Chapter 2 - No

Layla POV

                           I moved forward cautiously.  I felt the attraction of a fated mate, but something was missing.  I closed my eyes, as his hands held my face.  He gently touched my lips, capturing them in a light kiss.  This was my first kiss, and it was not what I had expected.  Agreeably, feeling the faint sparks between us added to the experience.  He paused as I opened my eyes, before capturing my lips in another kiss.

                           This kiss allowed him to explore my mouth.  His tongue slid through my lips, tasting me as his nibbled at my tongue.  His minty breath was becoming intoxicating, and I was immediately lost in the moment.  Everyone around us disappeared until it was only the two of us.

                           “Get a room,” my twin teased me through our mind-link.  Red faced, I stepped back and my mate chuckled.  He took hold of my hand while we turned towards my parents.  “Prince Eric, Princess Julia,” my mate said as he bowed slightly to them both. 

                           “Please call us Eric and Julia,” my father encouraged, as he shook hands with my mate.  My mother moved forward to hug him, “Welcome to the family,” she added.  “Oh, my Goddess, I did not even ask your name,” I spit out.  My mate chuckled once again, “That is okay.  We were a little distracted,” he teased.

                           “My name is Alpha Rafe Conway, of the East Forest Pack,” he continued.  Rafe Conway. My mate.  I loved his name.  I loved everything about him.  He wrapped his arm over my shoulder, pulling me closer.  “I should go change,” I suggested, as we turned towards the palace.

                           “I will walk you back,” Rafe stated, as we moved slowly.  I wanted to enjoy every minute of these first moments with my mate.  I just could not shake that something was off.  As I glanced back towards my parents, I noticed the twins from earlier.  They were both frowning but did not step forward.

                           My mother came to help me change.  “What was it like when you found daddy?” I asked my mom as she helped me change.  “It was different, if you remember.   I was a human when I first met your dad.  My wolf did not arrive when I turned eighteen; I had no idea I was a wolf,” she reminded me.

                           “I had forgotten.  What do you think it means that my wolf came sooner?” I asked.  “I do not truly know.  I can only assume that your special powers will come to you sooner than mine did,” she suggested.  My mother had been a late bloomer.  Nobody could explain why but her powers were strong and she had protected the Kingdom over the years.   

                           Once I had my dress back on, my mother helped zip me up.  I was caught in a moment imagining my mate sliding the zipper to my dress down.  Would that come tonight?  I was nervously anticipating what would happen tonight.  Would he mark and mate with me before we left for his Kingdom?

                           Once I had my heels back on and had touched up my lip gloss, we went back downstairs to find my mate.  He had been waiting inside the door as we entered the celebration hall.  I smiled as my mate smiled back at me.  “Shall we dance?” Rafe asked.  “Absolutely,” I replied, excited to be back in his arms.  I was starting to embrace our bond.

He slowly pulled me into his embrace, and we danced to a slow song that had started to play.  I felt the light sparks run up and down my body as he pulled me close.  I could not contain my excitement or the wetness that was forming between my legs.

                           “I smell your arousal, mate,” Rafe teased.  I rested my face against his chest.  “Do not be embarrassed.  I enjoy that you want me,” Rafe encouraged.  I looked up at him, “Truly?” I whispered.  The insecurity I felt was quickly dissipating.  “Do you not feel my response?” he asked.

                           As he pulled me closer, I could feel his hardness against my tummy.  I was embarrassed but quickly pushed that down.  It was natural to want your mate, and I was grateful that we were both feeling the excitement of what was to come.  As the music shifted, we continued dancing, learning more about one another.

                           We were exiting the floor when I was ambushed with a big hug and lifted off my feet to be swung around.  Before I could say anything, my mate growled and moved towards the male touching me, grabbing him by the throat.  I squealed, “Rafe, NO!”.  He glanced at me, frowning at my reaction, before my parents came rushing forward.

                           “It is Lucas, my brother,” I reminded him.  It was as if his wolf had taken over and he was very territorial.  Rafe glanced back at my brother, quickly releasing him from his grip.  Rafe started to apologize when Lucas held up his hand, “No apologies needed.  I know better than racing up on another man’s mate,” Lucas stated as he coughed to clear his throat.

                           “Do you want to join me in my suite?” I suggested softly.  I was ready to be claimed, and I wanted Rafe to feel welcome to stay.  He smiled down at me, before he shook his head.

                           “I am afraid I cannot,” he stated.