Chapter 8

Friday morning was cloudy, but Mistrea knew it would clear into a sunny day. She decided to bake today, Zac may not want her to attend the Founders Day gathering tomorrow, but she had a right to be there and she needed to speak with him. It was time for her to lay all her cards on the table and if he didn’t like what she has to say, then that’d just be too bad.

Mae hadn’t been by and Mistrea was glad about that, she had a feeling Mae knew more than she realised and for now it seemed best not to see her. By ten o’clock Mistrea was in full swing in the kitchen and when Oliver came in to see if he could help she shooed him away. “Go to the celebration in town Oliver, I’ve got plenty here to keep me occupied.”

“Mistrea I don’t have to go, I’m fine staying here with you.”

“Nope! Get going Ollie, and I expect a full report whenever you get home.”

He raised a brow, “I’ll be home for dinner, like always.”

“You don’t have to. I know there’ll be parties afterwards and get togethers at the local bar. Go, have fun and catch up with everyone.” She smiled, “I’ll be fine, really.”

Oliver sighed, “Are you sure?”

At that moment Kyle, Reece and Dylan came through the door, sounding like they were ready for a great day out. They saw what Mistrea was doing and all three smiled. “You’re coming tomorrow right?” asked Reece.

She laughed, “Do you seriously think I’d be doing all this baking if I wasn’t?”

“Do you want us to give you a hand taking everything tomorrow?”

Oliver answered, “We can get everything there, but we could probably use your help once we get there.”

“Okay, okay all four of you, out! Go, have a good time. Guys, I’ll see you tomorrow. Oliver why don’t you give them a lift?” when no one made a move she shooed them out of the house and reluctantly they left.

Mistrea let out a puff of air and turned back to what she was doing. She needed to keep busy and writing or cooking was the best way to do so. There was no chance that she’d be able to concentrate on writing and if she did, it would probably end up being crap then she’d need to do a re-write, so baking was a better option.

As the day went by Mistrea heard music in the distance and felt a pang of sadness at missing the parade. She’d actually been looking forward to the Founders Day celebrations, but knowing she wouldn’t be welcome at the high school at the end of the parade cut deep.

Mistrea had made the decision return go home, to reconnect with the people she should have grown up with. It was now time to tell her story, at least to those she cared about. It was also past time to confront Zac. One way or another Mistrea needed to discover why he gave up on her and if possible find a semblance of peace, so she could get on with her life.

Mistrea sighed as she thought about what she had to say to Zac. She wasn’t even sure he’d believe her, but Ollie would be there and she was fairly certain that Mae knew the truth. The fact that she’d kept her identity a secret when she arrived irked her, but she believed it was necessary. Now that she was going to come clean about who she is, she was concerned about how some people might react.

She sighed, “Kyle.” She hoped he’d understand why she hadn’t told him her true identity. Mistrea got back to work doing everything she could to keep herself occupied. Oliver called several times to check on her and offered to come home if she wanted him too. It was sweet of him, but she told him to have a good time and she wasn’t expecting him for dinner.

Late in the afternoon Mistrea had soaked in a steaming hot bubble bath. The scent of lavender wafted around her and her body relaxed. When she got out, she dressed in a comfy pair of pj’s and thick warm bed-socks. She opted not to have dinner, but fixed some munchies, pulled out the Underworld series, poured herself a glass of wine and got settled in front of the television.

Mistrea was into the second movie when her phone rang. She didn’t want to answer it but she figured it was Oliver and he’d either keep calling or come home to check on her. “Hello?”

“How’s your day been? Do you need me to come home?”

“Nope! I’m having my own celebration.”

“Do tell just what kind of celebration are you having?”

She laughed, “I’m having a movie marathon and a few drinks. Oh and guess what I’m watching?”

“I’ve got no clue Mistrea, how about you tell me?”

She laughed again, “I’m watching the Underworld series and… I’m cheering for the vampires.”

Oliver shook his head and laughed, “I guess I can’t blame you for that and the lead actress is hot!”

“Spoken like a true man!” she paused for a moment, “Don’t rush home on account of me. I’ll probably have an early night. Tomorrow is going to be full on.”

