Matenapped

Chapter Sixteen.

Richard winced. "Apologies, Alpha."

"Wait, what? What are you talking about?" Jem asked, looking back and forth between me and Richard, her expression panicked. "What does he mean?"

I breathed in deeply. "Since you're the Luna of the pack, you formed an instant connection with each pack member the day we discovered we were mates. Your connection with everyone is very strong, just like mine."

I'd noticed her voice often got squeaky, like a mouse, when she was nervous or freaking out. "What?" Sure enough, her voice was suddenly very high.

Don't freak out, beautiful, I thought, trying to keep my words gentle.

She jumped in her seat.

"What the hell?" Her face drained of blood, her skin turning ashen.

Sh, it's ok. I nuzzled the side of her neck, hugging her against my chest. I'm trying to ease you into it. Short sentences, speaking quietly.

She relaxed slightly, giving me a small smile.

Suddenly, her head jerked to the side. She grabbed her forehead, looking like she was in excruciating pain.

***

Jem

Hiiiiii, Ms Luna Jem!!

Ms Luna omg omg hi!

Hey I can see you, can you see me, I'm waving across the table!!!

Ms Luna Jem, we can talk all the time now!

I groaned, clutching my head and leaning forward. I heard the sound of a few chars scraping as Michel and a few others rushed beside me.

Michel gripped my shoulders. "Jem, baby, what's wrong? What is it?"

"Kids, stop," I begged, ignoring his question. My temples felt like they were about to explode.

When Michel had been talking to me, it was unsettling, but it didn't hurt.

Having five energetic voices all talking in my head at the same time, however, was one of the most painful experiences of my life.

Realizing what was happening, Richard snapped his head up and looked at the kids.

"Stop it!" he growled viciously. "Stop talking right now, all of you!"

Instantly, the voices disappeared.

The pain lingered, but it was slowly fading into a dull throb. I lifted my head, sighing with relief.

"Thank you so much, Richard," I said, smiling weakly.

"I am so sorry, Luna," he said, shaking his head. "The kids--"

"They didn't know any better," I said, turning to face them. They looked close to tears. "Guys, it's ok. It's not your fault."

"S-sorry, Ms Luna Jem," Chase said, his bottom lip visibly quivering.

"It's ok, accidents happen," I said, smiling.

"Don't let it happen again," Michel growled.

"Michel, shut up," I said, rolling my eyes. I stood up and moved away from the table, turning around and facing him. He put his hands on my waist. "Hey, don't you have to go?"

He leaned his forehead against mine. "So eager to get rid of me?"

I grinned. "Obviously."

It was his turn to roll his eyes, but he still looked concerned. "Are you sure you're ok?"

I'm fine, I thought. I had no idea if it would work.

His eyes widened, excitement washing over his expression. "You did it!"

I grinned. "I did? Fuck yes!"

He laughed, picking me up in a way that I was straddling him. He kissed me and I kissed him back, threading my fingers through his hair and leaning completely into him. We made out until we were breathless. He was the one to pull away.

"As amazing as that was," he panted, "and holy shit, it was amazing--" I laughed and he grinned, continuing, "--we really do have to leave soon."

My smile faded. I hopped out of his arms but he kept ahold of one of my hands.

It took about half an hour to gather some last minute things and then we were standing in the driveway.

"I'll be checking on you every hour, including during the night," he said. "You have to answer me otherwise I'll begin to worry."

And then came all the instructions.

"None of the women or kids are allowed to leave the house at all, do you understand? There's more than enough food and everything else you'll need for the next few days inside. You should all try to stay calm. If all goes well, we'll be home by the weekend."

"Stay calm," I snorted. "My mate's going off to get himself killed and I'm supposed to stay calm. Yup. Easy."

He shut me up with a long kiss.

By the time it was over, I was crying silently. Michel pulled back and saw the tears streaming down my cheeks.

He kissed my cheek. "Baby, we'll be fine. I promise."

"Please, please try to stay safe," I begged, my voice cracking. "I just found you. I can't lose you already."

His gaze softened and he smiled gently. "I promise. I'll be back before you even realize I'm gone."

I laughed through my tears. "I seriously doubt that."

Another kiss, a few more tearful goodbyes, and they were all gone.