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" too shy to say, but I hope you stay "

__

The words tumble, straight out of my mouth before I can stop them, "I need to go home."

Everyone who occupies the dining room this morning seems to halt in all actions. In fact I swear there's a distant crash in the kitchen of cutlery.

The three Nobel men who had joined for breakfast this morning have very different reactions. Delta Andrew just blinks at me in confusion, Beta Jack eyes in contempt like the words were the bane of existence itself and the Alpha King beside me seemed to suddenly be very tense.

If anything his knuckles were turning white as he holds the fork in his hand with such strain I was afraid it would snap in half.

I was confused to their reactions, they did know I had a home right? Why would they be mad? I go to open my mouth to explain myself suddenly feeling the need too.

"Sarah said the other day that you agreed to stay for as long as she needs you." Andrew is the first to utter out, eyes darting between me and Nolan beside me apprehensively.

"I need to go home-" the fork in Nolan's hand snaps in half, and I eye it in shock before continuing my sentence, "-to grab more of my belongings since I only packed for two weeks."

Like a whoosh of wind, the dining room erupts back into chatter and everyone is back to their business as if they hadn't all fallen silent like some everyday occurrence.

I shake away the weirdness. "Nolan, are you okay?" I reach forward to grasp onto his fisted hand, gently squeezing, "you broke the fork."

"You just want to get more of your belongings?" Nolan's strained voice asks, his chest was rising and falling rapidly.

I blink at him slowly. "Yes, I only packed for two weeks. I was supposed to leave today with Sarah's parents. I need more clothes and maybe a few other things."

"You're staying?" He asks like he's just making sure I wasn't lying.

"Yes," I speak lowly, "I'll come back."

The primal need to comfort him was taking over me as the hand on his fists travel up to his shoulder and I gently press it against the curve of his bone. "Seriously Nolan, are you okay?"

"Fine, I just thought- don't worry, love. Jack will accompany you to your home and you can grab whatever you need."

"That's not necessary," I quickly rebut, his eyes narrow down at me and I let my hand fall back to my lap, "seriously Nolan, he's the Beta. The pack needs him here not off babysitting me as I go back home just to pack my stuff and come back."

Something flashes in his eyes, a level of respect before they harden back up telling me he was not taking no for an answer on this. "He volunteered."

"That's such a-" I stop mid sentence when Beta Jack was nodding in agreement, with a sincere look telling me he had in fact volunteered. It's silent for a moment before I sigh, "alright. We're still leaving with Liam and Iris because that was what I was planning."

"You weren't going to tell us?" Andrew narrows his eyes at me, he'd been pretty silent during the exchange.

"I wasn't aware I had to get everyone's approval of this." I snap back narrowing my eyes, then instantly feeling bad. "Sorry, I'm just used to doing my own thing and being independent."

"It's fine, love." Nolan assures, resting a hand on the nape of my neck as his thumb brushes over the bottom of it causing goosebumps to erupt on my skin. "We'd just prefer to know your plans in the future."

"Okay," I nod, my shoulders relaxing.

The feeling of his thumb drawing patterns into my skin soothes me, I hadn't realised how tense I was until my whole body relaxes under his touch. My breathing slowing down, as I decide to return to my breakfast and resume eating away.

Oblivious to the knowing looks.

___

There was a werewolf in my home who practically took up the whole entire kitchen without any ease. Beta Jack looked rather odd in my own personal space, I'd left him in the kitchen room to fend for himself, of course after I had told him to make himself at home.

The trip back home had been easy, I'd spent the flight out talking to Liam and Iris before saying a swift goodbye with a promise to see them again sooner rather than later. They had always treated me as their second child and there was no other people I respected more than them.

They seemed to be rather emotional in bidding me goodbye this time around, normally they would give me a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead, this time around Iris seemed to be in near tears.

"I'm not sure if I've ever said this to you, sweetheart." She held my cheeks in her palms, blue eyes misting with near tears, "but I am so proud of you."

"Iris, are you okay?" I had murmured really concerned.

She had nodded, a small prideful smile overcoming her face as she stared at me. "I just don't think you're told enough how amazing you are, dear."

I blink away the memory, shaking my head lightly as I continue to pack my things into my spare suitcase one that I didn't think I'd need but had been obviously proven wrong.

Mid-way packing I have to take off my sweater because of the heat of the room after turning on the heater since winter was beginning to show itself, and I was dreading the first proper week of winter. Without fail I always got sick with the flu.

I'm left in a tank top and begin to pack again before remembering the fact werewolves have this internal heating system and Beta Jack, deciding if I were hot then goodness knows how Beta Jack was feeling. With that I make my way back through the cottage halls and to the living room where Beta Jack stood watching outside the window, the dewy forest that lead to the invisible line to the werewolf world.

"Hey," I greet when he turns at the sound of my footsteps, "are you hot? I just remembered you wolves run some hot system and if I'm hot, then I thought you must be melting." My words tumble out before I can stop them, I reach the thermostat and turn it down.

When I look over at him there's a hint of appreciation as he nods a thanks, "you can take off your jacket you know, I won't mind. Do you want a drink?"

