Chapter 17
Nathan
A smile is etched in my face as I walk to my room for my own shower. When she disappeared into the bathroom and left the door unlocked; I want to barge in there and kiss her until she went crazy. I wanted a few minutes and when I didn’t hear the water running, I went for it. Of course I didn’t go with breaking the door down, but I gently knocked and when she opened the door, I couldn’t contain myself any longer.
Her lips were pure heaven and God were they soft. My wolf was satisfied when she reacted to us and when she let out a small purr that she didn’t realize she did almost made me go insane. I wanted to stay there forever, but I didn’t want to over helm her.
Tonight after the memorial and I will tell her that we’re mates. I can’t take this any longer and I have never craved her so badly. She invades my dreams and I yearn to hear her laugh when I’m alone. I love how her touch can calm me with a single physical interaction and how one look can make me lose my train of thought.
Hopping out of the shower, I quickly dried off and dress; hoping I can see her before getting down to business. Hurrying downstairs, I find that the kitchen is empty and I am a little disappointed that she is here. Spotting a note on the island, I quickly read:
Nathan,
I thought I should detract the kids for a while with a game of hide-in-seek. Don’t worry we will be safe and we will be home soon. Don’t get to stressed.
-Ainsley
I smile at her writing and I fold the note and put it in my pocket. Feeling better, I walk to my office and my heart feels warm.
Ainsley
“Come on Ainsley! You can’t always use your powers in this stupid game!” Asher yells out and I stifle a laugh.
Zapping myself in a high tree, I say, “Well stop tracking me.”
“Why don’t we play a different game?” Ashton suggest and I see a hint a smile on his lips.
I’m happy that I could detract them from tonight. After I got dressed, I came into the kitchen and found everyone moping around. Writing a quick note to Nathan, I told them we are going outside for some fresh air and to clear our minds.
“What about freeze tag?” Shawn ask and I roll my eyes.
“Alright fine with me; but no superwolf speed! Go a normal pace so Payton and I have a chance.” I answers and we begin playing.
We play for an hour and my lungs are on fire. Where we are is close to the house, but I didn’t realize that it was also close to the border. We were all so focus on the game that by the time I felt a other presence it was too late.
“Hello my little pussy cat.” I hear from behind me and I quickly zap so I’m closer to all the kids.
Jericho walks from the shadows with four men behind him. I begin pulling my energy and I’m ready if he attacks. Asher, Ashton, and Shawn come up to stand beside me and the younger kids are behind us. We are a good ways from the back of the house and farther away from the warehouse, putting us in a predicament.
“What are you doing here Jericho; I heard you were rehab.” I say calmly.
Shrugging his shoulders, he answers, “I’m done with it; I don’t have a problem. Plus I wanted to see how my pussy cat was.”
“I’m fine; now leave before Nathan kills you.” I answer bluntly.
That’s when I notice that one of the men behind him was different. I could tell he wasn’t a werewolf, but instead a wizard. Witches and wizards get along fine, but this one had solid black eyes, meaning he was evil.
Smiling wickedly, Jericho says, “I don’t think so; he really doesn’t scare me.”
“You should be scared Jericho.” I hear behind me and I see Nathan stride out from the trees.
Jericho doesn’t seem fazed at all and I feel my stomach quiver when he laughs darkly.
“Nate to the rescue as always; shouldn’t you be mourning the death of you mutt.” Jericho barks out and I can feel Nathan’s wolf trying to break free.
I grab him by his arm and whisper, “Nathan he is baiting you; it is not worth it. Think of your siblings.”
“Awe isn’t this sweet; the Alpha’s mate calming him down! So romantic.” He purrs out and I freeze.
Looking at Nathan I see that he is clinching his jaw and my heart breaks a little. He knew it the whole time and never bothered to tell me. Why would he do that? I have been driving myself crazy with my emotions and he has been sitting back like it never mattered.
Jericho looks between us and adds, “Wait you didn’t tell her did you? Ha, this is priceless; if she was mine, I would have tapped that a long time ago.”
“Jericho, I really think you should leave now. I won’t hold him back another time.” I quietly say with my face blank.
He looks at me and I see a flash of something, but it’s gone before I know it.
“See you around Alpha and Lu-na.” Jericho drawls the last part and he leaves with his posse.
The wizard gives me a dark look before disappearing into the woods and I feel better now that he is gone.
