The song for this chapter is " a video is attached. It's seriously such a beautiful song.

This chapter is dedicated to !

Enjoy!

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"We got this" Heather assured me as we pulled back up to Jamie's family's house. "All you have to do is get your stuff, leave the convincing up to me" she reasoned as I turned in my seat to look at her now concentrated expression. Her lips were formed into a straight line as she awaited my anticipated agreement.

I nodded my head once as I gripped the door handle and pushed it open without hesitation. I might as well get this over with. Luckily no one was outside to greet me but I was positive they would all be inside waiting. Trying to sell the part I stopped at the front of the car and extended my hand outward. Heather's petite fingers laced with mine as she gave my hand an encouraging squeeze. Even though we had spent nearly an hour perfecting our plan I was still scared shitless. What if someone caught on that I really wasn't into Heather? I wasn't nearly as good at lying as she was. In the hopes of being convincing we walked up the wooden porch steps hand in hand, as though we were a real couple. The door was only another foot away as I let out a long lengthy breathe.

Having an internal debate I tried to figure out whether or not I should knock. I technically lived here and hadn't knocked since I arrived but now, things were different. I wasn't wanted here. Going against my better judgement I opened the door only to be engulfed in the eerie silence the house had to offer.

I took a moment just teetering on the balls of my feet as I peeked from room to room looking for a glimpse for a Watson family member. "Let's get your stuff" Heather suggested, her soft voice nearly startling me as it broke the silence. Realizing no one was coming to usher me away or yell at me I followed along with her request. Without speaking I began my walk up the stairs tugging her along with me.

As I walked down the hallway my eyes darted toward Jamie's room. Every time I walked up here I had to fight off every urge to go in there. On the occasion when I did give in I was immediately smacked in the face with memories of her and I...together. Her laying in my arms all night as if I was the only one who could keep her safe, our lingering kisses that slammed my emotions into overdrive. But, the memory that always remained a constant in my brain was the day she left. No matter what I said to her she wouldn't even explain why she was crushing me without a care. How could you leave your mate? Your real mate! "Carter" Heather whispered as my eyes remained down the narrow hallway though my hand hovered over the cold brass doorknob. "I'm sorry" she murmured knowing the exact feeling I was experiencing.

I pushed open the door allowing her into my very untidy bedroom but I didn't care, I wasn't trying to impress her. My clothes were thrown around without reason, the clean mixed with the dirty as they decorated the desk and floor. "I can't wait to be out of here" I confessed picking up the piles of attire and shoving them into the random duffle and garbage bags Brett brought them to me in. "Catching her scent is fucking torture" I explained my earlier statement. I was extremely surprised by Heather's comforting nature as she stroked her perfectly manicured hand against my back. It was her way of saying I understand and we'll fix it.

"I hope you aren't planning for your second bang out the day" a manly voice caught my ears causing me to spin around on the tops of my feet quickly. Trent stood in the doorway, his wide being pressed against the wooden frame as he cocked his eyebrows to a high questioning peak.

"It baffles me how you act like I'm the bad guy" I retorted ignoring Heather's earlier suggestion to let go of the animosity that surrounded me. "Just earlier you were threatening Nate and pretty much promising him that he wouldn't get away with what he did yet now I'm the villain?" I continued to push his buttons without care. I wasn't trying to be confrontational but sometimes you just need to get things off your chest and this was one of those times.

"I'm not making you the bad guy Carter, you did this to yourself. You slept with Lynn, you fucked Heather, you lied. Stop blaming everyone else and man the fuck up" he hissed angrily. If it were possible I swear smoke would be shooting from his ears at this point and slowly after mine.

I sneered harshly almost sounding like a muffled car being turned on. "News flash Trent, I'm not the only one who slept with someone other then my mate. Your sister is just as guilty" I growled asserting my dominance. My wolf becoming instantly annoyed with the facts as I spewed them out carelessly. Even though what I said was true he hated hearing about it, as did I.

