Chapter 4

“OH MY GODDESS! Rosalie Summers, you have not changed one bit since you were last here!” She calls out to me with the biggest smile on her face. “Get yourself over here and give me a cuddle!” She starts walking down the path towards me.

“Luna Joanne, I’m so happy to see you.” I beam back at her, meeting her halfway and stepping into her embrace.

“Don’t you dare start with that! It’s plain Jo. As you well know!” she chastised playfully with a peck on the cheek. “Come, let’s get you inside where its warm. I expect Steph has already told you all about the festivities going on around here.” She pulls me under her wing as Steph steps under her other one.

“She certainly has. Looks like everyone around here is out on decoration duty.” I lean into her body enjoying the motherly warmth radiating off of her.

Jo chuckles. “Yes, we are all very excited. Your just in time, I’m on food duties and I have just got another batch of brownies out of the oven. If we’re quick, we'll beat the boys to them.” She gives me a wink before hurrying inside like a schoolgirl up to no good. I look to Steph and we both burst out laughing 

“Oh Goddess Steph, your mum has got to the most amazing person I have ever met.” I say between laughing.

“Tell me about it, I wouldn’t change her for the world.” She follows her mum indoors leaving me stood in the doorway wishing that my childhood had been half as happy as this. There were many times growing up that I prayed to the goddess that if she blessed me with a mate and children, that I would be the most loving mother I could be. When I first met Jo two years ago, I knew instantly that she was the type of mum I always thrived to be. It saddens my heart knowing that Selene would never grant me my wish.

Walking over the thresh hold, the smell of freshly made brownies assaulting my nose. My stomach letting out a small groan at the thought of all that Chocolaty goodness. I close the door softly and make my way into the large open plan kitchen come diner come living area.

Jo had designed the whole layout of the house. The downstairs especially she wanted to feel warm and homely but most of all she wanted everyone to feel included and part of her family. She always said that whilst she was in the kitchen cooking, she loved to be able to look out and see everyone milling about doing the things that made them happy or just simply laughing and talking together. She loves being able to join in on the conversation. But the best part for her was just seeing everyone together.

Jo caught me glancing about the room with wide eyes. “It feels really empty at the moment huh?” she asks me, giving me a knowing smile.

I give her a small smile back. “It’s so much quieter than I remember the last time I was here.” I admit softly.

“Don’t worry too much, they'll all be back in a half hour and then you’ll be looking for a quite spot to hear yourself think!” she beams “Here have a slice of brownie.” She pushes a large square towards me on a plate and one to Steph. Taking a seat on the breakfast bar I take a bite. It was still warm and the chocolate pieces still gooey and melted. I let out a moan of delight.

“Mum, I will never get tired of your brownies. They are the best. It’s a wonder I’m not three dress sizes bigger than what I am!” she talks around another mouthful.

I can’t help but agree with her, I’m definitely going to be needing to get some new clothes if Jo keeps treating me to her home baking.

I take a look at Steph properly for the first time since the airport. Like her mum she is short and curvy in all the right ways. She has a figure most models would die for without even trying. Great breasts, a pert bum and a tiny waist. She’s cut her dark brown hair into a short a-line bob which only highlights her sharp jaw line, cheekbones and large honey-coloured eyes. Her new doo was definitely her. A tribal sleeve adorns her left arm, I couldn’t make out how far up it goes, but a large wolf howling at the moon sat centre strange on her forearm.

“This is beautiful" I comment, running a finger along the wolfs snout.

“Thanks, there’s a guy in the pack who does them now. He's great, you should get something done.”

“HA! Mother would kill me.” I remove my finger from the image and turn back to my half-eaten brownie.

“That’s the good thing about moving away from home" Steph leans in, whispering in my ear, “She’s not here to stop you from doing what you want anymore.” She gives me a pointed look.

I sigh “You're right I know. I guess it’s going to take some adjusting too.”

“You know,” Steph smiles provocatively “We have plenty of singletons in our pack, some around your age. Perhaps you might find someone.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me as she conveys her hidden meaning.

“Thanks Steph, but I’m not here to date. I’m done with trying to find a mate, or love, or companionship. Truly I’m fine just being me.” I try to give her a convincing smile. But the fact she is looking at me like a wounded puppy tells me I’m failing miserably.

“Seriously Rosie, it’s not about finding love. Just someone who can be there for you.” She nudges me with her shoulder gently.

