Klepto POV

"Everything seems to be in order." Dr.Polland concludes, clicking his blue, ballpoint pin in his hand. Dark, wispy hairs covering his knuckles.

He finally reaches over and carefully removes the IV from my wrist, holding an alcohol wipe to the puncture.

It stings a bit, and I focus instead on the raw looking scars on my wrist, a deadly reminder of the tightrope I'm walking by being here.

Ezra frequently reminds me that he will be beside me the whole way, that he will protect me from everyone. I'm still not certain on whether to believe him or not, I trust my mate as far as I can throw him.

He stands in the room as I'm being discharged, his friend Hyrum standing right next to him, plum eyes luminous in the otherwise bland room.

Whenever I make eye contact with Hyrum, I glance away quickly. Though he smiles and appears to be a nice guy, he intimidates me, and I don't like him looking at me. His scrutiny makes me overly aware of my every movement.

"Just be sure to take it easy, the silver is out of your system, and the wound has healed, but you can never be too careful." He says, and I nod.

"Thanks, doc." I run a finger absently at the place where the IV use to be imbedded in my skin, the spot covered in gauze.

Ezra hands me a pair of clothes that I don't bother to look through before heading into the bathroom for a quick change.

The pale hospital gown is dotted with little navy spots, I stare at the pattern as I peel the thin fabric off of my body.

I have too many nerves to think straight right now.

I don't know what will happen after I leave the doctor, I never asked Ezra here he plans on taking me now that I've agreed to staying here.

I can only hope that he doesn't make me stay in that attic again.

To my surprise, the clothes given to me are oversized guys clothes, one whiff and I know exactly to whom they belong. I roll my eyes. I guess Ezra really is serious about me being his mate if he wants to parade me around saturated in his scent.

I haven't agreed to this whole thing, and yet he is already going full caveman.

Reluctantly, I pull the clothes on, from the enormous t-shirt down to the plush black socks. When I'm done, I look up to stare at myself in the mirror.

The weeks of being a rogue have made me drop some weight, but I'm still full figured. My cheeks may look a bit hollow, but I don't look all that different than when I left, other than the new look of determination simmering in my gaze, a stubborn clench to my jaw.

I feel like I've been reborn, and in some strange sort of way, I am.

I shuffle out of the bathroom, glancing around cautiously at my surroundings. Though the woods gave me a new sense of confidence, I'm still wary in this territory.

My pack is dangerous and unpredictable, and I can't let my guard down.

Ezra is still in the room I recovered in, Hyrum standing beside him. My mate stands when I re-enter, his demeanor changing when his eyes collide with mine.

His eyes take me in from head to toe before a spark buzzes in his yellow gaze.

His tall figure bends to retrieve something from under the chair he once sat in moments ago, he pulls out an all too familiar pair of beat up, converse high tops.

"I thought you'd want these," He clears his throat awkwardly, seeming embarrassed, "since you've always got them on."

I nod, giving him a soft "thanks" before taking them and slipping them on my feet.

They fit like a glove.

Wiggling my toes, I look at Ezra through the dark strands of hair falling in my face. His expression is no longer shielded like it typically was before, instead he lets his emotions color his features, and it makes him more attractive.

Stupid, stupid mate bond.

"We better be heading out, it will be getting dark soon." Hyrum says, his thick accent rolling off his tongue like honey.

I don't ask my mate where we're going, I don't really want to talk to Ezra at all.

"Where are we going?" I very pointedly direct the question at Hyrum, and his lips twitch up into an amused grin.

He knows what game I'm playing.

"To our cabin. You should be safe there, Ezra wants to keep a close eye on you."

I huff and roll my eyes like a pouty teenager before facing my mate with narrowed eyes.

"What, think I'll be running away the first chance I get?" I ask. He shakes his head.

"No, nothing like that." He states, and I laugh.

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure, I am tempted."

The corners of his lips turn up the slightest bit, he knows it's just a bluff.

We leave soon after, trudging outside into the dark, cold night. The ground is still covered in thick snow, and the humidity in the air only adds to the chill that is not so forgiving to my furless skin.

I don't quite know the way, so I wordlessly follow the two enormous lycans as they stride through the crunchy snow with a grace that no one but a lycan could muster.

It's almost annoying how fluidly they move.

The pack is too quiet, I look around at the place I grew up and don't feel so connected to it anymore. It's like my strings have been cut and I'm no longer tethered to a life of torture.

I can leave anytime I want, and it's a good feeling.

As we venture into the woods, it grows darker and darker.

Putting a hand to my aching side, I resist the urge to ask "are we there yet?" like a child. I swallow it down and continue to follow in silence.

A flicker of light appears in the near distance, and I almost sag in relief at the sight of the little wooden cabin etched into the forest.

We climb up the squeaking steps, and when we get to the door Ezra holds it open and let's us in. I don't know what to do now as an awkward silence continues to fill the air.

Somehow, we end up in the kitchen.

Always the gentleman, Ezra pulls out a bar stool for me. I don't even look at him as I slide into the chair. Instead I focus on the marble countertop and it's swirling pattern.

"Hungry?" It's Hyrum, he stands over a steaming pot of something sitting on the stove. I observe his purple apron, wondering how he put it on so fast.

Taking a big whiff, I dizzy at the smell of a home cooked meal. I nod exuberantly at the offer, eager to get something in my stomach that isn't a forest animal.

Ezra takes a seat next to me, and I try to ignore him as best I can.

I still need time to think everything over, and he has to respect that.

Hyrum fills two bowls full of what looks to be potato soup, when he puts it in front of me I see I'm right. I don't waste time before dipping my spoon in a putting it my mouth.

I have to resist the urge to moan. It has been too long since I've had normal food, but this is way beyond normal.

