The Destined Mates of Blu Pearl

Chapter 3

Sam and Tyler followed me into the conference room. It’s a small office-looking room with a round table and 6 chairs. The windows are big to let in some natural lighting. It has a beautiful hanging down ceiling light that shimmers blue when the sun hits it. The paint on the walls is pearl white, with little blue flowers everywhere. We picked this room because it gives off the most positive vibe, even if our building is falling apart. Sam and Tyler are seated across from me that leaves one chair on each side of them and one chair next to me. It gives Lisa an option without feeling pressured into anything. Lisa walks into the room with a nervous glance at me. She smiles and immediately takes the seat next to me. She looks relieved that I am here. As she scoots as close as she possibly can to me, I notice she hasn’t taken her eyes off Sam. I gently pat her leg and start the conversation. I am so excited that I started talking fast, “I’m so happy we are all able to be here today so meet and greet everyone, as you know Lisa here is..” I get cut off by Tyler giggling. “Giiirrrl slow down, slow down! We aren't going anywhere. We have as much time as the day will let us.” Tyler says. “Haha yeah my bad, I am just so relieved you were able to come in today.” I laugh.

“Smooth.” Is all Willow is saying in my head. I internally rolled my eyes.

“Lisa here is as bright as they come. She’s an honor student, is applying to multiple colleges. As you know, she has been with our program for awhile now.” I trail off. Lisa looks at me with a nervous smile then looks up to Sam. “It’s very lovely to meet you two today.” She sticks out her hand and Tyler takes it and gives her a welcoming handshake. Sam grabs her wrist and rubs it gently, “Dear, I am happy you are meeting with us today.” Lisa looks at me and I know what is going on in her head, ‘Meeting us? Aren’t you supposed to be meeting me?’ I just nod and smile. I look at Sam, Tyler and Lisa as they are all looking rather nervous.

“Is there anything you would like to know about Lisa, or have any questions for me?” I ask. Sam looks at Tyler for a long second, almost as if deciding something. They must have made a decision because she asks, “Would living with a young man make you uncomfortable?” Lisa goes wide-eyed and then looks terrified to answer. Sam continues, “ As much as we are meeting you, you are also meeting us. I never want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable or puts you in a situation you are unsure of. I have read some of the things that have happened to you, and I know from experience how hard it is to move on.” She looks up to me with a shy smile.

Tyler then spoke up after a long silence filled the room. “Lisa, I have also read your file, I know the pain you have gone through, but I do promise that I will never hurt you in anyway. You are completely safe with me and my mom.” She looks to Sam and then Tyler and sighs. “Lisa, do you have an answer for Sam?” I asked her as I rub her arm in an effort to comfort her. I know this topic is what she was most scared of. Lisa clears her throat and stares Tyler right in the eye, “I have worked on healing my past, I cannot say that I am over it wholeheartedly, but I am trying. I do not think that living with Tyler would make me uncomfortable or make me scared.” She says so matter of fact that I am just gushing with pride. I have worked with her for so many years and to hear her say that just warms my heart.

I hate this next part because I have to go through everything that happened to Lisa that got her placed here. It’s protocol and it makes everyone, especially Lisa uncomfortable.

“As you well know, Lisa has had a rough upbringing. It started when she was only 3 months old.” I made eye contact with her a her eyes started to fill with tears, so did mine. I continue, “Her biological father was molesting her while her mother was at work. This went on for years, until Lisa had the courage to tell her mother. Of course, when her mother found out she had him arrested. I wish I could say that her story ends there but it does not.” I wipe a tear from my face. Her mother turned to drugs, and she lost her job. With that they also lost their home. Lisa and her mother were hopping from house to house when little Lisa was only 7 years old. When she was 7 and a half years old a man, they were staying with came into her room one night and raped her. This happened for the next year of her life.” I’m trying to bypass some events to save her from complete humiliation, but even the little I am telling is affecting her so much it makes my heart hurt. Tyler is completely straight faced, it looks like he is trying to hide his anger, as I look at his fists, they are closed so tight his knuckles are turning white.

“What happened after the year?” He asks.

I take a deep breath and say “Lisa started her period at school one day. A teacher took her to the nurse and when the nurse was helping her find some pants to fit into, she noticed that Lisa had bruises all around her, uh, woman area.” I wiped another tear that escaped my eyes.

“The police were called right away, Lisa confessed everything to the nurse and police officers. Everyone was taken by surprise at this new realization. Lisa is a bright kid, she had straight A’s in all of her classes, was on honor roll, and about to make class president. Nobody could tell anything was going on because she hid it so well. When the police arrived at the place she was staying they immediately arrested the man, and her mother. As, you have read, her mother was fully aware of this and did nothing to stop it. Lisa had no idea her mom knew and was to afraid to tell her this time because of the dr*g abuse that was going on. She has been in this program ever since. Working on herself and still thriving in school. She has had a rough past but she doesn’t let that stop her from achieving her goals.”

