The Claimed Promise

Private Jet

Last nights events play in my mind on loop as I lay on the couch at Lindsey's. Her loud snoring would usually interfere with my thinking but, my mind is racing a mile a minute. My heart joins my racing thoughts and pumps hard and fast in my chest as I think about my day to come. A plan to stop and say goodbye to my parents before meeting Samara at the hotel she is staying in keeps my blood pressure high and thinking of saying goodbye brings on a flurry of emotions ranging from a deep sadness to an over the top excitement. My anxiety is almost through the roof considering everything that is about to happen and what could happen. Before long, I'm up and showering. May as well greet this day and get going. Liam has already informed Samara and I that both Lindsey and him will be a day behind us since he has to help her pack.

Lindsey didn't have anyone to say goodbye to because of her dark past. Not only is she an only child but at a very young age her mother passed away and her dad fell deep into drug use. Her Grandma took custody of her when she was only 7 and took care of her that entire time until she passed just two years ago. It took almost 6 months to pull Lindsey from her depression after losing her Grandmother. Thankfully, Lindsey and Kora had always had one another and not only was Lindsey able to fall on Kora, she was able to fall on her parents for support too. The bond between the two of them had already been strong but after that dark time, they had become inseparable.

Once out of the shower and dressed in some clothes Lindsey gave me to keep, I jump into my truck to head to the café to say goodbye to my parents. Thankfully when I arrive, it's slower and I find my parents sitting in the back enjoying a cup of coffee and talking.

"Hey mom and dad! Glad to see I caught you guys when you weren't slammed." In an instant they're both up and have embraced me into a tight hug.

"Oh my baby girl, I'm glad you came by to see me and your father before leaving."

"Of course mom, I wouldn't just leave and not say goodbye to the most important people in this world." A huge smug smile spreads across my dad's face and I know I'm going to regret my statement. "More important then the queen of England?" Without even thinking a half glare with a sideways smile spreads across my face and my eyes connect with Mom's. "Well, one of you for sure and it's definitely not the male one of you." Soon my father's smug expression is replaced with a frown. "We're a pair and unfortunately there's no separating us for importance. So, by admitting that one of us is more important then the queen herself, we both are." The triumphant look that spreads across his face is hysterical and both my mother and I break down laughing with my father following suit. Once we finally regain composure, we hug again and I break the sad but good news to them.

"I wanted you guys to know that I won't be traveling by myself. Lindsey has decided to go with me." A cautious smile spreads across my face as I await their response. My father is the first to respond. "I think that's amazing Kora. To be honest, your mother and I have been worrying about you traveling alone. We both know that this is something you both want and need to do but as your parents, well, we can't help but worry. This takes a huge load off." Mom smiles and nods in agreement as he speaks and relief floods me instantly. "I love you guys so much and I promise I'll call every day."

Saying goodbye to my parents was hard but turned out better then I could have ever hoped. Lindsey going with me turned out to be one of the best situations I could have hoped for in comforting my parents and their support is more confident then before.

After seeing my parents and talking with them about my place, I decided on leaving my truck with them to have and use since I was going to be gone so long. Once everything was taken care of, I called for an Uber and headed to where Samara was staying. When I arrived, the gentleman at the door gave me a weird look as I crawled out of the Uber driver's car but, to my surprise, said nothing. As soon as I was in the door I knew this wasn't a place I would fit in and the woman I approached at the desk was able to remind me of that fact.

"Is there something I can help you with?" Her snooty attitude instantly put me on guard.

"I'm here meeting up with a guest currently staying here." Nervousness rang through my voice and I knew the woman at the desk could hear it.

"Well, this is a very high class hotel and I doubt there's anyone here waiting to see you. Perhaps you should look elsewhere?" Her condescending tone doesn't go unnoticed and I can tell very quickly I'm not welcome here.

"Please, I'm just looking for Samara Delmor. She's staying here and I'm supposed to be meeting her here." A look of shock and envy crosses her face before being quickly replaced by disgust. "You must be mistaken. Miss Delmor is one of our best and most influential clients. There's no way she would have something to do with someone like you." Before I even have a chance to respond to the sneering face of the desk clerk, a familiar man comes to my aid.

