Chapter four

Hermione awoke to the singing of birds from the  trees nearby. She had slept peacefully through the night. She turned and met Ruke’s gaze.

"Good morning," she said, stifling a yawn.

"You kept to your side of the bed, I suppose?”

"Yeah" replied Ruke, getting up.

"My car’s still out there, and I need to get my phone “, looking down, she added, “I can’t wear your shirt forever".

She slid down from the bed and Ruke couldn’t help thinking how graceful she was with her movement.

"I’ll walk you there " he replied.

"Best to get going then, “said Hermione.

They both left the room and went down the stairs.

They were almost out when Hermione paused in her steps.

"Where are your parents, “she asked, facing him.

"Oh...” he said, caught off guard by the question “they left some years ago”, he smiled, “two lovebirds touring the world".

Hermione’s countenance was softened by his answer; "he loved his parents”, she thought".

"They must be happy then,” she said.

"They most certainly are" he replied, "and they call once in a while to know how we are doing. They’d be happy to know I’ve found my mate" and at this, he stared at her.

“Though she doesn’t want me," he finished.

"Oh puh-lease" Hermione drawled, rolling her eyes” I’m incapable of feeling guilt.

Ruke smiled, deeply amused by her strong-headed attitude.

They had now approached the two cars they had unceremoniously abandoned the other night.

Hermione was dismayed by how much damage had been done to her car. The bonnet was so bent that it would take a large chunk out of her wallet to fix it.

She sighed, opened the driver’s door, and took her phone.

"How to get a tow truck now" she mused.

"That can be arranged, “Ruke said. “I can get it fixed” and at her raised eyebrows he quickly added, “that is if you want".

Hermione considered the offer “well...” she drawled, looking sly “since it was your fault it was wrecked in the first place, it is only right you pay for the damage”, she finished airily.

Ruke was left speechless by her words.

She had made it seem like she was granting him a favor.

He shook his head, took his phone out, and made a quick call to his mechanic.

“Come on" Ruke beckoned her, “the towing truck will be here any minute now”.

“Nice!" Hermione exclaimed, looking very pleased “thanks a lot", she said to the Lycan.

They were met by Ruke’s brothers halfway to the house.

Hermione was taken by the good looks of their family.

She hadn’t taken time to admire the beauty of the two brothers.

Jake asked if she had a peaceful sleep, to which she answered in the affirmative.

Raphael smiled kindly at her and turned to Ruke.

“The Lycan council called a meeting," he said, “something urgent according to what Nathan told me".

Ruke opened his mouth to speak “ don’t worry", Raphael hurriedly put in, “since you'll need some more time with your mate, we’ll cover for you."

“I’d like to tell them about my mate myself. I’d appreciate it if the news was kept private for the main time, “Ruke said imploringly to his brothers.

“I’d like to know why,” Jake said, looking suddenly serious.

Ruke turned to Hermione.

"You can tell them,” she said, looking uncertain.

She became tense, not knowing how the brothers would react to the news. She wrung her hands nervously.

"She’s a cat shifter,” Ruke said, staring daggers at his brothers, daring them to let out a word in disappointment.

He would like to see who would dare hurt his mate.

His brothers, however, had sworn to back him up through thick and thin.

"Well...” began Raphael, who desperately searched his brain for words that wouldn’t betray his mortification “. This situation we’ve gotten ourselves in can be handled delicately? I suppose".                       

Hermione felt she was blameless in the situation the mate bond had gotten Ruke and her into.

"We’ll continue this discussion when we get back", turning to Hermione, he added, “welcome to the family". He turned and started walking towards the garage. Jake at his heels.

Hermione was left with only Ruke for company.

She felt his hot gaze on her and she was reminded of the kiss they had shared.

She blushed hotly.

Ruke led the way into the house and led the way to the study.

They both sat in silence, and each person was occupied with their thoughts.     

Hermione felt kindly towards Ruke’s brothers, they had not acted high and mighty towards her.

She was used to being isolated by other supernaturals. She was still deep in thought when she looked down and saw she was still wearing Ruke’s shirt.

“I need a change of clothes “she muttered quietly.

I’ll follow you to your house, and I’ll understand if you don’t want to return with me", Ruke said.

We have to stay close together. Once the council gets aware of this they won’t be so nice to us”, he added.

“I understand," said Hermione, looking downcast.

“And besides, we are mates and it’s only natural to stick together now. I'll get my clothes back at the house.

We can go now if you want", Ruke offered, looking hopeful.

Hermione nodded and followed Ruke back outside towards the garage.

Ruke had not bothered to take his car back, which he left behind in the forest.

His brothers would most definitely get it back.

He led Hermione into the garage and guided her into the passenger seat of one of the luxurious cars packed there.

He hopped into his seat and drove out past the trees and the quiet solitary road into the surging traffic.

Hermione gave directions and they were soon driving onto her lawn.

“Park here," she said, pointing out a spot right in front of her house.

Hermione was careful to look around before getting out of the car. She didn’t want to be seen with only a shirt on.

Ruke followed closely behind her as she walked briskly towards her door.

“Oh shit!” she exclaimed, facepalming herself” I forgot my keys!” she said, looking at Ruke as though it were his fault.

“Is there no spare key stashed away somewhere?” he asked, and when she shook her head he added” we’d have to break the door and...

Hermione gave him a look so reminiscent of a lioness before she devoured a prey and Ruke wisely shut his mouth.

“There’s a window out back, I can climb in and get my spare, should have hidden it somewhere outside” Hermione muttered looking longingly at the door as though it would swing open of its own accord.

She led the way to the back of the house and climbed in through the window.

She had luckily left the kitchen unlocked.

“Phew” she sighed tiredly.

It seemed like ages since she was in her kitchen.

she got the spare from her cabinet, ran to the front door, and opened it to let Ruke in.

“Nice place," Ruke said looking around.

“Thanks" Hermione returned. She led him towards her room where she pointed to her bed as she didn’t have a seat in her small but comfortable room.

She turned to her closet and started rummaging for clothes, she selected sweatshirts, jeans, and a couple of dresses.

“I’m gonna go shower, give me a minute I’ll be quick," she said hurriedly grabbing underwear and jeans.

Ruke nodded in understanding, got out his phone, and looked through his messages.

There were several but he chose to read his brother’s first.

Jake had sent one saying that their friends Violet and Lang were coming over.

Also that Raphael had reported that the council seemed divided during their meeting and urged Ruke to hasten his announcement date.

“Done” Hermione sang, she was wearing a beautiful black blouse with jeans.

She had washed her hair and still had a faint blush on both cheeks.

Her white skin gleamed like alabaster and Ruke became aware that he had not cleaned up.

Hermione however ushered him out of the house, locked her door and they drove back towards the woods.