The next morning, Lykaon wakes me up early so we can go. He tells me to dress warm since I won't be shifting on this journey. I dress in a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt, sweats, and heavy socks to go into my combat boots. I put my hair into a braid and let it fall over my back before putting on a beanie and going downstairs to where Klyn was in the kitchen waiting for us. He slid over a plate of pancakes and the syrup and shouted at my mate, who was in his office, to hurry up.
When my mate came down, he was only wearing shorts, ready to shift at any time. I took in his abs and muscles before fully concentrating on my meal before I started drooling. I never really get to see his abs because he always has a shirt on per my request. Today though, it seems like he could care less and strides up to me to kiss my temple before grabbing his own plate and wolfing his food down.
In fifteen minutes, we're outside and the two men strip then shift while I stand in the cold putting on my coat. When they're finished, Lykaon brushes up against my leg and I rub under his chin. "How long will it take? Last time, it took all day and half the night."
For once, I can hear his reply in my mind. "A couple of hours with a stop at the halfway point. If there is any problem that you might have, let me know, okay?"
"Okay," I say and carefully climb onto his back.
"Wrap your arms around my neck and lay down so the wind isn't too harsh," he instructs. I do it and he licks my hands before taking off. I bury my face in his fur and hold on tight with all limbs, pressing my legs tighter against his ribcage, though he doesn't seem to mind. The muscles in his body work tirelessly moving in ways I had never noticed in my own wolf's body. It was invigorating and soothing to feel him beneath me. I feel his heart beat steadily faster the longer he pushes himself, his neck bobs up and down as he runs, and his warmth seep into my body. "Are you okay, baby?"
I hum a response not willing to lift my head or use my mind. I hear a deep rumble from in his chest that might be a chuckle. "You're so warm!"
"Now, are you glad you got to ride on my back?"
"I still want to run," I say and hold tighter.
"Soon, baby, soon."
An hour later, Lykaon slows to a stop and lets me off to stretch while he and Klyn make sure we're safe. After five minutes, I feel ready to go again and get back on. He runs into the sunshine, darting past trees and jumping over holes. It only takes another half hour or so to get to my family's pack border. Both wolves slow down and I sit up and watch the trees pass slowly and the pack appear. We were behind my parents' house to where the stalls are. Considering, I didn't need it, it made no difference since Lykaon and Klyn shifted wherever and whenever they wanted. It didn't bother me as much anymore as long as they warned me first.
When we reached the porch, I got off my mate's back and stood aside while they found something to dress in before knocking. I kept close to Lykaon who had his arm around my shoulders, resting my head on his chest. When the door opened, my mother came out with a bright smile. "You made it!"
Lykaon smiled down at her. "We certainly did, Luna Selen. Opaline was very excited to see everyone here."
My mother opened her arms for me and I was let go to embrace her. "Your mate told us you were doing better, but we were still worried. How are you, dear?"
"I'm fine. I just can't shift for a while," I say honestly. I pull away and go back to my mate.
My mother smiles at Klyn, "Beta, glad to see you again."
"You too, Luna."
From behind her, Jacques appeared. "Hey! It's my old sister come by to say hello!" I roll my eyes as he steps around my mother and crosses his arms. "So, tell me Opal. Where do we race to first?"
"We don't." I hold up my hand. "Not for a while."
He scowls. "Well, looks like I'll just have to settle for a good old teasing!"
"Shut up, Jacques and find the Alpha and Beta something they can wear without synching their waist so tight!" my mother scolds. Jacques holds his hands up and walks away.
Lykaon kisses my head and asks my mother, "Where is Alpha Merle?"
Suddenly, my mother and Klyn stiffen and glance around. I furrow my brows. "He's with some of his men right now," my mother informs and glances at me. "He'll be ecstatic to hear his daughter is safe and sound."
"He better be," Lykaon hisses.
"What's going on?" I ask him as we walk into the house.
"Your father is someone who overly protects those he thinks he still owns."
"What do you mean?"