"Carter, stop" Heather urged taking on her innocent tone. "Jamie and Nate are in the past" she worded carefully as she turned to where she was now facing me. Her features looked just as tormented as I knew mine were. The talk of our mates getting freaky in the seats would never become easy for either one of us. "Finish packing so we can go" she mumbled placing her hand against my stomach and giving me a slight push in the direction opposite of Trent.

Though as I went to take her advice and forget about our petty argument, he let out a loud taunting laugh. "You two are really going to do it? You are seriously going to mark the girl that cost you your mate?" He pried as if I had some other choice. I damn sure wasn't going to mark Lynn who actually had a mate out there. It was either pretend to mate with Heather in the hopes of getting Jamie back or be a single rogue for eternity. Other then that I had no other choice.

"I don't have any other option. Nate made sure of that" I croaked hotly as I continued to shove my belongings into random bags. Regardless of sleeping with Heather and Lynn for that matter, which I take full responsibility for, Nate had made a mission out of making my life a living hell. He managed to take everyone away from me and turn nearly everyone against me in just a few short weeks. My life felt like a cheesy lifetime movie with its constant up and downs.

"I can't say I'll be sad to see you go" Trent egged me on as I tossed the large black garbage bag to the floor no longer worried about finishing my packing.

"You're delusional if you really think Nate is good for Jamie!" I screamed my voice hitting notes that I didn't even know we're obtainable. "You went from being my biggest supporter to Nate's biggest ass kisser in the matter of hours. How is that?" I pried as he pushed himself off of the door using his elbows and marched into the room to square up with me. Our clenched jaws were nearly rubbing as our chests made contact, mashing up against one another's in a warning stance.

"Don't get this confused Carter" he said my name abrasively "I don't like Nate. I never have, I never will. But, my sister does so I'm not going to stand in her way."

This is such bullshit. I let out a small chuckle even though this entire situation wasn't funny in the slightest. "Fuck this...fuck you" I barked sternly watching his eyes flash darker than normal and I knew I was working his wolf up. Honestly, I didn't even care. If it took pissing him off in order to get him to wake the hell up I was going to do it.

"Carter," Heather whispered positioning herself in between Trent and I again in order to avoid a brawl. "You don't need to do this" she assured me as she placed her hand against my chest. Peering down at her I took in her wide brown orbs as they pleaded with me to continue our plan. I knew my irratic behavior and blabbing about Jamie was ruining our ultimate goal of getting our mates back but, I couldn't help but feel the need to protect myself.

"Alright" I whispered with a nod. After giving Trent one last hard look I reached down and took a hold of the torn bag. I began shoving my belongings in it at an even faster pace. I just want to get out of here. Once again I've messed things up and I can't ever seem to fix it.

"You know Heather," Trent started up again, an amusement lacing through his voice as I kept my eyes trained on my dirty clothes. "I'm kind of shocked that you're wanting Carter. After all, he just seems to make a mess of things." Where's that bat when I need it? I wouldn't mind taking a few swings at Trent right about now.

I tried my best to force my anger down though my wolf was on the prowl and looking for blood. "No, Trent, you're wrong. Carter has made mistakes but who hasn't? You don't know him well enough to talk about him like that" she spoke sternly not hesitating to defend me. To say I was shocked would be an understatement. As far as I knew she really did think I made a mess of things.

"I know I've made mistakes Trent," I glanced up at him cutting into the conversation before he could reply to Heather "but I'm so done paying for them" I concluded matter of factly. I tossed the bag over my shoulder as if it was Santa's sack. Before he could rebuttle I maneuvered passed him and down the hall. I jogged down the steps hearing Heather's light footsteps right behind me.

"Are you alright?" She murmured as we walked out the front door and were side by side on the porch. "You did good" she assured me when I only replied with a deep sigh.

After we finished collecting the rest of my belongings and filling up her small car I walked into the kitchen where I knew George and Mary were. I wouldn't feel right leaving without properly thanking them for taking me in and being there for me. Even though they believe all I did was deceive them it wasn't like that, not at all. "So you're leaving?" George question as soon as I entered the small area. Sensing my presence he spun around on the bar stool as Mary peered up from the stove.

