Kaiden pov

She drove off, and I felt my heart crack at the tears running down her cheeks. Jasmine was a gorgeous woman, but I was head over heels for Cecilia. We met at twelve and at thirteen realized we loved each other. We have been together ever since, and once we hit eighteen, we realized we weren't fated as mates.

It hurt, but we vowed to reject our fated mates to be each other's chosen mate.

The day we ran into Jasmine nearly destroyed us as my whole body stiffened at her scent. A warm toasty vanilla hit my nostrils, and I purred loud. Cecilia started to sob as she looked up at me and then over to Jasmine.

"Fuck no",I almost roared.

"Kaiden," I hear Cecilia sob. Jasmine ran off after yelling me off. I needed to fix this shit but I was more surprised seeing her packing to leave.

"Cecilia, go home. I need to go talk to Jasmine quickly. "I soothed her or tried to. I left her at her place. I ran for Jasmine who told me to fuck off as she squeals tires leaving my pack. I shifted and chased after her, but the next moment, I felt pain hit me as she rejected me.

"I Jasmine Heart reject you, Kaiden Fire as my mate. I hope she makes you happy," her voice broke on a sob as my wolf howled loud in my head. I let out a loud howl as my heart broke.

Fuck me.

I started searching for her right away, but Jasmine cut off Fireside pack right after crossing the border. She was like a damn ghost. I sighed as I sat at my desk doing alpha duties. Cecilia walked in, but I couldn't look at her. It disgusted me now. Yes, we have a long history, but since knowing my mate is out there alone, I become distant from her.

"You coming over tonight?"she asked, hopeful.

"No, I got training and paperwork," I said, ignoring her sad look.

"It has been four months, Kaiden, just mark me already. She left we can be together ",she was trying to touch my neck, but I moved away.

"Leave my office now, I bark out pissed, I'm busy and your not listening to me. I'm not marking you, "she stifled a sob as she ran out. I know I hurt her and in my own way I fucking love her but the look my mate had the day she left haunted me. Pure devastation was all over her face, and I even felt it.

"Kaiden," I look up as my beta Grayson entered. He looked sad for me.

"Any news?"He nodded no.

"Fuck she could be hurt or worse",I rubbed my neck.

"Brother, she was running on emotions that day she is probably holed up sobbing her heart out. She won't do anything stupid",he tried to reassure me, but we both didn't believe his words.

"I was fucking stupid Gray I never gave her a chance I just spit out hate and shit about Cecilia to her. She just ran after I said I wanted Cecilia, but now I can't even stand touching her. I know we have been glued since thirteen, but I can't stand her touch or smell. "I sighed out.

"Brother maybe hire a private investigator",He says softly.

"Fine, hire one, please. Make sure Cecilia stays out of my office. "I go stand by the huge bay window and look out into the dark praying Jasmine is okay.

Jasmine pov

It has been four months since I ran, and I'm not worse, but not any better either. I miss my parents and I miss my pack. Kaiden is probably fucking that bitch everyday and that thought alone makes me sick.

We would feel it, Jasmine. My wolf speaks up. You know we feel everything they do, and nothing is happening.

"I fucking hate her",I sniffle as I clean my apartment. I've worked my job remotely and found a place in the four months since I left. I was happy I made good money and didn't have to go to the office because everyone would see the mess that is me. I brush my long black hair and sigh sadly. The cop that pulled me over helped me find a hotel and settled me there, but I haven't seen him since. He was very sweet as I lost my shit in front if him.

"Jasmine, I hear a soft knock from my elderly neighbor, I made you brownies, sweetie," she has been trying to feed me. I look awful, I know, but keeping anything down is a no-go.

I open my door smiling as she hands me a plate with two huge brownies on them.

"Thank you, Mrs. Fern, I greatly appreciate it, but you don't have to cook for me. You go through so much trouble, "she smiles sadly.

"I'm just trying to put weight on you, honey. Are you sick? We should see a doctor. I'm worried for you sweetie ",I sigh.

"I'm good, just stressed from work," but she doesn't believe me. I thank her over and over before shutting the door as she goes home. The day I moved in and she saw me crying as I unloaded my belongings is the day she came over and hugged me. Her warm, soft embrace made me feel loved.

Now, months later, she cooks and bakes for me. I get a knock daily to make sure I'm still alive. This woman can fucking cook but I can't keep much down. Kaiden is probably having a blast with Cecilia, and I'm not even a thought in his head.

