Celestially Bound

Chapter 7

    "Wake up darling. It's 7:30." Daniel whispered shaking me softly.

    I stretched out my arms and let out a yawn. He chuckled in response. 

    "I'll be downstairs. I have to take care of a few things for our outing today." he informed me piquing my curiosity.

    "What things?" I asked sitting up.

    Daniel raised an eyebrow. "How long is your hair?"

    Oh crap.....he hasn't seen me with my hair down. He'll probably think I'm a freak. Oh well, he'll find out sooner or later right? I might as well get it over with now. I let out a a breathy sigh as I stood up letting my hair fall around me.

    Daniel's eyes widened. He stood there for a moment appearing to take it all in looking me up and down.

    After a few moments he ambled over to me so that we were inches apart. Fixating on my eyes, he tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear.

    "You're beautiful." his reply was barely audible. I could feel the intensity under his gaze.

    My breath hitched in my throat before I could stop myself.

    Suddenly his lips were crashing against mine. The passion of the kiss making my knees go weak. Before I could think, I was wrapping my arms around his neck deepening the kiss. 

    I have never been kissed like this. Hell.....I have never been kissed before!

    I could feel the fire building up inside me. As if reading my mind he pulled back abruptly, breaking the kiss. We were both panting.

    "I'm sorry, I didn't me to....ahem...I'll meet you downstairs." he turned and within seconds he was gone.

    I stood there gaping after him trying to catch my breath. What. Was. That.

    Was that man blushing? 'Well......good morning to me' I smiled wickedly to myself.

    It took me a few minutes before I was able to put myself together. I took my time as I shuffled over to the closet to pick out my clothes for the day. All I could think about was that kiss. 

    I stood in front of the mirror for who knows how long, touching my lips and grinning wildly like a damn fool. 'I'm in deep trouble.'

    Blinking a few times, I shook myself out of it. I can think about that later. I didn't want to explain that I was late because I was fantasizing about him. 

    I walked over to my side of the closet. I wasn't sure what he had planned so I settled on a pair of acid washed skinny jeans and a flowy dark green top.  I finished my look with my only pair of shoes, black tennis shoes. I mean it works for now. I quickly put my hair up into it's typical braided bun. After grabbing my phone I headed downstairs.

    Arriving in the kitchen, Miriam was standing in front of the island arms crossed, eyes narrowed, and grinning suspiciously.

    "What happened?" 

    "What are you talking about?"

    "Oh don't play coy with me Lydia Grove. Daniel just flew out of here blushing furiously and looking very agitated and not in a bad way." she was smiley wickedly now.

    "Miriam!" I gasped before responding. "N-nothing happened.....oh just whatever!" I said slapping her arm as she giggled uncontrollably at my expense.   

    "Oh you're so cute! I can't wait to see the development over the next few weeks." she said tapping her fingers together like she had an evil plan.

    "Alright I'm out of here! See you later!" I called out rolling my eyes for dramatic effect. My reaction was only met with more laughter as I scurried out the door.

    Before I even had time to react I froze, standing right outside of the entrance.

    Waiting at the bottom of the steps was Sarah Davis smiling with......"My Princesses!" I cried out running down the stairs as fast as my feet would carry me.

    I scooped all three of them into a crushing hug as we were all laughing and crying.

    "Oh I've missed you all so much!" I said covering them in kisses.

    "Liddy! Liddy!" Olivia giggled.

    "Yes baby I'm right here" I said picking her up.

    I looked up to see Sarah had already left before I could talk to her. Standing in her place was Daniel who was staring at us adoringly.

    "Was this what you had to take care of?" 

    "Yes it was" he said before bending down "How would you all like to spend the day with me and Liddy?" he asked.

    Elizabeth and Chloe were jumping up and down clapping their hands screaming "Yes!"

    Olivia nodded before shyly curling into my neck.

    "Baby what's wrong?" I asked brushing her hair back.

    "He big" she mumbled and I giggled.

    "I know princess. Don't worry he's my friend. He's very nice." I assured and she looked up at him before curling back up. 

    "You know....I'm gonna need help protecting all of you girls today while we are out. I wonder who I can get to help me?" Daniel said tapping a finger on his chin and looking around.

    His question made Olivia giggle and raise her hand.

     "I help! I protec em!" she exclaimed making everyone laugh.

    "Alright, you seem like a very strong pup" he replied.

    Olivia looked offended at his statement. 

    "I no pup, I wolf!" she huffed, crossing her arms.

    "Yes baby you're a wolf, the prettiest wolf ever" I coaxed.

    "Hey!" came two little voices beside me. I looked down at an irritated Elizabeth and Chloe. I playfully rolled my eyes.

