Hidden Lake’s secret

Chapter Four.

Chapter Four.

Garret

I didn't leave with Ethan, Jax, and the rest of my warriors when they had left for the get together, a little while ago. I needed to call Marcus, to ensure that everything was going smoothly. I had also forgotten to let him know that my father might stop by to pick up a few of his things before heading out to the west coast. I chatted a little longer with Marcus before flopping back down on the bed. They definitely don't spare any comforts for their guests at Hidden Lake. This bed is almost as nice as my own back home. I sit back up and take a deep breath. I raked my hand through my dark wavy locks and stood up to do a quick once over in the mirror.

I’m not self absorbed, but I’m well aware that I inherited the best from both my parents. I have my fathers tall, lean frame. Im just shy of 6’4”, and although I’m not bulky like Ethan, I’m still far stronger than even the biggest of werewolves I’ve come across. No-one dares to confront me. I’ve worked hard to maintain and improve the reputation that my father had created for our pack. My naturally tan skin only compliments the deep chocolate colored eyes that I inherited from my mother.

I check myself out one more time and wink at myself before exiting the room provided to me. As I walk down the hallways towards the living area that we were told we’d be meeting in, I caught another whiff of that delectable cinnamon scent I had breathed in when we first arrived. I followed the scent to the room where everyone was grouped in. They were all sitting around on the couches throughout the room, chatting with eachother. I paused for a moment and looked around to see if I could place where the scent was coming from. I raised my eyebrows as my sights focused in on Ethan and a beautiful woman sitting on his lap.

-“Hey, whats going on?” I mind link my friend.

He looked up when he heard me in his mind and gave me the biggest grin I’ve ever seen. -“My mate! I finally found her. I’ll introduce you later.” He turned his attention back to his new mate.

I smiled to myself and turned my attention back to the lingering scent that seems to be beckoning to me. It seems everyone has forgotten about desert. But with the way it smells, I don't understand how. Maybe it’s just my sweet tooth. I follow my nose towards the kitchen in search of the delicious pies that smell better than any other pies I’ve ever had. I look around a little bit more before I decide to give up. I don't want to wander through someone else’s home without permission, I think to myself. “No!” Hunter exclaims loudly. “That’s our mate. I know it is!” I try to tell him that he’s being ridiculous. Theres no way both mine and Ethan’s mate are in the same pack, and here at the same time. However, when I see the pies on the kitchen counter, I realize the smell isn't coming from them, but from what looks to be a dining hall.

I walk through the door and all I can see if the most alluring girl I think I’ve ever come across. She stops in her tracks and looks back at me. I know I’m staring hard at her. She deadly silent, and I cant bring myself to speak, either.

Suddenly I move, and without even realizing it, I’m scooping her up into my arms. I breathe in the scent of her hair. Its a gorgeous red in color, and the cinnamon scent that’s surrounding me, is making me dizzy. I pull her as close as I can before seizing her lips with mine. She tastes as good as she smells. I pull back for a moment to let her catch her breath.

“Mate.” The word comes out of my mouth before I realize it. Hunter is in the back of my mind, trying to fight to come forward. I can feel his excitement. He's been waiting for so long. I force him back. She seems young, and since she's setting the table, I’m assuming she an omega. I don't want to scare her off, and my possessive side has already surfaced quicker then I would’ve preferred. I don't care what her rank is, though. She the most perfect woman I’ve ever met.

Realization shocks me when I look at her and it registers in my mind that I haven't even actually ‘met’ this girl. I look down at her, and give her my best smile. “Hello, gorgeous. I’m Garret. Might I ask you name?”

She looks up at me with shock in her eyes. She opens her mouth, but nothing comes out. She closes her mouth and her eyes. Takes a breath, and tries again. She looks back up at me, “Hi” she says almost too quiet for me to hear. She clears her throat. “I’m Aria.” She states louder. She seems to have snapped out of the spell I had her under. She puts her hands on my chest and pushes away slightly. I feel a pang of sadness. I never want to be apart from her.

She must've felt the same, because she stops herself from pulling completely out of my grasp, and starts again, “Aria Connor. Daughter of Alpha Mark Connor and Luna Alaina Connor.” She is standing straight up with he head held high. She knows her role, and he stance demands respect.

I look at her with wide eyes. The Alpha’s daughter?! I think to myself. I should've been able to tell that she was no ordinary Omega. Hunter is howling loudly in my head. He is so proud that our mate has a powerful bloodline. He’s already thinking about how strong our pups will be. I shove him back in my mind again. “It’s way too soon to be having those thoughts”, I tell him.

She paused for a minute before continuing. “You said your name is Garret?” she pauses again, and I look down at her, still in my arms, waiting for her to make to connection. I chuckle to myself. She's adorable. “As in…Garret Lupus? Alpha of the Blue Lake pack?” her eyes get big again and I give her another grin.

