Ebony Rose

Chapter 5: Getting to Know One Another

Carter and I sat nervously on Tony’s parent’s bed. “So, tell me about yourself.” I finally asked. 

“Well what do you want to know?” He said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. I felt a warm blush creep up my cheeks at the gentle contact. 

“I don’t know. I guess everything?” I giggled, “I know that’s not very helpful. Let’s start with what do you do for fun?” 

“I don’t know, normal teenage stuff I guess. My friends and I play video games, go to the movies, out to eat, sometimes when we can save up enough money we will drive down to Saginaw and play laser tag and go-kart. How about you?” 

“Oh well, I’m cheer captain so I spend a lot of time at practice and hanging out with the rest of the squad. When I’m not focused on that I work at my parent’s shop. Well, I guess I’ll more or less be running the shop now.” I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose. 

“So it’s true, they really did move?” Carter growled. 

“Yup. Leaving me and the shop behind, if we hadn't run into each other yesterday and found out we were mates, you’d be engaged to my aunt right now. Don’t worry she’s only a couple years older than me.” I added hastily seeing the look of horror on his face. 

“I still find it horrible that they would just leave you like that.” He explained, “I knew as an alpha my choice in spouse would not be mine to make, and that I would be married off to whomever my father found suitable for adding to the pack’s strength. So the thought of it being someone younger or older than me, didn’t really matter. But now I fear the mating bond has changed everything, the thought of being betrothed to anyone but you makes my gut twist and heart ache. And the thought of your family moving without you fills me with a righteous anger, if it weren’t for the budding alliance my wolf would rip your parents to shreds.” His posture stiffened and his fingers dug into the sheets. “Why? How, could they do that to their own child?” he growled out as his eyes darkened with rage. 

“I don’t know how, but I do know why.” I whispered. “I hung my head in shame, fiddling with the edge of my sweater. “Before we learned that Theo and Alex were mates, my pack had an alliance with the Winter pack that I would marry Theo on my 18th birthday. A few months ago, Alex and her pack came. She issued a challenge for Theo’s hand in marriage and I lost. It was only after I had lost that we learned that they were mates. That didn’t matter to my parents though. I had proven myself to be too weak to help our pack attain their goals of legitimacy.” 

“Legitimacy?” He asked. 

“Yes. You will have noticed that my pack has no elders, in fact the only members who are blood related are my parents, aunt, and I. They don’t speak of it much, but when my parents were younger they fell in love, and abandoned their packs to be together. My aunt left with my father out of loyalty to her brother who was supposed to become an alpha. As they traveled from place to place they built their own pack by taking in rogues they encountered along the way. It’s hard to gather the proper resources and alliances when you aren’t a recognized pack by the council. It was determined that to be recognized our pack would have to marry into an already recognized pack. The packs my parents deserted are out of the question, so they have been traveling to places with one strong pack already established in hopes of creating an alliance and becoming legitimate again.” 

“If your parents broke off from their packs to marry one another, why are they trying to arrange a marriage for you to be legitimate again?” 

“Because my father was meant to be an alpha, he’s a born alpha that craves power. My mother was a lower ranking wolf in her pack, which is why they were not allowed to marry. My mother craves recognition, and the wealth that comes from being a council recognized pack. When they ran off they didn’t realize how much they would be losing. Now they regret their hasty decision and want to regain what they lost, and I was the perfect way for them to get it.” 

“I’m sorry.” he said, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “Parent’s can be overbearing at times.” 

“Yes, your father seems like a treat.” I muttered, placing my hand on his knee. 

“He’s not that bad.” Carter replied. “He is strict, but he truly just wants the best for his pack.” 

“And what is that?” I asked. 

“I guess the same as your father, for our pack to be strong and powerful. To be able to stand our ground and defend what is ours, but enough talk of our parents and their plotting. What is it you want in life?” He asked, placing his hand over my own and pulling me closer, he turned me so my legs were draped across his lap. 

“No one ever asked me that before.” I mused, “Before the challenge, I wanted to fulfill my parents role for me and become the alpha to stand by Theo’s side. Immediately after the challenge I wanted to be stronger, like Alex. To prove my worth. Now? I don’t know, I guess you could say I’m still figuring it out.” I breathed in the scent of him, my wolf yipped in excitement. His chin was resting on my head while I rested in the crook of his arm and neck. I nuzzled his neck and he let out a low throaty growl, “What is it you want?” I asked him, pressing a kiss to his collarbone. 

