Chapter 21

While the bartender helped clean my wounds, I could already feel myself healing as the bleeding stopped but the pain was still prominent.

Before I realized what was happening, Caroline escaped Bailey's grip and ran towards Abigail and sent a punch so hard I heard a cracking noise and she was out cold.

"See, all this could have been prevented if you just let me hit her when I met her." Caroline sighed and approached me. "Let me help you." Before I understood what she meant, she grabbed my nose between her thumb and forefinger and twisted it back into place.

"Oh, fuck that hurt!" I gasped in pain and covered my nose.

Caroline just grinned at me, "Your magical healing was already taking effect and we didn't want that cute nose of yours permanently damaged now did we?"

"At least warn a girl first." I laughed but immediately stopped when the pain stabbed me in my ribs where Abigail so graciously decided to punch.

"Em, are you okay?" Bailey asked me with worry.

"I'm fine, I am." I assured her.

She nodded and took the cloth from the bartender and started to wipe the blood off my face.

"How bad do I look?" I asked with a grimace as she dabbed the cloth on my wounds.

"Still as sexy as ever." Bailey winked at me but I could still see the worry etched on her face.

"You know for a human, you really swung at her good." Caroline gave me a high five to lighten up the situation.

"Not as good as you though. You seriously need to teach me how you knocked her out." I smiled.

"How did the fight start anyways?" Bailey asked concernedly.

"I spilt my drink on her by accident and she decided to reciprocate the action and I...I sort of just punched her and we broke out in a fight."

Caroline laughed at my guilty expression and I could see a smile playing on Bailey's lips.

Before she could say anything, the front door of the speakeasy slammed open to reveal a menacing Thane.

"Where the fuck is she?!" Thane let out a ear splitting growl and everyone fell silent but before he could get an answer he already turned his head towards me and his eyes softened as he took huge steps to close the space between us.

Before I could say anything, Bailey, Caroline and the bartender all scattered from around me as Thane pulled me into a hug.

I whimpered out in pain and he instantly released me, "Are you alright?" He immediately looked me over and touched my face and ribs, "Is anything broken?"

"Just my pride." I laughed without humor.

"Emery, seriously, are you alright?" He took the cloth from Bailey and tended to my wounds.

"I'm okay now." I smiled at him.

"Pass me some water." He asked and the bartender immediately handed him a glass of water and he wet the cloth and pressed it above my right eye. "I didn't think sending you to the bar alone would've ended up with you in a fight." He gave me a small smile but I could tell it was fake as his anger was still brewing below.

"Haha. You're not the only one who gets into fights you know."

"Yes but my job's to protect you. I'm sorry I wasn't here to fight for you." He looked down in shame.

"Hey, you fight for me everyday. More than anything that I do for you." I assured him.

He went radio silent as he continued to stop the blood flow from above my eye and then wiped off the blood from my face and hands.

When he was done he looked at me and inspected every inch of my body visible to him for any damage that needed tending to but after he saw nothing of major concern he brushed a few strands of my hair away from my eyes and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"I can't believe I let this happened to you. I was so worried..." He trailed off as he placed his face in the crook of my neck and breathed in my scent.

I wrapped my arms around him, "I'm okay Thane."

He just nodded without saying another word and stayed like that for a few minutes and I could tell he was trying to rein in some of his anger.

He then turned to a now conscious Abigail.

His demeanor changed from complete concern to pure rage as he turned towards Abigail who just came back around after being knocked out by Caroline.

"You!" Thane growled as Beau and Lucas, who walked in with Thane, picked Abigail off the couch roughly and detained her by her two arms and stood her up to face the alpha. "What the hell did you think you were doing?!" He rhetorically asked.

"Babe-"

"Shut your damn mouth!" Thane yelled at her, "I am your Alpha and you will address me as such, so don't you dare call me that." He pointed at her and he was literally shaking with anger and I was surprised he kept his wolf in check so well that he hasn't shifted yet.

He continued when he was sure she wasn't going to open her mouth again, "For what you did, to my mate, the woman I love, to the pack's Luna...you're lucky I haven't ripped your head off yet!"

