Once Upon A Time (8 page)

I shook my
head and popped a finger sandwich in my mouth and hipped open the
door to the receiving hall. The noise got amplified when the pack
members saw fresh food heading their way so I swirled and dipped to
keep them away. “Paws off the food until after the outside
festivities. You’ve had enough.” Ren bumped my hip with his but I
was ready and stood firmly in place. My smile was haughty as I
turned around, feet spread to guard the table. “You need to try
harder than that Ren. Now go, destroy a snow fort or something.
Just watch out for feisty healers or you just may need them to
patch you up later. Of course they began laughing and Griff grabbed
me in a firemans hold while Ren raided enough sandwiches for
them.

“
Griff, set her down quickly and run.” Ren was already heading
to the door when Griff all but threw me down and hightailed it
after him. I just roll my eyes and pick up the half empty tray and
go back in to face Eira.

Watching the
Pack younglings charge through the Hall, I followed at a slightly
slower pace, since I was supposed to be supervising the
preparations for the snowball fight. Groups had been detailed to
build barricades and 'snow forts' behind which piles of snowballs
lay ready. Alix had agreed that she would not be outside playing,
but was staying indoors with Aaleahya and the twins.

Even though
the first of the Challenges would not take place until Monday, I
was cautious as to whether her birth pack would try anything,
against either of us. Let me rephrase that. I knew that they would
try something against me, and I expected it to be during the first
Challenge, the biathlon. I knew Gavril was keeping me on light
duties until the Challenges, but I also knew that it was not
because he doubted me.

Still this
afternoon and tonight was not about the Challenges, other than a
sideways celebration of my finding my Mate. This was fun, plain and
simple, the sort of fun that we used to have when Gavril, Owain and
I had been younglings ourselves in the hills of North Wales.

It was long
overdue.

Watching the
squealing Pack younglings on the way out to the rear of the Hall, I
had a wide smile on my face, both for their excitement, and for the
fact that my fellow Beta, Bran, had something that looked
suspiciously like a smile on his lips as he supervised. Alix had
clearly had a huge impact on my serious friend.

I felt
slightly nervous, as I grabbed the keys for my Landrover Defender,
on my way to collect Merida from her apartment. Given her nervous
reaction to the noise in Hunter's Arrow, was I going to be doing
more harm than good by bringing her to a Pack event like this?

I hoped
not.

The 3.5 litre
V8 engine of the Landrover ate up the miles to Merida's apartment,
and I sat there for a moment, letting the engine idle. I had dated
other humans before through the years, but for some reason, this
particular human called to me.

Well, there
was no point in wasting time. Cutting the engine, I climbed out,
the snow crunching under my boots, as I locked the door, and made
my way to the apartment Merida had indicated. Taking a deep breath,
I knocked on her door.

I hadn’t been
so nervous in a long time, in fact I wasn't used to going on dates,
or out at all, especially with a guy as handsome as Owain. After
gathering some courage, I managed to get ready, I paced my room
while looking at my phone. I didn't have his number so there was no
point on checking it. Just a nervous gesture, I suppose. Taking a
last glance at my reflection on the mirror I smiled to the results,
simply casual, comfortable and warm. Making my way in the kitchen I
prepared myself a tea to try and calm my nerves.

I had almost
finished my tea, when I hear the knock on my door. My heart jumps
and I clean my cup before walking to the door. Upon opening it, my
lips curve in a smile. He looked even more handsome now under the
light of day. "Hey you. I am glad you remembered my address. I'm
ready … of course.”

I gave a shy,
slightly embarrassed laugh and walked out. Locking my door, I
accompanied him to the car, putting my seatbelt on, he is one of
those fast drivers. I was really hoping that the drive was not
awkwardly quiet and that we arrived at our destination quickly.
Then I realised what I had thought. I wanted him to drive safely
but we arrive quickly. But small spaces are not my thing, not given
the circumstances with which I associate cars. I can’t help but
sneak looks at him as he is driving, wondering what he is
thinking.

