Not Yours

Carter sobbed silently through the night, even when Tobias came at four in the morning and held her, it took a long time for her to calm down. She took the time to explain the day's events to him in immense details. She explained her situation with heat and then went on to explain how he was going to feel when it happens. He concentrated on her words carefully, and believed her when she said all the men of the Pack would lust for her and that he would want to kill them all. He would do that any day.

"You need to control yourself..." Carter begged and looked away. "Remember what you said- what we decided on. No one can know about us... and I can't control myself, I've been trying for five years, so you need to... I need you to keep your mind clear."

"Carter, I am going to try... I need to be able to keep a clear mind so I can get all the others away from you... I want to be there for you." Tobias said quietly.

"Talk to Alpha Phillip, and try and see if you can cover the security detail. Maybe you can, the most important thing is that I am in a secure place. No windows, one door, impenetrable walls. If I can figure out how to, I will get out quickly. That would be very bad, and if anyone can work out how to get in, that would be also very bad. It has to be impenetrable." Carter insisted, holding his hands.

"I'll talk to the Alpha... We will find a place." He assured.

"Because when I go to heat, my emotions are all out of whack, and I shift to and fro quickly and randomly. My adrenaline levels spike so much and I am stronger and faster. It needs to be secure."

"I understand, Carter. It needs to be secure." He repeated.

Carter nodded weakly and snuggled against him. Tobias stroked her hair gently and held her against him.

"Let's talk about something...Yeah? I think that's a good idea." Tobias suggested. Carter nodded.

"So, I am probably going to be seeing a couple of your family members tomorrow... I want to tell them I'm your mate..."

Carter nodded slowly, registering his words. She then nodded again, more assuring. "Yes... I'd like that. I would really, really like that."

"I think it would help them sleep a little bit better, knowing there is someone this side of the line who would fight to the very end to take care of you and who really loves and cares for you."

"I agree..." Carter sighed. "But just my family... no one else can know... Word spreads like fire in Rainlander Pine... And I don't want it getting back to here."

"I know, love..." Tobias muttered.

"Will you give a message to them for me too?" Carter asked.

"It can only be the size of my palm..."

"I can do that." Carter muttered and then sat up. She moved over to the desk, turning on the lamp and searching though the drawers for something to write on and with. She found a notepad and a pencil and began writing a message;

Mum,

It's Carter. I'm sorry I didn't talk to you when I was allowed to call yesterday. I have to keep this short because I am sneaking this through someone very special and he has to do it in secret. I wanted to tell you myself Mum, I love you so much and I miss you so much. I'm struggling here, but I will come home soon. I am afraid but I am staying strong, just like you always taught me. I love you.

Love Carter.

Carter was in tears by the time she finished writing the third word and it was obvious by the tear stains blurring some letters. Tobias had come up behind her and held her tight and kissed her cheek. She tore the paper into a tiny palm card that he would be able to pass on with ease. She handed it to him with a struggle, wanting to say more, but not able to.