Accidental Mates

9

“Can you please explain to me why you’re wearing Logan’s shirt and nothing else?”

Cassie felt her face go up in flames as Liz drew everyone’s attention to her attire, or lack thereof. Before she could say anything, Liz added,

“Don’t try to deny it either. We have been friends since we were born. During all these years, I’ve seen you without clothes more times than I would have liked. But in this case, anyone can see that you aren’t wearing anything under that shirt. Come to think of it,” Liz pointed at Logan. “ I’d like to commend this one on his self control. Not only is he able to keep his hands to himself, but he actually walked you all the way here in front of everyone without ripping any throats out!”

At Liz’s words Logan chuckled, “ It wasn’t easy, I admit.” He teased, sending Cassie a look that almost melted her on the spot. “Especially with Cassie looking like the best kind of snack.”

Covering her face in embarrassment, Cassie wished she could spontaneously become invisible.

Hearing snickers, she peeked through her fingers to see the unknown male quickly trying to get himself under control while Liz shushed him.

Finally Laura took pity on her daughter, coming forward to pull her to her feet, while trying to hide her smile.

“Why don’t you go change? We can all talk when you get back.”

Cassie sent her mother a grateful smile before turning and dashing past her returning father without a word and up the stairs to her bedroom. As she closed the door, she heard laughter erupt from downstairs.

Smiling at herself in the mirror, she realized she was actually happy with how things had turned out. Although she didn’t know him well, Cassie instinctively knew that Logan was a good male that would treat her the way a female should be treated. Her father always spoke highly of him and his performance within the pride. He seemed to get along well with the other members of the guard and treated all the females with respect. She was still uncertain about the accusations Phillip made about Logan following her, but she had agreed to let him explain, so she would keep her reservations to herself until she heard all of the facts. And most importantly, she thought to herself as more laughter arose from the den, he would fit in just fine with her family.

After changing into something a little less revealing, Cassie made her way back to the den to find everyone exactly as she had left them. Logan immediately looked up at her as she entered, as if he had been listening for her return. As she joined him on the sofa, Cassie caught Laura giving them both a loving smile, clearly happy with her daughter’s new mate.

Leaning in as he handed her a drink, Logan growled in her ear, “ You look gorgeous, but I prefer you in my shirt.”

Shocked, Cassie almost chocked on her lemonade. “Don’t say things like that to me! Especially in front of my parents!”

Logan, grinning at the heat pouring into Cassie’s face, leaned back in his seat, “Why not? I think a woman should hear how good she looks, no matter who happens to be in the room.”

Calvin raised his glass to Logan, “I second that! I see you catch on to this mate thing quick!”

“I’d say!” Liz agreed, “Although I’m still waiting for an explanation!” She looked pointedly at Cassie.

Cassie sighed, “You aren’t gonna let that go are you?” Taking her best friend’s silence as a no, she rolled her eyes. “Logan’s lion wasn’t too happy to have so many other males’ scents on me, and I didn’t have anything else to wear.”

“Well,” Liz pouted, clearly disappointed, “ That is a lot less exciting than I was hoping it would be.”

As everyone laughed at Liz, Calvin nodded at Logan in understanding. “That’s the mane blood son, our instincts are stronger than other males. Unfortunately, that means it’s harder to keep our lions in check sometimes.”

“Well that explains why this one doesn’t seem bothered.” Liz remarked, pointing her thumb at the male at her side.

“Speaking of, are you ever gonna introduce us?” Cassie asked giving Liz her own pointed look.

“Oh yeah.” Liz answered, grinning, “This is Derrick, my mate. We bonded shortly after you and Logan did.”

“That’s awesome Liz!” Cassie exclaimed, bounding from the sofa to give her friend a hug. “I’m so happy we both found our mates.”

Logan followed her, holding his hand out to Derrick to shake. “ Nice to meet you Derrick.”

“Nice to meet you as well. Liz told me what happened with Phillip. I’m not sure I could have had such self control, if he had treated my mate like that. That’s the mark of a true Mane, just know I’ll have your back if he tries anything.”

“Thanks man.’ Logan replied, nodding his head in acknowledgment of Derrick’s words.

“That’s right.” Calvin said, nodding his head at the two young males’

“You two better get used to the idea of spending a lot of time together. Trust me, I know these two females here, and if they had their way, they would live together. So it’s best if you get acquainted quickly” he chuckled, throwing an arm around each of the young male’s shoulders.

