Unknown Wolf

Taking the Advice

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

One of the most important things in order to be a good partner is to put your mates' needs first. My father never cared enough for anyone, but himself to think of my mother and her wants and needs. I saw the stark contrast between my parents' relationship and my Aunt and Uncle's. My mate needed me to be level-headed. She needed me to put my irrational emotions aside and be understanding and supportive.

She said she saw them as her brothers, and I can see she values family. She has been through this huge ordeal. I can do this for her to make this transition easier for her. Right now, I need to focus on putting her first.

I walked out of my bedroom and naturally slantered over towards her door. I could hear her running a bath for herself. Maybe that's what she needed for a bit, some peace to decompress. I turned towards the stairs to find the others.

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

This is a complete disaster. I might as well have been an emotional bomb going off in that room. I need to get my head together. I went straight to the bathroom and started a hot bath. Seems there were some bath salts and oils nearby, and I put them in along with the bubble bath.

They both were thinking about me, but at the same time, they weren't. I'm still just a girl who recently has been ripped from her home and everything I have ever known.

One day, I had the most perfect birthday with my family, shifted for the first time, made my father proud, and then it all went to s**t. I was almost kidnapped. My family and home were attacked. I watched someone I have known my entire life be possibly killed before me, and I couldn't do anything to stop it. I haven't even processed everything, and though I seem okay. I'm not. I'm just covering it up and burying it.

Then, as if that isn't enough, I can't return home for my safety and the safety of the people I love. I thought having Wesley and Jordan would help ease me into all this, but maybe using them as my security blanket was selfish on my part and a bad idea.

And after all of that weighing on my heart and mind, there is whatever this is with Rowen. Can I accept him as my mate? I don't really know him, but I do feel some unexplainable emotions towards him that are different from anything else. I don't want to be separated from him, and he does make me feel safe. I can't explain it. I have no idea what it means, but I'm going to be cautious about all of it until the confusion is put to rest. I don't want to get pulled in too deep just to get hurt.

I let myself sink into the warm bath, allowing it to wash over me and ease away my frustrations and worries. It smelled wonderful of lavender, rose, and sage. I immediately felt comfort. Maybe the salts and oils had some magic in them. After all, I was visiting a wizard's house, or maybe I just really needed a moment to relax.

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

I found them in the kitchen. Arthur was so mad he was washing dishes to get his frustration out. Wesley and Jordan were over to the side. Jordan does not know how to act or what to do. He seemed nervous. Wesley, on the other hand, had gone back to mad. He stood there trying not to look at me or acknowledge my presence.

I guess if I put myself in Wesley's shoes, he was being an overprotective brother who, by nature, didn't like or trust me or any male that may have feelings for his little sister. He wanted to shield her from anything that may hurt her.

Jordan acted more like the middle sibling who wanted to fix the tense atmosphere between his brother and Lucy but was afraid to go up against his older brother at the same time. He was more passive than Wesley, but that didn't mean he didn't care for Lucy. He just knew that she could handle herself. He knew she was able to make her own life decisions and was willing to support her no matter what.

King Grey was a smart man. He knew these two were not only his elite soldiers loyal to him but that they also cared deeply for his daughter. He was tough on them about their failure before, but he knew they would do everything in their power to keep her safe even from unseen threats. I could value that now that my wolf had calmed down.

Now, if I could stay focused, things would be smoother, but every time she is around, I turn into a possessive, hormone driven i***t. I have never been this sloppy or out of control.

I took a deep breath, "I'd like to talk and clear the air if that would be okay with you two."

Arthur turned and stopped washing the dishes. Wesley glared at me. I guess blaming me for Lucy being upset instead of taking responsibility for his part in it. I ignored his behavior, waiting for an answer.

"Yes," said Jordan, "Let's start over." He stepped forward, looking very open to the idea of resolving this conflict. Wesley whipped his head around now, glaring his brother down, and Jordan just shrugged.

"Let's sit down," I jestured to the small table at the side of the kitchen. Jordan was first to sit down with Arthur joining him quietly. Wesley stalled but eventually followed his brother.

"Seems plans have changed to include the two of you whether I like it or not. Lucy is correct on everything she said, and though we may not like each other, I think we all can agree on one thing, Lucy. We all want her safe and happy. Well, she is currently safe, but we need to figure out how to get along to make her happy."

Arthur smiled reassuringly, knowing the normal me was back at least for the moment. Jordan seemed happy at this new turn of events and acknowledgment. Where as Wesley continued to glare at me, questioning every word coming from my mouth.

"Is this how I would be if I had a little sister or daughter?"

Kane, "You'd probably be worse."

I mentally shrugged, "Probably."

I continued hoping to reach Wesley on some level, "Look, put my emotions aside, I get it. You don't know me. You definitely don't trust me, and you are extremely protective of Lucy. Whether you believe me or not, she is my mate. I am just as protective of her if not more so. I haven't forgotten she has her own choice to make in whether to accept me or not. I love her and respect her. I would never take advantage of her, but don't discredit her. She is a strong and smart young woman who can hold her own.

I also understand the concern that might be added as I am a Blackwood and the dark reputation that comes with that name. I am not my father or my brother. They detest me and loathe my very existence. I hate them. There is a lot to my home life that most people do not know or understand. I am okay with being misunderstood, but not when those misunderstandings come between Lucy and me."