“Okay Mistrea, but I’ll stick my head into your room to make sure you’re all right when I get home.”

“Fine, I’ll see you in the morning.”

                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mistrea woke feeling tired and in need of more sleep, she forced herself out of bed and into the shower. Once dressed, she moved to the balcony to see what kind of day it was going to be. It was misty, putting a smile on her face. Her parents had told her it was a misty morning the day she was born, so even though they named her Mistrea, they always referred to her as Misty. It somehow seemed appropriate that today of all days was misty.

The smell of coffee and bacon drew her downstairs where Oliver was about to serve up breakfast. “Mmm, this is nice Oliver! I could get used to you cooking for me.”

“Then eat before it gets cold,” he smiled. “Do you want to hear about yesterday?”

“I’m good, thanks. To be honest I have enough to think about today.”

He nodded, “Are you sure you want to go ahead with this?”

“Yeah Oliver, it’s time.” They fell silent and concentrated on their meal.

The gathering was supposed to start around midday, so once the breakfast dishes were done; Mistrea and Oliver loaded up the car with her baked goods. She’d outdone herself this time, not only making three batches of cookies, a huge chocolate cake, a coffee and walnut cake and two containers of cup cakes for the kids.

The day was casual so Mistrea wore jeans a light blue tee-shirt and boots, she also grabbed a light jacket and tossed it in the back seat. Her nerves were getting the better of her and she was doing her best not to think of what she was about to do. She left Oliver at the car needing to go for walk. She stopped when she found herself standing at the entry to the garden Zac had signed over to her.

This had always been her special place, hers and Zac’s. Mistrea wanted to go inside and sit by the stream that flowed through the garden, she wanted to sit and remember what it had been like back then. She turned away from the entrance not ready to remember, not ready to relive a past she had always held close.

Mistrea headed back to the house and waved off Oliver’s concerned as she moved upstairs towards her office, needing time to herself to clear her mind and calm her spirit. She walked out onto the balcony and let the breeze brush softly over her face.

Home! She had finally come home and now it was time to come clean and be who and perhaps what, she was born to be. She sighed and made her way back downstairs. Oliver was standing at the front door waiting for her; he gave her a nod and smiled. He seemed relaxed and ready for whatever the day might bring.

Oliver drove, giving Mistrea time to settle her thoughts. Kyle, Reece and Dylan spotted them as they parked the car and helped them unload her baked goods. Mae was helping some of the other women set up the food and stopped to welcome Mistrea and Oliver.

“Mistrea, Oliver, I’m so happy you could make it. Put everything here and we’ll get it sorted for later.” They did as she asked then were told to go and mingle.

As they moved around the grounds, Mistrea recognised people from her childhood. More than anything, she hoped that they would be receptive to her return. Checking her watch, Mistrea noted that it was eleven thirty. She scanned the area and spotted Zac

She let out a sigh and leaned into Oliver, “It’s time.”

Oliver gave her a hug, squeezing her as close as he whispered in her ear. “I’ll be close Misty, call if you need me.”

Mistrea smiled and walked towards where Zac was standing with Wade and Shelby. She saw his jaw tense as she approached and Wade moved a step forward looking like he wanted to diffuse the situation before it happened.

She smiled at them doing her best to stay calm, “Hello Mr Benson, Shelby. Mr Hunt, if you have a few minutes, there are a few things we need to discuss. I’d also suggest we have this discussion in private.” She waited for a response, hoping she’d stay strong and find the words needed.

It wasn’t Zac who answered though, it was Shelby. “What the hell are you doing here? Zac told you, you weren’t welcome!” Mistrea ignored her and kept her eyes on Zac.

He shook his head, “I don’t know why you bothered to come Miss Larkin. I thought I made myself clear when I said you should reconsider attending.”

Calm, just stay calm and get through this. “Mr Hunt, you may not want to hear this, but I have just as much right to be here as you do, more in fact. I’m trying to do this the right way, by talking to you privately first, but if you aren’t adult enough to do so…”

“I suggest you leave Miss Larkin, I doubt there is anything you have to say that I’d be interested in.” he turned to leave and Shelby smirked at her as they walked away.

