Saving Grace

Part 8

Zander POV

I met my mom down by the pack house steps it was still only 7am but the house was starting to come alive. The pups starting to get ready for school and the kitchen already bustling away getting everything ready for breakfast. As we walked through the gardens and to the training grounds the warriors were just finished up their session.

"Don't you think you should to apologise to your warrior you took your frustrations out on?" My mom raised an eyebrow this was more of a statement than it was a question. I rolled my eyes a little but I knew a good Alpha could admit when he was wrong. Something my father would never.

As we approached they all nodded to me and my mother in respect. Dan bounced over to us both. "Morning Mrs Black, looking lovely as ever this fine September morning." Dan took my moms hand to gently kiss the back of it. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. "You're such a creep". I said in mock disgust. My mom laughed. "Oh Daniel ever the charmer, your mate is going one lucky woman."

" Of course she is, who wouldn't be?" Dan laughed along flexing his muscles.

"Where's Alex?" I questioned looking around the sea of men.

"He's over there" Dan pointed out the poor blonde kid I'd just beat the s**t out of.

"Alex" I boomed across the grounds.

My mom slapped my arm. "You're going to scare the poor boy to death Zander."

Alex held his head high trying to remain stoic but I could smell his fear drifting along the breeze.

"Alpha. Luna. Beta" he nodded at us all as he said our titles.

"Look I'm sorry, I should have never gone that far. I apologise.." I put my hand out towards him.

He didn't say anything just nodded and took my hand.

"You'll make a good warrior. Keep up the good work now go get a shower and enjoy your breakfast." He nodded again "Thankyou" he said before turning to leave.

"So what's the plans today Zan?" Dan said turning to me.

"Well I'm taking my lovely mother here for a nice morning stroll and then I've got some bits to catch up on."

"Great, there's a mixer tonight if you fancy it?" Dan said with a glimmer of hope in his eye, he's been desperate to find his mate since we turned 18. Something we've never had in common until now. I had to think fast he knew I was never one to turn down a party unless I had pack business. But he was my beta he knew every bit of pack business.

Just as I was about to answer my Mom stepped in. "Ahh sorry Daniel I'm afraid Zander can't tonight I have planned a little private dinner for me and my two pups."

"Thanks mom" I mind linked. She winked up at me.

"Sorry man maybe another time I can't let my two favourite women down."

Dan laughed "That's because they're you're only women."

Oh if only you knew.

"I'll meet you in my office at 11, go get a shower you stink." I joked. Dan nodded and said his goodbyes as we began to walk into the forest.

We walked in silence for a little while just enjoying the smells and surrounding. My mom was the first to break it, "I'm so unbelievably happy you've found her."

I couldn't help but smile whilst rubbing the back of my head. "Me too, I just wish she could feel the bond like i did."

"She will, in time. The more time you spend with her the more it will become clear. She'll notice the tingles and the needing of you to be around. But this is going to be a lot slower than a normal mate bonding. You're going to have to win her over the human way" My mom smiled gently trying to reassure me.

"I know, I'm going to 'date' her or whatever the humans call it. I'm picking her up tonight." I couldn't help the excitement start to fill my body at the thought of seeing her again.

"Wait mom, the first time we met we shook hands and I swear she felt the spark! She jumped when i touched her like I'd given her an electric shock!"

My mom eyes widened a little in shock. "What?! This soon? Oh Zander I knew she was special! We need to speak to the elders about this!" She threw her arms up in delight.

I furrowed my brows at the thought. "No, not yet. I'm not ready I don't want word getting out just yet, I need to see how things progress with her first and speak to Dan before I speak to the elders."

My mom looks at me before speaking. "Okay.. not yet but there will be a time when you will need to speak to them. And if Grace does truly feel the bond like you do, there will also be a time when you need to tell her who and what you really are. You'll need to find out if you can trust her 100% to never ever breath a word to anyone about this. There are only a handful of humans who know about the supernatural world."

