Chapter 45 – Grace

"Damn it Grace just sit still already!" Amelia growls out as I turn to look at the clock to check the time for the umpteenth time. She takes my head in her hands and forces me to face the mirror once more, her blue eyes staring at me with annoyance as Brayden chuckles from the couch against the wall.

“I’m sorry but he should have been here by now!” I state, slightly pouting as I wait for Caden to arrive. It has been exactly six months since Caden and I had our first date and the nation is celebrating not having to participate in the Run last week. As promised, many she-wolves were able to find their own mate as well as those who chose to absolve their bonds were able to do so with the Council’s help. A lot has chanced in the last six months from Caden and I falling in love, to Amelia being mated to Brayden and now two months pregnant with their first pup, to Karina, Zander and I helping Caleb with revising werewolf laws. Amelia and Brayden are now the Alpha of Silver Birch and I their Beta – for now that is. Our fathers stepped down from their positions as per Amelia’s father’s and I’s bet. Now they live their lives as Omega’s unable to interfere with pack politics.

“Caden will be here when he said he will be here. Right now I need to finish your make-up.” My pregnant friend sighs out exasperated, giving me a glare when I try to move. Sitting still, I allow her to finish her handiwork, deciding that pissing off a pregnant she-wolf any further is not a good idea. Besides, instinct tells me her and Brayden has been hiding something from me about tonight.

"There, done. And about time too." Amelia declares as she steps to the right and allow myself to see the mirror. Staring wide eyed at my reflection, I tentatively touch the loose silver curls cascading down my back, my hair surprisingly soft while still maintaining the shape. My make-up is done in neutral tones, the soft creams and browns matching with the flowy cream sweetheart neckline dress I wore.

"You look perfect for what Caden has planned!” She giggles out, flopping onto the couch beside her mate. I roll my eyes at her, already knowing that she will ignore my question if I ask what Caden has planned for the night, and instead slip my feet into the silver heals. Our first date after the banquet Caden had taken me out for a picnic by a lake during sunset, the two of us relishing in the lone time together. We had laid on the blanket by the bank of the water, the breeze cool on my skin. We watched as fireflies float above the water while we took the time to really get to know one another without the threat of other wolves looming over us and a deadline to make.

“Hello?” I smile as Caden’s voice calls out from downstairs.

“Upstairs Caden!” Amelia calls out, giving me a playful wink. The door to my room soon opens and I smile as I turn around to see my boyfriend striding in wearing a pair of dress slacks and a navy dress shirt.

"Hey Caden." Amelia greets, standing from the couch and tugging at Brayden’s hand.

“Hey Amelia.” He greets back as Brayden chuckles, standing from his spot on the couch and gives Caden a fist bump while Amelia is pulled in for a hug.

“Enjoy your date you two, see you in the morning Grace.” Brayden says with a mischievous smile as Amelia starts to drag him out of the room. I roll my eyes at the two, deciding that what ever they are not telling me will be well worth the wait. The door shuts behind them as I stand only to feel strong arms pull me into a familiar embrace. Caden’s lips are on mine in seconds, his hand cupping the back of my head as he deepens the kiss. I moan, my eyes fluttering shut while our tongues fight for dominance until we have no choice but to pull away breathless.

"You look stunning Lady Silver." He whispers once we pull away, his thumb caressing my swollen lips.

"And you look incredible." My voice is a whisper as I look into his eyes, seeing them reflect so much love back at me. To think I went into the Run determined not to be mated and found the love of my life.

"Let's head out shall we." He whispers and I smile with excitement. His lips graze mine once more in a gentle kiss before he takes my hand. We quickly leave my room, heading down the stairs of the pack house and greet the few pack members lingering in the halls. Since Amelia has taken over, Silver Birch has expanded with new wolves wanting to join. Some came because they learned that I -the Alpha King’s girlfriend - am the Beta while others wanted to live in a pack ruled by a fair and just Alpha pair. My Alpha blood from my mother’s side awakened after deciding to accept Caden and our love for one another, Amelia and I sometimes finding it hard to be near each other with such strong blood coursing through both our veins, but we learned to cope with the situation as she trained me to run a pack and I trained her soon to be Beta Leah. We both knew that sooner or later I will move to Caden’s pack and become the next Alpha Queen and that my short role as her Beta will come to an end. It is bitter sweet to think that I will be leaving her here one day, but Caden is King and my heart goes where he goes.

“You okay?” Caden asks, sensing my shifting mood as we exit the pack house, me looking back at it as a bitter sadness fills me.

“Yes. I was just thinking how one day this place will no longer be my home.” I answer with a small smile, linking my arms around his right arm.

“Why do you say that?” He asks, worry in his voice.

“Because one day I will be mated to you and your Queen. Where you are is where my home will be.” Surprise flickers in his eyes and I wonder if he also thought about this as well. Giving him a reassuring smile, I place a kiss on his cheek as we make our way to his truck.

“So where are we going?" I ask he helps me climb into the passenger side, a smirk on his face as he takes my hand and places a kiss on it.

“That is a surprise my Lady Silver.” He whispers out before closing the door and making his way to the driver side. He climbs in, making sure that both our seatbelts are on before turning the key and driving away. The radio is playing softly and as a song I know comes on, I sing along. Caden just smiles beside me, his fingers tapping along to the beat as my voice carries around us. After a few songs, the cabin fills with a comfortable silence, trees passing by us and the scent of the forest rushing in on the wind. The car finally comes to a stop, my face turning to face Caden just as his lips descend onto my own is a slow and steady kiss that melts my heart. His hands hold me gently while mine clutch at his shirt.

"I love you Grace." He whispers when we pull away, foreheads pressed together as we catch our breaths from the long kiss.

"I love you too Caden.” I whisper back, resting my head against his shoulder and listening to his steady heart beat. I wish we can stay here and just relax in the truck as we have done many times already but Caden reminds me I have yet to see my surprise before climbing out of the truck, makes his way to my side and helping me out of the truck. He takes my hand, asking me to keep my eyes closed so that I do not see the surprise early, and guiding me safely towards the sound of the lake.