Chapter 31
I know I said I probably wouldn't update but I'm a little nervous about my dentist visit tomorrow.
That equals no sleep, which equals writing that is probably.
..weird lol. I will try to go through it and clean up when I'm not half asleep and scared out of my mind.
Also this is almost entirely in Cassie's POV. Just so you know.
I’m trying to be supportive and give him space but it’s hard. It’s been a week since I've even laid eyes on V. At first it wasn't that bad. I just told myself he was busy and working through his own problems. Now I feel emptiness inside of me growing the more I’m away from him.
“Okay. I tried to mind my own business but I really need to know what’s going on with you.” I slowly turned my head towards Nicole and gave a weak smile. “It’s nothing. I’m really tired. I guess training twice a day is taking its toll.” I lie easily.
Nicole didn't seem to fully believe me though. However she let it go as she changed the subject. “So did you talk about prom?”
“Yeah. He said I can go but I shouldn't go with him.” Nicole seemed outraged by what I said.
“What?! Of course eh should go with you! He’s your mate for crying out loud!” I just smirked as Nicole kept shouting, ignoring the look our teacher was giving to her.
“No. He has a lot of work to do. Plus I’m a sophomore.
I shouldn't be going to prom.” Nicole went red in the face before she seemed to burst. “You must be insane! This is probably the last time you’ll be in school.
You already speak the old language. Check.
You beat up our hand to hand instructor.
Two.” I cut Nicole up as she held up a second finger. “Wait. How did you hear about that?”
“The whole school knows about that! Back to what I was saying…private lessons for wolf combat. Check, check. Plus you’re in special tactics. Four. What do you do in that class anyways?” She finished as I just looked at her.
I wanted to answer her but I couldn't get over her method of counting. “Do you always add numbers and checks when you count things off?”
“Shut up and answer the question.” I smirked as I looked up towards the ceiling in thought.
“Nothing much. It’s just weapons, bomb detection, and explosives.”
I thought that I had momentarily broke Nicole since she just stared nowhere in particular for a while. “How can you say you work with explosives like it’s no big deal.”
“It isn't.” I shrug as the bell goes off signaling the end of school.
I survived another Monday. Walking through the hallway, Nicole changed the subject yet again. “So I’m having a stay over at my house. You want to come?”
The question was could I. I wasn't talking to V to ask either and I really didn't want to mindlink him.
Nicole noticed me thinking hard about something. “If you can come just let me know.” I nodded as we stepped outside of the school.
My mood instantly improved when I saw my own dark blue eyes staring back at me. “Nicky!” I yelled excitedly. My brother had come to visit me.
“Your brother?” Nicole questioned.
Nick had smirked as he walked towards us. “That’s your brother?!” She pointed at Nick and I nodded as I ran to meet him.
He quickly swooped me up and spun me around. “Midget! I've missed you.”
I playfully slapped his chest. Nice to know nothing has changed. I turned back around to motion for Nicole to come towards us. She had to meet Nick while he was here.
I was however sidetracked by who was with my brother. “Ghost? Where’s Boss at?”
“With Alpha.” He kept looking off in the distant instead of at me. That wasn't normal.
“Hi.” Nicole said softly with a shy wave.
I know I've only known her a week but this seems to be very out of character.
“Nick this is my friend Nicole. Nicole this is my brother Nick.” I gestured between the both of them as I introduced them.
“Nice to meet you.” Nick held out his hand and Nicole took it hesitantly before she cleared her throat. “I should really get going. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Then she quickly ran off.
“Luna.” I almost jumped out of my skin. I still had to get used to mindlinking with anyone that wasn't my brother. “Yes Boss?”
“Alpha Mason would like to see you.” I stilled as I looked around, forgetting that V wasn't here to ask for approval. “Ask V if he agrees.”
“He does.” Well that’s actually shocking.
“Okay. Ghost and my brother are taking me home now.” I got into the passenger seat as Nick got behind the wheel. Does Ghost not drive?
“So what’s going on?” Nick asked not looking away from the road. “Mason’s at the house and wants to talk to me.” Nick raised his eyebrows and I laughed as I felt his suspicion grow.
If he was letting me see Mason, he probably won’t mind me mindlinking him to ask if I could go to Nicole’s house.
“Sorry to bother you if you’re busy. I just wanted to know if I could go to a sleepover at Nicole’s house.”
I twirled a piece of my hair around my finger as I waited for him to mindlink me back. I knew I was nervous since I never played with my hair. It would make my curls frizzy.
“Work will never come before you. You can go but you will have shadows.” Why didn't I think of Shadow for Ghost? Oh well…he’s already got a name.
