Unknown Wolf

Goodbyes and Traveling

******* Lucy's POV

The door clicked shut, and my heart immediately sunk. I just had my first kiss! My thoughts were swimming. I had given my first kiss to Rowen Blackwood, and it did not disappoint. I didn't want him to leave, but he was right it was probably for the best. Everything in me wanted to fling that door open and drag him back in here. I know it is selfish to want him to just cuddle me. He is a man with needs, and I am nowhere near ready to fulfill them. I just want him near me.

What is with this man that he can have my emotions all over the place? I feel this strong need to be with him. I want to be wrapped in the safety of his strong arms and engulfed in his scent. Just the thought of him was making my heart race.

Never had I felt like this before, and I chastised girls in the books I've read for this infatuation and puppy love. I shook my head. I tried to go to bed, but it was just the beginning of a restless night of tossing and turning with an unfulfilled want and longing.

******* Rowen's POV

The door clicked shut, and I just stood on the other side for a minute, staring down the dark hall. She was it. Every bone in my body was screaming out for her. My wolf cried out her name, running crazy through my head. Somehow, I need to find the strength to go to my room, but all I wanted to do was go back to that sweet angel in there. She was like a drug, and I was a struggling addict trying my best to talk myself down. My heart wrenching inside me as I finally made it into my room.

I then raced into the shower and let the freezing cold water hit me, trying to find relief from this uncontrollable need for her. God, how I needed this girl! How in the world am I going to refrain. I leaned my head in frustration against the shower wall and groaned. In one way or another, this girl was going to be the death of me.

Finally getting out of the shower and drying off, I pulled on some basketball shorts and laid down in bed. Staring at the ceiling trying everything to not think of Lucy, but she was all that was racing through my head.

*******

After a sleepless night, I finally gave up and got ready for the day. I threw on a pair of jeans and a royal blue t-shirt. After brushing my teeth and running my fingers through my moppy hair, I began packing. It was going to be a long day, but at least I wasn't going alone for once.

I paused outside her door. My extra wolf hearing could hear her stirring as well. Part of me wanted to knock. The sooner I was near her, then maybe my wolf would calm down, but instead, I ignored Kane. I turned, going down to the kitchen for coffee, leaving my suitcase at the door.

*********** Lucy's POV

I sat up with a groan. I got absolutely no sleep and felt like I'd been hit by a bus. Crawling out of bed, I made it to shower where the hot water washed away the restlessness of the night before. Afterward, feeling a bit more refreshed, I brushed my teeth and braided my hair. I quickly got dressed in jeans and a mint green t-shirt.

As I zipped up my suitcase after I had finished packing it and looked down at my hand. It felt different to have the ring set on, heavier. I moved my fingers around mesmerized for a moment. Then, shaking my head, I went downstairs, placing my suitcase next to Rowen's. There were also two large duffle bags near the door that must have been Jordan and Wesley's.

I came into the kitchen to find I was the last one down as all the men were drinking coffee or eating peaceful at the table. I smiled at them all happy to see each face.

"Morning!" Wesley and Jordan chimed in together seeing me.

"Good morning, everyone," I replied.

"Good morning, little princess," Arthur greeted me, waving me over to the table.

He magically made a breakfast plate appear for me of fresh fruit, eggs, and sausage. How he continues to read my mind on food I will never know, but my smile widened. Rowen finally folded his newspaper in half and placed it down on the table before looking up at me.

"You look like you barely got any sleep?" He noted. He eyed me with scrutiny.

"Thanks, you look great too." I rolled my eyes at him.

"I didn't mean it that way. Did you just roll your eyes at me?" He narrowed his while Arthur grinned.

I looked him dead in the eyes and rolled them again more dramatically this time. Wesley laughed. Rowen raised an eyebrow but said nothing else. He grabbed his coffee mug to take a sip instead of ignoring what had just happened.

His left hand was still laying on the newspaper, and a glint from the light caught my eye. He was also wearing a gold and stainless steel ring upon his wedding finger artfully engraved with silver mountains in the steel along the band. I stared at it for a minute until I looked up to see he had caught my gaze. He smiled softly but said nothing.

Arthur broke the silence, "So a busy day for all of you, and I will be losing my company. I have enjoyed having everyone here. It's going to be too quiet when you're gone."

"You know where to find us, Arthur, if you get lonely." Rowen teased.

"Don't tempt me. You might have an unexpected guest in the near future."

"As long as it's you and not other family members showing up uninvited." Rowen finished.

We finished breakfast, and then Rowen and the men went to load our bags in the vehicle. Arthur had given him a box of scent spray and other magical items. After they had walked out the door, Arthur pulled me into the sitting room and handed me a box. I stared at it. Then back at him.

"I don't know if I can handle any more surprise boxes, Arthur." I told him with a questioning look on my face. I know he had seen Rowen had gifted me the ring set already.

