Chapter 53: Chapter 25

NATALIE

It’s been six months since I came back to the Redd pack and I never could bring myself to be linked. I don’t know why, but Damon’s pack feels like home, even though I’m home with my family, the Masons.

Damon and I have spoken several times over the phone or through the link while I was in school, but I never made it back over there. He told me he had a lot going on, but he never actually filled me in.

Kenna said that the pack has been busy and has increased the patrols and training. It’s fine though because I spent a lot of time babysitting for Chase and Alana, and Uncle Mark and Aunt Kendra. I also helped out at the hospital. When I wasn’t doing that, Mom and I were making something new. I’ve become quite the cook.

“Where do you want the tables?” Jason asks my mom.

“There, along the wall like we normally do it,” Mom points out.

I’m seventeen today. Jason was disappointed when he saw me this morning, but I reminded him that we’re only seventeen and that we have another year before we find out.

It’s not like we’re dating or anything, but Jason wants his mate to be someone he already knows and is comfortable with. Virgil doesn’t ever really talk about finding his mate. I never told anyone about my gifts and have only used them while alone. I participate in training, but I’m not nearly as gifted as some of the other girls my age.

Dad rolls out the grill and gets it lit. “Dad, can I do anything to help?”

He kisses my forehead. “Honeybee, it’s your birthday. Just relax.”

I get a text from Kenna: Almost there. About twenty minutes out.

I’m so excited. My parents are throwing me a party. It’s the first one I’ve ever had. I run back up to my room and give myself a once over then decide to change for the third time. I have my bikini on under my t-shirt and Bermuda shorts, but it doesn’t feel like party attire.

I scent Kya as she knocks on my door. “Thank the Goddess you’re here. I can’t decide what to wear.”

She giggles as she looks me over. “You have a killer body. I never understand why you always cover it up.” She shuffles through my closet and pulls out a short dress that I’ve never seen before.

“That’s not mine,” I tell her as I look over the tiny piece of fabric.

“It was mine. I must’ve left it here. It would look great on you.”

I push her hand back at her. “No way. Take it back, I could never wear it.”

She rolls her eyes but looks through my closet again. “Here, wear shorts and a tank top. We’re all going swimming anyway.” She hands me a shorter pair of denim shorts and a soft pink tank top. After braiding my hair, I’m ready to go.

The smell of the meat has me salivating when I walk out the back door. I’m starving so I pick at the fruits and veggies. Mom taps my hand away. “Go mingle with your friends.”

“Yes, Mom.” She chuckles and shoos me away.

The back gate opens and in struts a blond woman in a white tank top, khaki shorts, and hiking boots. I shake my head and a smile spreads across my face. I run up to her and my mother’s arms open wide for me. “You’re here!”

“Of course I’m here. Did I miss it?” She looks around to the guests that have already arrived.

“No, the party is just getting started.” I grab her hand and pull her into the backyard.

“Not the party. Ah, I see he hasn’t arrived. Fabulous.” She claps her hands in excitement.

I give her a questioning look but she ignores it.

“Introduce me to your family. I must meet them. Oh, that’s the alpha, but not the right one.” She points out Dec. He looks to my mother then walks forward, pulling Kya behind him.

“Yes, Mother. Dec, this is my mother…” I look to her. Should I tell them your name?

Of course, don’t be rude.

“My mother Realta.”

Kya steps around Dec to see my mother. She extends her hand. “I’m sorry, I was not aware that Natalie had a mother. I’m Kya.”

“Yes, Luna. All children are born of a mother…”

Dec clears his throat. “Goddess Realta. Please excuse our surprise.”

Mother waves her hand. “Oh please, Realta is perfectly acceptable in this form.”

I look around to see the shock on faces as they realize who they’re talking to. Alana is in absolute awe. “Oh, a pup. May I hold her?”

Alana nods and hands her daughter over.

Mother’s palm glows pink and she swipes it across her forehead. “You’re a beautiful girl. Just like your mommy.” She twirls Lacy’s ringlet around her finger. “I love her dark curls. She’s just so adorable.”

“Mother, did you just bless her with the gift of the wind?”

“Yes, well spotted. Too long the gifts have been lost. You’ll have to teach her control, much like the good doctor taught you your healing. Speaking of.” She kisses the little girl and returns her to her near-traumatized mother. “I want to meet more of your family.”

