Safe

FOUR

    Her father led them into a huge clearing in the forest, lit up by hundreds of tiny lights and candles that seemed to be floating in mid air. Hard, dark flooring had been put down, making it easier for everyone to walk and dance. On one side of the clearing, there was a buffet table that seemed to stretch on for miles, full of all of Elise’s favorite food. Elise scanned over it, taking note of the fresh oysters, the mac n cheese, the brioche buns. Frowning slightly, Elise realized that there was a table dedicated just to Lila, full of vegan food that the other werewolves would never tough. Brushing it off, Elise looked over the rest of the clearing before she could ruin her mood. Tables, covered in light yellow tablecloths and huge floral arrangements of lilies and daffodils, making the clearing seem brighter than it was. On the other side was a large space dedicated to dancing and a DJ booth, blasting all her favorite songs. The warm September air only added the ambience as a breeze heavy with the smell of apples and just the slightest hint of fall blew past the party, leaving goosebumps on Elise’s bare shoulders. She smiled in wonder, wishing that Mom was here so she could thank her. Suddenly, a heavy hand was on her shoulder, interrupting her thoughts and causing her to jump. She looked up at her father, who was smilingly sadly, as if he knew what Elise had just been thinking. 

    “Just so you know,” he said slowly, as if she was going to be upset, “Your mother invited all the neighboring packs here tonight. She was hoping you would find your mate, on top of everything else”. Elise frowned at what her father said, trying not to sigh or lash out at him. She had expected this to happen, but that didn’t mean that she liked it. Her father turned to Rylan and sighing, he continued quietly. 

    “Your mom planned this party months ago, before you went off to Beta training…” he trailed off slowly, trying to find the words he needed to say. “I guess I should’ve told you sooner, but Fire Sun Pack is here, as well as their Beta. I’m sorry Rylan, but please, try not to make tonight harder than it needs to be”. Elise furrowed her brows as her father said this, upset that he was trying to minimize the situation. She understood that tonight was a necessity and that nothing else mattered, but she didn’t like that their father had waited to tell Rylan. She turned to Rylan, ready to comfort him, but  was stopped when he held up his hand at her. He shrugged, and flashed her yet another grin, but this time it didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

    Breaking the tense silence, Sophie loudly asked Elise if she was ready to go greet everyone. Thankful for the distraction, Elise quickly nodded her head and followed Sophie through the crowd, thanking everyone for showing up while she tried to remember the names that went to unfamiliar faces. After what felt like an eternity of greeting people, Elise slipped away from Sophie and headed in the direction of the buffet, hoping to be able to at least enjoy her meal tonight. Afterall, she thought to herself, what good is your birthday if you can’t eat what you want? Kyra perked up at the thought of food, finally making an appearance for the night. At last, you show up. I was beginning to think you were getting cold feet about this whole Alpha thing, Elise said to Kyra jokingly. 

    Hey, I was getting some much needed rest after you kept us up all night with that pacing, Kyra grumpily snapped back. Even though Kyra had been excited to become Alpha, it had quickly been replaced with apprehension this past week as things started to unfold. Just like Elise, Kyra was beginning to doubt whether they would be able to successfully navigate the pack’s circumstances. Both Kyra and Elise stopped quipping as Elise walked up the buffet table, her mouth watering. Quickly, she grabbed two plates and started stacking both of them up with seafood, buffalo wings, and those brioche buns that turned out to be garlic butter rolls. She snaked her way through the crowd, avoiding anyone who was looking for her, and found herself a seat at a table in the corner, far from where she was supposed to sit. Sighing in relief, Elise put her large cloth napkin on her lap, ignored her fork and spoon, and picked up a giant crab leg, her eyes wide with excitement. Just as she was about to c***k it open and go to town, she heard someone clear their throat and looked up. Standing in front of her was an extremely large man with shoulder length black hair and sharp blue eyes. She looked him up and down, taking in his 6 foot something frame and the muscles that threatened to tear through his white dress shirt. 

    “Happy Birthday, Elise” He said in a husky voice, catching her off guard. Who was this man, and why was he bugging her when she so clearly wanted to be left alone?

    “Is, uh, is Rylan here? I mean, of course he is, he’s your brother. Do you know where he is? I can’t find him, I’m sorry…” he rambled softly, looking at the ground as he struggled to ask her a simple question. She looked at him in confusion, trying to understand what he wanted with Rylan, when she finally recognized him. 

    “Beta Kyle, right?” She said softly. She quickly wiped her hands on her napkin and held one out for him to shake, and then gestured that he sit across from her. He sheepishly smiled at her, and then sat in the indicated chair. While he sat down, looking sheepishly at her, Elise opened up the mind link between her and her brother, broadcasting everything that Beta Kyle was about to say. It may not have been the most ethical choice, but she wanted Rylan to know exactly what Beta Kyle was feeling. 

    “Yes, that’s me. It’s good to see you again, you look beautiful tonight” he said, trying not to sound awkward. Elise looked at him sternly, like a mother about to reprimand her child. Taking in her look, he blushed and looked down, searching for the words to explain. 

