-Athena-

Silence reigned between the two of us as we walked away from Selene's cabin, and towards the pack house. Each of us succumbed to our thoughts not knowing what to say to one another.

'Amunet claims you killed her brother.'

Selene's words echo in my head. I killed her brother. Me? I'd never even met any vampires until Amunet.

Or did I?

From my peripheral vision I notice Theo shifting uncomfortably. He had his hands buried in his pant pockets, his gaze never wavering as he focused on the pack house which was a few metres away from us. But thanks to the mate bond, I could sense his anxiety. He knows something and it's bothering him.

''You know something,'' I tell him. ''You know what she was talking about, don't you?''

''Love, just- just drop it please. Somethings are best left buried.''

''I did kill that vampire, didn't I?''

Silence.

''Theo, damn it! Tell me!'' I yell.

Thankfully there weren't any pack members around here. Theo had taken a different route. It's like he knew this was going to happen. Under any other circumstances I would've congratulated him for his quick thinking. It's considered humiliating for an alpha to be seen fighting with his mate in front of the pack members. Alpha's are usually proud and egoistical.

Trust me, I would know.

It's actually one of the reasons an Alpha's house is always further away from the pack house and cabins. Whatever issues him and his Luna are having are supposed to be sorted between themselves. The pack members needn't know. Unless of course it concerns the whole pack.

''Yes, love.'' He speaks up after a whole minute of silence. ''You did kill a vampire. With the help of Charles and Hazel.''

Okay wow. If it took the three of us to take him out, he must've been strong. ''But Amunet only wants me dead. That's not fair, but okay.''

''It's because you were the one who ripped his head off,'' he says calmly.

I shuddered. I ripped his head off. I mean, ripping out hearts is fine. But a head! ''Umm, Theo?''

''Yes, love?'' He looks at me.

''What were the circumstances under which all this happened?'' I ask.

A look of hurt and sadness crossed his eyes, but he blinked it away and continued walking ahead. I wanted to pester him to tell me more, but then decided to drop it. The look in his eyes was enough to let me know that he didn't want to talk about it. I maybe pushy, but even I knew when to back off and give my man his space.

''Hey, so why don't you go ahead to umm- your office, I guess? I'll just hang around here. In fact, I think my stuff must have arrived by now, so I'll just go settle in.''

He stops in his tracks and looks back at me, confusion visible in his eyes. ''You sure?''

''Yeah, totally. You go on, do your thing. I'll meet you later in the afternoon for training.'' I practically shoo him away.

''Okay, I'll see you later.'' In two long strides he closes the distance between us and kisses my forehead, then leaves for the pack house.

The tingles started from where his lips met my skin, travelling down my whole body. My skin lit up on fire from that small kiss. I had to suppress a shiver as I made my way to the house. I mean, Theo has kissed my many times, in fact he has done more than kiss, then why do I feel giddy all over a simple kiss, and that too on the forehead? I rub my hands over my arms, my thoughts still occupied over that one kiss. ''Ugh, it was just a simple kiss, why!?''

''Uh- Alpha Athena, Are you alright?'' I hear a timid voice from the direction of the house.

Looking up, I'm met with a pair of emerald green eyes looking at me worriedly. The boy looked no younger than twenty. He was juggling my bags under his own weight. Rushing up the steps, I quickly grab one of the bags from him before he toppled off the porch. He hesitated at first, but a sharp look from me made him loosen his grip on the bag.

''I-I-I could have done it, Alpha. You don't need to-umm- you know, uhh-carry the bag,'' he mumbles in fear while trying to keep his gaze low.

''What's your name?'' I scrutinize him.

''J-J-Jayden,'' he stutters.

''What are you afraid of Jayden?'' I ask him as I open the door to the house and walk in, him following me inside.

''I-I-I'm sorry Alpha but um-um'' he struggles to form a sentence. I watch as a blush appears on his cheeks. Is he shy?

