We all enjoyed ourselves at my birthday party. It still feels weird to know that I have been celebrating the wrong birthday ever since I can remember. Memories of my 10 th birthday came flooding. I allow myself to remember the pink bicycle my dad bought me, and how he taught me to ride it. First with training wheels, and then gradually removing both of them. And then I remembered how the same man shot an arrow at me just a few weeks ago, nearly causing me to lose my life, so I end my trip down memory lane. Time to seal all of those memories in a box, and make space for new ones, better ones.
“What are you thinking so hard about, love?” Jason comes next to me and kisses away the frown I didn't even knew had formed on my face.
“How I want to start over and make new memories.” I reply truthfully and he grins the same way he usually does when things go his way.
“What?” I ask him half laughing. “You have that look on your face.”
Jason surprises me by blushing, and looking away for a second, before replying. “Nothing. Let's take a walk, find some place quiet for a minute. I kind of want to tell you something.” My smile falters, and I'm sure Jason noticed. If he missed the deflated look on my face, he can't possibly miss the loud and fast beating of my heart. It's slamming against my chest wall so hard, that I feel it might jump out any second.
Jason basically gave me the 'we need to talk' card, which is never good. I have watched enough romantic comedies over the years to know that this could mean either one of the two things. He fucked up and cheated on me, or he wants to break up with me. We are fated mates, so I know he wouldn't want us to break up, not after all the shit we've been through, so that only leaves the other option.
I didn't really pay attention after the whole walk suggestion, so when Jason squeezed my hand a bit harder than what would be comfortable, I flinched. He looks like he had been trying to get my attention for a while. I look around noticing that we are quite far from the house now, still in the garden but a more secluded part of it.
My attention is drawn to a small gazebo to our right, and I realise I've never been here before. It's beautiful really. I'm not sure if this is how it usually looks like, but tonight the cast iron frame of the gazebo is decorated with green vines and white flowers. It's breath taking, not just beautiful.
Jason helps me up the stairs and we walk inside, me going first and him following close behind me.
“Sam.. I ...” He starts talking and I can tell he's nervous, like he doesn't know how to say what's on his mind.
Shit! Here we go. Fuck this, can't I catch a break? I am trying to hold it together, be strong and all that crap. I turn to face him, speaking at the same time. “You cheated, didn't you?” I ask him dead on, trying hard to contain the tears from escaping my eyes.
He looks shocked. “WHAT?” Jason roars and I instantly take a step back.
“Why would you say that?” He even has the audacity to look offended. Yeah, maybe because I figured it out before he confessed his sin to me.
“Just say it already, and let's move on.” I whisper taking even myself by surprise.
Am I really OK to move past Jason's infidelity? I don't really need to search long for an answer, because I already know that we have been through hell and back with this mate bond, and I wouldn't give up so easily, not anymore. So to answer my own question, I would forgive him and move past it. We can do this, we can do anything.
“Samantha, you are the only one who understands me even more than myself. You understand me better than you can understand yourself, because baby, you know deep in your heart that I could never do anything like that to you.
You are the only one with whom I can share everything, even my personal secrets.
My love, you deserve the very best, you deserve someone that will be there for you no matter what, someone that would help you grow without borders, and love you without end.”
I'm speechless once more, due to the fact that Jason is down on one knee. I feel like kicking myself for being to insecure and plain stupid. My frozen brain is slowly starting to understand exactly what's happening right now, and that makes a few tears run down my face.
“Though I had a whole speech prepared, as soon as I saw you I forgot it all.” I let out a small giggle at his confession. In this time he slowly reached into his back pocket and retrieved a small black velvet box. My heart is pounding as this is getting more and and more real with each passing second.