"This is soooo good, where did you get this?" I ask, and Hyrum looks like he is about to explode with joy. His full lips stretch far across his face in a huge smile.

"Made it myself this afternoon before we picked you up." He leans two hands on the edge of the counter, "It was difficult to convince your cook to lend me some groceries, but eventually I just snatched them."

I don't hesitate to grin as I imagine George finding his pantry raided, it would be a funny sight for sure.

"Well, it's amazing. You're like some sort of secret chef." Hyrum beams at my praise.

"Thank you." He replies, and the intimidation I feel towards him dwindles.

For a while we sit there in silence, not necessarily awkward this time, but more of a comfortable pause.

"So," I begin, swallowing a mouthful of soup, "anything happen while I was gone?"

Hyrum ponders this question for a second.

"Well, your mother is in the pack prison.

His answer throws Ezra, as he chokes on his soup, sending liquid spewing.

"What?" I can't help it, I shout it out.

"What happened?" Ezra demands, his fist connecting with the counter roughly, a crack shakes the house, and when he lifts his hand a long shatter runs through the marble.

My mouth hangs open at the brutal show of strength. Hyrum doesn't react at all, he just continues casually as if nothing happened.

"Well, it turns out Klepto was framed after all." He glances my way with his iris colored eyes glinting, "Your sister Tressa came forward after you were brought in with your wound. She admitted to the Alpha that your mother orchestrated the whole thing, forcing Tressa to take the ring and plant it in your room, and then tip off the Alpha about it."

He pauses, letting the words marinate.

"Apparently your mother has been abusing Tressa for a long time, punishing her physically if she ever tried to refuse her agenda."

As the sentence settles, I suddenly realize that I'm the only one that suffered in that household.

All thanks to a very psychotic woman.

"How long ago did this happen?" I question, my voice feather soft.

"It couldn't have been long, I know your mother was there when we brought you in. She tried to convince us to let you die." Says Ezra.

It should surprise me, but it doesn't. My Mother is a cold bitch.

"Who's taking care of my brothers?" I ask quietly.

"Your father and siblings I would presume." Hyrum replies, pushing some dreadlocks out of his face as he stares at me evenly, almost judging my reaction to the news.

I can't help but feel desperation to see my brothers, my Dad, even Tressa to see if she's alright.

In the back of my mind, I wonder how on earth she could be living such an awful life right beside me and I didn't even know it. Maybe we have more in common than I had once thought.

"Can we... can we go see them?" I realize how funny I sound, my reluctance very obvious. I'm not exactly used to being granted what I ask for.

"Yes, of course. We'll go right after breakfast if you want." Ezra's voice is sweet and comforting, and I hate that I like it. I need to hate him some more.

But he is being nice, he's being sweet and I don't know how much longer my grudge wild hold if he keeps this up. I need to be strong, show him my heart isn't easily won over.

I'm not just going to forget what he did to me overnight. Trust has to be earned.

When I glance over though the silence, he's observing me and I sizzle under his gaze. A line of worry creases between his eyebrows.

"You need rest. Let's get you to bed." He says, standing up and pushing his stool back into place. It scrapes against the floor.

"I'm not tired." I insist, even though it's obviously a lie.

I'm just being stubborn and childish, I want to stop but I can't. I'm testing him somehow, seeing if I can make him snap.

"Yes, you are, and you know it. Not to mention you still need time to heal. Doctor's orders." He replies, lifting his large hands in the air innocently. "Come on, let's go."

I grumble as I get up and follow my mate, he turns down a hallway and heads upstairs, and I trail my hands on the shiny wood banister. Everything in this house is carved out of wood.

"Where am I sleeping exactly?" I ask, holding back a yawn to keep from embarrassing myself further.

"My room." He calls over his shoulder, and I stare at his back with my mouth wide open.

There is no way in hell I am sleeping in his room, with him, in his bed. Nuh-uh. No way.

He has to be joking.

He's joking, right?

"Ha ha ha. Very funny, you douche canoe." I say, and when we reach the top of the staircase he turns around to give me quizzical look as if he can't believe what I just said.

"Douche canoe?" He asks, auburn eyebrow raised in amusement.

I shrug and try to look innocent.

He sighs, shaking his head slowly.

"And no, it's not a joke. You are sleeping in my room. I'll sleep on the floor if you want, but I don't want you alone."

I snort as we start towards his bedroom once again, a flash of dejavú at the situation. Last time I was in his room we kissed and he said it was a mistake.

Our one and only kiss. If we kiss again, I doubt it will be anytime soon.

"Why am I staying in your room? Scared I'm going to be sneaking out?"

He opens the door and lets me go in first. I huff in annoyance. Why does he have to be such a charming gentleman? I am trying to stay mad at him.

I thought this would be easier.

"More paranoia than anything. With rogues planning to attack, and the fact that your pack members aren't exactly thrilled to have you back, I want you near me." He explains. I walk until I'm right in front of him, my head barely reaching his chin.

"They are not my pack. They never will be." I say, my fingers drumming across my arm in thought. "And what if I don't want to stay in your precious room with you?"

I continue to press his buttons and gauge his every reaction.

He smiles, like he's picking up on my scheme and it's somehow funny to him.

"You can do whatever you want, sweetheart. No one's stopping you. Not anymore." His answer leaves me quiet, and with a split second decision I'm clambering into his king sized bed.

I pull the plush sheets and blanket up to my eyes and flutter them shut. The only sound is Ezra making a bed on the floor with a pile of blankets, grabbing a pillow and laying down on the creaky floor.

As I drift to sleep, the smell of my destined mate calms to me. For a small moment I let myself relish the feeling of safety.

Maybe things won't be so bad after all.

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If you're reading this, I love you :)