Laura's Legacy

by Lilli Carlisle

  Dedric crushed her to his chest. “I love you, mate. I’ve been blessed.”

  Laura knew this was the moment; she had to tell him, considering they were having their mating ceremony tomorrow at sunset. “Dedric, there’s something you need to know.”

  Her mate didn’t even look surprised. Obviously, she needed to work on her acting skills because he already knew something was up. “It’s regarding one of my omega gifts. There’s a small side effect that you should be aware of. When I heal someone, I take a small portion of that pain into my own body. Then it dissipates within me.”

  Dedric was silent, and Laura waited for the inevitable questions. It didn’t take long.

  “Every time?”

  “Yes, every time.”

  “Does the pain increase with the severity of the wound?”

  “Yes, but it’s nowhere near what the other person feels, only a small percentage.”

  “What kind of percentage are we talking, two, three?”

  Laura couldn’t lie to her mate but dreaded the next words out of her mouth. “More like twenty, twenty-five percent.”

  Dedric’s brows shot up. “Twenty-five? Is that why you avoided me at times?”

  “Yes. I didn’t want you to see me in pain. It’s not fatal to me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me this? What were you afraid of?”

  “That once you knew that it caused me pain, even though it was temporary, you would have me stop healing people,” Laura admitted.

  Dedric held her close while he must have been thinking things through. He wasn’t the type of man who would go off half-cocked. It wasn’t in his nature to make rash decisions, and that quality made him a strong alpha. “I have no right to take away one of your gods-given gifts. I might not like the fact that it causes you pain, but in the end it’s your decision. But I don’t want you to hide it from me anymore. We’re in this together.”

  “Yes, we are.” Laura sighed in relief as she wrapped her arms around Dedric’s neck and hugged him fiercely. She should have known her chosen mate would never stop her from using her gifts to help people. She was a bit ashamed for assuming the worst.

  “I’m sorry for doubting you,” she admitted.

  “There’s nothing to be sorry about. We’re still learning each other. It will come in time,” Dedric assured. “You are truly a wonder, my love. I can’t imagine how much pain you’ve suffered over the years and yet you carry on with a smile on your face. Just when I think I can’t possibly love you more than I already do you go and tell me something like this. Are you feeling better?”

  “Yes, much thanks to you.” She kissed him on the nose. “I need to go meet up with our pack’s women.”

  “It makes me happy when you say ‘our pack,’” Dedric remarked. “How about I walk you to Rayanne’s?”

  “Sounds perfect,” Laura replied before standing up and taking Dedric’s hand. Tears forgotten and smile in place they walked out of the gardens flanked by her ever-present warriors. She hoped someday soon she’d be able to walk around her pack without them.

  A group of women and children were waiting for her when she arrived at Rayanne’s house. All had smiles on their faces and excitement was buzzing through the air. Many carried bags; others had sewing machines, food and fabric. Laura could feel a lump growing in her throat. These women came to help prepare for the ceremony, but in truth they were going a long way to fixing her broken heart from losing her family.

  She remembered the fuss her mother would make even at the mention of Laura finding an alpha. Her mom would be so proud of her choice in mates. She’d always said they’d have a big talk on the night before her ceremony. Laura had always thought it would be the sex talk even though she didn’t need it, but now that would never happen.

  Brave face, brave face… “Well, ladies, I can’t imagine a better welcome. Thank you for coming to pitch in. I appreciate each and every one of you,” Laura said as she took Dedric’s hand, stood on her tiptoes and stole a kiss before turning to walk into the house.

  Laura felt so grateful she hugged women as she passed. She was finally going to have her mate and she couldn’t have chosen any better. Alpha Dedric was strong and compassionate, caring and protective, intelligent and open-minded. And it didn’t hurt that he was yummy to look at. She would be forever thankful that he hadn’t been snatched up before she had her chance.

