Celestially Bound

Chapter 6

    "I have a surprise for you" he whispered in my ear, his voice going low and rough at the end.

    He didn't move away as the elevator started to climb. My breathing became uneven.

    Daniel cupped my cheek lifting my head to look at him. The intensity of his gaze caused heat to pool into my lower abdomen. How is he having this affect on me?

    A low rumble sounded from his chest as he pulled away.     

    "Don't do that " he warned, his eyes getting darker.

    My eyes widened at the realization of what he meant.

    I immediately looked down, my cheeks burning red. 'Damn werewolf heightened senses!' He knew exactly what he was doing to me and I was horrified. 

    *Ding* The elevator doors opened breaking the uneasy silence.

    Quickly stepping out to get some air, I found that I couldn't find any as I gaped at the site in front of me.

  "Wh-what is-" I couldn't finish as my mouth hung open. 

    Spread out before me was the largest bedroom I had ever seen. Directly across the room from me were two platform king size beds positioned a few feet apart underneath a large painting of a majestic forest.

    One bed was decorated in dark gray bedding and the other in a deep purple. A large white wooden bedside table sat in between them.

     Looking to the left was an enormous whirlpool tub with white marble edges. Next to it, against the wall, was a double vanity and a walk in shower with three waterfall shower heads. They were both tiled in the same marble as the tub. 

    Blinking, I stepped forward turning to my right. There was a luxurious breakfast nook located under a large window, letting in plenty of light. 

    I kept turning to find a large kitchen complete with an island done in white marble as well. 

    I noticed a a set of double doors off to the side. Shakily I pushed myself forward to explore. 

    I opened the doors almost passing out. This had to be the biggest, most magnificent walk in closet I had ever laid eyes on. It looked like a department store.

     The walls were white with a plush dark purple carpet covering the floor. A crystal chandelier hung in the center of the room. Beneath the chandelier sat a lavender chaise lounge. The back wall was a giant mirror with crystal leaves framing it.

     Upon further inspection I could tell whose side was whose. The left side was stocked with fine suits and other various clothing that I could tell were name brand.

    The little clothing that I had accumulated so far was placed on the right side.

    "We'll soon fill that up" a voice whispered in my ear. 

    I turned to look at Daniel still unable to talk. 

    "Do you like it?"

    All I could do was nod my head as I walked back into the bedroom. 

    I took in the rest of the details. The walls were a smoky lavender. Grey hardwood looking tile blanketed the floor.

    I whipped around to see Daniel leaning against the closet doorway watching me closely.

    Tears began to gather in my eyes.

    Worry crossed his face as he strode towards me. "What's wrong? Do you not like it?"

    I shook me head. "Did you do all this for me?"

    He nodded.

    "B-but why?"

    "You were right last night about staying in a room I had shared with another woman." he said. "I had this room set aside years ago when we built the new pack house in hopes that I would eventually be able to share it with my mate. No one has ever stayed in here. If you want to change anything feel free to do so.  This room belongs to you and me. I will love anything you choose." "I had another bed brought in last night. I figured you needed some time to get used to everything"

    This was reserved years ago for his mate?......me? So he hadn't entirely given up on finding me one day. He also had a separate bed brought in for me which I found incredibly thoughtful. I didn't know this man and he was already taking care of me.

    Tears were rolling down my face as I wrapped my arms around his waist. 

    "Thank you" I whispered as he returned the hug.

    "Anything for you darling." 

    We stayed like that for a while before a question in the back of mind surfaced.

    "Um I know this might seem random but exactly how old are you?" I asked pulling back to look up at him.

    He looked a little taken aback, answering after a moment of silence. "I'll be 55 in November."

    My eyes widened. He's in his fifties?!.....I guess that shouldn't come as a shocker. He was in a relationship for thirty years. Plus my parents waited till they were in their seventies to have me and up until they.......nope not going there......anyways they still looked like they were in their late thirties. Werewolves are age ninjas. From what my parents had told me, the oldest living werewolf was a 568 year old woman. 

    Werewolves aren't completely immortal like those bloodsuckers, they just age a lot slower than humans like myself.

    Snapping myself out of my thoughts I looked up to see Daniel trying to gauge my reaction.

    I gave him a soft smile and nodded "Oh...ok. Um....I just turned 17."

    "I know, I have your file." he said, a small smile forming.

