I ran - I gave Amara free control while I wallowed in my self-pity. I let her lead me but it wasn't long until I caught the scent of someone following us, of Caleb's and Theo's scent. They were extremely close and fast to have caught up to me so quickly considering I possessed the ability to run harder and faster than most wolves. Amara took a sharp turn to run into the deeper, denser cluster of trees in hopes of losing them. Their scents slowly faded behind when a call went out and returned by a third. Amara couldn't sense or smell who it was but we had an idea. She pushed herself harder, deeper into the cold, dark woods. Dodging thick-rooted trees and fallen logs, desperate to escape. We ran further up the mountain - howls coming from every direction when Amara stumbled upon a small pond with a waterfall surrounded by trees and brush.
Cate, it looks like we're trapped. They are going to catch up anyway. We should just rest. When Nick gets here I say we rip his throat out and then the throat of that she-wolf.
Amara was raging and wanted blood. It may have been slightly dramatic for me to run away but I knew that nothing good would have occurred if I had stayed. I could feel my powers shimmering under the surface followed by the hollow feeling of my heart as it slowly began to register what our eyes had just witnessed. Amara was right, of course, it wasn't as if they couldn't find me. Eventually, I would have to return for Olivia and I'm sure Caleb would be waiting. I now had a justified reason for rejecting Nick but it still didn't make the entire situation any easier.
Cate, someone is here with us. Amara alerted, she hunkered down, her haunches tightening in preparation to spring on our unknown intruder, silence filled the glade. Amara zeroed in on a cluster of bushes, pressing her body lower to the ground still unsure if whatever was hiding was a friend or foe.
Suddenly, a large golden wolf emerged, its body low to the ground but not in defense. This newcomer showed no sign of danger but that still didn't mean it wouldn't attack. Amara watched as our visitor did something unexpected, the unknown wolf laid its body on the ground while exposing its neck in a form of submission. Amara, just as confused as I, released a deep and powerful growl to ensure that this unfamiliar shifter knew she meant business yet they remained unmoved.
Amara, creep closer and see if we can pick up a scent. This wolf feels familiar. Gently, still guarded, she crept closer, sniffing the air as she moved to pick up any scent of this stranger. Our visitor kept incredibly still, as we moved toward the golden body they slowly closed their eyes. Amara perked at this sight, it was dangerous to lose sight of your enemy which would mean that this wolf meant us no harm. Amara stopped and the wind shifted, bringing the wolf's scent across the waters.
It can't be, can it? Amara released three quick yelps followed by a slow and low howl. We held our breath and waited.
We were greeted with a low howl and two quick, sharp yelps. The signal that they were of Moonstone but not just that.
Brother. Amara leaped into the icy waters, the quickest path to Ray. We had never seen his wolf before but the bright golden hue reminded me of Benton's. I could almost believe that they were the same but his scent, he smelled of dark oak and honey in his youth, it had changed slightly since finding his wolf but it was him.
Our wolves began chasing each other, nipping and rubbing each other, happy to be reunited after so many years apart. He was still a teen the last time I was able to see him and even with modern technology I couldn't risk his life with how unpredictable Alex was. Ray yelped out playfully pointing his long muzzle in the direction he came. Amara gave a sharp nod and took off, racing her brother through the lush greenery. He had to have hidden his clothes somewhere within the forest I, on the other hand, would have to head home since I didn't pause to remove what I was wearing.
We chased each other as we made our way down the mountain, Amara stayed alert for any sign or scent of Nick. After what seemed like hours, we stopped at a tree close to the path near the hotel. I tried alerting Ray that I needed to head home and he must have understood because he picked up his pack in his mouth and followed me through the pack lands to my backyard.
Carefully, we hopped the fence into my small yard and made our way to the back door. I knew our mom would be home so I used my paws to open the long handle and nudged the door wider with my nose. Mom was sitting on the couch with her laptop when I strolled in followed by Ray. I gave a quick sniff to make sure we didn't have any unwanted visitors before rushing to Mom followed by Ray. She gasped in shock at the new arrival, breathing deeply his scent.