Noting the
slight tension as Merida buckled herself into the Landrover, I was
glad I brought the 'workhorse' instead of the speedier Porsche.

"I thought I
had best warn you. My brother's home has several children living
there. I didn't want you to worry about the sudden noise or
anything. It is a sort of group home, but not." It was difficult
explaining a Pack home to a human.

"I think the
plan is to have the snowball fight, and then eat until we are
stuffed. There will be a spare bedroom for you, if you don't fancy
going home afterwards, or I am a designated driver for the evening,
so I can bring you home."

The powerful
Landrover engine ate up the return journey, but I slowed down
slightly, glancing at Merida. "Are you sure you want to do this? We
can turn round and go somewhere else if you would rather?" I
commented, as she glanced at me.

"Oh it's fine
… I am used to people ..." Not really but hey I could try, for him
at least. I enjoyed the ride, it was calming, looking out the
window but I was surprised when I heard him speak about turning
around. I smiled more, knowing someone would just change plans for
me. "I actually want to go. I need to change my way of socializing
..... which is almost non-existent." I chuckled and looked at him
again.

"You look
handsome." As soon as I said that I blushed, a soft tint of pink.
"I can work with snowball fight, eating, and having fun, though I
wouldn't want to be intruding and needing to stay, but I think it
would be pleasant if it ends late so you don't have to drive back
and forth. I bet you will be exhausted at the end.''. As I speak, I
looked out the window and my eyes widened a bit as I saw the house;
it was more than I had expected, yet looked cosy.

"Is that it?"
I asked him as he parked and I unbuckled my seatbelt.

Taking Merida
by the hand, I led her towards the Hall, smiling in encouragement.
I was still not sure why this human aroused such protective
instincts in me, more so than any other human I had dated. Then
there was the fact that Merida was also the first human I had
wanted to bring back to Negrescu Hall. It was all very
confusing.

Gavril was
waiting in the Hall entrance, talking to Bran about the
preparations. Clearly preparing the mountains of snowballs and
other paraphernalia for a decent length snowball fight took a lot
of effort, as Bran was explaining that, as the temperature was
falling, he was bringing the younglings back indoors, for food and
refreshments. Depending on the weather later in the early evening,
and the following day, he and Gavril would decide whether to let
the younglings play.

"Gavril, this
is my date, Merida." I introduced her.

Looking at the
slight form of the human holding Owain's hand, the first thing that
struck me was that she was small, at least in comparison to my old
friend and Pack Beta.

"I am pleased
to meet you, Merida." I glanced in the direction of the stairs. "My
wife is upstairs at the moment. She is just putting our twins down
before joining us." I smiled. "I must say, we were all curious when
Owain said he was bringing a date, so I hope we won't overwhelm you
with that curiousity."

Feeling his
hand take mine I blush. As we walk in I look at the surroundings.
The house looked bigger on the inside. When he spoke to the man
standing in the middle, I actually felt nervous, more than I was.
This man was somewhat bigger and more intimidating than Owain was.
That made me wonder if they all looked the same. If so, it was
bound to be an eventful night.

"Hello,Sir ...
nice to meet you. " I said politely, then regret calling him a Sir.
What if he didn't like that or if he felt offended .... though Sir
is a respectful thing ... stop thinking so much Meri. Holding my
hand out to Gavril for a shake. What if his hand crushes mine? ...
"Oh don't worry, I will enjoy talking to everyone, plus, I bet he
have brought someone before me, he is handsome."

I internally
rolled my eyes and sighed. Then looked at him and smile. "Nice
home. It's big but feels cosy."

Projecting
calm in the direction of the human, Merida, was something I did
almost without thinking, as I took her hand. That touch told me
something of her history: loss of her parents in a car accident,
which left her with a fear of loud noise, as Owain had suspected.
Yet, she seemed willing to try to face those fears, which was more
than many would have done.

