Chapter Seven- Getting to Know Each Other

Nathan

“About the Luna title.” She says which puzzles me.

“What about it?” I asked taking a bite of my ham.

“I am no longer a Luna. I lost that title when my pack was killed.”

I frowned, “But you still are Luna being my mate.”

“But it is not official. I am still grieving my family and friends along with my Pack. I cannot take up the mantel of a Luna yet.” Then she lowered her head, “It’s too soon.” She whispered.

I sighed, and as much as I want to argue I will give her this and the time she needs to grieve. I made a promise I wouldn’t push her, and I won’t. “Alright, I will speak to the pack. But in one condition?”

“And what is that?”

“You allow us to get to know each other. And no, not in a sexual way either. Just the old fashion way of talking.” I give her a hopeful smile.

She stared at me for a minute, and I can tell she is thinking it over. Then she nods yes, “Okay, I will give you that. We can take it slow and get to know each other.” Taking a deep breath she adds, “But no promises.”

“What do you mean no promises?”

“I mean I had a mate. I grew up with him and when we came of age, we discovered we were fated. Now with my love dead, I am supposed to just accept a new mate bond?” Tears begin to fall from her eyes.

“That is why I promised myself to give you all the time you need. But you above all people should know the bond will not weaken. It will only grow and become impossible to ignore.”

“What if I don’t want it? What if I just reject you right now?”

My heart felt pain at her words. I waited my whole life for my fated mate and to hear that she could reject me is painful. I pushed my plate away as I said, “Is that what you want? Do you want to reject me?”

She stared at me with tear-filled eyes as if she were studying my face. Then she finally whispered, “I don’t know.” Then she spoke in her normal tone. “I need time. I need to think about this.”

I nod at her, “Take all the time you need, but I need you to know I have searched and waited for you all my life. Please, take that, into consideration as you decide.” I say through the lump in my throat.

“If you are finished, can we take a walk in the gardens and talk?” I asked as I stood.

She nodded, “Yes, that would be nice.” She stood and joined me as I begin walking towards the French doors that lead to the garden.

We walked out into the fresh air as the scent of flowers hit my senses.

“It is beautiful out here.” She said as she looked skyward inhaling the scent of the garden.

“I started this garden, the other took turn planting and it continued to grow. We all take turns tending to its need.”

She looked at me in surprise, “You started all this?” I nod, “I am impressed.” She smiled at me.

It was a beautiful sight to see. She is beautiful and she is my mate.

I smile back feeling prideful that she was impressed with my gardening skills. “I have always loved to garden and work with my hands. It is a hobby of mine. I guess you can say I inherited it from my mom.”

“Where are your parents?” She asked as we found a bench to sit on.”

“Both are dead. Close to five years ago from a rogue attack, That was the time I stepped up as Alpha. I was just seventeen.”

“You are twenty-two?”

I nod, “Yeah, I am. How old are you?”

“Barely twenty. My mate and I were mated and married three years ago.” She said sadness seeping into her voice.

“I am very sorry for your loss,” I say taking her hand and feeling the sparks of the bond.

“Yeah, me too about your parents. My dad was killed when I was twelve and it was my mom and me until Jason and I discovered we were fated to be together.” She looked down at her hands in her lap. “My mom was among the dead in this pack attack.” She whispered.

“You lost your mom along with your mate and child?” I felt choked up at all the loss she has gone through.

“Yes. I lost everyone and everything.”

I took her hand and squeeze, “You now have me and this pack who already loves you. I know it doesn’t make up for all you have lost. But we are here for you. I will always be here if or when you need me.” I promised her.

She nods, “I appreciate that.”

We went our separate ways as she went up to her room and I went into my office to do last-minute work. Only I couldn’t focus. I kept thinking of my mate and all she has lost. My heart is heavy with grief, and I know it is not my grief I was feeling, it was hers. The bond is allowing me to feel her emotions. That means it is a strong bond. I know she must be feeling it as well. Either that or her grief is masking the bond from her.

I sigh. I know I will need to give her time. If I push her, it will only chase her away and that is the last thing I want to do. I already care too deeply for her. I have to be patient with her and let her come to me. I know it will happen. The pull of the bond is strong. She will come when she is ready.