I could feel my heart in my throat. I was about to meet my mate's father. I was about to meet an alpha of the original 10. I swallowed hard as Charles creaked the door open slowly. I took a deep breath walking in behind him. I tried to keep my head up high. I didn't want his father to think I was weak. "What are you doing back? Have you finally come to your senses?" Charles' father asked and I almost gasped in surprise. I can't believe his father would greet him that way. My father would have greeted us warmly with a smile and probably a hug. I didn't understand these powerful dad's I've been meeting here lately. "I've come to show you the labors of my hard work. I've also come to introduce you to my mate." Charles responded flatly. If his father's words had hurt him, he didn't let it show. "I don't care what you've done at that college, Charles. Your duty is here to the pack. You need to return home and take your rightful place." His father sounded annoyed and he completely skipp
We took a breather in Charles room, giving me time to calm down. I looked around his room reading some of his trophies. Most were for academics and then a few for soccer and track. "You cheater." I said, pointing to the track metals. He laughed. "It's not my fault the humans didn't notice." I rolled my eyes at him. *Are you ready?" He stretched his hand out for me to take and I did, nodding my head. I took a deep breath to try to keep myself calm. I was about to meet the woman that birthed my mate. The Luna that seemed to shadow a powerful alpha. Charles led me out of his room down a maze of corridors. We turned left then right again and made another turn into a small hallway through a door that didn't lead to a room but to another hall. I was so lost by the time we reached a large glass door and somehow got outside. The glassdoors belonged to a beautiful garden house. Vines had grown around it, only adding to its beauty. When we went inside there were many different kinds of flow
We walked through the sticky sweet tunnel for longer than I wanted to. Yet it felt shorter than I would have liked. I wasn't ready to meet the woman that raised my father. What if she was like Charles' parents? What if she had imposed terrible standards on my father and that's why he ran away? I still didn't know anything about her or anything about why my father left. I didn't want to bring myself to ask my mother, because what if she didn't know any of this. I feel like it would break her heart that her mate kept this from her. I could see the end of the tunnel coming up. The palms of my hands were clammy from the nerves. I kept them in tight fists beside me, trying not to fidget. My heart felt like it was going to explode. It didn't help that I couldn't take any deep breaths to calm myself without my nose burning, and nausea hitting me. Star stepped out first then Charles who held a hand out for me to take. I gladly took it, needing the comfort his touch would bring. I stepped ou
Vanora led me up the stairs and down a long corridor. She turned right and walked us to the end of the hall. There was a door with a large carving of the tree of life in the center. Above that carving was another carving, a name, Artemis. "This is– was, your father's room" The word stung her to say. She opened the door revealing a quaint room. It wasn't very large, but the space was fully used. In the center was his queen sized bed, with white satin sheets. In the back right corner was an easel with dried paint. Beside it a small table full of art supplies just thrown about. In the upper right corner of the room, were closet doors. I opened them inspecting the contents of his young adult wardrobe. There were jeans, band t shirts, a nice leather jacket on one side of the closet. It was funny how similar our styles are at this age. On the other side were slacks, and dress shirts along with a couple of tunics. It was like he lived two separate lives. To the left of the room was a desk
I woke up drenched in sweat last night, the dream replaying in my head. It had felt so real, I swallowed the fear still stuck in my throat. I remembered running through the dense trees. The smell of pine mixed with salt from the ocean. There was snow on the ground and my paws were propelling forward faster than ever. I could feel something sinister chasing me, but I couldn't tell what it was. It felt like the shadows themselves were going to gobble me up. I could feel the fear stir me like my life was in serious danger. I grabbed my throat remembering how the dream had ended. Whatever was chasing me had caught up to me and sunk its teeth into my neck. There was nothing there of course as it was all a dream after all. It had just felt so real, I couldn't shake the feeling off. Charles grabbed my hand then, watching me with concern. "What's wrong?" He raised a brow. "Nothing, just a bad dream. It felt so real though." I explained, still feeling around my throat. Charles rubbed my ba
Vanora led me through the many wooden bridges connecting the city together. Eventually we got to a house wrapped around a tree. I figure it'll probably be the same as the palace, where the inside of the tree would be hollowed out to make the house. Vanora gently knocked on the door and we waited patiently for someone to answer. "Coming," I heard a familiar voice yell out as we heard the lock fiddle on the other side. Star opened the door smiling brightly at us. "My queen." Star answered as she bowed her head in respect. "I've brought Rain to meet your father. I know I told you to bring him to the palace, but we had some time this morning. Since Rain's magic seems to be established already." I couldn't help picking up the slight stab in her words. Star's eyes widened and her cheeks flushed. "I'm sorry queen. I was only trying to help." Vanora held her hand up to silence her. "No need for apologies Star. I understand. " I couldn't help but feel like Star wasn't going to live this do
