Mated To An Enemy

Galen allowed himself to sob in Bell’s arms for a long time. It wasn’t until she finally told him that Ren was pressing on her bladder that he pulled away.

He took a minute to compose himself as she went to relieve herself. By the time she had come back, he was calm and rational once more.

“I’m sorry,” he said softly.

“For what?” she asked.

“For the dramatics and waterworks?” he laughed. “I didn’t mean to just dump on you.”

“Pretty sure it’s part of the whole husband and wife deal,” she laughed as she approached him. “But what really matters, is whether or not you feel better. So… do you?”

Galen gave a sad smile and nodded.

“Yea,” he sighed. “Thank you, for listening.”

“Of course,” Bell smiled. “Now… I personally, would love it, like a lot, if you could avoid stabbing my best friend in the future… or threatening to do so.”

Galen chuckled and nodded.

“I will do my best,” he said.

“I mean honestly, it just makes things complicated,” Bell sighed. “She’s my best friend, your Luna, your brother slash best friend’s wife, the sister of an Alpha… oof… not to mention, she’s a berserker. If you stabbed her, chances are she wouldn’t even go down and then you would have the rage to deal with.”

Galen laughed.

Bell smiled up at him, and he felt comforted by it. Galen pulled her into a hug, holding her as though he was afraid she would disappear at any moment.

“Careful,” she laughed. “You’ll squish Ren.”

Galen eased up but he didn’t let her go completely.

“Bell,” he said softly.

“Hmm?” she asked, resting her head on his shoulder.

“I love you, more than anything.”

She smiled.

“I love you too.”

Galen took a deep breath.

“I understand that you have always taken care of yourself,” he said. “Even when you knew that the people around you cared and wanted to help, you have always tried to handle everything on your own.”

Bell swallowed and pulled away. She looked up into his eyes.

“What is this about?” she asked.

Galen gave her a sad smile and cupped her cheek.

“I want you to know, I am here for you.”

“I know,” she said.

“Always, Bell,” he continued. “In Winter or Summer, it doesn’t matter where I am, all you need to do is tell me that you need me and I will be here.”

Bell swallowed and furrowed her brows.

“Why are you saying this?” she asked.

Galen sighed.

“I know, Bell,” he said, noticing the way her eyes widened and a look of panic fell over her. “I know you are hiding something from me, something that has you afraid to stay in our home alone.”

Bell licked her lips.

“I don’t want to push you,” he said. “I just want you to know that I am here and that I will be here whenever you are ready to let me in.”

Bell looked away, she chewed her bottom lip and looked around the room.

“I don’t want to talk about this here,” she said. Grabbing his hand, she pulled him toward the door.

They hurried back home. Once inside, Galen sat down on the couch and waited for her to start the conversation. Bell sat down beside him and nervously picked at her nails.

Galen reached over, taking one of her hands. She looked up and he smiled at her.

“I told you, I’m not trying to push you,” he repeated. “I just… don’t want to keep pretending that I don’t know there is something wrong.”

She looked away.

Galen took a breath.

“If it’s something to do with Ren, if you or he are in danger…”

“No!” Bell quickly interrupted. “No, Ren is fine, you saw him, he’s great!”

Galen smiled and nodded, letting out a small breath of relief.

“Good,” he said. “Because I genuinely don’t know how I would deal with that kind of problem…”

“Me neither,” Bell sighed, hugging her belly. “I’ve gotten pretty attached to the little dude.”

Galen placed his hand on her belly. Feeling a slow movement, he laughed.

“That is amazing…” he whispered.

“It’s so creepy… but I love it so much,” Bell laughed.

“Me too,” Galen smiled. He looked up at her. “I love you.”

Bell leaned forward and kissed him.

As she pulled back, she took a deep breath.

“I found out recently, that my mate knows I’m alive,” she sighed.

Galen sat up looking at her with concern.

“How?” he asked.

“Axel found out,” she said. “A friend of his told him that someone dangerous was looking for me, that someone was my mate.”

Galen took a deep breath.

“You should come to Summer,” he said. “We can protect you and Ren, I won’t let that bastard anywhere near you.”

“No,” Bell shook her head. “It is still safer if we stay here. He knows I’m alive and yes that means he will be looking for me, but as long as I stay in Winter, he can’t sense me.”

“The suppressants can help–”

“I haven’t been taking them since we found out about Ren,” Bell sighed. “They have never been tested on a pregnant wolf. I didn’t want to take the risk. I still don’t.”

Galen sighed but nodded in agreement.

“Then I will come home,” he said.

“Galen–” Bell started to object.

“No, Bell,” he stopped her. “This isn’t like before. Yes, I have hated every moment that we have been apart. But now, my family is at risk. I won’t just walk away from you.”

Bell sighed.

“You have responsibilities in Summer,” she said.

“Yes,” he said. “But my responsibility to you and Ren comes first.”

“Are you sure?” she asked.

He nodded.

“I will talk with Caleb and Fiona.”

“Okay,” Bell said.

An hour later, Galen returned from making his call. He smiled but also let out a frustrated sigh as he fell back into the couch.

“What’s wrong?” Bell chuckled.

“They want me to come back, just to pass off my assignments and go over some of the orders that are in the works. Caleb will be going to meet with Burning Ember for a few days, and Fiona is training Ashleigh on her duties. So, they want me to go back for at least a week.”

Bell curled herself into him.

“A week is nothing,” she smiled. “I will go stay with the family until you get back.”

He kissed the top of her head.

“I’ll leave in the morning,” he said. “And I will come back the second I am able.”

“Sounds good,” Bell said. “But do me a favor while you are there.”

“What’s that?” he asked.

“Make peace with Caleb and Ashleigh.”

Galen sighed.

“I think Caleb will need some time before that can happen.”