Seeing me in her driveway, Sophia is cautious when she steps out of her car. Holding the door open and letting the dog out after her, he limps to the house but not before stopping and threatening to me his displeasure of my presence on his territory.

"What are you doing here Cage?" She asks me as she walks around the back of my truck, glancing over to the contents of the box spread out on the tailgate. I'm in a daze trying to figure out who Dustin was, the things he valued. I still can't wrap my mind around the thought. "What's all this?" She Points to the items.

Looking over It takes a moment before answering her, "my father's things, apparently." It leaves a bitter taste in my mouth to say it out loud.

She pauses for a moment to examine me, "why did you come here with it?" It's a calm tone.

"I didn't know where else to go or who to talk to." Hanging my head. "I feel lonely." It is hardly a breath out.

"Are you okay?" She takes a step into my radius. It's hard to keep myself together. All I want to do is grab on to her and forget about the world, but I can't.

"I don't know. I don't know how I feel. I never cared to know, maybe when I was younger but I stopped wanting to know a long time ago but now I can't stop wondering."

She puts her hand on my back, rubbing it slowly along my spine. My eyes close at the feel. "Want to talk about it?" Looking over everything I have already studied there is nothing to be found here. "Not really," I tell her.

"Are you hungry?" She asks instead of pushing the topic.

"I could eat."

She heads towards her house, leaving me to clean up my mess alone. Looking it all over once more before putting it all back in its box. Nothing really stood out to keep. A few photos of people I don't know or recognize. An old camera. Some faded plane tickets and souvenirs. Nothing of importance, not for me anyways.

The house smells good when I step in. She is making two sandwiches from the meat in a crockpot. "It's not much but at least it's something." She places the food down on the table before opening a bag sitting on the counter.

"What happened to your dog, I noticed him limping." Trying to start a conversation. It must have been where she was all day, why we couldn't reach her. I got so distracted in that box I hardly noticed when she finally arrived. Rubbing my hand over my face I feel drained of energy.

She hums distractedly while putting a phone together and turning it on. "He's just a dumbass and got himself stuck in the pond off the property a ways. Was chasing something. I had to go in after him." She sits across from me focusing on the screen while overlooking a piece of paper giving a scowl shortly after.

"Having trouble?" Pointing to her new phone.

"Ya I hate these stupid smartphones, I prefer my old one but I broke it getting him out." She gives a pointed look to the laundry room where Keno is hiding on a blanket.

"Can I see? Maybe I can figure it out." Outstretching my hand she hesitates before carefully placing the phone in my hand. I notice she tries to avoid touching my bare skin.

Going through the phone is simple, it's not that different from my own. Setting it up to be easier for her to access what she needs and showing her how it works. A short silence overcomes us after, she looks away not knowing what to say other than a thank you. Taking my plate and placing it in the sink. She stands there. Waiting.

It'll have to be me who breaks the silence, it's just taking me time to find the right words. After her reaction yesterday I don't want to scare her off again.

"I'm sorry for yesterday. I shouldn't have acted how I did or said anything. I wish I could take it back."

"But you can't," she stops me, "look Cage you believe in that stuff and that's your choice I'm not trying to judge you or anything but you're wrong. There may be someone out there for you but I am not it."

"Yes, you are." Trying to interject.

"No, I'm really not." Slapping her hand against the counter top before whirling around to face me, "I don't believe in crap like that. Love is for some people it's not for everyone. Not for me. I don't want to get involved with someone and get this attachment just to lose it later down the road. I'd rather save myself the heartache. If you don't hurt me I would probably hurt you. I like you, Cage, I really do but I just can't do this with you I'm sorry."

My heart races. I can't handle what she is telling me it feels like a knife cutting through my very soul. "Please, I just want a chance. That's it." I have to try. I can't let go of her like this I need her too much in my life. After everything that I have fought for and the damage it has caused. It can't all be for nothing.

"No. I can't." Her lips move to push the words out quickly. Looking into her eyes, I can see them starting to shine. What is holding her back? What is she afraid of?

"Tell me why I want a legitimate reason for it. Please. Can I at least have a good reason as to why you won't even give me a chance?" I'm grasping at straws now, anything to hang on to this.

