Chapter 15
~Two weeks later~
It's been two weeks. Two weeks of constant torture. Beau was still my trainer and he hasn't been taking it easy on me. Every day was the same routine, wake up, eat breakfast, Thane would drive us to the field then training begun with that god awful Beau.
For everyday of the first week he had me running. Pushing me to run faster and faster while increasing my laps. My body ached and I was sore by the next day but he didn't care and Thane wasn't always around to save me.
I came to realize a little bit more of what Thane did...sort of. I knew he trained the pack members with Beau and Lucas. He also did paperwork in his office but I could tell he hated it and procrastinated till the last minute. Thane also ran the perimeter of the land, it was called border patrol, where they ensured that no one crossed into their territory without permission.
As for me, Thane said that my Luna job was more of a motherly instinct. I would eventually learn on my own what I should do but it mostly required being a mother to the pack whenever anyone needed me as well as helping him in making decisions for the pack. But for now he wanted me training so I could protect myself from 'unforeseeable danger'. However Beau thought that the first thing I should master was the art of running. He instructed me that I should first run from danger instead of facing it head on. But that's if I ever encountered such situations.
I thought he was joking at first but with the week of constant running I knew he was serious. When I was on a break however he made me analyze the fighters so I could have an idea of what my training entailed and what techniques I'll be using.
I can now successfully say that after two weeks I was faster than I was before and I knew a few self defense mechanisms to save my ass in case I was in danger.
Maybe I could beat up Thane, steal his jeep and go back home. That would work except he could easily overpower me and there was border patrol that was ten times faster than me.
Thane and I have however have been getting along. We haven't really been together alone for long because he had his myriad alpha duties and I was training. But besides that we have a routine now and I kind of, sort of, maybe, just a little bit have a crush on him.
But who wouldn't? He was the epitome of a Greek God and his physique was impeccable. How did a not hot girl like me land with a handsome beast, literally, like him for a mate?
Luckily for me, Abigail stopped coming around the both of us. Seems like she finally took the hint.
I was just finishing up my cool downs when I saw Thane helping out some wolves. I also got accustomed to having them around. Knowing that they were humans under all that fur eased my tension. Plus having Thane around most of the times helped immensely because deep down I knew he wouldn't allow anything hurt me, including himself.
"And thank the Moon Goddess I am done with you!" Beau exclaimed as I gave him a look. We became friends after a few days even though we acted like we couldn't stand each other's presence.
"What do you mean? By the way Beau you smell." I said waving my hand in front of me when I approached him.
He gave me a glare but proceeded to sniff his arm pits anyways. "What I meant is that your training with me is finally done, I could practically feel my headache ease." He teased.
I stuck my tongue out at him like the child that I was, "Oh hush, you know you're going to miss me."
"Contrary to what you think Emery, I prefer to train real fighters who wouldn't use their mate to beat my ass." He replied proudly.
"You're just jealous he hasn't been hanging out with you as often." I smirked. Thane, Lucas and Beau were all best friends, while everyone called Thane 'alpha', Lucas and Beau simply referred to him by his given name.
"Hey! You stole my best friend." He pointed at me while looking hurt.
"Get yourself a mate Beau." I laughed.
"I'm starting to think I'm a lone wolf." He said brushing a nonexistent tear from under his eye. Beau was the same age as me, 19. While it's not uncommon for a wolf to not meet his mate after three years, it was strange as he was the Delta and they typically find their mates pretty easily to carry on their bloodline. And I knew he was worried that he would never find her.
"Maybe she saw you and got blinded by your ugliness." I smirked as I poked at his ego.
He glared at me, "How dare you? I'm the most attractive wolf in this pack."
"You mean the cutest." Thane said pinching Beau's cheek as he came to join our banter.
Thane was still jealous of Beau and I was still jealous of Abigail and the girls and who Thane had to help train. But Thane was slightly less jealous because I made him realize that Beau and I were frienemies, plus he kept a keen eye on us and Beau was commanded not to touch me.
By 'command', I mean Alpha command. If Thane Alpha commanded anyone then they physically and mentally can't oppose him and they are forced to submit. It seemed terrible but Thane hardly ever used it unless it was to stop every male from looking or touching me, even if it's a simple handshake.