Not to be outdone Mistrea put her hands on her hips and called after him, “If this is the way you want it fine, just remember I gave you the chance to hear me out in private.” She too turned and walked away.

Oliver was close enough to hear what happened and grabbed her arm, “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, no…” she groaned. “He’s not going to be me a chance to talk to him about this. You heard me, I asked him twice and he still wouldn’t listen.”

Oliver put an arm around her, knowing she needed the comfort and steered her in the opposite direction to where Zac went. Several people said hello and they acknowledged them with a nod or a hello as well. Mistrea looked up and saw a makeshift stage set up and stopped walking. She stood quietly for a moment then looked up at Oliver.

“No!” he said shaking his head, “I really don’t think that would be a good idea.”

“I gave him the opportunity to hear me out privately Ollie. He didn’t want to hear what I had to say!” she sighed, “I need to do this Oliver, I know this isn’t the way I planned it, but if I don’t do it now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to when he does decide he’s ready to listen.”

“Okay, but I’ll if he starts with you…”

“He won’t. He’ll be too shocked to do anything but growl at me. Besides Wade will hold him back if tries to stop me.”

Before she could change her mind Mistrea strode towards the stage and came to a standstill in front of the microphone. She looked out at the people scattered around the area, all chatting, laughing and having a good time. She spotted Mae and smiled when the woman gave her a nod. She knows, I should have realised she would. Mistrea took a calming breath and gave Mae a nod in return.

“Good afternoon and welcome to our Founders Day Celebration. This gathering is pretty much an invitation only affair, so I’m honoured to have been invited to attend by Mae Swanson. Mae, her son Kyle and his two friends Reece and Dylan were the first people to welcome me back to Ransom. She’s been a good friend and treated me just like one of the family.”

Zac tensed taking a step towards Mistrea, but someone grabbed hold of his arm. He turned and growled, “Alwyn, what the hell are you doing here?” he pulled his arm away, but Alwyn held on tighter.

“I was called home.” stated Alwyn.

Shelby made a move towards Zac, but Alwyn growled stopping her in her tracks. “Now both of you shut the hell up and listen! I think you need to hear what the lady has to say.”

Mistrea sighed pausing to consider one last time if she really wanted to do this. She scanned the audience and smiled when she saw another familiar face. The fact that he had hold of Zac surprised her somewhat, but her Uncle’s presence gave her the confidence to continue.

“Most people that I’ve gotten to know in Ransom know me as Mistrea Larkin and in part that’s true. As this is Founders Day and I’m something of a storyteller, I thought this might be a good opportunity to tell you a story, one that is part of the history of this Pack.”

She saw the shocked expression on people’s faces at her mention of the Pack and forced herself to look Zac in the eye as she spoke.

“Twenty four years ago the Alpha’s son and his wife had a child. This child was much loved and was to one day become the Pack’s female Alpha. As the child grew she got to know many of those that made up the Pack.

The little girl was special in at least one way, she was barely able to walk and she’d already found her mate. This wasn’t something that happened often, but it did happen. Her parents kept it quiet though, because they wanted it to grown with each child and not be forced by others, who might believe they knew what was best for the two.

Unfortunately the Alpha, who was the little girls’ grandfather, had other plans. He was a prideful man, one who wanted to become more powerful than he already was. He was used to wheeling and dealing, gaining more business and money for his Pack. When his granddaughter was seven he made a deal with an Alpha in a Pack some distance away. He made an agreement with this other Alpha to hand over his granddaughter as part of the payment for some land that he wanted to buy.

The Alpha knew his granddaughter had already found her mate, but chose to ignore that he knew. When her parents found out what he’d done they were frantic and quietly organised for her to disappear. They explained to the little girl that they had to leave or she’d be taken from them. You see, back then the Alpha’s word was law and they would have had to hand over their daughter.

The child was afraid, and she didn’t want to run away. She didn’t’ want to leave her mate behind. She knew she wasn’t supposed to say anything, but she had to tell her mate what was happening. So she met with him in their special place, to tell him that she had to leave. Their best friend was with them and kept watch so they could talk one last time.

