GUINEVERE
We sat in silence as we drove towards the Lunar Moon Pack. I looked out the windows and noticed the forest thickening, the trees were getting bigger and closer together, making it almost impossible to see through them.
"We should reach the Lunar Moon pack within the next hour, Damien stated, interrupting my thoughts, "We will need to be introduced to Alpha Asher first, and then we will be shown our room. Once we get settled in there I'll take you to the spot I used to visit as a boy and help you with your first shift."
"What's Alpha Asher like?" I ask Damien, intrigued at the thought of meeting a new Alpha. Alpha Sam and Damien were the only Alpha's I had met. Since my father was labeled a traitor we weren't allowed to attend pack events.
Damien scowled a bit before answering my question. "Alpha Asher is a great leader. We were very close growing up. Since his pack is our neighboring pack, my parents and I came here often we celebrated many festivities together, and our families often vacationed together. As soon as I turned 18, we came down here for a celebratory dinner where a ball was held in my honor. My family and Ashers had hopes that I would find my mate in the Lunar Moon Pack and that it would bring our pack closer. Asher had two unmated sisters at the time and everyone thought I would be mated to his sister Kelsie because we spent most of our time together growing up.
Sabrina let out a growl, instantly jealous of this Kelsie person. Damien was ours, and any females he mentioned she considered our nemeses, at least until Damien accepted that we were his.
"Do you believe in second chance mates?" I ask, trying to ignore the hurt that came with the question.
"No, not really," Damien replied, not even taking a second to think about my question.
"So you don't believe that your Mother is your Father's second chance mate?" I ask frowning in confusion. I had heard stories about how in love the Alpha and Luna were, but by Damien's quick response, I began to wonder if perhaps the stories were false.
"No, she most definitely isn't. My mother is over the moon in love with father, she would do absolutely anything for him. She is his devoted servant. My father only sees my mother as a means to an end. He needed a Luna and she, daughter of the woodland pack, just happened to be visiting the pack, during his time of need. My father wooed my mother, mated her, made her his luna, impregnated her with his heir, and then left her on her own, his duties fulfilled. My father spends his nights, in the beds of many female consorts, while my mom slowly dies inside, as she struggles to keep up appearances that her relationship with my father is strong.
My heart broke for Damien. He sounded angry and betrayed. I couldn't imagine growing up in a broken house. Though we were poor and basically packless, my father and mother were head over toes in love with each other, I couldn't imagine growing up in a loveless home.
"It must have been hard growing up knowing that your father didn't love your mother. I can't imagine how your life must have been. I was hoping that your parents had been each other's second chance mate. I'd like to imagine that when we break our bond, that one day we will find our someone special to share life with. I'd like to imagine, that this is it. That our happily ever after ends with our bond."
Damien glanced over in my direction, his knuckles turning white with how firmly he was holding the steering wheel. He had a questioning look in his eyes as he stared at me, his mouth opening and closing again, like he wanted to say something. Whatever it was he wanted to tell me, he decided against it, as he shook his head and turned his head to stare at the road.
We continued on for some while in an uncomfortable silence. Neither of us knowing what to say to each other. I leaned my head against the cool window as I tried to stop the thoughts running through my head. What had Damien wanted to say. Slowly the soft vibrations of the car began to lull me to sleep as I felt my head getting heavier and heavier.
DAMIEN
The car was eerily quiet as I drove through the forest, the soft sounds of Guinevere sleeping the only noises in the car. I could feel my rage growing with each passing moment. I wanted to know why Guinevere had brought up Alpha Asher. Did she want to get to know him on a more personal matter. And if she did why should I care? It's not like she'll be my mate forever. The only reason we are going on this stupid drive in the first place is to break our bond. I inhale deeply trying to calm the boiling rage inside, not wanting to attack my friend the moment I saw him. I couldn't wait until I severed the bond completely that tide me to Guinevere, once the bond is severed, I won't care who she is or isn't with. I won't care what she is or isn't doing... At least I hope not.