“With that ring I want to promise that you would never be alone. I promise to be your home because you already are 'home' to me. From now on, let all my happiness be yours and all your sadness be mine. Let the whole world be yours, only you be mine and mine only.” Jason sweet words cause me to break down in happy sobs. He opens the box and a bright diamond shines like a star from the centre of the small box. It's the most beautiful piece of jewellery I have ever seen. And that's saying a lot, considering my vision is currently blurry due to all the tears still falling from my eyes.
“Sam, I can’t imagine growing old with anyone else, nor do I want to. You’re the bright sunshine in my cloudy life. Baby, would you make me the happiest man to ever live by accepting to be my wife?”
I knew the question was coming up, but I still can't help the onslaught of emotions I felt when I heard it. I feel like all the happiness available in the Universe is condensed in my body.
Stretching my left hand out for Jason to take and place the ring on my finger, I start talking, praying that my words are not muffled by my happy crying and slight sniffling.
“Jason, here’s my love, you already have it all. Here’s my soul, it's completely yours. Here’s my heart, just please, don’t break it. I can only thank the Moon Goddess for not giving up on us and for pushing us together, though we did fight her on this one.
In all honesty, whenever I look into your eyes, I can see a reflection of the two of us and the life I hope we’ll share together. I know you’re the only one I want to share the rest of my life with, and I promise to love you a little bit more every day. So yes, my love, YES, I would love to be your wife!”
Once the gorgeous ring was securely only ring finger, Jason captured my lips in a searing kiss before pulling apart and letting out a long, victorious howl. Ming felt compelled to join her mate, so I howled in victory also. A few others j
joined us, creating a beautiful symphony that echoed through the pack grounds. I swear than only seconds later, everyone was next to the gazebo congratulating us on our engagement.
“I never pegged you for the 'going all out' kind of guy.” I giggle in Jason's ear and then playfully bite his earlobe.
“I told you that you've changed me. And I happen to like this new me, so get used to it, fiance.” And with that perfect response, he grabs my ass and gives it a tight squeeze and winking naughty at me. I guess old Jason is still in there.
57 - Decision
Samantha
I am exhausted, like I only have 3% battery left and I don't mean my phone, I mean me. I'm about to black out. All this travelling from the United States to England and back on a loop are starting to take a toll on me. That and my mate, who decided he can't get enough of me so he keeps me up all night doing cardio, as he likes to call it. I am so not complaining, not about that, never about that. I feel like kicking myself, because I had the chance to sleep at least 10 hours on our flight to England, but I was too damn nervous and couldn't shut down my brain long enough for sleep to take me.
Jason convinced me to go straight to the Crescent Moon pack. Before I could argue and list all the reasons why I didn't want to be in the pack house, he grinned proudly telling me he took the decision a while ago, and has already told the pack members, that the Alpha and his family will live outside the pack house.
I must admit, Jason managed to impress me with his decision, it goes to show just how much he's thinking about me and what would make me feel comfortable and happy.
A second surprise was when I figured out where we were going. For a brief se
cond I wasn't pleased at all that Jason chose the protocol villa to be our new home, but the more I thought about it, and the closer we got to the location of the house, the more I started to find it perfect.
I get why my mate chose this house for us to live in. It's us in every way. This house has seen us since the very start, with all the good and the bad of our relationship.
As soon as I walk through the front door, I kick back my shoes and drop my bag. Looking at the flight of stairs I groan, but urge my feet to climb nonetheless. It's a small victory when I reach the bedroom and finally open the door. I scan the room quickly and my eyes zero in on the prize. I literally see the bed glowing and in my head I can hear the harmonic sound they play in movies when the hero finally finds the treasure chest. With a final effort I successfully drag my feet towards the bed and sprawl myself on it, looking like I'm doing snow angels.
Moments later, Jason walks in and I feel the bed dip as he climbed in next to me.
“Mmm...” I moan when he starts stroking my hair, his nails gently grazing my scalp. He knows I love that, I always get so relaxed that my whole body turns to mush.
“Did you actually think I cheated on you?” Jason asks and I turn around to face him. I can't see the hurt in his eyes, but he covers it well with a hint of smugness.