"I know this is a lot, but this one isn't from me." He handed me an envelope to go with it that had yellowed with age. "My mother told me before she died that this box and letter were to the one that steals Rowen's heart. She said there will only be one, and I will know when she is wearing those rings no matter the circumstances she came by them. This is a gift and letter to you from Roisin Blackwood. I was to tell you to open the letter when you are alone. I'm going to leave you some privacy, and I'll make sure Rowen and the others are distracted until you are ready to join us."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I realized what he had given me. I looked back up at him, and he brushed a few from my cheek. Then, he cradled his hands around my face.

"I know this is a lot for you, and that Rowen has come into your life like a hurricane. The man loves you, Lucy. There is no denying that. If your father even had the slightest doubt for your safety, you would not be here." He continued.

I took a deep breath, "Thank you, Arthur, for everything."

He nodded and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Now I was left staring at what he had given me. I sat down in an armchair, and though it might be backward, I opened the box first. Inside was a beautiful ornate locket also in rose gold matching the rings. While the locket was mainly rose, gold stainless steel was used to make a ring of wolves running around the outer edge in a detailed design with vines and flowers of gold. Then, in the center was a stainless steel celtic eternity knot. Emeralds were also placed in the design. The largest in the center of the knot.

After taking in the sight of it for a moment, I opened her letter, breaking the wax seal. The handwriting itself was so distinguished it was almost art the way she took the time to round her cursive letters.

This letter is meant only for the woman who steals my baby's heart,

I know my son well enough there will only be one, and you will be the most precious thing in his world. His angel, his light in the darkness. Please be gentle with his heart and patient with his shortcomings. I know he can seem to be made of the strongest steel, invincible, and to the world, he may mask his suffering with a cold exterior. I also know that no matter how long it's been, he's still my loving little boy deep down. Full of love, passion, and laughter even if he has forgotten how. I hope that the moon goddess has picked the perfect mate that can melt whatever hardening his father has tried to do to him over the years.

I know my life wasn't the happiest after meeting his father, but I would do it all over again just to have him. He is special whether he believes it or not, and for the moon goddess to make you his mate, you must be extraordinary. My only regret is that I won't be there to meet you or my future grandchildren.

Rowen's father and brother will make things difficult for you in the beginning, but don't lose faith. Trust each other because I truly believe that together, you can overcome any obstacles in your way.

Rowen will protect you with fierceness beyond anything imaginable because he feels he failed to protect me. He was only a little boy, and he had no power to stop fate. My death is not his fault in any way. He was a victim of his father's cruelty as much as I was. I only pray that he can find freedom from it in life that I could only find in death. As terrifying as it may seem, it is both of your fates to overcome Roland and Ryker and create peace for our world.

Have faith in yourself as I do, and the moon goddess herself does. I will be with you always watching over you and Rowen as you are the two most important people to me. You will make an indestructible team and force to be reckoned with. Rule will love, wisdom, and patience.

Please take this necklace as my blessing to match your rings and the love they hold. You are the daughter I always dreamed for as a little girl, but I prayed never to give birth to as my husband's mate. Thank you for loving and caring for my son. I have had this locket magically enhanced to protect you and shield you. Never take it off. If anything were to happen to you, I know it would destroy my son.

With all the love a mother can give,

Roisin Blackwood

I sat there in silence for awhile tears streaming down my cheeks. If only his mother knew the reality of the situation, and my own doubts and questions about everything. What if I wasn't what she hoped for. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, and if I failed, what would become of everyone.

If she knew me, she wouldn't have given me this necklace. I would be just a disappointment, and I truly didn't feel worthy of wearing her rings. I didn't know if I was Rowen's mate. We hadn't marked each other yet. I felt guilt wash over me, and I placed the letter back in the envelope and closed the box. Wiping my tears away, I fixed myself to be presentable to see the men after hiding the letter and small box in my pocket.

They all sat on the front porch waiting for me, and Rowen noticed my entrance first.

"Are you alright?" He questioned, looking me over.

"I'm fine," I smiled back at him, though he didn't seem to believe me, and he didn't push the subject further either. Arthur gave me a questioning look as well, undoubtedly knowing what was in the box, and seeing me not wearing the necklace.

We began to say our goodbyes, and Wesley and Jordan slipped in the back seats of the volvo. Arthur came around and hugged me tight.

He whispered in my ear even too quiet for Rowen to hear, "You are worthy, Lucy, and you are everything she would have wanted for her son. Put the necklace on when you get a chance. It will keep you safe."

He pulled back, holding me and looking me in the eye while nodding. I felt the tears rise again, but I held them back and shook my head, looking down at the ground. He sighed and kissed my forehead.

Rowen looked on edge watching our goodbye. Not liking the length of it, but also trying to control his wolf, knowing there was nothing more than friendship between Arthur and I. I finally got in the passenger seat next to Rowen, ready for the last leg of our trip.

"Goodbye, Arthur," Rowen spoke from the drivers seat. "Hopefully, we will see you again soon."

"You will, I do believe," he winked back at his cousin. "Take good care of her."