    "Oh! That's right! I have so many questions to ask you! Do you know what happened to my parents? Why did I have to leave? Is my old pack ok? Who came that ni-"

    "Whoa whoa! Slow down!" he chuckled holding his hands up. "I expected you to ask questions but right now you need to rest."

    Pouting, I crossed my arms and let out a huff. 

    "Doctor's orders" he said sternly not wavering.

    Still suffering from exhaustion I decided to let it go. "Fine." I mumbled.

    Taking my face in his hands, Daniel spoke softly "I'm just trying to take care of your health darling. As soon as you recover I promise we will sit down and talk."  

    I smiled and nodded with satisfaction.

    "Alright, now go relax in the shower and hop into bed." he said removing his hands as he turned to leave.

    "Oh and one more thing."

     "Hmm?" I looked back at him.

    "I took the liberty to enroll you into online classes for your senior year. I didn't think with everything that has happened that you'd want to start over at a new school for your last year. Classes start next week on Monday."

    That earned him my biggest smile. "Oh thank you! Yes that's perfect!"

    "Great, I'll make sure you have everything you need." He smiled and entered the elevator.

    I walked over to my amazing closet to grab some clothes before jumping in the shower.

    The warm water soothed my muscles as I stood there relishing the sensation. My mind started pondering over the last few days. I wonder how my sisters were fairing in their new home. If any harm came to them there would be hell to pay. 

    I thought back to all of the new friends I started to make which brought a smile to my face.

    My mind kept flickering back to Daniel. We were strangers yet I felt something familiar about him which comforted me. He was really kind and caring. Anyone could tell that he was a good Alpha by looking at the reactions from his pack members. They looked at him with a sense of loyalty. Whenever he walked by anyone he was greeted with small bows as a sign of respect. I'm curious to learn more about this man.

    Stepping out of the shower I dried myself off and got dressed. 

    I noticed a glass door in between the breakfast nook and the kitchen. Walking over I decided to explore what it led to before going back to bed.

    I opened the door and gasped at what I saw. It was a large covered balcony that wrapped around the back of the house giving a perfect view of the lake. 'I will be spending a lot of time out here especially at sunset' I smiled at the thought. It felt good to be smiling so much today. I know in my heart that my parents are smiling down at me right now. They would be happy to see that I was being cared for so well by my.......mate. 

    That new reality is still unreal. I can't believe Daniel ended up being my mate. What are the odds that we would have met otherwise if I still lived in Mississippi? Shaking that thought from my head, I went back inside to go back to bed for a few more hours . 

    While laying down, I thought back to the dream I had last night. I'm glad I got to see my parents again but it wasn't enough. Who was that woman? Something about her pulled at me. Images of the dream swirled in my head as I drifted off to sleep.

    After a while I woke up letting out a yawn and stretching myself across the bed. This bed is so comfortable. It feels like I'm sleeping on a cloud. I wonder what time it is. 

    I didn't know what happened to my phone after I passed out last night. It had been in my pocket. I sat up to see my phone was sitting on the bedside table. Daniel must have kept it for me. 

    I leaned over and grabbed it wondering what time it was. "4:00pm" Oh yikes I slept a while. Getting out of bed, I headed towards the elevator. I was feeling much better. 

    I texted Daniel to let him know I was awake, well rested and heading towards the kitchen.

    I walked out of the elevator and headed towards the kitchen to see Miriam and the girls already getting a head start on dinner.

    "Hey girls! I have come to contribute!" I sang out. 

    "Oh no you don't." a voice sounded behind me, pulling me against him.

    The girls were giggling. I sent them an annoyed look before peeking up at the intruder.

    Daniel was looking down at me with a smirk. "You're not lifting a finger."

    "Aw come on they need help! Plus it'll help to clear my head and keep me occupied."

    A thought crossed his face for a brief second before he was gesturing towards the door.

    "Come with me" he said walking out of the pack house.

    I followed Daniel as he led me into the woods. 

    "Where are we going?" I asked, curious as to where he was taking me.

    "Do you want to go with me for a run? You said you wanted to clear you head" he smiled, looking down at me clearly anticipating my response.

    A squeal escaped my lips. I knew what he meant. 

    Growing up human, my parents didn't want me to feel left out. As a werewolf you need to shift regularly to let your wolf out to maintain a close bond and to keep your wolf happy and healthy. When I turned four my dad started taking me with him whenever he'd go on a run. He would shift and I'd climb on his back and hang on. It was exhilarating and became one of my favorite activities.