Leaving the males to talk, Cassie pulled Liz aside. “ I can’t believe we are both mated.” She gave her best friend a hug. “ Are you happy with Derrick?”

“ Well, it’s too early to tell yet, but he seems like a nice male. He doesn’t have Mane blood like Logan, but he doesn’t seem the type to back down from a fight. Logan and your dad seem to like him.” Liz added, glancing over to where the three males had gathered by the fireplace.

“I believe you’re right dear,” Laura smiled as she joined them.

“From what Calvin has told me, Derrick is a good fighter and is a very loyal member of our pride. I’m sure he will be a great mate for you.” She added while refilling their glasses with fresh lemonade.

“Your father and I couldn’t be happier with your mate, sweetheart. Logan is perfect for you. With him by your side, we know the pride will be in good hands.

“Thanks Mom, but I can’t help but feel like I somehow trapped him. It’s no secret he didn’t want a mate. He’s never once participated in the trials, never expressed any interest in any female and yet here we are, mated without even trying!”

Glancing at the males, Laura took her daughter’s hand.

“Sweetheart, there’s something you should know. Come on. It’s best that we have a seat. Calvin, Logan, I think it’s time Cassie learns the truth, don’t you?” She called across the room.

As everyone settled back into their seats, Cassie couldn’t help but wonder what her parents and Logan were keeping from her. She couldn’t make assumptions but weren’t secrets like this usually something bad? And why did they feel like they had to keep secrets from her in the first place? Hadn’t she proven her trustworthiness? Leaning back in her seat, Cassie noticed Logan’s arm behind her, turning to him, she asked;

“How are you so ok with this? We chose to be a part of the trials, but you didn’t. This was just thrown on you without warning. And on top of all of that, you barely know me!”

“Actually,” Calvin began, “Logan knows you better than you know him. He’s been watching you for years.”

“What?” Cassie exclaimed, pulling away from Logan. “Phillip said something earlier about you stalking me. I assumed he was trying to cause trouble. But was he really telling the truth? Have you been stalking me?” She asked Logan before turning to her parents,

“ And you two knew about this?” She asked them in disbelief.

“Wait,” Liz cut in, “ That’s messed up. There’s a lot wrong with this. First, you,” she said, pointing at Logan. “ Stalking someone is wrong. Especially when that someone is a minor who just happens to be the only child of the Mane who took you in as a cub. It’s creepy. And second,“ she added turning to Calvin and Laura, “If you two knew he was following her, why didn’t you stop him? Kick him out of the pride or something? At the very least give him a good lesson in respect!”

“Because I asked him to dear.”

With one simple sentence Laura held everyone’s attention.

“Mom, what do you mean? You asked Logan to stalk me? Why?”

“Not stalk you sweetheart, protect you. He’s been fighting to keep you safe for years. If it wasn’t for Logan, you would have been kidn*pped and made to bond with any number of males looking to secure the pride for themselves. Tell her Logan. It’s time she knew exactly what you have done for us all these years.”

At her mother’s words, Cassie turned to her new mate. “ Logan? Is it true? Have you really been doing as she said?”

As their eyes met, Cassie could see the truth shining back at her. “Yes, it’s true. Let me explain”

Cassie’s eyes grew wide as Logan told her all of the things she had been oblivious to. With each word he spoke, she realized just how much this male in front of her had done to keep her safe. As his story continued, her respect for him grew. Suddenly he wasn’t just her father’s favorite fighter, or the lion her father took in as a cub. He was her protector, her silent shadow that saved her from unimaginable horror. When he finished, she looked at her mate, knowing that he meant it when he said he would protect her with his life. After all, he had spent the last three years doing just that.

“So, you have been fighting multiple males at the same time to protect me for years?” As Logan nodded, Cassie shook her head in astonishment.

“Why? You put yourself in danger for a young female you barely knew? For what? No one would have blamed you for refusing. And let’s be honest, I didn’t really make it easy did I?’

Logan chuckled as he turned to his little mate, “no, you definitely did not make it easy. And at first, it was just a job that my Mane had asked of me. But after a while I became protective over you all on my own. In a weird way, I saw you as mine. You were MY charge and MINE to protect. I should have known then that you would be my mate, but I refused to see it because even then I was determined to be single. But when that excuse of a male touched you today like he had every right to put his hands on you, I lost it. The only thing I could think about was ripping his throat out.”