"Yeah" I began walking fully into the room. Reaching up I scratched the back of my neck leading up to my hair line. It wasn't that I had an actual itch it was more of the fact that this was a very awkward conversation. "Before I left I just wanted to tell you guys thank you. I know you don't think I'm the best of guy right now but I want you to know that I appreciate everything you did for me" I vowed as George nodded and Mary charged over to me.

I could see the tears forming in her light eyes though she quickly pushed them away and gave me a hug. "We don't think that Carter" she voiced but I knew they didn't like me at this point. I couldn't blame them. I did lie but it was for no intent other then to keep my past where it belonged. "You're a good boy and I hope Heather makes you happy" she sniffled against my shirt causing more guilt to flow through my body. Once again I was lying. Seriously do I ever learn my lesson?

"Thank you" I murmured as I hugged her back briefly. As she released me and jumped back to her cooking in order to avoid more tears, I turned to George. He pushed his barstool back and stood up. Slowly he extended his hand to me.

"I wish you the best of luck" he stated politically as I grasped his hand and shook it tightly. His blank features and tightly knitted eyebrows proved he wasn't pleased with me and my decisions but it was as if on some level he understood. As I pulled my hand back I turned around to see Heather waiting against the wall. She waved lightly to George as I walked toward her.

I was happy to see that Trent was no longer in sight waiting to bash me further. Though as I stepped into the open air I wish he had been there instead of Lynn. She leaned up against the side of Heather's red Lexus having her skinny arms laced over her chest which was now covered with her own shirt instead of mine. Even though she was a distance away it was obvious that her dark eyes were focused intently on Heather who had just murmured "oh great. Make it quick" she ordered. Without saying another word she rounded the front of the car and hopped in.

I stopped in front of Lynn trying to read her features for a clue of how she was going to react. "Why are you leaving with her?" She asked sounding almost disappointed in me as she pushed herself from the car so she was standing up straight in front of me. "You said yourself you want Jamie...no one else."

"I can't have Jamie" I divulged gruffly. "I can't just sit here in her house and pray she changes her mind, I need to do something about it" I rambled catching myself as I nearly let the cat out of the bag. "Like you told me, I need to move on."

She blew out her cheeks becoming annoyed with my new stand on my relationships. "You don't love her" she theorized though she was right.

"Jamie didn't love Nate" I retorted robotically dreading using the past tense term. In doing so I admitted she does in fact love him now. "If he can mark her and change that, why can't I?" I spat bitterly as I mashed my teeth together. "I'm sorry" I whispered shortly after. I wasn't trying to be mean to Lynn but she was in fact trying to hold me back from moving on just because I wasn't doing so with her.

"No Carter, you're not" she trembled as she fidgeted with her hands, and began to shake them at her sides. "I actually care about you but you would rather be with someone who is just using you!" Lynn ranted as the tears began to trickle down her ebony cheeks. I wanted to explain everything to her just to make her stop crying. I didn't want her to think I disregarded everything we had talked about. But, Heather was right, if I wanted this to work I had to make her think I was truly doing to move on.

"Listen to me" I lilted as I used my thumbs to wipe away her fallen tears. "I would never mark you knowing you have a mate out there. Losing your mate is the absolute worst pain in the entire world, and I would never wish that on anyone" not even Nate I thought to myself only to quickly take t back. Given the chance I would do that to him now. "When you meet him you are going to be overjoyed" I promised as she dropped her gaze to my chest.

"What if he doesn't-"

"He'll love you" I vowed as she sniffled. "You're awesome and he will see that" I assured her as she flung into my arms. Instantly she wrapped hers around my torso as she squeezed me tightly.

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"Well what do we have here?" Chloe pried as she hopped on the counter next to where I was cooking. Immediately my eyes rolled as I knew her endless taunting would begin. "Is the all mighty Nathaniel Ryder actually cooking?" She gasped fakely as my neck snapped in her direction which only caused her lips to flip up to form a bright grin.