"Why moon goddess? Why give me someone who doesn't want me? The pain is unbearable, "I sniffle as I close and lock my front door. I head to finish a project so I can enjoy my vacation.

As I wrap up, I hear another knock, but I ignore it so I can finish work. Hours later, I go check my mail and see a note on my door.

"Heading to my sister's house, please eat sweetie," Fern wrote in her delicate writing. I grab my mail when I feel the feeling I'm being watched. I look around but see nothing, so I shrug and take my mail back to my place.

I must be paranoid. I sigh to myself as I lock up and go through my mail.

I miss my parents the most, but I'm too afraid to message or call. If I call, they may track me, and I can't have that right now.

I can't deal with the pain I'm gonna hear in their voices, so I delay it. I just hope they forgive me some day.

I also hope I get over him soon because I just exist. I'm not living.

I want to live. I just want happiness and peace, which feels unreachable. I sigh again. Maybe someday it won't feel like a knife digging in my guts all the time.

Kaiden pov

The private investigator found her, and I almost raced out the door to bring her back.

"Sir, she looks awful," he says, handing over pictures.

"Where is her apartment?"I ask, looking through the pictures of her.

"She is on a lower level apartment two b. She has an elderly lady trying to fatten her up, but she barely eats or leaves her apartment, "he adds, handing me video footage of Jasmine grabbing her mail.

"Thank you so much," I write him a check and see him out. I go to come back when Cecilia stepped in my way, her eyes red from crying.

"Kaiden, please talk to me," she begs.

"I'm busy, Cecilia, and I already told you I'm not marking you. I should have talked to Jasmine instead of telling her she didn't matter. She is suffering because of us, and I'm going to fix it. "I step away heading for my office.

"I'm pregnant!!"she screams, and I stiffen up. I growl as I turn to face her.

"You know only your mate carries your pups, and you aren't my mate, Cecilia."She screams and runs off, and I don't go after her. She has been throwing tantrums left and right since I stopped fucking her. Her dad has tried to force our mate relationship, but I alpha ordered him to back off.

"So he found Jasmine ",My beta stated, watching me storm in pissed.

"Yes, he found her. Cecilia is getting desperate she said she is pregnant ",he burst into loud laughter.

"Dude, did she miss Werewolf Biology? She can't be that fucking stupid or desperate",he sighs annoyed.

"Her whole family tried to get me to mark her and take her, but my wolf revolts at her touch or voice," I say, flopping down in my chair.

"Are you heading to get Jasmine? Her parents are heartbroken she left the way she did. Both wanted to go rogue to find her, "he added, and my head shot up. My eyes are huge as he sits at his desk.

"Really?"I ask shocked.

"Yes, her mom is in the hospital she collapsed, and her dad won't leave her side, but I can tell he wants to go after Jasmine. Poor man is torn between staying with his mate or going looking for his daughter. "I watch Grayson sigh as he starts his work.

"I'm going to her place, Gray," I say, standing, "let her parents know I'm bringing her home." I head to my truck and see Cecilia standing by her parents all three look disgusted with me. I just sigh and hop in heading for my mate.

Jasmine pov

I'm laying on my couch after another round of puking, trying to settle my stomach. It isn't working. I close my eyes, exhausted and uncomfortable.

I just want to sleep, but nope, it isn't happening.

I feel uneasy today, and I can't figure out why. I close my eyes when a light knock on my front door sounds.

Jeez.

"Mrs Fern, I can't eat all the stuff you bring over." I open my door, and dizziness hits at who I see standing there.

Kaiden looks me over, and I fall darkness taking over.

He catches me calling my name, and I'm gone.

I woke a few hours later in my bed thinking I dreamed him till his deep voice made me jump.

"Jasmine," he murmurs softly.

"No!"I choke out." No, you can't be here. I left....I left you so you can have her. You have to leave. Go back to Cecilia. "I sniffle and move to scoot away, but he drags me back.

"Stay still," he orders.

"You have to leave." I feel tears coming. I'm gonna sob in front of him if he stays.

"I'm not going anywhere, Jasmine. We are talking, "his voice is rough.

"Why Kaiden? What is the use? You decided to stay with her, and I left so you could. I even rejected you so you could claim your girlfriend. There is nothing further to discuss. "Tears fall as I talk, and my wolf actually whimpers in my head. She ignored his wolf, who kept trying to talk to her. We both are so hurt by their actions.