"No need to go
all formal on me, Merida." I reassured her. "And certainly, no need
to call me Sir. It looks like we may have to postpone the snowball
fight, as the temperature is dropping outside, but there is food
aplenty that needs eating."

I smiled. "Did
Owain mention that, if you wish, you are more than welcome to stay
the night. As you might guess, spare rooms are not a problem here.
That way, you can relax and enjoy yourself."

I was still
smiling softly after watching Aaleahya put the twins to bed as I
walked down the stairs. Then slowly my smile changed as I watched
Owain with the small female. I didn’t want to crowd her and waited
until Gavril has his formal meeting before moving forward.

“
Hello, I’m Angharad. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I held out
my hand in greeting and hoped she will feel comfortable. I’m
actually worried about Owain’s concern for her wellbeing as much as
her actual wellbeing. “Aaleahya should be down soon so would you
like something to drink in the meantime?”

"Thank you
Gavril, yes, he did mention it. Thank you for the offer, I might
accept it." Everyone here gave me some sort of calm I don't
understand.

Watching the
female approach, she was so pretty, I kind of felt a bit out of
place, everyone looked so handsome and pretty. “I'm Merida nice to
meet you Angharad..." Wow that name is a tongue twister .... I
hoped I had pronounced it correctly.

"Oh, I would
like just water, if it's not too much to ask. " I smiled to her and
looked at Owain who had been glued to my side, which reassured me
even more. Everyone had been so welcoming; I was starting to feel
glad I had agreed to come here.

I was putting
the finishing touches to my outfit: a necklace my love gave me when
I became pregnant with Ekaterina with matching earrings. They go
beautifully with my russet dress that I chose to wear to the party.
I entered the nursery and the twins are wide awake cooing and
giggling. They are growing so fast. “Well my little darlings are
you ready to meet your family?” I asked them as I went through
their clothes, selecting their outfits. The young females begged me
to hand over the outfits, wanting to help me. I sat in a chair as
they hurriedly dressed the twins, placing them in my arms so I
could hold them.

Running my
finger against their soft cheeks I headed down to the hall. I
smiled as I saw Gavril; my Mate was checking to make sure
everything was in order. I noticed Alix and Bran and could sense
their happiness. Owain was with his date: a very pretty young human
female who seemed to be a little overwhelmed with all the noise.
Going over to her and Owain, I introduced myself and the twins to
her, hoping to put her at ease.

The young
greeted us so nicely when they entered and I tipped my head
slightly with a smile. "Good evening to you also." I walked to the
kitchen and winked at the little pup in the back of the line.
"Owain? I'll fetch her water, you stay and visit with your
guest."

I pushed
through the kitchen door and heard a slight “oof” as I felt the
door hit someone. "Eira, get away from the door." I whispered low
so no one could hear and went inside to see two children giggling
in the corner. Eira followed me to the refrigerator with a rather
excited look. "Ah that female is a pretty one isn't she? So tiny
and delicate next to our Owain." I grinned at her as I poured the
filtered water into her glass. "Yes she is quite lovely Eira and
seems to be relaxed enough around us. You know how formidable we
can be at times." Eira laughed loudly and shooed the children from
the sweets on the counter. I shook my head in humour and went back
to the reception hall to give her the glass of water.

Smiling at the
younglings respectful greeting, I endeavoured to diffuse the
formality. Shrugging, I grinned at them. "Thank you for showing our
guest that you can be well behaved. And now, the bad news.
According to Bran, the weather has deteriorated, so the snowball
fight will have to wait until tomorrow."

At the groans
of dismay, I held up my hand. "However, to make up for it, go back
to Eira and tell her I said that you may all have two cookies each
with your evening milk." The grins were more than happy with that
outcome, as they turned back towards the kitchens area.

Turning back
to Owain, I shrugged again. "I know that you have brought a guest
with you, brother." Remembering in time that I was supposed to be
his brother. "But, I need to discuss the details of the competition
on Monday, and Bran's support teams. The route may have to change
at the last minute if the temperature drops further."