The Contract (My Perfect Mate Continued)

A Warning

I woke up with a dry mouth and felt the need to up heave. I sprang out of bed and instantly got a pounding headache. I rushed to the bathroom but didn't have success with vomiting. I looked in the mirror and was horrified at my appearance. My makeup was smeared down my cheek bones and my hair was in a huge knot. I started by washing my face vigorously and putting on moisturizer. I woke up a little more when the warm water hit my face. I brushed my teeth and tried to wrestle with my hair. After about 10 minutes, I was finally able to get it untangled.

I tried to remember the end of our evening and was mortified that I couldn't piece it together. I pressed my palm to my forehead and groaned loudly. I was still wearing my dress and was desperate to get out of it. I laid it on the top of my laundry basket and debated jumping in the shower. It was almost 3:30 in the morning and I simply didn't have the energy to follow through with that thought. I shuffled over to the bed and flopped down on top of the comforter with a groan. I lay there for a few minutes until I got cold and tried to inch my way under the comforter but quickly gave up. I was only halfway under the blanket when I drifted back to sleep.

I woke up once more but noticed that the sun wasn't up yet. I contemplated falling back asleep but couldn't get comfortable, so after tossing and turning for another hour, I decided that I was up for the day. I reluctantly peeled myself out of bed. I was instantly chilled when my bare skin met the cold, morning air. I realized that I needed to pee badly, so I quickly ran to the bathroom. I buried my face in my hands and tried to clear my head.

I was sure that Andy was already up and out, but I wanted to apologize for what happened. I feel like I ruined our evening.

Hey, I'm sorry for last night. Are you downstairs already? I really wanted to apologize in person.

When I didn't hear anything back, I was worried that I had said or done something that would make him mad at me. I finished up in the bathroom and decided to check out Andy's bedroom. I grabbed an oversize tee shirt and slipped it over my head. I stepped into a pair of panties and quietly headed for Andy's room.

The door was still closed, and I could hear him lightly snoring on the other side. I checked the wall clock, it was already 6. I knew that Andy was an early riser and was surprised that he wasn't up already. I didn't want to disturb him by knocking, so I invited myself in. The curtains were still covering the windows, so I had to use my hands for spacial awareness. I eventually made it over to the bed and quietly climbed up onto it. He looked so peaceful and I was still exhausted. I carefully pulled back the duvet and snuggled up next to him. I placed my ear on his chest and sunk in under his arm. I closed my eyes and my mouth went slack.

I woke up a couple of hours later and was surprised when I felt his arm lower onto my back. He pulled me closer and I melted into him.

"How are you feeling champ?" He asked sleepily.

I smiled against his chest.

"I'm okay, just a little headache," I said with my eyes still closed. I could smell his coconut and teakwood seeping into my nostrils. I had to keep my mouth from watering.

He started to chuckle softly, "Am I making you wet, Thea?"

I gasped and lightly slapped his chest,

"You are so naughty. It's not my fault that you can smell my arousal. It's almost an invasion of privacy."

"Oh come on, it's not like I can help it."

I looked up at him through my hooded eyes, and he made eye contact with me with his crooked smile that I loved so much. He craned his neck and kissed the tip of my nose. We both relaxed again and enjoyed the comfortable silence. The only sound I could hear was the beating of Andy's heart. I sighed contently and nuzzled into him further.

"You know, it's a good thing that we have a no-s*x pact." I looked up at him as he continued. "Otherwise, you would be bent over the end of the bed."

I knew I couldn't hide my arousal, so I played it off the best I could and chuckled against his chest, "Yeah, that's too bad."

Andy didn't say anything, he just pulled me closer and wrapped both arms around me. We laid there together for a while, until my headache eventually went away. I sighed contently against his chest and reluctantly sat up. Andy looked at me curiously, he was questioning why I broke our contact.

"We should get up and get moving. I know that we missed training, but I would still like to get a run in. I promised Briana that we would meet up for breakfast."

Andy sat up in bed beside me,

"You're right, I actually have some paperwork to finish before the meeting tonight."

I rubbed my eyes and outstretched my arms. My back cracked in a couple places, but I felt awake now. "I just hope that my father isn't stupid enough to show up."