Vanora decided to show me the green house first. We stayed at ground level the whole way there. We walked on a small path through the thick grass and trees. Eventually a glass dome came into view. It was the largest greenhouse I had ever seen. When we entered his comforting scent of pine and cinnamon hit my nose. I looked around for him, finding him towards the back with Evandrus. Charles seemed to be trying to hide his anger as he caught sight of us. He and Evandrus wrapped their conversation up in hushed voices. I went to give him a hug but Eryn got in my way. He got to Charles before me and punched him square in the jaw. I let a small scream of surprise out, quickly covering my mouth with my hands. Charles turned to look at Eryn, claws out and fangs on display. He let out a low growl, warning Eryn to stand down. Eryn didn't move though, he stood firm eyeing Charles with fury. I ran between them. I placed my hand on Charles' chest, trying to ease Gunner in him. I could feel Charle
Things were still kind of tense between Eryn and Charles, making it a bit awkward for Peregrine and I. Whatever Vanora told Eryn seemed to have been enough to keep him from fighting Charles. The tension in the air was thick though, and Charles shoulders were kept tense. "It's been a while, how about we continue our training out here?" Charles asked me. "Yes!" Some sparring actually sounded good. "Oh wait, I can't fight with this dress on." I sighed. "The dress comes undone on the sides to allow your legs to kick and the sleeves detach." Peregrine stated flatly. "Seriously?" I was surprised and impressed by the design. "Well yes, our women are more than capable of fighting, so their dresses are made with that in mind." Peregrine explained. "Allow me." He said as he bent down in front of me snaking his arm into my dress. Charles let out a possessive warning growl. Peregrine did not remove his hands from under my dress, but instead looked up at Charles like he was over reacting. "O
Go get the doctor." Charles' alpha voice came out as we entered the room, speaking to the nurse. "How far apart are the contractions now, Rain?" Charles asked me, laying me on the bed. Nate's hand never left mine."3 minutes." As soon as I answered another contraction started. "Her water broke right before I woke you up." Nate told him.Charles was in doctor mode, I could tell by his serious pensive face. He was running through all the medical books in his head right now. I squeezed Nate's hand for dear life. Ever since my water broke the contractions have been more intense. I could feel Ember and Ash scratching away at the scales inside my uterus at some points scratching my uterus itself. I grunted in pain, preventing myself from screaming. Screaming won't help and will only worry them all more. Eryn grabbed my other hand and began to calm me with his magic. That's when I remembered our plan and it seemed it clicked for Nate then too. "She wants an epidural and magic from Eryn and
Eryn, dad, and Larminiel helped everyone back to their own mind. Giving me a hug goodbye each before they departed. Charles was one of the last few to leave. He hugged me tightly, muttering how he wishes he could have been the one to marry one. I tried not to let his words dampen my mood. I know he didn't mean for it to make me feel guilty. He just wanted me to know he wanted me the same way that Nate does. Everyone was gone except Nate and I. Eryn would return shortly for Nate though. So we had these few moments alone in my mind. Although we are together outside my mind as well. "Your mind is really beautiful, Rain. Not that I've seen very many." Nate laughed. "Yours just seems so bright and welcoming. Warm and loving." He smiled. "I'm glad you think so because a lot of the time my thoughts aren't." I laughed. "Oh I am sure, but your thoughts aren't the only thing that makes you, you." He poked my nose. "Now how about you chase me, before I run wild in here." With those words he
Eryn led me to my dad. His eyes watered the moment he saw me and mine did the same. I let go of Eryn's hand and ran to my dad's arms. I never thought this day would happen. I never thought I would have my dad walk me down the aisle. I thought this moment was just the moment we thought we had lost him. I cried a little in his chest. He pulled me back, getting a good look at me."My baby girl is getting married. My gumdrop." He squeezed me one more time before letting me go. "You look beautiful, Rain. Are you ready?" He asked me, turning me to see the clearing. There was a field full of wildflowers, all my favorites and some new ones. There were rows of tree trunks shaped like chairs and people seated at them. I recognized some of those heads. Mom, Charles, Kaitlyn, Peregrine, Larminiel. Then my eyes landed on him and my heart almost ripped out of my chest and ran towards him. Nate stood beside his father, to the right. There was a large wooden arch draped with dragon lilies, that wer
I woke up to some mild cramping and I panicked for a moment. They faded rather quickly, letting me relax back into sleep. I woke up again to some stronger cramps. The moonlight outside my window let me know it was still dark outside. Thankfully the cramps faded rapidly again. I started to worry though. Maybe it's because of that fruit I had at the ceremony. I know I'm not in labor yet, but I think these babies are coming sooner rather than later. I rubbed my belly bump softly, sending so much love to them both. I fell back asleep after going to the bathroom for the 4th time tonight. I'm so over this constant need to empty my bladder. My eyes fluttered open again, the sunlight hitting me straight in the eyes. Normally I'd be happy to wake up to the sun in my face, but after last night's terrible sleep, the sun and I are not on good terms. I groaned not wanting to get up. Nate chuckled beside me. "You okay?" He asked, his minty breath reaching my nostrils, sending a chill through me.