I on the other hand just kept getting more and more jealous. Thane didn't make in any easier because every time he was out on the field with us he would take off his shirt. I mean almost all of the guys did, but they weren't my mate and Thane was getting me distracted. It was a great sight but I would've preferred if it was just for my eyes, not the hungry mate-less eyes of the rest of women on the field.
None of them gave me a hatred or envious look but it did boil my blood that he just stood there oblivious to all their gawking. I sound clingy but I wasn't going to deny that over the past two weeks I could actually feel our mate bond strengthening. It may be lust but it was some strong attraction.
"Oh great, two against one, how is this even fair?" Beau complained as he threw his hands in the air in exaggeration and walked away.
"I think he's going to miss me annoying him." I said with a laugh as I stared at his retreating figure.
Thane let out a low growl and I knew I rattled his cage. "He wouldn't unless he wants his ass handed to him."
I looked up at him as he glared at Beau. "I don't think I reject to that actually."
Thane turned to me with a wide grin, "I knew we were paired for a reason."
Rolling my eyes at him I changed the subject, "I think that he misses you." I gestured to Beau as Thane pulled me closer to him.
We got accustomed to touching each other these past few weeks. We haven't kissed or anything like that, but I sensed that my presence kept Thane calmed whenever he was angry or stressed. It made me felt important to him and I didn't mind snuggling with him on the couch. He always respected my space and ensured that I was okay with him pulling me closer, holding my hand or kissing my forehead.
"I know but things have just been a little harder around here." He sighed and I could feel him tensing up.
"What do mean?" I asked as I placed my hands on his shoulder in a concerned gesture.
"It's nothing. I don't want you to worry." He said tightening his hands around me.
"Thane, you once told me that we are equals in leading this pack. I wouldn't know how to help if you wouldn't tell me anything." I said pulling out of his arms.
He promised he wouldn't keep any secrets from me but I knew something was up and he wouldn't tell me what.
"I will tell you, but when I get home okay." He promised.
I looked at him in disbelief but I knew that his wolf world wasn't anything easy to deal with so I left it alone. For now.
"Okay." I simply replied.
"Don't be angry with me please?" He said taking my hands in his.
"I'm not, just let me help you." I said squeezing his hands.
He smiled at me, "I will."
"So are you ready to head back? I'm done for the day." I asked.
"Actually we extended training to a little later so everyone's going to be here for a while and I have to stay." He explained regretfully. I have noticed that more people were in the field today, I would say a good three hundred pack members were scattered all around."
"Okay, well I guess I'll just sit on the sidelines, my feet kills." I said exhausted.
Before I could pull away Thane kept his hand in mine, "I was actually thinking that you could drive the jeep home."
My face instantly broke out into a grin, "You mean you're letting me drive your jeep?!" I squealed merrily.
He chuckled at my reaction, "Yes, but under one condition."
"Yes, sure whatever, just give me the keys." I say practically jumping.
"Now listen to me carefully," he said prolonging the wait, "you have to be extremely careful." He said exaggerating the last word with a stern look.
"I will don't worry." I waved him off.
"And you have to go straight home, don't stray. If you want to go out please take Bailey or one of the wolves at home with you." He said looking me in the eyes to ensure that I understood him.
"That's two conditions."
"Emery..." He warned.
"Fine I promise I would be careful and would go straight home." I said crossing my heart as I was too excited to be patient.
"If anything happens to you-" He began.
"Oh just give me the keys." I said cutting him off.
He gave me a playful glare as he pulled out the keys from his pocket.
"Promise you'd drive safely and slowly." He said holding the keys above my reach.
"I promise. Now stop making my life miserable and hand over the keys." I gave him my puppy dog eyes.
Reluctantly he gave the keys and as I felt the cool metal in my palm I smiled widely at him.
Before I could walk away he pulled me to him and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. "Be safe." He whispered.
I pulled away with a smile as I said my goodbyes and almost ran out the clearing to Thane's jeep.
When I started the engine I felt alive. It was the happiest I had been since I got here. I strapped on my seat belt and with no regrets floored it out of the dirt road and to the main road where it lead back to the pack house.
The wind in my hair and the sun on my skin felt amazing and I wanted to drive around forever in this great automobile but I knew Thane would have someone reporting back to him if I didn't return home.
