Will Rejection Hold? novel Chapter 17

Angelina came running up to me, her cute red curls flowing behind. But her hair wasn't what caught my attention it was her big eyes filled with tears and fear. "Are they gonna be okay Ms. Lexi?" She whimpered. My heart broke for the little girl.

"Of course dear." I lied through my teeth. Rubbing a circle on her shoulder. On the inside, I was just as scared as her. But I felt like I needed to be strong. Chase would want me to put up a good front. Everyone was worried enough. She hugged my legs tightly. I bent down and pulled her up. My heart broke as she silently cried into my chest. I clutched her to me, bouncing my hip lightly.

The other kids ran over to me, all asking questions. "Guys, they will all be safe."

"How do you know?" A ten year old boy called out. I sat down, shifting Angelina to my lap. I looked at all the children in front of me. Be strong.

"I believe in them and their ability to defend us and themselves. We have strong warriors in this pack, and we should all be proud of them. " I replied simply. In all honesty though, as much as I believe in them, we don't know how strong these hunters are. If Chase doesn't come home, I have absolutely no one. I could feel worry swell up inside of me again, and I attempted to brush it off.

"How about I tell you guys a story?" Hopefully telling them a story will help distract myself. And they all look like they could use a distraction.

They all eagerly nodded, and a few more kids came and joined us. "How about a happy one?" I asked and they all cheered. I smiled lightly to myself, and shifted Angelina slightly in my lap to reposition.

"Once upon a time..."

"Lexi, Lexi, Lexi..." There was a small shake on my shoulder. "Wake up Cutie." My eyes fluttered open to the dark room. I shifted out from underneath my quilt. The bed side lamp flicked on and Chase's face filled my vision. He was an angel to me. My beautiful beautiful angel.

"Oh God! You're safe!" I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck. Joyous tears filled my eyes and slipped over.

"Are you hurt? You're fine right? Tell me." I suddenly pulled back realizing he might have been waking me up to get help. Even if he's hurt thank goodness he's alive.

"No sweetie." He chuckled, holding me at arms length. It felt so good for him to hold me.

"No bumps or bruises? You're still perfect?" I demanded still worried.

"A couple little scratches but overall, yes perfect." I breathed a sigh of relieve.

"And so is everyone else. The hunters retreated." He smiled. I pulled him back onto the bed, where I had been sleeping moments before. "I don't think they are done though..." He thought for a moment. "We might need to get a bigger packs help." I bit my lip. Gosh I hope not! The only pack bigger than this one is my old pack...

"It's nobody's fault baby." He kissed my forehead, and laid down behind me, pulling my body flush against his.

"Come on sweetie, we've got school tomorrow." He kissed my head one last time, before turning off the light and snuggling into me.

8 more weeks went by perfectly. Pure joy, and happiness surrounding the pack. The hunters were almost forgotten. Until the 8th Friday.

The hunters decided to attack again.

"Lexi stay with the kids!" Chase yelled at me, while running out the front door with the rest of our men. I sucked in a breath as my heart began to beat a mile a minute. He's strong. He's so strong. He'll be fine. My wolf attempted to calm me.

A group of guards were checking the perimeter, when a hunter fired straight at one of our men. The silver bullet split into his heart. He died immediately.

"Okay! Be safe!" I yelled back. He was out of my sight, but I knew with his Alpha hearing he would hear me.