Soon they had arrived at the market in the center of Taazokaan, the city closest to Soteria's forest. It was alive with the chatter and laughter of people all around them, from what Luke could tell they were all Lycans. Different storefronts lined the streets while street vendors and merchants were all over the place.
Before Luke could even get close enough to mind sync with Baddy, Diana stopped them all for a moment. A smile gracefully appeared on her face as she closed her eyes and brought her hand to her heart. "They're in the middle of the market, just over there." She spoke softly and pointed towards a display of cheese wheels and slices.
It wasn't hard to spot them with Baddy standing taller than everyone else around him. From the distance they could see Reika loading him up with different types of cheeses.
For a brief moment Luke noticed Baddy close his eyes and bring his hand to his heart, just like Diana did prior. Opening his eyes and dropping his hand, he looked straight at them. Well straight at Diana. You could see it as they drifted towards each other. As if some connection was forcing them together until they were safely in each other's arms. Leaving Reika to deal with all the cheese that was currently scattered everywhere. Blaidd ran over to catch one that was rolling away.
"Tala?" Rick asked in confusion when he came out of one of the stores. "You sure you should be out and about?"
"It was feeling kind of stuffy so I figured the fresh air would do me some good." She explained with an awkward laugh.
"Well I for one am happy to see you, I never understand what dads talking about. You can help him find the parts to whatever it is he's working on" Reika laughed.
"If you guys will excuse us for just a moment. Luke, Baddy and I need to talk but we'll catch up shortly." Blaidd tells Rick and the girls as he handed Rick the cheese wheel. Shoving Baddy's shoulder to get his attention. "We'll be back in a moment and then I promise I'll bring him back." He smiled to Diana who's lip was beginning to quiver and pout.
"You can come help me find ingredients!" Reika squeaked wrapping her arm around Diana's, pulling her off into the center of the market.
Luke, Blaidd and Baddy walked around watching the Custos family from a safe distance.
"What was that back at the barn?" Blaidd finally asked Luke. Baddulf looked at them both confused.
"I don't know." Luke told them honestly.
"I thought you were going to stay away from her?" Blaidd's tone was stern.
"Wait?" Realization showed on Baddy's hard features. "What happened with Tala while we were gone Luke? Everyone seemed uneasy and Diana seems a bit upset."
"She didn't seem too upset to me." Blaidd blurted absentmindedly.
"Our mate bond connects our feelings. If I concentrate, I can see where she is, feel how she's feeling. I felt it when I connected with her before. She was mad at Luke and sad for Tala."
"So that's what that was, I was just about to mind sync with you when we got closer, but she stopped us before I could. I guess she'd be able to feel when you're in range." Luke guessed.
"Its not like the telepathic link that we all share. Ours is a bond. Conjoined souls. She could be anywhere in the world and we will still be connected. Well, once we go through the mating ritual we'll be able to feel each other from anywhere. For now it has to be within a certain distance." Baddy stopped for a moment to take a calm breath. "Now, Luke, tell me, what the fuck did you do?"
"I don't know what the big deal is. Nothing even happened." Luke shrugged and continued walking.
"Diana and I walked into the barn with a topless and very human Tala straddling a very naked Alpha." Blaidd explained still not losing the edge to his voice.
"Luke, c'mon, what were you thinking?" Baddy questioned.
"Like you're one to talk!" He scuffed. "She's a gorgeous legal aged consisting adult and nothing even happened anyway." Luke defended.
"Only because we walked in and it is a big deal, she's human. She might live with our kind but she's not one of us. You're an Alpha that means you're held to the highest of standards. No one in our pack, especially your parents, will be okay with any of this. So, get over your little fling." Blaidd demanded.
"She's not just some little fling!" Luke growled at him in defense.
"Then what is she? Your mate? You can't be more ridiculous if you think that!" Blaidd growled back. Never before had he challenged Luke, but he won't let his best friend ruin his reputation for some human farm girl.
"I DON'T KNOW OKAY!?" Luke shouted drawing attention. "I don't know." He said quieter. "Every time I'm near her I feel electrified. Every nerve ending tingling from her touch. My soul is at ease around her. She even has a pull on my wolf, he cries for her. Constantly whining for her when I'm not around her but then cries when I am. Demanding me to protect her." He confessed.
