The Alpha's Lost Mate

Shopping Day

Raleigh's P.O.V. 

Finally, my wounds had healed completely and I no longer looked like I got hit by a moving train. I was still very weak and got tired easily but I was no longer afraid to leave my room. 

Once I had fully healed and no longer needed constant looking after, James had my very own room made ready for me. It was right across the hall from his own room, decorated to my liking with anything I would ever need. I was beginning to really see James for the person he was, not the Alpha side of him but the sensitive and caring side. He has been by my side constantly since he brought me here, not wanting to leave me alone for even a second. 

Since the doctor released me from her care, today was the day that James' mother and myself were to go to the mall in the village and pick me up some more clothes, shoes and anything else I might need or want.

When we returned, I brought everything up to my room and put it all away and felt like I needed a nap after being dragged into what seemed like every single store. Lucille even took me into the store with the angels that only wore bras and panties. Trust me, being forced to shop for intimates with your mates mother was not an experience I'd want to go through again. I'd rather buy those things online in the privacy of my own room. 

After my head hit my pillow I was surrounded by darkness and instantly fell into a deep, dreamless sleep. I must have been in the deepest sleep of my life because I didn't notice James come in or even sit on my bed and move my hair from my face. He gently shook my shoulder and began rubbing small circles on my back to try to wake me. 

"Raleigh, honey? It's almost time for dinner, would you please grace us with your presence?"

"MMM...James?" I began to roll on my back and flick my heavy eyes open. Goddess, he is the most beautiful man I've ever laid my eyes on I swear. You can just see the gentleness in his eyes when he looks at me. 

"Yes, I'm here. You've been asleep a few hours now. You really need to eat baby. You're healing so well and if we keep putting protein in you on a regular basis, you won't feel as tired as often. So, let's get that pretty little ass of yours out of bed so we can feed you." he says flashing his award winning smile at me. Such a dork I swear. 

"Well, I guess I am a bit hungry after all that shopping, it was pretty tiring. And James? I just wanted to say thank you."

"For what? I did what any sane person would do."

"You saved me, if you wouldn't have been there that day, I was going to end my life or become rogue. So, thank you for saving me, thank you for caring for me and my health, and thank you for providing for me. And to show my appreciation for all you've done for me, I got you something. It's over on the desk."

He walks over to the desk and picks up the gift wrapped box, unwraps it and opens it to find a very nice rolex wristwatch. 

James turns around with shock all over hiss face, "Raleigh, you got me a watch?"

"Yeah, I wanted to show you how grateful I am for you saving me and caring for me like nobody has since my parents were killed. I finally feel like I matter and mean something to someone. And it's all because of you, even Declan has made me feel that way so I got him something small also. I hope you don't mind.." I can feel my cheeks tinge red talking to him as he just looks at me with such love and adoration in his beautiful blue eyes. 

"Baby, you don't have to buy me gifts to repay me for what I did. I will always be here for you and I will always treat you like you matter, you are my equal, my soul mate. And yes you can give Declan his gift, I'm sure whatever it is he'll love it. By the way what did you get him?"

"A giftcard to KFC, I remember how much he likes to eat so I figured I'd help feed him" I said with a mischievous grin on my face. 

"Hahaha! It's perfect love!" James laughs wholeheartedly, I love to see a smile on his face like this. It makes his seem so much younger and less scary. 

James' P.O.V. 

I can't remember the last time, besides birthday and christmas, someone got me a gift just because or to say thank you. To say that I was shocked is a huge understatement. She even went as far as getting Declan a KFC giftcard. I couldn't help but laugh at that, she already knew that man can never deny a chance to eat. 

Putting on my new watch, I grab her hand and lead her down to the main dining hall where all of the ranked members and my parents were waiting on us and eager to meet my long awaited mate. 

"James, where are you taking me?"

"We're going to eat in the main dining hall with my parents and the other ranked members. Which is only Declan, Tate and his mate Miranda. My sister is still away at school so you won't meet her until the tend of the semester."

"Are you sure I'm ready to meet them? What if they don't like me or they shut me out?" 

"Baby, what they think of you shouldn't matter. Besides, you already know my mother and Dec, plus I know they will just love you as much as I do. Don't worry, you got this. You are a strong woman to have dealt with what you had to go through, and at such a young age. Not only that, everyone in there is aware of the situation and don't hold it against you or judge you. Just give it a try and if you get too uncomfortable, we can go back upstairs, ok?"

Raleigh takes a deep breath before we walk in, "Ok, I'm ready." 

We walk in the dining room, a chorus of "Hello Alpha. Hello Luna." rings out startling Raleigh but I just rub tiny circles on the back of her hand trying to calm her. 

I lead her over to the head of the table where i usually sit, her spot is to my left and Declan is to my right. Next to Declan is Tate, the gamma and his mate Miranda who is 2 years older than Raleigh. Next to Raleigh is my mother and then my father, Finn. 

After we get seated and I formally introduce Raleigh as my mate to everyone, Miranda pipes up, "So, Raleigh, how do you like it so far at Midnight Moon?" 

"Well, I haven't seen much of the castle except our suite but James, Declan and Lucy have made it as welcoming as possible." Raleigh replies sweetly. 

"Miranda dear, why don't you show Raleigh around the castle after we finish eating?" my mother suggests.

"OH YES! Finally something to do!! I would love to show you around if you feel up to it!" Miranda is practically bouncing in her seat. I just shake my head at her antics and smile. 

"Oh, well if it's not too much trouble, I don't want to be a bother to you." Raleigh looks down in her lap.

"Dearest, you should look people in the eyes when you speak with them." I whisper in her ear. 

"Oh James, leave the poor girl alone!" my father finally speaks. Knowing him he's probably thinking a million miles a minute. He was very close to Raul, Raleigh's father so knowing she is his daughter and that she survived the fire all those years ago is probably astounding to him considering that the fire wiped out all of the Shadow Moon territory. 

"Raleigh, it is so nice that you are a part of this family now, I want you to know that I was very close to your father and he was a very honorable and fair alpha. He loved you and your brother very deeply and only wanted the best for you. When you have finished your tour of the castle, I'd like to speak with you some more of your fathers legacy and how it involves you. James, when she is done with Miranda, come to our cottage and we'll discuss this further."

"Of course Father. I'll mindlink you when we're on the way." I reply. I'm very curious what my dad could possibly have to say to Raleigh about her family that he feels it should be done in private. Whatever it is, it's been a secret he's held onto for the last 6 years. Things are about to get real, very quickly.