''Jayden, are you okay?'' I ask him as I try so hard not to burst into laughter. The giddiness from before long forgotten.

''Y-y-y-yes, yes.'' He looks down, his eyes not meeting mine. ''It's just that, ahemm- you're very beautiful and umm- being our alpha's mate, uhh- I can't, I can't look at you. It would not sit well with Alpha Theo if a strange, unmated male looks at his mate.''

I chuckle at him. ''Well for starters, Theo is not here. And don't you worry about it, you can look up, I won't tell,'' I whisper. Seriously though, some of our rules were weird. What harm would it cause if a young boy looks at the alpha's mate?

''No, no, no,'' he gasps and steps away. ''I'd rather not. Beta female Mila sent me to deliver these bags. I'll just keep them here and be on my way,'' he drops my bags next to one of couches and scurries out the door.

''Huh, well that's something you don't see every day.''

The next two hours flew by as I settled into to the room. I arranged all my clothes on my side of the walk in closet. Every now and then I would catch whiff of Theo's scent, making me go weak in the knees. Even though I should be used to it by now, I'm not. Every time I catch his scent my senses go on an overdrive, my brain turns to mush.

''Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!'' I curse. ''What the hell is wrong with me today? Arghh!!!'' I pull my hair in frustration. ''Okay, okay, deep breathes......in.......out......in......''

I continue with my breathing exercises for a few minutes. Once I felt a bit normal, I changed in to my work out gear. A plain black sports bra and it's matching leggings. I tied my hair into a high ponytail and zipped my hoodie up.

I was on the bed, tying up my shoelaces, when I heard the front door open. Immediately the musky scent touched my nose. Before I knew it, I was running down the stairs. I could make out Theo's huge form making its way up the stairs. I met him halfway and leapt into his arms, latching my lips to his.

I seriously don't know what had come over me. My brain was clouded with lust. The only thing I could think about was Theo's hands on my body, igniting a series of sparks everywhere he touched. My hands found the back of his head and I pulled him even closer.

''Mmmph,'' he pulls away from the kiss, his breathing erratic. ''Not that I'm complaining, but are you okay?''

''Yeah,'' I reply breathlessly. ''I'm fine. I just missed you.''

He smirks devilishly, then unwraps my legs from around his waist and puts me down. ''Well, if this is the kind of welcome I get, I'm thinking I should leave more often.''

''Don't you dare,'' I slap his arm and glare at him.

''I wouldn't even dream of it,'' he playfully pulls my cheek. ''Now come on, give me two minutes, I'll change and we can go train.''

I wait for him in the living room downstairs. My fingers trace my swollen lips, a silly smile playing on it. ''Oh goddess,'' I shiver from the untoward thoughts running in my mind.

''Ready. Let's go.'' I hear his voice from behind me. ''I suggest we run in human form first. What say?''

''Huh? What? Um, yeah, sure, let's run.''

Theo leads me to a spot not too far away from the house. We stop under a tree with a hollow in it. I stop by the tree my hand grazing on its bark. This place feels familiar. Looking around I spot different types of flowers, long grass and if you look carefully, a narrow path, which I'm guessing will be the one we're going to take. My skin begins to prickle from the intense stare Theo is giving me. ''What?'' I cock an eyebrow.

''This is our spot. We used to come here for our runs. It's when you first showed me your wolf,'' His eyes glaze, It's like he was transported to day. Unfortunately, I have been robbed of that memory, so I make do by staring at Theo's perfectly angular face. The light brown eyes, which to anyone else could be ordinary but to me, they meant the world, those cheekbones and don't even get me started on his jawline. Oh my, that jawline!

''Athena! Athena!'' Theo snaps his fingers in front of my face, ''Athena, love. Can you hear me?''

''What?'' I blink multiple times, tearing my gaze away from his face. ''Yeah, ahem- yes, come on. I'm ready, let's run!'' I smile at him and start jogging on the spot.

''I was saying- uhh, you know what, never mind,'' he waves his hand. ''Race you to the bottom.''