"Ray....my baby!" She threw herself on his giant back, hugging him before urging him into her room to dress while she wiped the tears that were falling. I ran into my room and shifted quickly. I wanted desperately to see my brother but my eyes were drawn to my phone charging on my nightstand, the screen lit up with an incoming call. The screen darkened only to light up again with another incoming call. The number on the screen was no one I recognized but I knew who it was. I knew that if I didn't respond that he would most likely show up on my doorstep if he wasn't already on his way here, which is why I answered his call.
"Hello Nick" My voice was cold.
"Cate! Thank the Goddess. Please let me explain! It isn't what you think! I swear it." I could hear the desperation in his voice but knew that I couldn't allow myself to open my heart.
"It's fine Nick. I was meaning to speak with you. I've been thinking..." He cut me off before I could go further.
"Don't you dare fucking say it! I refuse to accept it. You're at home? I'm coming over and don't you even think about leaving. I'll find you." The call ended I knew I was in trouble, I should have shut my phone off. I began scrolling through my notifications when another call came through from Theo.
"Theo?"
"Cate, I'm at your front door."
"What do you mean you are at the front door? Hold on!" I threw on a pair of sweatpants and a baggy flannel, not bothering to put on a bra, and ran to the front door. My brother and Mom were already seated together on the couch talking.
I threw the front door open to reveal a very naked Theo, he must have traveled in wolf form.
"Jesus Theo!?" I moved out of the way to grant him entry. Being a werewolf we were use to nudity but it was still awkward to see someone naked for the first time, especially if they are the only ones naked. He responded with a grunt, rushing to the bathroom to change into the clothes he carried in his backpack.
"Who the hell is that?" Ray was taller than I expected, standing slightly over six feet tall he was bald but had a full, dark beard and hazel eyes. He looked so much like our father that it shocked me. I rushed into his arms ignoring his question. We stayed that way until our newest arrival returned.
"Luna. Who are you hugging and why?" I could feel the tension building in the room and knew that if I didn't step in that it would only get worse once Nick arrived.
"Sis, did he just call you Luna?" Ray eyeballs me and ignores Theo.
"Luna Queen to be exact. Did you just call her sis?" Theo seemed to ease slightly.
"Yeah! She's my sister. Who the fuck are you? Luna Queen? Like the fucking Luna Queen? What is happening?" This was not how I imagined reuniting with my brother would be like.
"Yes. She's the mate of King Nicholas, who is on his way here now so prepare yourself."
Things became even more heated when Caleb burst through the front door breathing as if he had run all the way, he must have because I could normally hear his truck upon arrival.
"Cate! Thank Goddess! I swear to you, it wasn't what it looked like. I thought the same thing as you but I know Nick and I know when he's lying." Caleb looked terrified as he threw himself at me for an awkward hug.
"Lying about what? What the hell is going on?" Mom used her Mother's voice to interrupt the chaos that was ensuring, the whole situation was turning into a telenovela but it was only about to get much, much worse.
Caleb filled Mom in on what happened, starting with the moment he found me in the driveway and the strange trance I was in and ending with Theo and Caleb being directed to monitor my home and Olivia's school for my arrival. Caleb described the scene he had stumbled upon after my presence was recognized and explained in brief detail that the woman was an old flame but nothing more and she attempted to throw herself in Nick's path after he denied her. All too convenient. Ray sat in stunned silence as the knowledge that I was the King's mate began to sink in until I imparted something that only I knew.
"I won't be the Luna Queen. Even if what you say is true, I plan on rejecting the King." I whispered so softly that if we were not wolves, no one would have heard it.
You could have heard a pin drop after my statement, no one seemed to even breathe. Everyone was deep in thought over my statement and what it could mean for everyone's future. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise to anyone that this would be the chosen course of action. It was common in his world. Perhaps it was a little different being that I had grown closer to Caleb and Theo, that I had an actual bond with those around him, and that I allowed him to get close but it had only been twenty - four hours since we found each other; could there be that much of a bond formed between us? I didn't even know his full name for Goddess's sake! This whole fucking situation was becoming too much for someone who wanted a simple life.
