Chasing A Runaway Mate

Chapter 7

Rose

As difficult as it was to watch mother and daughter try to find common ground, Rose forced herself to stay out of it. She would step in when Kat asks her to. Kat had to be the one to talk to Alina. She believed that this would bring mother and daughter closer even though it meant Kat would have to leave the country. As Rose filled the third cup with strong black tea, Kat finally spoke.

"I've decided to train at the Council to become an Enforcer," Kat said with confidence.

"And?"

"And what?"

"What do you need from me, Kat? You've clearly made up your mind. Why else would you drag Rose here with you? You're not here to ask my permission or my blessing. You are here to convince me to agree with you." Alina's words were harsh but true, and Rose shifted from foot to foot as she struggled to stay silent.

"Actually, I brought Rose with to help me explain why I'm doing this. I'm doing this for the right reasons, Mum. This isn't some whim or adventure that I think I'm going on. And yes, I thought once you understood why I'm doing this, you might give me your blessing." Kat's feelings were clearly hurt, but Alina's expression suggested she was surprised at her daughter's honesty.

Kat looked at Rose with pleading eyes and she knew the young woman needed her help.

"Alina, if I may... I haven't been a part of this pack for very long, but I've been around this family long enough to see the strain in your relationship with Kat. I'm not here to judge past or present actions of either of you. What I would say is this; there comes a time in our lives when we have to decide what our purpose is. Not what we want to do with our lives, but why we were placed on this earth. For many they never get to answer that question and go through life content with living the life they chose.

For me, I finally got to aswer that question when your son accepted me as his mate. This life, being Luna, has brought me more joy and fulfillment in the short time I've been here than all my years prior. I believe Kat has reached that point in her life that she can finally ask herself that question. Whether or not she will be able to answer it in Germany we will have to wait and see. But I believe we owe it to her to let her go with our blessing as she tries to find her purpose."

Alina lowered herself onto one of the stools, the fight leaving her in a huff. The woman looked incredibly tired. Like this conversation was draining her of what little energy she had left. Rose used her power to probe into her feelings. There was darkness around Alina. It was like the absence of her mate has made room for this darkness to settle. Rose needed to make sure the darkness didn't take root. She would have to check in more often with her mother-in-law when Kat left.

"I'm selfish, Kat. When you leave, I will be alone. There's no telling when your brother will be back." Alina sighed and reached for her daughter's hands. She held fast to them, her eyes watching as her thumb brushed over the back of Kat's hand.

"Mum, I..." Kat began.

"No, my dearest daughter. You must go and you will go with your mother's love. It will help to know you are finally pursuing happiness," Alina smiled warmly, but Rose could still feel the ache emanating from her chest.

"Thank you, Mum." Kat wrapped her arms around her mother, her eyes screwed shut as she hugged Alina. With this hug, their fractured relationship began its slow mending process.

"So when are you leaving?" Alina asked as she pulled away, but kept hold of Kat's hands.

"I'm not sure. I haven't made any arrangements, yet."

"Do you want me to talk to Anton?"

"Thanks, but no. I have to do this myself."

"There she is. I knew from the moment you started walking that you would be able to conquer the world if you wanted to." Alina smiled proudly at her daughter.

The women chatted aboout this and that until they finished the pot of tea. Alina still looked tired, but her spirits seemed to be lifted somewhat. Rose made sure to pour as much love as she could into their goodbye hug before stepping into the chilly evening air.

"Do we have to talk about what just happened?" Kat asked after they had walked in silence for a while.

"Not unless you want to," Rose assured her.

"Not really, no. But thanks for, you know.." Kat said somewhat awkwardly.

"You're very welcome. So are you going to wait for morning before phoning Anton?" Rose could tell Kat was eager to get things going. The energy coming off her was excited and ready to spring free.

"I should probably but I really want to get on the road as quickly as possible," Kat answered, worrying her bottom lip.

"I'm sure he won't mind you calling now," Rose agreed.

"I suppose if ever there was a time to make use of my brother's connections it was now, hey. I'll call when we get back, then. I wonder what Pat is serving tonight. I could eat a horse!"

Rose smiled at Kat and the air between the two women became lighter as well. She really hoped Kat would be able to find what she was looking for at the Council. She also hoped Kat would give Wren a chance. The young woman deserved to find love.

As they neared the pack-house, the smells and sounds of dinner floated to them on the quiet evening air. There was chatter and the boisterous laughter of men and women. Rose felt warmth spreading through her chest. She realized she felt content and at home, like this place and these people were where she was meant to be and where she wanted to stay.

She hooked her arm through Kat's and pulled her along, ready to face whatever was to come.