Taming the Beast novel Chapter 60

(Keegan's POV)

I wasn't sure if I was mad or angry when I saw Caroline drive away, and I wasn't sure if it was pointed at her or me. I was confused and angry and upset. I paced outside, not really knowing what to do. I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned to growl at whoever it was. Gregg took a step back and raised his hands in surrender. 

"Keegan, man, calm down," Gregg said. I kept growling at him. It didn't feel like rejection but it felt like a break, and after everything that just happened, I didn't want to be away from Caroline. I couldn't.

I wanted your face to be the first thing I saw when I woke up, but instead, you were cowering in your room. What kind of mate does that make you? What kind of Alpha is too afraid to face their own mate? Her words echoed in my head.

I huffed out a breath as my fists clenched and unclenched. There was no way I was letting her go that easily. Without even thinking about it, I shifted and let out a low howl. I took off in the direction of Caroline's house. I shifted back and climbed up the nearest tree and through her window. I saw her sleeping figure on her bed. I noticed the rise and fall of her chest. I let out a breath and slumped forward to the ground. My angel... My everything. I heard a low growl and returned it. I shifted my head to see Aiden. He stopped growling and let out a sigh.

"What are you doing here?" Aiden whispered.

"I just couldn't... I can't be without here, especially tonight," I said softly. Caroline muttered something before she repositioned herself. Aiden sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Well, I can't stop you," he said softly before he left the room. I huddled in the corner and just watched her sleep. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. Her strong wet heartbeat filled my ears and instantly calmed me down. There was another faster and softer heartbeat but I assumed it was a bird or something close. I don't know how long I stayed that way, but my muscles were cramped.

"Keegan, what are you doing?" Caroline's sleepy voice reached my ears. I opened my eyes and let my eyes adjust to the bright sun light. Caroline was sitting up and looking at me. I stood up and took a step towards her. "Keegan," she started as she swung her legs over the edge of the bed. I stopped her as I knelt in front of her.

"Please... don't," I said weakly. I pulled her onto my lap and inhaled deeply. Her scent was calming and just what I needed. "I know what I did was stupid, but you know how I get when you're hurt. I couldn't... I couldn't function. I love you and I don't want you to ever doubt that. I can't lose you. I just can't," I said as tears left my eyes. Hesitantly, she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me closer to her.

"Why did you stay away?" she asked in a whispered. I clung to her as I let my eyes close.

"I know that I'm not the big bad Alpha I'm supposed to be and I'm sorry. I'll change, I promise," I said. She chuckled a little bit and pulled away just enough to look at me. Her hand cupped my cheek.

"I don't want you to change, Keegan. I just want you to be here for me. I love you and I want to be with you. I wouldn't have agreed to marry you if I didn't. I'm sorry, I've been acting like a brat lately and all you did was try to help me. I'm sorry," she rambled. I shook my head and held on to her hand that was on my face.

"It's okay, Princess," I said softly. "I love you," I whispered. I pushed myself forward and caught her lips with mine.