Chapter 4

“You’re drunk Callum,” Luke deadpans.

It was getting harder and harder for him to control his wolf, I could feel it, it’s a wonder how he had it in check for this long.

“Raina, Callum has had too much to drink. You should get him home before he embarrasses himself.” Luke calls.

I could tell it was taking a toll on him, though he looks meeker than his family. Luke was very strong, the mating bond he had to suppress for so long was taking a toll on him. We had had several conversations of what it would mean if we were to finally address it, whether rejecting it, how it would affect him. I couldn’t stay in Ravenstown my whole life. There was nothing wrong with it, it was a beautiful place to live. But that was just that, it is a beautiful place to live, but did I never want to leave? I had plans, dreams, I want to travel, see the world, and experience new cultures. Luke’s place was here, with his pack, his family, his alpha. If heaven forbid any emergency or death, he would be next in line, to lead or be his brother's beta. It wasn’t as simple as a wolf and human mate, but a part of the alphas family and a human mate. And what would it entail for me? As a human mate… how much would my life have to change? Being tied to a pack. There were so many factors involved and I didn’t feel ready to give in, neither did he. 

Soon after the close run in with Callum, I left the reception and went home. There was so much excitement for one night already, events like this were a perfect moment to slip up. We had learned that albeit the hard way. Emotions were heightened under the light of the moon, inhibitions released, it was the perfect recipe for a disaster.

A few days after I got my acceptance letter, I applied for a flight attendant job and this was the perfect opportunity to begin my journey of exploring the world. What better than a flight attendant, every night in a different country. It was perfect. The first person I called was Luke but he was apparently at a top secret werewolf meeting to discuss the hunters. He assured me it was nothing serious but I didn’t know anymore, if Cillian was worried enough to call a meeting shouldn’t that mean that was cause for alarm.

“A job,” Luke repeats after me. We’re at a bar in town, I called him to meet me here so we could break the news and celebrate. He had bags under his eyes, like he hadn't been sleeping well. 

“Yes! Can you believe it? I didn’t think I was going to get it, I did an online interview and all.”

“When were you going to say something…?” He asks almost hurt.

He is wearing a black button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to show his muscular hands with veins running through. The shirt hugs his biceps in the right places with his arm muscles bulging and flexing as he moves. The pants are black dress pants which hug his posterior muscles but also cut straight down so they fit well. Yes, I might’ve checked him out when. He walked in.

I stutter. “I didn’t think I was going to get it. It didn’t seem worth making a big deal.”

“It is, I am so proud of you Cher.” He stands up and gives me a big hug and I let out a long breath of laughter. I was so scared for a second, relieved he didn’t get hurt.

“When do you leave?”

I knew it had to hurt, him being happy for me. But that was just who he was, a good selfless person who I was taking advantage of. I smiled, shoving all feelings of guilt deep down. 

“After Noctis.” I am referring to the Night festival common to werewolves. It is a popular festival done in order to release Powers into the earth and bathe in the moon for strength.

“I know it’s soon, but I think that must be how the job is … demanding.”

If he felt any emotions his face was not showing it. He was very good at hiding any emotion he felt. 

“Oh, that sounds reasonable. We should get going now… it’s not a safe time to be out and about this late.” Luke gets up, taking money out of his wallet and putting it in the counter.

As we’re treading through the woods to get home, Luke’s pace is slow, and he seems distracted like he is disturbed by something. He keeps sniffing the air and looking around.

“Is everything okay?”

He doesn’t reply, he takes a big sniff as he moves closer to me.

“Luke…”

“Sshhh…” he says, eyes darting and I still immediately, slowing my breath to breathe as quietly as I can. He moves close to me and looks down, his 6’2 frame towering over my 5’5 height. “Look over there.” He points.

And I turn quickly in the direction he’s pointing to sing nothing. “What? What is it?” A wild animal? Bear? 

He snickers. “It’s a plane, I was wondering if you wanted to go practice for your new job.”

“Ugh,” I say, laughing and swatting his hands. “It’s my fault for taking you seriously.” I say as I stomp away.

“Hey, hey… I’m joking.” He says laughing as he tries to catch up with me, his hands reaching for me.

I roll my eyes and turn to look at him and give him a peace of mind when he grabs me quickly, his hands moving in supernatural speed. This causes me to lose my balance and I trip and fall into his arms. Our lips accidentally touched.