Hi guys!
Another massive thank you to all of you for staying with me this long!
I still have some surprises in store... What do you think they could be? 😉
Please vote and comment, let me know if you are enjoying reading! I love getting feedback and will happily listen to your advice!
Dumbfounded, Julian moved back to his desk and sat heavily in his chair.
The look of shock on his face was stirring a giggle inside me that I was desperate to squash.
Jack answered all of his questions solemnly. It was the most serious I had ever seen him.
The two men's anger had dissipated, leaving a slight tension behind that was seeming to relax with each new question.
Finally, Julian sighed, scrubbing a hand across his face. "Jack. Your dad is my best friend. I was there, waiting outside the day you were born. I don't understand why you wouldn't tell me about this."
Jack fidgeted, uncharacteristically nervous. "Jules... I was fourteen. It was the first thing you had asked of me as Alpha. I had no intention of pursuing it, or fucking up the job you gave me... I ignored it. Hoping it would never come up." He looked at me sheepishly, obviously embarrassed.
Hazel was watching us all thoughtfully, perched on the shining edge of Julian's desk. She straightened, smoothing her light grey dress.
"This is another reason we need to re-examine our laws. Mates should not be made to feel bad about the feelings they share, should they wish to pursue them." She hesitated, glancing at Jack in amusement. "However, your particular circumstances are a complete peculiarity, seemingly designed to amuse the Moon-Goddess."
I couldn't help the giggle that escaped, and Julian glanced at me, a small smile finally tugging at his lips. "And... are you are happy, Charlie?"
His gaze was piercing, and I squirmed, very aware of Jack standing close by. "Yes, Alpha."
"Julian." He corrected absently, nodding his acceptance. "Then it's settled. But now, I have important matters to discuss with my Luna and defence leader. I am sorry Charlie, but I must ask you to leave now."
Grateful to be leaving, I mumbled my goodbyes, quickly exiting before he changed his mind.
The morning had brightened into a beautiful sunny day. Bright blue, cloudless skies peeped through the canopy of our forest home, casting dappled shadows across the paths and buildings.
I started up the path to head home, hopeful that Holly would be there. I had really missed her.
I had only gone a few meters when a clawing nausea began in my gut. I shivered, despite the hot day as I looked down the pretty forest path I knew so well.
The emptiness that stretched ahead suddenly seemed hostile and I stumbled backwards, almost falling in my haste.
Nerves chewed at my senses as I imagined enemies lurking in the shadows, deeper into the forest line.
It was far easier to grit my teeth and be brave with Jack, but out here I felt vulnerable.
And I hated it.
I was just retracing my steps to the Pack house, sulkily giving in to my fear, when a cheerful voice called out to me. "Hey, Charlie!"
I looked up to see the bouncing blond curls of my least favourite Pack member, Shelby.
"I see you are back, all in once piece!" She giggled, as if she had cracked a joke. "Have you seen Jack?"
Her bright expectant smile made me nauseous and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at her falseness. "He's in a meeting with the Alpha." I sighed, pushing my hair behind my ears.
As I did so, I saw Shelby's eyes drop to my neck and go wide. Her usually carefully maintained expression forgotten, as her jaw dropped open. "You've been marked?"
Shit. I had forgotten about that.
I flicked my hair forwards to cover the bruised imprint of Jack's canines.
When I didn't answer, Shelby moved closer, lowering her voice. "Did they do that to you? Are you ok?"
She actually sounded concerned. I'd find it sweet if I wasn't so irritated to be linked to 'them'.
I shuddered at the idea that Drake could have marked me should he have wished.
"No!" I found myself blurting, choosing truth over that particularly hideous rumour. "I... Found my mate." I blushed as I spoke. But was proud of myself for doing what so many seemed to be unable to.
Tell the truth. Even when it is hard.
Shelby's eyes lit with the promise of gossip and she moved ever closer. The sickly, sweet odour of her perfume engulfing me whole. "So... Come on then, don't leave me hanging! Who is the lucky pup?"
At twenty-five, Shelby was much closer in age to Jack than I was, but that certainly didn't mean that she was old enough to call me or my age group, pups.
I regarded her coolly. Resisting the urge to smirk. "Well, the funny thing is... It's Jack."
I watched, amused, as her jaw became slack again.
I took great joy in continuing to babble pleasantly. "It was such a surprise. I guess it was a delayed reaction! The Moon-Goddess must have been having some fun with us!"
The light tone of my voice hid my internal glee as I watched the emotions flit across Shelby's face.
Sick, confused, sadness, but then finally... a smile?
She pulled me into a bone crushing, overly scented hug and grinned as she pulled away. "I'm so happy for you guys! Don't get me wrong... I was hoping for a bit of Jack myself, but..." She trailed off with a twinkle in her eye. "I'm glad you found each other."
It was my turn to stand in shock as she tottered away with one last wave and bright smile.
I hadn't expected that.
Maybe I was the bitch after all.
I was still recovering when Kyle sidled up, a shy smile on his lips. "Hey Charlie, I'm so glad you're ok!" He chewed his lips for a second, face turning pink. "Did I just hear you say that you and Jack are mates?"
I flushed, realising that the secret was well and truly out.
"Eeww, no way! You were like five when he met you. That's gross!" Holly disgusted voice sounded behind us and my flush darkened.
Great.
Taking a deep breath, I ripped off the band-aid and quickly explained. Feeling Holly engulf me in a hug as I began.
She was still clinging on as I finished, and I peeped down at her. "Hol?"
Kyle chuckled, pulling at Holly's arm. "She seems fine, Holly. Let her breath."
Holly snorted. "Mated to Jack? I'd say she's more than fine." She allowed him to pull her away but grinned at me cheekily. "That man has the power of a torpedo."
I spluttered into laughter and so did Holly. Leaving a confused Kyle to look on concerned. "Did I miss something?" He asked awkwardly.
"Yeah, what's funny?" Jack's deep velvety voice joined the mix, and Holly and I set off again, holding our sides and clinging to each other as tears ran down our faces.
The two men glanced at each other in bewilderment.
"No idea." Kyle shrugged, before holding out a hand to Jack. "Congratulations, man. Charlie just told us."
Jack's midnight gaze found mine, a delicious heat in their depths. "Did she now?"
I fought another blush.
Kyle shifted awkwardly. "Uh... Jack? I know you guys are mates... and I'm sure you would never... but I think of Charlie like a sister, so... please don't hurt her." The words tumbled out quickly as a blush stained his pale cheeks.
He shoved his glasses up his nose awkwardly but kept his gaze on Jack.
I gaped. This really wasn't like Kyle.
"Like you'd be able to do anything even if he did hurt her!" Holly snorted, her giggles stopping when she saw the frown on Jack's face.
He smiled down at Kyle, clapping a hand on his shoulder, making the smaller man jerk slightly. "You got it."
Winking at me, Jack sauntered past, heading into the café a few meters away.
Kyle looked a little stunned, but proud of himself. Sending a self-satisfied smirk at Holly as he waved us goodbye.
We were barely alone again before Holly was glued back to my side, peppering me with questions and repeatedly asking how I was.
It was going to be a long day – and she hadn't found out about Julian yet.