That just brought my mood down with a bang. The familiar twist inside my stomach appeared. I would be asking so much of Grace, her whole world would change in an instant.

We walked in comfortable silence for a little longer whilst I pondered my thoughts. I didn't want to say the words out loud I felt sick at the thought.

"Do you think I would be better off rejecting her and letting her live her life? There's a darkness in me mom ". I couldn't help the sad look that creeped upon my face, I felt like I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. At first, admittedly I wanted to reject her for selfish reasons because I didn't want a mate I enjoyed my lifestyle. But now, now I'm falling off the edge for a girl who has no idea who or what I am. What world I live in. And I would do anything to protect her even if it meant hurting myself in the long run.

"No, no I don't." My mom stopped walking and grabbed both my hands turning to me. "I think and not just because you are my son, you are a wonderful man. You are your fathers son but please don't say you have a darkness in you because it's simply not true, you are strong and fearless and any person would be lucky to have you, I also saw how strong and fierce she was in my vision. I'm not saying it will be easy you will have bumps along the way but I truly believe she is the one, she will be the light in your dark." She smiled at me warmly then dropped her face a little as the realisation hit her. “Wait light and dark, the vision! Zander this is it! My visions are pointing to her. She’s important I can feel it.”

I paused for a moment. “Are you sure?” I asked.

“I can never be 100% you know this but I’m almost certain I feel like this symbolises two worlds coming together.”

“I really hope you’re right mom” i take a deep breath in inhaling the fresh air of the forest.

"Now come on, let's get back for breakfast. And you need to go plan something special for later with Grace."

***

I checked my watch and it was 6pm plenty of time to get into the city to pick Grace up. I dressed in a pair of dark blue denim jeans a white t shirt and stone and brown checked over shirt to match. I slipped on my boots and looked at myself in the mirror. Goddess I looked so human. I laughed to myself, as a werewolf I didn't feel the cold all that much the over shirt was just an accessory so Grace didn't think I was some strange man walking around in the middle of the cool September night with hardly anything on. The irony of my worrying if she'd think I'm weird if I don't wear a jacket. I wonder how weird she'll think I am when I tell her I'm half wolf.

I text her letting her know I was on my way. My stomach flipped a little and my wolf pranced in my head just at the thought of seeing her. I grabbed my keys and headed for the Ford ranger. I made sure no one saw me as I pulled away from the pack house, man I felt 15 again sneaking out not like the man that actually run this pack.

As I was halfway there Grace's name flashed up on the dash panel. I answered quickly

"Hey"

"Hey" her sweet voice filled the car making my heart beat a little faster.

"So just a quick question what are we doing and where are we going cause I wanna know what to wear." She continued.

If I had my way, nothing at all.

"Nothing fancy just casual but bring a jacket.. it's a surprise I'll be there in 20." I really hoped she'd love what I had planned.

"Oo exciting! Okay see you soon!" She chirped.

"See you soon baby". I quickly pressed end on the call, baby?! Why did I just say that. Is that too much too soon? Nice one Mr smooth. I'd slept with tons of woman and never ever felt like this,

"w***e" Jett chimed in my head.

"You didn't have a problem with it at the time." I quipped back before pushing him out.

It made me a little ashamed thinking of that, why could I not have just waited for my mate. I shook my head there's nothing I could do about that now only forget it and look towards the future, towards her.

As I pulled in outside the salon she was just stepping out the door and locking up. Her wavy hair bounced as she turned to walk towards the truck, she waved slightly and smiled the best smile I'd ever seen. As she jumped in she looked over me in shock.

"Stop it! Zander I can't believe we are more or less matching!" She looked at me then back to herself and down at her blue denim jeans white t and oversized chunky knit stone cardigan.

"You know what they say, great minds think a like." I laughed along as she started to giggle.

"So Mr Black where are you taking me?" She said raising a brow. The flirtatious hint in her voice made me stir to attention. Holy s**t this girl was driving me wild. I cleared my throat trying to regain composure.