I must admit that Thane had great taste in vehicles.
The purr of the engine fueled my mind and I felt alive. But it was short lived because I was soon pulling up the large rustic house where I now resided.
I shouldn't have driven fast but it was impossible not to when the road was completely empty except for me.
Pulling up to the driveway I parked next to Thane's mustang in the garage and got out only to be frightened by Bailey.
"Geez do you ever get tired of scaring the shit out of me?" I asked as I held my chest and trying to slow down my racing heart.
Bailey would always scare me every time she saw me. Thane was actually right, we did become friends. While Thane was busy I would usually hang out with Bailey in the garden or we would help her mom prepare lunch or dinner for everyone in the house.
We were sort of like best friends and I'm glad to have met her.
"Do you never expect me?" She answered my question with a question.
"Touché." I replied.
"I see you finally got to drive the jeep." She pointed out.
"Yes, he's been torturing me by not letting me drive it." I said as we walked in the house. "It rides so smooth."
"Rough is better." She shrugged.
A looked at her with wide eyes, "Bailey, don't be a potty mouth." I playfully slapped her shoulder.
"Hey you thought about it." She said laughing as she clearly wanted me to understand her innuendo.
She was quite the weird one, looking all innocent with a nasty mind.
"You implied it." I said back.
"Wait, does that mean you did it?" She said grabbing my elbow.
I rolled my eyes knowing exactly what she meant, "Eww, no way. I barely know the guy, I'm not going to jump his bones."
"The day I found out Lucas was my mate I jumped him." She replied with no shame.
"Yeah but you're a wolf."
"And you're the mate of a wolf, no excuses. Poor guy must have blue-." I cut her off before she could go any further.
"Bailey you knew Lucas from around the pack before you realized he was your mate. It's different for Thane and I. I don't have the urge to 'jump him' nor have I known him beyond three weeks." I explained.
"I understand sweetie. We wolves do have that animalistic tendency so I guess you can't blame me for asking." She remorsefully said.
"No don't worry about it. Can you keep a secret though?" I asked.
"Umm duh, why do you think we're best friends?" She said rolling her eyes.
Confiding in her, I finally admitted what I've been keeping to myself, "Thane thinks that I don't like him. He thinks that I hate him but I don't. I think that somehow this mate bond thing is finally getting around my mind. I actually like him. But I'm scared Bail. We've only known each other for a little over two weeks. Don't you think it's too rushed to be feeling this way?" I felt nervous admitting this to her but I didn't have anyone else to talk to.
"Oh sweetie." Bailey said pulling me in her arms. "It's what the mate bond does, you're meant to be together so it pulls you both closer whether you like it or not. You may think it's rushed and unrealistic to be feeling this way, but for werewolves it's kind of strange that you two haven't been together together as yet."
"I know but I'm not ready. And I'm certainly not ready to produce his heir." I said probably sounding like a mad person.
"Don't stress yourself over it. Plus Thane is your mate and he would never push you to do something you don't want to." She comforted me.
"Thanks Bail. I really needed some assurance." I smiled at her.
"Any time. And if anything else is bothering you just let me know okay. I've needed another girl's company around here." She sighed.
Even though Bailey had her older adopted sister Abigail, I could tell they don't get along, they hardly spoke. I for one was happy because that shrew was too touchy with my mate.
"I'll be right back, I have to shower." I said heading for the stairs after my talk with Bailey.
"Actually there's someone upstairs waiting for you." She called back.
"Who?" I turned back and asked.
"Don't worry just go." She smiled.
Wearily I went upstairs to the third floor. As I approached I could hear three hushed voices talking and knew it all belonged to women.
Entering Thane's living room I was shocked to see Thane's mother, sister and the lady from the antique store I met days before the ritual back in Fairbairn. The one that gave me the beautiful dress I wore to the ritual.
Thane told me his grandmother was on the counsel with the elders. So this must be her considering she was in Fairbairn and now she's here.
I suddenly felt a blossom of hope unraveled in me but I was also scared because I didn't want to leave Thane. But could I leave to see my parents without saying goodbye to Thane? Would she take me back with her to visit? All these thoughts filled my mind as I stared at the elderly woman.
"Mrs. Frasier?" I asked remembering the old woman's name.