"Miss Kora, Samara has been anxiously awaiting your arrival. Could I have the pleasure of escorting you up to her?" The glare he sends to the front desk associate doesn't go unnoticed by either of us and I quickly nod and follow him to the elevator. As soon as we're both in and headed to the top floor, he breaks the silence.

"I'm sorry about the other night at the club, Luna. If there is any punishment you or our Alpha sees fit to bestow, I will gladly accept it after such an embarrassing incident." His head hangs in shame and without a second thought I reach over and lift his head up.

"You not only just saved me from a very awkward situation but helped get me to Samara. All I owe you at this point is my thanks and nothing else." Our eyes meet and for the first time since meeting I see a look of happiness.

"My name is Drake, Gamma of the Lunar Crown Pack and I feel I owe you a second apology my Luna for the first time we met..." The look of guilt floods his face and realization dawns on me. This is the man I had been dancing against who had abruptly left me alone on the dance floor.

"Drake, do not dwell on the past. Neither of us knew who the other one was and there's no reason to punish someone for the unknown. Let us start over." I quickly plaster a large smile to my face and push my hand out towards him. A very beautiful smile appears on his face as he shoves his hand forward to meet my own. "Thank you so much Luna. I shall serve you with my last breath." The serious look on his face tells me this isn't a joke and all I can manage is a nod as the elevator dings at our destination.

The elevator opens and all I can do is stand there as Drake passes me and begins greeting faces I don't recognize personally but, recognize as Samara's security. We both walk into the suite and our first turn in we're greeted by several suitcases.

"Alpha, would you like me to take these to the car?" Drake calls out and we both wait patiently. Soon, Samara's seductive voice calls out and my skin crawl with goosebumps. "Start carrying out the bags I've set by the door. I'm almost ready, just packing the last one." Drake nods and directs me towards a hallway before picking up several suitcases and heading back down the elevator. As soon as he's gone, my own instincts take over. As I breathe in, a warm feeling engulfs me and the amazing smell I've come to know as Samara's fills my sense. Before my conscious can respond, my body pushes forward into the ginormous beautiful room. The wonderfully warm smell of Samara leads me into a bedroom where the smell is so overwhelming it's all I can do to keep control. Our eyes meet but hers are as dark as the night sky.

"Hello, Samara. Drake helped me get up here to your room." Samara's black eyes stare deeply into my own and soon my face is flushed and I finally break eye contact to look at the floor.

"Kora, don't look at the floor, we're equals. I apologize for that moment, my wolf has been struggling to keep control. You see, once a wolf finds their mate, their first instinct is to mark them. Because you are human and plan to turn, I'm waiting to mark you so that we can mark your wolf as well." Our eyes meet again and this time they're her beautiful deep blue ones. I nod and head towards where she's packing. "Is there anything I can help you with?" A warm smile appears on her face as she snaps the suitcase she was packing closed. "Nope. This was the last one and if I know my Gamma, he should be..."

"Alpha, the cars are loaded and ready to head to the airport. Would you like me to grab this last bag for you?" Samara nods and hands him the last suitcase. "Thank you Drake." We follow behind all the rushing security and head towards the elevator. As we walk, I feel Samara's hand grasp mine and lace our fingers together. Tingles shoot through my arm and my breath hitches in my throat as we board the elevator. The tight space pushes the two of us closer together and warmth and tingles shoot through the various parts of my body that she was making contact with. On top of all of the physical stimulation from the tight space, Samara's smell was stronger then ever in the elevator and my body felt almost like it was floating. A ding brings me back to the ground and we are soon headed out of the hotel. As we pass the desk, the rude attendant catches my eyes and I can see the hate she holds for me as I walk hand in hand with Samara. I snuggle closer to her and my actions clearly excite Samara and soon she has her arm around my waste with as much of my body against her as she can possibly manage. Outside, a line of black SUV's fills my vision and Samara heads over to the one directly in front of the hotel to hold the door open for me. Blushing at her gesture, I quickly slide in and soon she slides in next to me. As soon as the door is closed, she pulls me onto her lap a nuzzles her nose into my neck, inhaling my scent. This small action sends a flood of warmth to my nether region and soon I feel the rumble of a growl in her chest against my back.

