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EVANORA
We reached the first floor and there were a lot pack members moving about, carrying boxes upstairs. "Good. Your stuff has arrived from your apartment. The Omegas will put your things away while we are at work. Anything in particular you want done?", he asked. I blushed and said "I have a painting that was above my bed. It always reminds me of home. Can it go above our bed?", I asked. "Of course, my lovely.", he said and his eyes turned white. "Done." We headed out the front door and I stopped at the top of the stairs. "Oh!! And my purse.", I said. His eyes went white for a second time. "Someone will bring it to you.", said Ryan as he guided me to the driveway. Paul was waiting for us by the truck. "Alpha. Luna." He greeted us with a bow holding open the door to the back seat. "Hi, Paul.", I said greeting him with a hug. Surprised he hugged me back. "How are you , sis?", Paul asked. "Good. Still getting used to things." I said. "To be honest, you're handling them well. I expected you to be a little more shocked than you are.", said Paul. I shrugged. "I feel like I've known all of you my whole life. Like this is where I belong." I said. Paul smiled genuinely. "You do.", he said kissing the top of my head.
A short lady walked up to us saying "Good morning,, Alpha, Luna, and Paul." She handed me my purse and smiled. "Everything should be there, including your phones and chargers. I kept it with me personally. If there's anything else you need please let me know. My name is Deborah." She said. "Thank you Deborah. I'm grateful.", I said. She bowed slightly then turned and walked away. Ryan smirked and helped me into the truck. "Trying to make me jealous?", Ryan said sitting next to me closing the door. I scrunched my nose not knowing what he was talking about. He nodded towards Paul. "Not at all, my love. I don't know why but I feel like Paul's the brother I never had.", I said. Paul jumped into the front seat and started the truck. "Right Paul?", I asked smiling. "Right, sis.", he said with a wink. Ryan smiled pulling me close, "I guess I could live with that." and we drove off.
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We arrived at the office and stepped off the elevator hand in hand. Maggs looked up and squealed. "Welcome to the pack, Luna!", she came from around the desk and gave me a big hug. "You knew?", I asked hugging her back. "Yes, Luna. Alpha recognized you as his mate the first day. I was asked to keep it a secret until he told you.", she said releasing me. "I hope you're not upset.", she said looking guilty. "No, no. Not at all. If it weren't for you we would have never met. So thank you.", I said hugging her again. "Please call me Eva. With everything changing so quickly, I'd like to keep this the same if you don't mind Maggs.", I said as I released her. "Of course.", she said. Ryan opened the door and said, "Please leave my messages on my desk. Eva and I will be back shortly." Maggs nodded. I walked through the door and Ryan followed. I went to my desk dropping my purse and blazer then I walked to the breakfast nook to make lattes for me and Ryan. He came up behind me and said "When you're done I want to show you something." I nodded not looking up. I turned to give him his latte and caught him staring at my ass. Smiling I asked, "What did you want to show me?" He blushed knowing he got caught. "Follow me.", he said.
We walked to his office and he opened the door to his private bathroom. I stepped in and said "Isn't this a bit overkill for your office?", I asked. "You won't be saying that when we have to stay overnight to meet deadlines." He responded walking over to a painting on the right wall. I watched him move it and heard a click. A hidden door popped open. "After you my lovely.", he said holding the door open for me. I stepped in to a small room that was dimly lit by by a lamp on a small desk. In the corner, were colorful books on a bookshelf. "This is my personal space. No one knows about it except Paul. I studied the Royal Bloodlines as a child and became fascinated with their history. I created these books myself. Each continent has their own monarchy. There is one book for each.", he explained. "But there are only 6 books.", I stated. "Wolves like to live near forests. There aren't any in Antarctica, so there is no monarchy there. Wolves can choose to live as Rogues or go there when they're exiled. Most choose to become Rogues.", he explained closing the door behind us. "Why do you have them hidden away?", I asked. "My father doesn't know about these books. I can't explain it but something told me to keep them hidden.", he said approaching the bookcase, "This is your Bloodline." He handed me a crimson red book. I opened the cover and it read "North American Royal Bloodline". I turned to the first page and read the name Philip Bartholomew Hollows. He was described as tall and muscular, fair skinned with emerald green eyes and reddish-brown hair he had a birthmark that resembled a crescent moon on his right shoulder. "Do we all have the same birthmark?", I asked. "It's one of the physical traits that proves you're from the Bloodline and have the right to rule. Only the person who bares the mark has the right to ascend the throne." I sat down and flipped through page after page of names. We all had reddish-brown hair, emerald green eyes, and a crescent moon birthmark somewhere on our body. I finally came to the page about my mother. It reads:
NAME: Sara Olivia Hollows
BIRTHDAY: July 13th, 19xx
BIRTH PLACE : Cottage Lake, WA
BIRTH MOTHER: Samantha Hollows
BIRTH FATHER: Sean Scott
CREST: (There's a picture of a letter H that has thorns through out it and a single rose bloom on the left foot of the H)
MARRIED TO : Eric Graham
CHILDREN : Sarah carried a child to full term and gave birth. Sex and birth date of the child are unknown. The child is missing.