I wondered if Smiley would ever have to babysit me again. I haven’t seen him in a while and I kinda miss his dopey smile.
“So am I going to get a reason for our sadness this time?” I should have known he was coming to check up on me.
“V is working a lot and I’m sad I don’t see him as much.” It wasn't a lie but I couldn't tell my brother the full truth. No one needed to know what was going on with V unless he wanted to tell them.
He just nodded as he grabbed my hand, keeping one of his still on the steering wheel. “He is an alpha and he can’t keep you safe if he’s not working.”
“I know but that doesn't stop me from missing him.”
“Is it like a sharp pain in your chest?”
I turned around to face Ghost. He never talked to me without me initiating the conversation. “Yeah. Sometimes it’s a dull ache. Others a sharp pain.”
He just took a deep breath and looked out of the window as I looked back to the front of the car. “So how’s the parents?” I exaggerated the o in so, maybe a little too long.
“Mom misses you. Dad is…well, dad.” I just laughed as I thought about how stubborn our dad is. I’m pretty sure that’s where I got it from.
“What about Leo? I haven’t seen him since I left.” I yawned after I asked the question.
“You haven’t seen Raven either.” He stated giving me a sideways look.
“I don’t remember asking about her though.” I could have sworn I heard Ghost snicker but I might have been hearing things.
I could really care less about his girlfriend that I hoped wasn't his mate. I really, really did.
“He’s fine. He’s actually filling your shoes pretty good. I would rather have you but…well you wanted to run off and get mated.”
“Oh yeah I ran. More like your dad flung me.”
We were both glaring at each other. Not the way I pictured our reunion going. “He didn't have a choice. Look at what your mate does. He already took over another pack.”
“Your damn right he did. They started a war with us after fraternizing with our enemies. He did exactly what I would.” He seemed stunned by my words.
We pulled up to the house and Ghost jumped out of the car with it still moving.
“It’s scary to know that you have conformed to this pack.” I rolled my eyes as I got out of the car as well.
I didn't conform. I fought all the time and V was also letting me make changes. He just didn't like the fact that my crazy views are actually accepted here.
My focus wasn't on Nick anymore because at the moment Mason stood before me. What was I supposed to do?
Before I was mated I would have ran into his arms like I run into V’s. He would kiss the top of my head like V does now and called me that horrid nickname.
“Hey Mace.”
“Hey.” He rubbed the back of his neck. He seemed on edge and I wonder if all the warriors had something to do with that. “You didn't bring anyone with you?”
He shook his head as he looked down at the ground. “So what did you want to talk to me about?” I asked genuinely intrigued.
“Is there somewhere more private we can go?” As soon as the question left his lip three more warriors appeared and I sighed. We would be in the house where they all stay and where my mate is. Nothing is going to happen.
“Yeah. We can go to the library.” I stepped past him as I walked into the house. “Luna. I would advise-“
“It’s fine Boss.” He wasn't even here.
Once we were inside I closed the doors and looked over at him. He was still very uncomfortable and nervous.
“What’s her name?” He crossed his arms as he looked at his feet.
“Alexandra.” He sighed as he finally looked up at me. “I don’t even know her. How is she my mate?”
“You don’t always know your mate. Why don’t you get to know her?” Ignoring what I said he just asked me another question. “What’s she like?”
I knew that he should be asking her since she was somewhere in this house but in all fairness I told Alexandra about him.
“Well I’m sure you saw how beautiful she is. She’s outspoken. Just say something she doesn't agree with and you’ll see.” I smiled as I thought about how she would always argue with me.
“She is so much fun. If I ever need a laugh or something to do, she’s the one I call. I also call her when I need someone to talk to or just someone to be there. She was like my replacement for you. And above all else she is tough.” He tried to cut me off but I held up my hand to stop him.
“I know she’s tough because she had to live with my father as an alpha which isn't an easy feat. Also she’s a warrior and they don’t get tougher than that.” Mason was so shocked I thought his eyes would pop out of his head.
With a giggle I finished telling him the best thing about Alexandra. “She would make a great Luna. And this is coming from another Luna here.” He finally smiled before he slowly started to laugh.
I smiled back as I waited for him to say something. “But I’m not like your mate. I don’t feel the need to just claim her as mine.”
“I didn't feel that way either. Our problem was we were in love with someone…well each other. But they weren't in love with anyone before they met us. So they instantly accepted us. They had to compete with someone we already put in that place.”
He slowly nodded his head as he held his hand under his chin. “That actually makes perfect sense.”
