Saving Grace

Part 9

Grace Pov

I shut the door behind me and practically floated upstairs to my apartment and into my bedroom. I flopped back on to my bed and breathed out a sigh of contentment.

That was the best date I'd ever been on ever.

I couldn't help the massive grin from ear to ear, it felt unreal that a man like Zander was interested in me. I couldn't believe how well this was all turning out I'd been in this city 5 days and it had been the best 5 days of my life, a place to call my own, a job I loved and now.. Zander.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone I knew it was late but I needed to video call my best friend Lilly from back home.

I flipped over onto my stomach and propped my head with one arm whilst the other was out stretched holding my phone, after a few rings a sleepy Lilly answered.

Her eyes barely open she rubbed them willing them to focus on the camera.

"Hey lils, I'm sorry it's so late."

As soon as she heard my voice they sprung open.

"Omg Grace finally!! I've been dying for you to call!" She sprung up and leaned over turning on the bedside lamp. Her auburn hair scooped up into a messy bun and her green eyes shining with excitement to see me, I'd really missed my best friend.

"I know I'm sorry it's been so manic moving in and opening the shop I just didn't get the chance." I said furrowing my brows in apology.

"It's fine I'm just so happy to hear from you even if it is half past midnight!"

We giggled and started chatting I told her all about the apartment and the salon and how busy I was already.

"Sooo no hot big shot city man swept you off your feet yet?" Lilly questions wiggling her brows.

I began to smirk, I could see the twinkle in my eyes from my camera on the screen.

"Stop it! Don't tell me you've fallen in love already??" Lilly sat up a little straighter excitement on her face.

"Well.. there is someone." I started.

"Eeek!!" Lilly squealed in anticipation. "Tell me everything!"

"So his name is Zander and he's kind of technically my boss.." I blushed a little at this point.

"He owns the shop and apartment and actually half of the city." I raised my brows as I said it out loud it was kind of crazy.

Lilly's mouth dropped open then closed then open again there was not many times she was lost for words.

"He is the most gorgeous man I have ever seen in my whole entire life Lils, like seriously hot."

"Like Channing Tatum hot?!" She questioned.

I giggled, "Like Channing Tatum but super charged by the gods themselves."

"You luckily b***h!" She explained

We both started to laugh uncontrollably.

"Think tall dark and handsome."

"Wow I need to see this man, wait has he got friends? I need to come visit asap!"

I laughed "We haven't got that far yet but if he has I'll certainly set you up. Seriously though Lilly, I don't know what's happening but it's amazing. The first day I met him it was like the world stopped around me and when we kissed.."

Before I could continue Lilly interrupted me.

"What?!! A kiss?? Right I need you to start at the beginning!"

I laughed and started at the beginning I told her how he came round and took me for lunch and the way he only has interest for me, he makes me feel like I'm the only person in the room, hell the entire world when he's talking to me. I continued on about the opening night and that earth shattering kiss. And then tonight about the drive in movies and then the other earth shattering kiss.

"W o w" was all Lilly could muster as she sat with her mouth wide open.

I blushed and covered my face.

"I can't believe I've known this man 4 days and we've been on 3 dates. It's been a whirlwind I just hope this isn't too good to be true." I say re emerging my face to the camera.

"Right stop that, no negative energy Thankyou!"

We both giggled again.

"Grace, you are amazing, kind, strong and beautiful. It sounds like Zander see's what we see." Her face softens a little.

"Thanks Lil's." I smile and look down at the rose at the side of me. I pick it up and show it to the camera.

"Oh he also pulled this out as well." I can't help but smile wider.

"Wow you're going to tell me he has a s*x dungeon next and his real name is Zander Grey." Lilly starts to laugh a loud.

I fling my head back giggling.

"Well he's actually called Zander Black..."

Lilly laughs again before calming down.

"So when are you seeing him again?" She questions.

"I'm not sure.." I said a tug of disappointment pulls on my heart.

Just on que a notification appears at the top of my phone.

"Thankyou for the most perfect date.. are you free Saturday?"

