After everything, the memorial ceremony had given me a welcome moment of peace. An escape, I suppose you could say, which is a terrible disrespect to the man we were here to say goodbye to. My grandfather’s response to seeing me with Aria had crushed my spirit, and my heart. I had wanted to be anywhere but surrounded by the people closest to me right now. But, there was no real escape. Any which way I looked, there were people I knew, and I did not know the pack well enough to disappear for any time.
While sitting listening to the many memories people shared of Beta Trent, I tried my hardest to stay focused upon their words. Listening to the wonderful man that he was. A man of my grandfather’s age, and a man I had spent time with many times in my frequent visits to the River Ash Pack along with my friends and family. Guilt unexpectedly twisted at my heart that he had gone, and if he could so easily have left this earth, then so too could my own grandfather. The ve
I had somehow managed to get lumbered with my grandfather and my Uncle Javier after the memorial service, and both were now beginning to drink. A combination of whiskey and rum, I believe, like they so often did at events, be it parties, celebrations or memorials… any excuse to drink together. They were quite amusing when they were drinking, but it meant I would likely have to referee as their insults to one another got worse.“So, no mate then?” Grandpa said to me with narrowed eyes.“No Grandpapi, not yet.” I shook my head, I hated this, every time they saw us, they asked, like they expected something to change. Dad said his grandparents had been the same, and it was just something I would have to get used to until I found a chosen mate unless I was blessed with a second chance mate. The thing was, I was in no major rush. She would come when she came. Just like the mates for my parents and my aunts and uncles all arrived when the time was right.I did not want to rush this time. No
It was killing me. Pure and simple. I wanted Cleo. She may not be my fated mate, not the way the moon goddess planned for us as werewolves, but there was a bond there. A connection there. One that I am sure is stronger. One that I think would outlast any matebond given to us. But, despite her feeling the connection too, she still clings to the matebond she has been given, despite him openly declaring his plans to reject her.I had walked away from them to give them the chance to talk, hoping that with Kai there too he would back up Cleo and not allow Landon to mess her around. He would not force Landon to take a mate he did not want. If anything, he would ensure the rejection was to happen, wouldn’t he? He would not want his younger sister to be with a mate who did not truly want her. He would not want her with someone that was forced to be with her. For that would simply spell disaster for her, right?But, I had heard no updates, and anytime I tried to ask Kai for anything, he had di
I had been desperately searching for the handsome warrior since earlier. From the moment he had escorted us to our seats and then left us to continue his duties, my eyes had darted around the field in search of him. The man I now knew was my fated mate. I had found my fated mate. Today had been so much bigger than I had ever imagined it would be...But, I was trying so hard to act like all was normal, and that nothing untoward was happening, because I did not want to explain to my parents about this right now. I did not want to disrespect the funeral of someone so many people loved greatly, by making this about me. But, the excitement that was buzzing through me was difficult to fight, and the urge to find him was strong. Yet, unfortunately, I had seen nothing of him since the moment he smiled coyly at me before leaving us at our seats. A knowing twinkle in his eyes. A secret between us both.But he had to leave. I knew he was on duty today, and I kne
She was here. Back by my side, and my heart was racing right out of my chest. The way those beautiful eyes looked at me made me feel weak. I had thought my heart was going to explode with happiness the moment Milo mindlinked to say he had found her, and he believed she was looking for me. I had not felt happier…And now she had admitted she was looking for me! I saw the color flushing her cheeks, and I don’t think I ever wanted to let her go! This was my mate. My fated mate. My wolf was pushing forward just at her presence, and I needed her close to me. This was a stronger pull than I ever expected, but her touch… her scent… everything about her drew me to her…“I think I may have.” She whispered, like she was afraid to admit she wanted me. I think we may need to work upon that. I didn’t want her to be afraid to want me, I wanted her to want me. Be proud to want me. Be confident too…“Well, maybe y
The memorial service had been so touching, and I imagine the family and friends of Beta Trent were more than honored that so many people had turned up to honor him. It was always so difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, and we all held a soft spot for Uncle Trent. He had played a big part in all of my friends’ lives as we had grown up because of Aunt Lilah, and I knew I would miss him terribly.Now I could see my friends and family spreading around to celebrate his life in the best way they knew how, usually to drink and enjoy one another’s company. I had hoped to find a moment to speak to my Dad today, after such a hectic time recently at university, I had barely had a moment to think. I literally returned home to sleep and that felt like all. But, I knew I had to broach the subject of my fated mate. It was time my parents knew, and I was aware of that. They would be disappointed in me for hiding it if I kept it secret for much longer.Not a moment had passed since I discovered A