SIBLINGS: None
DESCRIPTION: Sarah stood at 5'4". She has fair skin, reddish-brown wavy hair, a voluptuous frame and emerald green eyes which are a bloodline trait. Her crescent moon birthmark is located on her left ankle. Sarah was a beloved and benevolent ruler. No matter the social status of a person, she treated all equally. Sarah became pregnant in the 9th year of her reign. The couple let their guard down. The King disappeared. The Queen was devastated. Her labor started prematurely. She escaped the castle to have the child in secret believing there was a plot on her life. Sarah's body was discovered on April 29th in a safe house. There was evidence that she gave birth but the newborn was not found. Her husband's remains were never recovered. Sarah was cremated and her ashes are stored in the Royal Tomb. A search for the rightful heir was conducted by the Blessed Temple of Selene but they never found the child. Alpha Maximus Storm is now Steward to the throne and hopes to be elected the next King of the North American werewolves.
I sat there for a moment not knowing how I felt staring at the page blankly. "So my biological father might be dead too?", I asked. "No one knows. The search for you and your father went on for ten years before my father became steward of the throne. My father was in charge of the investigation. He never found the person that abducted your father though I suspect that's because he had a hand in it.", said Ryan with a concerned look on his face. He stepped closer and squatted next to me. He ran his hand along my thigh to comfort me. "My lovely, there's something else you should know about your lineage.", He said. I looked into his eyes and he continued, "Your Bloodline is the only Bloodline that never chose politics over love. You come from a strong and unbroken line of Alpha's. Everyone in your Bloodline are fated mates and all were Alphas or had Alpha blood. Starting with Phillip and his wife, all the way down to your grandparents. Even your parents were fated mates but your father was a witch. That means you're half witch and half wolf. You're the first in your Bloodline who is not a full blood wolf but being that your bloodline is strong it's possible your powers as a wolf will outrank mine. Being that you're the offspring of a witch, you'll also be able to create and control magic if you choose to learn." A single tear rolled down my cheek and Ryan kissed it away. "Are you okay lovely?", he asked rubbing my back. "Yeah. I guess the last 24hrs are finally catching up. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed I'll be okay, my love." I looked at the symbol on the page. It looked just like my necklace and ring. "That's your Bloodline insignia. It's how I figured out who you were.", said Ryan. He had concern written all over his face. "Did you know who I was before you knew I was your mate?", I asked looking in his eyes. "No, I didn't. I was surprised when I saw your necklace and ring. I knew you were my mate before I knew you were the lost princess.", he said. I believe him. I kissed him softly and sighed.
I closed the book and stood to return it to the shelf. He took my hand and led me back through the secret door. He turned and looked down at me, concern still etched on his face. He wrapped me in his arms and held me close as if he knew I needed it. The scent of mint and freshly cut grass filled my nose. He's my fated mate. He'll be my husband, the father of my children, and the King that rules at my side. I looked up at him. I imagined what our children would look like. What our home would be like. I pulled him to me and softly kissed his lips. "You're my only family now. Don't leave me." I whispered. He kissed my forehead. "Never. I am yours and you are mine.", he said. I smiled and hugged him again.