Another week had passed us by and it was time for dads crowning ceremony. We were all dressed similarly to the ball. Different colors this time though. I had a red gold dress with sleeves that hung off my wrist. It had gotten colder as we approached December.Eryn had on a matching suit in color to mine. Charles had on a chocolate brown suit and Nate a black one with gold lining. They all looked very dashing. Eryn's hair, being elf, grew back quickly, and he was able to tie it on that bun of his. Charles yelled his hair back giving me those old greaser vibes. Nate had his swooshed to the side, a little oomph to it. That's really the only way I know to describe it. He thinks it's funny when I say it like that. I entered with Eryn just as before and the three of them stood around me. All eyes seemed to be on us, instead of my dad. I started to shrink myself, until those sparks hit my shoulder. Charles' eyes met mine, reminding me of our conversation. F*CK these people. I sat up, holdi
We spent a week in the kingdom, with my dad and mom. It was nice seeing my dad reunited with his friends, but especially with Eragon. I stayed clear of Star, I wasn't ready to see her. I was worried I would try to tear her throat out. She was too important to Eryn to kill. Dad showed me his favorite spots here. The best sights and the greatest place to sit and think. He was happy and in his element and I was so happy to see him that way. His crowning ceremony would be tomorrow. I want to attend, I'm not sure how to face everyone right now. After everything that happened at the ball, I feel like I would cause more drama than anything else. I sighed again, chewing on my cheek. "What's wrong?" Charles picked up on my mood. He and I were finally having some alone time. Eryn had training and Nate was stuck doing something for Stoic for the day. I hated having him gone, it felt like a piece of me left with him. The sparks from my bond with Charles was helping me feel better though. "Not
I woke up back in the room with Nate, a joyous feeling in my heart. Between my two hot seed sessions last night, and the talk with Eryn, I was feeling better than ever. Now I just need to talk to Charles…. the thought is daunting. "Good morning my beautiful fiance." I smiled, my cheeks blushing at the word fiance. "Good morning my future husband." He smirked at me, kissing my lips. A slight blush tinted his cheeks as well. I love his blush. Between us two, our children will be cursed to have everyone know how they feel by the pinks of their cheeks. I'll find it adorable but they'll probably dislike it like I used to… like I still do sometimes. "We'll teach them how to keep a good poker face. Trust me, my cheeks want to blush a lot more than I let him." He smiled that dreamy smile, while pulling my head close to his chest, answering my thoughts. "I think that's a good idea. My dad tried teaching me, but I obviously failed miserably." I giggled, making fun of myself."Hey, there's
I had fallen asleep in Nate's arms, tucked tightly against his chest, yet when I opened my eyes that's not where I was. The familiar tree with a pool of water and warm sun let me know I was with Heli. She laid with her head on her paws basking her white fur in the sun. 'Heli?' I caught her attention and she opened one eye peeking through. 'I didn't call you here. He did.' She told me closing her eye again, seeming uninterested in whatever this is. Who is she talking about? I turned to look around and saw him standing there, his shoulder leaning against the tree. His almost translucent hair swayed in the wind. He arched an eyebrow over those ocean blue eyes. "I told you I would meet you in your dreams. What did you think I meant?" He chuckled lightly, pushing himself off the tree and walking towards me. He grabbed my lower back, pressing me against him tightly. It's then that I realized I didn't have my baby bump. I began to panic. "We're inside your mind Rain. The babies are fin
The rest of the ball had gone without a hitch. I ate, I danced a little more and then finally was allowed to retire to my room. My feet were aching and I was so exhausted. Nate carried me up to our rooms. "Thank you for sticking by my side and telling me everything I needed to know tonight, Eryn." He smiled real big at me. "That's what I'm here for." He winked, giving me a small peck, while I'm still in Nate's arms. "Goodnight, Rain. I'll see you in your dreams." He smiled, caressing my face for a moment before going to his room. "Goodnight my little wolf. Sleep well. I'll come bother you in the morning." Charles kissed my forehead, pressing his fingers gently into the back of my neck. I closed my eyes letting the sparks dance around me from his touch. Nate carried me to my room, although I should really say ours because I know he isn't going to leave me alone. He kicked the door closed behind him, standing me firm on my feet. He slowly began to unzip my dress, his fingers tickli