Chapter 142: Chapter 36

LEXI

“Goddess, what time is it?” I ask, dragging myself to the kitchen table.

Dad sets a coffee mug in front of me. “Here. It’ll help. It’s almost three. Alpha James said we’ll take one more day before we go. Looks like Jane and I will be flying in the jet with you.”

I tenderly sip the black liquid, then search my bag for some acetaminophen. Thank the Goddess Haley thought to pack some for me.

Ethan and Rosalie pound on the door, and I barely refrain from throwing my mug at their stupid heads.

“Lex, I need the keys to the car. We’re going to get on the road soon.”

I stare daggers at my brother. “Am I the only one with a hangover?”

“Probably. You’re the only one that got piss drunk. Keys, come on.”

I dig them out and hand them over. “How is that possible? You all drank as much as me, if not more.”

“Werewolves, honey. Remember?” Rosalie explains as she massages my scalp with her nails, just like she always did when I got drunk in college.

She used to drink us under the table, but Janine always tried to keep up.

I hum. “So that’s your secret. Janine never stood a chance. Cheater.”

Rosalie just laughs. She kisses my head. “We’ll see you in a few days. We plan on taking our time.”

“You two be safe. It was nice having you here.”

Dad gets a hug from Rosalie, then an awkward handshake from Ethan. Ethan kisses my head, then the lovebirds head out.

Dad watches out the doorway, then waves one more time. He props the door open, then grabs a coffee of his own.

The pain pills are starting to kick in, and I look around Dad’s kitchen. “Where is Cole? Didn’t he stay here last night?”

“He said something about checking the dungeons with the Starlight Sister. She sure is incredible. We are all so honored by her presence.”

“Yeah, she’s incredible,” I reply monotonously.

Dad gives me a curious glance as he refills my mug. “I’m not Cole’s only mate. He has to choose between me and Dara.”

Dad’s face goes from surprise to pity to confusion. “What…? She’s not a wolf.” He sits at the table across from me.

“Neither am I… well, not yet anyway. It’s up to Cole if I get to be a wolf or not.”

I sip more coffee and life begins to return to me.

“I don’t understand.” Dad bluntly states.

“The Goddess told him that if he chooses me, he will wake my wolf somehow, but if he chooses Dara, she gets the wolf I’m supposed to have.” I try to explain the best I can.

“That doesn’t seem fair. Where does that leave you?”

“Seriously fucked the more time he spends with her. He’s bonded to both of us. I don’t know if that means anything.”

Dad sips more of his coffee. “It means he has a hard time keeping his hands off, and private time with her would be a very bad thing.”

“Yeah. I figured that,” I huff.

Dad looks up to his still open back door. “Speaking of a certain alpha.”

I turn just in time to see Cole smile at me as he walks up the back steps and through the door. It’s a simple thing, but his smile sends chills fluttering all over my body.

“How are you feeling?” he asks as he kisses the top of my head.

“Like I’m hungover. You all suck.”

Cole chuckles then looks to my dad. “And you, Wyatt?”

“I’m holding, Alpha.”

Cole’s lip ticks up genuinely. “I’m glad to hear it. I hope you don’t mind but I want to steal Lexi away for a while.”

“Of course not.” Dad waves his mug at us as Cole pulls me out the door.

“Where are we going?” I’m curious, but still too hungover to keep his pace.

Cole slows down and switches from holding my hand to wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “I just wanted to take a walk. I also wanted to make sure you’re okay. You’ve had a stressful week.”

I’m so touched by his care. “Other than my head trying to kill me, I’m all right. This world is so different but it feels right, I belong in it. I was born to be a werewolf. Cole. Please don’t take my wolf from me. The Goddess gave her to me. She belongs to me.”

Cole stops walking to face me. “Lexi. Doing the job I do, I’ve learned that the wolves don’t belong to anyone except the Goddess. Our wolves are a gift.”

“And mine was gifted to me, but I’ve never had a chance to bring her out. Don’t take her from me, please.”

I sniffle, and Cole comforts my back. “I don’t know what to do, Lexi. I don’t know how to even bring your wolf out. I can see everyone’s wolf when I judge them.” He shakes his head. “Not yours. I don’t even know what will wake her.”

I hang my head despondent. “You do realize that to have your wolf you would have to be my mate, right?”

I look up into his silvery eyes that are asking so much more. “Of course I do, Cole. I would be honored to be your mate, and it’s not just because of the bond or my wolf. You’re an incredible person. I’ve never met anyone like you. You make me feel alive. When we’re together, we just fit.”

I love you, but I’m too scared to say it since you can drop me just as quickly as the words leave my mouth.