    The memory made me smile. My smile quickly fell as soon as it came. I missed that. 

    Hold on....how did Daniel know that?

    "How did you know I liked going on runs?" I asked raising an eyebrow.

    "I didn't. I just figured growing up with wolves for parents you would have at least been taken on a run or two to see how it felt." he stated frankly shrugging his shoulders.

    I was still suspicious but pushed the matter aside. I was too excited.

    Daniel smiled down at me, excitement etched on his face. "You ready?"

    "Yes!"

    As soon as the word left my lips Daniel was undressing down to his boxers. It took all of my strength to keep my thoughts in check as I gazed at the glorious sight in front of me. This man was wrapped in muscles. My eyes grazed over his chiseled chest, his eight pack, and all the way down to the V- 

    "Ahem" he was smirking.

    My cheeks instantly went up in flames as I smiled clearly embarrassed.

    He let out a soft chuckle shaking his head before he began shifting. 

    I watched as he arched backwards then forwards, bones cracking and shifting the entire time. A shifting werewolf was not a pleasant experience to watch or hear. I was used to it by now. 

    The first time I watched my father, my mother held me. They warned me of what was to come but it still terrified me seeing and hearing it happen. By the fifth time it didn't bother me anymore. I did however had to stop watching him shift because my mom was tired of my dad tearing his clothes each time. 

    I looked at the wolf staring back at me. He was pitch black, a typical color for Alphas, with the same golden brown eyes Daniel had. Just like Daniel, his wolf towered above me. 

    Out of respect I lowered my head. Shockingly he returned the gesture before lowering himself to the ground.

    I walked over and climbed on his back making sure to position myself, gripping his hair firmly.

    He laid there patiently waiting.

    "Ok let's go!" I called out.

    Before the words had left my mouth he was already leaping forward. 

    I giggled wildly as we rushed ahead. Trees were flying by, yet not to the point where I couldn't make them out. I knew he was holding back for my sake. 

    The wind felt wonderful blowing around me. The smell of pine needles, wet leaves, and fresh dirt filled my nostrils. The scent was intoxicating. 

    The late afternoon sun peeked through the trees here and there casting golden shadows as we sped on.

    A sense of power came over me as I felt this incredibly strong wolf moving beneath me. His movements were graceful with the capability of turning lethal in a matter of seconds. The thought excited me as he gave me control. If I shifted toward the right he would go right letting me lead us through the forest.

    Everything that was on my mind disappeared as we continued racing through the forest. 

    After about an hour he brought me back to where we started. I climbed off and turned around as he shifted back and got dressed. 

    He came up from behind, wrapping his arms around me.

    "Feel better?" he whispered into my ear.

    Leaning back against him I hummed happily in response.

    "Alright, let's go freshen up before dinner." he said leading me back to the pack house.

    Dinner went smoothly. Most of the pack members were very friendly, asking how I was adjusting and if I needed anything just to let them know. A few others gave me cold looks or ignored me completely until they were met with a harsh look from Daniel.

    I found out from Miriam that Julie transferred to another pack in Maine. She left first thing this morning. I guess she wanted to be as far away from here as possible. I can't blame her.

    Miriam assured me that everyone was just in shock and they'd warm up to me after some time. She also told me that she wasn't upset with me. She made it a point to convince me that this was a blessing from the Goddess and to embrace my new life. "Julia will be fine, it's just going to take a while." she had told me.

    I was really glad to have met such a sweet and understanding person. She had made my first day in the pack house bearable and I will forever be grateful to her for that.

    After dinner I sat out on the balcony to watch the sunset, with a cup of hot tea, while Daniel got cleaned up.

    Daniel came outside to let me know he was finished. He told me that he would be in his office for a little while and would be up later.

    Once the sun had set and I finished my tea, I took a shower and got into bed. I wasn't sure how I felt about sharing a room with a man. I'm really glad we have separate beds.....for now. I know eventually we will have to share a bed. We would need to complete the mate bond first and I wasn't ready for that any time soon.

    I was starting to drift off when Daniel came in.

    "Hey are you still awake?" he called softly, approaching my bed.

    "Mmm barely, why?"

    "I just wanted to let you know to be ready in the morning by 9. I'm taking you out for the day." he said while planting a kiss on my forehead. "Good night Darling."

    "Mmm good night..." my reply was barely audible as sleep overtook me.