Chased (The Graysen Pack Series) (12 page)

             
“Who told you about me?” I whispered lightly trying not to wake her. “I was told that you knew nothing about me. Is that true?”

             
“My alpha spoke with me just hours ago. He told me that Jeanette was here and about the attack. Then he told me about you.” He walked farther into the room and closer to me. “I’m so sorry, Dear. I don’t know what to say. You are the prettiest girl. You look just like your mother. I was actually coming to speak to her about you. I never dreamed that I was a father. I really am thrilled, now that I am not in shock. I wish that I had known sooner. I really do.” He seemed very genuine. He was very worked up. His face became red and his eyes filled up with tears. He held his hand out to me. “I’m sorry. I am rambling on and didn’t even introduce myself. My name is Eli and I am…”

             
“Dad.” I nearly tackled him over with my hug, and he hugged me back. I wanted him to love me so much. And for the moment it felt like he did. He held me tightly while I cried. I swore that I heard him crying too.

             
“Yeah, dad,” he whispered into my hair. He rubbed my head softly in a comforting motion. I needed it. I felt complete standing there in his arms.

             
“Can someone get me some tissues? Please,” Mom interrupted. She was crying too. I hadn’t even noticed she was awake. She must have heard our entire conversation.

             
“Mom…” I rushed to her side. “I have missed you. How are you feeling?”

             
“I am fine sweetheart. Come here,” she motioned.

             
I hugged her lightly. She looked so fragile lying there. I didn’t want to break her. “I am so sorry Mom. Please forgive me. I didn’t know this would happen. I’m sorry.”

             
“Shhh… This was not your fault. You had no way of knowing. Quit blaming yourself. Everything happens for a reason, and I’m happy.” She looked into Eli’s (my dad’s), eyes. “Truly happy,” she said. He smiled at her. He was happy too. I could tell. For a brief moment I felt so complete. I dreamed of having my family together many times. It was a good memory, I could cherish forever.

             
It didn’t take long for my thoughts to lead me back to Zee. I couldn’t stay mad forever.

             
Are you okay?
He asked. He found me easily, when I reached into my thoughts.

             
Yes, but I would like to see you.

             
“Are you talking to Zen in your thoughts?” Eli asked when he saw I was in my own little world.

             
“Yes,” I answered hesitantly.

             
“You kissed him.” Mom laughed. “Not only did you not stay away, you kissed him.” She laughed harder.

             
“What is so funny?”

             
“I was so naïve to think that you could stay away from him. Your dad explained this to me years ago. I just never realized how powerful mating was. You have never intentionally disobeyed me, for any reason. So I know that this is real. I just can’t believe it.”

             
I smiled. “I can’t put it into words. The feeling is intense. But in a good way.” I realized I may have upset Eli. He had lost his mate. “I am sorry Eli. Zee told me that you lost your mate. I shouldn’t talk about it like this. I’m sorry.”

             
“Don’t be. I am fine, and if you don’t mind you can call me Dad.”

             
“Okay.”

             
“I did lose my mate. Obviously, you know that. What you don’t know is she was not my mate. I have never talked to my Alpha about this. He would certainly be against it. It is morally wrong. The lady that I spent my years with was another wolf. We were companions. We were never mates. We only pretended to be, so we would not have to be alone. I hope you understand my reasoning. I do plan on telling the Alpha soon. In the meantime, I have started having the side effects, but let’s not worry ourselves about it. I have a good five years before I go completely nuts.”

             
Mom looked at him so intensely. I wanted to cry for them. I was at a loss for words.

             
“I do have to say that Zen is a good kid. I couldn’t be happier for you. He will be a good provider.” Eli winked at me.

             
“Well, when do I get to meet him?” Mom asked. She completely dropped the subject of Dad being unmated, and he was grateful. I could tell she still loved him. “This time I would like to be conscious.”

             
Mom wants to meet you while she is conscious.

             
I could hear him laughing.
My parents are very excited to meet you too. Do you think that your mom is feeling well enough to come down for dinner? We will be eating in an hour at the dining hall.

             
I asked Mom and of course she was ready to get out of bed. There is no keeping that woman down.

             
Okay, we will be there,
I told him.

             
Are we okay? I don’t want there to be any tension. My wolf is feeling so restless. I really am sorry baby. I need you.

             
Me, too, but I need you to try and remember that I am not some prize on your trophy shelf. I do have feelings and I need you to quit being such a butthead.

             
Fair enough. But, I need you to remember that I am the man, and I will fight for you no matter what. I want to be the one who protects you, and loves you, and kisses you, and kisses you, and kisses you.

             
I giggled.
I got it; you’re the one who kisses me.

             
Just making sure you understand.

             
I will see you soon.

Chapter Ten

              Dad left so that I could get Mom dressed and ready to go to dinner. Mom seemed to be totally chilled out. I was falling apart at the seam.
What do you say to your mate’s parents? Oh hi. I have only known your son for four days, but we kissed and now we are mates. Also I spent the night in his bedroom. Thanks so much for having me, and could you please pass the potatoes.