My eyes light up and my face beams immediately.

"What what, what's going on?" Lilly quizzes.

"Zander just text me, he wants to see me this Saturday! Argh!!" I squeak in excitement.

"Oh my god he's a keeper G!"

I text him back quickly

'Yes I'm free.. what do you have in mind?'

"What did you say back?" Lilly asks.

"I just said I'm free what does he have in mind."

"Oh girl we know what you have in mind.." Lilly starts smirking and I just throw her a cheeky wink before laughing.

"Oh Lilly I can't believe it, he's so so nice though. In reality I've known him such little time but it feels like a lifetime. I can't explain it to you, it's completely crazy and I feel stupid saying it but I feel like I could see myself falling for this man in no time at all." I blush at my own words.

"It's not crazy, maybe you've met your soul mate?!" Lilly's eyes widen with excitement as I roll mine.

"Oh here we go.."

"Come on Grace you know I'm a massive believer in the universe and the gods I swear they're real! I truly believe we all have a soulmate out there and by the sounds of it you've found yours." Lilly gushes.

I pause for a moment of thought.

"You know the weirdest thing keeps happening actually, a few times we've touched and he's given me an electric shock it's like little tingles at his touch!"

Lilly's mouth drops again. "Oh my gods Grace!! This is it!! I swear you're living a real life fairytale!"

Just then my phone buzzes again with Zanders text I read it out loud so Lilly could hear what he'd said.

"I'm going to show you the forests and mountains outside the city I'll pick you up at 9am. I'll count down the hours till Saturday, night baby"

"Arghhh" we both squealed at the same time.

"Oh my gods he's so dreamy!" Lilly grinned.

My face mirrored hers. "Tell me about it! Gosh I'll be saying I love you by the end of the month at this rate." I laughed.

"Quick text him back don't leave the man hanging!" Lilly jokingly scolded.

'Sounds perfect, can't wait to see you again ❤️'

We chatted for a little longer then said our goodbyes as we both started to yawn. I ended the call and looked at the time. Almost 2am, wow I'm going to be tired at 6am. I quickly took my make up off and just threw an over sized T-shirt on, I could shower in the morning I was too tired for that now. I climbed into bed and snuggled down, I could faintly smell remnants of Zanders cologne on my skin I breathed it in and closed my eyes drifting off into a peaceful slumber.

Zander Pov

'I'm going to show you the forests and mountains outside the city I'll pick you up at 9am. I'll count down the hours till Saturday, night baby'

I hovered over the send button, was I being too cheesy? I didn't care it was true I don't know how I'd cope going a whole 48 hours without seeing her but I do have pack business to attend to and I can't keep disappearing, people will start to get suspicious. I hit send and place my phone on the night stand, I roll over and try to get comfortable but just as quick as I sent it another one came back. I reached for it quickly.

'Sounds perfect, I can't wait to see you again ❤️'

The little heart emoji sent my stomach into a flip. I put the phone back down and laid on my back staring up at the ceilings. I laughed to myself quietly, the mighty Zander Black getting butterflies over heart emojis. I closed my eyes and gave in to sleep hoping I'd dream of her face.

"Beep beep" I rolled over and hit my alarm. I couldn't help but smile as soon as I woke. I'd barely slept but I wasn't tired at all, I had a surge of energy rushing though my veins, my first thought was Grace. I leaned over and grabbed my phone sending her a quick morning text.

"Morning baby, hope you have a great day at work, call you tonight?".

I might not be able to see her for two days but I still wanted, no needed, to have some interaction with her this was an odd feeling for me. Once werewolves find their mates there's not many times in life that they’re separated from each other. The urge to be around them all the time is so strong it's hard to be away. But I needed to do this the right way, a pang of guilt crept over to me. I know I needed to tell her what I am but I just don't know the right time, I'd also be asking so much of her. Just as I was about to let my dark thoughts consume me my phone buzzed pulling me right back out of it.