“The one and only”, I reply smoothly.

“I’m mated to an Alpha…” she mutters to herself, and untangles herself from my arms to put some space between us. her response is not what I had expected at all. Most unmated she-wolves will throw themselves at an Alpha. Especially when said Alpha is trying to claim them as their mate.

“Of course you are.” I say confidently. “You’re the daughter of an Alpha. The Moon Goddess likes to keep Alpha lineage strong and she clearly gifted me the best Alpha female I’ve ever met.” I finish with a compliment.

She shakes her head, like she's trying to clear her mind before she starts again. “I always thought that whoever my mate was would become the Alpha of Hidden Lake and I would be it’s Luna… But if YOU’RE my mate, then I’ll have to leave my people. My family. Who will take care of them? My father has no sons. Just myself and my cousin, Cassidy.” she starts rushing through her worried thoughts in a distressed tone.

My eyes go wide at the honesty in her statement. I never thought that I would make my mate feel this way just by being an Alpha, by just being me. I pause for a moment to consider her words. Obviously she’ll be coming back with me at the end of this weekend. I will not leave her here, now that I have found her. However, I need to figure out how to explain this to her, without making her feel like I am forcing her to leave everything she's ever known. She is clearly nervous, and I plan on changing that over the next two days. I’ll have her begging to leave with me.

I put her at arms length, still not letting go of her completely. “I’m sure this is as sudden to you, as it is to me. However, I will aide you in taking care of whatever is necessary before our departure.” I tell her with full confidence. “I really want to learn everything about you, but I feel like the good will your parents have tried to show me will lapse if I never show my face.” I grin at her.

She lets out a small giggle, making my heart melt. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure both my parents, and my cousin, have probably forgotten about the pie and since I already missed you arrival, I should at least remember to get desert out.” She says shyly.

I grab her hand and lead her back into the kitchen. She doesn't pull away, and she follows me without argument. We separate to bring out the pies and ice cream before heading to the living room and invite the others to join us for a nightcap of fresh baked deliciousness.

Everyone stops and stares as we enter the room, and I tae her hand again. Her mother lets out a small gasp, and her father just looks between the two of us, his eyes begging to ask the question that must be on everyones mind.

Finally Ethan stands up, putting his new mate down and smiles at me. He already knows and he walks over, with his mate right on his heels, to give me a big slap on the back.

Before Jax can speak, Sarah squeals out her congratulations. I see them a few feet over. “Congats, man.” he says, while trying to calm Sarah down. She bounds over to Aria and introduces herself. “I’m Sarah! You must be Garret’s mate. I’m so excited to finally meet you!! He’s been waiting a long time!” She looks over at me, “Like what 5 years?” I glare at her, and she stops talking for a moment. “Anyways, if you need anything just let me know, I’m your go-to girl!” She blurts out before skipping back to Jax.

Aria laughs, and then the whole room erupts with comments and questions for us. We talk with some of her pack members and some of mine, before leading everyone back to the dining hall to eat. We all take our seats and I grab the seat next to my new mate. Ethan’s mate sits next to Aria, and he takes a seat on the other side of her. It appears they are close friends, but the closer I look, the more I realize she must be related, as their eyes are the same crystal clear shade of emerald green. Once everyone is settled and eating, Aria turns to me and clears her throat again. “Garret..” she starts. Hearing my name coming from her seductive lips nearly puts me into cardiac arrest. “I’d like to formally introduce you to my cousin, and best friend, honestly, more of a sister…” she starts to ramble.

The girl next to her pokes her head out around her and smiles at me. She interrupts Aria “Hello Alpha, what she is trying to say is my name is Cassidy. It’s lovely to meet my cousin’s mate. What are the odds that we would both find our mates on the same day, from the same pack.” she introduces herself and ponders the rare circumstances that have occurred.

“Hello, Cassidy. Please, call me Garret. I too, thought it was strange that both my Beta and myself to find our mates in the same pack, on the same day. I guess the odds are in our favor today.” I wink at her. “Ethan is a fantastic man, and only deserves the best. I’m glad he was blessed to be paired with a beauty like you.” I compliment her.

She blushes and Ethan smiles with pride in his eyes. His mate has Alpha blood and Ethan is the strongest Beta of his line to date. His mother has Alpha blood, but because she decided to be his father’s Beta female, that is the rank he grew up into.

Everyone finishes up and members of both packs begin to excuse themselves for the evening. I glance at Aria who seems to be staring Cassidy down, then my eyes meet Ethan and we grin at eachother. I know he’s as thrilled about how the visit is turning out as I am. Now we can basically guarantee a friendly alliance, too. I don't think anything could ruin this weekend.