"Yes my dear child, call me Jane, please." She said happily as she approached me with Thane's mother and sister on her heels.
Thane's mother noticed my dumbfounded expression, "Emery, this is Thane's grandmother." She explained.
Finding my voice I asked, "Y - you're the one who gave me the dress?"
"Yes my dear and it's so lovely to meet you again." She said coming in for a hug.
I reciprocated the action, still in wonder, but a bit embarrassed because I knew I smelt extremely pungent being covered in sweat from my training.
"Now Jane why don't you give her some space I'm sure she's tired from all that training Thane has been putting her through." Thane's mom said as she placed her arms on Jane's shoulder and gently pulled her away from me.
"Anne, it's great to see you again," I smiled at Thane's mom and then his sister, "and of course Tate."
I smiled at them all and quickly rushed over to Thane's bedroom and jumped in the shower ensuring that all by bodily odor was scrubbed off.
I grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and went back into the living room hoping that I haven't had them waiting too long.
"Good you're back." Jane exclaimed happily. "Come here and sit with us." She patted the seat between herself and Anne.
As I sat between the two females of the Blackwood family I couldn't help but ask, "Jane, not be rude, but how are you here?" Curiosity laced my tone.
"You met her before?" Tate asked curiously.
I looked over at her and nodded, "She gave the dress I wore for the ritual."
Tate laughed, "Always the meddling old lady."
"Hush child." Jane playfully scolded Tate before she turned back to me with a welcoming smile, "Well dear I was married to a human in Fairbairn. You see I never met my mate so I lived in Fairbairn for my life. I got married to a human until he died and I now venture between both territories to keep track of the ritual and all the bits and bobs in between."
"So you knew that I was meant to be Thane's mate?" I asked shocked.
"I had a strong feeling." She smiled at me. "Okay enough chit chat, where's that grandson of mine?"
"Not treating his mate with the attention she deserves obviously." Tate laughed before Anne threw a pillow at her.
I blushed at Tate's comment before I explained, "He's actually with some pack members training, he said that they extended the hours."
They all gave each other a knowing look and I knew I was being kept in the dark.
"Well that's good, it gives us girls some time to talk." Anne said with a smile when she saw my confusion.
"Yes Anne you're right, I've been meaning to meet Emery here for quite some time and that son of yours has been keeping her cooped up here." Jane grumbled.
"Actually I've been with the pack members training." I clarified.
"Training!" Jane exclaimed with distaste.
"Jane." Anne said in warning.
"She's actually pretty good grandma, I'm sure she could take me. Isn't that right Em?" Tate smiled encouragingly.
I rolled my eyes at her, "I don't know about that but I do have some skills up my sleeve."
"No," Jane cut us off, "what is the meaning of this training? Darling you shouldn't be training in your condition. Tell that grandson of mine to take care of you instead of having you labor away in the sun." She said with a frown which justified her wrinkles.
I was confused, "What condition?" I asked worrying that I had some incurable disease no one told me about.
"Oh well I assume you're already pregnant." Jane simply answered.
My eyeballs almost fell out of its socket. Pregnant?!?
Tate snickered at my obvious discomfort and I sent her a 'help me' look to which she shook her head 'no' at me.
"Jane, don't stress her." Thane's mom answered on my behalf.
"I'm not pregnant." I finally answered when I found my voice.
Now Jane's eyes bulged out of her head, "Not pregnant? You're joking aren't you?"
Tate full out started to laugh at that one, "Grandma, oh my gosh she just got here."
I looked at Anne who just patted my shoulder as she came to my rescue, "Jane you have to understand Emery's position. She just arrived here and I'm sure she and Thane aren't ready for kids yet." She put her arm around my shoulders in a side hug and I felt at ease but Jane's curious eyes were still on me.
"You haven't slept together have you?" She suddenly asked.
I felt my cheeks burn alive and I didn't know how to get away from this conversation.
"Jane!"
"Grandma!" Anne and Tate both scolded the old woman.
"Okay okay I'll stop but Emery, I'm old. I want to see my great grand baby before I pass onto the other side."
"Don't pay attention to her Em, she's just trying to coerce you into making babies." Tate winked.
I laughed at that before Anne went on, "Oh leave the poor child alone Jane. Don't forget that at one point I was in her position."
