Mom wants to meet you while she is conscious.
I could hear him laughing. My parents are very excited to meet you too. Do you think that your mom is feeling well enough to come down for dinner? We will be eating in an hour at the dining hall.
I asked Mom and of course she was ready to get out of bed. There is no keeping that woman down.
Okay, we will be there, I told him.
Are we okay? I don’t want there to be any tension. My wolf is feeling so restless. I really am sorry baby. I need you.
Me, too, but I need you to try and remember that I am not some prize on your trophy shelf. I do have feelings and I need you to quit being such a butthead.
Fair enough. But, I need you to remember that I am the man, and I will fight for you no matter what. I want to be the one who protects you, and loves you, and kisses you, and kisses you, and kisses you.
I giggled. I got it; you’re the one who kisses me.
Just making sure you understand.
I will see you soon.
Chapter Ten
Dad left so that I could get Mom dressed and ready to go to dinner. Mom seemed to be totally chilled out. I was falling apart at the seam. What do you say to your mate’s parents? Oh hi. I have only known your son for four days, but we kissed and now we are mates. Also I spent the night in his bedroom. Thanks so much for having me, and could you please pass the potatoes.
Baby! Stop it. They are going to love you. It doesn’t matter that we have only known each other for a few days. That is how mating works. They know that. And it’s not like I spent the night in the bed with you. Now that would have been fun.
Ha, ha. That’s easy for you to say. I had to block him from my thoughts while we got dressed and ready for dinner. He could be very distracting.
“Are you ready?” Mom asked.
“I guess.” I stood there staring in the mirror.
“You look fine, now let’s go.”
I tossed my hair around a few times and walked out the door. They are either going to love me or hate me. Sink or swim Ava.
As we were walking down the hall, leaving Mom’s room, I heard Sam yell for me. I wanted to run to her. She had stayed here with me through all of this craziness. She wrapped me in the biggest hug. I knew that she must have been worried. It felt good having her here with me.
When I was able to get a good look at her, I noticed the lack of sleep. Her brown normally straight hair looked wild and untamed, and her eyes were red and puffy. You could barely see the blue in them because of all the redness. I felt so bad that she was so exhausted, but thankful that she was my best friend and she loved me so much.
“Hey, Mrs. S., how are you feeling? You definitely don’t look as bad as you did yesterday. That must have hurt like hell.” She still had her wits intact.
I just shook my head. Anytime you wanted honesty, she was your girl. She could be brutal. You could take her or leave her. She did not care. She was petite and loud, a deadly combination. I had rubbed off on her over the years. However my honesty was a lot sweeter, most of the time.
Mom laughed a little at her comment. She had been around her enough to know how to take her. She shook her finger at us. “Let’s go eat girls,” and we followed her down the stairs.
“What’s wrong F.P?” Sam asked
“F.P., do I really want to know?”
“Flea Princess, my dear. That is what you will be once you marry the Prince of Fleas.”
“Really….” I rolled my eyes.
“I am just stating the facts. So what is going on? I can tell there is something bothering you. You are too fidgety.”
“I have to meet the King and Queen of Fleas any second now. I’m so nervous. I am starting to sweat.” I was waving my hands back and forth in front of my armpits.
“You are acting crazy. They are going to love you, even with your pit stains. I promise.” She smiled at me.
“Very funny Samantha… By the way, I also met my dad and he is going to eat with us too.”
“This will be interesting, one big, happy family of wolves. Now I am starting to sweat,” she said.
“Let’s do this.” I exhaled slowly.
The staircase led us into the sitting room. Every pair of eyes in that room was locked onto me. I felt like I was the helpless prey and they had hefty appetites. I shook it off quickly and smiled politely at everyone. There was no way that I would let them know that they had made me nervous. Besides, I recognized several of them from school.
Dad was waiting there for us. I quickly introduced him to Sam. Then I apologized for her rude and obnoxious behavior. I was certain it would be showing its lovely face at dinner. However, I had promised that he would get in some laugh time between the both of us.
“You will soon learn that I rarely hold my tongue as well. So maybe I should be the one doing the apologizing.” He laughed.
I loved his laugh. It was contagious. It made him appear so loveable and captured my mother’s attention every time it came out of his mouth.
He held out both arms for us. “Now, let me escort you three lovely ladies to dinner.” He raised his eyebrows and led the way.
When we walked into the dining room, it looked like everyone had already arrived before us. The tables were filled. There must have been seventy five people seated there, and again, more familiar faces.
Zen, why do I recognize so many people?
A lot of the pack attends school there, some even work there. Practically the entire football team is here at dinner. The Graysen’s are big contributors to the University.
I just shook my head. I didn’t ask any questions. I could feel Zen close by. My stomach was turning flips worse than usual.
“Hey beautiful,” Zen tapped me on the shoulder from behind. He held out his hand for me. I reached for it and felt instant relief. A part of me wanted to wrap my arms completely around him but decided against it since we were in the dining room.
The feel of his hand touching mine eased all of my chaotic thoughts. He had such an effect on me. I looked down and away so that no one could see the reaction he caused me. He put his hand on my chin and raised my head up. This way we were looking at each other in the eyes, and he mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”
“Me too,” I whispered. He pulled me in closer to him.