“You.” He whispered, lifting my chin and kissing me. I opened my mouth letting his tongue slip in as he pulled me on top of him. We shifted so I was straddling his lap, deepening the kiss as I knotted my fingers in his hair. He gripped my hips tightly grinding me against him. I let out a gasp as he bit down on my neck, “f**k, what either of our parents want. I claim you as my mate.” He whispered in my ear. Chills crawled up my spine as I bit him back. I sat back staring at the marks left by me claiming him. He smiled up at me. “f**k your pack, and the Rose’s you belong to me now, and therefore you belong to my pack.” 

“No, I haven’t swore my allegiance to a new pack yet, I’m still an Ebony.” I whispered, shaking my head in confusion at my impulsive decision to mark him. 

“You don’t have to, with my mark on your neck my pack will know you belong to me, and welcome you.” He explained with light in his eyes, “You belong with me.” 

“But my life is in Clare.” I tried to explain, “I’m fine with seeing each other and getting to know each other, but I’m not just going to up and leave the Rose pack. I still have a year and a half of high school left.” 

“If you move down with my pack, you could easily transfer schools. I’m sure my father could convince your parents into enrolling you.” His excitement seemed to only rise, as if he couldn’t hear my protests. 

“Carter. Listen to me.” He finally stopped, and the dreamy fog in his eyes began to clear. “I can’t just uproot my entire life.” I stood up pacing, and I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror, I approached the vanity looking at my hair all tousled and the bite mark on my neck. I ran my fingers over the mark. “s**t. s**t. Shit.” I muttered. Opening the drawers of the vanity, I found a bottle of concealer. 

“What are you doing?” Carter asked, standing up behind me. I rolled my eyes at him in the mirror as I applied the liquid concealer, then applying a matt powder to it. It took out the redness and blended in the ripples of the bite some, but nothing could hide the mate’s mark. Carter gripped my hand, “Why are you trying to hide it?” He asked, his voice laced with concern and fear, “Don’t you want me?” 

“Yes, at least I think I do. It’s just too much all of a sudden.” I tried to explain as I fought to conceal his mark as well. “I was hoping to date for a bit, get to know each other.” 

“But we are mates, like in fairy tales with love at first sight. We were made for each other.” 

“I know that.” I growled in frustration, “It’s not about you, when I graduate high school I am more than willing to move closer to you, but I can’t just uproot my life right now. Staying here is the only stability I have right now.” 

“I can be your stability.” He offered, turning me to face him. “As my mate, we will be alphas of the Smith pack and you can have whatever you want.” 

“I want to finish high school with my friends.” I said, meeting his eyes, “I want to take my time to get to know you and your pack better, before joining. I want to find myself and discover what it is I want in life. I’m finally free from my parent’s expectations and have the opportunity to figure out what I want to do with myself. Please don’t take that from me.” I pleaded with him. 

“But we belong together.” his eyes darkened, as he pulled me closer. 

“I know, and we will be together. You just have to be patient.” I explained, as I made my way to the door. He moved swiftly pushing me up against the door pinning my hands behind me. 

“I suppose you could serve purpose to the pack by remaining here.” he suggested, gently running a finger down my cheek. My heart raced at the determined look in his eye, “You’re close to Alex are you not?” He asked, my blood ran cold at the implication. 

“Yes. What does your father want with her?” I asked. 

“Is it so wrong for a father to want to meet his daughter?” Carter retorted. 

“Why now? It’s been 16 years, I’m sure he could have pursued this relationship at any point before now.” I countered, as I tried reaching the door knob that was digging into my back. 

“Why the sudden curiosity? It seems suspicious coming from someone who only moments ago did not want to join my pack.” 

“Alex is my friend.” I answered, “I don’t want her to get hurt.” 

“Don’t you think calling her a friend is a little premature, considering she just stole your previous partner?” He questioned. I let out a warning growl, and gave him a shove. He stumbled backwards, the look of shock and betrayal was like a knife to my heart. I opened the door and made my way downstairs. I could hear his footsteps behind me. Instead of following my scent into the living room, I heard the front door slam. 

“Hey, Jess it seems like your date left.” Xander said, poking his head in the door. 

“Yeah, we had a bit of a disagreement. It’s fine.” I said waving my hand in dismissal. 

“Where’d he go?” Alex asked, poking her head out from the blanket fort she had crafted around the couch. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes shined; it was obvious she had been enjoying herself. 

