White Fur

Chapter 19

Kanto’s POV

We ate our meals while continuing our conversation. I loved listening to how passionate Skyler gets when she talks about teaching. I really hope we can find a way for her to teach as well as being Luna, I would hate to make her give up her passion for something she didn’t choose.

I think mate will love being Luna too. Zenith said, he was enjoying this time with our mate too.

What makes you say that? I was curious as to why my wolf says that.

She’s compassionate and understanding. She knows how to communicate and command a room. She is smart and adaptable. She has a lot of the qualities that it takes to make a great Luna. I could feel pride coming from my wolf, I was proud of Skyler too.

I don’t doubt that she will make a great Luna. I just don’t know if she will love it as much as she loves teaching. How could I make her give up her dream for a position she didn’t know existed a week ago?

Kanto haven’t you been listening? Her favorite part of teaching is connecting and helping others. She’s going to like being Luna too. My wolf has some very insightful moments that come out of no where. It shocks me every time, since usually he’s more wild and animalistic.

I looked at Skyler who was finishing up the last bite of her food. I smiled to myself thinking about how lucky I was to have her as my mate. I swear when I saw her walk out of her apartment building, my heart stopped. She was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. She’s always beautiful, but I every time I see her, she is more beautiful than the last.

My thoughts were interrupted by the waitress when she came back to drop off the check. I could feel Zenith getting angry about her approaching the table. He has been growling at the waitress all night but he was extremely joyful of all Skyler’s comments to her. He loves how fierce Skyler was, I liked how she was standing up for herself.

“Is there anything else I could get you two?” That was the first time the waitress asked both of us, she’s been just asking me all night.

“No, I think we are good.” I answered giving Skyler a warm smile. I enjoyed seeing Skyler’s cheeks turn pink. The waitress put the check on the table and walked away. Skyler’s last comment really put her in place.

Skyler started to reach for the check, I snatched it off the table as quick as I could. “At least let me pay for my food, I feel bad because this place is so expensive.”

“Absolutely not, it was my idea to come here so I’m paying for it.” I said firmly.

“But Kanto-“

“Nope I’m paying.” Skyler slumped in her chair defeated. “Besides I own a multi-million dollar company, I think I can afford it.”

Skyler let out a sigh. “Fine. But at least let me know if that waitress left you her number.”

I laughed and opened up the black folder. I took out the paper receipt and inspected it. Nothing was written on and nothing else was in the folder. “No number, you must have scared her straight.”

“Good.” Skyler smirked. “Hopefully she learned to not flirt with other peoples boyfriends.”

It weird to hear Skyler call me her boyfriend. In the supernatural world, we just call each other mates. I never thought I’d be referred to using such a human term, but I like it. It definitely made Zenith happy to hear.

“Ready to go?” I asked after paying for the meal.

“Only if you finally tell me where we are going.” Skyler said.

“Nope that’s still a surprise.” I got up and offered Skyler my arm, which she gladly took. We walked out of the restaurant and down the street a couple blocks. I felt Skyler hold more tightly to my arm every time we passed a dark alleyway, but she had a smile on her face as we walked. A cool summer breeze blew by us as we got closer to our destination. We finally made it to a big brick building, I unlinked my arm from Skyler to open the door. She hesitated to walk in.

“This is where we are going.” I said, but she still didn’t move she just looked at me like I was crazy. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on. Trust me.”

Skyler reluctantly walked in through the door. We walked up to the person at the desk. They looked up and asked “Reservation?”

“Boterea.” I saw Skyler looking around the lobby for clues on what this place could be. I was happy to see she would have to continue to live in suspense for the next 2 minutes.

“Here you go sir. The start is down the stairs and to your right.” The desk clerk pointed to the staircase in the corner of the lobby.

“Thank you.” Skyler said politely before I guided her to the stairs. We got down and went to the right and we made it to double doors. “I swear Kanto Boterea, if I get murdered here, my people will find you.”

I laughed and opened the door for her to walk in. She took a couple steps into the room before gasping. Her eyes were wide with excitement and a big smile crept across her face. I peeled my eyes away from her to look at what she was staring at. It was a huge room, the walls were giant screens that went from the floor to the ceiling. On the screen was a animation of cherry blossom trees blowing in the breeze, the colors of the petals were swirling all around the room. After a couple minutes the screens changed to that of a futuristic city, there were drones and flying cars but there were some cherry blossom trees attached to the buildings. In the middle of the room we’re three oil drums with fake cherry blossom branches in them and they glowed as if they were on fire.

“This is beautiful.” Skyler was still gazing at the room around her. “I’ve always wanted to go to one of these immersive art exhibits. It so amazing how talented people are.”

“I’m glad you like it. This exhibit is supposed to be about nature resilience in a cyberpunk future city.” I recalled the info from when I was buying the tickets.