“Mom, I would like you to officially meet, Zen. Zen this is my mom, Jeanette.”
She shook his hand. “Thank you for taking such good care of both me and Ava. It is nice to finally meet you.” Mom sounded so sincere. She was grateful to him and his family.
“No thanks necessary. I am sure you already know how I feel about Ava. I would do anything for her and your family.” He was so sweet and not shy at all. If he had been nervous no one could tell.
“If you are seeking an approval from me, there is no need. I trust my daughter. If she chose you, then you are a lucky boy.”
“Yes ma’am.” He winked at me. “Come on, I want you to meet my parents.”
We walked over to the head table. It was very large, and the legs looked like they were made of solid gold. It seated well over ten people and was covered in white linen table cloths. It was very elegant.
I noticed Zander, was already seated at the table which was comforting. He already felt like family. When he spotted me he gave me a reassuring smile and winked at me. I took a deep breath hoping I wouldn’t pass out.
Please don’t leave my side.
Never.
“Mom, Dad, this is Avery.”
“Hi.” That was all I could say before I was swooped up in a hug. His mother caught me off guard. I was surprised because it wasn’t the gesture that I was expecting. It was better. She didn’t know me, yet she already loved me. I could feel it. She had those warm, tight, motherly hugs. She was almost as tall as me, with very short hair like a pixie cut. She had a medium build with beautiful fair skin. But what stood out the most were her eyes. They were green like emeralds, and sparkly like diamonds. I remember
ed the way I had felt about Zen’s eyes and I realized all of the pack had the most fascinating eyes. They were all different but all magical. I could see a sparkle in each of them as I looked around still embraced in his mother’s hug.
“Umm… Mom,” Zen made a light coughing noise, trying politely to butt in.
“I’m sorry Dear.” She let go of me gently, as she wiped the tears that fell down her cheeks. “After hearing the way my Zenick, talked about you, I felt like you were a part of our family. And my dear, we are a loving family.
You have made my son so happy already. I hope I didn’t scare you.”
“No not at all, Mrs. Graysen.”
“I’ll have none of that. You will call me Laney.” She smiled. “This is my husband Zorin, the Alpha of the Graysen pack.”
I held out my hand fully expecting a friendly handshake. He never took it.
We don’t shake hands with the Alpha. Just bend your head slightly down at the floor like a bow but less formal. It is a sign of respect to our pack leader. Alpha means King to our pack.
It worked because he gave me a little side grin. I see where Zen gets his cute smile. I thought. His smile was genuine.
He likes you. He doesn’t give that grin to just anyone. Zen elbowed me gently. I wasn’t sure if he was sending me these thoughts to make me feel better, but it helped.
“Awkward.” I snapped my head around to see Sam’s face. I could always count on her to chime in. I gave her a look that said, “I will kill you now if you do not shut your face.”
“What? I was just saying what everyone else was thinking.” I rolled my eyes at her.
I will get you back.
We made the rest of our introductions and we were all seated to eat. All of the parents set on one side, and the rest of us sat on the other.
Dinner started smooth. The food was served by members of the pack. I felt so out of place. I could serve myself.
It is okay, Love. You will get your turn. We all share in the duties around here. We take turns serving the food. We are not helpless, or spoiled. Stay here long enough and I may even have you doing the laundry. He raised his eyebrows and gave me a devilish grin. I stuck my tongue out to retaliate.
With all of the small talk, everyone seemed to be avoiding the elephant in the room. I knew it was bound to come up. Only, I was hoping it was much later instead of right now.
“We need to discuss the situation at hand. Paige is still on the loose and an obvious threat to the pack,” Zorin spoke sternly.
I truly did not want to discuss it. My emotions were boiling over just hearing him speak her name. I was angry with her, so angry that I was unsure if I could control my rage if I were ever face to face with her.
“I say that we send out some of our pack members to search for her, an extensive search,” Zen replied.
“That is a very good idea son. You and Zander can arrange it immediately. Put together our stronger pack members to start as soon as possible. I will also call the Alpha over in Balcroft. I am most certain that the Westin Pack members will be willing to help.” Both Zen and Zander nodded their heads. They were all in daze, speaking as if no one else was in the room. I couldn’t get a word in if I wanted to, and I was trying.
“I would like to go with the search party. I know Paige very well, and maybe I could help talk to her,” my father said. I was a little shocked. Note to self: find out what my father knows about Paige.
“Alpha,” Zen spoke again, “I think it best that the girls stay here with us until she is caught, for safety reasons.”
“I don’t think…”
“Absolutely,” Zorin agreed. They had cut me off again.
“LISTEN,” I yelled standing up.
“Avery,” my mom snapped at me. I waved my hand in her direction letting her know that it was my turn to speak, rude or not.
I finally had everyone’s attention, including an ugly look from Alpha. “Not only are you talking about me like I am not here, but you are making my decisions for me. That’s not happening. I am only at Fallentown because I have a scholarship that I worked hard for. I will not jeopardize it. And Sam’s parents are paying for her tuition. She can’t fail. So, do whatever you have to do to get us back to school. Security or whatever, but we are going back to school.”