I led him to the empty vanity counter. I hiked up my skirt and sat on it spreading my legs. "What do you need my lovely?" He asked in smooth voice. "To make me feel good.", I said planting soft kisses on his face. Both his hands slid up my thighs and pulled my lace panties down. His kisses trailed down my neck onto my chest. His hands slid behind my knees pushing my legs back. He kissed the inside of my right knee. He moved slowly towards my flower nibbling and licking the entire way. By the time he reached my flower, the anticipation was built up so much that I exploded as soon as he licked my petals. He gripped my thighs to hold me in place. His tongue circled my bud and flicked back and forth over it. My back arched from the sensation. I moaned quietly, lacing my fingers through Ryan's hair. I began to rotate my hips as he flicked his tongue faster and faster. As I neared my second climax, he slipped two fingers inside me and did a "come here" motion. I lost it. Every inch of my body trembled. Satisfied with the reaction, he released me stood up and began to undo his belt and pants. I sat up and kissed him deep tasting me on his tongue. He slipped his hard shaft inside my flower and moaned into my mouth. I wrapped my legs around his waist and matched his slow thrusts. "I'm yours, my love. Forever.", I said staring deep into his eyes. Ryan kissed me deep and said, "And I, yours. Forever." We sealed our promise with a kiss and fell deeper into the throws of ecstacy.
RYAN
I didn't expect to make love to Eva in the office. At least not yet. She was hurting. I guess the realization of all of her parents (birth and adopted) being gone hit her harder than I expected. She needed me to make her feel good so I did. We cleaned up and went back into the office. "If you want to work in my office today you can.", I told her as we exited the bathroom. She nodded, " I'll bring my things.", she said. She headed for her desk as I sat at mine. I started going through my messages and my mind drifted for a bit. I looked over at Eva and smiled. I'm proud of my mate. She's stronger than she knows. Anyone getting bombarded with all the information she has received in the last 48hrs would have lost it. Not her though. She handled it with all the grace of a Queen.
I snapped out of my love struck awe and looked through my messages. My realtor in Italy left a message saying he was able to contact the realtor in London. Eva came back in my office. "I need you contact the realtor in Italy and get the information for the London realtor. Then contact Ms. Perch and give her the information.", I said. "On it", she said taking a seat on the couch setting up to make her calls. I turned on my computer and had a few emails from people interested in buying the equipment from Cynthia's Studio. The offers are decent. I also had an email from John with the complete inventory list. I sent him the emails from the buyers and let him know as soon as I find more buyers, I'll send them his way.
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Maggs came in. "Darcy from Sanctuary studio called. Our contract with them is nearly up and she's looking to renegotiate terms. Also, a woman named Corrine Hammy called. She's starting a recording studio in Canada and is looking for equipment and exposure. She'd like to set up a meeting.", said Maggs. "Set them both for after we return. Whatever sound equipment Cynthia doesn't sell by then, we can sell to her. And Eva, send a spa basket along with a bottle of wine to Darcy as an incentive to stay a client.", I said and sipped my now cold latte. They both nodded taking notes. Maggs said, "I'll add them to your calendar."
The phone rang. I looked at the caller ID. It was my father. Onyx growled. "What's wrong?", Eva asked. "It's my father.", I said. I raised my fingers to my lips letting Eva know to stay quiet. She nodded in acknowledgement. Maggs answered on speaker phone. "Good morning, sir.", she said. "Good morning, Maggs. How are you?", he asked in a monotone voice. "I'm well, sir, thank you. Hope all is well with you.", she replied flatly. "I am well. I'm here to meet my son's mate.", he said. "Pardon sir?", she said with an even tone but surprise on her face. I mindlinked Paul. "I'm in the lobby. Come get me.", he said and hung up the phone. Maggs hung up. "Who told him?", she asked wide eyed. "I don't know. It had to be someone from the pack, an elder.", he said. Paul came rushing in. "Go with Paul, lovely. He's going to take you to another floor. Stay with him." I said. She nodded and gathered her things. Paul wrapped his arm around her rushed her to the staircase taking her up to the next floor that is reserved for special clients who wish to stay in Ann Arbor for a few days while we conduct business. Maggs removed her shirt and started rubbing it everywhere Eva sat in an attempt to cover her scent. I grabbed a clean suit from the closet and ran to shower. I washed quickly but thoroughly. I dried off, put on some cologne and got dressed. I was walking to the breakfast nook when I saw Maggs and my father getting off the elevator. I wiped everything down quickly and started on a cappuccino for him. He walked in and looked at me with a stern face.
