Mated or fated? (Completed Book #5 of the blood moon saga)

11 years later.. JAMES POV "What about that one?" Baylee picks up a white gold ring. I peer over it and sigh, shaking my head "No, it doesn't look like her. Is there any with an amethyst stone mixed in, sir?" I look from the ring to the jewler in front of me. He seems to think for a moment and then his eyes widen and he smiles. "Yes actually I do. Give me a moment I will need to dig nooo no it out of the back" I smile and look at Baylee who had the biggest grin on her face. I shook my head and chuckled. She was more excited for this proposal than I was. Me and Megan turned 18 tomorrow. Lola was already 18 so the full mate bond would click into place then. We already wore our Ailm marks but Baylee thinks they will evolve after tomorrow. I had decided a long time ago that I would propose the day of my 18th then mark Lola. I was so excited to see her face light up when I presented her with the perfect ring. Our lives were just about to start. So far we had a happy childhood. An amazing one after the war ended and things had been so peaceful since then other than the man we called father for the first few years of our life sending assassins to kill us but between Baylee and Lola they never stood a chance at getting past our borders. The man cleared his throat and smiled. He held a little box in his hand and he opened it and presented me with the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. I grinned. "That's the one. I'll take it" Baylee clapped her hands in excitement and pulled me in for a hug. I chuckled and hugged her back shaking my head at her. She was an amazing Luna and mother but she was the best sister anyone could ask for. She was the one who really saw my potential. She always let me help her with work stuff when I was younger and she gave me the CEO position at a local company that we took over when a pack alpha had caused trouble and she stripped him of his title and gave it to Noah and sophie. They had no interest in working in the actual business so I was happy to do it. The job was good and I really enjoyed the challenge. Baylee had trained me well and I easily felt comfortable in the position. Plus it meant I wasn't living of my parents Trust fund. I love that they love us so much to set each one of us up with it, but I try to earn my own money. My future kids can have the trust fund but I plan on adding to it. If I didn't want to work I wouldn't need to but I like the challenge and the routine that it gives me plus I can work mostly from home. ———- Megan's POV "Why can we not just have a normal party mum? I don't want to spend my 18th with a load of old alphas and lunas. Like seriously I can't think of anything worse" I grumbled and fell back on the bed in a huff, Keagen rolled her eyes at me and continued to look through the mountains of dresses the shopper had brought for us to try on. My brother and sister were holding an alpha meeting. They do it every few months and I am pissed that they planned it for my birthday. For a few reasons. 1. I didn't want to spend my day with old farts. 2. I didn't want to find a mate yet and I certainly don't want that mate to be an alpha because I don't want to be Luna and 3. I want to get drunk with my friends and have some damn fun "You can go out after. But you have got to come to dinner. After that your free to go I promise" Mum said with a hopeful smile "It won't be so bad. After all I'll be there, we can just get drunk through dinner isn't that right keags" Lola added grinning and nudging Keagen in the ribs "Exactly my point. Just pick a dress and after dinner we can party. We were going to have dinner anyway so now it's just a little fancier" I huff and stand up. Mum grins at me and starts to pull out dress after dress for us all to try on. When that fresh hell was over it was time for me to go help emmet, it was my turn to help him with his homework. He was the youngest out of us all and he had autism. Apparently it's quite rare to have autism as a wolf but he did and they think it was a result of his birth mother taking wolfsbane medication to induce a miscarriage while she was pregnant with him. Apparently it can really mess up a baby if it doesn't work. Not that emmet wasn't messed up. He was amazing and everyone's clear favourite sibling. We all doted over him and we found it good for each of us to have a day every week to really connect with him, and help him stay connected with us. Not that he didn't need much help unless it was science. He hated it so had no interest in it. Everything else he was remarkably good at. He might not like social situations or strangers but when it comes to something he does like he doesn't just learn everything about it he obsesses over it. Like at dinner the other night he started to rhyme of the alphabet in Dutch. We don't even know any Dutch people. As soon as I walked into the room Sarah smiled and tapped him on the