Chapter 3 - Leaving

Layla POV

                           I tried to contain my disappointment from what felt like a rejection.  I started to step away when Rafe quickly pulled me back into his arms.  “I am sorry, that came out wrong.  I had a message from my Beta that I am needed back at the East Forest Pack immediately.  There have been rogue attacks lately and it appears the rogues took advantage of my being away to strike again,” Rafe shared.

                           “We have spare guards we can send back with you,” my father suggested.  I was pleased that my father had offered this.  He was demonstrating that he would be looking at the East Forest Pack to become an ally of the Kingdom.  I knew, based on their location, that they were not currently a part of our allies.

                           “That is not necessary, Prince Eric, but I truly appreciate the offer.  We have some allies locally who have been supporting our efforts in thwarting the rogues.  We work tightly as a community and will be able to shut down the rogues sooner than later,” Rafe replied confidently.

                           My father smiled, “If you ever change your mind, you know where to find us.”.   “That is very gracious of you,” Rafe stated.  Rafe looked at me, “I must go back to my hotel and get some things organized with my pack.  I do not want to rush our time together so I will pick you up early tomorrow morning so that we can head back to our pack,” Rafe shared.

                           “I like the sounds of that,” I murmured as Rafe pulled me close.  “Which part?” he asked.  “The part where we are going back to our pack and that we are not rushing our mating and marking,” I commented.  My parents had discreetly stepped away, giving us some privacy.

                           I could not believe how easily being so open with my mate was.  “Let me walk you to the door,” I suggested, as Rafe nodded his head, “I would appreciate that.”.  We stepped outside and I could see a vehicle waiting to take him away. 

                           “I do not want you to leave me,” I whispered.  Rafe pulled me close, “It will only be a few hours and then we will be together forever,” he promised as he captured my lips in a promising kiss.  He groaned as he released my lips, “I must leave or I will not be able to,” he murmured.

                           “I would like it if you stayed,” I restated.  He chuckled, “Soon, I promise, we will be together,” he noted as he moved away from me and hurried down the stairs.  Before he entered the vehicle he turned back and waved.  As I waved, he quickly got into the SUV and waved once more before the vehicle drove off.

                           I wiped the tears from my eyes, feeling the nervous excitement for the adventure, I was about to embark on.  “Come inside, Layla.  We need to get a couple things packed for you before your mate arrives first thing tomorrow,” my mother encouraged.  She was right.   

                           After a brief sleep, my alarm was dragging me from my sleep.  I slowly got out of bed.  I should be bouncing around but something felt off.  Dismissing the feeling, I quickly remembered my mate was coming early to get me.  I quickly showered and put on a cute sundress that I hoped Rafe would appreciate.  I blew out my hair, leaving it down. 

                           I bounced down the stairs and right into my mate’s arms.  As he had promised, it was not long before I saw him again.  He looked a little tired, “Did you have a long night?” I inquired unable to hide the concern from my voice.  “It was nothing I cannot handle,” he promised.

                           He kissed me briefly, before looking at my parents, “We must get ready and go; we have a long drive ahead of us,” Rafe stated.  I was disappointed.  I had hoped to have breakfast with my family before we left.  My mother noticed my disappointment, “You are sure you cannot stay for breakfast?” she asked.

                           “Unfortunately, no,” he replied quickly.  “Let me get you some muffins for the drive,” my mother suggested, as my mate smiled.  “Of course, that would be lovely,” Rafe responded.  I went to help my mother, as Rafe called out, “Do not be too long.”.  I smiled, loving that my mate hated being away from me.

                           We quickly put some things in a bag, and we walked back out hand in hand.  My mother pulled me into her arms, “You be safe, and have a wonderful start to your life with Rafe,” my mother encouraged.  My brother hugged me quickly, while Rafe smiled, “I will miss you sis, have fun and make sure you call often!”, Lucas encouraged.

                           I got to my dad, and I could not help the tears that fell, “You be the strong she-wolf I know you are, baby girl,” my dad said as his throat tightened with emotion.  “You take care of my little girl, or you will have to deal with me,” my father vowed to Rafe, only half joking.  “I will guard her with my life,” Rafe vowed.

                           We moved outside and to the vehicle.  Rafe helped me into the SUV before moving to his side of the vehicle.  I looked at my parents as tears rolled down my cheeks.  It was a bittersweet moment as I waved goodbye to them.  I knew I would see them often. 

As we crossed the territory border, I turned to Rafe and said, “I am so excited to be your Luna, what should I know about the pack?” I asked excitedly.  I heard nothing but the deafening sound of a crack across my cheek.