It had been just over two weeks since we found our haven and everything was going perfectly. I loved my work, Olivia was adjusting well in her daycare, my Mom was able to relax and have time to herself. I had managed to make friends with Janie during our time in the hotel and met some people through work and the programs I had participated in. Caleb came by every night, he would entertain Olivia while I cooked or unpacked. Often times staying after she had gone to sleep to hang out with me on the back patio, usually with me begging him to start a fire for me in the little fire pit I had found. I was starting to sleep at night, even found myself dancing around the house or during my time in the office. Smiling more, feeling less anxiety, not replaying the past as much as before. Even connected with my brother and sister, making plans for when they came to town in a few days for the celebrations in honor of the summit and upcoming Mate Ball. My youngest brother was twenty-six and still unmated – it was a perfect opportunity for him. It took so long but I was beginning to feel like the person I was always meant to be.
I had just came from work to find Caleb sitting in the middle of the living room floor, Olivia situated between his legs, both staring up at the TV without so much as blinking. I watched the both of them for minute, my heart silently breaking a little that Olivia wouldn't really have that relationship with her own father but also thankful that Caleb was around. He was really becoming my best friend, he even jumped in to help move things into the house.
A week earlier I had arrived to the home ready to unload as best I could only to be greeted by Caleb, Theo and eight other men, all of whom immediately jumped to begin unloading the truck I pulled up in.
"Uh...what's happening here?" I watched Theo order the men around, one of which walked up to take the keys from my hand, giving me a wink as he walked away.
"You needed help. I brought help." Caleb was in Beta mode, all business.
"I could have done it. It's a few pieces of furniture and some boxes. Do we really need this many people?" The man that had winked at me already stripping out of his shirt giving me a cocky smile.
"Luka! You look at her like that again and I'll rip your eyes out you shithead!" Caleb screamed at the half naked guy.
"Yes Beta." Luka still eyeing me believing he couldn't be seen.
"Caleb! This isn't necessary! I'm pretty sure they have better things to do than unload my truck! People are watching." I could see some of the women who were living in homes nearby looking at my yard of guards.
"Hey Cate! Let's go in the house and start unpacking everything and you can tell the men where you want things to go." Theo had to step in because he knew that Caleb wasn't budging. I gawked seeing that the truck was quickly emptying of it's contents. It was embarrassing but it was effective.
I was pulled from my reverie by the sound of Caleb and Olivia laughing at the cartoon on the screen, I already knew that they were watching their favorite Disney movie because they watched it a million times a day.
"You know if you keep hanging out here people are going to start thinking that we are dating. Don't think it would look good for your image bad ass Beta Royal." I smirked as I walked into the kitchen. My phone going off with a text – Ryan, my friend through the volunteer program, was asking me to meet him in the kitchen of the castle for some extra help.
"People already think we're a couple sweetheart. Can you take the lasagna out of the oven babe?" Putting extra emphasis on the ending while making "bedroom" eyes at me. I rolled my eyes and giggled knowing that he was playing around. He was really, very attractive but I couldn't get that scent out of my mind. Two weeks and I hadn't run into the scent again. Even after hanging around the hotel lobby for hours on end for no real reason. Amara was feeling defeated and I couldn't stop obsessing. It was becoming increasingly harder to concentrate when I was introduced to a new man – trying to stealthy sniff the air around him like some maniac. It was becoming increasingly exhausting.
"I just got asked if I could help out in the kitchen at the palace...." Letting my statement trail off.
"GO! Momma Ann and I got the Princess but take the damn lasagna out of the oven. I swear if it burns because of you I will break your ankles."
"Aye, aye Captain my Captain." It was his turn to roll his eyes and chuckle. I ran into my Mom's room where she had just gotten out of the shower to let her know what was going on before I took the now familiar drive. I noticed Ryan standing on the delivery bay waiting for my arrival.
"GIRL! Everyone called out because there is apparently this HUGE party going on downtown but it's dumb because there are going to be parties going on all this month with all the packs now in town!" Ryan linked our arms together as we made our way into the kitchen. A now familiar and comforting place. The pack chef Cookie offering me a side hug as I entered before throwing me an extra apron and putting me on prep duty. There was a huge dinner at the end of the week to allow some of the packs to mingle and take a break from politics. It had been a long three weeks for them and it was finally coming to a close. Only two weeks left until the Mate Ball. Caleb and Ryan had asked me several times if I planned on attending – I had considered it – it was an opportunity for me to maybe find my mate.
Cookie, Ryan, and I idly chatted about the excitement surrounding the summit while working. Ryan offering tidbits of gossip here and there with Cookie telling him he needs to mind his business. We circled back to the topic of the ball. Ryan gushing about his suit design that he's having custom made. I stood watching my friend – his tall and lanky form moving agilely through the kitchen, his hair a dark chestnut brown – the sides shaved but a slight waves on the top bouncing as he spoke. His large soft blue eyes so expressive and bright, his full lips stood out – he had a slight goatee that complimented his features so well. I knew he was gay, it wasn't like he tried to hide it but it wasn't as common that wolves would be so open about it among their peers. It wasn't frowned upon but it certainly wasn't something that was shared often. Same sex mates were a possibility – it was also known that some wolves could have multiple mates at the same time. Though taboo in the human world, among the supernatural we respected the gifts that the Moon Goddess blessed us with.
My shift was coming to end for the evening – as I returned from taking out the trash I ran into Ryan loitering in the hallway furiously tapping away on his phone. He was always so expressive and never hid his emotions – something I envied him for.
