Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Amelie

"Amelie, right? Would you care to dance? I looked up and saw a handsome face with a giant smile looking back at me. I froze and lost all brain function looking at that face. He had a square jaw and just all-around manly features. A few strands of his sandy blonde hair had broken free of the ponytail and framed his face. Was he really a reincarnation of a god. Seriously it's not right to let someone this good-looking walk the earth.

In my stupor, I forgot what he asked, so I panicked and just nodded and said, "sure." I wasn't even sure what I said sure too. Then Gideon takes my hand, and we are out on the dance floor. I am trying to keep my composer and my mind clear. I can't look at him, or I'll forget what I'm talking about, "OK, just don't look at him and keep talking, Am." Inari was interested and trying to figure out this Alpha's intentions.

We danced in silence for a bit, but it wasn't silent for me. Inari and I were in full Sherlock mode. "Do you think he's just nice because of dad?"

"I don't think so; he was a part of the ceremony, meaning he's someone your dad already trusts. Maybe he likes you? His mate Mark is faded, so maybe that's why." I could feel Inari getting excited.

I sighed at her ill-placed excitement," Inari! That is not appropriate at all. He upholds wolf law. He would never go after another wolf's mate. It might not be law, but it is bad etiquette. It would not give him any benefits."

"Well, I don't know. Just don't look at his face again. I can't control myself either." Inari giggled. I had to keep a clear head.

Gideon asked, "I see you are part of Alpha Mason's Timber Wolf's pack; what brought you there?"

It was a pretty obvious question and answer. I guess he's not trying to get information from me, but it seems he is trying to get to know me? So odd. "My Mate was born in the Timber Wolf Pack. Alpha Mason is a good Alpha, and he and my father have started some business dealings, so hopefully, our Pack will be growing." This was no secret and a pretty easy answer. I kept my eye anywhere but his face.

All of a sudden, I feel him pull me closer. My heart skips, and I panic. I push him away as gently as possible. I don't want to make a scene and embarrass both of us. I could tell he was looking at me, but I kept my eyes focused on other places.

"I'm sorry I was deep in thought and lost myself for a moment. I didn't hurt you, did I?" I can hear the slight panic in his voice.

"I need to go and check on the kitchen and wait, staff. Thank you for the dance, Alpha Gideon." With that, I turn and run-walk to the ballroom kitchen. I didn't need to check on anything; I just needed to escape and give us both a reason to step away. "Inari, what was that? What is going on? Why is my heart racing? I just want to go back out there and stay in his arms."

I was so confused. This does not happen to mated pairs. The Mate Bond keeps your heart and mind clear, but my mind was going all over the place. "Am, I don't know. It's the oddest feeling. I know it's wrong, but, yeah, I feel drawn to his wolf."

I take a few deep breathes and compose myself. I had to get back to the party. I had a part to play and my brother to support. I step back out and take my seat.

As soon as I sat down, Hope stood up so quickly it threw her chair to the ground. I look up, and I can see the look in her eyes. Her mate is here. I look around for someone with the same look, and I see him at the doorway to the ballroom, a tall man with shoulder-length jet black hair and aqua eyes. I could tell right away he was an Alpha by his presence.

Celeste sees everything I see, "Go to him and bring him here, Hope, let your mom and sister meet your mate." I see the biggest smile I had ever seen on Hope's face. She rushes to the doorway, and the mystery Alpha can't help but pull her in. I cannot hear their exchange, but I can see it's going well.

"Well, it looks like we will have more to celebrate in the coming months," Celeste said with joy and some sadness. She was missing having her family at home. Now that Hope found her mate, she will be leaving. I would be going back to my mate soon, and James would be focused on Alpha training. Celeste's greatest joy in life was being a mother, and she was great at it but, all her babies were going down their own path.

Hope walked back to our table hand in hand with her new mate. By this point, Celest had mind-linked dad and James to come over. Poor guy was going to have to meet the family first thing.

