Layla's peaceful face was the first thing I woke up to, making a smile instantly form on my lips. I shifted slightly, moving my hand to her cheek to sweep away her dark hair from her face. Letting my finger linger on her cheek, then to her lips tracing over them. My touch trailed down her neck and over her mark. Her body shivered from the touch.

Fuck, there absolutely couldn't be a moment where I wouldn't admire her. She was too damn beautiful, in every way. From her eyes to her lips to her gorgeous body that she allowed me to see. I was so awestruck when I seen her, it made me want to kiss every inch of her body. The scars I seen, they didn't make her any less perfect in my eyes.

They were just something that made her, her. And I know it wasn't easy for her to show me even that much of her. So I'm really grateful she did. Because, I love her and goddess did it feel so good to say that and to have her know. Plus to know that she loves me back.

"Landon?" she mumbled, her eyes barely being able to open.

"Yes?" I asked, rubbing her arm soothingly.

"I'm cold." she mumbled, yet again with sleepiness in her tone, it was absolutely adorable.

I pulled her in closer to me, wrapping the blankets around her more securely. Her arm went around my torso, moving closer to me. As she placed her head into my neck I stroked her hair through my fingers. My free arm rubbing her back, to provide warmth. I kissed the side of her head, twirling the black locks in my fingers.

"Better, baby?" I asked her in a voice that's specifically reserved for her.

She hummed in response a chuckle escaping me, I really love her.

It's been three hours since I've been awake and Layla still hasn't woken up other than that one time. In her defense it was really early when I woke up.

"Alpha, I'm sorry to disturb you but, I need to talk to you." Zach's mind link suddenly filled my head.

"What is it?" I questioned.

"Brad wants to talk with you." he stated, which made me growl.

I didn't want to see him nor did I want to talk to him or the others. The sight of them made me sick and downright livid. But, I needed to push past that and actually deal with them, sometime.

"Tell him, I'll talk to him when I'm ready, got it?"

"Yes alpha."

The link was cut off just as Layla began to stir in my arms. I breathed in her scent to calm me down but, it could only help so much. When she lifted her sleepy head to look at me, she smiled.

But, then it faded, "What's wrong?" she asked, reaching out to touch my jaw, I closed my eyes at the contact.

I didn't want her to know because, I didn't want to upset her when she barely even woke up. But, I also didn't want to lie.

Reopening my eyes I was met with her concerned gaze, "Nothing." In that moment when she looked at me.

I couldn't lie to her, "Are you sure?" she asked sincerely.

Instead of answering her I kissed her forehead and started to get out of bed. She sat up as I did, rubbing her eyes with her fists, making my eyes soften from how adorable she looked.

"I'm going to make us some breakfast."

With that I left the room before she could ask me anything more. As I made my way down the stairs, I started to think about whether or not I would go see Brad today. Just the thought had my blood boiling, but, for now I brushed it off to make breakfast. Or at least try to as best as I could. But, I stopped in my tracks at the entry of the kitchen when I seen my mother already cooking.

Twice in a row, there was bacon on a plate and toast on another. Right now she was focusing on some eggs in a pan.

I walked to the front of the counter, and she looked up instantly, "Good morning." she greeted, with a soft smile.

"Hey mom." I eyed her as she refocused back on the eggs.

I took this time to sit on a stool and watch her. She seemed brighter today, not pale and sick like she used to be. And I wondered really wondered what happened. How could she be so energetic lately and happy. When only weeks ago she was quite literally in her death bed as much as I hate to admit.

But, right now she was fine and that's all that mattered.

"So, Landon..." she trailed off turning the stove off before scooping the eggs into a bowl, "I need to talk to you."

My eyebrows furrowed, she turned around just as the toaster went off, "What about?"

When she turned around she handed me a toast she just buttered, "Me." I took a bite, gesturing for her to go on.

"I think it's time for me to move back into your father and I's house." I coughed almost choking on the piece I just swallowed.

"What?" I questioned, "What are you even-you can't just-" I dropped my toast out of shock.

"Landon, this house was built for you and your mate, now that you've found her, you need privacy." As I went to protest she cut me off, "Don't try to fight me on this I want to, I haven't been there since..." her voice trailed off.

We haven't been in my childhood home since my father passed away. This house was built when I was a baby, for the future alphas son and mate. My mother wanted us to move in right away so we didn't have to be in a home that once housed my father. So here we were and now she wanted to go back, it made my heart ache. Especially since neither of us have been there in years, I felt guilty as well.

"I-if that's what you want-" I said, looking at her glossed over eyes.

"It is." she gave me a soft side smile, coming around the counter to give me a hug.

I embraced her in my arms as she rubbed my back, "Thank you Landon for taking care of me, your father would be real proud of you." she kissed the top of my head and I felt another ache in my chest.

When we pulled away she started to make our plates filled with food. Just as Layla came into the kitchen, we all had breakfast together. Sharing the news with Layla who told my mom she'd miss her. Which I thought was nice. After my mom went up to start packing her stuff.

"So, are you going to tell me what's wrong now?"

Her question was out of no where. I didn't think she'd even remember but, it was Layla, my mate.

There was no need to beat around the bush now so I just told her.

"Brad wants to talk to me." I said, awaiting her reaction.

She looked down in thought, "Maybe you should." she whispered out.

I narrowed my eyes at her, trying to understand why she'd want me to do that, "And maybe I can come with you." she looked up into my eyes and I just snapped.

"I don't understand why do you want to see them, don't you hate them, what's wrong with you?" I ranted out feeling my blood boil, that I didn't even realize my choice of words.

"I-I."

She stuttered out, looking down again, her hair shielding her face. The sight alone made me want to punch myself in the face. Why did I have to act so quickly when they were brought up.

"I just want to be able to see them and know they can't hurt me anymore, it's just something I want to do for myself and I-I'm sorry i-if it upsets you." she explained softly.

If I wasn't mad before I was more than livid, not at her. Hell not even at the guys I was mad at myself for not thinking it was a much deeper thing than just seeing them for her. It made me feel guilty for shutting her down about the idea the other day. Her apologizing just made me feel worse, she shouldn't be saying sorry for wanting to better herself.

I sighed, grasping her chin in my hand to lift her head, "You don't need to be sorry, I'm the one that's sorry, I should have let you explain more instead of blowing up." I apologized, caressing her chin with the pad of my thumb.

"Thank you." she said with a smile.

"D-do-" I couldn't get the words out, letting a sigh of frustration out at my stuttering, "Do you really want to see them?"

"Yes." she stated firmly which made me smile, she wanted to do this and I wasn't going to stop her.

I smiled, leaning down and placing my lips against hers softly. Layla was seriously such a strong person and would be an even stronger Luna.

That's why I love her.