Seeking The Past

Chapter 23 - Graduation

Madison and I had spent the day getting ready for graduation. I felt happier these days. It felt like my mate bond with each twin was the same at this point. It was making my choice harder. I spent my nights researching markings when there wasn’t a mate bond. It was only common in the old times for Alphas to be betrothed to alpha children of other packs regardless of mate bonds. If they ran into their mate, the mate bond would be there but it wouldn’t be strong. There was only a few instances of mates running away with each other. It was met with complications where the mark made it difficult to mate or even show affection. There was a way to sever the mark, but it wasn’t easy. Only werewitches could sever the mark but it could take a long time to heal. Most instances the marked rejected the unmarked severing the mate bond completely. I was trying hard to piece the broken parts of the past. As far as I could tell both Henry and Julia had mates that were not their mates chosen by the Moon Goddess. Fredrick could feel the mate bond as well with Julia. Red moon Alpha Charles cut Julia from their mark bond. With no where to go maybe she came to our Greymoon pack? I decided tonight I was going to enjoy my graduation with my friends. Put the past on the back burner.

My mom teared up as Madison and I poised for pictures in our dresses, our graduation gowns draped over us holding our hats not to mess our hair. After my family loaded into their cars and I hopped in with Madison. We all headed to the pack house where graduation was set up to begin. When we got there, we all fell into line by name. There wasn’t many people here. Not many students get invited to come to the pack house celebration. The ones invited were considered best elite students and were the first ones accepted into the training college. We filed in and there he stood Alpha Jean Greyback. Sitting next to him was his wife Luna Eve Greyback. They looked proud as the twins stood next to them. They started to call us one by one.

“Hannah Johnson!” I stepped forward carefully walking up the steps. I walked in front of the Alpha and held out my hand. He placed my diploma in my hand and softly said.

“I can’t wait to get to know my future daughter-in-law better.” I flushed red and turn to walk away, I looked at Lee who was smiling at me as I exited the stage and took a seat with the other graduates. I watched my other friends all walk up and get their diplomas. I couldn’t be more proud to be apart of this team. Maybe this was where I belong. As soon as everyone had taken their seats, Alpha Jean address the class.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this class. Our elite students this year have doubled over last. I know you all will make us proud in our training college! Congratulations Greymoon pack! Here are your students of 2015!” We all stood, some threw hats, some hugged, I clapped. I walked off to the side lines to my mom and siblings. We started to hug and my mom cried. I felt someone hug me from behind and I turned to see James.

“Congratulations my love.” He said placing a kiss on my lips. My entire family looked shocked mostly because Lee was the one they found in my bed a few weeks prior. My mom however cleaned up her eyes. She already knew and I suspected she told my dad who just glared at him. I grabbed James hand and led him outside.

“What?” He was confused.

“Did you tell your dad about our mate bond?” I didn’t expect to be embarrassed in front of the entire elite part of the highschool.

“Babe, every one knows.” I was shocked. “Hey I know you weren’t there long enough but my parents were at our birthdays party.” I realized I didn’t stay very long there and didn’t see anyone other then my four friends. “Come on, let’s go back in. The recruiters will be in soon to talk to use about the different career paths they offer.” James took my hand and led me back in. He didn’t let go of my hand as people approached thanking him for how lovely of a time they were having. I felt awkward standing there. I was hoping Madison or my mom would save me. I started to feel the small heart ache and I looked around the room expecting to see Lee, but then I noticed something else. Madison was approaching us, the closer she came the harder the ache got. I pulled away from James hand. The ache started to fade away and I felt like I was imagining it. I looked at James who was looking at me oddly. I turned and walked away. Either Lee was watching where I couldn’t see him or was James still harboring feelings for Madison? That didn’t make any sense. I walked out of the ceremony and into the woman’s bathroom. I felt like I was starting to panic again. I heard knocking on the door and I turned on the water.

“Just a minute!” I called to the door.

“Hannah, what’s wrong?” James called through the door.

“Nothing, I’ll be out soon!” I yelled to him. I let the water run over my hands and took some deep breaths. I heard another knock.

“Hannah the recruiters are coming out.” James called to me again. I took another deep breath and walked out. James smiled at me and kissed my cheek. “Are you ok? Your face is flushed.” He looked concerned.

“I’m ok. Let’s see the recruiters.” I smiled at him and he took my hand once more. We reentered the hall and many recruiters approached us telling us of their different career paths they offered. I was generally impressed. One of the recruiters approached and started talking about housing for mated couples. They offered different sized rooms for mates and couples housing where two couples room in one apartment, to save space.

“We will definitely want to do that!” James said this without saying anything to me. I looked at him. He smiled at me and tried to kiss me. I pulled away.

“Don’t you think we should talk about that?” I said.

“I thought you would like a room with just us? Once we seal our bond, you’ll practically be my wife. Which we can start planning after if you like. At that point, I don’t think we could live apart.” James had clearly thought further then I had. I looked into his eyes. The words wife caught me by surprised and melted my heart. He wanted me to be his wife. I kissed him and smiled. As the ceremony cleared out, I found Madison and Declan worn out in the corner. They were exhausted from also talking to recruiters all night.

“I haven’t seen Lee all night, have you?” I asked them both.

“Oh yeah, he’s been with his father most the night discussing a business matter?” Declan said unsure looking at Madison who nodded.

“Well I’m going to head home. My mom stayed behind to take me. If you see him, tell him to text me?” I turned and walked out the door and James stood thanking the recruiters for coming out tonight. He turn to me and pulled me into a hug.

“I can’t wait to start this adventure with you.” He softly said in my ear.