Nathan turns to me and begins, “Ainsley, I’m sorry-”
“I am really mad right now and I’m afraid I will say something I will regret. Give me some space.” I say before I walk away from everyone.
Thank the Lord that he didn’t follow, because I feel my heart being ripped out right now. I have been here for five months and we have spent so much time together. I know enough about mates that they love one another like no other and they have a strong bond. From what Molly has told me is that the bond with a human and werewolf is there, but not as strong until they mate.
Going into the guest house, I grab my phone and I immediately call Molly. Sadly I get her voicemail and I quickly hang up. Pacing back and forth in the sitting area, I feel like a caged animal and I want to punch someone.
A knock on the door breaks the silence and I stop when I hear, “Hey Ainsley, it’s Summer. Can I come in?”
Going to the door, I let her in and lock the door. I see that she has my dress finished and I take it from her and hang it on the bathroom door.
“Ainsley what’s wrong?” She ask softly and I look at her brown eyes filled with concern.
Sighing, I answer, “Nathan is my mate and Jericho was the one to confirm it.”
“I’m sure that there is a good reason why he didn’t say anything and Jericho likes to stir the pot.” She replies as she hugs.
Sniffing, I ask, “But I’ve been here for five months; why would he not tell me?”
“To be honest; I don’t know, but I do know that he cares about you. When I was going through the house, he stormed past me and his eyes held so much pain. So don’t be too hard on him, Nate really isn’t good at showing his emotions and at times he can seem standoffish.” Summer answers as she lets me go.
Like most of the werewolves I have met, Summer is tall, but curvy with brown curly hair that seem to go everywhere. She has tan skin that she inherited from Spanish relatives and has a well-defined jaw line. She is beautiful inside and out and has become one of my greatest friends out here.
Flopping down on the couch, I say, “I know I shouldn’t be like this, I can’t help but feel a little rejected though. You would think I would be used to it by now, but for some reason this hurts the most for me.”
“Why don’t you try on the dress and we can see how it fits you?” She asks and I nod my head.
Going into the bathroom, I slip on the dress and it fits like a glove. I didn’t bother looking at my face, because I knew my eyes will be red and puffy. Walking out to the sitting area, Summer looks at me and she gasp out and a smile breaks across her face.
“You look like a goddess! Ainsley you are so beautiful and man am I good with a needle.” Summer gushes and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Smiling at her, I say, “Thank you for everything; for the dress, making me laugh, and being a friend when I needed it.”
“No problem; now get out of that dress and I will make some tea.” She pipes out and I do as she says.
Taking the dress off, I slip it into plastic slipcover and I survey my face in the mirror. Like I predicted my eyes are slightly red and puffy, so I wash it and reapply my makeup, minus the mascara. After I was somewhat back to normal, I walk out and instead of finding Summer; I find Nathan sitting on the small sofa.
Summer you traitor…
Nathan
I fucked up. Seeing the look in her eyes tears me into pieces and I’m afraid that I’m going to lose her.
Summer linked to me to come down to the guest house and explain myself to Ainsley. I walk outside and I wait for her to let me in.
Summer opens the door and quietly says, “You need to talk to her Nate and be honest with her, she’s hurting and I know you love her.”
I nod my head and walk inside, as Summer leaves me alone. I hear the water running in the bathroom and I sit down on the couch. My stomach is cringing in dread of what she will say. I can’t lose her and I hate myself for hurting her.
The bathroom door opens and Ainsley walks out, but pauses when she sees me. We stare at one another for a few heartbeats.
“Summer is a traitor.” Ainsley mumbles out.
Standing up, I say, “Please let me explain. I never meant for this to happen; I never wanted to hurt you.”
“But you did Nathan. How long do you know we were mates?” She asks with a quivering voice.
Sighing, I say, “Since the day I hired you, but at first I wanted you to get to know me; I didn’t want you to run away.”
“Still, you should have told me. I was so confused at how I felt about you; I thought I was going insane!” She answers and I wince at her tone.
“I know, but every time I would go to tell you something would come up and then I feared that you would be targeted because of me.” I reply and the thought of her being hurt makes me angry.
Sighing out loudly, she quietly replies, “I had a right to know and to be honest I think there is more to why you didn’t tell me that you don’t even realize.”
“I-I don’t know what you mean.” I shudder out and my mind is racing.