"It's just grilled cheese" I murmured flipping the sandwich in the process. "Besides I think I burnt it" I added, my smile quickly turning downward to a frown as I took in the lightly browned color of the bread.

She let out a loud howlish laugh as she leaned over and turned the burner down from high to low. Well how was I suppose to know it would burn? I just assumed it would cook faster on high. Don't judge me. I knew I should have went with the easier method. Usually when I cooked this, (which was the only meal I could cook) I just popped the bread in the toaster. Once that was done I melted the cheese in the microwave, it worked well but I was trying to make a good impression.

"She'll appreciate it" Chloe whispered knowing I was cooking for Jamie. "If she lives after eating it that is..." She trailed abnoxiously as I tossed the loaf of bread at her. "Is she up yet?" She questioned instantly sobering up when I shook my head from side to side. It had been about three hours since Jamie finally fell asleep after the whole Carter ordeal and I was starting to get worried. Hence why I was waking her up with food. "She'll be fine."

"No, she won't" I grunted truthfully. "She loves him" I mumbled to myself. Even though I knew Jamie had still cared for Carter I wasn't aware how much until he broke her heart. I reached into the cabinet as I pulled out a plate, making sure to move slowly just to avoid showing my sister how distraught this made me. I didn't want her to love him, at all. I wanted her to be disgusted with him like I was with Heather. It's much easier to not want someone when the mere thought of them makes you want to vomit.

"She loves you more" Chloe assured me placing her hand against my forearm in the process. I nodded as I shifted my body to the left in the hopes that she wouldn't see my watery eyes.

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Walking into Heather's pack house felt awkward for many reasons. It was like every one knew who I was the second I stepped from her red convertible. I can only imagine that the entire story line of Heather and Nate was big drama around her and judging by the wide eyed looks I was getting, they knew I was the reason for her denial.

The smell of freshly ripened tomatoes hit my nose as I spotted a large garden to the right of where we stood. "I love to garden" Heather whispered as I looked down at her to see her gaze focused on the growing vegetables and fruit. That was one hobby I didn't expect her to have. I always assumed her hidden talent was spending an obscene amount of money.

Moving along, Heather opened the glass front door with complete ease as though she wasn't worried about what everyone would think about us being together. Or supposably being together. Taking in the house one word came to mind...wow talk about over kill. As soon as you stepped into the house you were in a large entry way with marble floorings and an expensive looking glass chandelier that hung lowly over a small table. The room was literally three times the size of my bedroom at Paquete de Lune de Sangre.

The walls were painted a light tan color, they seemed to have a suede effect to them as the shade changed against the surface. The pack house didn't look like hundreds of wolves were running around. Instead it looked as if it were a model home that was barely ever stepped in. I heard some shuffling from a hallway to my left and seconds later a couple walked out, the Alpha and Luna.

The man was tall by most standards but when you're use to being around highbreds everyone else seems short. He had salt and pepper colored hair that laid across his head as if it was combed perfectly into place. His dark eyes were blazing through his glasses as they took me in slowly from head to toe, his gaze freezing on my hand linked with Heather's. As he took me in I shifted my gaze to the woman at his side.

Heather was a spitting image of her mother with her chestnut brown that appeared to have its own natural wave. The two were about the same height, give or take an inch or two. The only way to really tell the two apart was that her mom had bright green eyes that almost seemed glossy. "Mom, dad, this is-"

"Carter" her dad cut her off as my eyes whipped back to meet him. "I don't know what you two are planning but-"

"It will work" she then interjected before he could finish his thought. Most Alpha's would have asserted their position at this point and would have found it disrespectful to speak over them, but he didn't. He just nodded his head at his daughter. It was clear she had him wrapped around her finger. "Carter" she tugged me a step closer to them. "This is my father James" I reached out and shook his hand applying slight pressure to assure him I wasn't a pushover. "And my mom, Linda" I now shook her hand as she smiled widely, almost as if she has happy to see me.