He greets my father first, "Alpha John, it's nice to meet you finally. I'm Alpha Phillip of the Hill Country Pack in Texas. We were scheduled to meet tomorrow to review investments into my Packs growing winery. I guess we will have more to discuss now." He pulls Hope closer and nuzzles her cheek. Normally my father would have anyone who touched his kids' hands cut off, but even dad knew this was a Mate Bond, and he couldn't fight it.

"Alpha Phillip, it looks like you are going to be part of the family soon. This is my Luna Celest, my eldest daughter Amelie and my son and heir James." We all shook his hand while he was holding on to Hope.

Celeste looked at Hope, and I could see the love and joy in her eyes. "That's enough of this; go dance, have fun; we can chat more over the next few days." With that, Hope and James turned to the dance floor. They looked like they are in their world.

As I was watching Hope and Phillip lovingly, my mind went back to my Mate, Tate. My mood shifted; I needed to get back to my room and check my phone. I had to call Tate before it got too late. I sneaked out of the ballroom and headed to my room.

I get to my room and dig through my bag and find my phone. I check my phone, and I now have four more missed calls but only two texts. The last one sends chills down my spine. "I hope you are enjoying your time. It's the last time you will see your family." I throw my phone. I broke down in tears.

"Am, please talk to your family for help. Your dad can help you." I could feel the concern coming from Inari. This wasn't going to affect only me but also Inari.

I throw my head back and breathe deeply, "We need to run." Inari didn't say anything; I knew she felt the same. I quickly change into sweats and a t-shirt and head out of the Packhouse. I run for the tree line and strip as fast as I can and shift. "Inari, it's all you, girl. Let's go to our spot."

Inari takes off as fast as she can go darting in and out of trees, just feeling the cool night air rushing past her fur. We get to our spot faster than we had ever. I just want to stay here forever. I shift back and walk among my flowers and herbs. I talk to the plants like we are old friends catching up after a long time apart. I feel the night air on my skin. It felt like being bathed in the moonlight. I never want to leave. I just want to hind her hoping no one will ever find me.

My mind goes through the days' events. I am so proud of my brother; I know he's going to make a fantastic Alpha. I can't wait to see all he does and how he's going to grow his Pack even more. Hope found her mate today. I'll give him credit for being smart enough to have already scheduled an appointment with dad on business. She's going to be a Luna soon. She will be an outstanding Luna, just like her mother, then I thought about Tate and his messages.

I broke down, still talking to my plants like they were the only ones who understood me, "I'll be leaving soon again. You all must keep growing and thriving. I don't know if I'll ever be back again. I think he's going to lock me up for good this time. I might never get out." I couldn't stop the tears. I knew things had to change, but I didn't know how or what to do. I was scared and so tired of fighting.

I felt the wind shift, and I caught the smallest sent of eucalyptus mixed with mint and looked over to my right. Someone was here! Before I could call out or track them, they were gone.

"Inari, was that Gideon?" The scent of mint was throwing me off.

She sniffed the air again. "I can't tell. The mint is still in the air, but it's not as strong; the eucalyptus is gone."

"OK, let's get back. I want to get up early, so I have time to spend with everyone." We step back out of the clearing and shift. We head back to the Packhouse. I get dressed behind the trees and start walking back. I take in as much of the night air as my lungs will allow. I see the same comforting silhouette in the doorway. This time it doesn't disappear, my father is waiting for me at the door. I get a bit nervous for some reason. As I enter the door, my dad gives me a crooked smile.

"How was your run, kiddo?" he takes a sip of the tea he's holding.

My nerves release, "good, I just needed some air."

Then completely unexpected, he uses his Alpha aura on me, "Tomorrow morning after breakfast, I need to see you in my office."

"Yes, Alpha," I responded quickly. At that, he turns and walks away. I was bewildered. He only uses his Alpha aura on us when we were in trouble or needed us to behave.

"What was that about?" Inari was just as dumbfounded as me.

"I don't have the slightest idea." With that, I head to my room. My mind is running a million miles an hour. What is going on? I jump into the shower, just wanting the warm water to soothe my chaotic mind. It doesn't help.

I get into bed and try to focus on the sounds of the woods outside. I wanted the sweet lullaby to once again taking me away from all the thoughts and emotions swirling in me. I gave in to my exhaustion, and sleep took over.