“I'm sorry, I just.. I don't know. I figured things were too good to be true. I must have gotten used to getting hurt, and all this happiness seemed unreal somehow.” I reply in all honesty.
Jason kisses the tip of my nose and then turns me around, so I face away from him, and resumes stroking my hair, causing me to drift of to sleep. Finally.
“Good morning, love!” Jason's husky voice wakes me up with tingles spreading all over my body, and a fire igniting once more deep inside me.
I smile lazily as my eyes flutter open and my face is just inches away from the most beautiful man to ever walk the Earth.
I feel like I slept a full day, and seeing as it's morning again, it looks like I did.
“Are you ready, baby?” Jason trails kisses al over my face, making me want more, way more.
I look at our intertwined hands and then in my mate's eyes. I certainly feel like I can take over the world while having him by my side, so I make sure to tell him just that.
“I am. As long as I'm with you, I'm ready for anything and everything.” Jason gives me a beautiful, proud smile. I love to be the reason he feels so proud and happy.
Today we will be announcing our engagement in front of the Crescent Moon pack, so that should be fun. Jason told me that there are rumours circulating about him and I, but nobody knows the whole truth. That doesn't stop them from gossiping and coming up with ridiculous theories, though. I appreciate him not telling everyone what happened between us. It's too personal to share with the whole world, and I prefer that only our closest friends and family know everything that transpired with us and our mate bond.
“How do you think the pack is going to take the news?” I ask nervously. I can't stop fidgeting, for some reason.
“Which one of the news?” Jason smirks at me and I glare back at him, urging him to take this seriously.
“Both, though most would probably focus on the one that involves them and the future of the Crescent Moon pack.”
“Well, your pack took it pretty well, have some faith in the wolves you were raised amongst. Plus, it's not like anyone can have a choice in what's going to happen. I would happily explain to them all how things work in a pack, and who exactly the Alpha is here in Crescent Moon.”
My mate, or should I say 'my fiancé' is right. The pack in the United States took my decision way better than I had hoped. After the engagement, everyone must have anticipated my call, so when I announced what Jason and I will be doing, they didn't seem too surprised, in fact they embraced my decision.
*Flashback, a week ago*
It's a bit crowded today in my uncle's office. I am meant to be deciding what to do with the packs, since I was technically due to take over Tristate pack and Jason is the Alfa of Crescent Moon.
“You know what? You should hold over a competition to find the best of Alpha to take over the pack. Use this as an opportunity to find the best person there is to take on this role, and who knows, this could create the opportunity for Tristate pack to become the biggest and most fiercest of the world.” I suggest.
“I think.. I think that's truly an excellent idea, Sam.” My uncle finally says, after what it felt like ages. I was super nervous to tell everyone my idea, and I have been mulling it over for quite some time. I'm glad I got the courage to tell Jason about, because he convinced me to tell my uncle and the others.
Moving past the fact that he was bursting at the seams with excitement and delighted that I chose to stand next to him as his Luna, Jason did give me a few suggestions on how we could convince the others to embrace the idea.
“Considering I was not born into this pack, but in fact the King of werewolves gave it to me, we can make it a whole tradition. We would change the rules altogether, and give truly worthy Alphas a chance to have their own pack to lead. Having the possibility to choose our next Alpha, would mean selecting the best of the best, the strongest and the most powerful, an individual who would otherwise go to waste without a pack.” I have never seen my uncle so excited about anything. Carla is also beaming next to him. I know she was worried that Bolder would not have things to keep him occupied.
Once I got the ball rolling, everyone started to chime in, listing more and more reasons as to why this would be a great idea. I can not explain how satisfied I'm feeling right now. I was so worried, because I felt like I was being selfish in choosing the simple, easy life for myself and my mate, but I just wanted normal in my life, for a change.
Jason winks at me, his way of telling me that he was right, and I had nothing to worry about in the first place.
