Chapter 35

"Are you sure you have to go today?" I asked; trailing behind my mate as he jogged down the stairs. I found that a little difficult considering I didn't want to trip in the strappy heels I'd paired with my light, cotton, floral-pattern dress. "I'm taking Jackie over to the Delaney territory today."

He sighed as his feet came to rest at the threshold of our front door; turning to me with an apologetic look. He grasped my waist as he pulled me closer, his lips brushing against his mark as he buried his face in my neck; breathing in my scent.

Normally my wolf's thoughts would immediately jump to the idea of mating, but this time, she could feel that all he needed at the moment was support and reassurance. For him just to feel protected and loved. I was more than happy to give him that as my arms wound around his neck. "I would go with you if I could." He mumbled; his words sounding muffled against my skin.

It was my turn to sigh. "I know, I just really wanted you to be there when I introduced her to Dylan."

He nodded; pressing his lips to my temple. "I want to be there too but this can't wait, not even for a day."

I pulled his face down to mine; planting a tender kiss on his lips. He reacted immediately; tightening his hold on my waist as his tongue pushed past my lips. I held onto him until I felt dizzy; my wolf floating on air in response to the kiss, not able to form any coherent thoughts as my mate and I pulled away.

My lips returned to his in another chaste kiss right after. "I know." I admitted; stroking his cheek as my jade eyes met his. I wanted to let him go; but I was paralyzed by his gaze. It was intense and filled with so many emotions that were too fleeting to comprehend. For some reason, the longer I studied his expressions, the more dread filtered into my body.

I wanted to ask what was troubling him but Ethan chose that moment to walk through our door; smacking it right into my shoulder and the side of my head. I could hear Logan growl at his Beta in response. The force of the opening door had me sprawled on the floor; my balance affected by the heels.

One moment I was staring at our ceiling, the next, my vision was filled with Logan. He cradled me to his chest and seemed to be stroking my hair as he asked me if I was alright, my head bobbing up and down in response. His anger-filled gaze though, was aimed at the shifter in the doorway. "What the fuck did you think you were doing?!" He snapped; his booming voice making me wince.

Ethan looked mortified. "I'm sorry, I had no idea she was behind the door." His eyes fell on me. "Luna, are you alright?" Logan pulled me closer and growled; making me wince again as the sound emitted from his chest right by my ear.

"Shut up, Ethan! You don’t get to talk to her! You're even fucking lucky I'm not punching your face in right now!"

My blonde bestie peeped her head in around her brother. "What's going on?" She asked with a tilt of her head.

I pushed myself up into a sitting position despite the protests of my mate. "Nothing, your brother just slammed a door into my face, nothing I can't handle." I said with a shrug.

Jen gave the Beta an incredulous look. "Seriously?!"

"It was an accident. I would never do it on purpose!" He exclaimed in his defence.

"You better not." Logan threatened.

I pressed a hand to my mate's chest; trying to get him to calm down as I turned to the other shifters. "Ethan, what were you coming in here for before you door-assaulted my face?"

He smacked his head. "Right, Logan, we're ready to go. And if we want to arrive by tonight we have to leave this instant."

The focused look returned to my mate's face. It must be important if it makes Logan snap out of his possessive Alpha mate mode, I noted to my wolf. "I'm sorry Chelsea, I really need to go." He grasped the sides of my face as his eyes met mine again. "Is your head going to be okay?"

I smirked at his question. "My head is going to be fine, just be careful." I demanded; pressing my lips to his once more before he got both of us to our feet. He flashed me my favourite lopsided grin; but I still couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off about it. I didn’t have any time to dwell on it though as Ethan ushered my mate out the door and into the awaiting, black S.U.V.

Logan rolled down his window, giving me one last loving look before they began to move. I opened up our mind link. “I love you.” I mumbled through our bond. “And I you, my precious Luna,” came his response, giving me a nod before his vehicle disappeared from sight and into the dense forest. I immediately felt that emptiness that always came with his absence, but I pushed it to the back of my head as I climbed into another one of the Blood Moon Pack’s many S.U.V’s.