"Cate! My love, can you do me a favor? I have to run – it's important. Can you deliver this tray up to the King's quarters? I wouldn't ask if it wasn't a rush. He shouldn't be there – you just drop it off on the dining room table." He thrusted a large silver platter into my arms before I could respond, rushing out the door muttering to himself. Given no choice but to deliver the tray myself, I made my way to the West wing following the private servants path as I went. I had never visited the King's quarters but vaguely remembered the way from the tour Ryan offered on my first night in the kitchens. I was lost deep in thought, listening to the sound of my boots clicking down the hall, contemplating if I should attend any of the parties. Caleb and Ryan had both pushed for me to attend some of the functions and Amara was pressing to find our mate but I didn't know if I could trust myself or another man after everything I had been through.
It wasn't easy for me. I had prayed every night that the Goddess would provide me a way out, even after Olivia was born. She finally answered my prayers on the morning of Alpha Derrick's youngest daughter Lottie's eighteenth birthday. We were attending breakfast at the pack home – Olivia at my mother's – I preferred to keep her away. Alex had already seemed agitated as he only came around for a few occasions, preferring to stay with his human girlfriend. We were sitting side by side, ignoring each other completely when Lottie came rushing into the room. Her wheat colored hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, making her features appear harsher, her brown eyes scanning the tables until they landed on Alex. He released a deep growl as he watched her move closer, their eyes never leaving each other. I knew. In that moment, I let out a breath that I didn't know I was holding in. By some miracle – Lottie and Alex were fated mates and even though I was marked, they still found each other. The next morning the papers to have my mark magically removed were submitted to the council – a week later my entire life was packed and stored in a moving truck. Alex would have been announced as the Alpha by now – their mating ceremony complete – both marked by the other. Something I had never hoped for but certainly didn't want it with him. Now....I wasn't so sure. I had never thought it would be an option for me and now that I know that I have a mate somewhere...I started to hope. Maybe I could have a happily ever after.
My steps finally led me to the solid wood door of the King's quarters – I waved and lifted the tray to the camera above the door to let security know that I was there delivery dinner before entering. The moment the door opened I was hit the most irresistible scent – his scent – my mate's scent. My heart began beating wildly as I stepped in, shutting the door behind me, fully engulfing me, my mouth watering from his aroma. Amara was prancing around excitedly, yipping uncontrollably.
We found him. We found him. I walked further into the living room and made my way into the kitchen to set down the tray before I began to take in my surroundings. Everything was immaculately clean, not a speck of dust in sight. Everything white with shades of gray, a very sleek industrial design. A wall of windows facing the mountains – I could make out the ridge from my first night at the hotel. My fingers itched to touch every surface that he may have touched. It took all the control I had not to rush into his bedroom and snoop around - to roll around in his sheets and mark myself with his scent. My eyes scanned the living room – a large white leather sectional taking up most of the floor was placed in front of a large marble fireplace – a TV mounted above it. The walls a dark gray creating the only sense of warmth in the room. The kitchen continued the same theme – white marble counter tops set above black cabinets with gold handles. I turned to look back at the glass dining room table only to be completely entranced by a navy blue hoodie that hung on the back of one of the chairs. I slowly made my way, looking to see if anyone was behind me. My fingers brushing the soft cotton, I could already smell his scent radiating off the material. He had worn it and recently. Before I could think I was running out the door and down the hall with the hoodie in my hands. It wasn't until I reached my car that I realized what I had done.
I just stole something from the freaking King. What am I thinking? I'm acting like some obsessed stalker.
He's our mate. Amara reminded me. I couldn't shake the feeling of dread building in my stomach. He's the King. My mate was the King. He wouldn't want me. A single mother. How would I be able to hide my Necro powers from him? I was lucky I got away with it when I was with Alex. I know they had only kept me around for so long because they expected me to drop my guard. What if he rejected me? It was common with the Royals to reject their mate in favor of someone more favorable to politics.
I placed the hoodie in the passenger seat, hurriedly starting the car and aiming for the main gate. My eyes constantly looking to seat next to me in total disbelief. My heart was beating so wildly that I didn't remember the drive home, only realizing where I was when the bright green front door opened to reveal Caleb standing there. I slowly made my way out of the driver's seat, sniffing myself to make sure that none of the King's scent was on me.
Caleb ushered me into the house where I immediately flopped down on the couch. I glanced to my Mother standing in the kitchen, her brows furrowed as she looked at me. Caleb shooing her away so that he could continue washing the dishes. I gave her a slight shake – my signal that I didn't want to speak with him around. She nodded her response, walking down the hall to her room. Olivia was no where to been seen, knowing how late it was she should have been in bed. Caleb chatted about the events of the evening while I replayed my own evening. My heart still not finding a calm, steady beat. How could this be? My fated mate was the King. Not just any King, one of the deadliest in our world. He showed no mercy, refused to back down from a fight, and was never known to take prisoners.
"Hey...are you okay? I asked you a question and you just keep staring at me." Caleb was taking a seat next to me on the couch. His eyes watching for any sign that I was loosing it. I was.
"Yeah! Just a long night is all." I responded hoping that my voice sounded casual, jumping slightly when his phone started ringing.
"Hey man – what's up....you found her! That's great.....what do you mean you lost her? Oh....did the cameras catch her leaving? No...." Caleb's eyes narrowed as he spoke. He knew, it didn't take a genius to realize what had me frazzled and he knew that I worked in the kitchen tonight, "Of course. I'll come right away and help you find your mate." He hung up the phone not taking his eyes away from me.
"I assume you already know who that was." His voice gave nothing away, "He's looking for you."
"I know." It was all I could manage.
"I think you should come with me." For the third time since we met, I was afraid of him.