Chapter 8

Adelaide Adelaide looked out the living room window to the night sky, snow gracefully falling. She had put Elias to sleep just a few hours ago, but she couldn't succumb to the sleep spell herself. It had been nearly a month since Geoff left and very little gain on his side. Not like she got far herself. With Elias staying there, she was so occupied with him and making sure he was happy and having a good time, she had kept pushing off her duties. Now she only had a few weeks left until the winter solstice and she was at square one. She wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chin on a knee. The position made her stomach uncomfortable. She sighed, releasing some pressure before her stomach finally settled down. That was her other problem. She hasn't been feeling well at all lately. She hasn't been able to eat as much, unable to sleep through the night. Her stomach has been stirring left and right, making her nauseous, but she pushed through it. She needed to. She gazed down at her phone: 2.19AM. Another night and no call. Her dark thoughts were creeping back from the shadows she tucked them away to. She needed to remain strong, but it was getting harder the longer he was away. She reached up, touching the mark on her neck. Heat slithered through her fingers, warming her instantly. "Geoff... I miss you. I wish you were home." She whispered, tear drops dripping from her chin. "I'm struggling on the home front. I feel like I'm failing you... Would it be so much easier if you had someone of your own species? Someone that can make you and your people happy instantly?" Silence. She sniffled, removing her hand. A low, deep growl bounced off the walls of her mind. She nearly fell off the couch. Peering around, there was no one else in the dark room aside from her. The growl seemed familiar though, so she didn't feel frightened by it. "Hello?" She called out, worried to waking Elias upstairs. It was quiet again. She got up, pacing the room carefully. Another low growl pierced through her, this one made her sex tremble. She gasped, dropping to her hands and knees. Heat ran along her ass and over her hips. It crawled up her back and down her arms. She shuddered, but she wasn't scared. She recognized this feeling anywhere. "Geoff?" She called out, forcing herself to her knees and made her way back to the couch. The next growl made her shut her eyes. Crimson eyes stared back. She opened her eyes, looking around, but she was still alone. She closed her eyes again, taking a deep breath. This time there was an outline to these crimson eyes. It didn't take shape of a human form, but that of a wolf. "It's you." She said as the large black wolf stepped closer. His nose came down, rubbing against her face. She smiled, surprised at how real he felt. He misses you to. His voice was around her instead of in her head now. She can still feel the tears streaming down her face. The wolf laid down in front of her, his head leveled with hers. "I feel like I'm failing him. There's so much happening and the date is coming soon." She sniffled, wiping her eyes. He huffed, his exhale blowing her hair a bit. It all sounds tedious. He yawned, flicking his tail. "I guess, but I want to make Geoff happy." She touched the Mark again. "That's why I tackled all of this. I want him to be proud of what I can accomplish." She said to him. The wolf inclined his head. He is proud of you. He may not be able to call you every night to remind you, but he's torn and weak. "Torn and weak?" She asked him. He shut his eyes and for a moment, Adelaide heard the sound of crashing waves on a shore line. The sea salt filled her nose, nearly making her choke. Her surroundings changed to crystal clear sky and a small beach. She looked around in awe until she noticed a lone figure sitting on the beach. She recognized his portrait easily. "Geoff!" She screamed, and for a moment he flinched, looking around. The wolf got up, walking across the sand, yet left no prints. This is what is happening through my vision. Adelaide followed him as Geoff looked back out over the water. He wore a shirt and jeans, his hair tussled from the gentle breeze the waves pulled in. She sighed at the sight of him. She sat beside him, running her hand over the sand, but not feeling a single grain. It all looked so real, yet none of it felt real. The wolf laid down behind them, curling a bit. She can just barely feel Geoff's warmth, even though he wasn't physically with her. Your bond is exceptional. The wolf lain his head down on his paws. Adelaide let out a breath, closing her eyes as she savored this moment with him. Geoff inhaled deeply, his eyes dilating as he glanced in her direction. "Adelaide ..." She opened her eyes to see his so close. She blushed as she stared back into his eyes. "I can smell you." He let out a soft growl. His wolf let out a huff in response. Geoff's brows came together before he sat back, looking back out over the water. "I'll be coming home... I won't have any good news either..." Adelaide frowned at his words. So it was a bust after all. Adelaide got to her knees, moving behind him and wrapped her arms around his neck. Geoff stiffened as she embraced him. She imagined the softness of his hair, his strong form. She pictured his confidence, his aura of power, his devotion to his people. For a moment, she felt her cheek brush against his hair, the smell of fresh rain clouding her senses. Geoff reached up and placed a hand over hers. She could almost feel him. He felt so close even with being so far away. "It's okay." She whispered to him. His hand tightened. "I told you before. My feelings for you will never change. I am yours, now and forever." She kissed his cheek softly. "If you want to come home, then come home. We'll tackle this together, just like Rayne and Gideon." She said. He chuckled softly. "I'll be strong for you, for the both of us." She squeezed her hold on him before letting go. She looked back at his wolf who was observing her. You'll make a great Queen. His words gave her strength she didn't know existed. She balled up her fists, finding her resolve. "Fuck 'em." She stated. The wolf inclined his head. "Why do a bunch of Alphas have to decide the love between people?" She punched her palm. "If they can't accept me because I'm human, then we'll make them accept our love then." She said determinedly. His wolf rose to his feet, rubbing his muzzle against her face. I will help you. Adelaide 's eyes fluttered open, the dark living room filling her vision. She found herself laying on the floor, snow still falling from the sky. The warmth from Geoff still lingered on her skin, confirming her suspicion that it wasn't just a dream. She got up, stretching. She had a long night ahead of her. "You want to do an interview?" Erica asked her for the third time. Damion was playing with Elias in the garden. Though he was shifted into his brown wolf form, Elias had no issue playing a little rough with the Beta. Elias had eased up since staying with her, but they still had some ways to go before he can truly trust her. She wasn't in any hurry.