Henry, the shifter I’d met some time ago sat at the wheel, a smile appearing on his face as I closed the door behind me. “Don’t worry Luna, the Alpha will be back before you know it.” He said in a reassuring tone; clearly able to catch on to my less than chipper mood. A forced smile made its way to my lips as I nodded. I could tell even he could see through my pathetic act, but that was all I could manage.

***

Jackie was fidgeting uncontrollably beside me; her fingers tangling and detangling faster than she took in breaths of air. Her face was hidden behind her curtain of caramel hair, which she left down for this first meeting with her mate. I couldn’t help but smile at her adorable behaviour; laying on of my hands on the mess of fingers on her lap. “Calm down, Jackie. What are you so nervous about?”

She gave me an incredulous look. “I’m about to meet my mate, Chels! Do you have any idea what that feels like?” I raised a brow. A nervous laugh escaped her lips. “Right.” She said with a sheepish look. I shook my head and grabbed her in a tight hug.

“He’s going to love you.” I said firmly. I pulled away just as the car stopped in front of the Delaney Pack Alpha house. I gave her a mischievous look before I got out. “But first, he’s going to shit his pants because I haven’t told him that I found you.” Her eyes bulged at my words.

“What?!”

I laughed at her expression as I shrugged. “I might have forgotten to mention it. I wanted it to be a surprise!”

“Chelsea!”

“Shhh!” I said as I pressed my index finger to my lips. “Stay here, I’ll come and get you.” I left her spluttering for words in the car as I shut the door and walked into my old house.

A few hundred pairs of eyes met mine as I appeared. My brother came up to embrace me in a hug. I relaxed in his arms as his familiar scent surrounded me. “Did he tell you what happened?” I asked so quietly, only Jake could hear me. He nodded.

“He did.” He said in a grim tone which switched to more of a tired one as he continued. “I’ve missed you, Chelsea.”

I pulled away. “I missed you too Jakey.”

He kept a hand on my back as he turned to the rest of the pack; all gathered in his living room. “I brought everyone here, as requested.” I smiled in approval at my brother before my eyes scanned the crowd for Dylan. I found him looking down at his feet at the back of the room. I walked back to the door as everyone, short for Dylan, watched my movements with curious eyes.

I motioned for Jackie to come to me. She did as she was told, walking briskly to my side; the skirt of her knee-length, white dress swaying around her legs, her feet making no noise in her silver ballet flats. I had helped her pick out her outfit yesterday, pairing the dress with a thick; red belt to cinch it at her narrow waist.

I could tell that she was a little irritated I decided to drop that bomb in the car, minutes before she was to meet Dylan but she was too preoccupied by his scent, which I knew she could smell by now, to tell me. I reappeared in the living room with Jackie by my side; my eyes focusing on my brother’s Beta as he stiffened, recognising his mate’s scent. “Mate.” I heard Jackie mutter to herself beside me.

I turned to the crowd. “I’m sure all of you are curious as to why I’ve brought you here. Well, I just thought that we would all want to be here for the moment when your Beta, would meet his mate properly, for the very first time.” I announced; the eyes of everyone around me lighting up to match the smiles on their faces as they focused their gaze on the shifter beside me. I could already see the acceptance radiating off of them.

Dylan’s lips were frozen slightly parted as his gaze remained glued to Jackie’s. I nudged her forwards as they slowly moved towards each other; the crowd around them parting as they made their way across the room. I knew that I probably had a really stupid grin on my face but I didn’t care; the look that Dylan and Jackie were now sharing was absolutely worth it. My brother threw an arm over my shoulders and crushed me to his side. “You did good, sis.”

I smirked and flashed my brother a look; raising my brow. “Good? I did great. In fact, I deserve a freaking trophy.” I corrected with a smile; my cheeks beginning to hurt as I failed to contain all the happiness I felt from being able to bring Dylan and his mate together.

My brother chuckled softly. “My boy is growing up, I’m so proud.” Jake mused like an excited mother. I shoved him away playfully.