"Hello son.", he said eyeing me closely. "Hello, father.", I said cooly. "Do you still take brown sugar in your cappuccino? ", I asked focusing on what I was doing. "Yes, and apparently so do you. I hear you found your fated mate and she's a beauty.", he said looking around the office. "I have and she is. I only just introduced her this morning. How did you find out?", I asked. "You may be Alpha but there are those still loyal to me.", he said with a cocked eyebrow. 'Fucking traitors.', I thought to myself. "Where's Evanora? Have you told her you're betrothed? ", he asked taking the cappuccino I offered to him. I didn't flinch but I hate that he knows her name. I hate hearing him say her name. "She had an appointment and I'm not marrying Cynthia. I told you before, if you want her family's connections, you marry her." I said walking to the conference room. I offered him a seat. "I have no interest in becoming a husband or a father again. Besides I only get the connections if she marries you. When is she due back?", he asked. "That's none of your concern. My mate is my business.", I said slightly annoyed. "Well, I beg to differ. You ARE my business and her being your mate makes her my business by extension. If you had pups with anything less than a shewolf of an alpha line then all my efforts would have been for nothing.", he said calmly.
Father is an Alpha but his mother was an Omega and grandfather's line weren't strong Alphas. He was born before grandfather found his fated mate. Grandmother couldn't have pups so she raised father as her own. I on the other hand was born of a daughter of an Alpha who was 8th generation of an Alpha line. Mother was father's chosen mate. He paid a large sum from pack finances to marry her. It nearly ruined us as a pack. "Were you happy with Mom? I mean really happy. You nearly devastated our pack paying for her to be your mate. But was it really worth it? Were you happy with her at all?", I asked. He sipped his cappuccino and looked me in my eyes. "Happiness had nothing to do with it. I needed a strong heir and she gave me you. I would have liked to have had more pups but your mother fell ill. I did come to care for her but, no, I was never truly happy. ", he said. I shook my head thinking of my mother having to put up with him as a mate.
He looked at me through squinted eyes, "I know the pain of rejecting your fated mate. I don't ask you to do this lightly. If I hadn't rejected mine you wouldn't be here. I'm not asking you to love Cynthia. I'm not even asking you to be loyal. You can have your mate on the side if that's what you wish but you must marry Cynthia. Marrying Cynthia gives us power and backing for when the Elders choose a new Royal Bloodline.", he said sipping his cappuccino eyeing me for my reaction.
I sat up in my chair and folded my hands. I looked him square in the eye and spoke very clearly. "I want nothing to do with your plans. I will not marry Cynthia nor will I reject my mate.", I said firmly. He set the cup down hard spilling some of the cappuccino on the table. "I gave you time to live your life! More than enough time! The day of Ascension is three months away. If you do not marry Cynthia, everything I've worked for, everything I've done will be in vain. I did it all for your sake and the sake of our future Bloodline. You WILL reject your mate. You WILL marry Cynthia! We will be Royalty and rule over the entire land!", he yelled with a crazed look in his eyes. "Are you threatening me Father?", I asked in a low dangerous tone. "No. I am promising you that you will regret your decision to defy me! YOU WILL OBEY!", he hissed using his Aura to try to get me to submit.
"I built up our pack! I saved us from being destitute! I not only replenished the pack funds but made us the most financially stable pack in north America! I am the Superior Alpha! I am stronger than you are!", I yelled towering over him. "You dare come here and try to force me to into marriage for you own agenda?", I asked releasing my own Aura. "If you come near ME, my MATE, or MY PACK, I WILL KILL YOU! CONSIDER YOURSELF BANNED FROM ALL PROPERTIES AND DISOWNED! YOU ARE NO LONGER A MEMBER OF THE MOON LAKE PACK! YOU ARE NOT MY FATHER! YOU ARE A LONE WOLF!", I yelled. Onyx growled loudly. "LEAVE NOW! NEVER COME BACK!", I yelled. He writhed in his seat from the pressure of my Aura. "You're making a mistake.", he strained to say. He fell to the floor not being able to stand. "The only mistake I made was not disowning you sooner. You are a vile man, a dishonorable wolf and I want nothing to do with you. I am ashamed to be your son.", I growled. He crawled to the elevator breathing hard. I lowered my Aura so Maggs can escort him out.