"I told you why already." She is stern with her words but I can't budge on this or cower. I need answers. "You gave me excuses, not reasons. I want a reason." My turn to be stern.

She takes a moment closing her eyes in thought. "Because I don't want to turn out as my parents did. I have seen people be in love and it not work out, I have been in relationships that haven't worked out. It hurts. I don't want to feel like that again."

"I'm not going to hurt you, Sophia."

She laughs without humour. "That's what the last guy said too."

"I'm not like them." Its growled out, I can't help the jealousy I feel. She has been in love with another and I can't blame her, she didn't know about me or about mates, but it still hurts.

"What makes you different? Your beliefs? Cage that is not a reason. Not for me." She sounds apologetic.

"No, not internally for that reason." Looking away I can't meet her eyes. It's a part of it, but not all of it. I can't tell her all of it, not yet, it isn't the time. "I'm not going to give up on you. You can forsake me, ignore me, push me away, you can try all you want, I'm not going to quit." Giving her a toothy grin it's more than a threat, it's a promise.

She tries to hide the smile she has, "That sounds stalkerish." She tells me, putting my hands in my front pockets I shrug in response.

"Just a chance, it's all I am asking for. If you don't want to continue, I'll leave you alone. You asked me out Friday, let me try, please." I plead with her to not dismiss me so quickly.

Standing and watching me she contemplates my words. I can see her trying to judge and mull the thought over in her head. Hesitating. I feel her nerves grow. Her eyes shift like a storm from everything she is trying to take in. "Fine." She finally says, "but this isn't a date. It is just to hang out and get to know each other."

"I can respect that." I grin to her and she shakes her head.

"You are worse than a dog with a bone Hotshot. This doesn't change my mind. Don't get attached Cage, I don't make promises." Swallowing hard I nod my understanding. "Won't be there tomorrow will you?" She asks. Looking out the window it is already dark out, I lost track of time. Wayne never showed up.

"No, it's Wednesday. Not until Thursday." I tell her while standing. "I guess I'll see you then."

"I guess so." Her eyes follow my movement with predatory precision.

"Do I get a goodbye kiss, two days is a long time." Doesn't hurt to try.

"Not a chance." She smiles with her teeth showcasing before turning to the sink. "Good night Cage."

"Good night Sophia."

Leaving it takes me time to start the engine, my wolf pulls me back but I have to force myself to leave.

The short time spent together was a nice distraction, even if it wasn't all nice, but the box in the seat next to me only reminds me of the truth I have been ignoring. Driving home I keep mulling it over. I have a decision to make now, leave the past in the past or find out more about the male I have never known. I have always been so angry with my parents for never being a part of my life but can I truly stay angry with him for something he had no control over?

I'll ask Grams or Barrett about him soon, I just can't right now. I need to get used to the idea and accept it first.

Still, no contact as the day rolls into the next. Thursday comes and goes with hardly anything said between us. She came out briefly for lunch but had to go back to finish her organizing. She looked tired and distracted but kept reassuring us she was fine.

Friday seems to drag on. Constantly looking to my watch for the time to go by but it continues to tick on agonizingly slow. I'm ready to leave and spend time with Sophia but I am unsure how I'll feel going to a crowded place. I went with friends when we were younger but now I'm past that part of my life. I have no idea what to expect but I make sure I have some earplugs in my truck and a change of clothing.

I hope this goes well. I don't know what I'll do if she can't accept me, I wouldn't be able to choose another or move on with my life. The depression from this is too great to ignore any longer.

Looking to time once more, "finally!" Jumping up it's time for me to leave. I don't bother to wait around and talk with anyone, slipping out the training facility and into my truck. The drive is quick to the small town. I already see Wayne's truck, knowing he will be here too helps ease the anxiety a bit. He has been nothing but helpful, trying to push us together every chance he gets. I don't know why he does, almost too afraid to question it, I'm just grateful for the aid.

Putting the earplugs in my ears before putting on my jacket and a ball cap I hope it covers them up so I don't have to answer any questions. Deep breaths. I can do this.