“And I wonder why you haven’t found your mate.” Our playful argument was interrupted by somebody clearing their throat. I turned to find the whole pack now focused on the two of us. The person who had cleared their throat was Miranda, an older member of the pack who had been like a mother to my brother and I since our parents passed.

She had been a very close friend of my mother’s and to her; it just seemed like adopting us after the rogue accident befell our parents was the right thing to do. She had no children of her own, so she always said that it wasn’t like taking us in was a burden. All the other members of the pack had informed us that she’d never found her mate. I never had the heart to ask if that was really true.

Her long, hazel hair was now cropped to shoulder-length and streaked with several strands of silver. Her face was filled with amusement as her dark eyes watched me. I rushed over and threw my arms around her. “Miranda, how have you been? I haven’t seen you in ages!” I exclaimed. She chuckled as she hugged me back.

“I’ve missed you as well my little wolf. How have you and your mate been?” She asked excitedly, pulling away but keeping her hands on my shoulders. “You haven’t brought him home yet.” She accused playfully. “Would I approve?” She gave me a look as her eyes darted to Jake; who was now talking to the new, happy-looking, couple. “More importantly, does Jake?” Miranda continued with a raise of her brows.

I full out laughed at the absurdity of that statement. “He wouldn’t approve if my mate was a saint. I doubt he approves of Logan.”

She laughed with me. “Ah, my little wolf, come with me, we need to catch up and anyway, I made your favourite cookies.”

***

“So you choked this girl with Victoria Secret’s underwear?!” Miranda questioned; her face slightly red as she laughed. Her hands shook slightly; the tea in her cup swishing around. I chuckled along with her; biting into one of her pack-famous, chocolate chip cookies.

I shrugged as I gave her a mischievous look. “Well, what did that red-headed bitch expect? She tried to convince me that my mate was hers.”

Miranda wasn’t even affected by my harsh language, she was cool like that. “You were never good at sharing. I remember back when I used to take care of you and your brother. You, my little wolf, could never share any of your new toys.” A smirk made its way to her lips. I sighed theatrically, knowing where this was going. “Speaking of toys; how is this mate of yours?”

I raised a finger. “He isn’t a toy, first of all.”

Miranda gave me a knowing look. “But you have played with him, haven’t you?”

My mouth dropped open in mock incredulity; she and I have always had quite an open relationship. “I can’t lie to you, so there really isn’t any point in saying no, is there?” I replied; grabbing another cookie. She just chuckled as she finished off her tea.

“I better get you back, I’m sure your brother will be wondering where I’ve whisked you off to.” She sighed. “That boy needs to find his mate. You’re on your way to making babies, and now Dylan has his mate.” She shook her head. “Your brother needs to find that special gal soon!” Miranda mumbled; getting up. I just nodded in agreement; grabbing another cookie before following her out.

***

I stepped into my living room; though it didn’t resemble it at the moment. All the furniture had been pushed to the walls to make the spacious room even bigger, making way for a DJ booth and some speakers. Strobe lights flashed to the beat of the song that was so loud; it felt as if the walls were shaking. My brother was currently reclined on one of the couches, his arm wrapped around a bimbo who looked more than happy to have some of the Alpha’s affection.

Jake was too preoccupied with whispering God-knows-what to his arm candy to notice my presence. I just rolled my eyes before searching the room for Dylan and Jackie. I found them by the temporary bar; their heads tilted towards each other as they tried to hear each other of the music.

I pushed past the sweaty, gyrating bodies on the makeshift dance floor to make it across the room. Unlike my brother, the happy couple noticed when I approached. “Hi! What’s going on here?!” I yelled. "I've only been gone a few hours!"

“Jake decided this would be a good way for the pack to have some fun and meet me!” Jackie explained, giving me a look. “No offence or anything, but it feels more like he just did this so he could get lucky.” Her mate chuckled at her admission; pulling her closer as he pressed a kiss to her lips. I couldn’t help grinning like an idiot in response to their blatant show of affection.