I mindlinked Paul to bring Eva back when Maggs returned. "Alpha, what are you going to do?", Maggs asked looking worried. "Marry my Mate!", I snarled still upset. She bowed immediately taking two steps back, "My apologies Alpha." I took a breath trying to calm down and said "There's nothing to apologize for Maggs. I'm sorry.", I said pulling her into a hug, "I shouldn't have snapped at you. Forgive me." She trembled in my arms. "Please calm yourself. I would never hurt you.", I said kissing the top of her head and hugging her tight. Maggs was my mother's best friend. Father tried to keep her away from me after Mom died but she made sure to sneak and see me whenever she could. She calmed down and hugged me back. " I'll help you in anyway I can, Ryan.", she said.
The elevator dinged and Paul and Eva stepped off and ran to us. She wrapped her arms around both me and Maggs. "Are you both okay?", she asked. We both hugged Eva and I breathed in her scent finally relaxing. "We're better now.", I said. "Let's just call it a day. We can work remotely until after we return from Italy.", I said kissing both Maggs and Eva on the head and releasing them. "Paul have Mark bring a few warriors to escort us home. Ladies, collect your things. We're leaving", I said. I went to the back to straighten up. I collected my clothes and the mugs. Eva washed the mugs and wiped down the nook. I organized my desk then we all went to the garage. Paul opened the gate and two armored SUV's pulled in. Mark jumped out with two warriors. "Maggs and Mark you ride with us. Have two warriors drive her car.", Paul said. We all got into our vehicles. The SUV full of warriors pulled out first. We followed, then Maggs' car then the second SUV last. "What happened?", Paul asked. "Basically what you'd expect from Father. I'll brief everyone when we get back. Lock down our borders. No one in or out.", I said.
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We arrived on pack grounds without incident. After dropping off Maggs at her home, we headed to the pack house. When we got there, we jumped out and headed straight to my office. Caleb, Corey, Shayla and Sophia were all in the office when me, Paul and Eva arrived. "Thank you for coming on short notice. We have a situation.", I said taking my seat behind my desk and pulling Eva into my lap. "My father knows I have found my fated mate. Someone from the pack told him. He's pushing me to marry Cynthia and reject Eva. He hinted at having people loyal to him within the pack." They all looked at each other. "We need to devise a plan on how to fish them out.", I said. Shayla spoke first, "Everyone in our age group and younger is loyal to you. It's gotta be someone who's older. Someone who was close to your Dad. Who still lives here from your Dad's years as Alpha?". We all started thinking. "Mr. Bradley is still here.", said Corey. "Mr. Bradley hates Maximus. Remember that battle with the Rouges that happened when we were like 11, 12, years old. Maximus sent Mr. Bradley's son along with a few others to act as decoys so that he and two battalions could attack from a different angle. All the decoys died except Mr. Bradley's son, but he's been paralyzed since.", said Sophia. "There's Mr. Carlson. He was fond of your father. Oh and Mr.Stevens.", said Caleb. "Mr. Peters, Mrs.Daley, Mr. Avery. It's not a short list.", said Paul. "The best question is, how do we investigate without alerting the leak?", Shayla asked. Everyone fell silent. "You don't.", said Eva. Everyone looked at Eva with confusion on their face. "You could say that my life has been put in danger. Ryan is on a warpath and is going to kill the snitch. They'll get nervous and try to leave. Especially since we're leaving for Italy. They'll think they'll have a chance to run while we're gone. You should pay close attention to those who suddenly have urgent business off pack grounds.", said Eva. We were all surprised. It was a sound strategy. "That could work. Mark has tripled patrols and shut down the borders already. We'll take note of those coming in from work and ask for work schedules from them. We could also do a head count of members." said Paul. "30,000 members? That's not going to be quick. It'll take days.",said Caleb. "We have a roster we can just tick off those who are loyal and below a certain age. ", said Shayla. "It might be faster to do the opposite.", said Corey. "So let's get started. Bring the roster to the conference room." I said, "We'll start making lists. Wolves who have jobs off the property and wolves loyal to my father. We'll cross reference those and shorten the lists." Everyone nodded. "We'll meet you down there.", said Sophia. One by one they filed out.