Cole lifts my chin and steps closer to place a sincere kiss on my lips. He’s so gentle. I return his kiss and wrap my arms around him.

His hand moves up to my cheek, and his tongue seeks entry to my mouth. I open for him, and his gentility continues as he massages my lips and the tip of my tongue.

A bright light flashes through my eyelids. Cole and I part and turn to face Dara.

I bow my head to her, but she looks indifferently at me. Her arms are crossed as she stares daggers at Cole.

“I thought to tell you I am leaving now. However, I do not think it matters as you are busy with Alexis.”

I get she’s pissed, but I still step forward. “Dara?” I hold my hands out. “I want to thank you for all you have done for my family. Everyone is truly honored by you, including me.”

She takes my hands. “Goodbye, Alexis.”

She lets go of one of my hands and holds a glowing white palm to my head. My headache leaves instantly, and my body no longer feels like it’s been hit by a truck. I breathe easier.

“Thank you so much. I feel so much better.”

“Safe travels. I will see you upon your return.”

She turns to Cole with a different demeanor. “I have found the Earth blessed. He is in my niece Bristol’s pack. I must go. Goodbye, Colton.”

“Please give Bristol my love. I’ll see you soon, Dara.”

He kisses her cheek and I hold back the urge to growl. I know the bond pulls him to her. He can’t really help it. At least that’s what everyone tells me.

Dara closes her eyes and we both take the hint to cover ours as she blinks herself away. The light fades and I open my eyes to empty woods.

I shake my head. What a way to get around.

COLE

I let out a breath. If looks could kill. It’s a good thing Dara isn’t sadistic.

I’m completely thrown off guard by the relationship between Dara and Lexi. I thought they would be bitter toward each other. I’m glad they’re civil, but it’s still shocking to me. They’re both my mate and they both know it. Actually, I’m impressed by their maturity.

“Who is Bristol?” Lexi asks me, bringing me out of my thoughts.

“She’s my cousin. Well, kind of. My mom’s uncle mated the Starlight Sister Realta. Bristol is their daughter. She’s the Luna of the Abbott Pack in Vermont.”

Lexi turns back to face me. “A Starlight Sister is mated to a werewolf? How does that work?”

I shrug my shoulder. “I’m not sure. Aunt Realta gave up her immortality and gained a wolf. That’s all anyone knows. She’s never really explained the process.”

“Have you asked her? She might know how to awaken my wolf.”

I shake my head. “She was told not to interfere by the Goddess. Don’t worry, Lexi. I’ll figure it out, I promise.”

Lexi looks at me hopefully as my words slap me in the face. I just promised her that I would wake her wolf. Shit, I just majorly fucked up.

Lexi smiles then leans into me. I hold her tight and inhale her intoxicating magnolia scent. We continue our walk to return to her dad’s place so she can retrieve her things.

We spend the rest of the evening watching movies and eating pizza and popcorn. Lexi falls asleep on me like always. I smile at her habit, then adjust so she’s more comfortable.

I pull a throw over her, then begin to drift off as well.

Alpha Cooper and his mate see us off as their youngest daughter steps into the jet. I watch her closely, but Lexi and Wyatt are more relaxed with her. The three are in awe at the grandeur of the jet.

“Goddess, this is so cool,” Jane comments.

“I’m glad you like it.”

Hanna comes out of the cockpit, and I introduce her. “This is Hanna. She is the pilot’s mate. She’ll get you anything you need during the flight. You all just relax and enjoy the trip.”

Hanna asks them if they need anything, then returns with drinks and snacks. She then goes over a quick safety lecture, and we’re ready for takeoff.

“I’ve never flown before,” Lexi says as she buckles in beside me.

I take her hand. “Are you nervous?”

She makes a guilty face and nods.

“You’ll be fine. I’m here for you.”

She half laughs. “Are you going to save me if we crash?”

I kiss her cheek. “We’re not going to crash. Johnny is a great pilot, and this is one of the best jets on the market. Besides, my mom would’ve seen it.”

“I thought she can’t see your future?” She squints at me.

“She can’t, but she can see others. She would’ve seen something.”

“I guess that is comforting.” She looks around as the jet begins to move. “So what do we do now?”

I laugh at her nervousness. She’s really cute when she’s nervous. “Just relax and enjoy the ride.”

“Can we watch a movie, Alpha James?” Jane asks. She seems just as nervous as Lexi, which is not good for an untrained fire blessed.

“Of course. I’ll even let you pick.”

She beams up at me, then scrolls through the film choices. I’m relieved that she passes over the cartoons, but I cringe when she picks *The Princess Diaries*.

Lexi seems to relax with the distraction. Wyatt is fast asleep.

I sip my beer and throw in some earbuds to get through the flight.