  Everyone gathered in the large living room, which had three garden doors open to the patio. A buffet had been hastily created to house all the food the pack had brought along. She couldn’t wait to have her own home filled with children. When their mating tattoo appears after the ceremony, she would know for sure how many children they’d be blessed with over the many years of their union.

  The mating tattoo appeared on an omega’s and alpha’s left arms when the sacred ceremony was performed. It would depict their life, their future and their family size. This bit of magic occurred only in omega and alpha matings, not the rest of the shifters.

  “Omega Laura, where will you stay once you and the alpha are mated? The pack house isn’t ready yet,” Julie asked as she rolled out a length of beautiful blue fabric.

  “While Gabi and Lily will remain here with Rayanne until the pack house is ready for them, Dedric and I have been gifted the Mallory house to use temporarily while they go stay with their son.”

  “That’s a beautiful home,” Rayanne shared. “You’ll really like staying there. The Mallorys have lived there for over three hundred years.”

  “We are pleased that the alpha pair accepted our offer,” Marie Mallory called from the far side of the living room.

  “Thank you again for offering your home to us.”

  More fabric was unpacked as sewing machines were set up and the women broke into groups while the children played. While one group worked on flower decorations and bouquets, another had taken over the kitchen, and the folks Laura was with were working on her dress.

  Laura quickly decided she wanted the traditional royal blue fabric Julie had brought. It was deep and dark, and Laura thought it would contrast perfectly with her pale skin and blonde hair. Once decided, Laura found herself being measured repeatedly as fabric was cut and the sewing began. She chose to go with a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline. It would be stunning.

  The moment she tried to sit down she was called into another room for her opinion. By the time they had all decided to take a break and have coffee Laura was exhausted, but she felt more comfortable than she’d been in a while. She had her own pack with members that rallied around her and were excited to have her there.

  She took a sip of her coffee and sank into a comfortable chair. “This has been amazing; thank you so much for all your help. It means a great deal to me.”

  “Omega Laura.”

  “Just Laura, please.” She wanted to be informal here at home. She couldn’t help but smile—home.

  “Laura,” Marie said with a smile. “We are blessed to have you here. Alpha Dedric has waited so long for a mate. We’re happy you chose him. He is a good person, and a devoted alpha. We have prayed to Fenrir that an omega would see past what he didn’t have and concentrate on what he does.”

  “I love him. It’s as simple as that. It didn’t matter to me that his pack isn’t large, and that half the town had been burned down. Once I got to know Dedric, I couldn’t help but fall in love with him,” Laura explained.

  “I knew it would happen; a girl would come along and see how special my son is,” Mary Newton said as she wrapped another bow around a bouquet of wildflowers.

  Everyone looked at Laura approvingly; she couldn’t help but feel wanted.

  “I bet this will be a relief for you, Rayanne. You won’t have to listen to us whine anymore,” Julie said.

  “Listen to you whine, what do you mean?” Laura asked.

  “Well, you see, we have you now to lead and help us when we need advice, and stuff like that,” Julie explained.

  Laura looked
over at Mary, since the alpha’s mother should have been graced with that position until Dedric found a mate.

  “I know what you’re wondering sweet child—why am I not the one the pack goes to? The fact of it is Wilhelm and myself like to travel and are seldom here. When we are, it’s only on holidays. The pack needed someone that wouldn’t be away a lot and Rayanne graciously stepped forward.”

  “That was so selfless of you, Rayanne. Thank you. I’m sure I’ll be seeking your assistance in the future.”

  Rayanne had an odd expression on her face before she said, “It’s been an honor.” Before she disappeared into the kitchen. Such a kind woman.

  Dedric held the beam up using his shoulders until the other men had it nailed in place. He stood back and looked at what would be his and Laura’s home, the pack house, or at least the frame of it. There would be a private wing for the alpha family and extra rooms for the omegas, visitors or pack members who wanted to be closer to their omega. Wolves were social beings and needed that interaction. In addition to all the bedrooms, the building would house his office, a large living room, game room and a chef’s kitchen. Only the best for his family and pack. He’d waited so long and had lost hope; this home would be a celebration of a new beginning for the pack and for him.