shoulder. "Look emmet Megan is here to help you with your homework" "Don't need help" He replies looking around her at the game he was playing "I know but she loves it when you teach her the things your learning about" He huffs and gets up "Fine" He walks over to me, never looking me in the eye. "Today we learn Latin. Try to keep up" I bit my lip trying not to chuckle. I love his no bullshit attitude. He is the light in my day and I adore him. I sit with him for around an hour watching as he learns stuff and taking part when he tries to teach me random facts. But when he starts to talk Latin I just become lost and he gets pissed off with my inability to learn everything the way he does. When we are done he comes with me to feed Luca and his wolf lupus. Lupus was emmets only real connection. He went everywhere with him and when he becomes overwhelmed lupus knows before anyone else and he helps calm him down. I was so glad that the wolves had gained the extra years of life like the rest of the pack because I don't know what Emmet would do without him. I brought emmet back to the house and I was giddy with pride when he hugged me and kissed my cheek. "I'm so glad god gave me a sister like you" "And I'm so glad god gave me a brother like you" He runs back to his game as I brush away the stray tear that falls from my eyes. That's what he says to us all when he's in really good form. But when he's in a mood it changes to 'god gave me the worst family ever. I want a new family' It makes me chuckle and that pisses him off further but either way it's an emotion and an emotion is something we all love to see him have. My phone rings and I smile. It was James "Hey what's up?" I answer yawning. It was getting late and movie night was tonight. Thankfully it was my turn to pick and I was more than ready for a good horror movie. "Will you come to the cabin by the lake? I have everything prepared but it might help my nerves if you like it" "Be right there" I grin. At 12 tonight James was going to propose to Lola. After movie night Of Course. But he had it all planned so I hopped on my pink dirt bike and whistled for Luca to follow me. It only took a few minutes to get there and I grinned. Fairy lights hung out over the decking, a blanket for a picnic was ready so they could watch the stars. Chocolate covered strawberries were ready to be eaten and I had to restrain myself from grabbing some. James caught me looking and chuckled and handed me a box "You didn't think I'd forget you know did you?" I giggled and snatched the box from his hands and stole a strawberry moaning at the taste of it. I continued to look around and grinned when I saw champagne on ice and a bottle of tequila. "It's perfect she will love it" He sighs in relief "Thank you. Now that's sorted please tell me your choosing a horror and not a damn Disney movie" I laughed "Nope, a horror. I was thinking about the original chainsaw massacre." He claps his hands together and grins "Now you're talking. Dad's going to s**t himself" I laughed at the thought. Last time we watched a horror dad screamed like a baby the entire time we were laughing for days. How he's afraid I'll never know. ——- Lolas POV "What about this?" Mum held up a simple summer dress. I grinned "Perfect. He will never know I don't know already. It's not to over the top but definitely fancy enough to have a midnight picnic" Mum pulled me into a hug and kissed my cheek. "I can't believe you're all growing up so fast. Soon you will be all gone except emmet. What on earth am I going to do then?" "Babysit your grandbabies" She chuckles but nods like that sounded like a good idea. After I got dressed I threw on a cardigan to keep the wind off my shoulders. Then I went to the living room to get the best seat in the house before everyone else arrived. Tonight is the night James marks me and he proposes. I'm not a wolf just a banshee but I'm just as strong as the wolves. Just in my own way. We had already received our Ailm marks when we were ten. Now our bond would be complete. I knew it was going to happen even before James decided to do it. I had a vision about it but kept it to myself until I told mum last week. She already knew it was going to happen because James told her. It had been hard to keep the secret but I knew he wanted it to be a surprise so I didn't spoil it for him but that didn't ease my nerves. I was still extremely nervous about it and the entire time we watched the movie all I could think about was our future and how life was going to change. Although dad's screaming did make me giggle. He is a f*****g pansy When the movie ended we all waited together for the clock to strike 12. The moment it happened james growled "Mate" Then he attacked me and kissed me making the entire room cheer and laugh. I hardly caught my breath as he stuck his tongue in my mouth and I finally relaxed as my tongue lit up with sparks that spread throughout my body. It was official. We were officially