“But the best part is the more time you spend with your mate, the faster you kick out that other person from your heart.” He held his chest in mock hurt and I just shrugged. “It’s true.”
“How did you become an expert?”
“Well…” I paused as I debated telling him about my gift. “I have a friend who had to tell me about it. To be honest, I just accept that I fell in love with V and didn't need a reason for it.”
When I opened the door Mason’s smile had quickly dissipated. Confused I looked to see what had caused it. There stood V on the opposite end of the hallway.
I quickly went over to him and grabbed the side of his face. Pulling him down to my level I saw that he had dark circles under his eyes. “You haven’t been sleeping. Have you?”
“I need to speak to you after you finish with Mason.” I quickly placed my lips to his breaking the kiss just as fast. I nodded my head to let him know that I was going to do just that.
“I’m just taking Mason to meet Alexandra, and then I’ll meet you in your office.” I waited for V to answer.
V dipped his head but stayed staring at me. “What?” I asked.
He smirked before he kissed me hard. I kissed him back with as much ferocity before he pulled away too quick. “Hurry,” was all V said as he walked towards the staircase.
Now I really didn't want to go anywhere else. Damn that male.
“You know the faster you take me to my mate. The faster you can go to yours.” It was a very good point that didn't seem to register until he said it.
Without saying anything I quickly made my way down the stairs and across the foyer to the front door.
“Are you making me leave?” Mason asked just an octave below a yell.
“No. Alexandra is training you idiot.” I snapped out as I hopped down the three stairs that led up to the door.
“Training for what?” I froze as the words left Mason’s mouth.
Did this fool already forget that she’s a warrior? All warriors trained six days a week. Two times a day. Since Alexandra was the only girl, she definitely had to prove herself.
“All warriors train Mace. Or at least they do here.” He stopped and I turned my body just enough to see him from the corner of my eye. “What’s up?”
“Did you train her?” He asked a little dazed and confused. I don’t think he took me seriously before. “Who else thinks females can fight?” I kept walking knowing that he would have to follow me anyways.
It took a little while be he finally caught up and we walked in a short silence until he had one more question. “What if I don’t want her to fight?”
If I had any doubts about all males being the same, Mason helped prove the point. It wasn't awesome that she was a warrior and all his. No. He automatically didn't want her to play with the boys.
“He has a good reason. As most males do.” I glared as I looked over in Greggor’s direction. “Don’t listen to my thoughts.”
“Don’t make them so loud then.” Mason just looked confused as he shifted his focus between Greggor and me.
“Don’t worry. We usually get along just fine. Alexandra is with the 2nd squadron today.” I smiled to myself as I started to speed walk to the training grounds.
2nd squadron meant that she was moving up. That also means that she is gaining respect even among V’s men. I’m sure that is a damn hard thing to do.
“Sandra!” I yell knowing that it will annoy the hell out of her.
Still in her wolf form, she quickly bolted for me. About 5 feet away from me, she stopped as if on cue. My guess is she caught the scent of her mate.
“It’d be easier to talk if you shifted and came back.” She seemed to have the same hesitation I did when I saw V a little while ago.
“The faster you shift. The faster I can explain.” Might as well tweak what Mason said to fit the situation then.
Without a sound or movement of her head, she left to no doubt shift to her human form. “She really is a warrior?”
“No Mason.I was lying the whole time.”
“And she trains with these wolves?” I nodded.
I felt as something very familiar filled the air. I can’t quite place my finger on it yet.
“Why does she train with males?”
Ah that’s what it was, the stifling feeling of over-protectiveness. He might be trying to accept her as his mate but that didn't mean he was okay with other males being around her.
“Don’t worry. Most of them are happily mated.”
“And the others?” He bit out.
“Uninterested in romance.” He scoffed at what I said.
“All wolves want love.”
“And I agree. But I said they aren't interested in romance. You know, wasting time with a girl that isn't your mate.” That shut him up pretty fast.
After realizing the effects of my words, I grabbed his shoulder to turn him towards me.
“I don’t mean us. We were kids. We didn't know our mates.
These wolves are fully mature and too hungry and determined to climb the ranks to be distracted.
From what I've heard any female that isn't your mate is seen as a distraction, even your mom.” Mason just covered his mouth as he tried to hold in his laughter.
“Actually…” He paused to take a deep breath. “Moms are the worst distractions.” I gaped at him astonished he could say that. His mother was the nicest woman I've ever known.
“I only say that because they try to guilt trip you into doing what they want.” I had to give it to him there.
I’m pretty sure his mom wasn't cheering for Mason to take down his father.
Looking at each other without saying a word, we began to laugh. I laughed so hard I had to grab my side to try and subdue the pain that was building up.