I buried my nose in Eva's neck and inhaled deeply. "No one is going to take you from me, my lovely.", I said "You're mine." I inhaled again. She turned and straddled me. "Bad idea lovely.", I said in a low voice. "Comforting my mate?", she said. She wrapped her arms around me and held me close. I waited for her. I dreamed of her nearly every night for years. Now that she's here, NO ONE is going to keep us apart. I stood up and laid her on my desk. "I love you Evanora." I said unbuckling my belt and opening my pants. "I am yours.", I said pulling her panties off. "You are mine.", I said pulling my pants down. "Do you love me? Do you trust me to protect you?", I asked her. She smiled at me. "Yes, I trust you and yes, I love you.", she said. Then we made love again on my desk.
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PAUL
We waited for ten minutes and started without Ryan and Eva. We got through a third of the list before they popped up and had 30 names of possible traitors. When they pitched in things went a little faster. Nearly 4 hours later the list dropped to 12 names. Everyone seemed satisfied with the list so copies were made and I took them to the guard houses around the perimeter. I purposely saved the guard house that's close to Penelope's for last.
Being around Ryan and Eva, the Betas and the Gammas I felt like the odd man out. They all worked as couples and I was on my own. Not that I mind much. It just made me think of Penelope. Her face, her scent... I just want to be close to her right now. Even if it's only for a few minutes.
As I got close to her cottage, I became extremely nervous. I started checking my clothes, rubbing my hands over my face and head wishing I had shaved. I dreamt about her for years. I never thought I'd find her. My dream was of me running through a forest. It wasn't the one surrounding our pack but oddly enough it still felt like home. My hair was long and my beard was grown out. I'm running naked in my human form. I come across her foraging for herbs. Her hair was pinned up and seemed to be set ablaze by the setting sun. She wore a simple sheer green dress and was barefoot. She looks up at me and smiles. "Hello Paul.", she says walking towards me. I fall to my knees in awe. She's perfect in every way. She's in front of me now and reaches out to touch my face. I hold my breath in anticipation. right before her fingers make contact I wake up. Finally, she's here.
I walked up the path to her front door. There was a female warrior in front named Sable. Mark trained her personally. She is fierce when it comes to combat. "Good evening, sir.", she said. "Good evening, Sable. I came to check on them. How are they?", I asked. "They're settling in. We just got here from the hospital. Their wellness report was sent to Alpha Ryan .", she stated. "Good. Good. I'm just going to knock.", I said awkwardly stepping past her. She smiled and nodded. Before I could knock the older woman, Minerva, answered. "Good evening, Paul.", she said opening the door catching me off guard. "Uh, H-Hi. Minerva, right? I just wanted to check on you all and bring you these cell phones. There's one for each of you. The Alpha, Luna, Betas, Gammas and my numbers are stored in each. Please call any of us at anytime.", I said handing her a bag with three cellphones and chargers inside. "We don't know the first thing about how to use these.", said Minerva accepting the bag. "I'm sure the warriors in your charge wouldn't mind helping you learn how to use them. It's simpler than it seems.", I said. "I'd love to help.", said Sable. I smiled in her direction grateful for the intervention. "Well, then, thank you, Paul.", said Minerva. "How are you feeling?", I asked genuinely turning back to Minerva. "We're getting better. Poor Janet is still shaken up, otherwise I'd invite you in.", said Minerva. "I understand.", I said. "Are you looking for Penelope?", she asked with a soft smile. I could feel my face turning red. "I, uh... y-yes. I am.", I stuttered. 'What?! Stuttering? What am I? 13?' I thought to myself. "She's about to go foraging. Your timing is perfect. Could you escort her?", asked Minerva ignoring my sheepishness. "O-of course. It would be my pleasure.", I responded. "She'll be out in a moment.", she smiled closing the door.