"You can't mate with a human Luke." Baddy said in his softest tone. "You know you can't."
"I know . . . so what do I do?" Luke's shoulders slumped.
"You need to leave, tomorrow night, we'll finish up here and follow in a few days." Blaidd said finally back to his normally calm tone. At that moment Tala walks out and coyly smiles at Luke making his heart flutter. He couldn't imagine leaving her. What a fool he is to even think that way he scolded himself.
"I'll leave early tomorrow morning." Luke agreed turning back to them.
There was an awkward silence hanging over the dinner table that night. Reika had made her special hearty spaghetti and everyone was quiet as they ate.
Standing up, Luke clears his throat and holds up his glass of Pinot Noir. "Before I leave tomorrow."
"You're leaving tomorrow?" Tala absentmindedly interupts. It felt as if someone had just punched her in the stomach.
"Yes, before sunrise." He said in an emotionless tone that he could see hurt Tala. He could feel her sadness inside his soul.
"I just wanted to say thank you so much for letting us into your lovely home and for all the delicious food. I hope one day you guys will come down for a visit so I can repay your generosity. To old friends and new!" They all picked up they're glasses and cheered, all but Tala who was staring blankly at her food. Luke could see the single tear she was trying to hold back.
"Well to be honest I'm sad to see you go, it was nice having you around. You remind me so much of your father. Know that you're welcome back here anytime." Even Rick was getting a little choked up as he spoke.
"We should get some desserts as a last hooray! We don't get to celebrate often. I know we're sad so let's make it a happy night instead. Leave the tears for tomorrow! The ice cream shop in town is still open for a few more hours." Reika exclaimed. "Dad is that okay?"
"Yeah, I think that's a great idea. Let's go ahead and get going, I got the wrong size gear and I might as well return it while we're in town ." Rick chuckled.
"I'll come with you." Luke offered. Tala looked up at him with even more sadness in her eyes. He knew she wanted him to stay which is why he needed to be far away from her at all times.
Off the three of them went to head back to the market. Tala was still sitting at the table when they left.
"I think we should check the perimeter before we relax." Blaidd said before Baddy could get any other ideas. All he got was an eye role in response, but they were out the door checking the area soon after.
"While the guys check things out, do you mind helping me clean up?" Diana asked Tala softly.
Tala didn't respond as she stood to gather the remaing dishes from the table. Diana's heart sank knowing the hurt and confusion her sister must be feeling.
Her family hated lying to her. Their entire life has been shrouded in secrecy and if only she could just explain it to her. It wouldn't help the hurt but then, at least, she'd know. She'd understand who Luke is and why they could never be together.
Diana thought about her own hurt. How not knowing if Tami was still out there or okay tore her up and kept her up most nights. How could Luke have done this to her. Tala was their fragile flower that needed protecting and their own kind keeps hurting her. Diana tired to keep her emotions at bay as Tala handed her the now clean dishes to dry. Diana was so mad at Luke for causing this, at Tami for not being there because she needed her so badly right now. Her advice and warmth. Diana watched as Tala dissapeard into the living room.
At the market . . .
"So why didn't you want to stay at the house with Tala?" Reika asked as soon as her father was out of ear shot.
"I'm here to protect all of you. Plus it's a beautiful night out" He felt tingles with just the mention of her name.
"I see the way you both look at each other. I might be young but I'm not stupid or blind."
"Is that right?" he laughed.
"It is, so cut the crap and be honest . . . why not?"
"It's complicated." He shrugged.
"Life is always complicated, so what?"
"No matter how we look at each other, she's human and I'm a wolf. Not just any wolf either."
"You're the alpha, I can see how loving a human complicates things. Just like her loving a werewolf complicates thing in our world too. She doesn't even know who we really are. . . It's hard to keep a part of yourself hidden from someone you love. I've wanted to tell her so many times. I just don't want to see her hurt or scared again. So please, just don't leave without saying goodbye. Talk to her before you leave." Reika didn't leave time for him to respond, running off to catch up with her dad. Leaving Luke to his thoughts.