"Luna, Opaline and I are going up to her room so she can take her stuff off, is that alright?" he asks.
My mother turns and smiles. "Yes, though there is not a bit of furniture in there anymore."
"That's fine." Lykaon leads me to my room and shuts the door behind us, locking it. I look at him with confusion as he sighs and closes his eyes. "Your family visited at the hospital.
"Did they see me?" I ask hesitantly.
He shakes his head and comes up to me. "My pack has rules that respect the privacy of coupled mates. If the mate doesn't want anyone to see their loved one, then it is their choice. The mate is the person who will be the one who is the most worried because he or she cannot stop going insane and having the worst thoughts. They want to be sure their mate is safe before anyone coming in."
I nod. "I understand."
He cups my cheek and softens his eyes. "I'm glad."
"So, what is the problem?"
"Your father almost went against the rules to reach you. He was willing to fight me right there and then in order to see you. When I told him to calmly leave and to let you decide, he threatened war against me and the pack." I gasp, shaking my head. Lykaon leaned closer and kissed me, holding me close. "I won't let it happen, Opaline. I won't let him hurt you like that."
"What about Jacques and my mother?"
"They understood. They accepted," he whispered. "Don't worry, baby. I won't let anything happen to me or the pack, or you. We'll be fine."
"How does Klyn know?"
"I had to keep him with you while I dealt with them. He offered to go in my place, but I declined and told him to watch you. Everything will be fine though."
I nod and step closer to let him hold me for a while in silence. When a knock sounds at the door, we still don't pull away and I don't want to. The knocks get harder before Lykaon sighs and goes to unlock it. When he opens it, Rona is standing there. Lykaon looks a little confused but I smile. "Rona!"
"Opaline, how are you?"
"Who are you?" my mate asks.
"I'm her brother's mate, Rona."
Lykaon looks at me with raised brows. I shrug and walk up to the girl. "What's up?"
"Alpha Merle requested to see you, Opaline."
"Great!" I say and grab Lykaon's hand to pull him with me. But Rona stops me and glances at my mate before looking at me with sympathy. "What?"
"He wants to see you alone, Opaline. Your mate can't come."
Lykaon pulls me back against his front, making me gasp, as he glares at Rona. "If she wants me there, I will go. I will not put my mate in an uncomfortable situation."
"He is her father!" Rona hisses.
"Don't talk to me like that, girl!" Lykaon growls, making me feel small. "Show us to where the Alpha is, and respect my mate's wishes."
To her credit and stupidity, Rona stands her ground. "I don't think that's a good idea."
Lykaon is about to let out words that are probably going to make me either laugh or cry, but Jacques, thankfully, pulls Rona away from us. "The Alpha is in the living room."
"Jacques!"
My brother grabs her hand and pulls her away into a different room. I stare into space until I feel Lykaon slowly turn me to face him. "Hey, are you okay?" he asks softy, his eyes searching my body and face.
"I…" my voice won't work and he looks more concerned.
"Opaline, it's okay. Tell me, baby."
My body starts shaking and I can't find anything to say. I step closer to him, just wanting to feel safe again. "Lykaon, I want to go home!"
"Did I scare you?"
I shake my head. "I want to go home with you and Klyn."
"Baby, we just got here ten minutes ago. If you want, we can go home tomorrow morning, though."
"I want to go down to the cellars," I whisper, grabbing his shirt in my fist. "I need to see if she's alright. Please, I can't see my father right now. Just let me do this?"
"That's fine, Opaline." Lykaon kisses me, his arms tightening. "Klyn and I will follow you down, but stay a little way away from where she is, okay?"
I nod. Pulling back, I wipe my face and look up into his gray eyes. "I just can't deal with my father. I can't—"
"Opaline!" he hisses, making me jump. "That is fine. Do what you need. I won't stop you." I smile small for him and nod. He cups my face and kisses my lips gently. "Just calm down, baby. I'm still here."
"I know," I whisper.
"Come on, Klyn is waiting for us." He takes my hand and leads me out of the room