Chapter 8

The drive is longer than I expected as we slowly leave the small town behind. I couldn’t help but smile contently as the buildings gave way to the beautiful forest, the leaves changing to the lovely colours of red, oranges and yellows you will find in fall. Inside the Jeep Tate has the seat warmer on underneath me, the warmth causing my lids to feel heavy as I drowsily continue to watch the scene fly past me.

I must have dozed off from the peacefulness of the drive with my newly discovered mate beside me because soon I found myself in a groggy stupor being lifted into strong arms that brought a sense of warmth and security over me. Groaning I turned my head into whoever held me, hiding my eyes from the light above and clutching at a soft fabric.

“Shh Laina, go back to sleep little one.” A deep gentle voice whispers in my ear and I oblige, letting the darkness of a comfortable dreamless sleep take over me once more.

…

I find myself waking up in an unfamiliar room, the sweet tantalizing scent of who I assume is my mate lingering in the air with the scent of bacon. Late morning light tries its best to filter in through past the soft blue curtains giving some light to the dark room. My eyes scan the room finding three doors, one I believe is a closet, the second the exit and the third I assume is possibly a bathroom. Pushing back the thick comforter that covers my body I take my time in sitting ups, resting my hand on my pregnant stomach and try my best to scan this new room.

I notice my bags right away and scramble to my feet in a panic as I go through every pocket finding the bags completely empty. Searching the room I walk into a door to a walk in closet finding the minimal clothing I own clean and hanging nicely on one side. Exiting the closet I notice a vanity sitting just beside the large window with a brand new Kate Spade purse sitting on top with a piece of paper attached to it. My hands reach for the paper once I am in front of the vanity as my eyes scan the note left by Tate.

Laina,

Sorry for intruding on your things but you were in a deep sleep. I hope you like this new purse I thought it would suit you

Tate

I sigh with relief and a bit of giddiness as I look inside the purse, noticing my wallet and booklet of numbers inside. Tate has a notorious name in the werewolf community as a ruthless wolf who demolishes and massacres packs that anger the Blood Alpha, but this big bad Alpha seems to be a softy when it came to me. Putting the note away in my purse I continue to explore the room, smiling triumphantly when I find a large bathroom with a claw foot tub to soak in. After relieving my full bladder that the twins press against I search the bath room for some bubble bath finding a vanilla scented one and begin to turn the water on in the bath tub using half the bottle of the scented liquid as foamy bubbles soon cover the surface. The thought of a long soak in the bubble bath brought tears to my eyes. It has been a while since I last enjoyed a bubble bath and when running for both your life and the children inside you it is hard finding a place to enjoy a shower.

Undressing I carefully climb into the claw foot tub, the scent of vanilla wrapping around me as my sore muscles begin to relax. The twins must have agreed with me as they gently move inside me, causing a soft smile to spread on my face.

“What do you think of this Alpha?” I ask my stomach, gently rubbing the baby bump. I giggle when they kick at my hands harder than earlier, taking their movements as a positive response. Maybe being here is starting to turn into a good thing. The quiet bathroom fills with steam and scent of vanilla causing my still tired body to become slightly drowsy again. I decided that now would be a good time to scrub my body clean and rinse off the suds with the shower hose attached to the claw foot before I doze off into dream land and accidentally drown in the water. Once fully cleaned and the sore muscles caused from being on the run relaxed, I climb out of the now empty tub and wrap a large fluffy black towel around my body. Part of me did not want to leave the warm room but my stomach is starting to protest its need for food. Towel drying my hair I exit the bathroom and head into the closet to pick out a pair of leggings and a baggy long sleeve shirt. I couldn’t help but sigh knowing that the shirt I am wearing is a little too snug but there is nothing I can do until I go shopping for proper clothing to fit my growing body.

Exiting the closet a knock on the door catches my attention causing me to turn towards it with suspicion. Taking a deep breath to steady my nervous heart I reach for the nearest object I can do damage with – a lamp – and position myself just to the side in a defensive stance ready to attack whoever is on the other side the lamp armed to be swung like a baseball bat at the person on the other side of the wooden door.

“Come in.” I call out, watching the door open to reveal Tate.

“Good mor- wait were you going to hit me with that?” I sigh with relief and put the lamp back, facing the man who is my mate that gives me a puzzled look.