Back at the farm . . .
"Tala, go upstairs!" Diana growled when she heard knocking a half an hour later. Tala instinctively obliged. She rarely ever heard her big sister get angry over anything. But that wasn't just anger in her tone, it was fear. Diana was ready to protect her home. As soon as Diana opens the door, she was greeted by Gela who embraced her into a warm hug.
"Welcome to the family Diana." Gela greeted.
"Luna! What do I owe this pleasure." Diana asked bowing her head in submission.
"I needed to see my son. Where is he and everyone else?"
"They are currently at the market in town, but they should be back shortly. May I get you anything while you wait."
"Green tea with honeysuckle if you have any."
"Yes of course, just a moment. Please feel free to make yourself comfortable" Diana motioned to the living room and Gela obliged.
"Who's that?!" Tala asked as soon as Diana came into the kitchen startling her.
"That's Gela, she's Luke's mother." Diana whispered.
"Wow, she's so gorgeous but what is she doing here?"
"She is and you need to stay upstairs until dad gets back."
"Why?"
"You're a curious little creature, aren't you?" Gela interrupted them as she stepped into the kitchen. She stood impressively in a black fitted suit with a low-cut white chiffon top. Looking more like a fabulous business woman rather than Luke's mom.
Gela could see why her son was so smitten with the girl. She had a sexy type of innocence about her. Medium auburn hair, about 5'8" give or take, curvy with the most mesmerizing golden, brown eyes. Her aura was so different than anything Gela had ever seen or felt, and her scent was so intoxicating. This girl is far more than just some normal human. She began to walk around Tala who stood uncomfortably under her gaze. Tala began to fidget with her clothes awkwardly. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "We're in here dear." She calls out into the silence.
A moment later two men appeared. The man with short dark black hair with gray streaks in it and ice blue eyes stood beside Gela. While the other, who was much larger with long gray hair and dark eyes, stood blocking the entrance to the kitchen.
"Hello Dove." The man next to Gela greeted her.
"Hello my love. So, this is the new member of our family, Diana." She gestured towards her and Diana bowed
"A pleasure Alpha." She greeted.
"And this?" she asked about Tala "May I assume that this is the human pet that belongs to Alarick?"
"Excuse me? Human pet? What the hell are you talking about and who are you people?" before she knew what had happened the larger man had Tala by her throat.
"How dare you show disrespect pet." The man hissed.
"Please! Tala didn't mean any disrespect, she knows nothing of our ways or people. Please just let her go and I'll make sure she stays in her room for the remainder of the evening."
"Rad it's quite alright let the poor girl go." Gela instructed. Rad let her go and Tala collapses to the ground coughing and gasping for air. Holding her neck she watches as Zeev suddenly begins walking around her the same way Gela had before.
"There is something odd about you." He noted as he bent down to be at eye level with her. "I swear there's this familiarity I feel when I look at you." He stared hard at her for a moment before being interrupted.
"Dad? What are you guys doing here?" Baddy asked Rad as he and Blaidd walked in through the washroom.
"We're here to find Luke, where is he?" Rad demanded.
"He's at the market with Rick and Reika. Are you guys okay?" Baddy replied looking to Diana. She nodded in reply.
"And you didn't go with them because why?" Rad asked with an annoyed tone.
"Because we needed to stay behind to protect Tala and Diana. Per Luke's instructions. Or would you rather me defy my alpha father?" he retorted smugly.
"Boys, you have way too much to be celebrating, so do that instead of fighting." Gela exclaims.
"What do you mean Gela?" Rad asked confused looking from Baddy to Gela.
"I didn't tell him yet Baddulf, I wanted you to be the one to surprise him." Exclaimed Gela.
Suddenly a lump was stuck in Baddy's throat. His father was going to skin him alive and mount his fur.
"What do you have to tell me?" Radulf asked nervously to his son.
Baddy walked over to Diana, grabbing her hand in his as he walked with her by his side to face his father. He felt better having her by his side.
"Dad, this is Diana Custos . . . my love . . . my mate. Diana, this is my father General Radulf."