Escape to Midnight

Episode 10

Charis Point Of View

Logan looked at me, I could tell he had as many conflicting emotions as I had. He began to stroke my arm. It sent sparks up my arm. It made Saria feel happy. I smiled. I felt good. I felt at peace for the first time. “Close your eyes and rest. Maybe tonight we can spend some time getting to know each other. “ he said as he laughed a little. “ After everything we have been through to get to each other we don’t even know anything about each other.” I laughed softly. He was right. I wanted to hurry and fall asleep so I could wake up and spend time with him. 

I must have fallen asleep because I woke to the sound of a beautiful singing voice. “ Robert, don't drop anything. Just set it all in her room and we can set it all up after dinner.” the voice sang out.

“Are you staying for dinner? I thought you were just dropping some stuff off.” Robert responded. 

I was concerned, Was he kidding? Was this woman a problem for the family? Hearing Beth laugh from the other room made me feel better. “Robert, stop teasing Lenore or I will move her into the other spare bedroom!” She called out. Robert began to laugh as he pretended to be concerned and threatened to move out. Even Logan was laughing beside me. He saw I was awake and smiled at me. "Aunt Lenore is my Mom's Little sister. When my parents were dating she was such a pest. My dad will never let her forget it.” He continued to laugh. I liked the way his laugh made me feel. 

I decided to try and stand. I had been sitting up with no pain. I put my feet on the floor and slowly started to put weight on them. Logan instantly put his arms around me for support. “Easy, Go slow.” He said. Beth came rushing into the room, he must have mind linked her. She did not say anything as I pushed myself fully upright. I slowly took one step forward. Logan relaxed his grip on me as I walked a few steps and turned around. ‘How do you feel?” Beth Asked. I answered slowly as I made a mental check of my body. “I feel good, a little weak, but good. My stomach feels achy, but nothing to bad.” I said

The beautiful voice entered the room. “You must be Charis! Beth has been talking nonstop. She is so excited you are here. I am Lenore, the Younger, lovelier sister.” she said.

“Lovelier? You are fooling yourself now Lenore. No one is lovelier than my Beth.” Robert said. I really like this family. 

“Do you think you can walk to the table?” Beth asked. “Dinner is ready.” I nodded and began to walk, following Beth. I made it to the table. I was tired just from walking. I must not be totally healed internally. Beth had made Chicken Spaghetti. One of my favorites. It was so  nice to sit around the table as a family and eat dinner. No fear, No weight or gloom, just family fun. This must be what everyone else does. I was suddenly sad as I thought of all the things Edward and I had missed out on. He will never even know how wonderful this feels. I realize the table is quiet and everyone is staring at me. I smiled weakly and took a bite of food. The conversation at the table soon picked up again. “So Charis Have you graduated high school yet?” Lenore asked. I am not sure why, but her question made the tension in the room spike a little. “No, I have a few months left in my senior year. I was hoping to finish here.” Everyone seemed relieved by my answer. I realize they are treating me like a fragile piece of glass, ready to break at any wrong question or comment. Lenore was unphased and continued. “Have you spent anytime training? Wasn’t your father the head warrior of Crescent?” 

“Lenore…. “ Robert said as if warning her. I did not want to be treated like a weak pathetic fragile wolf so I immediately answered. “Warren, I mean my dad, did not let women train in his arena. He felt woman had no business fighting.” Lenore Huffed. “How old fashioned. You should speak with Benjamin, head of our warriors. He can set you up in training.” I smiled, I liked that idea. “When she has recovered, Lenore.” Beth sounded so Motherly. It made me laugh. After Dinner Logan and I went back into the den. We sat beside each other on the sofa. I still could not believe I was with him. He made we feel so safe and happy. He was telling me about his family, Lenore had never found her mate and chose to remain alone. He would take over as Beta as soon as we completed our Mating ceremony. I blushed when he mentioned mating and he laughed. “ No Rush Charis. I can wait until you are ready.” Feeling bold I suddenly leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips. He looked stunned for a second before leaning into me, kissing me back and deepening the kiss. We were like that for several minutes, enjoying the moment. It felt like we were the only two wolves in the world. We were suddenly far away from Warren, the rogues, and all the craziness. 

 “ Abort!! Abort Mission!! Things are getting x rated in the Den.” Lenore yelled out.

I turned to see Lenore blocking Beth and Robert’s view laughing hysterically. I blushed deeply and Logan sighed. “What is it?” Beth seemed flustered. She could not see what was happening and Lenore made it sound so much worse than it was. 

“We just wanted to show Charis her new room.” Beth said. Lenore was still laughing and I realized she could be very mischievous. I liked her even more. Beth and Lenore led the way to mu new room. Logan insisted on carrying me up the stairs.  They led me to a room at the end of the hall. “welcome Home.” Beth said as she opened the door. As I stepped in I was shocked. The room had been decorated with items I totally would have picked for myself. I can't imagine how they even knew what I liked. There was a dresser full of clothes and the closet was full also. My room had a private bathroom with cosmetics and everything I could possibly need. I was stunned, but then I saw it. My box. The box I had kept on my nightstand for years. Everything I had left of  Edward was in that box. It also had a few trinkets I had collected in happier days. Next  I saw a jewelry box, when I opened it I saw the necklace my mother had given me. I realized some of the pictures from my old bedroom were there, and even a picture of Edward and I framed on the wall.