I explain that Chase is my brother and Kya is my sister. “The healer that’s been blessed by the Moon Goddess to use her mate’s power. And the alpha worthy of her. Thank you for disposing of that horrible alpha. I curse his name for eternity.”

Dec just gives her a nod of respect, not knowing how to respond to my mother’s quirkiness. I then introduce her to my mom and dad. She gives them both hugs and thanks them for loving me.

She squishes my mom’s face. “Aren’t you just the sweetest? I’m so glad I don’t have to kill you. I see where Kya gets her beautiful green eyes.” She looks to my dad. “You taught my daughter control and took her in as your own. I was jealous, but I’m told you’re both good. We’re going to be great friends.”

Aunt Kendra and Uncle Mark walk through the doors after Gretchen rushes up to me. My mother hums as she looks her over. Ian walks up to me and gives me a hug. “Ooh!” Mother’s palm glows orange and my eyes bulge as she runs her hand over Ian’s forehead.

“Mother! Fire, really?” Uncle Mark, Aunt Kendra, and Ian look to me having no clue what’s going on.

“What? He’s worthy.” She holds his face with both hands and looks him over. “He’s sweet and his wolf will show up next week. It’s perfect timing.”

“Ian, everyone, this is my mother, the Starlight Sister Realta. Ian, you were just blessed with the gift of fire, so try not to lose your temper around…anything flammable…” I look to my mother. “Can you please stop blessing my family?”

“Nope, there’s one more in this pack, but he’ll go to another pack later on…” She looks around then struts back to Dec. “The little orphan boy. I need to bless him. Please have him brought over.”

Dec gapes open-mouthed. “Uh… Yes, yes ma’am.”

Mother gasps. “Ooh! He’s finally here.” She claps her hands in excitement and stands closer to the gate.

Kenna and a very pregnant Bianca waddle in, Finn just behind her. I give everyone a hug and wonder exactly why my mother is waiting for Finn. “You guys made it!”

The gate has already closed and no one else is coming in. My heart sinks and I look one more time. “Is Damon coming?”

I stop in my tracks as the most invigorating scent hits my nose. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. What is that? It’s so refreshing, like the pine trees after a rainstorm. The gate opens and I open my eyes.

My heart quickens and my body shivers as the silvery green eyes of my mate lock with mine. Goddess, he’s even more gorgeous than I remember…and he’s mine. He’s mine! Damon is my mate.

I can’t breathe and I can’t see through the moisture in my eyes. My lips tremble as he slowly moves closer. He raises his palm to my cheek and the warmth I became so familiar with has warped into something much more powerful.

His touch ignites a fire within me. His stunning eyes stare deep into my soul. He momentarily licks his bottom lip and I know a quick decision has been made.

His mouth ticks up into his sexy little smirk before his mouth falls to mine. My eyes close and he pulls me tight against his body. My his lips are so soft and sumptuous. He pulls away and looks over my face with that perfect smile of his that I love so much.

“You stole my first kiss,” I blurt out, not knowing what to say.

He stares back into my eyes. “I’m your mate, Natalie. It was always supposed to be mine.”

My lips begin to tremble. I pull my bottom lip between my teeth and he involuntarily growls, not in anger, but in pure hunger.

“I’ve been waiting for you. Goddess, you’re so beautiful. I’ve missed you every second of every day.” His thumb caresses my bottom lip. He looks at my lips and he takes them again, crashing down as if my lips are the only thing that could ever quench his thirst.

I hear a throat clear, but I don’t pay any attention. I’m with Damon and that’s all that matters.

“No, seriously, snap out of it you two. I can make it so you can’t breathe, you know. Goddess, I’m going to have to hose them down.”

I pull back from Damon and look toward my mother. Her palms are glowing purple and I know she’s serious. Damon gives her a bow of the head. “Apologies, Realta. As you know, I’ve been waiting a long time.”

A long time? That’s right, he did say the Goddess pointed out his mate while in this pack. Realization sets in. I cock my brow. “You knew all this time?”

He gives me a solemn nod. “I’ve known since before you came to my territory. I just had to wait for the Goddess to let you see.” He kisses my palms then looks to our audience. I finally remember we’re not alone and I feel my face turn warm. He softly chuckles then takes my hand to join the party and the excited cheers that we found our mates in each other.