             
Baby! Stop it. They are going to love you. It doesn’t matter that we have only known each other for a few days. That is how mating works. They know that. And it’s not like I spent the night in the bed with you. Now that would have been fun.

             
Ha, ha. That’s easy for you to say.
I had to block him from my thoughts while we got dressed and ready for dinner. He could be very distracting.

             
“Are you ready?” Mom asked.

             
“I guess.” I stood there staring in the mirror.

             
“You look fine, now let’s go.”

             
I tossed my hair around a few times and walked out the door.
They are either going to love me or hate me. Sink or swim Ava.

             
As we were walking down the hall, leaving Mom’s room, I heard Sam yell for me. I wanted to run to her. She had stayed here with me through all of this craziness. She wrapped me in the biggest hug. I knew that she must have been worried. It felt good having her here with me.

             
When I was able to get a good look at her, I noticed the lack of sleep. Her brown normally straight hair looked wild and untamed, and her eyes were red and puffy. You could barely see the blue in them because of all the redness.  I felt so bad that she was so exhausted, but thankful that she was my best friend and she loved me so much.

             
“Hey, Mrs. S., how are you feeling? You definitely don’t look as bad as you did yesterday. That must have hurt like hell.” She still had her wits intact.

             
I just shook my head. Anytime you wanted honesty, she was your girl. She could be brutal. You could take her or leave her. She did not care. She was petite and loud, a deadly combination. I had rubbed off on her over the years. However my honesty was a lot sweeter, most of the time.

             
Mom laughed a little at her comment. She had been around her enough to know how to take her. She shook her finger at us. “Let’s go eat girls,” and we followed her down the stairs.

             
“What’s wrong F.P?” Sam asked

             
“F.P., do I really want to know?”

             
“Flea Princess, my dear. That is what you will be once you marry the Prince of Fleas.”

             
“Really….” I rolled my eyes.

             
“I am just stating the facts. So what is going on? I can tell there is something bothering you. You are too fidgety.”

             
“I have to meet the King and Queen of Fleas any second now. I’m so nervous. I am starting to sweat.” I was waving my hands back and forth in front of my armpits.

             
“You are acting crazy. They are going to love you, even with your pit stains. I promise.” She smiled at me.

             
“Very funny Samantha… By the way, I also met my dad and he is going to eat with us too.”

             
“This will be interesting, one big, happy family of wolves. Now I am starting to sweat,” she said.

             
“Let’s do this.” I exhaled slowly.

             
The staircase led us into the sitting room. Every pair of eyes in that room was locked onto me. I felt like I was the helpless prey and they had hefty appetites. I shook it off quickly and smiled politely at everyone. There was no way that I would let them know that they had made me nervous. Besides, I recognized several of them from school. 

             
Dad was waiting there for us. I quickly introduced him to Sam. Then I apologized for her rude and obnoxious behavior. I was certain it would be showing its lovely face at dinner. However, I had promised that he would get in some laugh time between the both of us.

             
“You will soon learn that I rarely hold my tongue as well. So maybe I should be the one doing the apologizing.” He laughed.

             
I loved his laugh. It was contagious. It made him appear so loveable and captured my mother’s attention every time it came out of his mouth.              

             
He held out both arms for us. “Now, let me escort you three lovely ladies to dinner.” He raised his eyebrows and led the way.

             
When we walked into the dining room, it looked like everyone had already arrived before us. The tables were filled. There must have been seventy five people seated there, and again, more familiar faces.

             
Zen, why do I recognize so many people?

             
A lot of the pack attends school there, some even work there. Practically the entire football team is here at dinner. The Graysen’s are big contributors to the University.

             
I just shook my head. I didn’t ask any questions. I could feel Zen close by. My stomach was turning flips worse than usual.

             
“Hey beautiful,” Zen tapped me on the shoulder from behind. He held out his hand for me. I reached for it and felt instant relief. A part of me wanted to wrap my arms completely around him but decided against it since we were in the dining room.

             
The feel of his hand touching mine eased all of my chaotic thoughts. He had such an effect on me. I looked down and away so that no one could see the reaction he caused me.  He put his hand on my chin and raised my head up. This way we were looking at each other in the eyes, and he mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.”

             
“Me too,” I whispered. He pulled me in closer to him.

             
“Mom, I would like you to officially meet, Zen. Zen this is my mom, Jeanette.”

             
She shook his hand. “Thank you for taking such good care of both me and Ava. It is nice to finally meet you.” Mom sounded so sincere. She was grateful to him and his family.

             
“No thanks necessary. I am sure you already know how I feel about Ava. I would do anything for her and your family.” He was so sweet and not shy at all. If he had been nervous no one could tell.

             
“If you are seeking an approval from me, there is no need. I trust my daughter. If she chose you, then you are a lucky boy.”

             
“Yes ma’am.” He winked at me. “Come on, I want you to meet my parents.”