"Like I say it's a surprise you'll see when we get there." I glanced over at her quickly she crossed her arms and pouted her lips in mock annoyance that i wouldn't tell her. She really needed to stop or I'm going to pull this car over and jump on her like a wolf in heat.

We chatted the whole way to our destination, chatting to her was so easy. We asked about each other's days and I asked about work. There was no awkward silence the conversation flowed easy like I'm talking to an old friend.

As we pulled into the old parking lot up on the edge of town Grace gasped realising it was a drive in movie theatre and then turned to me and grinned.

"Zander this is so cool!"

I reverse easily into a space a few rows back, it was mid week so fairly quiet but I park behind everyone else so we have a little privacy. I didn't want to take any chances just yet being seen.

"What are you doing the movies that way?" Grace said looking confused.

I smirked and jumped out of the truck. "Come on you'll see."

I pulled back the cover of off the back of the truck to reveal a make shift bed with blankets and pillows. Grace's face lit up as she come round to see it. "Wow Zander this is amazing!"

Knowing I'd pleased her gave me the warmest feeling I wanted to please her for the rest of my life.

I smirked cockily and waved my hand. "Oh it's nothing.." I shot her a cheeky wink to which she rolled her eyes and started to giggle. Her laugh was like the cherubs singing a sweet melody.

"After you Miss.." I put out my hand for her to grab it to climb up. As soon as she did the tingles shot up my arm.

"Oo" she flinched at my touch. "You must be full of electricity I swear that's the second time you've given me a shock!" She laughed it off and climbed up onto the truck.

I was taken back for a second, so she does feel the spark!

I climbed in after and as though it was the most natural thing in the world I sat back against the cab propped up my pillows and put my arm around Grace. She snuggled in a little and it made my body come alive her being this close.

"Is this okay?" I all of a sudden became conscious that I'd been too forward to fast I need to remind myself humans go slower.

She looked up at me through her lashes her big chocolate pools boring into my soul. Her purity radiated from her, I had a feeling whatever I told her she'd take it all in her stride but now was not that time.

"More than okay" she said shyly all of a sudden. I pulled out a single red rose from my side and gave it to her.

Her eyes widened and a grin appeared. She reached up quickly and placed a kiss on my cheek. My heart almost stopped for a second.

"Thankyou so much for this Zander."

How my name danced on her tongue drew me in. It took every ounce of my being not to crash my lips onto hers. I smiled and kissed her head softly before looking away.

"Anything for you."

Oh how I meant it. I'd give you the world Grace.

"What are we going to be watching anyway? She quizzed settling back into my chest.

I cleared my throat. "Well a little birdy told me that your favourite was Dirty Dancing?" I raised my brow hoping I was right.

Grace beamed up at me "wow you really are pulling out all the stops!" She giggled before snuggling back into me.

I couldn't concentrate on the film all I could concentrate on was this petite human snuggled into the side of me. I kept steeling glances at her and I swear she noticed but I just couldn't help myself.

"You know.. you're supposed to be watching the film not me." She looked up at me raising her brows.

I smirked and turned my head towards her closing the gap between us, with inches between us the air all of a sudden became hot and thick.

"Busted" with my free arm I raised it up in surrender. She giggled a little before stilling. Her eyes flicked from mine to my lips and slowly back to my eyes again. I couldn't take mine off of her like I was trapped in a spell. "Kiss her" I heard Jett in my head. I didn't need telling twice.

I closed the space between us and pressed my lips to hers, i snaked my hand into her hair and around the side of her face. I gently flicked my tongue against her lip asking for entry. Without hesitation she let me, tongues entangling with each other deepening our kiss. Her hand came up to my chest squeezing my t shirt pulling me closer, a small rumble came from my chest on instinct. s**t I hope she didn't notice.

Breathlessly we pulled away and placed our foreheads against each other's looking into each other's eyes. I kissed her on the lips again gently, it took everything I had to pull away but I had to before I gave myself away.

