Once Upon A Time (12 page)

I chuckled at
his question and try to formulate an answer. One that made sense
anyway. “I admit that I’m surprised and never saw it coming.” Again
I struggled for the words. I didn’t want to sound too cautious nor
sound too encouraging. “There are just too many variables involved
in this relationship. I would not deny him the joy he seems to have
found but there is a part of me that fears for him should this not
be a true mating.”

I leant
forward as my concern dictated my movement. “A human female. I
can’t begin to know how that effects anything but I do know that
the longer they are together, the more chance there is of her
finding out more than she needs too.” I sat back and shrugged.
“It’s hard to be happy for him but feel the inherent danger of a
prolonged relationship.” I breathed out a laugh and looked up at
his face. “I don’t know how you deal with these situations day in
and day out. It’s much easier mixing herbs and healing
injuries.”

Standing, to
indicate that any 'formal' meeting was over, I nodded. "You are
echoing my own concerns. Whilst Owain has never, to be blunt, had a
problem finding a bedmate, in all the decades, he has never found
his true Mate. Whilst we were able to work with the humans around
us in the Carpathians, the circumstances were extraordinary, and
the recent interaction with the Gosselin Pack have demonstrated
that those not able to protect themselves, are at risk."

"Still, whilst
she stays near the Hall, there shouldn't be a problem. Owain will
be able to keep watch that she doesn't hear anything which might
give her cause to wonder." I shrugged. "It is about all we can do
at the moment."

I held open
the door of the study, indicating the Angharad might leave the room
ahead of me. Again, I smiled. I could not see Alix's sire being as
'lenient' over priorities.

After the
breakfast we walked out to get ready for our walk. The way he
'dressed' me, placing the boots on my feet. His hands were soft and
warm. "Thank you, they fit well."

As we walked
outside, and I was able to see the gardens my eyes go wide. Even
though they were covered on snow it looked amazing. I took my
camera while he explained the fence, and we chatted more. While
setting the camera, I glanced at him and the first thing I did was
snap a picture of him. He is handsome, I couldn't help myself, plus
I did want a picture of him for myself to keep.

The wilderness
was something amazing, by now I had maybe five to eight pictures.
"I like it outside." I said honestly, while looking at him, I
wasn't looking where I went and tripped. Oh the shame, but
thankfully his hand was there to steady me, so fast it was almost
surreal. "Thanks, you can imagine why I don't really do sports …
can't even walk well." I joke about myself and laugh, and then
seized the opportunity to kneel and toss some snow at him.

I respect my
Alpha and more, I like him. Our wellbeing rests on his shoulders
and some would run with that power, swell with it until they lose
touch with the pack and their collective good. But not Gavril. He
listens and makes us all feel as an active part. I am truly
blessed.

I stood and
moved to the door but stop when something hit me. “Alpha, did you
know that Owain invited Merida to the biathlon? With the issue of
the Gosselins well, her safety concerns me greatly. She is only
human.” I drop my head a bit trying to work out all contingencies
and shake my head. “She is a photographer and is quite pleased to
be invited. I hated to say anything as Owain was happy she
accepted.” I shrug helplessly and I must say, relieved to have laid
this on his shoulders. “It had slipped my mind or I would have
mentioned it sooner. My apologies.”

I stood and
walked to the door feeling almost lighter now that I had voiced my
concern and knowing I was not alone.

I closed the
door to the study again, and opened a mind link to include both
Angharad and Aaleahya.

[Open ML] My
love, you would join us down in the study. Something has come up
with regard to Owain's little human and the race tomorrow. [End
ML]

"Sorry,
Healer. Thank you for letting me know." Damn, this was going to
make things a bit difficult. If the Gosselin Pack thought for one
moment that we had a human in our Pack, given the tensions,
Angharad was right that she would be at risk.

"Would you
mind waiting until Aaleahya can join us?"