"The smell of your arousal is driving my wolf insane, Kora." Realization hits me that she can smell the change in my scent and the heat moves from below to my face. Every inch of skin is bright red and I'm so embarrassed that she could tell I was aroused I bury my face into my hands.

Her arms squeeze me tighter as she chuckles. "Don't be embarrassed my sexy Luna. If I didn't arouse you, it would worry me. We'll just have to be careful for now so I can keep control of my wolf." Nodding is all I manage in response. Silence engulfs us for a short time after and it finally occurs to me that I have no idea where we're headed.

"Samara, you've never told me exactly where your pack is. Where are we headed?"

"Oh, we're headed to a very secluded area in the Rhodope Mountains." I slide from her lap so that we can look at each other while we talk. "The Rhodope Mountains?" A large smile spready across her face and she nods. "Yes, baby. It's located in Bulgaria. The flight will take about 10 hours." It's clear to see she's excited to get home and I can't help but smile at her as my curiosity flairs up. "What's it like there?"

"Well, it's the most beautiful and diverse place I've ever seen. There's the mountains, the Black Sea, rivers, beautiful fields of flowers and at each change of season the landscape reflects it better then anywhere in the world. It is truly amazing, Kora and I think you'll love it there." Samara smiles warmly at me as I realize the vehicles are coming to a stop. We're finally at the airport and as the door opens, we're greeted by Drake. "Alpha, Luna, if you'd like to head across to the jet, we'll grab and load the bags." Samara nods at him and grabs my hand, leading me towards the jet. To say I'm shocked would be an understatement but, I guess it would make sense that someone of her standing would have their own jet. We board the jet and its not like anything I've ever seen in a plane before. The entry way opens up to a large open space with couches and tables on either side and tv's hanging in the middle of the sitting areas. Towards the front of the room a round table with the most comfortable chairs I've ever seen sits, almost calling my name. That is where I plan to spend the majority of this long flight and I head towards one of the chairs with purpose. As I get close to it, I go to turn the chair around to sit in and I'm greeted by a very happy looking Lindsey. "Surprise Kora!!!!" Lindsey screams in excitement and she startles me causing me to fall backwards. I brace for the painful landing but, to my surprise, the pain never comes. Instead, the tingles and warmth I've come to know as Samara's touch greets me and I realize, she has caught me before I could fall. I quickly regain my composure and half glare, half smile at Lindsey before turning to Samara. "Thank you for catching me." Blush streaks across my face as she bends down to lightly kiss my lips. "You're welcome. Sit and catch up with your friend, I'll be back soon." With that, she pecks my lips again and heads towards the front of the plane. As soon as she's gone, Lindsey and I instantly embrace in a hug. "I thought you weren't going to be going today?" Tears threaten to spill from my eyes as I hug Lindsey tighter. "Well, I decided you needed me more then I needed the stuff at my place. Plus... Liam said he would take care of my wardrobe for me..." She smiles mischievously at me and we both instantly start laughing. "No matter the reason, I'm glad you're here and will be there with me the whole time. I'm pretty nervous about everything..." Lindsey gives me a knowing look. "Trust me Kora, I know how you feel. The only thing that I keep thinking about is the turning. Liam gave me a choice and I already know that're going to let Samara turn you. I told Liam that I wanted to feel and experience what he does with the mate bond and so, I'm going to let him turn me..." Silence envelopes us for quite a while while we both consider the possible outcomes. Soon, Lindsey starts rambling on about the clothes Liam is supposed to be getting her and the distraction is welcomed. In 10 more hours I'll be seeing my new home for the first time and meeting Samara's pack. Hopefully, they'll accept me. Hopefully, I'm worthy...