“Yeah, thinking about it, that would be really cool, and indeed we could become even more powerful than we already are. And who knows, with so many contenders, so many options for me to find my mate, or just ogle some eye candy. I'm really fine with both.” Tyler chimes in and his father, Beta Tison facepalms, making us all burst out into laughing.
“Maybe we should start searching for a future Beta also, since my son gets easily distracted” Tison speaks between chuckles.
“That's really not a bad idea, dad. I might get promoted to Luna soon, so why not?” Tyler shuts his dad up while the rest of us are seconds away from rolling on the floor in laughter.
Goddess, how I'm going to miss Ty and the bond we shared for the past year as Alpha and Beta, but something tells me it's all going to work out just fine, in the end.
Being mindful of Tyler's unique gift when I wad laying out my proposal regarding the future Alpha of the Tristate pack to the others, I kept glancing at him to see his reaction. He looked really at ease and I can't help but wonder if he already 'knows' how this will play out.
Great, one down, one to go, I think to myself as I watch everyone else brainstorm and get excited about getting the word out and organising some trials for the new Alpha to be chosen.
*End of flashback*
“One down, one to go. Let's get ready and go talk to our pack.” Jason's eyes flicker, signalling that Luder is just as proud of his future Luna as Jason is. Ming is feeling the call of her mate, and pushes some of her emotions onto me.
Jason looks like he allowed Luder to get into his head also, because those naughty wolf spirits made us look at each other lustfully.
I yelp when Jason scoops me up and starts walking towards the bathroom. On the was he starts kissing my neck and nibbling on my ear. That always makes me crazy with desire, and he knows it. With me still in his arms, he starts the shower and then proceeds to slowly undress me.
That's one way to get rid of nerves before a very important event, I think to myself as Jason works his magic and takes me on the highest waves of pleasure, over and over again.
58 - Headless
Samantha
“Welcome, Crescent Moon pack members. I am sure you are all wondering why I called this pack meeting.” Jason starts and instantly, everyone's attention is focused on the small stage we are currently on.
I can feel the burning gaze of a thousand eyes on me. I'm not a fan, I could have lived without experiencing it. If the didn't have suspicions and theories about Jason and I, they sure have them now, seeing as on the podium is only Jason, Brian and myself.
“The Moon Goddess has blessed me with Samantha as my mate, and she kindly accepted to be my wife and Luna of the Crescent Moon pack.” My mate proceed to inform the pack. I can't help but smile at how sincere Jason is in showing everyone that he feels lucky to have me as a mate.
Gasps can be heard through the crowd as each member of the Crescent Moon pack digests the information. Although there is quite a lot of people who don't seem to mind me being their Luna, there is still a lot who look ready to shift and try to tear me into tiny pieces. I'm glad they refrain themselves, because I really don't want to ruin my outfit, and have my first day as Luna go down in the pack's history as me murdering half of the pack.
Just when I thought nobody will say anything, and as Jason was getting ready to move on with his speech, my favourite bully decided to grow a pair and speak.
“Taking an Omega as you mate, being disconnected from your pack for months, that speaks volumes to the kind of Alpha you are.” That son of a bitch, Timothy, decided it's wise to question his Alpha. What rank is he, like a Gamma, or something? Goddess, he really is as dumb as a doorknob, that one.
Brian, myself and a few others, growl in a warning way towards Timothy, but Jason only seems amused. I look at my mate and he nods, smirking, allowing me to respond as I see fit. I love how we are a team in this already. Deciding against Ming's idea of ripping Tim's head off to make a point, I decide to go on the more sensible and Luna like, way.
“I think you all know by now that I am no Omega. I decided to give you all a second chance. Things are going to change around here, and bullying, hating and preying on the weaker and more vulnerable wolves will not be tolerated.” I speak keeping my voice stern and clear, the Alpha in me sweeping through every word.
Fight For The Highest Wolf Rank Page 28