  Samson handed Dedric a bottle of water. “It’s going to be huge. What do you plan on filling it with?”

  “Children,” Dedric boasted, as he stood even taller. “My family.”

  Samson slapped Dedric on the back and barked out laughter. “I can see what sort of plans you have for your mate after the ceremony.”

  “Get your mind out of the gutter. I’m looking forward to the future for the first time in quite a while,” Dedric admitted.

  Samson turned to look him in the eye. “You deserve to be happy, Alpha. You deserve to have your omega and family. You’ve always put the pack first. It’s time you put yourself first. I’m happy for you, my friend.”

  Dedric squeezed Samson’s shoulder. The pack was close-knit and needed to have the reassurance of their alpha now and again. “Tomorrow can’t come fast enough. We’d better go mow the lawn in the garden and trim the hedges to make sure it’s perfect for Laura.”

  The two men enlisted several others before heading to the pack gardens and the nearby work shed. Several grabbed push lawn mowers while others took pruning shears and hedge trimmers. Dedric wanted everything to be perfect for his mate and spent extra time trimming the hedges. He hoped his love was enjoying the day with the most important people of this pack, the women and children.

  Several hours later, after the last wheelbarrow of clippings was hauled away, Dedric checked the time and noted that the King, Ceva and Lothar would be arriving soon. Ceva hadn’t had her baby yet and Lothar wasn’t letting her anywhere out of his sight. She would be transporting the three of them using her magic. As a white witch, Ceva had the power to do many extraordinary things.

  Dedric decided it was time to go to his temporary lodgings at the Mallorys’ house, which he and Laura had been given to use as their temporary home after their mating ceremony. It seemed almost too big a house to have all to himself, but the Mallorys’ had decided to move in with their family for the time being. He began stripping off his clothing the moment he walked through his bedroom door so that by the time he reached the large walk-in marble shower he was completely naked.

  He turned on the water and waited under the rain showerhead for the water to heat up. Once it did he grabbed the soap and washcloth and began running it over his sore arms. He dug his fingers into his shoulder trying to loosen the muscles. Soon he started to relax under the constant flow of hot water, and his mind turned to pursuits that were more pleasurable. His upcoming mating.

  Dedric knew he was blessed to have Laura as his mate. She was loving, compassionate, powerful and stunning. Her blonde hair flowed in curls over her shoulders’ soft, pale skin. His body was taking notice of the direction of his thoughts and his cock was hardening by the second. Dedric wrapped his soapy hand around his length and began stroking while thoughts of his mate filled his mind.

  He thought of her chocolate brown eyes staring at him with love and desire as she wrapped her long lean legs around his hips. His hand began to pump faster as the images of his mate in the throes of passion stole his breath. He couldn’t wait for the ceremony to be over and for the two of them to start their lives together.

  Fire raced through his veins as he cupped his balls, massaging them as he stroked harder. He leaned his back against the tiled wall and spread his legs, giving himself more stability as the world around him began to shift and roll. His body was strung tight ready to explode at any moment. He used his thumbnail to press into the little slit on the end of his cock and that was all it took. He came in long ropes onto the wet tiled floor as he groaned out his orgasm.

  It took several minutes for Dedric to get his heartbeat back under control and for his breathing to slow. If this was the way he responded to thinking about his mate he couldn’t imagine what the real thing would do him.

  And he couldn’t wait to find out.

  Chapter Five

  Laura, Gabi and Lily sat out on the front porch of Rayanne’s house watching the sunset. It had been a wonderful day spent with the women and children of the pack. Her dress was complete and all the flowers were arranged. Cooking would carry on all night in various houses in the pack but as of now, Laura was off duty.