mates and today was the first day of the rest of our lives. After a few minutes James pulled away a little red faced and embarrassed. "Come I have a surprise for you" I waved to everyone as he led us out of the house and to the front where his dirt bike was. I climbed on the back and held on to him tightly as we drove to the cabin by the lake. I gasped as it came into view. The place was lit up with fairy lights and candles. Chocolate covered strawberries lay in a bowl on top of a blanket and glasses with champagne sitting beside it. "Do you like it?" James said nervously scratching the back of his neck. "I love it" He visibly relaxed and grinned. He led me to the blanket and turned me around so he was looking at me. "Lola I love you. I love you so damn much and we have waited for this moment for so many years I thought it would never come. You're my Everything. You're the banshee to my hellhound and we both love you more than I ever thought possible." He got down on one knee and grinned at me taking my hand in his "Lola, will you marry me? Will you let me mark you and will you be mine in every way possible" "Yes! Yes yes yes" I practically squeal in excitement. He pulls out a little box and I let the tears fall as I look at the most beautiful ring I've ever seen before. An amethyst and diamond halo white gold ring. It looked vintage and completely unique. I cried as he placed it on my finger. Before I had even a second to appreciate it I was in his arms. He kissed me slowly as tears streamed down his cheeks. "I love you Lola" "I love you James. Now mark me" He chuckled at me but I was serious. I kissed him back and climbed on his huge body like a tree. All his control slipped and he grabbed me and carried me towards the bedroom. ——— Megan's POV I was excited that James and Lola were getting engaged but my bed was calling. I crawled under the heavy duvet and crashed almost immediately, just to be rudely awoken by James screaming through the mind link to wake up Me What the f**k is wrong? James I marked her and she's f*****g changing. Me That's not meant to happen? What the f**k. s**t I'm on my way James Wake mum and dad they won't f*****g answer. She's burning up Me Get the doctor James Bring the car and I'll bring her to the hospital I jump out of bed and go to mum and dad's room and I listen in before I barge in and it's quiet so I enter. Iv walked in that room way too many times and there is no way I want to see any of those positions again. I quiver at the thought and bang the inside of the door. They don't answer so I walk over and shake mum. Thankfully she's wearing a T-shirt. "Mmmm what?" She groans "Mum, James marked Lola and she's changing. He's freaking out, we need you" "What do you mean she's changing! That's not meant to happen!" She said jumping up I closed my eyes before I seen anything I couldn't Unsee "I know! Please hurry up and get up, i'll be in the car" "Ok i'll be out now" I tap the steering wheel of the car waiting for them to wake up. Soon dad jumps into the passenger seat and mum gets in the back. We arrive a minute later and all jump out and run into the house. James is holding her under the shower. He was crying as she screamed in pain. "What the f**k?" "She says she can feel her wolf. That it's going to be more painful because she's Banshee." Mum sits down and takes her head in her hands and tries to ease her pain. She pulls away and shakes her head "Get her outside. I can help it go faster but she might change in here if we are not careful" James lifts her and carries her towards the decking at the front just as Baylee and caden arrive. Her screams were soul crushing. She was such a sweet sister and watching her like this is horrible. Mum leans down beside her and looks at Baylee and caden. "I need you both to command her when I take her pain. It will make it go faster" Caden stands forward as the rest of us fall back. All except for James. Mum goes through her process then nodes at caden and Baylee "Shift now!" I scream and fall to my knees as my body starts to convulse with James and Lola. Dad falls in front of me "s**t they are going to shift to. Crap don't fight it. Let the pain happen baby girl I'm right here" I scream as the pain ripples through my body. I keep my eyes locked on dads to distract myself. I haven't even heard from my wolf yet. James had but not me. My muscles and bones break and rearrange. I let it happen and try to breathe through the pain. Soon I feel hair sprout from each arm and my legs and snout rearrange and elongate. Harper Well it's about time you let me in. You have some seriously strong defensive walls up. I've been trying to talk to you for days. I'm Harper your wolf I sigh and pant as the change finishes and I lay on the ground breathing heavily. My midnight fur had red specks throughout. My paws were beautiful. I can't wait to see all of me. Just then a flash happens and dad has the camera out as Harper gets up and poses for