"Come on we're going to miss the best bit." I winked and she smirked back up at me before laying her head on my shoulder and into the crook of my neck. I absent minded started stroking her arm feeling the sparks in my finger tips even through her cardigan.

After a new minutes of watching Grace spoke again.

"You know, I think you've got the nicest cologne I've ever smelt. It's so.. fresh! It smells musky and like the forest almost."

My hand immediately stopped in its tracks, what did she just say? My cologne? I don't wear any..

Fuck! She can smell my scent!

Im glad she's still got her eyes on the movie screen because mine were about to pop out of my head. Werewolves very rarely wear cologne or perfume with our strong sense of smell it throws us off and with us having such a natural smell we've never had use for it.

I couldn't muster the words to reply so I just placed another kiss on her head.

After the movie had ended we lay for a little while just looking up at the moon and the stars. I could lay here with her in my arms for an eternity.

"I could lay here all night." Grace said softly.

"You must have read my mind." I said smiling into her hair.

"Tonight has been the most perfect date I've ever had." She started to swirl her nimble fingers on my chest.

"I think so too, even if you did distract me from the film." I huffed pretending to be annoyed.

She sprung her head up frowning .

"I think you'll find it was you who distracted me!"

I laughed and tried to make my face look as innocent as I could.

"Me? Never!" I said in protest.

That thick air came creeping back in now we were once again inches from one another's face. This time it was Grace who leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine, I kissed her back gently before pulling back again. I took a moment to study her face. Her chocolate eyes staring up at me.

"You're the most beautiful woman in the world." My voice barely audible.

A blush crept over her cheeks and a little giggle came out of her mouth. I smirked in to her hair and placed another kiss onto her head. Stealing little kisses was all I could do to keep my wolf at bay. I squeezed her as she started to shiver.

"Come on, let's get you home it's starting to get cold." I think the reluctance in my voice was clear.

We got up and climbed out of the back of truck and walked around into the cab and jumped in. As I started it up the time flashed up on the dashboard 12:02am.

"No way is that the time? I feel like no time has passed at all, I'm 100% blaming you in the morning when I can't get out of bed!" Grace started to laugh as she said it.

I smirked to myself as my dirty thoughts creeped in " Oh baby girl I can think of other reasons to keep you in bed." I turned to wink at her I couldn't help myself I had to say it. Her cheeks flushed a little even in the darkness of the car.

"I'll look forward to those reasons." I was shocked at Graces response the flirtatious look on her face made me grip the steering wheel a little tighter, this girl was sending me into a different universe.

As we pulled up outside her apartment I couldn't help the feeling of sadness I didn't want to leave her.

"Thankyou so much for tonight Zander, it was the most perfect date I've ever been on." She turned and took off her belt leaning in a little. I'm surprised at how forward Grace is, she's not bold or in your face but it's comforting knowing she maybe wants me as much as I want her? Do I dare to think she feels the bond more than I thought she would?

"Ahh the pleasure was all mine" I leaned forward and placed a kiss on her lips, her hand ever so naturally went up to my neck the warmth of her hand making my skin tingle. I quickly deepened the kiss before I could stop myself I pulled her over so she was straddling me in my seat. My hands snaked around her waist as hers tangled into the back of my neck and hair. Our tongues entangled i could taste her sweetness on mine, her scent infiltrating my nostrils and enchanting me. I could feel my d**k pressed against my jeans and then I caught the slight whiff of arousal coming from Grace I could feel my chest starting the low rumble. s**t.

I slowed down the kiss and pulled away breathlessly.

"Wow" we both chimed at the same time.

Giggling together we rested our heads against each other's and looking into each other's eyes we paused for a moment to catch our breath.

Grace spoke first "I think I better be getting in."

"I think you better" I smirked.

She climbed off me her cheeks flushing a little, I instantly missed her presence.

With one more quick peck on my lips she turned and exited the car.

"Goodnight Zander."

"Goodnight my beautiful Grace."