Best Friends to Mates

Chapter Thirteen

I pressed my lips against Thatcher's. Sparks exploded across my body when our lips met, making me feel as if I had been hit by a truck.

My breath left my body, and I could no longer feel anything besides Thatcher's lips on mine. It was magical. Everything I had ever thought kissing my mate would be like, and more.

The kiss was a passionate one. It wasn't filled with a deep hunger but more of a gentler feel. It had my heart fluttering uncontrollably.

My first kiss was with my destined mate.

Thatcher pulled away slowly, allowing me to catch my breath. My eyes remained closed for a few seconds after as I attempted to calm my erratic heart.

When my eyes opened, I met with Thatcher's blue ones. A soft, content smile lay across his face.

"Wow." Thatcher spoke, breaking the small silence. My cheeks reddened. "That was, by far, the best kiss I have ever had in my life." Thatcher smiled, making me blush even harder.

"That was the only kiss I have ever had." I admitted sheepishly. Thatcher's brows raised. "And it was definitely wow." I giggled.

"I was your first kiss?" Thatcher asked in surprise. I nodded, feeling embarrassed by it for some reason. I looked down at my hands.

"Yeah.." I replied in a low voice.

Thatcher pulled my face back up to look at him. "I am so happy that I was your first kiss, little mate."

He leaned in and pressed his soft lips to my own, once again. This kiss was even gentler and filled with care.

After pulling away, Thatcher pushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Tessy."

"I want to be your first, and last, of everything."

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The next morning, I woke with a giant smile on my face. Memories of the day before replayed in my mind. Finding out that Thatcher was my mate was definitely a huge shock; but a happy one.

Getting to spend the day with Thatcher and reminiscing about all of our memories while growing up was amazing. I had truly missed him so much while I was gone.

I admit that I was incredibly sad when he had to leave to deal with some Beta issues, but I understand that he has responsibilities to the pack.

The kisses we shared yesterday flooded into my mind. I raised my fingers to my tingling lips and smiled. The explosion of electric sparks that flooded my entire body from the kiss had almost caused moans to slip from my mouth.

"Honey, you awake?" I heard my mother call from the other side of my door. I opened it and was met with her smiling face.

"Morning, mom." I greeted cheerfully.

"Good morning, sweetheart. Someone seems like they're in a good mood this morning." Mom teased, raising her brows at me.

A laugh escaped me. "Yeah, I'm just excited about getting to train with dad again." I shrugged.

Mom eyed me suspiciously. "Mhm."

"What?" I asked with a slight giggle.

"Are you sure it doesn't have anything to do with finding your mate yesterday? And your mate ending up being the man you have loved since you were little?" Mom asked, making me gasp in shock.

My mouth opened and closed like a fish. I was completely dumbfounded. My mom laughed heartedly at the look on my face before patting my arm.

"Yeah, we've all known for a l-o-o-ong time. The only ones to not know that you two have loved one another for years are you and Thatcher." Mom shrugged nonchalantly.

I scoffed, feeling my cheeks heat up from embarrassment. "What? Mom, Thatcher, and I loved each other as best friends." I tried to convince her.

Mom shook her head. "Yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night, sweety." She laughed before turning to head down the stairs.

"Your dad is waiting downstairs!" She called back. I stood shocked as I watched her retreating figure down the stairs and around the corner into the kitchen.

I stood there in shock for a moment. Memories of Thatcher and I, while growing up, flooded into my mind. From laughing about something silly, to heartfelt talks, to him wiping my tears as I cried.

Thatcher was there through it all. He knew me more than I knew myself, and I knew him. We have shared every important moment together, and being mates was just something new we have shared together.

Looking back, I realized that maybe I did love Thatcher as more than my best friend. The jealousy and hurt over Amy wasn't just because I was afraid to lose my best friend, but also because I was in love with him, and he was with someone else.

It dawned on me like a punch to the gut.

It took a few minutes for me to collect my thoughts. I still couldn't believe that after all this time, I'm just now realizing it all.

I headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. My dad was seated in his usual spot at the head of the table, and my mother sat right next to him.

Dad was buried into a stack of papers, as usual. Even after passing on the Alpha title, he still spent a lot of time going over the packs business. I'm sure Levi appreciated the help, though.

Our dad is a very smart man. He was an amazing Alpha to our people, and everyone in this pack loves and respects my father. He enforced rules and dealt punishments out when called for, but he didn't enjoy it like some Alphas do. My father cares for the people of this pack, and he has shown it time and time again.

He is a strong man. Although he doesn't like confrontation, he also isn't afraid to end things in bloodshed if the need were to arise; though he would prefer it not lead to that. My father is no pushover, and the other Alphas know it.

Levi is the same as my father. Our dad has taught him well and started his Alpha training when he was young. This has allowed my brother to watch how our father led this pack and shown him the right way to handle business.