“I think it would be best if I leave sooner for my trip. With me being here is clouding your mind and you need to get everything worked out. Also I need to think and get my mind in order.” She quietly says.
Looking up, I see that it hurts her by saying that so I say, “I don’t want to lose you.”
“You won’t lose me; we both need this. We both have demons we are fighting and it’s not fair for either one of us to go into this and get hurt. Nathan I can’t be hurt again. I really can’t handle it. I care about you, but we need time to think.” She answers me and her voice is shaking.
I want to scream; I want to beg her to stay, but she is right.
“Ok. If you feel that it’s for the best; I won’t hold you back. But do know that I love you and I am the biggest ass for what I did.” I reply and my voice breaks.
I stand with hast, not wanting her to see me break down. As I walk out, I give her one more look and I leave, heading to the woods. I shift into my wolf and I don’t look back.
Ainsley
My heart breaks as I watch Nathan shift into his wolf and disappear into the woods. It’s only around three so I head inside to use the computer in the library and thank God I didn’t pass any of the kids. I get to the library with no interruptions and I quickly book a red-eye for Mobile that leaves at midnight.
Going back to the guest house, I begin packing my bag and get everything ready. After I’m done, I make myself a cheese sandwich in the kitchenette since I haven’t eaten all day. The memorial for Kenneth is at dusk so I head for the warehouse to find everyone already there.
I stayed in the background, not wanting to bring any attention to myself. The younger kids wouldn’t be attending the memorial and will be watched by some of the older women. I can stay behind, but I want to show respect to Kenneth, his family, and his pack members.
“How are you and Nathan?” Summer walks up and I narrow my eyes at her playfully.
Sighing, I answer, “I decide that I’m going to leave for Mobile early. There are things that we both have to work out and we need time apart. My flight leaves tonight at midnight.”
“Well it’s for the best and I don’t blame you.” Summer replies and I’m thankful for her support.
Nodding my head, I look around and see Nathan. He is watching me closely and I give him a sad smile. I walk as he walks through the crowd and I feel like I’m his prey.
“You’re here?” he asks and I try not to look him in the eyes.
Gulping, I answer, “I wanted to show my respect to Kenneth. Also you should know that my flight leaves at midnight.”
He nods his head and before he can reply, someone calls out to him. Looking at me, I nod my head for him to go ahead. I watch as he goes to the front and everyone grows silent.
“Thank you for coming. We will now begin the memorial for our brother, Kenneth Michaels.” Nathan booms out and everyone files out of the room to outside. I see Donnie, Jonah, and Nathan with three other men carrying Kenneth’s casket. As they lead, everyone follows behind as we go to the cemetery for pack members. It’s a five minute walk and it’s so quiet. I see the twins along the pack and I walk so that I can be beside them. We give one another sad smiles as we continue to walk in silence.
We get to his plot and they set the casket by the already dunged hole. There is a moment of silence all around and I feel tears pool up in my eyes.
“Sadly tonight we are here for Kenneth Michaels. Kenneth was a promising member of our pack and his death will not go in vain. His physical body is no longer here, but his soul and legacy will not be forgotten. Tonight instead of mourning, we will celebrate his life. Tonight is for Kenneth and may he be with the gods and goddess that watches over us.” Nathan says and after that they lower him into the grave.
Everyone is quiet and when they are done, I feel Summer move closer to me. Suddenly everyone shifts into their wolf and the sound of clothes ripping and bones cracking echoes through the area. I stifle a scream as I see over two hundred wolves before me. At that moment, they all howl at the raising moon.
It was one of the most amazing things I have ever witness. The thing I love most about the pack is how they are so connected and will protect each other regardless. They have a sense of unity and that’s something I always craved.
After the give heartfelt howls, the begin running into the woods. It’s crazy see how large they are verse a normal wolf. Summer stands with me and I see Nathan’s wolf pause and look at me. I have seen his wolf from afar, but up close he is beautiful. Midnight black fur that contrast against his crystal blue eyes. You can tell why he is the Alpha, because he towers over every other wolf.
Our eyes meet for a second before he runs with the others.
“Come on let’s head back.” Summer brings me back from my daze and I nod my head.
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Happy Halloween!!! Still working on this and I hope to finish it soon, but you never know it could take awhile. Enjoy and have a fun and safe fright night!