She began again, "You love me, I know-"

He cut her off, "No, save whatever bullshit you're about to say to yourself. I don't have feelings for you and I never will! Don't you see that I don't care? And if you think I 'love' you because I haven't killed you yet," He gave her a menacing grin that sent chills down my spine, "well you're going to fucking worship me when I tell you what I have planned for you."

"Thane." I warned because I didn't know what he had brewing but from his anger I knew it wasn't going to be nice.

He turned back to me with pure evil in his eyes, "I respect you as the Luna, Emery and you're free to make any decisions any other time but now. You have to let me deal with this on my own accord because you aren't going to agree with me now. This mutt is mine to deal with." He turned back to Abigail who looked like she was about to throw up.

I knew he wasn't going to let me butt in again so I sat waiting like everyone else for Thane to hash out his punishment.

"In the Moon Goddess's name, I, Alpha Thane Cole Blackwood, exile you Abigail Miller from the Blood Moon pack. All communications and dealings with any pack member will be forbidden according to pack laws and if you so much as breathe on pack territory, your death will be payment." Thane swore his oath.

I gasped in horror at what Thane just did.

"You have an hour to pack your shit and get the hell out of my land before I send some wolves after you. After all you are now a rogue on our land." He smiled evilly at her.

She looked at him in horror, "No. No! NO!" She yelled, "You can't do this! I love you. I always have and I know you feel the same way too. You can't kick me out because of her." She spat venomously as she looked at me with a death glare.

"Look at or touch her one more time and I will kill you." Thane threatened.

"I will kill her! I swear this isn't over." Abigail growled my way.

"Get rid of her." Thane commanded.

Before they could escort her out, she lunged at me but before she could throw a punch, Thane caught her arm and roughly pushed her towards the door and into Beau and Lucas's arms who detained her properly.

"I told you that if you touched her again I would-"

I cut Thane off, "Leave her be Thane. She's no longer apart of our pack."

I stopped him because I was not allowing him to put her blood on his hands for me after he just kicked her out of the pack.

"He doesn't love you and you will never be good enough for this pack!" She growled at me.

Beau and Lucas dragged her out of the bar and from through the windows I saw her shift into a dark brown wolf and ran off.

I must admit, her words did strike a cord in me.

"Make sure she leaves and doesn't linger around the pack. I want her at least fifty miles away from the pack at all times." Thane said to Beau and Lucas who nodded and ran off behind her.

In anger, Thane picked up one of the chairs and smashed it into the shelves that held wine glasses and I gasped in horror.

"Thane." I said calmly and walked up to him and touched his shoulders which was moving at a rapid pace because of his breathing. "It's okay, I'm fine and she's gone."

He spun around and looked guilty, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have scared you." He touched my cheek gently.

"You didn't. I told you before, I'm not scared of you." I whispered.

"Just, give me some space before I hurt you." He sighed and backed away towards the door.

"Wait!" I called back to him.

He stopped in his tracks.

"Can you drive me home?" I asked because I desperately needed painkillers.

He nodded and I handed him the keys to the car as he waited by the door for me.

"Will you all get home all right?" I asked them all. "Bailey need a lift back?"

"No thanks Em, I think I'm going to visit my parents to explain what just happened with Abigail." She said with both worry and relief in her tone. "I'm sorry for bringing you here with her, I hope you both can forgive me." She whispered.

"There's nothing to forgive." I shook my head. "What she did was of her own accord and you're not to blame. The only forgiveness to be dealt out is your parents' forgiveness to us." I said in sorrow because even though her parents adopted Abigail, she was still their daughter.

"This was my call Emery, not yours." Thane said from behind me.

I looked at him like he was crazy, "Regardless of whose decision it was, we're in this together. I support you even though I don't agree with you."

Thane gazed at me with such intensity that I couldn't figure out what was going through his mind before he cut in, "I'll be outside."

I watched as he disappeared out the door as I turned back to Bailey.

"What was that about?" She asked.

I shrugged, "I think he's still a bit riled up over what happened."

