Embers Of The Heart

I walk towards the register smelling mangos and pineapple. The smell gets stronger as I get closer. I follow the smell to ile 13. I look up to see beautiful green eyes, long dark curly hair, chubby but curvy 5" 2 women. Mate Ian says. Wait what? I've heard of second chance mates but I never thought I'd have one after Lucy. She was everything to me and my wolf Ian. We lost her and the twins ten years ago during childbirth. This is my first time going out in a long time. I wrapped myself in alpha duties and work only leaving when I had to. I couldn't bear going anywhere without her, let alone the grocery store. I know it sounds silly but we wanted our children to have a normal life and not allow them to be catered. We wanted them to be independent. To earn what they gain. I worked my ass off for my alpha title. My father didn't just give it to me. I worked hard through school and worked part time as a janitor at my dad's company. He wanted me to work my way up from bottom to top. After senior year I went to college and got my bachelors degree in business. I then went back and became an intern working my way up. Lucy and I met each other at a Ball that was hosted every year with King Luther and Queen Elizabeth or as we call them uncle Luther and aunt Elizabeth. It was a ball where you could meet your mate or enjoy having fun. I went with my older sister Leslie to accompany her. She didn't like it but she got over it quickly when she met her mate Alpha Brian Wilson of Firefall Moon pack. They just recently got pregnant after years of trying. Goddess bless them. I hear a slight throat clearing snapping me out of my trance. s**t how long was I out? I look up to see her staring at me. She smiles at me as I realize she had already emptied my cart, scanned my items and was waiting for me to pay. Sorry.. I umm it's ok I know you were talking to your wolf. Before I could stop myself how'd you know? Well i'm sure not all the books are right but you said mate, then stared into space for a few moments. I placed my phone in your hand to make it look like you were reading something. I smile at her and since I have her phone I put my number in. Who said you could do that Mr? Well it's only fair and reasonable that my mate has my number is it not? Well it is, however you could have still been polite and asked for my number instead! She smiles afterward. Goddess it's a beautiful smile! Your total is $210.00 dollars. She says flatly I look over to see a not so happy manager that could not only use a shower but an attitude change and a diet. He looks like his one donut away from corking. I pull out my card trying to stay calm. My mate looks at me with pleading eyes. I sigh and pay for items. I walk away realizing I still have her phone. I go to turn around when I hear; you little b***h you scan bag and tell them the total no other conversations. You are being written up one more strike and you're out of here. I'm about to say something and put this old man in his place. I'll rip him to shreds says Ian.When I hear. I quit! She says calmly and takes her vest and name tag off and any other uniform items. The man stands there like a fish outta water and she comes over to me grabbing my hand. Honey, are you ready to go? I stare at her for a second, compose myself and nod. We walk out of the store and head to my truck. Are you ok? she asks as her eyebrows net together causing a slight frown. I try to calm down but I'm ready to go back in there. She then smiles brightly and warpers her arms around me. All my anger melts with her touch. Mmm mate smells so good says says Ian. I'm ok he was an asshole anyway. I've been wanting to quit. I was just trying to save up money. I can find another job. It's ok she says. I kiss the top of her head feeling at ease. She looks at me with those green eyes. Would you like to order take out and go to my apartment? Yea let's put this in and I'll follow behind you. I don't have a car. I was just walking to work since it wasn't far and it helped save money faster. Ok tell me which way to go I say smiling. Our mate is so pretty, says Ian. Yes she is. We reached her apartment within 5 min. It was an older brick building with two sided windows in each apartment. We go inside and reach her apartment. She opens the door and it smells just like her. It's small with a little bathroom and a pull down bed. A chair and a small table. Then a small sink and stove. It's nice. I hope she likes my home. No our home. I smile and look at her. She hands me a few take out menus and we end up ordering Chinese food. We talk the entire time laughing. Oh her laugh is so sweet. The doorbell rings and the food is delivered before she can say anything I pay and get rid of the delivery guy. His interrupting our time together. Next time I'm getting the food! She says.I just nod in response. We get our food out and start eating. So you're the Alpha of BloodMoon. The scariest, most respected pack? Yes. In relation to the King and Queen, but since your Grandfather who's the King's brother turned down the title and decided to be Alpha and have a quieter life. Yes and my cousin Richard will become the next King once uncle decides to step down. They had him later in life. At one point they gave up and were giving me the throne when I was born then Richard came. I'm glad because I want a quieter life too. I don't blame you for wanting that. I'm so glad we met Levi. She grabs my hand and looks into my eyes. Levi she says softly. Yes sweetheart? What's the next step? I know we just meet and it's the first day, but don't mates tend to meet,mate and become part of one or the other's pack? What would you like to do Lanny I ask? She bites her bottom lip. I can't help, but stare. She needs to stop or I'm going to nibble it for her. Yes, let's nibble those delicious lips, says Ian.