I didn't know why we were laughing. I didn't care why we were laughing. It just felt good to laugh after the week I had. We slowly stopped laughing when we heard someone clear their throat.
Alexandra raised her eyebrow at me in question but I had no answer to give to her. I had no idea what started this. “Mason wanted to meet you so…get to know each other and I’m going to just leave you guys be.” I tried to slowly creep away as I spoke.
Before I could get away, Alexandra’s hands wrapped around my arm like a vice grip. “You can’t leave us alone.”
“Oh I can and I will.” I tried pulling away but she still held on.
Looking at her, I saw the fear that she had. “He just wants to get to know you. He wants to love you. Now go and give him a reason to.” I winked to her.
She smiled as her face flushed a hot pink color. When I felt the death grip loosen on my arm I quickly pulled away with a wave.
Now to go see my mate.
I caught her scent before she even came to my door. Cassie has developed a habit of just intruding in my office without knocking. However she does refrain when she knows I’m meeting with someone outside of the pack at least.
“What are we talking about?” She asks as she saunters over to a chair in front of my desk.
“Mating.” I state simply.
“Ugh not that I’m against doing it again. But isn't that a one time thing?” I gave her an evil look as she smirked at me. She’s a pain at times.
“I’m talking about the formal ceremony to introduce the new Luna to their pack. It’s kind of a big deal.” She was completely lost by my last statement.
“You've never heard of the orvrokkosa?” Her head shook furiously.
What did these American wolves do with tradition? Throw it out the boat on the way over?
“So what do I do?” I focused back on my mate so I could tell her about the ceremony.
“Well it starts off with a big party so you can meet as many of our pack members as you can. You’ll be paraded around, meet all the important warriors and their mates, and show your allegiance to the pack.”
I had to stop since Cassie interrupted me. “Should I be taking notes?”
“I’m sure you’ll remember just fine smart ass.” She laughed a little as I began again.
“It’s after all of this boring stuff that the fun begins.”
“Fun?” She asked skeptical.
I got up from my chair and walked around the desk. I leaned against my desk right in front of her with my arms crossed.
“Yeah fun. There are some games that I’m sure you’ll find fun but are necessary.” I cleared my throat not liking the idea of why these games were in place.
“What do we do?”
A smirk played on my lips as I looked down at my mate. “We’ll paint you white.”
“Why?!” She whined like a child.
I just sat there until she got over her tantrum. I could have sworn she was turning 16 in a couple months, but she sure didn't act it at times.
“We paint all the females white. It’s so they can’t spot you from your fur color.”
I've witnessed a few of the ceremonies but I've never taken a part of them. I also wouldn't be taking a part in this one either.
“Are they looking for me?”
“Yes. All the males from the party is supposed to find you from scent alone. The fastest one to find you is the one who will look after you if…” I trailed off and her face went dark.
“So you won’t play?” She asked hopefully.
“No. It’s unfair for a mate plus it defeats the purpose.”
I looked at her as she smiled up at me. I wasn't sure she was quite understanding the ceremony or not.
“I missed you this week.” I threw my head back as I tried to contain myself. I missed her like crazy but last night was the first time I slept without a nightmare.
“A couple more nights and I’ll be back.”
“How about now?” I tensed just hearing her say that.
Without thinking I had her on my desk, standing between her legs as I kissed her long and deep. I pulled away only to catch my breath.
In doing so I returned to my normal mind again. I went to step back but Cassie grabbed my shirt to pull me closer to her again.
“I told you my office is strictly for business.”
She bit on my bottom lip as she smirked. “Rules are meant to be broken.”
I really wanted to break that rule but thank God that Brett burst into my room at that moment. This will be the only time I’m okay with him disrupting us.
“Alpha. There is another attack in the 4th district.” That wasn't what I wanted to be distracted with.
I quickly back away from Cassie and headed towards the door. “I’m coming too.” I stilled refusing to look back. “I can mindlink now and you know I can fight in my wolf form too.”
She needed practice outside of a regime as well but I don’t feel quite ready to take off the training wheels. I looked to Brett and he just shrugged as he tilted his head to the side. His way of saying ‘why not?’
“Fine. But I want you near me, Brett, Greggor, or …” I paused as I tried to think of what she called them.
“Boss, Ghost, or Smiley?”
“Yeah them. Understand?” She nodded her head as she bit her lip in excitement. “Yup yup. Let’s go.”
Now I have to work on a fight scene with wolves. I've never done that before so we'll see how it goes. is anyone cheering for Alex and Mason? Well besides me hahaha.
Any feedback is greatly appreciated :)