I felt Andy go rigid, "I certainly hope not. I don't want to have to kick him out twice in one weekend."

I swung my legs over the edge of the bed and stretched one more time. "I think I'm going to go get ready, I'll see you later?" I smiled over my shoulder. Andy saluted me before I headed out of the room. I freshened up quickly and tied up my hair. I pulled on my navy Lulu set and slipped into my new sneakers.

I headed downstairs and found Briana sitting at the kitchen island sipping on a colorful mug.

"Luna! Good morning, how did you sleep?"

I mirrored her smile and she stood to hug me. I wasn't surprised that she was a hugger, she's a Beta after all.

"I slept okay. Alpha and I stayed out a little later than we should have last night. He took me to a really nice dinner, and then we went to the bar down the street."

"Oh nice! I'm glad that you guys are able to make time for yourselves."

We chatted for a couple of minutes. Goeffry was lingering around for me to place my order. I knew that he didn't want to interrupt our conversation.

I turned to him at a natural pause in conversation, "It's okay Goeffry, you can interrupt."

He smiled graciously at me and stepped forward, "When you're ready, Luna."

I ordered my breakfast and waited for him to head into the back before addressing Briana again. "So how are things with you and Beta?"

I caught her in the middle of a sip of coffee, but she couldn't hide her giddiness at the mention of her mate. She set her cup down on the counter,

"Things are great! I love him so much already." She took a pause, "Is that crazy? I've only known him for three days."

"It's okay, you guys are mates, it's completely normal to have that feeling. It's what we do."

I felt a sudden pang of jealousy, I wanted so badly to be in that place with Andy, but I knew that it would take time. Finding your mate was supposed to be easy and most of the time it was instant. When Briana took another sip of coffee, I asked a follow-up question. "So how was dinner with your family?"

"It was incredible! My folks love him so much. He just fits into my family so well."

I couldn't hide my enthusiasm for her happiness. "That's great! I'm really happy for the two of you."

I looked over at the empty plate in front of Briana, "Aren't you going to eat anything?"

She shrugged, "I kind of already ate."

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. I'm glad that you didn't wait for me. I guess I slept in longer than I meant to."

"Well, let's not waste any more time! Hurry up and eat, we're burning daylight."

I shoveled down my southwest omelet and swapped out my coffee for a protein shake to go.

Briana and I took our time crossing the field. The sun was bright, and the sky was clear above us. It was a bit chilly out, but I knew that it would feel refreshing once we started moving. I finished off my shake and stashed my tumbler on a nearby log.

"What do you think? Human or wolf?" Briana asked with mischief in her voice.

"Well, I would rather not shred my new Lulu set, so I would say human?" I trailed off. Briana smiled in agreement.

We started off with a light jog until Briana picked up pace beside me. She was trying to start a race, a race that she could not win. She smiled at me and I gave her the side eye. Our legs began to move faster, and the surrounding scenery got blurry. We started laughing as the wind rushed past us.

Just when I thought she was gaining on me, I kicked up the speed. We were rounding the corner by the lake when I got a link from Andy.

Hey Thea, the meeting is going to start soon. I have a gut feeling that you need to come back. Now.

My heart sunk and I dug my heels in. It took Briana a second to realize what had happened. She was far ahead of me when I saw her stop and look over her shoulder. She instantly ran back in my direction.

"Hey, is everything okay?" I didn't answer at first. I was still digesting Andy's warning. My brain was spiraling now, my worst fears were invading my headspace. I realized that I was spacing out. I blinked a couple of times until Briana's face refocused in my view. My eyes were clouded with tears, but I could see her frantic look.

"It's nothing. Although, I think that we should head back."

Brianna didn't argue. She just swallowed and nodded her head. We were running faster than we were when we were racing. My heart was in my throat and I had the sudden urge to vomit.

I was half expecting to slam into my dad along the way, but he wouldn't be that careless. I hopped up onto the raised patio and slid to a stop just outside the doors. I turned to Briana, "Go find Bryce, and stay with him."

She buttoned her lips and nodded her head. It didn't take long for her to disappear inside the house.

Alpha, I'm back. Where are you?

In my office.