“Oh so how nature can grow in the most unexpected places.” Skyler walked even closer to the screen as if she were inspecting the smallest details of the artwork. “This truly is spectacular.”

She then grabbed my hand and took me to the next room. This one looked more like a downtown street market with, of course, and abundance of cherry blossoms everywhere. The vibrant colors really made it seem like we were in a different world. I was enjoying the exhibit when I felt another pang of pressure in my head. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. When I opened my eyes again Skyler was standing up at me looking up to meet my eyes.

“Are you ok?” She tilted her head to the side.

“Yea I’m fine. Just a minor distraction.” It was pack members trying to contact me through my mind link. I told Brett and Jack that I would be unavailable tonight so I could focus on Skyler. I put up a mental block to prevent people from mind-linking me, but if enough pack members try to mind-link me at the same time or if enough high ranking pack members try to reach me I can feel it.

“Are you sure? You look like you’re in pain.” Skyler reached a hand up to place it on my cheek, then ran it down my neck and to my chest. She still looked concerned though. “You can tell me if something is bothering you or if something is wrong.”

I smiled and looked around the room, there were too many people within earshot of us. I took Skyler’s hand and walked into the next room and found a place where not too many people were. “Other pack members are trying to contact me.”

“What do you mean?”

“Werewolves in the same pack can telepathically communicate with each other. We call it mind-linking. I put up a block so people couldn’t reach me, but some one is still trying to.” I explained.

“Then it must be really important.” Skyler’s face turned serious but determined. “You can answer it, I don’t mind, besides I’ll just keep looking at the art. Thank you for taking me here it really is wonderful.”

Before I could argue about how I wanted to focus on just her, she used my jacket to pull me down, planted a kiss on my lips then released me. “Just don’t keep me waiting too long.” She giggled before scurrying closer to one of the screens.

She knows exactly the effect she has on us, doesn’t she? I said to Zenith.

I wanna see the effect I have on her. I could feel Zenith getting antsy. I turned away from Skyler so I could focus on whoever was mind-linking me.

Brett, I swear if you don’t have a damn good reason for interrupting me, I’m going to make your life a living hell. I answered with extra force.

I’m sorry Alpha, but the pack knows. Brett linked.

Knows what.

Brett hesitated for a moment. The pack knows about Skyler. There was a picture that was sent out to almost every pack member. The picture is of you kissing her hand in a restaurant. It’s very clearly you and it’s very easy to see Skyler as well.

Anger rose inside of me. Zenith was furious and I didn’t blame him. Now the whole pack knows about Skyler, but who took the picture? And who else possibly knows about Skyler?

What would you like to do Alpha? Brett asked.

I sighed before answering. Alright, I want to find out who sent the original picture. Then I want to hold a meeting with the pack elder council tomorrow afternoon to talk about Skyler. Then on Monday I will make an announcement to the entire pack. I want you to contact the council and request a meeting. I’ll get Jack to work on the picture and I’ll have my mom help with the whole pack announcement.

Understood. Brett went quiet for another second. You should also convince Skyler to move to the pack house as soon as possible. It’s no longer safe for her to live so far away.

I know. I knew Skyler needed to move into the pack house, I just wanted to give her more time to process everything. Until then, have Dustin join Colton in protecting her. We don’t know if the person who took the picture was just following me or if they have known about Skyler all along.

I’ll let him know. I’m sorry about this Kanto. I know you were trying to give Skyler time. I think she’ll understand too. Brett ended our mind-link.

I mind-linked Jack and my mother after that to tell them of the plan. I then put my block back up. I rubbed my face with both hands before running my hands back through my hair.

Damn it! I thought to myself but ended up getting a reply from Zenith.

I'm going to destroy whoever sent that picture. Zenith growled

Agreed, but first we need to make sure Skyler is safe. Zenith nodded in agreement. I turned back around but Skyler wasn’t in the room.

“Skyler?” I said loudly. My heart sank did someone take her while I wasn’t paying attention. I decided to say much louder “Skyler?”

“Oh sorry.” She popped out from the previous room, I let out a sigh of relief when I saw her. “We moved so quickly through that room and I didn’t want to bother you so I went back for a moment. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. Is everything ok?”

I didn’t answer immediately, she is still adjusting to the fact that I’m a werewolf. Also she still has some trauma from being attacked. How can I tell her she could be in danger?

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Or you can tell me later, but I’m here if you want to talk about it.” She gave me a small smile.

“It’s just about us being mates. Some of the other pack members found out. I’m not ashamed of you, but some of them are still against having human mates. So I wanted to find a way to tell them, instead of it being sprung on them.” I explained.

“Oh.” Skyler’s head dropped down to stare at her feet. “I’m sorry we haven’t done everything required for the mate bond to be sealed. I just don’t want to rush into anything. Last time I rushed in a relationship, it ended badly and I don’t want to be hurt like that again. I’m sorry, I am trying I just need more time.”

