Apprehended By My Mate novel Chapter 43

We lay there in silence enjoying the company of each other and feeling of being in each other's arms.

"The first time I saw Derek I was 14." I feel Conner's hand on my back freeze before he continues rubbing soothing patterns on my back.

"He never went to our school so I never saw him. His father was in the pack and sent him away to be trained as a warrior. The first day I saw him was like any other day. I was running late to class as usual that I didn't notice him standing there until I was on the floor cursing like a sailor. I didn't even look at him as I picked up my stuff and ran to class. It wasn't until later when he approached me with papers that I missed that I finally got a good look at him." Conner hums telling me that he is following.

"Anyway, I ignored him for the whole of lunch because I was stubborn like that until he finally got on my nerves that I yelled at him for being an asshole among other things. Everyone was shocked that I yelled at him while he just laughed calling me a spitfire. It wasn't until later I found out who he was. Once I found out who he was I thought for sure he was going to kill me. When I saw him the next day I was so scared that I made sure not to run into him all day." I stop taking trying not to get lost inside the memory.

"Clare if you don't want to talk, I am not going to force you." I nod my head in understand but I want him to understand.

"I was walking home from school after about a week of avoiding Derek. It was about to rain when his car pulled up next to be. I kept walking and he followed slowly as the rain begun. Eventually I let go of my pride and jumped into his car. He tried talking to me but I ignored him until he just gave up. I thought thank god he stopped talking until he asked me out. I looked at him and started laughing until I saw he was serious. He made me a deal. One date and he would leave me alone. I agreed and went on the date." I smile to myself at the happy times I had with Derek before he became a monster.

"One thing lead to another and we were seen together more. My father hated him but I was too young a naïve to see what Derek was really doing to me. I didn't see the way he started to manipulate me. Simple things like what I was to wear or my food. He would get made if I wore certain cloths and if I ate certain foods. I fell for his charm and turned a blind eye to what people were saying about him." I look up at Conner to see him deep in thought.

"Thankyou for sharing Clare." He whispers kissing my forehead. We lapse into silence and I know it is early in the morning.

"Conner?" I mumble into his warm chest.

"Hmmm," he replies as sleep weighs heavy on his voice.

"Thanks for finding me." I close my eyes as I hear his steady heartbeat beneath my ear.

"I will always find you Clare. Always."

"Sorry, we didn't mean to wake you up." Rose comes and sits on the bed while Richard stands there with his arms crossed.

"It's ok Mum." Rose nods he head and looks back at Richard.

"We just wanted to make sure you were feeling better Clare." I feel my lips twitch into a slow smile for Rose.

"I am feeling much better. Where is Grace?" They were meant to be looking after her.

"She is downstairs having breakfast with Ivy and Liam." I nod my head.

"I was wondering if you could watch Grace again?" I watch as Rose's eyes widen as she looks at her husband back to me. Usually it is Conner who ask to look after Grace so she it is a surprise to see me asking for anything.