I laughed too, that sounded like Jake. “He did.” I confirmed; grabbing a can of coke from behind her. I took a sip. “I’m going to go change. Try not to have too much fun while I’m gone.” I said over the music; taking my can of coke with me as I jogged up to my old room.

I threw my clothes off and changed into a black, sequined tank top over a pair of maroon, leather pants. I slipped my feet into a pair of heeled, black pumps and threw on my repaired pendant; running some lip gloss over my lips before spraying some perfume onto myself. I grabbed my can of Coke from my dresser on my way out the door.

I made my way downstairs; a nauseous feeling building in the pit of my stomach as I heard the obnoxious giggling which could only belong to the mindless drone I’d seen wrapped around my brother earlier. My eyes landed on the lady herself; pressing her overly exposed breasts that were spilling out of her skin-tight, completely sequined, hot pink, strapless dress to my brother’s body as he leaned in to kiss her.

I rolled my eyes before moving to his side and yanking him away from the female who practically had her tacky, pink nails buried in his flesh. She flashed me an irritated look. “Can I help you?” She demanded in a shrill voice.

I flashed her a smirk as I pressed a hand to her shoulder and shoved her away. “Yeah, start walking away.” I snapped; pointing my index finger at my brother. “This one belongs to me.” She narrowed her eyes at me.

“Who do you think you are?!”

“The girl who is going to rip all of your hair out, chuck by chunk, unless you walk away. Right. Now.” I commanded in my Alpha tone. She immediately recognised my power; turning and stomping off in her gaudy shoes with her tail between her legs. I straightened my arm to form a type of horizontal pole as Jake moved forward to stop her. “Don’t even begin with me.” I threatened.

I could tell that he caught the warning tone in my voice; making a wise decision as he complied with my wishes. When she was well out of hearing range, he spun me around; an irritated look etched on his face. “What the fuck was that?!”

“Oh, calm down! I probably saved you from getting like, a dozen STD’s.” I snapped; sipping from my Coke can.

My brother rolled his eyes. “Just because you’ve found your mate, doesn’t mean you have the right to cock block every other male in your life you know?”

I snorted at his statement; lifting my can for another drink. “I do when it’s you, Jake.”

“Please, do you really think that that mate of yours was such a saint before the two of you happened? I’m sure he’s bagged a few girls himself before he had to settle down with you!” My heart cracked as the memories of me and Logan’s early days together flooded my mind. Jake may not have realised it, but his words bitch slapped the reminder of what my mate had been like before we met, right in my face.

I winced at the emotional blow, my free hand flying out and connecting with Jake’s cheek; the sound of the impact resonating through the room. The music immediately came to a halt; every gaze fixing on us as I stood in front of my brother whose head was currently facing away from me due to the force of my slap.

I felt the tears burning at the corner of my eyes; my hand that held the can shaking from the mixture of sheer pain and anger that was currently bubbling up inside of me. “I can’t believe you would say something like that.” I spat; my voice, though below a whisper, was laced with venom. “Especially to me!” I snapped; my rage evident in every syllable as those three words vibrated around the room. “Screw you.” I growled; giving my ass of a brother one last, hateful look before throwing my can to the ground and storming out.

***

I walked until I was in the forest; letting the darkness blanket me like a protective shield from prying eyes before I let my tears fall. I kept my arms wrapped around myself as I ventured deeper into the trees; the silence of my surroundings helping to calm some of the storm within me. My mind immediately flitted towards the memories I had of Logan; even that calming me enough to stop my tears. My jade eyes travelled up to the moon, which was barely visible through the thick canopy of leaves overhead; the moon I knew he would be looking at too. “I miss you, Logan."

The moment those words left my lips; I heard the sound of rustling leaves behind me. My head darted towards the source of the sound; scanning the darkness for any movement. Before I could react, something hard hit the back of my head; my body collapsing forwards. The world was rocking as I turned onto my back; fruitlessly trying to sit up as my head began to throb. My fingers went to my hair; my hand coming back red. The sky above was the last thing I saw before my eyelids became too heavy to keep open and everything went black.