"Morning Handsome, Thankyou you too! Yes that would be nice, roll on Saturday I can't wait to see that face of yours"

I smirked at my phone before placing it down and heading towards the shower, hope pulled on my heart strings. I had a feeling this would be life's greatest adventure.

"Morning you dirty dogs" I chirped with a smirk as I walked over to Dan, Nathan and the rest of the warriors. I slapped my Beta and Gamma on the backs as I approached.

They both let out a chuckle.

"Goddess you're in a good mood this morning aren't you?" Dan raised a brow.

"Does that mean I'm not in for a beating this morning then Alpha?" Quipped Alex with a grin.

I shook my head and laughed "not unless you can't keep up, come on you sorry lot 5 miles, on me!" I commanded as I set off into a steady jog.

Dan, Nathan and I ran upfront whilst the warriors followed behind.

"How was the dinner with your Mom and Jamie?" Nathan asked.

Shit. I hated lying but needs must.

"Oh yeah fine, it was nothing fancy just a chance for us to all catch up. Anyway how was the mixer Dan, not found your mate yet?" I asked taking the heat off of me.

"Ha! Nah man, I did find a cute little she wolf to pass the time thought.." Dan winked and smirked as he said it.

Nathan rolled his eyes, "Zanders right you are a dirty dog".

We all laughed and continued on our run.

After training we all met in my office to discuss business, I sat behind my desk as Dan and Nathan took a seat in the chairs in front of me.

Just as we were about to start going over the accounts for the places in the city Jamie burst through the door. I shot my head up immediately, something had to be wrong Jamie new never to burst in when we were in a meeting.

"Zander it's Alpha Saul from the crescent moon pack, they were attacked last night by rogues. He's just called ask if he and his son have permission to visit he sounds like he needs help." She says eyes starting to fill with worry.

"Yes of course, call him back and tell him to come right away also tell Omega's to prepare extra food and rooms for them and his warriors just incase." I reply.

Jamie nods and shuts the door as she leaves.

I turn back to Dan and Nathan.

"What the f**k is going on?" Dan questions.

I let out a breath of air. "f**k knows man, let's wait for Saul to arrive."

After an hour and half of waiting Alpha Saul and his son Colton arrive along with 6 warriors. We meet them on the front steps of the house, they look like s**t. Saul is in his 40's but looks in good shape apart from the greying hair although today he looks like he's aged ten years. His son Colton is his spitting imagine just younger less grey and the same piercing blue eyes.

I walk over and shake both of there hands.

"Alpha Saul, Colton." I nod at both in respect.

"Please come in, would you like to rest first before we meet?" I offer.

"No, let's get the meeting out of the way first." Saul looks on edge as he says it eager to get started.

We all enter my office minus the warriors, I instruct them to go into the dining hall where I had a meal prepared for them they look weary from battle.

I start first. "So Saul please, tell me what's happened what can we do to help?"

"Around 11:30 last night 50 rogues stormed the eastern border. My warriors did the best we could but were only a small pack. We've got 2 dead and 10 seriously injured. We managed to kill 15 rogues, the others retreated apart from one. We captured him, he's currently in our cells but he's not said a single word." Saul looked a little broken.

Dan spoke through the mind link.

"Another 50?" I looked his way to see him raising a brow. Maybe this was connected.

"I'm sorry for your losses Alpha Saul, I can send 20 of my warriors to help patrol your borders till you regain some of your strength." I said sincerely.

"Thankyou Zander I greatly appreciate that. I've informed the council too just to keep an eye on things."

"Yeah good idea, I'll give them a ring myself later today, we had a rogue attack of 50 earlier this week. We just presumed they were hungry and drove to despair but another 50 out attacking another pack is odd to say the least." I said furrowing my brows.

"We've prepared some rooms for you if you'd like to rest for a while?" I asked.

"No Thankyou Alpha, as soon as your warriors are ready I went to get back to my Luna and daughter. I don't like the thought of being away." Saul said as he rose from his seat.

"No problem, I understand." As I said it Grace's face flashed in my mind, i more than understood. Knowing grace was 40 minutes away in the city was killing me and we'd not even officially mated yet. Goddess, the mating could I even mark her? I pushed the thought from my mind now was not the time.

