Forever (Book 1 of the FOREVER trilogy)

Chapter 31

Ever's P.O.V.

Stupid girl, you haven't figured it out yet? Your mother is my mate.

The words echoed over and over in my mind. I just couldn't wrap my head around it. There was no way. This isn't possible. I shook my head alowly.

"You're lying," I growled. I met Jack's eyes and we stared at each other in horror. Roderick grinned and patted my head lightly.

"I'm sorry doll, but I'm not," he sneered. "And tonight, you're going to die so I can have her back!" He held the knife above his head and brought it down hard, the blade burrying into my stomach all the way to the hilt. I gasped but I didn't scream. I refused to give him that satisfaction. I heard Jack yell someting but it sounded distant. I dropped my head and stared at the wound. Roderick had left the knife and blood spilled from aroud the hilt. I blinked quickly, afraid that if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't be able to open them again. I heard a voice but it wasn't Jack's. I lifted my head slowly and saw Dakota running toward me.

"No," I whispered. "Go back!" I yelled weakly. But he kept coming. He stopped by my side and undid the restraints and I let my arms fall around his neck. He slowered me to the ground slowly and layed my head o his lap. Rodrick made no move toward Dakota, just watched with a grin on his face. Dakota tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and cupped my cheek in his hand.

"You're going to be okay Ever," He croaked, his voice barely above a whisper. "You're not going anywhere, you hear me?" I gave him a weak smile and put my hand on his which was still on my cheek.

"Dakota, I'm so sorry," I whispered, the smile slowly fading from my lips. Dakota stared at me, his brow knitted in confusion.

"For what? You haven't done anthing wrong," He said shakily. I reached up and touched his arm lightly.

"I'm sorry I wasn't your mate. I'm sorry I couldn't love you like you needed me too," I paused and coughed blood into my shoulder, "But I want you to know, you're one of the best friends I could ever ask for. I'm so glad I met you Dakota." Dakota's eyes shimmered with tears that threatened to fall.

"Please Ev," He choked and squeezed my hand, "Please don't leave me." I frowned, reached up and wiped his tears with my fingertips. He help my hand tightly and my eyes fell on Jack. His eyes were shimmering and I frowned. Why did everyone feel the need to cry? He lifted his hand to his head in a silent salute with a pained expression on his face. I gave him a slight nod and a weak smile. He just stared at me and mouthed 'I'm sorry' to me. I shook my head and winced at the movement. My hands went to the blade himmy stomach and I mustered all my courage and pulled hard, the blade falling into the grass beside me. I bit my lips and tried to fight back the tears that threatened to spill. The look that came across his face at that moment was indescribably grief striken.

Suddenly Dakota picked me up gently and layed me with Jack, my head craddled in his arm. I looked at Dakota with a confused look and he just turned his head and walked over to Roderick. Roderick smiled a waved to Dakota.

"How can I help you, old mate?" He grinned. Dakota stopped infront of him and clenched his fists.

"Save her. Now!" Dakota yelled. Roderick just laughed and put a hand on Dakota's shoulder.

"Now why would I do that? I can get my mate back if she dies!" Roderick gripped Dakota's shoulder tighter. Dakota brushed his hand away quickly and stared Roderick down.

"Save her," Dakota said defiantly, "and kill me instead."

I pulled myself up to the best of my ability, causing Jack to have to hold me up slightly, and stared at Dakota in shock.

"No Dakota," I said, fighting to keep the fear out of my voice, "Please don't do this!"

Roderick grinned at me then looked back at Dakota, grabbing abother blade from his sheath. "I rather like this deal!" He walked over to me and knealed by my side. He slid the blade across his palm and pressed it to my wound. My back arched in pain and I gripped Jack shirt to keep him from lunging at Roderick. When he got up, I relaxed as the wound started to heal slowly, the skin knitting back together, leaving a faint scar as a memory. Roderick had retured to his place infront of Dakota, who was currently turned to me. I tried to get to my feet but I fell back down to the ground with only Jack's arms around my waist to soften the fall.

"Take it easy doll, you're not fully healed yet," Roderick smiled. I suddenly went into a fit of coughs and his smile widened. "By the way, magic tainted werewolves blood may have healing proprties but it will have some... negative effects." I growled inwardly and turned my attention to Dakota.

"Please don't do this. There is still time for you to leave! Just go!" I shouted. Dakota's eyes darkened and he ignored me and turned to Roderick. He threw his arms open wide and Roderick grinned. "I'm going to enjoy this very much," He laughed and lifted the blade above his head. He slammed it down into Dakota's chest and twisted the blade, blood flowing from the wound. I screamed as he fell to his knees.

"Dakota!" I screamed and tried to run to him but Jack held me back. I turned to Jack and slapped at his hands. "Let me go!" He slowly loosened his grip and I pulled free and stubbled to my feet. I staggered over to where Dakota lay crumpled in the grass and dropped down by his side. I pulled him into my lap and held his hand tghtly, tears falling dow my cheek.

"Please Dakota, you're going to alright! Rie and Damien will be here soon and they'll be able to help you. Just hang on," I choked between sobs. Dakota reached up and wipped the tears from my cheek with his thumb and smiled weakly.

"Did I," He winced, "tell you that you look beautiful? White looks gorgeous on you," He said weakily, his voice barely above a whisper. I whimpered and layed my head gentely on his shoulder. He pulled me down s I was curled against his side.

"This is all I ever wanted," He weezed. I gripped his shirt tightly and cried into his side. He took a shudderig breath and went still. I lifted my head and my eyes widened. I pressed my ear to his chest and stubbled backwards. He was dead.

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I cried writting this chapter...

Comment what you think guys :(