 I could not speak. I just began to cry. I was overcome with fear . I could not explain it, but I was suddenly so scared. Logan Burst into the room. 

“Charis, are you okay?  What is wrong?”  He could feel my fear through our bond. I looked at Beth. She was confused. I felt even worse when I saw her. She had tried so hard and I was ruining it. I crossed the room to her and gave her a hug. “ Thank you. I love it. I don’t know how you did this, but I love it.” She hugged me back. “You are my daughter now. I will do anything for you.” Logan began to usher  them out of the room, anxious to make sure I am okay. He turns to me. Charis, what's wrong.” He asks.

I am not sure how to explain how I feel. “ Am I dreaming? Am I going to wake up and all of this be gone? If this is real how can I ever pay your parents back for all of this stuff. Why are they being so nice to me? I have done nothing but cause you all so many problems since you found me.” I was crying again. I really want to stop crying. It's ridiculous. I feel like such a crybaby. Logan takes my hand in his. “ None of this is your fault. Warren is to blame for all of this. The moon Goddess made us for each other, Fated Mates. We are going to have a wonderful life and you owe my parents nothing. They made this room for you to show you their love.” I nodded my head. It was all so much.

 “ I bet a hot shower and clean clothes will make you feel better. I can ask Lenore to come in with you  while you shower, just in case you need help.” That idea sounded great. I nodded my head and before he could even say anything Lenore burst back into the room, revealing the three of them had listened to everything behind the door. Beth and Robert were embarrassed, but Lenore was in her element. 

“Don’t worry kiddo, you can thank them with a grand pup”, she said as she laughed. Poor Beth looked appalled and Robert looked ready to strangle her. She just laughed. She was such a carefree soul. As they tried to scold her she promptly shut the door in their faces. Logan was still in the room laughing.

“Lenore, you are so scandalous!” He said, still laughing. She led me over to the dresser and began showing me where everything was. I gathered up what I needed for my shower and Logan left the room. The hot shower felt so good. Lenore had gotten me some richly scented soaps. They felt so good on my skin. I realize aside from the quick shower at the hospital, this was my first shower since the Moon Ball. As the water washed over me, I thought about how much my life had changed so quickly. I was amazed, and so thankful for what the Moon Goddess had given me. I got out of the shower and put on the new pajamas. They felt so nice compared to the hospital gowns. Lenore was sitting on my bed when I came out of the bathroom. I looked around my room, still in awe of all the things they put in the room for me. I laid down on the bed beside Lenore feeling content with this new life. I drifted off to sleep. 

Logan's Point Of View

I carried Charis out of the hospital and all the way home. I was ready to start our lives together. I wanted to learn as much about her as I could. It would be hard with my Mother hovering over us, for now though living with them made the most sense. I will ask my Dad to talk to her about the mating and pups. I felt myself cringe every time she brought it up. Has she forgotten Charis could reject me.

I think about the rogue that saved her life. I can't reconcile why he would do it. Did he want to keep her as his mate? Maybe we ruined his plan when we showed up. It seems unlikely though. Why take her through the valley if not to bring her to us. It was so confusing. 

Once we got home, Mom took charge again. She had a schedule in her head before I even set Charis down. I am glad she scheduled some alone time for us. First we had to get through dinner with my Aunt

As we sat around the table it was clear Charis was uncomfortable. It did not help when Lenore started assaulting her with questions. I tried to mind link Lenore. “She is tired. Let’s save the twenty questions for another time.”

Lenore linked back. “Do you prefer the awkward silence, or are you waiting for your mother to start telling stories about how mischievous you were as a child.” I rolled my eyes, but she was right. Maybe everyday would be less awkward. Maybe soon we would move into our own house. I don’t want to rush her, but being on our own will help us become closer. 

The next morning, I went to training ready to work off some steam. Being so close to Charis and remaining chaste is really more difficult than I thought. I needed to work out this frustration. I needed to speak with Benjamin about Charis joining a training group. I really did not like Benjamin, Our Delta. He is tasked with training our wolves to be warriors. He thinks he should be Beta, but he would have to duel my dad or I to get it. I was just getting into a routine when I saw him enter the gym. I walked over to him. "Benjamin, I need to talk to you about my mate, Charis."

“I heard you finally found a mate, congratulations.” Ben said.

He was saying the right thing, but it felt off. 

“Charis was not allowed to train in her old pack. We would like for her to join a group as soon as she has healed.” 

“Absolutely, I look forward to training the mate of our future Beta. I have the perfect group for her to join." He patted me on the back and gave me a big smile. I was caught off guard. I expected him to be an ass about it. I'm glad he is not giving me grief.

"Thank you Benjamin, I am glad I can count on you." I replied.

I went back to my workout, relieved. Charis would need to know how to defend herself. It is not required for She wolves in our pack, but preferred especially for the mates of pack leaders. They are targeted by our enemies and their weakness becomes our weakness.