"Of course" I
walked back and took my seat to await Aaleahya's arrival. Naturally
I was mentally kicking myself for not mentioning this sooner, not
to mention I felt a bit shocked that it slipped my mind. That is
not like me at all. At least I did remember before we arrived at
the course. Small comfort that thought is. Gavril seemed lost in
his own thoughts so I once again went over the options for Merida's
tea this evening and was satisfied with my choices.

Something in
me lurched when Merida tripped in the snow. Caution against
revealing anything to her was overridden by this strange way I was
behaving, and my hand shot out to stop her from hurting herself.
For a moment, it was a hint of tension between us, as I realised
that my speed was not 'normal'.

But, that
tension faded, as she knelt in the snow, and unexpectedly flung
some snow in my direction.

Grinning,
again, I found myself reacting on instinct, and scooped her up. "I
did warn you that I am not to be beaten in this snow throwing lark,
Merida." I laughed. "Not unless you are a kindergarten kid, which I
am pleased to say you are not."

Then, it hit
me. Her lips. So close. So very close.

Opening my
eyes, I saw that Matyas and Liszka were lying there, their little
eyes on me. The message they sent me loud and clear. I smiled as I
caressed each tiny cheek. Suddenly I received the mind link from my
love asking for me to the meet with him and the Healer. It is funny
I was just going to go and find him and let him know what our
children had let me know. Picking up Liszka I set her beside her
brother and sit on the edge of the bed.

Standing up I
pick up the twins and take them to the nursery where Bennia and
Shalley were waiting to take them from me. Kissing each of them I
handed the babies reluctantly over and then headed down to Gavril's
study. Knocking softly on the door I entered when I heard Gavril
telling me to enter. Angharad was sitting in one of the leather
seats. Walking over I kissed my mate on his cheek before taking the
other seat.

Giving my Mate
a soft caress along the line of her face, I smiled, as she took a
seat. Taking my own seat, I was thoughtful.

"Angharad has
just told me that she overheard Owain asking his little human to
accompany him to the biathlon tomorrow." I paused. "Given the
nature of the Gosselin Alpha and his Pack, this poses a potential
problem, in that she is a human. They will not hesitate to attack
what they see as a weak link in our Pack, if they realise she has
significance to us. I can order Owain to rescind his invitation,
but I wanted your thoughts, my love."

Aaleahya swept
into the room and walked directly to Gavril for a soft kiss. I knew
I should look away but found that I enjoyed their closeness too
much and almost feel a tendril of togetherness myself. I sometimes
took our pack link for granted until moments like this. I shook
myself from this train of thought and turned my mind back to the
matter at hand.

When Gavril
mentioned rescinding the invitation I felt a bit disappointed in
the hurt it would cause both of them. That must be the female in me
raising its romantic head. Who would have thought I had it in me? I
was about to voice my thoughts when I noticed Aaleahya’s
expression. She clearly had something to add so I sat back, curious
as to how she felt about things.

I clapped my
hands delighted, I look at the two of them then declared I believed
that was a wonderful idea. I saw the shocked look on the faces of
Gavril and Angharad. Smiling at them, I mock-snarled, “Don’t you
dare make Owain rescind his invitation to her.”

“
I believe your other friend has found his soul mate, my love,
and as our Goddess sees fit it seems not to matter if she is human,
wolf, or shifter. She does things the way she wants as we all know.
Gavril I have it on good authority that this is indeed the real
deal for your Beta.”

Smiling
widely, I continued. “Our lovely twins have assured me this is
intended to happen and all will work its way out, and we my love …”
I looked at both my Mate and the Healer “… are not to
interfere.”

I was relieved
at Aaleahya's words, more than I would perhaps admit. Having to
impose an Alpha's will on my close friend was not something I would
have done lightly, but for the sake of protecting my Pack, it was a
step I had to consider.

Smiling, I
looked at both Angharad and my Aaleahya. "In that case, I will not
interfere with the Goddess' will. I can only hope that whatever
will happen between Owain and his little human will not cause him,
or her, pain."