Her mate was frantic and wanted to go with her, but she calmed him down as she always did with a touch of her hand to his cheek. She helped him realise that if they were to ever be together, she had to leave.

That night they both made promises to each other. He made her swear to take care of herself, to work hard to become the best she could and when he was old enough… strong he’d leave the Pack and find her. He promised he’d spend the rest of his life searching until he found her.

Time went by and the little girl watched and waited for her mate to come for her, but he never did. The bond between them was strong and tugged at her. She missed him so much and was desperate to see him. It was his sixteenth birthday and she couldn’t wait any longer. You see she knew he’d have been missing her too, so she ran away from her safe have to be with him.

The girl wanted to surprise him; unfortunately the surprise was on her. She showed up at his birthday party and there he was! The room was full of people around their age, but all she could see was him. He’d grown into a good looking young man, but she still recognised him. As she approached him she noticed that there were two girls with him, one either side of him.

This didn’t stop her though and as she stepped closer to him her face broke into a smile, but he wiped it away. He didn’t recognise her, didn’t feel the bond between them. He believed she was just another girl willing to offer herself up to him. He looked her up and down and shook his head. What he said next cut her to the core of her heart and she turned away from him and fled.

She ran as fast and as long as she could to get away from him. It wasn’t until she reached the forest that she stopped. She had no choice, because she was engulfed with pain and unable to keep moving.

She collapsed lying on the leaf strewn grass writhing with pain and loss. As young as she was, the child knew what the pain meant. Her mate, the one man she both loved and trusted completely, had betrayed her and there wasn’t a thing she could do to stop it.

The girl had no idea how long she lay there. She heard, there were voices in the distance, then felt herself being lifted by strong arms. She looked up into the eyes of her Uncle and thankfully passed out.

When she finally came too, she was in a strange bed with no idea where she was. A tall man sat in a chair beside the bed. He looked familiar, but she wasn’t sure exactly who he was. He informed her that she’d been unconscious for two days, she was in so much pain they had no choice but to knock her out.

She was confused, kept asking for her parents and eventually the man told her that her parents were dead. They’d been searching for her and were killed instantly when their car was hit by a semi-trailer.

The man, Ivan became her guardian and kept her safe. He made sure she had a good education, that she never went without anything she needed and he made sure she knew she was loved and wanted in his household. He knew who she was, knew why she’d been taken into hiding and did everything in his power to prevent her grandfather from finding her.

The girl grew into a young woman and came to love her Guardian. She took advantage of all he offered her, as it o pleased him. She hoped in this way to show her appreciation of what he’d done for her. She studied hard and became the best she could be, just as she’d promised her mate she would do. There was still a part of her that waited for him to find her, but after so long she had to accept that he never would.

As I said the girl became a woman and she naturally became curious about her mate. Why hadn’t he come for her, was he still looking, had he even tried to find her. One way or another she needed to know what had happened to him. She still felt the pain of betrayal and it wasn’t just that one time, thankfully being a good distance away from him the pain wasn’t quite as bad. Each time it happed it tore at her heart, because she’d waited for him. She’d never gone out with another man, never once been kissed by anyone but her Guardian. Even though her mate betrayed her and broke her heart, she could still feel the bond they once shared and wouldn’t betray what she felt.

Mistrea stopped speaking and looked at everyone. Many of the women had tears in their eyes. Mae wiped at her eyes and Kyle pulled her into his arms. Zac looked like he was about to pass out. His face was pale and she could see his hand trembling.

Mistrea swallowed, her eyes still on Zac. “I haven’t been completely honest with the community. I didn’t just move to Ransom, I returned. I came back to live in my childhood home. People know me as Mistrea Larkin, but my full name is Mistrea Isabella Larkin Kendrick. Those of you who knew me before I left Ransom will remember me as Misty Kendrick.”

There was a collective gasp, but all Mistrea saw was the pain in Zac’s eyes. He opened his mouth as if to speak, but he couldn’t get the words out. He fell to his knees, his breathing heavy and Wade was there to support him. Shelby was freaking out and in the end Wade pulled rank and told her to calm down and back the hell off.

