My heart nearly stopped when I heard the fear in Sophia's voice when she called me. I was expecting danger and was ready to protect my family with my life. What I didn't expect was for my mate to throw herself at me and break down. It tore me apart to see her like that.

I knew her parents were coming but didn't think it would be a problem. Sophia had been doing great, she was happy, smiling more, she made a friend and even gave Caleb a chance. The pack members were excited because their Luna was more open and friendly towards them. She was healing and moving forward but I guess her parents are a different story.

It killed me knowing that my mate is like this because of me. If I had chosen to be honest about our past circumstances and situations, things would be different. I just held her while she bawled. She kept chanting 'they are back, my parents are back'. I had no idea what to say. It made me happy that she didn't see me as the one at fault but as someone she sought out comfort from. The feeling I was going through was indescribable.

"Can you tell me what happened when your parents got here?" I had to know so I could raise hell for them if they tried anything with my mate.

She didn't say anything, just cried and I could feel myself panicking.

"Baby, please, I need to know."

Her face was still placed against my chest and she shook her head.

"Did they do anything to..."

"No...I'm sorry, Blaze. I couldn't face them. I just can't."

"It's okay, baby, it's alright. Shhh. You...." She shook her head no and lifted her eyes to mine. She looked so lost and in pain. Her hands held on tightly to my shirt like it was the only thing keeping her together.

"Blaze, you don't understand, I can't face them. I know I'm a coward for hiding but I don't think I'm ready to see them." Her voice was shaky.

"Oh, Sophia, my love; baby listen, you are anything but a coward if you are not ready to see them it's okay. I'll make sure they don't come near you," I said meaning every word.

"Mama. Mama!" Our son came running to us, worried about his mother. I didn't want him to see his mother's face like that so I hugged her in an attempt to hide her face.

"Your mom is fine, buddy. Why don't you be a good boy for daddy and sit on the couch?" Azure hugged his mother from behind and said,

"No crying, okay Mama? Dada is here." He went to sit down but kept his eyes on us.

I mind linked Leona to come and help me with Azure while I take care of Sophia. I hoped that it would be alright with Sophia since she was her friend. Leona would be the first person to see Azure in his human form after his mother and I.

There was a knock on the door and Leona walked in. She immediately kneeled beside Sophia with a worried expression. She and my mate got on very well. Even though I questioned her sanity most of the time, my mate liked her, so she was cool.

"Is Sophia okay? What's wrong?" she questioned me.

"She is fine, just under a lot of stress. Can you please look after Azure for me? He just woke up from his nap and must be hungry. I will go and put her to bed so she can rest," I told her.

"Of course, Alpha. Where is our little man?" She ask getting up and looking around. Her eyes landed on my son and I heard her gasp.

"Oh my word, it's like looking at you, Alpha! How is that possible?" she asked whilst approaching Azure.

"Because he is my son." See, I told you her sanity is questionable. "Azure buddy, aunt Leona is gonna hang out with you for a while OK?"

"That's right little man, you and I are going to have a blast but first we need to fill our tummies. So… to the kitchen." She got up and went there. Azure smiled and ran after her, clapping his hands.

"Nuggets, nuggets!" Azure basically sang.

"Oh yeah, he loves nuggets," I let out as I got up with Sophia in my arms. I made my way to her room. My son was in good hands so my mind was at ease.

It felt amazing to have my mate hold onto me so tightly. I had to get my mind out of the gutter and focus on making my mate better so she can go back to being a kick ass she is. I tried putting her on the bed but she wouldn't let go.

"It's okay, baby. You need to rest." She let go of my shirt and laid down. I went to take off her shoes but she held my wrist.

"Don't go please. I know, I'm being stupid right now but please stay with me." She was looking at me like I'm her saviour and I couldn't help but feel guilty.

"I'm not going anywhere, just gonna take of your shoes so you can rest. You are not being stupid so stop thinking like that." She let go of my hand but stared at me, her eyes wide.

"Why don't you try and get some sleep? You will feel better when you wake up."

"Can you hold me? I'm sorry, you must be busy with important stuff and here I am, being stupid."

She looked like she was about to cry as tears welled in her eyes and her lips tugged downwards dramatically.

"Hey, stop. You are important to me so don't call yourself stupid ever again. Do you understand?" She just stared at me. It was like she couldn't believe I was there. I realised that this was the first time anybody was there for her when she needed them. It was still beyond me how she was forgiving me.

I got in bed and pulled her to me.

She released a sigh of contentment and buried her face in my neck. I felt pleasurable tremors surge throughout my body; my wolf was on cloud nine. I know it wasn't the time or place to think like that but fuck me I was in heaven.

"I'm sorry Blaz..." I cut her off.

"Shhh, stop apologising for nothing and rest. I got you baby." I moved my hand up and down her back.

"I know, it's just that....." Shit, she is stubborn.

"Sleep, Beautiful, and I will be here when you wake up. We will talk then, alright?" I felt her nod.

"Okay," she said and moved even closer to me.

I heard her breath even out and immediately knew she was falling asleep. Thank the Moon because if she apologised one more time, I was going to alpha command her to sleep. That was a horrible idea but I was ready to take the heat. Zion snickered at my thoughts. So he shows up now that everything is under control.

What a wuss.

"Excuses, excuses." He didn't answer but was happy that our mate stopped crying.

When I was sure that Sophia was deeply asleep, I went to check on Azure and Leona.

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