“Why do I need a man for that when I have you.” I laugh.

“OK, OK, that is true. I guess I just worry about you. Your twenty-eight. You’ve been shipped about all over the world. Are you really telling me that there has never been anyone that has even caught your interest? Like not even one?” She asks.

“No.” I shake my head “Well, I mean, well I guess I have been interested in guys. It’s not like I’m completely clueless to the world of men. And they were great distractions, but that is all they were. Meaningless kisses and one-night stands. I have never met anyone that I thought could ever be more than that.” I said honestly, my cheeks starting to heat under the line of questioning, especially knowing Jo is just on the other side of the counter and could hear everything. “What about you?” I change the subject quickly.

“What about me?” She squeaks surprised that I have changed this back to her.

“Well, have you met anybody else. Its been what?... Seven years since you lost Marcus?”

“Yes, seven years next May. I dunno. I guess I’m a bit like you. I’ve met a few guys, but nothing has even come close to what I felt for Marcus. I just don’t think it will ever be in the cards for me again.” Steph looks sadly down into her lap. Twizzling the plain band that sat on her left ring finger.

“I was so in love with Marcus. I wish you could have met him. We went to school together. Even before we turned sixteen, we were inseparable. We just put it down to good chemistry, but I guess it was just the effects of the mate bond pulling us together. He was so clever and the kindest soul. Wasn’t he Mumma?” Steph looks up at her mum, tears spilling over her eye lids.

“Oh, Goddess yes, he was the kindest soul. You were perfect for each other darling. Your father and I couldn’t have wished for a better mate for you.” She takes Steph’s hand in hers and gives it a gentle squeeze before pressing her lips to her palm. Such a simple show of motherly affection. My heart squeezed painfully watching them. It what a real relationship between mother and daughter should be. Not the pathetic excuse of a relationship I had with my own mother.

“Marcus turned sixteen two months before me, so he knew first. But he waited until my birthday so that we could share the bond together. He was so patient with me. Never forced me into anything I wasn’t ready for. I guess that’s part of the reason why we worked, he was all patience and calmness, whereas I am like a tornado on a sunny day. We finally got married at twenty-one, but not even a year later he was attacked by a group of rogues whilst patrolling the boarders. The rest of the warriors managed to get his body home, but by then the damage was too deep. There was nothing that the pack doctor could do.” She let out a heart-breaking sob.

“Oh, Steph I’m so sorry.” I pull her in for a hug. Wrapping my arms around her, her head on my shoulder.

“I’m luckier than most.” She sniffs pulling herself back upright. “At least we got the chance to say goodbye, that’s more than most get.” She gives me a half smile, before pulling a tissue out from the box her mother held out towards her. She blew her nose loudly.

*BANG*

“Yea right Landon, I bet even my mother could best you in the training ring.” A loud cacophony of laughter rang out from the front door, as Drake walked into the kitchen followed by three other guys.

“I hope you are not sassing me, Drake Black!” Jo turned away from her daughters attempts to fix her appearance and turned to the group walking towards the kitchen counter, she placed her hands on her hips giving her son a mock chastised look that was, at the same time, somehow adoring.

“I wouldn’t dare mum. Goddess knows that’s got me nowhere in the past now, has it?” Giving her a peck on the cheek before grabbing a brownie off the nearby tray and turning so his eyes land on me.

He swallows loudly looking me up and down. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t the red haired siren come to visit once again.” He gives me a flirtatious look. “It’s great to see you again Rosie.” Grinning he pulls me into a one arm hug.

“You too, Alpha Drake.” I wink at him.

“Oh goddess, don’t remind me, please just call me Drake!” I see he’s inherited his parents’ adversity to using proper titles.

“I hear through the grapevine that you are a mated man now Drake Black.” His eyes move to Steph in an irritated Manor. Before moving back to me with a cheesy smile plastered to his face.

“That I am, sorry sweet cheeks, should have taken the chance when you had it.” He winks and pouts all at the same time which was a hilarious combination on his face.

“Ha! Poor girl, I hope she knows what she’s got herself into.” I chide.

“Puft, poor girl my foot, more like poor me. Trust me Ali can take care of herself.” He all but stuffs half a brownie in his mouth leaning against the counter.

“I heard my name, what have you done now Drake Black.” I feminine voice sounds from the stairs. “Please tell me that you haven’t broken another car door by not waiting until you get out of the damn car before shifting!” she jests.

