Chapter 1
Drew
"Drew my darling, I've arranged a girl's night for you this evening"
"Oh my Goddess, really?" I couldn't believe my ears, maybe he really was making good on his promise this time
"Of course my love, anything for you"
"I can't wait to invite Nessa and Charlie"
"excuse me?" that was a mistake. I glanced at him in the mirror of my dresser and saw him clenching his fists but then he took a deep breath and relaxed "I said I've planned it all for you, my love" he said. "Oh of course, my mistake" I turned and gave him a small smile before continuing to brush my hair. After a few awkward minutes, I broke the silence. "So tonight sounds fun, what have you got planned?"
"It's a surprise" he said dryly. "The chief of a neighbouring clan is coming to discuss some attacks on the border of his land, it's right near our territory. I want you to entertain his sister and as such I've asked the ladies at the spa to provide you both with a relaxing evening"
I nodded and quietly said "thank you", he sighed and I tensed for a moment as he came over and placed his hands on my shoulders but he surprised me by asking "would it make you happy to have your... friends there?" "yes" I answered quietly.
He sighed again and said "okay I'll phone the spa and let them know there'll be two more guests" "really? Thank you darling!" I jumped up hugged him and kissed his cheek.
Alastair chuckled and stroked my hair, "I'm sorry my love, I just don't like the way those two fill your head with nonsense. I don't see any reason you can't see them if they're on their best behaviour" "of course they will be, I'll make sure" I gave him a grin and sat back at my dresser to get ready for the day. "Right I'm off to deal with some meetings then I'm going to greet the visitors. It would probably be best for you to stay in here" he said. "Oh really? Are you sure you don't want me to greet them with you?" I asked. "No, I'd rather you didn't gain any unwanted attention from another alpha male"
"Oh okay, I'll just play some games in here and hang out then I guess"
"Sounds good, see you later"
Skye
"So who is it we're going to see about the attacks?"
Will glanced at me "Skye. we're visiting a neighbouring clan to discuss preventative measures with their chief"
"Do you think it's humans?"
"We can't make assumptions because it could very well be rogues."
" I take your point but there's not many rogues still about"
Ever since werewolves came out of the dark to the human world, we've had many problems with the more bigoted humans. it's been 15 years since they found out about us through a news broadcast and it didn't go very well to say the least. Nowadays it's hard to get by without being part of a werewolf community but, for the most part humans leave us alone and we leave them alone.
"So why did you need me to come with you?"
Will shifted uncomfortably in the driver seat
"well?" I prompted
"Mum and dad think it'd be good for you to find your mate"
"So I've come with you on this trip because mum and dad think I'm lonely then"
"Skye it's not like that, you know how old fashioned they are. They want you to find your goddess given partner like I found mine"
"I have patients and research that is far more important than forming a relationship. I'm only 25, I've got plenty of time for that"
"Yeah I get it, but you gotta get out of the clinic sometime. Dr Anderson said she'd fill in for you"
"Okay fine but no one can complain when I don't find my mate"
It's not that I wouldn't like to find my mate but I'm sick of being disappointed. We've had many clans visit with a host of suitors looking for their mate and despite my parents insisting I meet them all, I've still not found my other half.
"Hey now, try to keep an open mind"
"I don't know, Will. It's frustrating that I've done so well academically but all mum and dad talk about is me finding my mate"
"Listen, they're proud of you. They just want you to be happy"
"Working at the clinic makes me happy"
"I get that, I'm just saying"
"Okay fine, I'll keep an open mind but when we get home no one is allowed to mention finding a mate for a month"
"I'll speak to them"
"Thanks. So what's this chief like?"
"Well he's very friendly but I don't know"
"Wait what?"
"Eh it's nothing."
"Come on, tell me"
"Well there's just something off but I can't put my finger on it. It's almost like he's trying too hard"
"You seriously distrust anyone outside of our clan"
"Nevermind. Anyway we're here"
"Finally"
"You really can't survive outside the clinic huh, Skye"
"Whatever. Hurry up and ring the button"
Will leaned out of the open window slightly and pressed a button on the intercom. We'd stopped right in front of a shiny black gate. It had some intricate design brushed on in gold paint. We heard a buzzing from the intercom
"State your name and reason for the visit"
"Chief MacRobert and my sister. We have a meeting with Chief Lachlan and I understand we have accomodation ready for us"
"Oh yes, of course sir."
We heard a click and saw the gate swing open wide. I could see a gorgeous forested area to the east and I had a strong urge to stretch my paws but I knew I needed to stick to formalities on foreign territory. There would be time to stretch my legs and go on a run later. We pulled up in front of a large country house that I assumed must be the packhouse, it was a large white modern looking building with big windows and I could see some a couple of balconies on the upper floor
Out front stood a tall handsome man with short brown hair, he wore a button shirt trousers and a blazer. We greeted chief Lachlan and he started to take us on a tour of the house.
"Is there some baking going on in the kitchens?" I asked. He gave me a strange look and said "No, why do you ask?"
"oh it's nothing sorry, must be my hunger speaking" I could have sworn I could smell freshly baked cookies but I didn't want to embarrass myself if I'd imagined it. We continued on the tour and I forgot about it just waiting patiently to be able to lock myself in my room and read a good book.
Drew
I was sat in my room staying out of the way of the guests like my husband asked when I caught a strong smell of lavender and peppermint. I went to see if the maids were putting out some potpourri but just as soon as it started it was gone again. I shrugged it off before sitting back down with my laptop. I didn't have many hobbies but I could at least sit down in my spare time and play video games. After our last argument, Alastair was very sweet and got me a very nice gaming laptop to cheer me up, I try not to spend too much time on it because I don't want to upset him but it's fun to indulge when he's busy.
By the time I looked up I realised a couple of hours had passed. I quickly exited my game and sat at my dresser to get ready for the evening. I checked my phone and saw a text from Nessa
Nessa
Hey girl, can't wait for this pamper night. Are you sure you won't get in trouble?
Me
Of course I won't, Alastair planned this for me :)
Nessa
Of course he did and what does he want from you for it?
Me
Oh don't be silly Ness he thought this would be a nice evening for me and our guest
Nessa
Ah Okay got it he wants you to entertain
Me
See you soon?
Nessa
Of course, Charlie is here with me getting ready. Meet you at the spa in an hour?
Me
Sounds good! I think I'm meeting the visitor there in 45
I chose out a comfy yet stylish dress and some flats and cleaned off my make up. When we get there we'll have our facials done and massages then dinner so I didn't see much point in dressing fancy or wearing make up. When I finished getting ready, I started a slow walk over to the Spa when I started to smell that potpourri again. I got very confused but the closer I got to the Spa, the stronger the scent became until I saw the source.
No it can't be..?
my fears were only confirmed when I heard a whisper in my head "mate"