I took a few steps back again, checking my appearance. I changed earlier into grey sweats and a dark green shirt and running sneakers. I looked back at the door and Sable was smiling. "What?", I asked feeling self-conscious. "You look fine. Breathe.", she said smiling. I guess word got out about me finding my mate. I blushed again and the door opened. Penelope stepped out barefoot wearing a simple lime green tunic dress with a dark green hooded cape and carrying a shallow basket. She is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. "Hi, Paul. ", she said smiling at me. "H-hi, Penelope." I stuttered again. "Call me Penny.", she said walking up to me. I smiled like a lovesick pup, "Penny." She smiled at me so sweetly. I put my hands behind my back to keep from reaching for her cheek. "Minerva told me that you're going foraging. I was hoping to accompany you. We could have one of your warriors come along, to make you feel safe.", I said. She smiled, "That's not necessary. I know you wouldn't hurt me.", she said starting to walk towards the forest. I was two steps behind.
Penelope is more than a foot shorter than me. I'm 6'4" tall while she is 5'3". 'She's so tiny in comparison to me.' I said to myself with a smirk. "This seems like the perfect chance for us to get to know each other.", I said walking beside her. "It does.", she said with a smile, "Have you lived in Michigan your whole life?", she asked. "Yes, but I do my share of traveling. What about you?", I asked. "I used to live in upstate New York by the Catskills. My parents moved us here when I was 10. I moved out after high school. Started practicing magick in my freshman year of college and became obsessed. Eventually it opened me up to the supernatural world. When I found my coven I was 25. I left my human life behind and have been by Minerva's side ever since.", said Penny. "25? How long have you been with your coven?" I asked. She smiled over her shoulder as we entered the forest. The sun was starting to set so orange light was pouring through the trees, setting her hair ablaze. Like a moth, I was dying to touch it. "Trying to figure out my age? " she smiled. I cleared my throat slightly embarrassed, "I know it's not polite to ask a woman her age. Plus you said when you were 25. You barely look 20."I said. She bent over and started digging up the roots of a mugwort plant. She looked me in my eyes and asked "Is age a big thing for you?" I smiled at her with hearts in my eyes. 'She's older than me.', I thought to myself. "Not at all. Age differences doesn't bother me.", I said. She stood up laying the plant in her basket, eyeing me. "I'm 38", she said waiting for my reaction. "Ok. I'm 25.", I smiled never breaking eye contact. She blushed and started walking again. "That's young. It seems like a lifetime ago for me.", she said. " You look a lot younger, tho. Younger than me in fact, if you're worried about appearances.", I said. "I'm not.", she said smiling. "What's your favorite color? ", I asked. We walked and talked until the moon was high in the sky.
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***THIS NOVEL IS SOLELY PUBLISHED ON WEBNOVEL. LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF THIS IS RECREATED OR REPUBLISHED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR***
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We arrived back at her cottage around 10pm. "I enjoyed spending time with you, Paul.", she smiled up at me. "I did too. I look forward to seeing you again when I get back.", I said. She got to the door then turned to face me. She reached up to touch my face and her scent filled my nose. Pink roses and freshly cut cantaloupe. My heart started to beat faster. She tiptoed and lifted her chin pulling me in for a kiss. The moment our lips touched, I felt weak. Weak and strong. Impervious yet vulnerable. My hands slipped around her waist and I held her to me gently. She became aroused and I kissed her passionately. She let out a small whimper and I stopped dead. "I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get carried away. Are you ok?", I said taking two steps back. She smiled and said "I'm OK. Janet and I huddled close to Minerva for two different reasons. I was just afraid to be around so many wolves after what happened. But since I found out that you're my mate, I feel safe here. I know no one would hurt the mate of a pack member.", she said. I took some calming breaths. "Still. I don't want you to feel rushed or uneasy. I'm perfectly fine with taking things slow.", I smiled lovingly at her. I kissed her hand. "I leave early tomorrow. Minerva has a cellphone for you. Feel free to call me.", I said. "Thank you, but I don't know how to use it.", she said shyly. "Sable will be more than happy to help you figure it out.", I said. She smiled softly, "Ok.Thank you." "Goodnight Beautiful.", I said in a smooth voice placing a kiss on her cheek. "Goodnight.", she blushed then opened her door and walked in closing it behind her. I started walking towards the pack house with a huge smile on my face. I found my mate and she's perfect for me. I'm looking forward to whatever happens next.