The most beautiful girl steps out into the kitchen. She is the perfect balance between girl next door and glamorous. Tall and slim with long blonde hair which just falls short of her waist. Bright blue eyes sparkle intelligence, her make up is extremely low key and natural, highlighting her natural beauty. She wore a baggy jumper and torn jeans assemble finished with a pair of black ankle boots. A large five-pointed star pendant sat around her neck on a long chain. This must be Alison Walker.

She steps up too Drake and gives him a chaste kiss on the lips. She moves away only to find him grabbing her face and pulling her back down onto her lips. I find myself looking away in embarrassment.

“Get a room Drake.” One of the guys calls from behind him.

Drake pulls away from Alison only to thrown “Get a girl Mike.” Over his shoulder before resuming his make out session.

“He’s right Drake, I think my brownie might be coming back up.” Steph said next to me, then, with a little too much enthusiasm, started to fake gag. Everyone chuckling at her. Her tears had long since dried up and our earlier conversation forgotten for now.

“Hay, who’s your friend Steph.” A blonde-haired guy came and sat on the stool next to Rosie, taking a brownie for himself before turning his full attention onto her. His eyes trailed over her before landing on her collar bone. She knew instantly what he was looking for. A mate mark. He returned his heated stare back to my face, the intensity of it making my heart flutter ever so slightly in my chest.

“Oh of course, you were away when Rosie came to visit before. Rosie, meet Landon Coombes. Landon, Rosie Summers.” Steph jumps up from the stall and taking her plate to the dishwasher.

“Nice to meet you… Rosie.” He seemed to roll over my name in his mouth, as if testing it out, giving me a flirty smile before offering his hand. I took it hesitantly. His warm in mine and completely encasing me. “So, Rosie, where are you from? Scotland?”

“Why would you think I’m from Scotland?” I ask, confusion etched into my face.

“Well with red hair like that, there has to be at least some Scotland in you somewhere.” He smirks.

“American actually, and if there is, then it’s from a very far off ancestor that would be so washed out by the time I was born that it would hardly stand for anything now.”

“You’re not mated.” He enquires, his eye still lingering on my collar bone. Goddess this man just cuts straight to the point.

“Neither are you.” I shoot back “Do you think I could have my hand back now?” I ask with a cocked brow.

He lets my hand go, albeit a little bit reluctantly.

“I hope to see you at the gathering tomorrow, Rosie.” He stands from his stool, his eyes still piercing into mine. “It was great meeting you.” He winks at me, patting Drake on the shoulder he turns to leave along with other two guys he came in with.

“See you later bud.” Drake calls out to him before turning his gaze to me.

“What?” I ask defensively. Noticing all of a sudden, four sets of eyes trained on me.

“Someone’s got the hots for you Rosie.” Steph all but wolf whistled next to me. “Goddamn I thought I was going to have to put out a fire.”

“Oh, don’t be so coarse Steph.” Jo scolds whilst flicking her with a tea towel.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, I’m sure he was just being friendly.” I try to ignore my heated cheeks, which I’m sure were blazing by now.

“Drake is never friendly.” Alison pipes up, “Especially to those he doesn’t know.” She gave me a look, one I couldn’t quite place. It wasn’t directed at me as such, maybe a bit of jealousy but also sadness. If I had to guess, I would say that Landon had been less than welcoming to her when she arrived.

“Who is he anyway?”

“Drakes Beta.” Steph says with a shrug. “Total arsewipe and womaniser just so you know. I wouldn’t bother.”

“Wasn’t gonna.” I reply shortly.

“I expect your tired Rosie after your trip.” Jo cuts in, she can see how uncomfortable I’m feeling, she gives Steph a pointed look. “Why don’t you head on up to your room and get settled in. Do you remember where you’re going dear?”

“Yes, thanks Jo. It was great to meet you, Alison.” I have never been so grateful to leave a room in my life. Quickly grabbing my bag from the front door I make my way upstairs, leaving behind the low drone of people talking below.

It wasn’t difficult to find my room, especially with the name plaque screwed to the door. I wasn’t sure if I felt like I was at home of visiting for some formal event at this point. I push down my discomfort and walking into the bright bedroom.

I close the door behind me and lean back against it, enjoying the silence that it brought me. I take a look about the vast room I had been given, the first thing to hit me was a floor to ceiling window directly across the room from me. A view of the vast forest stretched out for miles, in the distance I could just make out the dark outline of Castle Black.