I leaned in and gave her a huge hug because she has not stopped crying since I started talking.

Silence filled the air and I could hear Lisa’s heart rate beating rapidly in her chest. I did everything I could to soothe her but nothing was working.She grabs my arm as Sam stood up. My heart beat is also going crazy because I have no idea what is going to happen.They have read it but reading it and hearing and then seeing her in person is so different.

“Lisa dear, I would like to give you a hug if that’s alright with you?” Shock registered on Lisa’s face and before anyone knew was what happening Lisa stood up and ran into her arms. Sam just held her tightly and whispered that she is so strong and how amazing she is. Tyler gently got up and also joined in the hug. Lisa was smiling from ear to ear when Tyler whispered something to her. Sam sat down and this time Lisa sat with her. Tyler said first, “Lisa we want you to know that if you choose to come with us, nothing like that will ever happen again. As I said you are completely safe with us. Plus, I’ll beat anyone’s ass if they even look at you funny.” He raises his fists up like he’s about to punch someone. This breaks the tension and makes everyone laugh. Sam looks at Tyler and smacks his arm. “Please excuse my son, he gets too protective so fast.” Willow perks up because she smells something off. Not off as in bad but like a familiar smell. Another wolf is in this room. The smell hits me out of nowhere and I look up to see Sam smiling at me. Was she masking her scent? But why? I guess most wolves mask their scent here. I just don't understand why they are showing me this now.

Lisa spoke up, “Is there anything you would like to ask me?” I couldn’t stop looking at Sam to even hear what was asked, but it broke me out of a trance when I heard Lisa laugh so hard, she snorted. “ I have to say, its like I've known you my whole life. I would like it if you wanted, to come home and stay with us. Our home has an empty bedroom, and you can decorate it however you want. But this is not a fostering Lisa, I would like to adopt you if you would have us.” More tears filled Lisa’s eyes, she looked at me and I smiled down at her and she just nodded her head repeatedly. Yes, Yes,yes! I am so overwhelmed with happiness I run around the table and pull her into the biggest hug I have ever given her. “You will be safe with them; you can always call me if you need anything. Lisa I love you so much, the day has finally come that I get to watch you leave and not come back. It is bittersweet. I am so proud of the woman you are turning into. I told you today would be wonderful!” I whisper. She just squeezes me back.

“Well, Aphrodite, let's go sign some papers!” Sam says as she looks at Lisa and Tyler talking like they have known each other their whole lives. I led Sam to the office and closed the door. Willow perks up as the scent hits me full blown. “Ah yes dear, I am a werewolf much like yourself.” She says as she sits down. I’m shocked, not many wolves come to this realm, let alone reside here. “My mate was a human, when we completed the ceremony, we decided to stay here. Even after he was turned into a wolf, we chose this little cabin right outside of both realms.” She trails off as if in deep thought. “I promise not to tell your secret, but I will tell Lisa ours. I want her to be 100% included in all aspects of our lives. She will be well protected, and I will make sure she finishes her schooling.” I am relieved in a way that she will be residing with wolves. “Lisa will adapt well to our kind. I am thankful that you trusted me enough to tell me. I will start the paperwork and if you want you can bring her home today?” I ask as I start printing the papers. “I would love that.”

As we finish signing all the papers, I give them to Ashley to file. “It takes about a week for them to finalize and then we get a copy, and you get a copy. If, for any reason, you lose something and need a replacement, please contact me and I would be happy to print you off another. I turned to Lisa who is standing by the door with her book bag and shaky hands, “Ms. Lisa Moon everyone.” Tori announces as she comes out with a big blanket and her favorite notebook. “You can’t leave here without saying bye to me first!” She says she is closing the distance between them. Lisa laughs, drops her bag and runs to meet Tori in the middle of the room. They hug and Tori congratulates her while announcing her last name again as Moon. Sam and Tyler are smiling from ear to ear. Sam gives me a wink and I smiled back, “Ok, everyone, Lisa needs to get going. She has a long ride home.” Everyone gives her one more goodbye and hug. She walks over to me throws herself in my arms and says, “I couldn’t have made it through this place without you, you have the talents to be a great mother one day. I love you Aphrodite.” As I watched them get in the car and leave, I send a silent thought up to the moon goddess, ‘How I wish my mom were here to see this day.’ A chill washes through me and I think that at this moment it was a sign that my mom was truly with me today.