“I’m assuming home, mind if I ride home with you?” I asked her. 

“Of course!” She smiled at me raising her whiskey bottle in a cheers towards me. Theo army crawled past her out of the tent, bending to pick up his red solo cup before approaching me. 

“Everything okay?” he asked. 

“Yeah. It’s fine.” I lied, “His dad just called and told him to come home.” Theo’s eyes widened as he saw my neck. 

“Are you sure, it didn’t have to do with that?” He asked. 

“Just a little love nibble.” I lied. 

“Bullshit, he claimed you.” Theo hissed at me. “Your mate claimed you, and then took off like a bat out of hell. That is a pretty impressive mood swing if you ask me.” 

“Well I didn’t ask you, and it’s none of your business.” I muttered at him, as I took his drink and walked off. 

“Whatever, as long as you can assure me Alex is safe, I won’t say a thing.” He offered, grabbing my arm and turning me to face him. 

“Yes, Alex is safe.” I told him, as I broke away from his grip, and downed his drink. “I’m going to get another.” I turned and walked off. 

“What’s going on?” Xander asked as he leaned against the counter. 

“Theo and I broke it off, he’s been in love with Alex.” I explained, “But we are all friends, and worked it out.” 

“So that guy, was your rebound?” Xander pressed. 

“You could say that.” I answered, filling up the cup with jungle juice.

“You okay? With how he rushed out of here, I was worried he might have tried something funny.” Xander looked concerned. 

“It’s fine. Just a little misunderstanding. We both needed a little break as we were moving too fast. You know how new relationships can be.” I dismissed his concerns. “All the excitement and passion.” 

“Yeah. I know how it can be.” Xander laughed but it didn’t reach his eyes. He looked like someone had kicked his puppy dog. 

“You okay?” I asked him. 

“Yeah, just glad that guy didn’t hurt you or anything.” He raised his cup, and walked out of the kitchen. I moseyed back into the living room where I perched on the couch. A Christmas movie was on for background noise. Alex was giggling in her blanket fort with Theo, Em was cuddled up on the other end of the couch with Tony, as Xander took on the role of host for him. In the dining room people were playing beer pong on the ornate oak table. My wolf howled in anguish that our mate had left, and was refusing to speak to me for letting him go. I was furious as well, how could he not understand that I didn’t want to leave here? That this is my home, and I can’t just uproot my whole life after knowing him for one day. My heart ached as I knew he was my chance at true love, but something just didn’t feel right. I got up and refilled my drink, passing by the partygoers thinking about how not long ago I was just like them, drinking my worries away, trying to sneak off and make out with Theo. So much had changed. Now Theo and Alex were together, my parents showed how little they actually cared by leaving town and me behind. I no longer desired to drink excessively as it would never get their attention. The only way to get their approval now would be to marry Carter without any second thoughts, and I already blew that. 

I should be overjoyed that I had found my mate, and that my pack was willing to let me come home. I dumped my punch back into the bowl and filled my cup with water from the fridge. I grabbed a slice of pizza from the counter and made my way back to the living room. The credits for the movie were rolling, and then it started playing from the beginning again. After I finished my pizza I curled into a ball resting my head on the arm of the couch. 

“Jess, wake up.” I looked up to Alex giggling. “Yay. You’re alive! We have to go home. Come on.” Alex stumbled as she tried helping me up. Theo caught her laughing as they both helped me up. “Em! We’re leaving.” Alex called. Emile came into the room adjusting her blouse and running her fingers through her hair, a warm blush on her cheeks. 

“Alright, rugrats let’s go. Your grandfather would have my hide if I got you home late.” Theo said trying to corral the drunk Rose girls. 

“No he wouldn’t. You’re Mimi’s favorite, she’d kill him if he tried to harm a hair on your head.” Alex said, ruffling his hair and kissing his cheek. She kissed his neck next, applying light pressure with her teeth. 

“Oh no you don’t. You’re not marking me while intoxicated.” Theo chastised her, locking his arm around her neck holding her head away from his neck. She whimpered like a pup, and he laughed, flicking her in the nose. Even I had to admit they were cute together. Seeing her smile, and so happy it was easy to see how the world enjoyed revolving around her. Envy twisted deep in my gut at the thought that even my own mate tried using me to get information on her. Although it wasn’t for romantic purposes it still hurt. He didn’t care why I wanted to stay here, only how it could benefit him, just like my parents. I let out a frustrated groan as I got up into the truck after helping boost Em and Alex up. Alex laid her head on Theo’s arm as he drove us back to the Rose manor. Em hummed happily to herself, and it took a few repetitions before I recognized the song from the movie. The porch light was on as we pulled up and Alles came out of the front door to help Theo with Alex and Em. 