“No, I was going to hit whoever I didn’t know with it.” I correct, getting a chuckle from him that sends my heart fluttering.

“I thought you would like to know food is ready and I brought a shirt for you since yours looked too small when I was cleaning your clothes.” I smile at Tate’s considerate thought, thanking him while I take the offered shirt. Slipping out of tight long sleeve I pull on the soft cotton black long-sleeve V-neck that smells faintly like him. Feeling comfortable I stretch loving the fact I can move freely once again.

“Not shy around guys?” It wasn’t a question but how Tate words his statement causes me to blush slightly in embarrassment.

“Sorry. I am used to changing in front of my cousin and his mate because they’re gay and everything. You should have seen their faces when they brought me back new clothes and have a fashion show in our living room.” I apologize, giving Tate an explanation at my comfort around men I put trust in. I squeak in surprise when strong arms pull me towards a chiselled chest, Tate’s scent enveloping my senses.

“Don’t apologize to me, you are my mate. You should be comfortable around me.” He says, kissing the top of my head. I couldn’t help but snuggle into him the sense of security returning. If this is how a mate is supposed to be then count me sucked in and give me a contract to sign.

“Now come on, let’s go eat.” He lets go of me and I instantly miss his warmth, smiling happily when he takes my hand and leads me out of the room. The hallway is a light grey colour with pictures of Tate, Eeva and three young boys placed every now and then. Being lead down the dark wooden stairs I try my best to take a peak around the front entrance and the next hallway until I stand in a large bright kitchen. I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of baking inside here while I look at the large counter with a high end stove and a door to what I assume is the pantry. The thought of the recipes I love so much filling the house with their delicious scent with children running around feeling close to becoming a reality.

“Sit over there and I will bring you some food. I know you’ve had a rough time so I want you to get some rest and take it easy for now.” Tate directs me to a breakfast nook in the corner of the kitchen situated under large windows on either side. I smile at how pampering he sounds the image of a cruel Alpha I once imagine him to be slowly dissolving into this sweet mate image he displays now. Sitting down I take the time to fully look at my mate. He has dark chestnut coloured hair that is similar to my own with lighter natural highlights thrown about. His hair is cut short and styled in a messy way that my fingers itch to run through and feel just how soft his locks are. His broad shoulders connect to strong muscular arms, arms that have held me multiple times since meeting yesterday. One thing is for sure, Tate is fit and lean with his body radiating power as an Alpha should. His dark green eyes reminded me of the forest in summer. Warm and welcoming and something I know that if I stare too deeply into these eyes of his then I will lose myself to him.

“Here you go. Over easy eggs, bacon and hash browns.” Tate’s voice breaks me from my thoughts as he places a full plate in front of me, my stomach grumbling at the wonderful aroma.

“And blueberry vanilla tea.” He adds, chuckling at my reaction to the food.

“Thank you.” I smile gratefully at my mate, taking a sip of the herbal tea before digging into my eggs. Tate soon joins me with a plate of his own, adding two pieces of toast to my plate that I use to soak up the warm yolk. The distinct smell of coffee hits my nose from the green mug Tate sips from, his eyes looking everywhere but at me as my nose scrunch up at the strong scent. We sit there in silence for a moment before he sighs and looks to my stomach, a reluctance to accept my pregnancy reflected in the depth of his eyes.

“You really did not know about it being illegal? About Breeders being illegal?” He asks with concern etched into his face. I couldn’t help but put my left hand on my stomach, nodding yes to answer his question and getting another deep sigh from Tate.

“I guess only a few knew about the new rule. The Beta pair probably knew. Most wolves probably just decided to ignore it to get free sex.” I reply with, my voice quiet as I think about Abby and her attitude. It all made sense with how her behaviour took a one-eighty.

“They are a bunch of morons if you ask me.” Tate growls out in frustration, rubbing his hand against his face.

“Not all of them.” I look up to see him staring at me, his eyes filled with love and jealousy. I start to have doubts and wonder if Tate would protect my pups as his own or if I would have to leave this wolf behind. The thought of the latter causing a pain to rip through my heart.

