Chapter 29: Chapter 29

ADDISON

~Well, that explains his behavior~, I stood in the shower thinking to myself. I was so sad about what he had been through.

I had heard what it was like to be rejected by a mate. It was painful, like a bullet to the chest.

Even though they were no longer mates, Vanessa’s presence still made me nervous. Could she take him back, even after rejecting him?

I knew the mate pull left once a mate was rejected, but I wondered if it left a lingering feeling.

I decided I was just going to focus on Slade, make sure he was okay, and keep our relationship developing. The fact that he hadn’t marked me as his mate worried me a bit.

I took a bit more thought about getting ready today. I opted for my favorite jean shorts, knowing they made my backside look real good.

I threw on a sage-green, loose-fitting V-neck that teased with just the smallest bit of cleavage. Fixing my curls and putting on my normal natural-looking makeup, I looked in the mirror.

~“Go get him,”~ my wolf teased.

Wandering downstairs, I entered the pack kitchen to find Vanessa already there sitting at the island sipping some coffee.

“Good morning, Luna!” rang from around the room as the pack members saw me enter.

“Good morning!” I replied warmly.

I saw Vanessa’s head snap up and turn to me, her eyes wide. If ever I wanted to throw out a big ~ha!~ at someone, this was that moment.

“Luna?!” Vanessa said in shock, her nose crinkling.

“Oh, good morning, Vanessa.” I walked around behind the island and grabbed myself some tea. I was already nervous, coffee would just make that worse.

I noticed Slade wasn’t down yet, and I smiled thinking of my big, brave alpha hiding in his room to avoid that woman.

Just then Slade walked in. “Good morning, Alpha,” the pack rang out again.

“Morning,” he replied with a wave of the hand. I could tell he was uncomfortable. He turned to the kitchen and stood wide-eyed.

With Vanessa sitting at the island and me standing behind it, I knew it was his worst nightmare. Moving before Vanessa could have the chance, I grabbed a mug and filled it with coffee.

Stepping over to him, I handed him the cup. “Here, drink some of that awkward face away,” I whispered, teasing him.

Slade looked down at me, and I stretched up onto my tiptoes to place a small kiss on his lips. I grabbed my plate of food and headed to the table.

Then I remembered my real duties and stopped before sitting down. Putting on my big girl panties, I straightened.

“Everyone,” I said, commanding their attention, “don’t forget. Pack meeting tonight at seven.” I was met with a “Yes, Luna” and sat down next to Hannah and Olivia.

Olivia and Hannah both just stared at me as I began to eat my breakfast. I looked up. “What?” I shrugged.

“So?” Hannah asked, trying to prod me for details.

“So what?” I asked innocently.

“Oh gosh, Addison, tell us what’s going on!” Olivia whispered, her eyes wild with curiosity.

I sighed. “We don’t know why she’s here. Although I’m having a hard time trying to find a reason why she would show up knowing what she did to him.” It made me mad just thinking about it.

Hannah rolled her eyes in relief. “He finally told you. Thank goodness. I didn’t know how much longer I could be your friend and not tell you!”

I laughed. “I just don’t know what to do! Do you think since they were technically mates that she could take him back?”

Hannah shook her head. “No way. Once you’ve found another mate, there’s no going back.”

I looked at my friends, worry in my eyes. “But what if we aren’t mated?”

Hannah and Olivia stared at me in shock for what seemed like forever.

“What do you mean you haven’t mated?” Hannah asked cautiously.

“He hasn’t marked me yet…”

Olivia gasped. “With the way you two have been eyeing each other, how has he not?! You’ve been mates for almost three months, how is that even possible?

“Gosh, I swear Sam only lasted like two days before marking me.” She laughed.

“Vanessa really messed him up. He only just recently started letting me in. I think he was afraid I would do the same thing.” I turned back toward Slade who had grabbed his plate and was walking toward us.

He sat down next to me and squeezed my hand. I smiled at him and then turned to Hannah who had a glare on her face. ~Crap…,~ I thought.

“Slade, are you serious?” Hannah spoke smoothly.

“What?” Slade looked up confused.

“You seriously haven’t marked this girl yet?” she said quietly.

Slade’s eyes widened, and I put my face in my hands in embarrassment. ~I can’t believe she just said that~, I thought as the blush crept into my cheeks.

“Uhh…” I could hear Slade was flustered, but I was a little interested in his answer. “I thought I had more time?” He shrugged.

“More time?” Hannah laughed. “You should have done it before the Luna Ceremony! Do you realize how dangerous it is to have an official luna that isn’t officially mated to the alpha?

“It’s seriously confusing.” She paused, looking him up and down. “Get on it, man.”

I smacked my forehead with my hand. Turning to Slade, I said, “Alpha, I have some things to go over before the pack meeting tonight. Can I see you in your office?”

Slade grunted and got up. I followed behind him and made a face at Hannah as I walked away.

As soon as I stepped into his office, I said, “Slade, I am SO SORRY. I had no idea she would do that. Honestly, I understand now why we haven’t…”

“It was going to happen last night.” Slade sighed.

“What?” I stood in shock.

“Our date, I was going to take you upstairs and mark you. But when we walked in…”

I stood there absolutely shocked. That woman had taken last night from us. I just about punched a wall. But I was broken out of my thoughts when Slade wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close.

“I’m sorry. This is a disaster.”

I pulled him in and kissed his cheek. I knew this wasn’t his fault.

“Don’t worry, when it happens, it happens. I’m not going to lie, it makes me nervous having her here. What if she wants you back? We aren’t mated, so I’m pretty sure she could do it.”

Slade looked into my eyes. “Vanessa was selfish, and she hurt me more than I’ve ever been hurt. I promise you are the only one I want as my mate.”

With that statement, he kissed me fiercely as if he was proving I owned him and he owned me.