The last sentence came out as a growl as Logan took a deep breath, fighting to control the beast lurking just under his skin.

Upon seeing Logan fight so hard for control, and hearing his account of everything, Cassie couldn’t help but be drawn to this male. She didn’t care if it was her own feelings or the mate bond, in that moment, she didn’t want to be mated to anyone else. Placing her hand on his chest, she looked up into solid black eyes.

“Thank you.” She whispered, feeling him settle under her touch.

“For everything. You kept me safe when I didn’t know I needed saving. I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I’m thankful anyways.”

As Logan’s eyes slowly turned back to their rich chocolate color, Cassie noticed the room had become silent. Looking at her parents, she saw the love they had for her shining in their eyes. She couldn’t fathom the courage it took for her father to entrust the safety of his only child to someone else. Now, Logan’s frequent visits to their home made sense; they were talking about her.

Glancing at her best friend, Cassie noticed for the first time in her life, Liz appeared speechless. Knowing the moment wouldn’t last long, Cassie smiled at her and her new mate.

Considering he was new to the situation, Derrick seemed to be handling himself pretty well. And if the tight grip she currently had on his hand was any indication, he seemed to be handling Liz just fine as well.

“Yes, thank you Logan.” Liz had finally regained her voice. “ Even though I know Cassie was your main concern, considering how much time we spend together, you kept them off me too. For that I’m grateful. Wait, is that why Mark was never worried when we were hanging out?” At Logan’s nod she added;

“He knew? Huh, I just thought he couldn’t be bothered with me.”

“Yes Mark knew.” Laura confirmed. “ We told him what happened after that first afternoon.”

“I’d like to add my thanks as well,” Derrick began,coming over to shake Logan’s hand.

“You protected my mate before I even knew her. You kept her safe so that we could meet, for that I will always be grateful to you. You will be an amazing Mane, Logan, and I hereby swear my loyalty to you for as long as I live.” He continued while sinking to a knee and bowing his head.

Shocked, Logan looked at Calvin who nodded encouragingly before rising slowly to his feet before the bowing male.

“Thank you Derrick for your pledge. I will be honored to lead you as your Mane.” Taking him by the shoulders he pulled Derrick to his feet before he added,

“ I know we don’t know each other well yet, but if you are worthy to mate a lioness like Liz, I know you are an honorable male. So when the time comes, would you be willing to serve on my council?”

As Derrick accepted his new position, Cassie glanced at her mom, who winked and gave her an ‘I told you so’ look.

“Great!” Calvin exclaimed, “Now that we have that settled, I think it’s time we discuss living arrangements.”

Confused, Cassie looked between her parents.

“ What’s there to discuss? The joining won’t be for a month. Mated pairs don’t live together until after the joining. So wouldn’t Logan be in his house and I stay here until then?”

Laura looked at her mate before answering.

“Actually dear, your father and I think it would be safer for you if you move into Logan’s house with him. We believe this next month will be even more dangerous for you than before the trials. We would like to be able to move up the joining, but we can’t do that without raising a few questions with the pride. We feel the ones that were trying to force you might redouble their efforts now that you have mated Logan and are planning your joining.”

“ Yes,” Calvin added. “They know their time is limited now and they will become desperate to get to you before your joining. Although it isn’t normally done, there’s no rule against pairs living together before they are joined. Although I should warn you, it is somewhat frowned upon. So if you do this, be prepared for some comments you might not like.” Seeing the expression on his daughter’s face, Calvin gave her a sad smile.

“ I know this is a lot to take in at once. Just know I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t believe it was necessary. Logan is one of my best, regardless of his young age, he will be a great mate for you. I understand you are hesitant because you don’t know him that well, but I do. Rest assured that you are safe with him. He is an honorable male that will respect you and care for you as you deserve. You will get to know him with time, but for now, please trust my advice with this.”

“ I trust you Daddy, and I trust Logan. After everything he has done to protect me, how could I not? I’ll just miss you and Mom.” Cassie sniffed.

“We will miss you as well sweetheart. Your father and I have always tried to do what is best for you. And regardless of how much we all wish things were different, the best thing for you now is for you to go with Logan. Besides, this isn’t goodbye, you will still see us everyday. You will just be living in your own home, which you will be doing soon either way. We are just speeding up the process a little.”