The tone of my Mother’s voice spoke a thousand words. I smiled, heaven help Luka if my Mum were to find him. But, I could not be more appreciative that she seemed to understand. That she was not blaming me. Maybe I should have come to her sooner. I may not have had to go through all of this alone... I nodded at her question. I did not want her to think badly of me. To think I would continue to see a man who I knew was taken. I was better than that.“The moment I knew of his wife I walked away.” I explained. “I would never have gone near him if I had known.”Mum squeezed my hand. “That is my girl. He is disgusting, baby, for even looking elsewhere. But, sadly, there are men and women out there like that. Who believe what they have at home is not enough. But, believe me, it is them that is not enough. I am glad you realized you deserved better. So, am I to assume that you met your mate after him?” she questioned, and I smiled. Of course, she would want to know how all this had come abou
I sat at the table, chatting with the beautiful she-wolf by my side, unable to believe that she was the one fated to me. Maybe a little gift from my Grandpa, as well as the moon goddess. The bitter-sweet irony I was to meet her at his funeral is not lost on me. But, with every word we talk, the more I realize what a truly wonderful woman this girl is. So full of life, such a fun and vibrant character, though maybe the hair should have been a clue to that…“So, what is your pack like?” Jessie asked excitedly, and with a realization, I understood she was asking because she wanted to move to be with me… the way a fated mate was expected to. She wanted to know all the details about where her new home would be. The thing was, I was yet to decide what my plan for the future was. Maybe, if she was to be my mate, as fate had planned, then she could help me decide this future. I mean, another opinion on the matter couldn't hurt, right?I smiled over at her, stroking back another of her stray
Okay, so Daddy turning up just as I was about to kiss Kaleb was not the ideal thing. And the fury in his tone told me he was not impressed. He was so grumpy! I had hoped we would be staying a little longer. My Dad was not particularly one for socializing. I knew that, so in truth, I was shocked he had agreed to come to the funeral at all. But, I knew that he and Beta Trent had been close through the training they attended over the years.And he was adamant he wanted to pay his respects. And he wanted us there, as his family, by his side. I saw it as a chance to get away from the daily drag of being in pack, so I agreed willingly, hoping I may even make some new friends. Never did I imagine I would be meeting my fated mate! I think once the ceremony was out of the way, my Dad had gone around and seen whoever he needed to and then planned to leave. He was here representing the pack, and needed to take the opportunity to chat to a number of people, and knowing my Dad, he would n
I can't say if today was a day I was looking forward to or not. I knew it was a day I would see Cleo again, and that was something I was more than a little anxious about. I had walked from her family home having learned of her leaving, and gone to the gym to work myself hard, to the point of pain. Trying hard to cause myself more pain than I had been currently feeling hearing that Cleo had not thought to let me know she was leaving, even if it had just been a text. I knew now I was not a priority, her mate always should be, but I had thought as a friend I may be someone she would want to tell, and from what I had heard later, it seemed my sister had had a message or two, and I have to say that hit pretty hard...The arrival of the day had loomed for a whole new reason now. Knowing there was the chance of seeing the girl I did not know how I felt about right now. But, how I felt was irrelevant. The day arrived, regardless, and we had set off early to River As
I had showered, and now sat at the edge of the bed, all suited up, in my black suit pants and black shirt and tie. I was going without the jacket as I truly hated wearing them. My hair was slicked back, and I was doing my best to look as smart as I could for my pack today. I wanted to make a good impression. I mean, after all, today was the beginning of my reign as Alpha. Though the first opportunity I had, and the tie would be off, and the top few buttons of this short would be undone. Man, was I uncomfortable!Nerves were beginning to get the better of me, which was one of the reasons I had hoped for some time with Cleo before the mayehm of the day took over, but with the very little sleep we had got last night, we had both slept a little later than planned this morning, meaning we had to get up almost immediately. And, I was waiting now on my adorable mate.I could hear her singing in the bathroom that adjoined to our room, and despite the fact she
Waking up alongside Landon is beyond amazing. The last few days have been hectic, of that there is no denying. Pack is chaos, trying to ensure everything is organised for the Alpha ceremony, but being able to settle in Landon’s arms each night has been perfection. I cannot think of a better way to fall asleep. And being within his arms is my safe place. The place I already feel the most secure and most content.Even in the short time since my arrival, we are already begin to ensure we have time for one another each day. It has already become part of our routine. A part of the day I have to say is fast becoming my favourtie... as we explore one another’s bodies. Learning what the other likes. What turns the other on. It has been sheer heaven. Landon is paradise in werewolf form. And to know he was mine made me feel like the luckiest she-wolf in the world. I cannot imagine being without him now, and the struggles we went through already seem like a
