chapter 21

OAKLEY

Mark removed the lids from the platters of food to reveal our meal. There was some juicy looking steak with a side of green beans and potato's with gravy. It looked like the cups by the food was water.

“I hope this is okay for lunch. I know it seems more like a dinner meal but I wanted it to be a good first impression.” He said sheepishly. I smiled at that. I could tell that I wasn’t the only one who was nervous.

“It’s perfect.” I said placing my hand on his arm. I could instantly feel the electric tingles that come with the mate bond, they sent feelings through me into places I wasn’t ready to be having those feelings in. Which then led me to the thought about how he waited for his mate but because I was mated before and he was my second chance I wasn’t a virgin. Would that make him reject me? I removed my hand and looked away.

“What’s wrong?” He asked me, a concerned look on his face.

“well, it’s kind of ridiculous for me to even be thinking about this since this is the first time we have been able to actually have a conversation and we don’t know anything about each other but I do have a concern that you will reject me.” I told him, looking anywhere but his face.

“I will not ever reject you. I know what you have been through and I am sorry that you went through that. but I will not be like your previous mate. There is not a thing in this world that could make me reject you. You are my mate. My second half.“ he said to me as he lifted my face up to look at his.

“But I am not pure.” I explained.

“That does not bother me. I didn’t expect that you would be. I am your second chance mate. I have heard and seen how the mate bond can affect others and I do not blame you one bit for giving in to that bond. You had no idea what was going to happen,” he told me. I felt relieved at that. He really was as incredible as everyone else said he was. We spent the next few hours talking and eating our food. Time seemed to get away from us. I was having a really good time talking to him and the more we talked the more comfortable with him I was and the less nervous I was. I knew i was going to accept this bond and I wanted to tell him that but before I could I saw his eyes glaze over as he got a mindlink from someone. He let out an angry growl that came from deep in his chest. I knew that whatever was going on was not good.

“Is everything okay?” I asked when he was done mindlinking. He looked at me and the angry expression he had on his face immediately softened. I saw the conflict in his eyes as well, like he didn’t want me to know something but I really hoped he wouldn’t keep secrets from me.

“Well, since you’re my mate and if you accept the bond then you will also be the Luna then you have a right to know. Also I would never keep anything from you intentionally. I just care about your safety and the safety of our pack.” He said, almost like he knew what I was thinking.

“It seems there is a rogues camp outside of our borders. One of our warriors was wandering around while on his break and sometimes they like to go past the boarders to see what might be out there. He came across their camp, he wasn’t seen so they don’t know that we know yet. He said it looks like they have been there for a little while. we have been having trouble with rogues attacking our pack and we can’t figure out why.” he explained.

“Oh. Well that’s not good.” I replied. Glad that he wasn’t keeping anything from me but also upset about what he said Was the problem. I wasn’t really sure what else to say about it though.

“I have upped the patrol on that border and around the rest of the borders as well. There isn't much we can do right now. Not unless they make a move on us.” He sighed. I could see how that would be frustrating. Always having to worry about your pack and its safety while also running things.

“I know that it won’t be easy at first and that I am incredibly nervous, however, I want you to know that I accept you as my mate.” I looked him in the eyes and told him. He seemed shocked at first but then incredibly happy.

“I accept you as my mate as well.” He said. He moved closer to me so he could pull me into a hug. even in the awkward positioning on the couch it felt right to be in his arms. I inhaled his scent and immediately relaxed. I could feel the tingles and sparks everywhere that our bodies touched. not as strong through our clothes but the feeling was still there. I could see haven in my mind, rolling on her back with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth. I knew she was incredibly happy. I could feel it From her and I was beginning to feel happy about this as well. he nuzzled my neck and inhaled as well. I could feel the bond between us beginning to strengthen some. It was never anything I had felt before. This was far better. He started peppering kisses on my neck and up to my face where his lips finally met with mine. I responded to his kiss and parted my lips to allow better access. His tongue danced with mine and the kiss became very deep and passionate. There was a lot of feelings being poured into that kiss. One of his hands went to the back of my head, grabbing my hair and holding me while his other hand went to the middle of my back. I moved one hand up to his hair and the other around his neck, almost like he was supporting me and if I let go I would fall. After a few moments of that we broke apart, his forehead on mine, trying to catch our breaths.

“If we keep this up it’s going to go a lot further than kissing on the couch and I would prefer the first time to be in a bed.” he said smirking as he pulled his head back. He kept his hands around me, holding me close. We stayed that way for a few more moments before his eyes glazed over for another mind link. He is the alpha so I knew this would happen. I waited patiently for him to finish. Watching his expressions change was slightly amusing. Finally he sighed heavily and focused on me.

“My mother is bugging me to meet you. she is a bit excited. You dont have to meet her now if you are not ready but she has informed me that she is on her way down here. I guess she found out that we have been having our private lunch for far longer than anyone expected.” He explained. I knew that I was going to have to meet her eventually and so I figured I might as well get it over with. I had met his father already and he was very welcoming and nice so I was hoping she would be the same way.

“Might as well get it over with.” I told him. He just grinned at me and shook his head. A few moments later there was a knock at the door.