him making me giggle Me I like you already. We are beautiful Harper Well It's our first picture I just wanted to make sure it was a good one Dad chuckles as Harper prances around on her toes "Your beautiful" He says watching me. I look and see James had fur just like mine but his was bright orange with black speckles. He was standing with Lola who had bright white fur. She was beautiful. Harper nudged them both and then took off running. They followed behind as I got used to my new form. When we get back mum hands me clothes and I shift quickly, completely exhausted. "That was amazing. So so amazing" "You looked amazing too. I sent pictures to your phone" Mum said proudly. I yawned and went back to the car and climbed in. I let my head fall back and the next thing I remember is dad carrying me into the house and dropping me on my bed. Mum tucks me in like I'm 5 and kisses me on the head. After that I pass out happy that the scariest part is officially over. — "Get up get up get up" I pull the pillow from under my head and throw it at lolas head. It's too early and I'm not in the mood. "Nope, get up! We have to much to do starting with breakfast at the packhouse so hurry the f**k up" I growl and sit up. Harper Are you attached to this one? Because I'd really like to kill her so we can go back to sleep I break out in laughter at Harper. Lola looks at me funny but I shake my head "It's nothing, just something Harper said. I'll be up in a minute" Satisfied with my answer she leaves me alone, I look like s**t but I'm too tired to shower so I throw on an oversized T-shirt and some sleep shorts and put my flip flops on and leave the room. Dad is standing in the kitchen and when he sees me he chuckles. "You can't wear that to the packhouse" I look myself over. I personally think I look fine. "Why not?" I steal his coffee and take a sip and sigh. "Because there could be guests and you look like s**t" I scoff at him and cross my hands "Well that's rude" "At least brush your hair and put on a decent pair of shorts. And that T-shirt has bloody holes in it. Like seriously please before I make Keagen come and dress you" I growl at him. Keagen was a girly girl who never left the house unless she looked perfect. I on the other hand didn't care what I looked like. Give me shorts and a tee any day. I was skinny and toned but I had big boobs and a big butt, so anything I wore I wore it well and I knew that. If I put an effort in I know I can be hot but not in the morning time. Morning time is training and coffee. I stomp back down to the bedroom. The threat of Keagen coming to dress me was enough to get me moving anytime. She was amazing at what she did but it takes forever and I'm not about that life. I grab the hairbrush and try to untangle my hair but give up and put it in a messy bun. I pull on a vest top and some sweatpants and return to the kitchen with sunglasses on my head. "Happy?" "Ugh whatever, I'm too hungry to wait any longer so you will have to do. Mum is already there with everyone else. I was just waiting for you. Happy birthday baby girl" I grinned as dad pulled me into a hug and led me to the car. The drive only took a few minutes and soon I was walking into the kitchen and grabbing coffee. "Morning birthday girl! Come hurry up so you can open your presents" I roll my eyes at Baylee but sit down and drink some coffee as Baylee and Caden hand me a box. Inside was a pair of pink Gucci sliders. I jump up and pull her into a hug. "I love them so much thank you!" "Well I knew you wouldn't wear the heels so I thought these matched your personality better" Baylee said, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. I hate heels and I don't wear them unless I really have to. Next was Maymay and Ryan's present. I jump of my seat and squeal and jump on Maymay "Holy crap they are AMAZING!" Inside was a pair of high heel Dr. Martens Women's Averil Ankle Boots in black. I don't often wear heels but I would wear them. They are amazing! Lola and Keagen were next. I opened the box and clapped my hands together. Inside was a custom made leather jacket. There was a picture of Luca on the back and the chest plate had My name with a little crown over the M. There were badges of fire and different patterns. It was amazing and I honestly loved it. "Wow girls this is so cool thank you both so much" They gave me a quick hug. And mum and dad handed me a smaller box. Inside was their signature choker necklace that all us girls receive when we turn of age. Mine was black leather with diamond embedded the entire way around with a little wolf hanging off the end with orange eyes. It was beautiful and so me. "Thank you. I love it so much thank you both" They gave me a hug and a kiss. Now it was my turn to give James his present. We never did present but always said that on our 18th we would get a present that we would keep forever and we wouldn't hold back. That this one present would be epic and on another level.