The Designated Mate novel Chapter 5

Walking out, my mother held her breath as tears sprung to her eyes. I was confused because they weren't tears of happiness like I'd expected.

"Mom? What's wrong?" I asked with worried confusion.

"This is all wrong, honey. I can't do this. I can't watch you sign your life away to a mating of convenience simply because your father and our Alpha think it's the best for them. They're not thinking of the pack's best interest, sweetheart. They're thinking of the power this will bring to both packs. It's wrong!" She ranted, face turning a slight shade of red with her anger.

"Mom stop! Don't you think I've figured that out by now? I know that this is their selfish way of furthering the pack's agenda, but you and I both know that we need the protection from that beast sooner or later. Alpha Carmichael will not stop until he's destroyed everything in his path and rules everyone." I stated knowingly, trying to talk her down from the metaphorical ledge she'd climbed up onto.

"But this isn't the only way!" My mom yelled.

"But if I back down now, or run, we will all get hurt! You, me, Tansy! I can't have that!" I roared, tears slipping down my cheeks as my emotions ran ramped once again. Dear Lord, I've never cried so much in my entire life.

"I will figure something out! You cannot give up your chance at true happiness with your chosen just because of Tansy and I!" She insisted, "I can find a way to take care of us!"

"Yes I can! I can and I will!" I yelled before dashing out of the room, unable to stare at her hurt face any longer while knowing that I was both the cause and the solution for her pain. I ran as fast as my legs would take me through the pack house, careful not to run into someone that might tattle on me to my father or Alpha. My heart sped up, adrenaline racing through my blood right as my body broke the treeline of our forest. I pulled the hem of my dress up with my hands as I ran like my life depended on it.

"How did you find me?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Your mother knew if she could provoke you enough, you would run for the woods. I just followed you from the start. Thankfully, we're not too far from the road. Come, follow me," she urged while picking up my bags and shoving them into my hands before dragging me away. When we reached the road she was talking about, I snapped out of the state of shock I was in and pulled away from her.

"I can't do this, Kiara! He will hurt-" I started, but she abruptly cut me off.

"No! He can't and he won't! Do you honestly think he would get away with harming your mom and sister for you disappearing and disobeying orders? The elders would have his head. Now go. Here are the keys. I've programmed the address you need to drive to into the GPS and it has a full tank of gas. You should be able to get a good ways away before needing to fill up. There's two thousand dollars cash in the glove compartment for hotel stays, food, and gas. It should be enough, but if you need more just link me and I'll try and send you a money order," she explained before shoving me towards the driver's seat.