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EVANORA
When we finished the list, we had dinner with Corey, Caleb, Shayla and Sophia. I could sense that Paul was feeling like the odd man out but I'm a little disappointed he wasn't there. We finished our meal and went upstairs to pack for the trip. When we walked in, Ryan took a few steps inside then stopped. His mouth was agape staring at the portrait of us. I twisted my fingers waiting for a response or reaction. He turned to me. "It's beautiful.", he said. "You like it?", I asked. "I love it.", he said kissing me gently. "When did you paint this?", he asked. "When I was 15. I dreamt about you every night for two years and 3 months straight. I thought painting the face that haunted my dreams would help get you out of my head.", I said. "Did it work?", he asked with a cocky smile. I rolled my eyes and smirked, "You know it didn't.", I admitted walking into our closet.
My stuff was already in place on the right side of the closet. I saw a lot of new items added to my wardrobe. "I'll pull out the suit cases.", he said walking to the back wall and pulling down two suit bags, a duffel bag, and one large suitcase. "We need to pack for five days. Make sure to include swimwear.", he said winking at me. I packed 3 suits, 4 shirts. and two pairs of dress shoes in one suit bag. I started packing pj's and work out clothes when I came across my swimsuit. It was dental floss with small patches of white fabric. I walked out holding it with two fingers. "Sir? Where am I supposed to wear this?", I asked. He looked up from packing our toiletries and plastered a mischievous smile on his face. "In our private pool of course. There's more tasteful swimwear in there for the beach. That is for my eyes only.", he said. I blushed and put it in the suitcase. I went back to my dresser in the closet and found a tasteful but sexy one piece that was black with the sides cut out from the ribs to the hips with full coverage for my booty complete with a sheer cover up dress. "Nice! You have good taste my love.", I said placing the swim suit in the suitcase. "You haven't seen anything yet.", he said packing our sneakers and slippers.
After we finished, he suggested we watch a movie. We got into our pj's and cuddled up on the couch. We watched a romantic comedy until I drifted off to sleep. Ryan carried me to bed and climbed in behind me. He pulled me close and nestled into my hair. Laying in his arms is my new favorite place to be. I slept peacefully knowing the man of my dreams was next to me.
RYAN
I couldn't sleep for some reason. I was careful not to wake Eva getting out of bed. I went down to the kitchen for some ice cream and found Mrs. Jones starting prep for breakfast. "Good morning, ma.", I said. "Good morning sweet boy. What are you doing awake?", she asked cutting up fruit. I walked over to the fridge and grabbed the pistachio ice cream. "Dunno. Guess it's the excitement of finding my mate.", I said grabbing a spoon and taking a seat at the island. "That was a surprise. I knew the moment I saw her she was your mate. You've never shown women any interest. She had to be THE ONE if she was by your side.", said Mrs. Jones with a smile. I chuckled and ate a spoonful of ice cream. "How did Cynthia take the news?", she asked. "Exactly how you think she did. But I'm sure she's happier with her mate than she ever would have been with me.", I said eating another spoonful. "And your father?", she asked. I stopped eating and looked up at her. "He'll have to marry her himself if he wants that throne. I'm not giving up the woman I love for anyone or anything.", I said with a straight face. She nodded and smiled. "If all Alpha's had your convictions our world would be better off.", she said. She went back to work but I swear I saw sadness on her face. I took one last spoonful and got up to put the ice cream back and the spoon in the sink. "Too bad I'm one of a kind, huh?", I said jokingly and kissed Mrs. Jones on the top of her head. "I'm going to try to get some sleep. See ya in a few, Ma.", I said heading back up stairs.
I couldn't put my finger on why but Mrs. Jones seemed off. I guess it was the talk about mates. She never spoke about her mate. She raised her boys on her own. I never met him. Even her boys didn't talk about him. I wonder if they knew who he was.
I pushed those thoughts out of my head. But something she said lingered in my mind. Eva is THE ONE. She's my everything. I smiled thinking of us having kids and aging together. She's going to be my Luna. The Luna of the pack. The Queen for all of north America. I have to share those pieces of her. I got to our room and placed my left hand on the door. I pictured a wedding band on my finger and smiled. I thought of what hers should look like. There's a Jewelry shop in Milan that crafts custom designer rings. I quietly walked into our room and grabbed my phone. I snuck over to my office. I can't wait to see the look on her face when she sees the ring.
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***THIS NOVEL IS SOLELY PUBLISHED ON WEBNOVEL. LEGAL ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IF THIS IS RECREATED OR REPUBLISHED WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR***
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