I exhale slowly, trying to clear all of my thoughts of Guinevere out of my head. I needed to focus. I was on an important mission. Our journey was not only to break our bond, but to also secure a new peace treaty with the Lunar Moon pack, not that I had any doubt that Asher would fight the treaty. But still, better to be over prepared than under.
As the familiar surroundings of the lunar moon pack came into view, I glanced over at my sleeping mate, wanting to let my eyes roam over her beauty at least one more time before I had to wake her. She looked so peaceful with her head tucked into her shoulder leaning up against the window. Her lips in a perfect pout, her beautiful almond shape eyes closed, as her nose quivered and scrunched every few seconds, the cold air bothering her, more than likely. My mate looked like a hand painted glass doll. I wanted to save this picture in my memory book for all time. When I thought back on the time I spent with Guinevere, this is the moment I want to remember, not the fighting and bickering we've done ever since we first met each other.
"Guinevere," I call gently, as I pull into the pack house parking, "Gwynn, darling it's time to wake up." I whisper as I undo my seatbelt and reach across the center consul to gently shake her arm.
"Hmm..." Guinevere acts sleepily as she pulls into a mid nap stretch, letting out a rather large yawn.
"We're at the Lunar Moon Pack, you maybe have thirty seconds to make yourself look presentable before Asher greets us." I reply.
Guinevere looks up, and lets out a quiet gasp as she sees Asher walking towards the SUV. She quickly runs her hands through her hair, and uses the back of her palm to wipe the drool of her face, before opening the door of the vehicle and sliding out. She quickly adjusts her shorts that have ridden up on the journey her and runs her hands down her shirt, trying to smooth it down. I hop out of my seat in the SUV, and stick out my hand in greeting.
"Asher," I call out to my friend, letting him know that I can see him, "It's been too long." I glance over towards Guinevere and I can see that she's walked over my way. My heart skips a beat as I take in her beauty,
I'm not sure if Asher heard my greeting, he is too busy staring Guinevere up and down, his gaze lazily tracing her curves. I can that he's attracted to her, and why wouldn't he be, she's just his type. When he looks back at me, his wolf's presence can be seen and a look of desire can be seen in his eyes.
Finally, after he was done ogling my mate, Asher acknowledged my presence. "Damien, it's been far too long, what's it been, nearly seven years. I think the last time we saw each other was during your Alpha ceremony." Asher replies, ignoring my outstretched hand and taking me in for a hug, "And who might this beautiful temptress be?" Asher whispers quietly to me, before he pulls back, although we both know Guinevere could hear his whisper, there was no point in whispering near a werewolf, once they received their wold.
"This is Guinevere. My Beta Alex told me that he informed you I would be bringing along a... er... friend." I reply.
"Ahhh... that's right, the mistress. You don't mind then?" Asher asks, taking a step towards Guinevere, as I grit my teeth, trying to control the growl that's creeping up in my chest.
"Not at all." I force out.
"As I'm sure you've figured out by now, I am mateless. I've gone to pack after pack searching for my mate since I was eighteen and i haven't had any luck in finding her, so I take the opportunity to personally greet any unmated female, who visits my pack. I don't trust scent alone to find my mate, so I was hoping I could give you a hug," Asher states, turning his full attention to Guinevere, "I hear when you touch your mate sparks will fly through out your body."
"Umm... yeah sure." Guinevere replies opening up her arms to receive Asher's hug.
Asher pulls Guinevere in and wraps his arms tightly around her, leaning his head on top of hers while taking in her scent. The hug lasts too long in my opinion. Asher would've known immediately that she wasn't his mate. Finally he begrudgingly pulls away.
"Damn." He states, "I was hoping, I had gotten lucky and I would have been able to call a beauty such as yourself my mate, but atlas, the moon has decided that are fates are not intertwined."