"Jasmine, I haven't claimed her. In fact, I kicked her out and have been searching for you," he admits as I sit up.

"What is the point, Kaiden? You both got years together, and I can't compete with that. You said so yourself you been with her since thirteen years old. I'm not doing this. "I go to leave my bed and find myself pinned under him.

He sighs as I tremble under his massive body, and tears fall as I beg him to go back home.

"No, I'm not running back to her. I came to talk, and you will listen. Now lay still, or I'm staying like this. "I sigh and lay there, but he doesn't move. He stays hovering above me and starts talking.

"You love her, Kaiden. You said you loved her. That kind of shit doesn't vanish overnight. "It hurts to say it, but it is true.

"I realized when you left, I made a huge mistake. I started searching that day, but you vanished. I told her the promise I made was foolish and I couldn't be with her anymore. I haven't touched her since the day you left. Trust me, Cecilia and her family have been begging me to mark and mate her, but I refused. I know what I said was fucked up but I'm here now. I will accept you Jasmine ",I sniffle.

"She won't stop coming after you Kaiden if I come back, I'm going to have everyday reminders that she had you first. She loves you deeply",he wipes tears away.

"Why did you stop eating Jasmine? You look so fucking frail now. I never rejected you back. My wolf refused and started to revolt each time I was near Cecilia. Also, your...."He froze, and I stared up at him. He looked worried.

"What is wrong?"I ask, feeling scared. He sighs and stares into my eyes.

"Your mom collapsed a while back , and we put her in the hospital. Your dad was going to go rogue with her to find you, but she got sick. He hasn't left her side, but he looks torn, wanting to search for you but staying with her. "I gasp and struggle to move, but he holds me down.

"Stop Jasmine," he orders, and I stop.

"Stop ordering me around. You lost that right. Let me go. I'm going to get my parents and move them here. Once we are all gone, you and her can be mates, "The words made me feel sick.

"Jasmine, listen carefully." He barks out, and I flinch, " I'm not taking her as my mate. I came to bring you back to the Fireside pack. "My eyes go huge as I relax my struggle and stare up at him.

"You can't be serious," I mutter out, and he nods yes as we stare at each other. My wolf whimpers and lays down as she cries about not trusting them. I can sense his wolf trying to enter my mind and talk to mine, but she blocks him.

"I'm as serious as a heart attack," he says as he leans closer, his mouth an inch away from mine.

I sigh.

Kaiden pov

I watch her as she sits there looking awful. The Jasmine I see now is nothing compared to the woman who left five months ago. She lost a significant amount of weight and looked like she cried all the time. She had huge bags under her eyes, and those gorgeous eyes were bloodshot.

"Are you hungry?"I ask, but get a nod no. I need her to eat. Her wolf won't let me in, my wolf says in my head. I'm blocked.

"I'm on a two week vacation from work. I was going to try to sleep." I watch her sip at her water, and I feel guilt hit. I did this. I caused her so much pain. I caused the shell of a werewolf that sat before me.

"You need food," I say, and her dull eyes move to meet mine. She looks vacant and lost. Her eyes are dull like she is dead, and I hate myself more.

"I throw up everything I try to eat," she admits, and the guilt blooms further. I'm the reason my mate looks close to death, and I will not forgive myself.

"I need you to come back to Fireside with me, Jasmine, your parents need you," I watch conflict fill her eyes, and I sit in front of her.

"I don't want to," she says softly.

"Your mom really needs you. I promise Cecilia is not with me, and I will announce to the pack your my mate, "she sighs.

"How bad is she?",her voice shakes.

"Our doctor put her in a medical coma, so she rests," she sniffles.

"I'm gonna lay down," she moves, but I quickly rush to lift her. I can feel the pain she has gone through in our bond.

"One more thing, I say stopping movements, I Kaiden Fire accept Jasmine Heart as my mate and Luna of Fireside pack. I don't accept your rejection. "I feel our mate bond snap into place and tingles run up my body. She starts to sob, and I gather her close, letting her cry.

My wolf howls at her tears and pain we both feel. By the time I lay her down, she is sleeping, and I curl around her little body, giving her my warmth.

"Grayson," I mind link, I got Jasmine, and I will bring her back in. few days, she is sick, "he sighs in our link.