“ I am honored by your faith in me. I promise, I will protect your daughter with my life. As long as I draw breath, she will be safe with me.” Logan vowed. After receiving an approving nod from Calvin, he turned to Cassie. “I know it won’t be easy for you, but I promise to help any way I can. If you’re willing, that is.”

Taking a deep breath, Cassie took Logan’s hand. “ I’m willing” she said, drawing smiles from her parents as well as her mate.

Laura turned to Liz, “ It would be a good idea if you were to stay with Derrick as well. You might not be our cub, but the whole pride knows that you’re best friends with Cassie. These lions that are threatening Cassie could try to use you to get to her. With Mark on patrol most nights, it would be easy for someone to get to you while you’re alone in the house. So I think it would be better to be safe than sorry in this case. Mark knows the threat, so I don’t anticipate any objections from him. However, as your guardian, he should still have an opportunity to voice his opinion, so Calvin will speak with him about it.”

Nodding Liz looked at Derrick, “ Well, what do you think? Ready to give up your bachelor pad?”

“Absolutely.” Came the quick reply.

Chuckling, Calvin rubbed his hands together.

“That’s the spirit! Now, remember girls,” he said, looking between the young females, “ even though you will be safer in your new homes, the threat wont completely go away until your ceremonies. So I want you both to promise me that you won’t go anywhere alone and you won’t let your guards down. Don’t take unnecessary risks.”

After both promised to be cautious, Calvin continued,

“It would be best if you four get home before it gets late. We don’t need any surprises sneaking up on you in the dark. Girls, just pack an overnight bag for tonight, you can move the rest of your belongings tomorrow.”

“Logan, will you accompany Liz and Derrick next door to her house to pack while I get my things from upstairs?” Cassie asked before turning to Derrick. “Not that I’m doubting your ability to protect Liz, I just think we should all be on guard for now.”

“No worries, I think it’s a good idea. It never hurts to have some extra muscles. And it’s clear to anyone Logan has a few to spare!” Derrick joked, easing the tension that was becoming palpable in the room.

Rising Logan turned and pulled Cassie to her feet. ‘Be quick. Your parents are right, we shouldn’t be out late tonight. Especially after what happened with Phillip today.”

“Of course,” she agreed. Turning to Calvin, she asked,

“Before we go though, wouldn’t it be easier to just banish Phillip and his friends from the pride?” Seeing her dad start to shake his head, Cassie continued,

“Why not? Hasn’t he shown that he can’t be trusted to follow the rules? How many times has Logan had to defend me already?”

“You’re right,” Calvin agreed, “but we can’t prove what his intentions were and any case we make will be his word against Logan’s. Sure, as Mane, I could banish him. But without just cause, I risk losing the loyalty of the pride members. Everyone knows Phillip and Logan have issues, even if they don’t understand why. Now that you and Logan formed the mate bond, regardless of what we said, it would look as if I were just getting rid of someone because my future son-in-law disliked him. That would cause division in the pride that we can’t have right now. So until you four are safely joined, our best course of action is defense. That means keeping you ladies guarded at all times.”

“I understand. I’ll go pack now. Meet you guys back here in ten?” Cassie asked, heading toward the stairs.

“Sure thing girlie!” Liz replied, while pulling Derrick behind her, “And don’t worry about your man, I’ll protect him for you!” Cassie laughed as she watched the man in question shake his head in disbelief as he followed them through the door.

After the girls had packed their things, the young pairs were gathered in the hall saying their goodbyes.

“Are you sure you don’t want to wait for your father to send for some extra guards? It will only take a few minutes.”

“Thanks for the offer, Laura. But we can’t accept.” Logan replied, while pulling the strap of Cassie’s overnight bag over his shoulder.

“He’s right dear.” Calvin nodded approvingly. “I have full confidence that they are capable of walking across the compound alone.”

“We will be fine Mom.” Cassie said as she gave her parents one last hug. Turning to the three waiting for her by the door she asked, “Are we ready to go?”

“Let’s do this! Goodnight Laura, Calvin” Liz replied giving them each a hug as Derrick opened the door.

Together the four of them left the comfort of the Langford home for encroaching darkness of the evening twilight.