He nods again, however I notice him eyeing my arm as it is on full display due to the tank top I'm now wearing. He doesn't comment, not that I expected him too, but a hint of sadness can be felt - a questioning frown.

I was moving around the kitchen turning on the kettle so I could make myself some tea, as well as placing a glass of water for himself on the counter.

It's silent. I still feel his gaze.

"You remember the Rogue War?" I randomly ask, from the corner of my eye I see him nod, "I was attacked by them just off the border."

More silence.

"Tortured."

I freeze, not believing he had talked, his voice deep and raspy and little on the croaky side but I put that down because of lack of use. I turn slowly, nodding my head at his words, "how long?"

"Fi-" he clears his throat, "-five years."

I suck in a sharp breath, only being able to nod and turning around so he doesn't see the pain across my face or god forbid, pity. Pity was the worst you could offer and I would know.

"You hide yours."

A statement that surprises me as he had initiated the conversation which I was not expecting. I simply smile, "I am not ashamed of them." I tell him, "I am aware that it makes people uncomfortable however."

"Not here." He croaks, clearing his throat again before speaking, "they respect."

It was only now I realise the long dagger of a scar wrapped around his throat, showing only now as he wore a v-neck tee after taking his jacket off. No wonder he didn't talk, it probably pained him.

"It's a sign of strength, is it not?" I ask, the kettle dings and I turn to fill two mugs. "You hide yours though. Are you ashamed of them?"

When I glance over his head is downcast, a frown evident on his face and suddenly I understand the pain, the feeling of shame towards them, the hatred for the reminder of all that's happened.

I hate the disgust that fills his eyes when he looks at his arms and sees the running scars. I breathe out a soft sigh, "Beta Jack."

"Jack, please." He murmurs.

He still doesn't look at me, I reach forward and grasp onto his clasped hands causing him to look up at me. "I understand, more then anyone the hatred to your own scars. It took me four years before I could even stand to look at them, I hid them not just from everyone but myself too.

However, looking at them now you may be reminded of a time of weakness and pain but, you need to see your strength and persistence not to mention you're a Royal Beta, that itself shows your power."

"They're ugly."

"Maybe," I muse, "but they reek of survival, not many come out from this on top and as you said, your pack looks at them in respect. I'm sorry for what you've been through, Jack, no one deserves that but you must not let them interfere with your future too."

We stare at each other for a while, I can see my words mulling over and around his brain, I pull away still kindly smiling. "Besides, we look pretty badass with them if you ask me."

I get the tiniest tilt of the lips, signalling the end of the conversation.

"Try this, if you don't like it just leave it." I push over the mug of tea, having sweetened it a little as well for him, "right, I'm going to finish packing then I'll need your help with loading the car with my things."

___

Beta Jack doesn't speak to me again but there's a new atmosphere between the two of us, a friendship dare I call it. An understanding of sorts. I still talk my nonsense around him, he still stays silent with the occasional nods - everything is still the same yet different at the same time.

Arriving back at the Royalty Pack takes no time at all, we're already driving along in the main centre of the pack, where there's a large clearing of land with mostly woman strolling around and talking, some with their kids.

Then, I see two warriors emerge from the forests clearing carrying a struggling child dangling between them, each having one hand holding him up.

I hear the screaming and cries too.

"Stop the car," I automatically order, "Jack, stop the car!"

The car lurches to a stop surprisingly automatically, and before I can even think about it I throw open the door and bolt. I know Beta Jack is following close behind, I can hear his footfalls behind me but the child's screams fill my ears.

The two bulky werewolves are scowling, tightening there hold on a wiggling naked boy, I suddenly realise. The black dirt and twigs from the forest cover him so much that it's hard to tell he's wearing absolutely nothing.

"You're hurting me!" The child screams.

"Shut up, you stupid mutt." One warrior growls.

The little boy yelps and my heart squeezes.

"Let him go!" I yell out, gaining the attention of everyone suddenly, all faces turn to me in surprise especially the two warriors that balk white. I store away their sudden fear for questioning later, "unhand him." I order.

"Your majesty, he's a rogue we found him trespassing our land." One on the left barks back.

Not liking his tone, I glare, "you're hurting him. He's only a little boy. Let him go."

"But-"

"Let him go." The force of my words even surprise me, they come out loud and clear almost demanding. There's a low growl behind me that I somehow conclude is Beta Jacks and everyone who is watching, including the two warriors, bow their heads.

I mentally thank him.

The boy is dropped to his feet, he falls to the ground in a heap and I'm already tugging off my coat, rushing forward and wrapping it around the small boy who's shaking like a leaf, flinching when I come near, "hey," I speak softly, "I'm not going to hurt you, sweetheart."

The sobs that fall from his lips break my heart, I pull him into my chest tugging the coat tighter around him in a makeshift blanket. "What's your name, sweetie?"

"Josh," he sniffles.

"Josh, I'm Cassie." I rub a comforting hand up and down his back, "you want to tell me why you were in the woods?"

"Lost."

