fine with Reeds hands and lips all over me.

"See? She wants me to mark and mate her." my wide eyes snap up to meet Jackson's and then Reed's.

I didn't say that! I didn't say anything! What the frick is he playing at?

Before I can scream in frustration and yell at Jackson, Reeds has his teeth sinking into the bottom of my neck.

"NOOOOO!" Jackson roars grabbing the bars of his cell.

Fire quickly spread through me. Every vein, every cell feels as if it burst into flames.

And just like that it's gone.

Ice replaces the fire that drives through my veins. It's painful after the heat that was there only seconds ago, and I can't help the small scream that leaves my lips.

I didn't think it was supposed to hurt Rose says as we slowly recover from the pain.

Me neither. I respond staring with watery eyes between Reed and Jackson.