Not My Mate - Finished

Chapter Fourteen - A New Mate

Luka was a week old when Kayne finally convinced me to let my family come over. I was hesitant and didn't feel up to having guests. Luka was waking up often to eat, so I was rather sleep deprived. My breasts were sore and adjusting to breastfeeding, and not to mention, they were constantly out for easier nursing. I was sore and just now starting to feel more normal physically.

My family had been calling and texting every day asking to see him, so finally, I caved.

Kayne was with Luka while I took a shower, brushed my hair, brushed my teeth and put on make up. I felt a little better after. I was grateful to have a hands-on partner. I wasn't sure I would survive without his help.

I was sitting on the couch with Kayne and Luka when the first knock against the door came. Kayne and I both went to the door carefully, so as not to wake Luka. I opened the door to see my parents, my brother and sister in law, Seth and another wolf standing outside. I smiled, and I suddenly felt guilty for keeping them out so long. I was happy they were here.

My mom wrapped me in a tight hug. “How are you feeling?” She asked.

“I'm tired, but good.” I said.

“Is he sleeping well?” My dad asked.

“No.” Kayne and I answered at the same time, laughing.

Kayne handed Luka to my mom, and she stepped to the side with my father right behind her. They cooed and awed at him. I greeted Ben and Leta with hugs. When I hugged Leta, I felt her stomach hit mine and look down to see a bump of her own. I gasped.

“What?!” I said excitedly, taking the bump into my hands. We met each other's eyes with huge smiles. I hugged her and Ben.

“We didn't want to take the spotlight and we didn't want to tell anyone until we were further along, since what happened last time was so public and sad for us.” Ben said.

“No! Take the spotlight! You've been trying forever! How far along?” I said.

“Five weeks, and he's really healthy!” Leta joined the conversation.

They stepped over to where my parents were standing and took turns holding Luka. He slept well through all of their passing around. Seth stepped up and gave a shy wave. He didn't introduce the girl behind him.

We all got situated in the living room. They were still passing Luka around, each taking a few minutes to hold him.

“How did the birth go sweetie?” My mom asked.

“It was... intense. It started out okay, I just couldn't get comfortable, my hips hurt, my back hurt. I wanted to just walk. After a while I felt like I was having my insides ripped out with a butter knife. Kayne was amazing though and he was born right into Kayne's hands and it really went off without a hitch.” I said.

“She did amazing. It was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Very tough.” Kayne said smiling at me.

We continued to talk about every detail of my birth, they gave appropriate reactions at every point and we spent the afternoon talking. Leta asked me to come to her birth and help support her, which I agreed to.

Eventually, Seth spoke up. “Bria, could I speak to you?”

“Use the meeting room.” Kayne suggested.

I nodded and stood to lead Seth into the meeting room. The mystery wolf who had come with them followed. I had barely noticed her. She was small, with strawberry blonde hair. She was wearing a pink dress that hung loosely against her tiny frame. We got in the meeting room and took a seat.

“Bria, this is my girlfriend, Makayla.” Seth said,

My breath caught in my chest. This was a surprise I had not prepared for.

“What?” I asked.

“My mate went to another pack. The Alpha only had daughters and his oldest daughter lost her mate. He went to them as an alliance. I haven't heard from him since. I don't want to step on toes or stand in your way, I understand that you will be around if Seth wants.” Makayla explained, stepping out from behind Seth quietly.

“What pack?”

“Spirit moon.”

Spirit moon had never allied with anyone.

“I'm undecided, still, Bria. What do you want me to do? Play house with you and the baby on weekends?” Seth said.

It hurt. A lot. I loved Kayne, he was not my mate but he had done everything to take care of me and loved me fiercely. However, no part of me had forgotten that our bond came from an agreement, an agreement that allowed me time with Seth, with my mate. Everything I had done up to this point was to see him and be with him, even in limited time.

When we were told the news that I would be leaving to come marry Kayne, Seth and I had promised each other we would find our way back somehow. We promised to always come back to each other. We promised we would always love each other.

I thought his face would be the one I saw when I looked up from my baby's face for the first time.

I wasn't unhappy by any means about anything that had gone on. Kayne made me happy, he was wonderful and a good husband. Luka was perfect and although I had not finished the adjustment into motherhood, I loved him with every fiber of my being.

I was sure Seth saw it that I had moved on, that I had willingly gone on without him. Though I was happy now, I had taken my time getting here and only agreed to the current situation to make sure we could be together. I had lost site of that in the chaos, but that didn't make it any less the case.

“Baby's hungry, can I bring him in?” Kayne peeked his head in. 

Yes.” I reached out for Luka and pulled him close to my chest. I pulled my shirt down and Kayne helped me get him latched.

I looked up and saw Seth's reaction to Kayne's touch, to our comfortable and loving bond, to us interacting so closely. He still loved me, but I couldn't blame him for wanting this, too.