Mistrea stepped down off the stage and into her Uncles arms. “Uncle Wyn, you came.” She smiled and disappeared within his arms as he held her close.

Alwyn kissed the top of her head and whispered in her ear. “Damn Misty, I didn’t think I’d ever see you again. You’re home where you belong now my girl and no one is ever going to take you away from us again.”

As he pulled back Mistrea looked up and Mae and Kyle were there, “Aunt Mae?” she moved into the arms that were waiting for her and couldn’t help the tears that came. “You knew all along, didn’t you?”

“I had my suspicions child, but I knew you had to do things your own way.” Mae kissed her niece on the cheek then eased the hold on her so she could turn towards Kyle.

“Mistrea?” he began. “Does this mean we’re related?”

“Yeah, we’re cousins. Are you okay with that?”

Kyle laughed, “No wonder I was so protective of you.” He pulled her into a hug and within moments Aunt Mae and Uncle Wyn were holding her as well. Mistrea should have felt overwhelmed or even suffocated, but what she felt was like she’d finally come home.

Zac was confused and pretty shaken up by what he’d heard. “Misty, is it really you?”

Mistrea tensed and as she turned towards him her family pulled back a little. She didn’t say a word, just looked at him. Wade helped him to his feet and he moved towards her, pain still etched in his features.

Zac reached out to touch her but she glared at him, “Misty?”

“You have no rights where I’m concerned Mr Hunt.”

“You’re my mate, you should want to…”

“I no longer have a mate!”

“Misty, I’m right here. We’re mates, you’re my mate.”

People had begun to crowd around wanting to know what was going on, some knew the story Mistrea had told them and put two and two together, others were still a little confused. No one spoke, they waited quietly listening to what was taking place.

“Like I said, I no longer have a mate. He betrayed me and…”

“I was a kid Misty! I thought you were gone forever.”

Mistrea shook her head slightly, “I know Zac, but you weren’t a kid all the other times and I felt pain each and every time. In betraying me, you in effect rejected me.”

“No!”

She wasn’t sure what else to say and as she started to turn Wade spoke, “Luna, how can you walk away from this, from him?”

Mistrea sighed and looked at the man, “He walked away from me a long time ago Wade. As for being Luna; I’m not unsure if I’ll even take up the mantle.”

At that moment a strong hand came to rest on Mistrea’s shoulder, she knew in a heartbeat who it was and leaned into him waiting, knowing he’d have something to say.

Zac look at the man in surprise, “Elder McNeil! I don’t understand, why you’re here?”

Mistrea reached up and gave the Elder a kiss on the cheek. “I was wondering if you’d show up today Uncle Ivan.”

He smiled softly, before his expression became serious. “This is not something you can walk away from Mistrea. This is who you are, what you were born to be. You’ve already begun your journey as Luna little one. I’ve heard reports of your kindness, especially towards the youth of the community. There are already many who love you.”

“Maybe,” Zac spoke, “maybe we could go to the house and talk?”

Mistrea leaned further into her Guardian and wrapped an arm around his waist. She was all talked out, right now she wanted to sit quietly with her family and try and sort through all the emotions that were whirling around in her mind. She looked to her Guardian, then her Uncle Wyn hoping one of them would take the lead.

Ivan spoke; being a Council Elder he had the right. “I think there’s been enough said for now. I’d say you both need some time to think and sort through what’s been revealed here. We’ll meet again tomorrow. Ten thirty at the Kendrick house.” He didn’t really ask, he told everyone, then he steered Mistrea away.

As she walked along side her Uncle Ivan, she was followed by her Aunt and Uncle, as well as Kyle, Reece, Dylan and Oliver.

Zac called out to Oliver, unsure what his part was in all this. “Oliver, you knew?”

Oliver turned to his childhood friend, “Yeah I knew. We all made promises that last night we were together. I promised to protect her and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Even if I have to protect her from you.” He turned and walked quickly to catch up to everyone.

Zac stood beside Wade watching as she left, he was in pain, pain he thought he’d pushed so far back in his mind he’d never be able to find it again. Zac was an Alpha, he was strong, dependable and right now he felt completely and utterly lost.