“I will protect you, but I don’t like the fact that the pups you are carrying aren’t mine.” I sigh at his angry words, looking down at my empty plate. I knew he must feel terrible knowing that the mate he has waited for is pregnant for someone else but it’s not like he waited for me. Everyone knew of the many girls he had dated before becoming an Alpha. I used to feel sorry for the wolf that ends up as his mate but seeing how concerned and gentle he is with me makes me happy in a weird way.

“Look Tate I am not in the mood for arguing. We just met. I want to get to know you and for you to get to know me but whether you like it or not I am keeping these babies.” I state, standing up and depositing my dishes in the sink. I could feel his eyes on me as I make my way out of the kitchen and into the next room that turns out to be the living room. My eyes instantly go to the house phone located just on the desk by the large bay window and I walk over to pick it up. Scanning through the contacts I find the person I am looking for – Eeva – and I press the call button.

“I told you to let her sleep you idiot, she is pregnant for Goddess’ sake.” She answers, more like yells, into the phone before I could say anything.

“Um A) Ouch my ear-“ I say loudly, switching the phone to my left ear while I massage the abused right

“And B) want go shopping? I need clothes for my ever expanding baby bump.” I continue, offering an olive branch to the wolf that will be my sister-in-law.

“Sorry about that Laina I thought you were Tate. The idiot has called me about ten times wanting to wake you up since you’ve slept like the dead for a day. And yes I will love to go shopping. I’ll be there in a few.” She hangs up and I giggle at the phone before replacing it back in its holder and make my way up the stairs. I return to the room I woke up in and quickly grab my new purse. After washing my face and brushing my teeth I head back down the stairs only to see Tate standing in the front hall way with a suspicious look on his handsome face.

“Where are you going?” He asks, his eyes looking at the purse in my hand while I find a pair of my shoes in the hallway closet.

“I’m going shopping with your sister.” I reply back, slipping my worn out sneakers onto my feet and looking inside my purse to double check I have everything.

“I am your mate, I should go with you.” He growls out possessively, his arms landing on either side of my head against the wall I am leaning on. I could see his emotions swirling in the depth of his eyes as I wonder what his problem is. I get we are mates but I needed this. I needed to have some sense of normalcy once again and going out with a she-wolf brings this normalcy back.

“And I am a free person who can go anywhere I want and I will not be treated any differently. I became a slave to my old pack before running away; I will not be treated like one in my new pack!” I retort back, my voice higher than normal but lower than a yell. Shock fills Tate’s eyes replacing all of his other thoughts as he stares at me with disbelief. A blush covers my cheeks when I realize what I have said, turning to look away for a moment.

“Wait? Your new pack?” He questions, his fingers tilting my head to look back at him.

“I figured since we are mates I should join. If you don’t want m-“ My words are cut off as Tate’s lips are pressed to mine, the kiss sweet and gentle. I could feel his possessiveness and care he pours into this single kiss as his hands move to wrap me in an embrace.

“I want you.” He says when he pulls away, kissing my forehead. I couldn’t help the grin that spreads across my face as he tucks my head under his chin, hugging me to him.

“Just get yourself a cell phone so that I can reach you and so that you can call me.” He adds with a sigh. I knew I won my time to go out with Eeva and get away for a bit with these words. The front door swings open and Eeva sticks her head in, looking around as if afraid of being caught.

“Sorry, was waiting for the yelling to stop before I came in.” Eeva states and I laugh at her.

“So my mate has the punks for a few hours, you have a meeting to go too Tate and don’t worry, Laina is in good hands.” My new friend states and grabs me from within her brother’s arms and towards the front door.

“Bye bro, love you.” She says in a singsong voice, pushing me out the door and out of his reach as I laugh at her antics.

“Go, go, go! He is possessive and did not like the way I took you away from him.” She says as if she is a soldier ordering me about as I climb into her Hummer. She speeds out of the driveway just in time for a pissed off Tate to run out after us, his eyes glaring at his sister as he shakes his head.

“To the mall!” She exclaims and I sit back, clutching at my stomach that is slightly sore from laughing so hard.

“Hey, if you pass a Tim Horton’s can we stop so that I can get a white hot chocolate?” I ask

“Sure, one thing about our lovely Canada is that Tim Horton’s are everywhere.” She answers and I laugh again. I had a feeling that Eeva and I will be very close, almost like true sister.