7

Chapter 7 – Mates

I felt the warmth of his lips gently pressed against my mouth. I don’t know if it was impulse or instinct, but I naturally responded and kissed him back eagerly. Tingles rushed through my body, straight to my core. I moaned into his mouth and his kiss grew more passionate. He deepened the kiss and his tongue slipped into my mouth, dancing with my own. He kissed with purpose. With need. With desire.

I was completely caught in the moment and the only thing that seemed to exist in the world was this kiss. My wolf was howling with joy and my body wanted more. His kiss was so delicious. So perfect. And then, he pulled away.

Cia let out a frustrated huff and I felt the same. I watched as he walked back round to his desk and sat down. I could tell he was struggling to control his wolf. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling a little flush. His eyes bore into mine. His face revealing nothing.

“When did you know I was your mate?” He asked me.

“In the cell, when I first scented you.” My heart was still racing, and I tried to compose myself.

“Why didn’t you say something?”

“I, I don’t know. I suppose I wanted to know more about you first.”

“Before you reject me? You want to know more about me to help you justify rejecting me.”

“Why do you think I’ll be the one to reject you? You seem to be the one who detests my family, Alpha. Perhaps I’m waiting for you to reject me.” He continued to gaze at me but did not answer.

“How are you able to hide your scent?”

“There’s a wild herb that only grows in Greece. You steep it in hot water and drink it. It masks your scent for a few days. You should be able to scent me in another day or two.”

“Will you still be here in another day or two?” He raised a curious eyebrow at me. I wasn’t sure if that was an invitation to stay or a question.

“I guess that all depends.”

“On?” He asked.

“You. I’m not sure what’s going on. All I know is that I left my flat in London to come to Chicago for a workshop, and somehow woke up near the Canadian border in your cell.”

“What kind of workshop?”

“A musical invitational at the Chicago convention center. In case you missed it, I play the cello. I’m currently living in London, playing in the symphony.”

“We were expecting a computer programmer who writes cyber security software.” He told me and I recollected the Delta wolf with the wine stained shirt from my trip.

“Why are you targeting a LaRue Enterprises programmer?” I asked.

“We track and trace the underground shifter market so we can free the captives. Unfortunately, the criminals are now using more sophisticated software, it’s difficult to hack. The software is exclusive to LaRue Enterprises Security Sector.”

“So, you needed Mr. Wilder and I happened to stumble across Stryker first.”

“Mr. Wilder?”

“Your target. He was on my flight and I scented his Delta wolf. The flight attendant spilled wine on him and when we arrived in Chicago, he went to change his shirt. I saw Stryker holding the sign and assumed my grandmother made the arrangements to have a ranked wolf drive me around.”

“Your grandmother, as in Raven LaRue?”

“Raven LaRue Theodorus. She’s my father’s mother.”

“Yes of course.” He paused. “Listen Cassi, while you're here, it might be a good idea not to let others know your relation to the LaRue’s. Not just yet.”

“You’re not going to let me leave?” I asked and instantly felt a squeeze of pain in my chest at the idea of leaving already.

“You’re not a captive here. However, I’d like you to remain a guest for a while longer, while we figure this out. I don’t want either one of us to make a hasty decision, and by either one of us, I mean you.”

“But what if—”

“WHERE IS SHE?” A loud voice echoed in the hall and the office door boomed open. I turned to find a distinguished looking Alpha scanning the room. He was tall and handsome. He had the same brown wavy hair as my mate, the same brown eyes and square jaw. I didn’t need an introduction to know this was Michael’s father.

“Dad—”

“Is this her? What a beauty!” He walked over, stood next to his son, and gleamed at me.

“Alpha Crow, it’s such a pleasure to finally meet you.” I stood up and nodded my head in respect.

“I can’t scent or sense a wolf, you must be human. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. My mate, his mother, was also human. Your pups will still be destined for greatness.” A look of surprise swept over Michael’s face as his father continued.

“Dad—” Michael couldn’t seem to get a word in.

“Forgive me, Selene told me that Syble’s daughter is here, and Stryker may have let slip that she’s your mate. What a wonderful twist of fate.” He was radiating joy.

“Okay, let’s not get—”

“Michael is my only son, and the entire fate of The Moon Realm was saved by your mother. I cannot wait to finally meet her.” He smiled at me and all I could do was foolishly smile back at him. I had no words and looked to my mate for help.

“Dad, Cassi and I are just getting to know each other. We’d like to wait before we make any announcements—”

“What are we waiting for? The Moon Goddess herself has paired you two. It is an absolute blessing that you ended up with the daughter of the woman who saved your life. It’s all part of your destiny and you’re not getting any younger.” He patted his son on the back.

“Sir, I’ve had a long journey and have just stumbled onto my, my mate. I need to sort a few things out and discuss things with my family.” I managed to say and couldn’t help but wonder if he also hates my family. Would he be as accepting knowing my family lineage?

“Of course, my dear. My son will take good care of you, like the Queen I know you’re meant to be.”

“Oh, he’s definitely been treating me like a Queen.” I giggled thinking about being tied to the chair this morning and then the steamy hot kiss just now. Michael gave me a sheepish grin and ran his fingers through his lush hair uncomfortably.

“Dad, I was just getting ready to give Cassi a tour around the territory.” Michael said and grabbed my hand. I swallowed hard feeling the tingling sparks shoot through my arm as he guided me out of the office.