She grabbed me in a hug and whispered into my ear, "She deserved what happened to her Em and honestly I'm kind of relieved. She would have caused nothing but trouble and according to pack law she should be dead for even laying a finger on you."

"What do you mean?" I asked curiously.

She just smiled at me, "We have laws to you know. But one law in particular states that if anyone harms the Luna or the Alpha's mate, in this case you, should be killed without trial."

I stood there in shock, "Wow, that's really..." I trailed off because of a lack of words.

"Barbaric? Cruel? I don't think so. Our Luna is our most adored person, she deserves respect." Bailey smiled at me with adoration, "Now why don't you go home and get cleaned up. I'm sure you're going to be pretty sore."

"Thanks Bailey and I already feel like the dead. If you need anything or your parents need anything, just let me know." I said with a goodbye to her and the girls.

"Luna." Layla called before I could exit.

"Yea?" It was the first time she actually spoke to me and to say I was shocked was putting it lightly.

"I'm really sorry for what happened today. We should have never treated you that way and I'm sorry for what Abigail did." She apologized profusely and it looked like guilt was eating her up.

I shook my head at her, "Hey, no, it's not your fault, any of it. You never said a mean word to me Layla. Actually you never said a word to me, so technically you have nothing to apologize for or worry about except Abigail." I smiled comfortingly to her. "I'm sorry for her being kicked out, I know you were both close."

"No, don't apologize, she's been nothing but mean to you." She gave me a gentle smile, "Everyone's right, you're a great Luna, I'm sorry I didn't see that before." She mumbled and walked away.

I turned back to the door and walked out limping because the pain still lingered.

Thane was waiting over by the car but as he spot me he walked over, "Let me carry you." Thane said as he picked me up bridal style.

"Thank you." I grinned at him because I was just happy to be off my feet and in Thane's arms.

He gave me a small smile and placed me in the passenger side of the car and then got in and started towards the pack house.

He warmed up the car and made his first attempt at a conversation since he came into the bar, "Are you sure you're okay? Should I tell Adler to meet us at the house?"

"No, some painkillers would suffice but nothing's wrong. No broken bones and all cuts healed." I reported jokingly.

But it was to no avail as he didn't even crack a smile. He just kept staring at the road ahead.

"Hey are you okay?" I asked worriedly and placed my hand on his arm.

He just nodded and mumbled, "I'm fine."

"No you're not. You're my mate Thane, I got spidey senses on your feelings." I declared.

"Spidey senses?" He asked in distaste.

"You know, like Spiderman." I said in a duh voice.

"I know what it is."

"Then why are you angry?" I asked in concern.

"I'm not." He argued.

"You are." I retorted.

"I'm not."

"But you are."

"Can we stop this?" He pleaded.

"Not until you tell me what's wrong."

"In the morning." Was all he said without looking at me.

Something was definitely up with him but I couldn't tell exactly what was wrong. I was concerned about him but he wouldn't open up to me as we drove back to the house.

After a few minutes of driving I knew we were almost to the pack house and I had to figure out what was bothering him.

Running my plan through my mind I waited for him to pull into the driveway and put the car in park.

As soon as he changed gears and pulled up the hand break, I pulled off my seat belt and climb over into his seat and sat straddling him.

"Emery, what are you doing? You're going to hurt yourself." He said in a panic and placed his hands on my waist to move me.

"No Thane, I'm alright. Healing powers remember, I'm all healed up." I explained.

"No Emery you're not, you're hurt and you need to rest." He argued.

I glared at him until he shut up, "Will you just stop fussing and tell me what's wrong?" I demanded.

"I told you, nothing's wrong." He avoided my gaze.

"Then stop avoiding my question."

"Em-"

"No, I'm supposed to be the cranky one. I just got my ass handed to me from your ex and you don't have the right to be angry with me." I stated.

"I'm not angry with you." He said between clenched teeth.

I cupped his cheeks, "Then tell me what's bothering you?" I asked gently.

He looked up at me and it was then that I saw the torment and inner turmoil within him, "I'm angry at myself." He barely whispered.

My gaze instantly softened and I gave him a look of adoration, "Why Thane? Today couldn't have been prevented."