Guinevere gives him a soft smile, one that doesn't quiet meet her eyes. I wonder what's running through her mind.
"If ever you feel like company though, you're welcome here at anytime. I'd love to get to know you better." Asher states, shooting a wink at Guinevere.
This time I can't control Leo, as a growl ripples through my chest.
Guinevere and Asher both turn to look at me. Guinevere looks surprised while Asher is trying to hide back a smile, he knows that he's provoking Leo. Even unmated, wolves can still get extremely jealous when it comes to their current partners.
"Well, I'll let Matilda show you to your room," Asher replies turning towards the she wolf, who was standing behind him. While she wasn't Guinevere, I could still appreciate her beauty, she had almond shaped brown eyes, the color reminding me of a chocolate bar, and long curly black hair, that went down to her waist, her skin was a beautiful brown, reminding me of a caramel.
Matilda smiled shyly up at me, her eyes having only noticed my presence, not taking in the sight of Guinevere at all.
"I have to attend training today. My beta informed me that there were some young wolves who were having a hard time with hand to hand combat, and he'd like to run some drills with me, giving them a visual example. Will tomorrow afternoon work for our meeting, or are you in a hurry?" Asher asks, directing his comments to me.
"Tomorrow afternoon is perfect, thank you once again for hosting us with such short notice. This seems to be the only free time I have in my schedule currently to go over treaties with the nearby Alphas."
"No worries at all, It's always a pleasure seeing you old friend." Asher replies, "Especially when you bring along such a beautiful guest." He turns and winks at Guinevere before turning and walking towards the training field.
"Alpha Damien." Matilda calls, grabbing my attention, "If you'll just follow me, then I'll show you to your room. Supper has already been served, but I can have one of the omegas bring you up some food in you'd like."
"Yes, that'll be lovely," I reply, following Matilda up into the pack house, Guinevere trailing slowly behind me as she took in Asher's pack. Once again I find myself wondering what she's thinking.
We follow Matilda deep into the pack house, down a long hallway, until we reach a set of stairs. We climb the stairs, stopping once we reach the third floor, this floor is reserved for visiting Alpha's and their Betas, the floor right above it, being Asher's quarters. Once on the third floor, Matilda walks us down the hall, towards the very last door. This room was the one I used every time I visited Asher's pack, We joked when we were kids that this room was mine and mine alone.
"This will be your room." Matilda states as she opens the door allowing us to walk in ahead of her, "If you need anything at all during your stay the Lunar Moon pack, please feel free to let me know. I am the pack house omega, and I am in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly again. And just as a reminder, my name is Matilda, and I am at your beck and call, Alpha Damien, for whatever you desire." Matilda's eyes flash towards her wolf as she takes in my appearance one more time, before slowly backing out of the door, closing it gently behind her.
Guinevere lets out a huff, before throwing herself on the bed. I look at her questioningly, but she ignores my look, instead changing our silent conversation to a vocal one, directed towards me.
"So did I detect some hostility towards you and Alpha Asher. It seemed like you were having a hard time controlling Leo. I thought you were friends?" She asks me waggling her eyebrows, knowing exactly what had caused Leo's anger.
"He touched what was mine." I reply nonchalantly, hoping she would drop the topic.
"What is yours?" She scoffs, pushing herself off the bed. "I don't know if remember correctly, but I am not yours Damien, and I never will be. This between us," She states gesturing between herself and I, "We are here to destroy whatever this is. Can you really blame Asher for hoping that he found his mate. He is looking for his life time partner, his equal who he can share his pack and his heart with." Guinevere spits, her anger rising as her wolf swirls in and out of her eyes
"No." I reply softly to Guinevere, walking slowly towards her, taking her chin gently in my hands once I reach her. "I can't blame him for wanting someone so beautiful to be his." I whisper before placing a soft gentle kiss on her lips. Her touch and her smell calming me.