My eyes met those of my Mother and I couldn't control myself, the tears spilled forth unbidden. I ran to her allowing myself to be wrapped in her arms as if I were still a child. Surrounded by people I trusted I let myself release the pain until I felt the light touch of someone behind me. I briefly glanced to see Theo, his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"We'll protect you, Luna. From any threat. Trust us. Trust Nick in this before making a decision that you can't come back from." Again I felt a slight tug at the corners of my mind. A brief fleeting memory of a cliff and waters below. Quickly, before I could register what was occurring, Theo threw his arms around me in a soul-crushing hug. My still-crying eyes met those of Ray who had a brief look of recognition as he stared at Theo.
"Mom, why don't you let me take you out to lunch? We decided to stay at the Lodge. We can have Marianne join us." Ray knew that I needed the peace to deal with whatever was about to come. He is truly the best brother I could have asked for. Only just now being able to join his family and yet he understood me perfectly and knew exactly what I needed. I watched as they left the house together, both giving me a look that spoke volumes. I knew they would be waiting for me whatever my decision.
Caleb and Theo remained silent, Caleb taking up watching the street through the window and Theo leaning on the counter in the kitchen. The tension was so thick I struggled to breathe knowing that any minute Nick would be here and I would have to destroy any future we might have had before things became too much for either of us.
"He's here." Caleb simply motioned for Theo to join him outside without even sparing a glance in my direction making his anger at me evident, Theo gave me a brief nod as he passes not even closing the door as he leaves.
Nick storms in slamming the door behind him, his chest rising and falling rapidly, I could hear his heart skip a beat as our eyes meet from across the room. His eyes were pitch black and full of rage, my resolve began to crack just being in his presence but I knew what I had to do I just wasn't sure that I could do it. My mouth flopped open and close like a dying fish, not able to form the words needed to rip out my mate's heart. Tears began to form again while panic built inside my chest. I barely blinked and he was standing in front of me gently placing his hands on either side of my face despite the rage that coming off of him in waves.
"You can't do this." His voice broke as he rushed the words.
"You don't know me. It is for the best." I had to close my eyes. I had to hide as best I could. The mate bond, though not completely formed, was still a strong pull that made it difficult to even bring myself to say the words.
"You haven't given me any fucking time to get to know you. You're so quick to toss me aside and maybe that's what I fucking deserve after what I said but nothing happened. Rosa threw herself at me." His touch turned rough as he threw his arms up in frustration. Arama was eerily silent, I couldn't feel her presence within me, even with Nick's scent and aura surrounding us I expected some sort of reaction from her.
"I'm not what you want," I whispered to the floor.
"You don't even know what I want so don't tell me I don't want you." I could feel his rage reaching new heights. Fear replaced the panic as my body began to tremble. Images of blood and bodies flashed through my mind in a sick and twisted slide show. Nick's scent was replaced with tangy copper and the acrid scent of sulfur calling to mind the body less voice from before. Only a few short hours ago now seemed like a lifetime. My body and mind were transported to the grisly massacre of my pack. I could feel myself kneeling in the warm, sticky blood. Its slickness coated my knees and hands, staining me with the constant reminder that these people lost their life for me. The scene was the same as I had replayed it over again except the detached voice drifted to me, whispering my name, sending shivers down my spine each time. I could feel myself falling until strong arms grasped me from behind, my back becoming flush with a hard chest, and I could feel warm breath shift the hairs on the back of my neck. A bright white light broke through the revolting scene and dashed away all thoughts and replacing them with happy images of Olivia, of my mother finally hugging her son, of my brother Benton's laughter, and of my father's warm embrace. My heart lifted the more I relaxed into the body of my mate and a soft, angelic voice whispered promises of safety and love if I would just let go and finally trust someone other than myself. Images of a Nick standing at an alter in his royal attire with a crown resting upon his proud head and a smile gracing his beautiful face as he reaches for me, of running among the trees with a large smoky wolf at my side, and of an older Olivia playing alongside small boy. The arms gripped me tighter and my heart left hopeful and calm.
"Just give me time, Cate. Let me earn your trust."
What the fuck am I doing? I can't reject him! He's my mate. The fog began to lift and my self doubt began to fade away as Nick chased away the shadows that plagued me. Maybe I had been looking at this the wrong way, maybe I wasn't stronger by myself. There was a reason the Goddess blessed us with mates and I couldn't walk away from mine.