''You're on,'' I smirk.

Before he could start the count down, I was off. I ran will full speed down the path. The steepness of it gave me the momentum I needed to push myself forward. I could feel Theo right behind me, oh no, no, I have to win. Exerting more pressure on my feet, I shot forward even faster. Almost there, Almost there. I could see the small lake a few metres away. Just then, a blur passed me, leaving a gust of dirt flying in the air and into my mouth.

''Oh come on!'' I closed the remaining distance and stopped next to Theo who had a smug look on his face. ''You threw dirt in my mouth!''

''Sorry about that love,'' he leans forward and wipes specks of dirt from my face. ''But I won.''

''You cheated!''

''I did not,'' he crosses his arms and leans against a tree.

Don't look at the arms, don't look at the arms, I repeat to myself, trying very hard but failing to not to look at those bulging muscles.

''I simply saved up on my energy and used it at the last moment to gain speed over you,'' he pokes my nose.

I roll my eyes at him and walk over to the small lake. Dipping my hands into the cold water, I wash of the dirt from my face. Then walk up back to my mate. ''So, this is the place?''

''Yeah,'' he breathes out. ''We'll start with your hand to hand combat skills.''

''Okay, cool. I know I'm pretty great at that. I took classes with Leo-'' I stop mid-sentence as a dark shadow looms over me.

''You. Did. What?'' He enunciates each word.

''Took classes with Leo a few months ago,'' I don't break eye contact with him, but take one step back. I expected him break into a fit of rage and uproot a tree or something. Oh, that would have been entertaining to watch. At least thirsty, my alter ego would enjoy that.

But instead he just took in a deep breath, muttered some curses and walked away to the other end of the not so huge field.

''Let's begin,'' I hear his deep voice.

I unzip my hoodie and hang it on the nearby branch of tree. My skin begins to heat up and It's not from the sun shining overhead, but from Theo's eyes roaming over my body.

''Was that necessary love?'' his voice a whisper, almost like he was restraining himself from marching over to me and doing all the unspeakable things that I've been thinking about.

I shudder in delight, a cheshire grin on my face. ''Trust me, it was. Now come on, let's train.''

To say that I was pretty great was stretching it far. In the two hours that we trained, I found myself landing on my butt so many times, that after a while I lost count. I'm sure my behind must be bruised by now. No matter how many punches I threw at Theo, he managed to block each and every one of them.

I aimed to punch him in the stomach, he blocked it.

I aimed to punch him in the ribs, he grabbed my hand and pulled me towards him. I used that opportunity to unleash thirsty and started trailing my fingers down his abs, but damn, the man had the resolve of a brick wall. He actually grabbed my hand, and pushed me on the ground! The nerve of him!

I aimed to kick him the next time, but he grabbed my leg and tossed me to the ground.

To sum it all up, I wasted a lot of dollars in those classes. Even though I managed to land a total of three kicks on Theo. Which, now that I think about it, he let me, just to feel good about myself.

This time we walked up the path since we were both tired. Me more than him of course. ''You just need more practice love. Your punches were going off the mark, that's why it was easy for me to block them. Which makes me think, how did you manage to fight off those two vampires?''

''To be honest, I was thinking about it too. I mean, I may not have trained for months, but I'm not that bad. I've still got it in me.'' I bite my lip in thought.

''No you aren't, love. Your head was just not in it today. Is something bothering you?'' He stops to look at me as soon as we reach to the tree with the hollow.

Well, aside from the constant need to tear his clothes and jump his bones nothing else is bothering me. Never ever will I admit that to him though, wouldn't want to boost his stupid male ego. So instead, I smiled wide and lied through my teeth. ''Nothing is wrong, I'm perfectly fine. I guess I just need to train harder.''

He didn't say anything for about fifteen seconds, studying me carefully. Then nodded. ''Great then, we'll make this a daily thing, starting tomorrow morning. Say like-''

''05:00 am?'' I smile at him.