"You know I will," he answered, and off we went down the long drive out of Arthur's land. I watched out the window as the corn fields passed by in a solemn state and numb to everything.

As we reached the edge of Arthur's territory and came closer to getting back on the highway, I felt Rowen try to mind the link with me. I let out a small breath and dropped the wall, allowing him to. I could feel him staring at me every now and then while also trying to focus on the road ahead.

"What is wrong?" He asked

"Nothing."

"Why do you insist on lying to me? I'm your mate. I know when something is off. Plus, you aren't a master at concealing your feelings either. You have been off since Arthur pulled you aside in the house. What did he say to you?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"Why are you so frustrating? What aren't you telling me?" He growled in my head, making me roll my eyes. He sighed in defeat, and we sat in an uncomfortable silence.

********** Rowen's POV

I know something has her upset, but she isn't being honest with me. I don't know how to get her to open up without starting a fight. Even sitting in this silence feels like we are fighting, and it's driving me nuts. This is going to be a long drive from Nebraska to Montana. It was longer than the 13 hours I was accounting for.

I tried to drive as straight through as possible without too many stops. There was one stop we definitely were going to have to make towards the edge of South Dakota. Coming up upon Sturgis over 5 and a half hours into our trip without a word, and I kept looking out the back window. There was a large black suv tailing us and had been for over an hour.

I got off the highway and began driving around aimlessly to make sure we were truly being tailed. Wesley and Jordan picked up on my concern pretty quickly, but Lucy was a bit oblivious, lost in her own thoughts. I'm not even sure she noticed we got off the highway. We were on a random back road surrounded by woods. I'm not sure exactly where anymore. I had been paying more attention to our tail than the roads, to be honest. Suddenly, they rammed us from behind, causing me to curse.

"s**t!"

Lucy screamed next to me, suddenly aware we were in danger and looked terrified. They rammed us again harder, causing me to swerve. Jordan told Lucy to get down, and she ducked down, placing her head between her knees while keeping her hand on the dash to prevent being shoved forward into it. Wesley rolled down his window and began to shoot at the vehicle. They rammed us once more so hard we began to spin out. I calmly rode it out until it could be corrected, and then they shot out our tires before hitting the side of the vehicle, flipping the car over.

Fuel was dripping everywhere from the car. Jordan quickly removed Lucy and got her to the treeline. Wesley and I both got out and followed. The suv halted to a stop, and four large men got out. They then shifted. As they ran at us, the three of us shifted as well charging. Lucy stood frozen in fear.

I took on the middle two as Wesley and Jordan flanked me, taking the other two. The large dark grey one slashed my side as the brown one went for my neck. I clawed his eyes before he could reach me, and he howled in pain, blinded. I focused back on the grey one leaping at him. I was successful in clamping down on his neck as blood poured from his womb while he screamed. After I was sure he was dead, I went back to the brown wolf and snapped his neck. I turned around to see the others had made a quick defeat out of their opponents as well. Lucy still stood in shock in the grass.

In full Alpha voice, I commanded, "Lucy and Jordan remove our bags from the car and put them in the suv. Wesley help me dispose of this trash."

Jordan answered, "What if the suv has a tracker, sir?"

"Check it. If you can find one, remove it, but we will be dumping the vehicle as soon as we get out of here anyway." I answered.

Wesley and I pulled the volvo into the brush and covered it up, removing the tags. We dragged the bodies as far as we could into the wilderness without taking up too much time. Then, we ripped them apart to make it look like a wild animal attack. Washing off in a small creek before returning to Jordan and Lucy.

Jordan had already gotten dressed and was ready at our return. Wesley and I quickly dressed without a word and hopped in. Lucy was as white as a ghost and shaking like a leaf when I looked at her. I felt protective over her, but at the same time, she was going to have to get more training and prepared for this. This was going to be part of our life now hunted and attacked. We both had bounties on our heads, and we were big targets. She sat in the back with Jordan, and Wesley sat in the front with me.

"I found a tracker on the vehicle, removed it, and deactivated it. I don't know if there were any others." He informed me.

"Let's get out of here before anyone else shows up and ditch this vehicle as well." I answered.

We made it back to some town and parked in a secluded parking lot. I got out and found an old buick unlocked. After hotwiring it, I pulled it around to the back of the suv. We transferred the luggage and quickly left.

Soon, getting back on track, we finally made it to the stop I had planned at the edge of South Dakota without any more delays. I pulled up to an old rundown barn in the middle of a very rural area. It was the only thing on this property and not very interesting looking. The men got out and opened the barn doors. I pulled the buick in out of sight. Inside were three other vehicles which I planned to take them all.

"Alright, these are ours, and we will be driving them the rest of the way." I directed their unasked question.

Wesley, I told her to take the older dodge truck that was a dark blue. Jordan was to drive the silver jeep wrangler, and Lucy and I got the burgundy GMC Sierra. We again transferred the luggage into our new set of vehicles and drove out. Locking up the barn behind us. They followed me onwards towards our destination.