I saw her start to tremble and I could hear her voice begin to hitch. I pulled her into my arms and gave her a tight hug. “You don’t have to be sorry. You’ve already be so understanding, I want you to take all the time that you need. So don’t be sorry.”

Whoever that bastard was that hurt our mate, I’m going to find him and tear him to shreds. Zenith fumed. I pushed him to the back of my mind, now wasn’t the time to be angry. But there was definitely no way I could ask Skyler to move into the pack house now. I knew I shouldn’t have let anyone mind-link me, I completely ruined our date.

Skyler took a deep breath and released it before pulling away. “Come on, this date isn’t over. Beside I want to see the rest of the exhibit.” She smiled and started walking backwards towards the next room. She grabbed my hand and slowly started pulling me towards her until I smiled and followed. She softly laughed “This date isn’t ruined, and if it is I know just how to fix it.”

We continued to walk through the exhibit, Skyler loved all the cherry blossoms everywhere, while I told her I like the technology aspect. Skyler spotted a couple trying to take a selfie and offered her photography services, only under the condition that they would take a picture of us. They happily obliged and Skyler promised to send me the pictures later. We finished walking through the exhibit and started to head back to the car. A couple blocks away, Skyler tugged on my arm to go a different direction.

“It’s my turn to surprise you.” She said with a mischievous smile. We walked a couple blocks until we came across a retro styled diner. “I hope you’re still hungry.”

“Skyler, I’m a werewolf, I’m always hungry.” I replied.

I’m hungry for you little mate. Zenith was back to being Zenith.

We walked in and were seated at a booth in the corner. Before we could look at the menu and older woman probably in her 50’s came up and instantly hugged Skyler. Zenith did not appreciate the sudden intrusion, but calmed down when Skyler hugged the woman back.

“Oh my goodness Skyler, it’s been such a long time. Look at you, you’re so beautiful.” Ok this woman wasn’t so bad. “How dare you not come by in so long.”

“I’m sorry Colette, school always gets a bit crazy at the end of the year.” Skyler said. She then motioned to me. “Colette this is my boyfriend, Kanto. Kanto this is one of my friends Colette.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” I offered my hand out to Colette. She took it with both hands.

“Oh my Skyler, he’s very handsome.” She tried to say just to Skyler, but thanks to my werewolf hearing I could hear it. Skyler’s face turned pink because she knew I heard it too. “Nice to meet you, Kanto. You are treating my Skyler well I hope.”

“Yes ma’am, I’m a very lucky man.” I answered honestly which turned Skyler’s face an even darker shade of pink.

“Well I’ll let you two get settled and then I’ll take your orders, ok?” Colette gave a smile before going back to the kitchen.

“So that’s Colette. She’s one of the owners of the diner. I’ve been friends with her for the past 8 years or so.” Skyler paused and looked around to make sure no one was listening in before she continued. “You’ve been so open with your life, I thought I’d share a part of mine with you.”

Before Skyler continued, Colette came back and took our orders. She was definitely better than the waitress we had earlier. Once Colette was gone Skyler continued. “I left home when I was 18 and moved here to the city. I didn’t have much money and I was couch surfing a lot until my scholarship allowed me to live in the college dorms. I came here and got a job, Colette hired me on the spot and has been a really big help with me starting my life here, she even helped me find my apartment when I finished school. Everyone at the diner was very supportive, it was like we were family. They even held a graduation party for me when I finished college. I try to stop by every now and then to say hi. This place was such a big part of my life, I just wanted to share it with you.”

“Then I’m grateful to this place too. Because it helped me meet you.” Skyler already impressed me but knowing that she was able to put herself through college and work so she could have a better life. The best part was she wasn’t showing off, I could tell she was truly appreciative of the people around her.

We continued to talk about Skyler’s earlier life in the city, until we finished our food. Colette tried to pay for our food, but Skyler refused. Then I tried paying for our food, but Skyler told Colette to take her money instead. Skyler hugged Colette again before we left to go back to my car. We drove back to Skyler’s apartment, I parked my car and escorted her to the front door.

“Thank you for everything tonight Kanto, it was perfect.” Skyler beamed with joy.

“Perfect?”

“Well other than that bitchy waitress, I had a great time.” We both laughed.

We walked up the couple stairs right in front of her building and stopped. I turned her to face me before leaning down and gently kissing her on the lips. She tasted like strawberries every time we kissed. Skyler wrapped her arms around my neck and deepened the kiss. My tongue pressed against her lips demanding entrance to her mouth which she allowed. That’s when the subtle hint of papayas hit. My hands dropped down to her lower back as I pulled her in closer, almost lifting her off the ground. But suddenly Skyler pulled away.

“Do you want to come upstairs?” She whispered her face turning pink again.

You don’t have to ask me twice. I smiled and let her lead me to her apartment.