"Yes I remember. How awful was the day that you told me I would never get a grandchild because my nephew was an animal." Jane laughed.
I could imagine saying the exact thing but I didn't want to disrespect anyone by saying that. Suddenly Anne pulled me up from the sofa and we were heading towards the kitchen.
"Enough baby talk for today. I'm quiet hungry." Anne excused us while Tate followed. Jane looked tired on the couch as her eyes closed down on her as we entered the kitchen.
"Old lady is always sleeping away on herself." Tate shrugged.
"So what's for dinner?" Anne asked with a smile.
Looking down shamefully I admitted, "I don't really know how to cook."
"Relatable," Tate mumbled as she took out a can of soda from the refrigerator.
"Okay, I'll show you how to make...pizza?" I looked up at her and saw her at ease as she gracefully fluttered around the kitchen gathering ingredients and pans.
"Yes, my mom makes the best pizza." Tate squealed.
"If I'm being honest, I didn't really know how to cook myself when I came here. I was at a lost to how I was going to manage a pack when I couldn't even make mac and cheese." She joked.
"I'm more of an eater than a chef." I explained as I helped her get some pizza toppings.
"It was actually Jane who helped me out when I came here. Thane's grandparents weren't around when I was brought here from the ritual. They died a few years before from an attack on the pack. So Carson, Thane's father, and I had to figure out everything on our own on how to efficiently run a pack. She became my mother." She talked while she made a few large pizzas and I tried my very best to help her.
"Jane, she helped us through it. She taught me how to be a Luna, helped me learn to cook, she even helped me take care of Thane when he was a baby because I was as inexperienced as could be." She looked nostalgic at the memory. "I know what you're going through Emery. You may hate me for condoning such a ritual and acting as everything is fine but I want you to understand why you're her."
"I do. Thane explained to me that we're mates." I informed her.
"You are, but you're so much more than that. You're the Luna. I want us to have the kind of mother daughter relationship that Jane and I have. I want you to feel as comfortable with me as my own daughter Tate does," We looked over at the girl in question who was grinning at us, "I want you to understand why I couldn't help you when we met weeks ago. I want you to be the best Luna this pack has ever seen." She concluded looking at me.
Her motherly comfort almost brought tears to my eyes, "Thank you Anne. It means the world to me to hear you say that and I could never stop being sorry for how I treated you when I first met you."
"Oh darling, come here." She opened her arms for me and I happily allowed myself to be wrapped in her warm motherly embrace. She smelled of baked cookies and I instantly remembered my own mother.
"Group hug!" Tate exclaimed as she join in on our hug. Anne felt like a mother to me and I could tell Tate and I were going to get along like sisters.
When we all pulled away, Anne said, "You were forgiven the moment you ran off with tears in your eyes that day. I saw the regret in your eyes dear, I know you only said it out of anger."
"Thank you so much, you have no idea how much it means to me to have your forgiveness." She brushed a stray tear from my eye.
"Now come on, help me put these in the oven." She pointed to the six pizzas on the counter and I knew she made enough for Thane's and Tate's appetite.
While it was baking Anne and I chatted about her past when she was still in Fairbairn to the moment she was pregnant with Thane. Tate talked about growing up here and about the pack. Anne revealed that she and I weren't that different as she was also angry with Thane's father when he brought her here but unlike Thane, his father showed his mother that he was a werewolf the very next day after the ritual.
By the time the pizzas were done, Jane woke up from her nap on the couch and they all ate while Jane and Anne recalled memories of when Thane was young. I decided to wait for Thane so we could have dinner together like we usually do.
By the time they were done, it was well past nine at night and I couldn't help but wonder where Thane was. Did he know that Jane, Anne and Tate were here?
I could tell Anne was worried when she asked about Thane which only made me worry for no reason. Jane however distracted us by recalling tales of her golden days being a young wolf.
As the clock struck eleven Thane finally decided to make an appearance as I heard him hurrying up the stairs.
Coming straight to the living room he was shocked to find me with his family.
"Gran? Mom? Tate? What are you three doing here?" He looked happy to see them but his eyes had a hint of fear.
"Thane, how could you leave your mate alone all evening? She's been worried sick about you." Jane said and I couldn't believe that I was so transparent that she knew I was worried.