''05:00 am it is,'' he chuckles and wraps his arm around my waist.

As we got closer to the house, I begun to sense a familiar presence coming from inside. I turn to face Theo, who has a knowing smile playing on his lips.

''No way, are you serious!?''

''Why don't you go inside and take a look,'' he nudges me forward.

I rush up the steps and push the door open. The warm, floral scent that hit me had me feeling all sorts of homey. I pushed thirsty Athena at the back of my mind and hugged my mother tight.

''Mom!!'' I squeal in delight. ''Oh I've missed you.''

She hugs me back and also squeeze me tightly. ''Oh Athena, honey. I'm so happy you're back.''

We break the hug and she holds my face between her hands. Her eyes scanning my face as if not believing my presence. I smile widely at her and she does the same too, only that her smile was not as bright as before. It never quite reached her eyes.

''Mom, are you okay? Like, really okay?'' I give her a pointed look.

''I'll survive, princess,'' she caresses my cheek. Tears begin to pool in my eyes when she said that.

''Dad used to call me that,'' I sniff.

''I know,'' she smiles softly. Her eyes travel to Theo who is standing behind me. She drops her hands and walks up to him. Then hugs him. ''Thank you for bringing her back.'' I eye the exchange between the both of them and couldn't help but smile. My mom approves of him, that's for sure.

''So what brings you by mom?''

''I invited her actually,'' Theo answers. ''Ethan told me you wanted to see her last night, but then certain, umm circumstances led you here. So I decided to call Victoria over for dinner.''

''That's really great. So um, I'm gonna go shower,'' I tell the two of them and begin to make my way up the stairs, when I hear a soft knock on the front door. ''Were we expecting someone else?''

''Umm yes,'' mom looks at me with guilt. I hope you both don't mind but I invited Lila too.''

Wait. Who is Lila?

Before I could ask Theo, he had already opened the front door and in walked an elderly woman. Could be about 3-4 years older than mom. She had streaks of grey in her otherwise black hair. I couldn't for the life of me remember this woman until I looked at her eyes. Sparkling light brown eyes that very much reminded me of Theo.

Holy Crap!

Theo's mother. She is Theo's mother.

My eyes widen in shock as the woman steps up to me and engulfs me in a bone crushing hug. ''Athena, darling. Ohh you're back! I'm so happy you're back!'' She tightens her grip around me. For an old woman she sure had a lot of strength in her.

''Can't......breathe,'' I wheeze out.

''Oh dear, I'm so, so sorry,'' she breaks the hug and pulls away, her eyes however not leaving my face. ''Still as beautiful.'' She pats my cheek.

''Ummm...hi,'' I force a chuckle. ''I should umm, go shower.'' And with that I rush up to my room.

His mother! Holy moon goddess! Why the heck didn't he tell me? From the looks of it, she already likes me, but that does not mean I shouldn't be nervous. Showering quickly, I dry myself and walk out of the bathroom, only to be met by Theo.

''Are you okay?''

''Yeah, hehe. I'm fine! I'm totally fine!'' I grab a knee length peach dress from the closet and put it on.

''You don't look it. And I can sense that you're nervous. Is it because of my mom?''

''Would it be weird if I said yes,'' I bite my lip.

''Not at all. I know you don't remember her, but don't worry. She adores you. Just be yourself.''

''You mean, stubborn, bitchy, selfish and mean?'' I quirk an eyebrow at him.

''Well, the other self,'' he laughs. ''I need to shower now; think you'll be okay downstairs?''

''I'll manage.''

Slipping on my go to pair of flats, I tie my hair into a messy bun and go downstairs. The two ladies are huddled around the kitchen counter chatting and catching up like old friends. They break into wide toothed grins when they see me.

''Join us, Athena, come,'' Mom pats the empty stool next to her. ''Lila tells me the dinner is usually delivered by some pack members.''

''Uhhh, I guess?'' I shrug, not knowing exactly what to say.