"Lost? Where are you from then? We can help you return home." My hands brush the hair from his face, and I frown when I see a bright red gash along side the top corner, drying blood beginning to cover it.

"I-I don't know."

"Okay, that's alright. Can you tell me how long you were in the woods for?"

"I don't- I don't know."

"Do you know how you were hurt?"

Josh shakes he's head, baby blue eyes glancing up at me tearfully and then he's crying again burying his head into my neck. "Hey it's okay," I coo, rocking us back and forth, aware of the audience we currently have, my eyes glance up and meet Beta Jacks with a frown. "It's going to be okay. We're going to help you."

"Will you help me?" He sniffles, pulling away.

I soften my gaze, hand automatically brushing at his sticky hair, "yeah of course, sweetie."

Then I'm standing back up, gripping him tightly to my body. I look back over to the two warriors that were still had their heads casted downwards. I look over at an intense looking Beta Jack, who was clearly assessing this situation. "Can you get a doctor to meet me back at my room?"

He gives a solid nod.

Then I'm walking off, "Josh, I have one more question for you - are you hungry?"

Another sniffle. "Y-Yes."

"Alright, we're going to get you all cleaned up, a Doctor is going to make sure you're not injured then we'll eat - does anything hurt?"

"My head."

The gash seems like a plausible reason for that. "Okay, we'll make sure to fix that."

I'm ambushed by Delta Andrew as soon as I step foot in the castle doors. "Cassie, what do you think you're doing?"

"Helping an injured child." I continue my strides towards my room, not liking his disapproving tone.

"He's a rogue."

"He's a six year old who is injured, Andrew." I finally snap, turning on my heel and glaring, "he's lost, scared and hurting and you're actually considering treating him like a threat."

"All rogues are threats."

"He is a child." I'm not sure how many times I have to stress this factor, what child is a threat? What poses as a threat?

"We need to treat him as a-"

"Enough." I cut off, my tone angry and he looks downwards avoiding my gaze, "if Amelia wandered off, was lost and injured how would you like her to be treated?" I'm met with utter silence. "That's what I thought."

I keep walking, aware that I had both Beta and Delta flanking my sides.

It really doesn't take me long to fill up a bath tub, placing Josh in it with care as I talk to him calmly and try to make him feel more comfortable as he slowly calms down.

There's a clear of a throat behind me, "the doctors down stairs, I'll go get him."

"Can you find some clothes as well? Surely someone has a little boy." I politely ask Andrew who had talked.

I'm met with a stiff nod, as he swiftly turns and exits the bathroom. He was still avoiding my eyes and I sigh softly, knowing I'd have to apologise for snapping at him later.

Turning back to Josh, who was looking where Andrew had left fearfully before looking at Beta Jack scared.

"That's my friend, his name is Jack." I inform, "the one who left is also my friend Andrew."

"He wants to hurt me."

I frown, looking at his chubby cheeks and pointed down lips. "No one wants to hurt you, no one is going to hurt you, sweetheart."

"He wants to hurt me."

It takes me a moment to realise he's not talking about them. I share a look with Jack who frowns as well.

"Who? Who wants to hurt you, sweetheart."

Josh's frown deepens, "I- I don't know."

"That's okay." I softly speak, before I can say anything else Andrew returns with a man who I take is a doctor and also a pile of clothes in his hands, I have no idea how he did that so quick but I don't question it as I begin the process of drying Josh.

Doctor Kieth begins an examination, he's actually quite kind and gentle towards Josh and even manages a small giggle from him. Thankfully the most concerning issue is the gash on his head, the rest Josh has is only scratches and bruises.

"The cut on his forehead looks to be from a blunt force from an object." Doctor Kieth explains near the door of my room, both Beta and Delta standing alongside listening. Josh was now situated in my bed, eating a nice warm meal. "It explains the temporary amnesia he currently has."

"Will he gain his memories back?" I worriedly ask.

He nods smiling kindly and assuring me. "Of course, ma'am. It will be a slow progress and normally I'd suggest telling him things to jog his memory but..."

I simply nod, sighing. "Thanks Doctor Kieth."

"No worries, it's an honour to work for you ma'am."

Leaving me confused but slightly happy at his words, he bids farewell not before telling us to call if anything is needed before leaving the room. I sigh out loud again, glancing at the little boy happily eating in my bed.

"Now what?" Andrew states, apparently getting off his mood towards me.

"Something doesn't feel right," I comment quietly, biting my lip. "I just- I feel as if something in this situation isn't right."

"What do you mean?" Andrew asks.

"I mean, he said someone wants to hurt him. He was talking about someone not around here, but I just- I have a feeling that someone was who caused that head injury."

Andrew rolls in his lips, shrugging. "We don't have anything to go off his scent either, so he's been lost in the woods long enough to lose his packs scent."

"How long is that normally?" I question.

"Two to three months."

I suck in a sharp breath. "Something's wrong."

They don't question it, I see both Beta and Delta share a look where there faces fall dangerously serious. My words seem to trigger something in them, like I had just spoken gospel.

"If you think something's wrong, then something's defiantly wrong."

Andrews words don't make me feel any better.

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