"Yeah big bro, not cool. I'll kick your ass if you hurt her." Tate winked my way as Thane looked embarrassed.
"Apologize to her and you better make it up." Anne said as they all got up.
"I promise I will." Thane said as he gave them all a hug and a peck on their cheeks like a good family man.
"Now I think it's better we go, you're father's been bothering me to get home." Anne said.
"It was lovely meeting you again Emery." Jane said pulling me towards her in a powerful embrace. She was an old woman but she was a strong wolf.
"Gran you're squeezing the air out of her." Thane said worriedly.
"Don't speak to your grandma like that you insolent boy." Jane slapped the back of his head causing a giggle to escape me and Tate.
"I'm glad I got the chance to speak to you again." Anne said hugging me while Thane and Jane went on with their little banter.
"Me too, it was lovely having you here."
"What about me?" Tate pouted.
"You too Tate, drop by any time." I pulled her into a hug.
"I will." She said following her mother to the staircase.
"Please don't." Thane smiled at her and she flashed him her middle finger.
"Let's go girls, my feet are killing me." Jane said even though she's been sitting since I got here.
"I'll take you all home." Thane offered.
"I already contacted your father." Anne said tapping her forehead and I knew she used mind link.
As they walked towards the staircase I felt as if I've gained a family and a joyful feeling blossomed within me.
"Don't forget, I want a great grandson within the next few months. And remember have fun and condoms are bad." Jane said with a wink before leaving.
"She does know that she's preaching the exact opposite of what everyone has ever told me right?" I whispered to Thane, embarrassed as they left.
"She's been pestering me since I found you." Thane said looking at me with a smile.
"Are you ready?" I suddenly asked.
"Ready for?" He asked confuse.
"To become a parent." I clarified.
"You want to-"
"No, no. Geez no, I just want to know if you're ready to become a dad." I asked embarrassed that he thought I was ready to sleep with him.
He thought about it for a moment before he answered, "To be honest I'm not and I am. I'm not ready because I don't think I'll be a great father but since I started alpha training it was expected of me to have a kid when I met my mate. I'm ready to have a family with you Emery, but I'm scared I wouldn't be a great dad."
"Hey, you'll be a great dad." I took his hand and gave it a squeeze to get my point across to him. "I've seen you with the kids around the pack Thane, you're absolutely great at handling them."
He looked at me with admiration, "Did I ever tell you how great you are?"
"No but you can start." I teased.
"Don't worry though. We wouldn't do anything you aren't ready for. I mean it." He cupped my cheek as he looked me in the eye so I knew that he would never push me.
"Okay enough baby talk, why are you so late?" I remembered what time it was and trying to get away from discussing parenthood with Thane.
He scratched the back of his neck nervously, "Beau thought it was a good idea to run border patrol tonight after training to ensure everyone was at their post. I'm sorry Emery, I will make it up to you I promise." He explained.
"You don't have to. It's your job and I understand. Why don't we have dinner?" I said walking to the kitchen.
"You cooked?" He asked surprise.
"Okay I know I can't cook but I'm not that bad."
"Is it edible?" He asked with amusement playing in his eyes.
"Haha very funny. You're mom actually made it." I admitted.
"I'm glad to see you and my mom, sister and grandma got to spend some quality time together." He grabbed our plates as I grabbed two bottles of water as sat in our usual seat at the counter.
"They're all lovely. You're lucky to have them all." I said with a smile.
"They're your family too sweetheart." I cut myself a slice as Thane grabbed his own pizza pan.
We ate while Thane told me about training and I joked with him about something he did as a child that Jane told me.
When we finished, we washed the dishes and I was going to hit the sack but he stopped me.
"Hey, I was wondering..." He trailed off.
"Wondering what?" I asked confused.
He rubbed his hand behind his neck and I picked up that he did that every time he was nervous about something.
"Well I am...I was wondering if you want to, you know?" He said like if it was an explanation.
"Thane just tell me." I smiled at his shyness.
"Okay." He let out a deep breath. "I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me?"
I smirked at him.
A/N
Hey everyone! A little less Thane and Emery time but the next chapter seems promising. Maybe. Also who else loves Thane's family because I do, but my opinion is bias 😅
Song: November Lights - Talk
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-Shania. 🐾