Oh, Goddess, am I in trouble if my heart raced when I noticed he had walked into the room? I don’t even know the guy. I know he is sweet. I also know he has a damaged soul. A little like me. But that does not mean I am the person to heal him, or him to heal me. I cannot fix everybody who is in pain. I remind myself, as I try to discreetly observe Jorge’s interaction with his Mum.Trying not to smile, as he chatters to her, clearly teasing going off the cheeky grin upon his face, and the glint in his eyes. Their connection seems easy. So, I can only assume that Jorge’s family are close, much like the family Bella is mated into. I think family are hugely important, I just wish mine had made me more of a priority after my fated had passed…“Are you even listening to me Cami?” Bella teased, and I found myself smiling. I had kind of hoped she may not have noticed where my eyes had wandered to. Clearly I had been far from discreet!“Of course.”“Really, because from where I am sat, it seems
A much needed day off, having worked non-stop with the warrior squad, training, and then helping within the family business too. Responsibilities were not usually so high, but with some finding new mates, they had other priorities at present, which was understandable, and of course, with Daxton and Kaleb now having new roles in another pack our fathers had yet to decide how this would be managed at the business.The business had been a baby of them all. More so of Uncle Knox, but all of the friends had been involved, and their decision had been for their children to take over as they got older. We, both guys and girls had been trained from our mid-teens on various roles within the business in preparation, but in all truth, with out fathers still being in good health and considered quite young (not that I would ever say that to my Papi’s face, it is far much more fun to call him ancient!) there would be many more years with them leading the business yet.I had to
While I had been brave and had the much needed talk with Cleo, I had been far from brave since, and done all I could to avoid her. Not that there had been much opportunity to see her. She had been busy doing whatever it was she was doing… likely spending time with the man set to be her mate. While, I was busy helping at the family business. Not a role I relished, but one I was a part of, and one right now I appreciated, because it was occupying my mind. Plus, I was one of the only ones not busy with a new mate, so I was needed in the offices a lot.After a hectic day in the offices, I was returning to my place, ready to put my feet up, but Cleo was laying heavily upon my mind. She had been all day. I knew that the day of the Alpha ceremony at River Ash was fast approaching. And that meant there was a strong chance Cleo could go and be with her mate. Iknew that what was being discussed. But since then, it had not been confirmed, or at least not to me… not that ha
There had never been any denial Cleo was beautiful. She was able to catch the eye of most men, and likely women too… But here she was in front of me. Naked. My mate. And, well, I don’t think there is any other word for her other than perfect. I was blessed to know she was mine… and I had been a fool to let her go. I knew I would not be letting her go again. If anything, everything we had been through would make me appreciate my mate all the more. Worship her. And right now, worship her was what I planned to do...Seeing her eyes all but roll back in her head at my touch drove me wild with desire for her. As I pressed my lips to hers once more. My fingers sliding inside of her core over and over, making her gasp with pleasure against my lips. Knowing Cleo wanted me did things to me. I needed this girl. But knowing she needed me to turned me on immensely. Her hand suddenly teased at the head of my cock, making it stand even more to attentio
I never had Landon down as being the nervous type when it came to me, but I saw that look upon his face. He was more than a little unsure. But, this was our moment, and I was not about to let anything ruin it. I knew Landon, and I knew he would just need a little encouragement.I wasn’t even sure where that extra confidence from within me came from. Terra, I assume. I could sense how much she was wanting her mate. And from the deep growl that slipped from Landon’s lips, I think it was safe to say his wolf was wanting his mate just as much. This was our moment. Finally alone, and knowing we wanted one another. We would be foolish to waste the opportunity we had...“Oh, is that right?” he murmured, his voice laced with lust, as he gently laid me onto the bed.I smiled, a slow and sultry smile in the direction of the man who was soon to be my fully fledged mate. I truly could not wait, and decided the best way to answer him was to show him, hooking my arms around his neck, pulling his f
We walked into the Alpha suite, and a wave of nerves took over me. I could not explain why, but it did. This was the moment I had waited for. To bring my fated home. And now she was here, I felt like a nervous wreck!I had asked for the suite to be cleaned up, and prepared for the two of us, as a couple now, and I hoped to have a family home built in due course. I saw how her Dad had done things for Aunt Lilah, and knew they were a good example to follow. My parents sure as hell hadn't been, but Lilah's parents were. And, a family home we plan together could be perfect. But, for the time being, we would be making the Alpha suite our home, and I wanted it to be as perfect as it could be.I glanced briefly to Cleo to try to decipher if she, too felt as anxious as me, but her beautiful features gave nothing away. We had made polite conversation all the way home, because I felt it was necessary. I could see Cleo was struggling to fight the tears as we left her home pack&he