He gave me an incredulous look, "But it could have. If I had just joined you there or kept you by my side..."

"But you didn't, which I appreciate you so much for. You don't keep me all locked up and glued to your side Thane. Do you know how amazing it is to have that freedom and alone time?"

"But I'm keeping you here against your will." He said.

"Maybe at first yes, but now? Now I wouldn't leave you if you gave me the choice. We're mates and we're meant to be together." I tried to make him understand.

He shook his head at me, "She could have killed you Emery, why do you not get that. Anyone in the pack can kill you."

"But she didn't and no one else wants to. She was the only one who didn't like me and I'm stronger than you make me out to be Thane."

He pulled me into his arms and whispered, "I know you are. Trust me by the damage you did to her, I know you're strong...but I was so worried. I thought I almost lost you when the bartender linked me and said you were bleeding out. Bailey wasn't even opening her mind link and I didn't know what to expect walking in there."

I wrapped my arms around him in comfort, "But I'm fine Thane, I'm alive. Also I wasn't bleeding out." I laughed at the bartender's exaggeration.

"I couldn't bare it if anything had happened to you Emery, I couldn't live with myself if I wasn't there to protect you." He proclaimed.

I rest my forehead against his and just took in the feeling of being in his arms, "Don't worry, you never have to feel that way again because nothing's going to happen." I promised him. I kissed his lips and said, "Now stop beating yourself up because I need you to take care of me."

"I promise to take care of you and to never let anyone else ever lay a finger on you again." He swore.

"Just promise me you'll stop beating yourself up over this?" I asked.

He looked at me for a few moments before he said, "Only if you promise me something."

"Tell me." I asked curiously.

"Stop wondering if you're a great Luna. You are. What Abigail said was because of jealousy. You're not weak and you proved that today. Both physically and mentally."

I looked at him in shock, "How'd you know?"

"Layla mind linked me and said to ensure that you knew you're a great Luna." He pecked my lips.

"I can't agree, but I'm too tired to fight you on this." I yawned.

His first actual smile graced his lips for the night which caused a smile to grow on my lips, "Promise me or I will suffer in my despair."

"It's despair you called upon yourself." I shrugged with a smile.

"Emery?" He pleaded.

I kissed both his cheeks and whispered in his ear, "I promise."

I felt him relax beneath me and knew that the issue was resolved for now.

"Now let me tell you how incredibly sexy you look in this dress." He smirked and trailed his hands up my bare thigh.

I stopped his wandering hands with my own, "Uhh uhh Mr. Blackwood. You're suffering remember?"

"Then be my savior?" He nipped at my neck.

I giggled at his flirtatiousness, "Serious one minute and flirty the next." I tapped him upside the head.

"What I can't compliment my mate?" He grinned like a cheshire cat.

I rolled my eyes, "Well the dress is ruined with all this blood and my hair is damp with alcohol, so no compliments."

I saw a flash of anger in Thane's eyes and knew he wasn't over what happened to me just yet, "I should have killed her for even touching you."

"No you shouldn't have. Enough blood was spilt. I didn't agree with what you did but I knew it was for the best." I tried to calm him down. "I'm fine now, just need a bath."

"I'm sorry for not considering you when making the decision." He apologized.

"It's fine. I couldn't have made such a choice, but don't do it again." I finalized.

I started to move off him when he stopped me, "You said she beat you up, but from my point of view, you really held your own. You did amazing and I'm proud of you." He said honestly.

"She had the last punch, plus your opinion is biased."

"But she's a wolf, it shouldn't have been that hard for her. So just accept that fact that you're my strong ass mate." He shrugged.

"Oh hush." I pecked his lips and rolled my eyes.

"But seriously, should I be concerned about my life now?" He grinned at me, "Maybe training you was a mistake."

I stuck my tongue out at him, "You should be very scared of me alpha."

"Mhm." He mumbled before trailing kisses from the base of my neck all the way to my mouth.

After a gentle kiss he pulled away.

"You really are my savior." He said cryptically.

"And you're mine." I muttered back.