A Child Mate

Once they got there, Drake found it very crowded. He followed his father as they waited to greet Markus. Once it was their turn, Markus greeted Samuel like an old friend. 

“Sam, I am glad you could make it.”

“We wouldn’t miss an event such as this. The next one may not be in my lifetime.”

“You have seen one already, haven’t you?”

“Yes. Two in my lifetime is incredible, no?”

“Yes, it is. But your kind does live longer than most of us.”

“That is true.”

“Please, come sit. She and her family will be out soon.”

“Of course. Drake, why don't you go mingle.”

“Yes, father.”

As Drake walked through the town, he couldn’t help but notice the air had changed from the last time he was here. As he walked, he saw an old friend, flirting no less. He walked up to him and realized the look in his eye and thought against it, but he had seen Drake.

“Drake, what a surprise.”

“Yes. Wasn’t going to disturb you.”

The friend looked at the girl, whispered something and the girl went off. His full attention back on Drake.

“So, who was that?”

“A fox shifter.”

“Come on.”

“She’s my mate, I just know it.”

“Good luck with that.”

“Thanks. So, is it just you or you and your father.”

“Both. Father insisted I come to see this white wolf. He says it is a rare event.”

“He is right about that.”

“Do you know her?”

“Of course.”

“No, not by pack association.”

“I know what you meant.”

“So, who is she?”

“My sister.”

“Oh, Josh. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be.”

“Last I was here, it was right after your father’s death. How are Joslyn and Joseph taking all this? I imagine they are with her now.”

As Josh hung his head low, Drake saw the emotion run all over his face.

“Josh?”

“Aveline is with Aurora.”

“And who else? Your mother?”

“My mother and Joseph were slaughtered by Markus. He wanted Aurora back and we had no choice but to come back if we wanted to stay with her and keep our lives. Markus means to mate Aurora with Rafe.”

“That poor thing.”

“He looks at her like she is a damn piece of meat. I want to dig his eyes out.”

“That bad?”

“Yeah, you want to meet her before everyone else?”

“Sure.”

Josh and Drake walked to the cabin. Aurora was sitting all alone on the couch. Drake felt a twinge in his heart when he saw how sad she was and had the urge to comfort her. He looked at Josh as he walked to his sister.

“Little wolf, was is it?”

“Why is he throwing a big celebration for me?”

“He wants them to know he has a white wolf in his pack.”

“Don’t lie to me, Josh. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“He’s announcing your engagement tonight. Rafe will be by your side all night.”

“NO!!!!”

“I know. I don’t like it either. But. I want to introduce you to a friend of mine.”

As Josh turned to Drake, Aurora finally noticed him. She was captivated by tropical blue eyes that seemed to try and stare into her soul. For a moment, it felt like her soul was trying to reach out to him. He must’ve felt it too, due to his reaction.

Drake felt an instant pull when those big brown eyes locked onto his. When he felt the mating bond form between them, he wanted to run. He stopped because he knew Josh wanted him here to help watch over her and just now, he was feeling very protective. He walked over and knelt in front of her to look into those eyes.

“You are my brother’s friend?”

“Yes. I have known Josh for some time. But I must tell you a secret.”

“What?”

“I knew your father a lot better. He helped me get along after my mother passed. He helped my father as well. We are indebted to him. Since he too has passed, we are indebted to you. Anything you would need of me, just ask.”

“You mean it?”

“Absolutely.”

“Anything?”

“Yes.”

“Okay.”

She leaned forward then and wrapped her arms around his neck. He got a nose full of her scent; fresh powered snow mixed with evergreen pine. Hell, she smelt like Christmas morning. He put his arm around her and returned her hug.

She was going crazy in her head. The smell of him gave her mixed feelings. Feelings she has never felt before. He smelled of a volcano and coconuts. It was intoxicating. He must be feeling something too because it took Aveline coming in to break them apart.

Drake got up and greeted Aveline.

“Drake, it is wonderful that you are here. I know Josh will feel a lot better.”

“Avy, it is always a pleasure. I heard what happened. The truth of it. I am so sorry.”

“I knew he would tell you. Just don’t tell your father.”

“I won’t. I know what it’ll start. Don’t need that.”

“They said it’s time, little wolf. Are you ready?”

“No.”

They all escorted her to the feast. Aveline, Blake, Josh, and Aurora would be seated at the head table with Markus and Rafe. Drake and his father would be seated closest to the head table due to the bordering lands. The rest had no particular seating.