Apprehended By My Mate novel Chapter 74

"Here let me take Grace." Karen says grabbing Grace out of my arms. I sit in my seat shaking with fear as I try to find the courage to step out.

"Clare." I look at the open door to see Conner there offering me his hand. I go to reach out, but fear holds me back. I try to calm myself down knowing that all this stress isn't good.

Somehow I find the smallest bit of courage for me to step out the car. I feel Conner wrap his body around mine as he walks us slowly into the house. We reach the door of my house and I stop breathing and start crying.

I didn't realise how much I ached to be back home. 6 years away and I feel like I never want to leave. I feel myself slowly walk into my familiar house that has always made me feel safe and protected. As I walk into the lounge room I almost faint at the familiar sight. I know everyone is watching me as I run my hands along the couch.

"Clare?" I hear a fragile voice call out and I turn to see my mother looking weak, pale and frail.

"Mum?" She starts to sob and we both run into each other. She wraps her arms around me as we both cry.

"I am so sorry, I am sorry mum. Please forgive, I love you and I should have listened." Mum starts patting my hair as she tries to calm me down.

"It's ok Clare, everything is ok. Oh course I forgive you, you are my baby girl." She pulls away and grabs my face. She smiles at me running her finger along the scar on my face.

"Suzan you should be resting." My father says as he comes to my mum's side. Mum starts to sway so I help her onto the couch where Dad wraps a blanket around her. I curl into mum with my head resting on her lap like I used to do when I was a small child. Mum runs her fingers through my arm as I cry.

"You know I love you Clare." I nod my head as my body starts to relax. My eyes are becoming heavy as I force myself to stay awake.

"It's alright Clare, go to sleep, you are safe." I try to stay awake but the stress of the day finally catches up with me as I drift off to sleep.

Conner

"Is she Clare's?" I nod my head and walk over to both of them with Grace in my arms. I sit in the lounge opposite them and I watch as a smile appears on Suzan's face.

"Is she yours?" I shake my head kissing Grace's head.

"I am not her biological parent, but I am her dad." Suzan looks back at Clare brushing hair off her pale face.

"Daddy who's that?" Grace points to Suzan and I lower her pointing finger.

"That's mummy's mum, so your grandma." I watch as Grace puzzles over that until she smiles clapping her hands.

"I am sorry, I didn't get to introduce myself, I am Conner, Beta of the red moon pack and Clare true mate." I watch as Suzan's eyes widen as she looks back down at Clare.