Apprehended By My Mate novel Chapter 77

"You did well Clare, you came out of your head without drugs." He looks up at me and I can see that he is proud of me even if I feel ashamed that yet again I let my darkness control me. Once Conner finishes with my arm he passes me my medication and a cup of water. I take my medication hoping that it will help even out the negative thoughts that are still swelling inside of my head.

We are both silent as my mother comes down the stairs. She stops when she sees me sitting on the lounge with a bandage wrapped around my arm.

"What happened." She rushes over to us even though she should be resting.

"It is nothing mum." I try to hide my hand ashamed that I have hurt myself again.

"Suzan don't push her." My father says wrapping his arms around my mother and leading her to the dining room table.

We all follow and sit down to eat food.

"Where is everyone else?" I ask still not being able to look at Alpha Jackson in the eyes.

"They are staying at the pack house." I nod my head and shiver as I remember that only a few streets down is Derek's house.

"You ok Clare?" Conner places a hand on my knee and I nod my head. I take a deep breath before answering yes. Breakfast is eaten in silence before we hear a giggling Grace running into the room.

"Mummy, daddy." She smiles as she comes and sits on my lap.

"You hungry?" Grace doesn't even answer as she starts eating what is left on my plate.

"Clare I was wondering if I could talk to you today." I look up from my plate to Alpha Jackson.

"About what Alpha?" I knew what he wanted to talk about, but a small part of my mind was hoping against it.

"I wanted to talk to you about what happened with Derek."

"About a month ago. I thought she was cheeky before she started walking." Mum starts laughing as we watch Grace run around the backyard with her little legs.

"She looks like you when you were younger." I smile at that even though it scares me that sometimes I can see aspects of Derek in her.

"I am sacred that when she grows up that she could turn out like Derek. A cruel monster." Mum sighs and wraps her fragile arms around me.

"Clare that is silly. I can see that Conner cares deeply for both of you. You are her mother Clare, you are strong and so is Grace. She will grow up to be a perfect combination of both you and Conner." Mum smiles at me and I shake my head.

"I don't want her to be like me Mum. I am weak, I don't want Grace to be weak. I want her to be able to stand up for herself. If Grace ever ended up in the same situation I did I don't think I would be able to cope." Mum grabs my hand making me face her.

"Clare, these are just mother worries, every mother gets them. You worry about your child all the time and when they become hurt you see yourself as a failure." Mum is know talking about herself more than mothers in general.