A/N I just wanted to thank all those readers that have stuck with me through the duration of this story. There is more to come but the ending isn't too far off. I've been at this story for years now and I'd be lying if I said i wasn't feeling a little sad about it. I've grown to really love this story. Thank guys so much. Please enjoy this chapter
xoxo Kat386
I felt Quil's hot hands brush my neck as he pulled my hair back. I felt the intensity of the heat as he rubbed my back soothingly, burning my skin through my thin cotton shirt.
I suddenly felt annoyingly sober.
I rinsed my mouth in the kitchen sink, but didn't turn around to face him yet. I was finding that bit difficult. "Claire," I heard his tone ring out. Obviously twisted with worry. Scared veins running through his words. "I didn't come here to upset you. I wanted to make things right. I wanted to explain things to you."
"Let me at least brush my teeth," I croaked before scurrying off to my upstairs bathroom. I examined myself in the mirror. I silently thanked god that I had taken the time to shower today. My hair was pulled away from my face in a French braid done by Nessie. My eyes looked tired, even I could see how the sorrow reflected in them. Loneliness caused by the separation from my imprint has caused many sleepless nights. I lightly traced the circles underneath with my fingertips. I brushed my teeth and washed my face before making my way back down to the living room.
I found Quil pacing, wringing his giant hands. He almost looked worse than me, if that was possible. It was apparent he had spent the past month as a wolf. He hadn't shaved in weeks, his scruffy beard bushier than I had ever seen it before. He needed a haircut too. It fell below his forehead, and he constantly had to brush it out of his eyes. His eyes. Much like mine, they looked sad, and tired. But they looked wild. Wild with fear, and anxiety.
He noticed I had returned, and had now stopped pacing. He opened his mouth to begin his speech but I cut him off. "Quil, if you're here to tell me you can't be with me. To tell me I'm too young. Then don't bother wasting your breath," I said, my words purposely cutting through the air. "I think I've finally had enough of you making me feel like I'm not good enough." My lip began quivering, and at this point, I was literally willing myself not to cry. "So, if that's the case, you should just go."
He stood silent for a moment, his chest heaving up and down. "That's not why I'm here," he whispered. Clearing his throat, he began, "When I first imprinted on you, Claire, I was terrified, ashamed. This was before Jake had Nessie, so no one in the pack had ever seen anything like this before. But after I explained to the pack that it was in NO way romantic, they understood. I desired to protect you, and make you happy. I didn't desire YOU. So when that day did come that it was YOU that I desired, not just your happiness that scared feeling came back. I didn't know how to deal with the feelings, the lust. Please, Claire, if you take nothing else away from this just know that I am so deeply and truly sorry that I ever made you feel inferior. You are the absolute love of my life. You're too good for me. The actions that I've taken have nothing to do with you. They have to do with the fact that I'm scared." My mind was racing. Usually I found it hard to stay mad at Quil. But this time was different. He had abandoned me. "Claire, I want you to know that I am more than ready to begin a romantic relationship with you. But I understand if the circumstances have changed for you. I'm willing to be whatever you want me to be." I nodded my head in understanding, but stayed silent. He looked at me, pain clouding his eyes. "Claire," he dropped to his knees. "Please say something."
I cleared my throat. "I need some time, Quil," I whispered. He nodded his head and stood, kissing me on the forehead and lingering a moment too long. He disappeared through the front door, and my heart began racing.
I ran forward, chasing after him, "QUIL!" He turned, pouring rain drenching him. He saw me running, and opened his arms as I jumped into them. A sob escaped my lips, and he cradled my now sopping body to him. "I love you too," I whispered.