Chapter 23

Claire’s POV

Hours had passed since Leo’s breathing settled into a rhythm. I stayed still, in place beside his bed unable to move myself away.

I looked at his sweet, innocent face. My little boy holds my hand unconsciously even when he's fast asleep. His tiny fingers are warm and snug around mine like he's using my touch as a lifeline to keep himself safe.

It's almost as if he knows that as long as he's holding on everything will be okay. His grip is gentle. Firm. A small reminder that he's still clinging to me in his dreams.

I heard him mumble softly in his sleep, I heard the word which I was yearning to hear “mom..”

I felt my heart breaking, I wanted to tell him I am with him and hug him, shower him with affection but I can't right now. I held back my tears.

Honestly I was, in no rush. I could've sat there all night if that's what it took. The door creaked, a little. It was a sound. Enough to catch my attention.

I looked up to see Gideon standing there partially concealed by the shadows. He stared at Leo and for a moment I saw a warmth in his eyes.

In his eyes I saw protectiveness and a hint of care.

This feeling wasn't, like some animal watching over its group. It was gentle, with a sense of longing and a kind of hurt.

His eyes suddenly shifted, focusing on me now.

A weird look flashed across his face. My heart skipped a beat.

Not recognition. Something pretty close. I was the first to look away anyway.

I sneaked a peek over my shoulder. He'd vanished. The sound of his footsteps was still echoing down the hall getting fainter with each passing moment.

The air in the room felt thick and silent like it was weighing me down with thoughts I'd rather not have.

I pulled the blanket up over Leo's legs trying to brush off the feeling that was starting to creep in. I didn't want to think about it. I just pushed it down where I wouldn't have to deal with it.

Since morning the rumors that had been circulating through the pack had become a bit more intense, a little more pointed.

Rumors about the prison break spread fast. You could feel the tension simmering below the surface. I'm pretty sure Gideon knew more than he was letting on. He wasn't talking.

Whatever he was hiding it was clearly starting to get to him. I could see the strain in the way he carried himself.

Daphne was being really subdued but we kept running onto each other. The looks she kept shooting me were a story altogether. They were basically telling me to stay out of her way.

Daphne was going out shopping as she bumped into me in the hallway “Watch where you are going Raven.” She snarled looking at me coldly.

I wanted to fight her but kept my cool knowing fighting her will make things worse than they already are. “You are just a bodyguard, you should know your place.” she said, giving me a one last glare and stormed out.

The sun was setting. I made sure Leo was busy playing around when I heard my cellphone go off notifying me about a text.

I distanced myself and looked at the text curiously and I saw Alpha Ivan’s name which made me quickly read the text.

My heart felt heavy as I read the words. It was, like a punch, to the gut. Nova really misses you.

Alpha Ivan's text was straight to the point. It was like my breath got stuck in my throat. The text was short but it was the words themselves that really threw me.

My daughter Nova has been on my mind every night since I got here. She's still my girl no matter what. Nova is mature by heart but still she is my child, I missed her just as much as she did.

It has been days since I saw her, since I hugged her, played with her, talked with her. The loneliness has been eating away at me for what feels like an eternity, I can tell she must have felt lonely too.

I didn't want her to be here because now if anyone knows about her, she will be exposed to dangers.

I snuck back in disguise and focused on getting near Leo without blowing my cover. That meant I had to leave Nova with Ivan, which wasn't ideal.

My main goal was to get close to Leo and I didn't think about the consequences of leaving Nova at the time. All I knew was I had to be careful not to raise any suspicions.

It was tough to see her being so brave. What really got me was that she's a kid. My kid. I mean kids shouldn't have to deal with this kind of thing, they should be carefree and not have to be strong all the time.

I went ahead. Read the rest of the text.

She's really eager to see you.. She means ASAP. The word "soon" was in complete capital letters which made his point clear.

You could tell by the way Ivan said it this wasn't something he wanted. He really needed it. His tone was serious. It's the kind of emphasis he reserved for things that truly mattered.

I felt guilty for making Alpha Ivan take care of Nova. It must have been difficult to answer all of Nova’s questions.

My Babies I felt guilty towards them as well. One knows I exist but can't be with her, and one doesn't know I am with him yet still yearns for me.

I'm not really sure how I was supposed to make that work out. Guess it just didn't seem clear at the time.

The borders got locked down tight after the rogue escape so Gideon was now keeping a close eye on any movement, in or out of the territory. Nothing was getting past him, at least that was the plan.

I just couldn't. Leave without some kind of excuse. There was no way I could tell him the truth.

My head was racing with all sorts of excuses. I tried to think of the excuses but my mind felt completely blank. It was very tough really. I just needed something, anything to get out of this situation.

As I was in deep thought, I saw Leo walking towards me and I was gently smiling at him. But then I realized that I have to tell Leo I have to go for some time.

I took a deep breath and looked as I softly spoke. “Leo, I want to talk to you about something.” Leo looked at me with his wide innocent eyes. “What is it, Miss Warrior?”

“I will have to go back to my pack, there is some work I have to do.” I lied to Leo, it hurt but I can't tell him I am going to meet his sister.

Leo pouted. I saw reluctance in his eyes. I can tell he wanted to say something more but decided against it as he looked at me.

“You will come back right?” He asked hopefully.

I smiled and nodded “Of course I will come back. How can I leave an adorable child like you?” I gently caressed his cheek.

Leo's smile returned as I said that “Alright, I will wait for you Miss Warrior. You should now go talk to my dad.”

After Leo reminded me of Gideon, I looked at Leo thoughtfully as he went back to playing with his toys. I sighed softly knowing talking with Gideon wasn't going to be easy.