“You tell em’, Sister,” Sam yelled. “Even though I don’t want to go back to school; I can’t believe I am taking your side. Yuck…,” she trailed on. I put my hands on my hips and stared at her. She ran her fingers along her closed lips as if to zip up her mouth.
I sat down quickly, hoping I hadn’t stepped out of line too much. I kept my chin held high. But I was sure they could see insecurities written all over my face. I wanted to say “Just kidding,” but I was holding my own.
“Very good, I am sure we can work out some kind of an arrangement. Your education is important as well as your safety.” Alpha winked at me. “Let’s get to work gentlemen.”
The eating began and no one spoke about my ranting after that. I was thankful. I could not believe my eyes at the array of food prepared. I assumed that wolves were heavy eaters, but this was a buffet for the lion at the zoo. There were three different kinds of meat and a dozen side dishes. Our Thanksgiving dinner has nothing on this. Where would someone with their rock hard bodies put all of this food?
I continued to stare at my hands as the boys rose from the table to leave. I was so proud of myself and surprised at the reaction I got from Alpha.
Zen leaned in to whisper in my ear before leaving. “You have done something to my father; softened him like a teddy bear. I would be in so much trouble, but he let you off the hook. I saw him wink at you.” He kissed my cheek softly. “I knew they would love you. How could they not?”
I watched him walking away of course. He has the cutest butt. I couldn’t help myself. He must have been listening the entire time.
You can meet me and my cute butt in my room later.
He knew just what to say to turn my face three shades darker. I couldn’t reply. I just smiled.
It was just us girls left at the table, and mom looked so tired. I offered to help her back to her room. She agreed. Sam said that she was going back to her room to shower and sleep.
I thanked Laney for being so nice and taking us all into her home. She hugged me and assured me that I was always welcome. It was sincere. I did feel welcome. I actually felt safe and comfortable here. I could get used to this.
Chapter Eleven
When I left Mom in her room, I decided to help myself to a little tour of the mansion. There is bound to be something to do in this place.
The top floor appeared to be only bedrooms so I decided to check out the main floor. I started walking opposite the dining room. It was a long hallway of gold, so it seemed. The walls shimmered with a gold finish. All of the doors had brass handles, and the walls lit up with candles in gold sconces.
An amazing portrait hanging on the wall stopped me. Amazing wasn’t the right word. It was far greater than amazing, because it was a painting of Zorin and Laney in their wolf forms. I knew it was them because of Laney’s eyes. Those amazing eyes never changed even when she was a wolf. They were still the most emerald eyes I had ever seen. Zorin stood nearly a foot taller than she. He had brown fur with a touch of red under his chin and tale. She was red with a little white on her paws and on the top of her head. She was just as beautiful a wolf as she was a human.
The painting was of them standing side by side but their heads were facing one another. His head was facing down, while she looked up. The sun was setting in the background on a blanket of snow. It was so breathtaking. I could feel their love. I made a mental note to ask Zen about the painting at a later time.
I didn’t have to walk far to find my destination. The brass sign on the door read Library. Oh yes, just what I needed.
I opened the door. The room was dark except for the moonlight creeping through the windows. I could barely see, but I could smell the pages, old bindi
ngs and dust. It was my sanctuary. I switched on the light next to the door. I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. Two stories of books, as far as I could see. There were more than just books. There were couches, big fluffy white rugs, and a fireplace. I was in heaven. It obviously wasn’t the happening place to be. Who would have a library this size and not use it? It was magnificent.
I walked around slowly. I ran my hand along every book I could touch.
Hi, Love. Enjoying yourself? Zee was in my thoughts, listening to my inner monologue.
I have never seen anything like this. It is beautiful. I could stay here forever.
So, books are the way to my girl’s heart?
I love them.
So, you are a nerd?
Ha, ha, very funny. I am afraid genius is the word you were referring to. I spoke in my best British accent.
Now who is being funny? He laughed. I loved hearing his laugh.
Are you still working?
Yes, but I shouldn’t be much longer. If you are interested in learning more about my family there is a book there in the library. The title is, One Full Moon. It should be on the last shelf on the left side of the room. It is blue and…
Found it. He laughed again.
Zander is kicking me. Have to go. Have fun. See you soon.
I sat on the couch. I ran my hands along the cover of the book. I felt the indention of the moon. Just touching the old book felt magical, especially knowing it held my deepest secrets. I was certain that it held things about me that I had never known- all things wolf, and this made me ecstatic.
I opened the book and I could hear the cracking in the binding; old indeed. The beginning was about the ancestors of the Graysen pack and how they originated in Germany. Zen had told me his grandparents were still there today.
I wasn’t sure how far I had made it in the book when someone woke me up. I was on my feet in seconds with my fists up. I was ready to fight my attacker. Only there was no attacker, just future Alpha-in-law.
“I’m very sorry young lady. My intentions were not to startle you.” He smiled. I was sure I looked like an idiot.
Chased (The Graysen Pack Series) Page 8