Wesley spoke up, "I don't like you, and I most certainly don't trust you. I'm not just going to hand Lucy over to you."

"That's fine as the feeling is mutual, but I want you to know I'm not used to anyone disrespecting me except my father and brother. I am a second prince, and I expect you to mind your manners. I am trying to give you mutual respect as well, and all I ask is for the same in return. As far as handing Lucy over, that's not your decision to make. Lucy is in control of her own life decisions, not you or me. We both need to respect her instead of dictating and pushing her around."

Wesley wasn't happy about my response but nodded like the good soldier he is. I seemed to be making progress. Jordan and Arthur seemed to be pleased with how things were going so far as well.

"Alright, I'm used to being third in command. Leading armies and ruling over packs. I am normally the one my father sends out to do the day to day work with our kingdom. Therefore, I am used to being in charge, and considering my title and the fact that we will be leaving for my safe house, I will be in charge. I am the Alpha here, and I need you to accept that. Or we are going to have more issues. I don't need us fighting over dominance. We have more important worries out there." I didn't bother waiting for a response to that. It wasn't a question it was a necessary command.

"We will be leaving tomorrow for the ranch. No one knows about my safe house except for Arthur, and my friend who drew up our paperwork, Jason. He has also gone into hiding. The ranch is protected by many charms and spells Arthur has put on it for me over the years. It should be safe and almost as impenetrable as this place. When going into the town, we have to mask our scents for safety reasons just in case another werewolf were to pass through. It's a very small town, remote, and only human inhabited. I am known in town as Ryan Benson but have been away on duty as an active military soldier. We are going back in the understanding that I have been honorably discharged and that I am returning home with my new wife, Lindsey Benson."

Wesley growled, but I ignored him.

"Lucy specifically asked to have her own private room, which is being respected and provided. It's just a cover. Arthur and King Grey have put your cover as Lucy's two older brothers are coming with us to help on the ranch. I have already made arrangements for the house to be cleaned and prepared for our arrival. Are you prepared for this?"

"Yes," reassured Jordan before his brother had a chance to say something stupid.

"Good. I can see neither of you has any bags where you were teleported here. I would like to take the two of you to get some essentials and get everything set up for tomorrow while Lucy relaxes. Arthur will stay with her."

"Sounds like a reasonable plan," agreed Jordan. Wesley looked at his brother, then back at me, and nodded disgruntled.

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

I finished with my bath feeling a lot better. Drying off, I got dressed in fresh clothes. I had found a white cotton dress laid out for me on the bed. Feeling fresh and in a good mood, I curled my hair and put some soft makeup on. I tied my hair in a low ponytail with a lavender ribbon, leaving my curls to spray over my shoulder.

Taking a deep breath and hoping things had settled down, I went to find the others. I found Arthur alone on the front porch rockers with a glass of sweet tea.

"Hello Princess," he smiled at me.

"Arthur, where is everyone?" He patted the rocker next to him, and I sat down.

"Well, after they had a heart to heart, Rowen took them to get some clothes and essentials for your trip tomorrow."

"He did?" I raised an eyebrow.

"They seemed to find some common ground," he replied. I still looked unconvinced.

"You," he answered my unasked question. He laughed at my surprise. "Princess, one day you will be queen. You will be a leader of men and find yourself dealing with their quarrels. You will be the voice of reason respected in the room. It might not seem like it, but what you said they both needed to hear. Hopefully, they continue to listen to you."

I sat peacefully with him, watching the sunset in a comfortable silence. After a while, Rowen's car came up the drive. Which put a soft smile on my face and a warmth in my chest. Upon realizing my reaction to Rowen's return, I became confused again. I barely knew this man, yet here I was, happy to see him return home.

The three of them got out of the car. They hadn't become bestfriends in a few hours, but the tension between seemed to be less. They seemed to be able to coexist nicely now, which was a relief to me.

Arthur got up to help Jordan and Wesley to the other guest room with their things. Rowen walked up to me with an unsure smile.

"I'm sorry for earlier. You are right. You are your own individual, and I need to respect that you can handle yourself. I just immediately went into protective mode and let my pride and jealousy take control. I'm not that person. I just seem to go a bit off the rails around you." He looked at me pleading for forgiveness, but I already had. I just wanted them to be able to accept each other, and remember they weren't enemies.

I didn't know how to respond, so I just stood up and hugged him. He relaxed a bit in my arms and brushed his fingers through my hair. I moved to look up at him as he smiled gently down at me.

"I forgive you. No more fighting amongst our friends, though. There are no enemies in this house."

"Agreed," He leaned down to kiss my forehead, which made flutters attack my stomach as I stared into those blue eyes of his. "Come here with me for a minute."

He pulled me through the house and out to the back patio where it seems Arthur had helped him out by decorating. The patio table had a white tablecloth draped over it with a small vase full of red roses and lavender. There were two glasses of red wine with the bottle left at the table and a meal of perfectly prepared steaks with baked potatoes and grilled vegetables. Arthur had also decorated the patio with beautiful twinkle lights that shimmered as the evening grew darker.

"Join me for dinner, Lucilla?" He smiled at my shock, "It will be our first mini date." He winked.

I nodded shyly and walked to the table where he pulled my chair out for me before sitting in his place. This was my first date, and it was right out of a storybook that most girls would gush over.