''So, I have something I wanted to talk to you about,'' Mom continues, I could see her eyes gleam with excitement. Oh no, what is going on inside her head?

''Whatever it is mom, no.''

''But Athena dear, hear us out at least,'' Lila pleads and puts her hand on mine. I made the mistake of looking into those light brown orbs, all doe like and pleading.

Ahh damn it!!!

''Okay,'' I sigh deeply. ''What is it?''

''Ohh no honey. Let's wait for Theo. We would like for him to be here too,'' Mom says. Oh goddess, what is going on here? I look between the two older women in suspicion. What are they up to?

The knock on the door couldn't have come at a better time. Slipping off my stool, I practically ran to the door. I smile at the two pack members who handed me the trays of food. ''Enjoy your dinner Alpha.'' One of them also said. I thank them and juggle the two trays in my hand towards the kitchen table.

''Whoa there, careful. Here, let me take one,'' Theo suddenly appears and rids me of my burden.

''Thanks.''

We carefully lay the trays on the table. He then removes the plates and glasses from one of the kitchen cabinets.

''Mhmm, Chef Perez has outdone himself tonight,'' Lila says as she uncovers the trays. ''Come on kids, let's dig in. Look, there is lasagna, garlic bread, some ceasar salad and for dessert, oh, crème brulee. And what is this?'' She unwraps a small box. ''Cookies? Why did he send cookies?'' She looks at the both of us.

I cover my mouth to hide a snicker, while Theo looks amused. ''Mom, these are for Athena actually. Chef Perez sent them especially for her,'' He tells Lila.

''Oh well, here you go dear,'' he hands me the box and gives me a motherly smile.

Soon we are all digging into the delicious meal. I had to bite down the urge to moan. Chef Perez is a culinary genius. Nancy's mother's lasagna doesn't hold water to his. I was just about to sip on my wine when Mom speaks up.

''So, kids, Lila and I were thinking of throwing Athena a welcome back party.''

What?! What!? That's what they wanted to ask us? Could she have been any more suspicious about it?

''What do you both think?'' Lila leans forward on the table her doe like eyes darting between me and Theo.

''I think it would be-''

''No!''

Someone's fork cluttered on the floor, I think my mom or was it Lila? I'm not too sure since I was busy trying to avoid everyone's intense gazes on me.

''What? Why, Athena? I think a party would be great.'' Theo was the first one to speak up.

''Yes princess, why would you say no?'' Mom asks softly.

''It's just that, uh, there is a lot going on right now. And there is this whole thing with the memory spell coming up. I don't think a party is a good idea, at least not right now.''

''I beg to differ, love,'' Theo interjects. ''I think a party is a great idea. We should do it.'' He smiles at the two older women.

''Wonderful, it's decided then. We will begin preparations immediately. The party will be this Saturday. Victoria wants it to be at Crimson pack, Theo. I don't think that should be problem.'' She says in glee.

''Um, excuse me, but it is NOT decided. In case you didn't hear me, I said no. I do not want a party.'' What is wrong with them, did they not hear me? Or is my say on the matter not valid at all?

''Why not, Athena? And don't say the spell. If I'm not wrong, you're not the one performing it are you?'' My mom reprimands me.

''No, but-''

''No buts, girl! We're doing this and that's final. For the first time in months I feel like I'm ready to do something productive instead of just cry and wallowing in pain. I will not let you or anyone else for that matter take it away from me.''

Oh my, so that's why she looked so excited. Ughh, why didn't she tell me this before? Now I feel bad for saying no in the first place. My mom is recovering from the loss of her mate and this party is the first step towards it, I couldn't possibly say no now, could I? I'm not that heartless.

''Okay fine.'' I sigh. ''Only for you, mom.'' I squeeze her hand, letting her know that I understand her sentiments. From under the table another hand squeezes mine. The shiver that ran down my spine from his touch had me clinging to the stool tight.

***

There you have it!

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-Jessica.S