“Of course.” Then he called out behind us, “there’s a full moon tomorrow if you decide to have a mating ceremony right away.”

We walked through the pack house and out the front door before he released my hand and stopped.

“I’m sorry about my father, he can be a bit … zealous.”

“I get it. He reminds me a lot of my yia-yia.”

“Yia-yia?”

“My grandmother. She’s always going on about destiny and mates.”

“Hello Alpha.” A female wearing nothing but a sports bra and spandex, showing off her incredibly toned body stepped out of the pack house.

“Milla.” He greeted her. She gave me a glance and strutted right past us, water bottle and towel in hand as if she were late for a yoga class.

“Everyone in our pack trains from the age of five to sixty, doesn’t matter if you’re a warrior or an Omega.” He told me.

I wasn’t wondering about pack training, I was thinking about the longing gaze she gave my mate. “Are you going to take me for a tour now?”

“Do you really want to?” He looked taken back.

“Of course.” I wanted to see everything. The Rogue King has always been described as a monster who takes in criminals and vicious beasts to create an army. I was ready to find out if any of it was true.

“Would you like to walk or let your wolf run and stretch her legs out?”

I heard Cia let out a yip and as much as she would love to stretch her legs out, I wasn’t sure now would be a good time for him to see Cia.

“She’s still feeling a little suppressed from the wolfbane.” I lied.

“Oh, right. Does she have a name?”

“Cia.”

“Please tell Cia we’re sorry about the wolfbane. Maverick isn’t too happy with me right now.” He told me and Cia let out another yip, happy her mate was concerned.

“Are we near the lake?” I asked feeling the water element pulse through me from a great body of water.

“We are. Lake Erie is a few miles away. Since we’re not running, would you like to ride?” He asked.

“Ride? You have horses here?”

“No.” He chuckled. “ATV quads. You can ride on mine if you want.”

“Oh, I know how to drive a quad.” I smiled. Growing up in the olive groves you either drove golf carts or quads. We reached a large garage and walked to the quads. I realized I was still wearing a long denim skirt and straddling a quad might not be the best idea right now.

“I think I need to go change my clothes.” I told him.

“It’s okay, I’ve got this.” He fired up the quad and lifted me up, placing me sideways, in front of him. Sweet Moon Goddess his scent was intoxicating, and I couldn’t even put up a fight. I sat like a docile house cat as he leaned into me and took the handlebars.

With my back pressed against his chest, we took off around the territory. The trees were so tall and thick. Pack houses were perfectly nestled in the trees with small roads and paths. We pulled to a stop at the big pond near the pack house.

He explained that the pups enjoy swimming in it during the summer and love skating on it when it freezes over. We zipped around and he pointed out the club house for the pups, the outdoor training arena, the indoor training facilities, the garden, an apple grove, an outdoor pavilion area used for pack meetings, ceremonies, events, and movie nights.

We continued along a well-worn path through the forest towards the great lake. I could feel the heat from his chest up against my back and it was perfect considering I should have brought a jacket. Cia was perfectly content, and I knew Maverick must be too.

The forest opened up to an amazing view of the lake. There was a stretch of sandy beach area to our left, a water dock to our right and several lakeside cabins. He turned off the quad, stepped off and helped me down. We started walking along the tree line and he explained the details to me.

“The recreational center is next to the dock. All the water sporting equipment is housed there. Everything from kayaks, boats, fishing gear, floats, paddle boards, you name it. The cabins are also ours, for pack use. And this is all private property.”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Bonfire night on the beach over here was one of my favorites growing up.” He told me.

“What’s your favorite now?” I asked.

“A natural hot spring on the northern end of our territory.” He said and I wondered if he was planning to show me that next.

“Excuse me for a moment, an elder is staying in that cabin right there. I want to check in on her quickly. She recently lost her mate and hasn’t really taken visitors. I should only be a few minutes if that’s okay with you?”

“Please don’t let me stop you. I’m just going to take in the lovely scenery.” He gave me a little smile and quickly rushed off to the second cabin.

The crisp wind was blowing off the lake, the smell of the earth and the energy from the great body of water was revitalizing me. I could feel the energy pulsing through me, ready to bend elements at my will. I caught a glimpse of something moving at the tree line near me. I turned and looked into the forest, I saw nothing. I willed the wind to blow in my direction and picked up the scent of deer. Cia was begging to hunt, but I wasn’t sure now would be a good time to let him see Cia. She could easily intimidate his wolf.

Just then, I felt my cell phone vibrating and pulled it out of my back pocket. The caller I.D. read Seante, I tapped the screen and answered it.

“Seante?”

“Oh Cassi, I’m so sorry. I really blew it. I came back for the evvie and when I returned to the airport, I realized I left my passport with you after we went through airport security. I couldn’t get on another flight to Chicago, or Greece for that matter.” She told me.

“It’s okay.” I assured her.

“How’s the workshop going?” She asked.

“Umm, well, I’m not at the workshop. Something has come up. I’ll fill you in when I return this weekend.”

“Should I call your mother? Are you okay?” She had a nervous pitch in her voice.

“NO! Don’t call her. Everything is fine. Stay at the flat and I should be back soon. If anyone asks, I’m at the workshop. I have to go, I’ll call and check back with you in a few days.” I told her and disconnected. I could scent him walking up behind me and turned around.

“Calling in the rescue squad?” He grinned at me.