Chereads / Running Home To Him / Chapter 18 - Surprise!

Chapter 18 - Surprise!

~Alaric~

I hefted the bag over my shoulders full of the crystals and instructions, and looked at Azaria as she fidgeted, my brow came together wondering why she seemed nervous

"Penny for your thoughts?" I asked and she smiled softly, the corners of her mouth turning up

"It's day and there are people around...what if someone sees me? I look...homeless...." She almost lowered her voice to a whisper, and I looked her over...she was beautiful to me and if I was being completely honest, I think her beauty would draw more attention than her clothes. But she wasn't wrong, and those beautiful legs were on display in that dress and those were for my eyes only.

"I'll have Bella bring you some stuff, she will know where to get stuff for you" I mind linked her quickly and she said give her a few mins and she would be there. Azaria said

" I like Bella, is there a way I can have her spend more time with me? I'd like to get to know her more. She was kind and didn't make me feel...small"

I smiled and nodded as a soft knock sounded at the door.

~Azaria~

I watched Al as he walked across the room and got the door. Bella had some clothes laid over her arm as a watched her form enter the room. She seemed so happy, and her smile brightened up the room. I was positive she probably had that effect on everyone she encountered. She quickly nodded to Al showing her respect I suppose, and she headed my way

"Welp! I have some options for you, I don't know why I didn't think to bring you some stuff earlier since your news! My little sister is your size and she left all her stuff when she found her mate, so I been meaning to donate it, but this works great!"

I smiled seeing she had a lot of options.... There were at least six outfits here and I was no fashionista, but all of these were name brand clothes! I looked them over picking out some casual light blue jeans, but I picked a nice top that was like a tube top but with a sheer sleeved layer over it that gave it a sexy but classy look, I should look like a fancier person so I don't make Al and his family look bad.

"Oh, that is cute! You can keep these ill just pack them up for you to take with you to.... oh, I guess I forgot to ask where you will be staying.

" She laughed softly but I looked at Al wondering if I should tell her or not. I guess if I'm going to try to get my own people, I need to start trusting....and that was terrifying. Al nodded at me with a smile, and I knew Bella didn't miss that, but she pretended not to notice. I smiled looking at her and took a deep breath. I guess I will find out who I can trust the hard way.

"I'll be in the pack house..." She nodded slowly at me, her brows coming together in confusion

"That's not usually where new people stay...but I suppose as a magic wielder Luna would want to keep you close. She does love teaching"

Bella smiled and kept packing the clothes and I frowned some the moment not having the affect I wanted it to, but Al chimed in

"She will be on the third floor Bella..."

She froze in place and for a moment it was as if time stopped. But as quickly as it started the silence was broken with a high-pitched squeal that came from Bella and it made me giggle watching her almost bounce in place. She briefly gave Al a friendly hug and it made me uneasy to watch but I knew she was just happy for the future Alpha. This was a huge deal because everything would be changing and soon Al and I would be the new leaders of the pack. She came back to me and took my hands in her

"I'm so happy for you! This is wonderful news! Who knows about this and when is the ceremony!?" She rambled on asking questions and I squeezed her hands

"This information can't leave this room, no one knows who I am and it needs to be that way a while until I get better and my memories come back....the coalition is looking for me and I can't...I don't want the pack to come under harm because of me.....I need to be stronger so I'm not useless if they do come...." I smiled and squeezed her hands again and she looked a bit more serious now and she nodded "Whatever you two need I'm at your disposal. You are one of us now and our future Luna...and if I may be so bold...I felt your magic, you're already powerful and our pack is blessed to have you. She smiled and pulled me into a crushing hug but also, I could feel the joy radiating off her. She turned to look at Al " As for you, I expect a spar tomorrow for letting me possibly embarrass myself in front of the future Luna!" She pretended to be upset but it was obvious she was joking with him, and he replied,

" No can do, I will not be leaving my mates side for the foreseeable future...."

I interrupted "I'm not marked yet..." she looked back and forth between us

" Are you able?" She looked at me with concern "did they hurt you..." she left the words hanging in the air, but we all knew what she was asking, if someone had forced themselves on me.

"No....no, I'm ok.... I mean they tried I think but the shield hurt anyone who tried to hurt me seriously, so I was fortunate in that way..." she sighed in relief

"Thank goodness....so just nervous then? Or inexperienced? don't be ashamed if it's one or both, I was nervous the first time with my mate, but he was exactly what I needed, and he made me feel safe enough to not feel that way....by the end I was jumping on him."

She laughed and I joined her and so did Al, but she seemed a bit sad. Al walked over and put a hand on her shoulder

" You don't have to do that Bella...." she looked at him and smiled softly and he spoke again "Bellas's mate died back during the start of this coalition war...." I frowned and took her hand

" I'm sorry you lost your mate.... I can't imagine..." I squeezed her hand and my eyes welled up with tears because it wasn't true, I could imagine that pain. I looked at Al and he looked back at me, and I knew that if he died it would damn near kill me. I let the tears fall and gently wiped them away " I'm sorry I didn't mean to get emotional I just...." she squeezed my hand back and nodded

"It's ok, you will be a wonderful Luna. You haven't even known me for a day, and you show me compassion, kindness, and understanding. That is a rare thing in this world and Al is lucky to have someone who is a good person." She smiled at me and Al and looked back to me

"Al saved my life back then, I wanted to die, and he stopped me and brought me back from death.... he is a good person too" she smiled and stepped back and started packing the bag again. Al came to my side sitting next to me, he held me close, wiped tears from my face again and kissed my temple. His proximity made me feel much better and I leaned into his embraced wrapping my arms around his waist and his voice sounded in my head

" I can't promise to know what will happen in the future but I will do my very best to stay by your side as long as I have breath" I smiled and snuggled into him more, nodding my head so he knew I felt the same. I went to the bathroom to change and when I came back out Al smiled brightly, his voice in my head again

"How do you get more beautiful by the moment, it should be a crime for anyone to be so captivating" he smirked looking at me and I felt my cheeks heat and probably were crimson red now. I like that he could talk to me privately, I just wished I could talk back to him the same way. Bella waited by the door with the bag of clothes in hand and she managed to pack the herbs and crystals in another tote bag. Al smiled at me and kissed my forehead

"Let's go home my love." I grinned and nodded. I felt good. I may not remember my home from before but now I have one, with my mate, and I have a friend! It may seem silly things to be happy about, but I've been alone for a long time, and I don't remember anyone but my parents from before. In a few days I've gained a mate, a home, and a friend. It felt good to belong for once. I smiled and followed Al and Bella; my hand entwined with his. I was home.