"I'll have the warriors ready to leave in the next half hour. Nathan please go pick 20." I said turning to him.

"No probs. Alpha's" he nodded to me and then to Saul before leaving.

I stood up and reached over to shake Saul and then Colton's hands, they nodded and said their Thank you's before leaving.

With only me and Dan still left in the office I sat back down and run my hand through my hair and let out a sigh.

"Shit."

Dan say opposite me leaning back into the chair his legs propped up on the other.

"Somethings off Zander. 50 for us and 50 for them, where the hell are all these rogues coming from?"

"I don't know, hopefully the council will get to the bottom of it. In the mean time let's keep doing what we're doing, patrolling then borders and training to our best." Dan nodded in agreement. I sat forward and looked at the paper work on my desk. "Right let's get started on this lot."

"Just when I thought I was going to be ripping someone to shreds" Dan smirked.

After sorting though all the paper work and making sure the accounts were in order it was now 4pm. I was more than ready to stretch my legs and get some fresh air, I had a rough idea Grace wasn’t going to be finished till gone 6pm so I mind linked Jamie to see if she was free to let our wolves out for a run and I wanted to catch her up on Grace.

I walked down the pack house steps to see her stood waiting for me.

"Hey sis"

"Hey! Ready to go?" She asked.

We went behind the trees to undress privately before transforming into our wolves. We set off padding slowly through the grounds before racing off into the forest.

"Last one to the clearing is a loser" she chimed in my head. I laughed and let Jett do the work pushing on faster.

Of course I reached the clearing first, Jamie has never beaten me although she tries. I stand waiting for her white wolf to catch up and come into the clearing. I start howling as she finally reaches me panting. We start to speak through mind link as our wolves sit on their hind legs taking a break.

"Ha! I don't know why you try little sis!"

"I know but I like to try, one of these days I will beat you you know."

"Yeah yeah whatever."

I turn my back and let Jamie transition back into human and throw on some shorts and a T-shirt from the clothes box. She does the same for me as I pull on some shorts.

"So.. Mom told me you had a date with a certain human last night?" Jamie speaks first grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

"I knew Mom would come running to you!" I say as I start to chuckle. These two were ecstatic I found my mate and it felt so good to know they didn't care she was human.

"Of course she did! Now tell me everything! Wait not everything but most things.."

"Ha! A gentleman never tells.. all you need to know is it was amazing and I can't wait to see her again." I say with a smile.

"Wow okay where is Zander and what have you done with him?" She says pretending to be shocked.

I roll my eyes at her. "I know don't remind me, I can't believe the effect she's had on me. I didn't think the mate bond would be this strong with her being human but she said the weirdest thing last night. She mentioned my cologne and how nice it smelt.."

Jamie interrupted me "huh ? You don't wear.." her eyes popped out of her head with realisation.

"Oh my god Zander!! She can smell your scent!!"

I grinned at her. "I know. Maybe the bond is stronger than we thought."

"This is amazing I'm so pleased for you, I knew she was special! Are you going to speak to the elders about this?"

"Woah calm down." I said stopping her in her tracks. " I don't want anyone knowing yet, I think Grace deserves the chance to know what I am before anyone else knows about her."

Jamie regains her composure and nods.

"Yeah good idea, I'm so pleased for you though Zander I'm glad you stopped that silly idea of rejecting her!"

I wince a little at her words, "I can't believe I ever let that idea go through my mind."

"Well you are an idiot." Jamie says beginning to laugh. "You know I noticed how fast Jett run today, it's the affects of the bond. When an Alpha finds his true mate they get stronger."

"I know I just.. I never expected it. Dad drilled it into me that they were a weakness." I say feeling almost ashamed.

"Dad was wrong about many things Zander. You need to let go of the past and look towards your future. A future with your mate and our Luna."

I smiled at Jamie, hearing her say those words made my heart take off I pictured Grace stood by my side leading this pack.

My Beautiful Grace.

My Luna.