    “My sister, Kaia, she’s my whole world. Our mother died when we were little, and our father, well, you understand the life we live. Kaia didn’t come tonight, she didn’t want to see Rylan after they broke up…” He began to trail off again, a sad look clouding his blue eyes. Elise reached out and grabbed his hand, giving him a soft smile. She knew exactly what Kyle was trying to say, she only wanted to give him the strength to say it. 

    “Anyways, when I found out that Rylan was my mate, it was a big adjustment. I always knew I preferred the company of other men, but as Beta I kept it private, only telling our alpha and my family. I had always expected that the Goddess didn’t care what my preferences were, and that I would be mated to a she-wolf. So when I walked into the house and found Rylan, snuggled up with my sister, I thought nothing of it. But then I smelt him, and I knew instantly. He smelt like dark chocolate and sage and black pepper, it was amazing” Kyle paused, deep in his thoughts. Unaware of the mindlink that Elise had opened with Rylan, Kyle let his emotions stream freely. 

    He must know that I’m going to tell Rylan this, one way or another, Elise thought to Kyra as she waited for Kyle to continue. Her heart was aching, as was her stomach. She wanted to dig into the food in front of her while she listened to Kyle talk. This story was like a telenovela, and Elise was itching to enjoy it as such. 

    Hey, focus dude, Kyra snapped, obviously not as amused as Elise. Kyra had always been overprotective of Rylan, an instinct that was natural as a shewolf and future alpha. While Elise had been listening in sympathy, Kyra was enraged at the audacity that Kyle was showing. Kyle had rejected her brother, and now he was coming to Elise for forgiveness? How dare he. 

    “Listen, Elise? I know you’re going to tell Rylan what I’m talking to you about. I just, I want him to know, I regret it so much. I love him, I want him. I was never unsure of that. But Kaia, she’s my whole life. I practically raised her, you know? I made a mistake, I know that now. I should have never doubted him, or the Goddess. But I don’t think he would listen to me if I tried to talk to him, so I’m coming to you” Kyle said pleadingly. Elise looked at him understandingly, she knew exactly why Kyle had done what he had done. If it were Elise, she would have probably done the same thing to protect Rylan. Elise opened her mouth to answer, she knew that Kyle was right and that Rylan would listen to her. But she quickly closed it again as she felt her brother’s presence. Looking up, she saw him standing just a foot behind Kyle, a single tear rolling down his cheek. 

    Looking back at Kyle, she smiled and said “I don’t think you need me to tell him”, and she quickly glanced in Rylan’s direction. Looking at where Elise had been, Kyle turned and saw Rylan standing there, emotions flashing across his face as he tried to compose himself. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was immediately interrupted by Rylan, who had embraced him in a passionate kiss. After what felt like months, Rylan finally broke the kiss and his hold on Kyle. Taking a slight step back to look at Kyle, Rylan smiled his characteristic, goofy grin. 

    “I love you. I was waiting for you to realize you love me”, Rylan gushed, his face turning as red as the untouched crab on Elise’s plate. Tears started to fall from Elise’s eyes as she just sat there, watching. Forcing Kyra to the back of her mind, Elise focused on how happy her brother was at last. 

    “I, Beta Kyle of the Fire Sun Pack, accept you, Beta Rylan of Old Moon Pack, as my mate”, Kyle said firmly, looking at Rylan with so much love in his eyes.

    “What about Kaia? Will she be okay?” Rylan asked, concern hinting in his eyes. 

    “I know she will because you asked me that. Don’t worry, time heals all wounds”, Kyle quickly responded before kissing Rylan gently on the cheek. “Please, will you accept me?” Kyle continued as fear started to seep into his eyes.

    “I, Beta Rylan of Old Moon Pack, accept you, Beta Kyle of Fire Sun Pack, as my mate”, Rylan said at last. Elise let go of a breath that she didn’t know she had been holding. Turning at the sound of her breath, Rylan shot his sister his grin, and this time, she knew it was real. 

    “Well, you better go tell dad that he doesn’t have anyone to kill anymore”, Elise said jokingly as she shot Kyle a wink. “I hope you know,” she continued, “I won’t be calling you Beta Kyle anymore. Welcome to the family, Kyle” Elise said, beaming as she looked at her brother and his mate. Out of all the things that could have happened tonight, this was the best. 

    “Thanks for the mindlink Elise”, Rylan said laughingly. Kyle shot a horrified look at Elise, finally understanding how Rylan had found them when he had. Chuckling, Elise waved them off in the direction of her father. She watched as they walked across the party, hand in hand, not even noticing the people who stared. 

    As soon as they were out of sight, Elise looked back down at her plate, happy to finally be left alone. She picked up the giant crab claw again, about to resume where they had left off, when the smell hit her. She groaned, wondering what that amazing scent was and why it had interrupted her from her dinner. 

    Sea salt and fresh rain just the slightest hint of tobacco flooded her nose, completely overwhelming her. The musky, peppery scent consumed her, and Elise knew exactly what it ment. 

MATE, Kyra shouted.

MATE. MINE.