  “Ceva and Lothar should be arriving soon,” Gabi noted as she handed out glasses of iced tea.

  “I can’t wait to see her. I’ve missed them,” Lily said before taking a drink.

  “So have I,” Laura agreed. She’d grown close to Ceva over her time at the palace and while chaperoning Karli before she mated Joseph and Rowl. Even though Ceva was a white witch and extremely powerful, she was the protector of the weak and those in need, often travelling between the planes of existence to help others.

  “So, are you nervous?” Lily asked. “I’d be a nervous wreck if this were my mating ceremony.”

  “The only thing I feel nervous about is not knowing if the person after me decided to do something during the ceremony. Everything would be ruined. I don’t understand what I’ve done to piss someone off that badly for them to shoot at me.”

  “Dedric will have warriors keeping a lookout for any trouble. I’m sure,” Gabi reassured.

  “I hope it’s not needed. Maybe I’ll ask Ceva to put up a few wards to protect the ceremony,” Laura thought aloud. “Let’s talk about something else, like Lily’s love life.”

  Lily had already shared her desire to choose General Jensgar as her mate with both Gabi and Laura, so she wasn’t afraid to bring it up. Looking around, Laura confirmed their warriors were far enough away; they wouldn’t hear the conversation.

  Lily blushed and studied the drink in her hand. “I don’t think he’s interested.”

  “What? What do you mean?” Laura asked in shock. Who wouldn’t want the little omega?

  “When we were out having our run and you were shot at, Jensgar had protected me, but ever since he’s kept his distance. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.”

  Laura moved her chair closer to Lily’s and took hold of her hand. “Oh, sweetheart. You haven’t done anything wrong.”

  “Then why is he avoiding me?” Lily asked as her eyes filled with tears.

  Laura looked at Gabi for help. Between the two of them, they should be able to figure this out.

  “Maybe he’s shy,” Gabi offered.

  “Maybe he’s already had one mate who’s passed away and he doesn’t want another,” Lily countered.

  This wasn’t going to be easy. “You can’t think that way. And you won’t know until you ask him. Maybe he has no idea.”

  “I’ve been trying to get close to him for weeks. He can’t be that oblivious.”

  Laura thought about it and concluded, “He knows you’re an omega and that he has no right to approach you.”

  Th
at got Lily’s attention. She took her time to think it over and began to smile. “You’re right. He would never approach me romantically because I’m an omega. I have to go to him and tell him that I want to be his mate.”

  Laura thought that approach might be a little abrupt and that they’d work on a subtler overture until Jensgar was used to the idea of having a new mate. “I don’t think you need to use the in-your-face method, but I think the right approach would work. After my mating ceremony we’ll concentrate on you and General Jensgar.”

  Lily’s smile beamed. Laura could see her friend’s stress slipping away and was relieved to be able to give that to her. They’d have to figure out a way to get the general’s attention, but that was for another day. Laura saw her mate and Samson walking their way from the town’s center. Ceva and Lothar must have arrived.

  Laura stood and couldn’t help but run to her mate; he made her so happy. Dedric easily caught her as she jumped into his strong arms before twirling her around and laughing.

  “You are such a joy to me, my love,” Dedric whispered in her ear before kissing her deeply. His tongue explored and Laura moaned at the sensation. She couldn’t wait to share her life with him.

  “You are everything I’ve ever dreamed of having in a mate. Thank you for saying yes to our courtship,” Laura murmured as her eyes misted.

  “You don’t need to thank me. I’m the one that’s been blessed,” Dedric countered as he set her down. “Ceva and Lothar are here. Are you ready to come visit?”

  “Yes. I’ve been waiting for you.”

  Lily and Gabi walked down from the front porch to join Dedric and Laura, and the warriors moved forward to surround them. “Will there ever be a time when I don’t need warriors to protect me?” Laura asked.

  Dedric looked a little sad. “I’m sorry, but until we find and eliminate the threat, you’re going to have warriors.”