I was relieved
and a bit surprised at the outcome. But the goddess has her own
plans and gifts for us all. I was pleased for Owain but would keep
that to myself for now and let things play out as they will. I'm
actually excited to see things progress and admittedly, curious.
This should be fun. "Well, I will go mix her tea for this evening.
Good day to you both." I bowed my head to them and leave the room,
lightly shutting the door behind me before walking quickly to my
workroom.

Smiling I rose
from the chair, walking over to my Mate and wrapping my arms around
him. Watching the Healer, nodding her head as she walked out the
door. “Gavril I have the gifts ready for the younglings; they are
in our room in the large box. I was wondering if we could ask our
esteemed healer and your soon to be mated Beta to perform the
ritual for the twins?” Gavril pulled me onto his lap as he
chuckled.

I couldn't
help but laugh, and when he scooped me up, his scent, his strong
arms around me, and his face so close, I could feel his fresh
breath against me. I don't know why, I had never been so forward
before, but all my body and brain agreed that I had to do it.
Slowly, my hands moved to his neck then his hair, my fingers laced
into it, and my lips, they pressed to his. In that instant, my
heart jumped, as my lips caressed his in a soft dance. I thought it
was uncalled for, but then I felt his lips move.

My cheeks
blushed, and after various minutes we pulled apart. I was
breathless, my eyes stared at his. I wanted to kidnap him and keep
him with me for ever. Creepy much I know, but I couldn't help it. I
slid off his arms, and smiled. "Uh....I like it here....so
pretty..." Oh gosh, his lips, his body.... everything is so
perfect, warm, amazing. My thoughts where everywhere. Racing like a
train non-stop. As we walked I took his hand, I didn't know what to
say anymore. My thumb rubbed against his hand. "I like you...."

After dinner
and with thermos in hand, I went in search of Merida. She seemed
more tired than usual at the table so my gentle touch with the
ingredients should work well. I approached her as she exited the
dining room and I walked with her, looking at Owain to be sure he
knew what I was intending to do. I gave him a reassuring look even
though he would know I would never harm her but given his mating
behaviour, I had to be sure. Satisfied with his reaction, I nodded
to him quickly before spiriting Merida to the drawing room.

“
Merida, I mentioned earlier that I am an herbalist, well as
an herbalist I blend teas. In fact, I can make a tea for whatever
ails you.” I laughed and rolled my eyes a bit. “Well, almost
anything that ails you.” I linked my arm in hers and slowly walk
into the other room. I don’t know her that well and don’t want to
spook her into thinking I want to drug her. Well, in a way I am but
she didn’t need to know that.

“
I hope you don’t think me forward but I’ve noticed that you
haven’t slept very well here. I know we’re a lot to take in and I
hope we’ve not made you too nervous to sleep.” I do know that isn’t
the reason she has restless nights but I wanted to give her an
excuse if she doesn’t wish to share her sleep problems. “Not to
mention that sleeping in a strange house can mess up anyone’s sleep
patterns. So, that being said, I’ve made you a tea mixture that
should help you fall asleep. I’ve put in chamomile and valerian to
let your brain rest plus a little lemon balm to relieve any
stress.” I handed her the thermos of hot tea and smiled. “Just
drink some about a half hour before bed and I guarantee you will
sleep like a lamb.”

I patted her
arm as she took the thermos and smiled. “I made a batch of tea
blend for you to take home with you also. It’s a little lighter
than this blend, just enough to take the edge off before sleeping.”
I looked at her closely, opening the door for discussion should she
wish to share her sleep problem with me. “I can make it any
strength you would like. It’s all natural herbs and not addictive.
I have no idea why hu…ah..people feel the need to mess with
chemicals. Foolishness when trusted herbs have been around since
the beginning.” I laughed lightly and shrugged. “Don’t get me
started on that or I’ll talk your ear off. Just let me know your
preference and I’ll take care of it. I aim to please. Now I need to
run. I’m here if you should need me.”