“Jeez. How much did you guys have to drink?” Alles asked. 

“Mommy, mommy, such a sweet mommy.” Alex sang as she booped Alles’s nose. 

“Alright, Jess you appear sober, help me load these two lushes upstairs before my dad sees them like this. Theo honey thank you for getting them home safe, now get out of here before my dad comes after you.” she smiled at him. He nodded to her tipping his hat and getting back into his truck before driving off. 

“No. Mommy, I wanted him to stay. Snuggles.” Alex protested. 

“Not until you’re married and of legal age sweetie.” Alles crooned. I support Em’s weight as she continued humming her christmas songs, finally we were able to toss them on their beds. “Come, downstairs, I’ll make you some cocoa.” Alles offered me. I followed her to the kitchen. She put a pot on the stove to warm up some milk, adding the cocoa from a jar. “What’s bothering you dear?” She asked as she poured my glass. 

“You were right.” I sighed. “Carter wanted me to run away with him, then when I told him I wanted to stay here, he asked me to spy on Alex.” 

“Did he mark you?” She said looking at my neck. 

“Yeah, before asking me to run off with him. We uh well our wolves took control a little, and we ended up marking each other.” I sighed. “That’s when everything started going downhill. After we marked each other he started spouting off about being meant for each other and how I should move down there with him and my family.” 

“The marking process elicits strong feelings between mates. It’s normal to want to be with them, and when you told him no he was probably afraid you were going to reject him and the bond.” Alles explained. “Him asking you to be a spy was probably the only reason he could accept you not wanting to move with him.” She placed her hand on her neck, then seeming to remember herself removed it. 

“Did Vincent mark you?” I asked her, she nodded. 

“It was a long time ago. Like I said he was trying to end the engagement. He was convinced we were meant to be together.” 

“What did you do?” I asked. 

“I marked him back at the time, but soon regretted it.” 

“Because he found his mate?” I asked her. She nodded again. “Did you love him?” I asked her, feeling selfish, these were questions that Alex should be the one to ask, but I needed to know. I needed to know about her and Vincent to make sense of me and Carter. But the more I found out, I just became more unsure. 

“I believe everything happens for a reason. I had to love him to get Alex, and I had to deal with Carl to get Malcolm, I have to believe it happens for a reason. If I hadn’t made my mistakes in love I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.” She sipped her cocoa. 

“Do you still believe in love?” I asked her. 

She looked up towards the second floor, where everyone else was in bed. “I do. I can’t look at my parents and not see the love between them, same with Alex and Theo. Look around you. This house is full of love, the love of our family, the love of the spouses, the young love of the new alphas. I was raised in a place full of love, I think that’s why I was able to fall so easily. Maybe one day I will find my mate, but until then the love of my pack and family is enough.” she smiled, “I do think it’s time for bed though, don’t you?” 

“I suppose so.” I answered her, getting up I took her cup and mine, washing them in the sink and putting them in the dishwasher, along with the pot. “Thank you, for being so open with me.” 

“Anytime dear, thank you for keeping my secrets from Alex, I know it’s hard with you being friends and all.” She ruffled my hair as she got up to leave. I followed her up the stairs, and went to bed. I was in wolf form running through the woods, another wolf hot on my tail in pursuit. He pinned me to the ground, his blue eyes blazing like the fires from hell, his breath hot on my face, his black fur shimmering in the moonlight. You are mine. Carter growled into my mind. I awoke with a start. Sweat dripping down my spine and goosebumps covering my arms. I tried laying back down but all I could do was toss and turn as Carter’s blue eyes haunted my mind. Finally giving up on sleep, I went outside and shifted running through the crisp night air, the frosted leaves crunching under my feet, the snow. I ran until my legs grew weak. I found myself at the pine tree overlooking the pond. I lay in the snow at the pond's edge looking down at the fish, they swam lower in the water seeking refuge in the depths of the water, preparing for the winter freeze. When the cold started seeping through my warm fur I got up, stretching my cold muscles I began the run back to the house following the now familiar scents of the Rose pack patrols. Getting back into the room I changed into clean pajamas and crawled back into bed for a few hours of dreamless sleep.