"Should I inform her parents?"he asks.

"Yes, let them know I'm bringing her home. She will need to see Doctor Frank as soon as we cross the border. "I look at her and sigh.

"On it. I'm glad you found her ,Kaiden. Maybe you should mark her so she can't run away again. "I sigh as I cut our link and cover us up. I need to mark her because I can guarantee she will try to run once we get back. I know damn well Cecilia and her family will raise hell over me choosing Jasmine. They want the high-ranking title because it will make their lives easier. I know her family lives paycheck to paycheck and getting a high rank as a mate guarantees money. When Jasmine whimpers, I pull her little body on top of mine, and she relaxes in my arms.

Fuck she feels nice I think as I rub her back down to her hips. I hope someday in the future she can forgive me, but for now, I'm going to hold her.

Mark her my wolf orders.

A knock has me almost growling as I ease Jasmine off my body to go answer. The old lady is there with food and I smile big at her.

"Well, my heavens, aren't you a sight for these old eyes?" she giggles.

"Hi Mrs. Fern, I'm Kaiden. I'm Jasmine's fiancee",she gasps loud.

"Thank heaven you're here. I've been trying to feed that poor thing, but she can't keep much down. She is always working on her computer.

Is she dying?"I feel guilty as I nod no.

"No, just not taking care of herself much. I'm taking her back home in a few days, "I say, and she frowns sadly.

"I will miss her, but she needs someone to look out for her. Here, sweetheart, I made a lot. "She hands over the casserole.

"Thank you, ma'am we will enjoy it," she smiles as she leaves, and I text Grayson to look into Jasmine's neighbors, Mrs. Fern and who lives with her.

"Got the onfo you need, he texts back, Mrs Fern is widowed with no kids but a sister. She loves to bake and cook, "he added.

"Thanks, Gray. I may need some warriors to come here to help move stuff," I texted before locking up and checking on Jasmine. She is shivering, so I quickly crawl in and put her on top of me.

"Shhhh sweets, I got you," I murmur, covering her up and using my body to warm her.

Jasmine pov

I wake on a warm but hard surface and I am stunned. I actually slept. Cracking my eyes open, I see Kaiden under me, and I almost cry. He is very warm and muscular. I look around, and I'm on top of him. My breast smashed against his hard chest, and I felt so much embarrassment. I try to move but his arms tighten and I feel his cock go hard fast. He is huge.

"Kaiden",I say and his cock twitches making me blush.

"Shhh, sweets sleep some more," his voice is rough from sleep.

"Kaiden, I gotta pee. Please let go, "I beg, and his eyes open, and I hold in a gasp they are glowing. His eyes are glowing, and he purrs the sound, vibrating his chest. I just stare at him and don't notice we are moving. He got out of my bed holding me tight against him.

"I'm helping," he states as he walks into my bathroom. He puts me down. Before I can protest, my pants are down, and I gasps.

"Kaiden," I almost shriek, and he smirks.

"What happened to your knee?"He looked me over and saw my bruised up knee and leg.

"I fell a few days ago," I avert my eyes, and he kneels as he pushes me to sit on the toilet.

"Jasmine: I look at him, and his eyes hold worry.

"A werewolf isn't supposed to just fall over. Have you eaten at all in the five months you've been gone?"he growls out. I flinch, and his eyes soften.

"I tried you ass. Every time I ate, I threw up. I can't keep most food down. It is your fault, "my voice wobbles, and I burst into sobs.

"Baby please",he moves closer.

"Please get out, so I can pee," I sob pathetically.

"You're stuck with me, sweets. I'm going to bathe you, and after I'm making soup. I may have doctor Frank come check you out here",He says, and I sigh sadly.

This is so embarrassing, but I really got to pee, so I do with my face bright red. I wipe, and he lifts me up, heading to my bathtub.

"This so so embarrassing Kaiden I'm not a child I can bathe myself," I protest.

"I need to do this, Jasmine, so just bear with me. My wolf feels awful. We both hurt you the way we did stuff, and you left us. The only way I can get some peace is to take care of you like I should have months ago. "I go silent and just let him wash me.

His eyes hold guilt and sadness as he gently washes my hair and body. His huge hands are gentle as he washes me something I didn't think was possible for such a big guy.

"Kaiden," he looks up from my legs.

"What sweets?"he asks, looking at me.

"I'm cold," he smiles.