    "Yes, all three of you are strong and pretty wolves. I'm sure Daniel would love all of you to help him protect me." I sent Daniel a wink and he chuckled.

    "Good it's settled. Now I need all my little warrior wolves to get in the car." Daniel said with a smile.

    After we were all buckled in, Daniel peered over his shoulder.

    "Who wants breakfast?"

    The car erupted in a chorus of 'ME!'s' and we sped off.

    The ride into town was a pleasant one. Daniel had been asking the girls questions like what their favorite colors and animals were. Olivia kept interrupting making everyone but Elizabeth laugh. Elizabeth hated being interrupted. She got over it eventually.

    It was nice to see them laughing and enjoying themselves. I can't begin to explain how my heart was reacting to see Daniel interacting with my girls. They seemed to be warming up to him.

    Thirty minutes later we pulled in to a little diner. 

    "I think you'll like this place. It's a little out of the way from where we are going but well worth it." Daniel said leaning over to me.

    I nodded as we all exited the vehicle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    Daniel wasn't kidding when he said I'd like that place. In fact me and the girls all loved their food.

    Now that the girls were full and happy we headed to our destination.

    "So where exactly are you taking us?" I raised an eyebrow.

    "Didn't I tell you we'd fill your side of the closet soon?" he responded.

    I nodded remembering that day vividly.

    "Well I thought your sisters would enjoy a new wardrobe as well."

    I beamed up at him. How thoughtful is that?! 

    Shortly after our little conversation, we arrived at the mall.

    "Um...aren't there any second hand stores around? New clothes are quite expensive. We don't have anything and I don't wa-"

    "Nonsense. My girls will have the best I can give them." he said cutting me off.

    'My girls' my heart fluttered at his remark.

    I didn't argue. I felt a little uncomfortable letting him spend, what I could expect to be, a lot on us. However, he looked quite certain it was what he was going to do and no one could change his mind. I'll have to repay him somehow. Even if I have no money I have my own ways.

    An hour into shopping, Daniel had to make a trip to car to drop off our purchases. The girls were making this a breeze considering the few fights I had to break up. Most of them were started by Olivia because she wanted something that Elizabeth or Chloe were getting. 

    I had caught Daniel a few times staring at me with a look on his face I couldn't quite make out. He was always smiling but something about it was different.

    Another 2 hours passed as we were walking out of our fifth store. The girls had enough clothes to last them a lifetime. Daniel made sure to get them plenty of warm clothing on top of anything else they desired. He warned me that the winters up here can be quite relentless.

    "You're very good with them" he leaned over.

    "Well yeah they are my sisters."

    "No I mean you're very good at reading them. It's like you can tell what they are about to do before they even do it."

    "Years of practice." I laughed. "It's not easy but I love them to pieces."

    "I can tell." he replied.

    After a moment he asked a question I was waiting for.

    "So why the age gap, if you don't mind me asking."

    I smiled. I'm glad he cared enough to ask about my life.

    "Well my parents actually had a really difficult time conceiving me. When my mom fell pregnant they said it was a miracle blessed by the Goddess. After I arrived they didn't even think about trying for more at the time. When I was born human, many rumors were spread around claiming my mother had had an affair. It wasn't until after numerous testings which proved that I was in fact biologically both their child. My pack accepted me with open arms regardless of what I was. Moving forward, my parents put all of their efforts into making sure that I never felt left out during my childhood." I paused looking up at him and he nodded for me to continue.

    "As I got older I started questioning why I had no siblings. My parents were hesitant at first but after some persisting on my part they tried again and had Elizabeth. When Elizabeth came out a werewolf, they were relieved and went on to have Chloe and Olivia."

    "Were you ever sad about being a human?" he asked seriously.

    "Not really. The only thing I hated was that everyone could always outrun me during games. Other than that my life has been pretty normal.......well of course up till now." I shrugged looking down.

    "Hey..." Daniel put a finger under my chin tilting my face up to look at him. "It takes an incredibly strong person to go through what you have. You're an inspiration..... even to an old man like me." he smirked at the end giving me a wink and I laughed.

    I relaxed a bit as we head over to grab some food for the girls who were worn out. They all agreed on pizza as we sat down to eat. 

    "Alright princesses, after this will you help Lydia pick out her clothes?" Daniel asked the girls.

    They all agreed happily except for Olivia who just pouted. "I no want to nee-more" she mumbled, crossing her arms. Daniel was amused by this.

    "How about this? If you help Liddy then I will reward you all with ice cream."

    Olivia immediately transformed into a ball of energy. Shooting out of her chair, she pulled me into the next store as I tried to stop laughing. 

    Daniel sat with the girls as I tried on outfit after outfit seeking their approval. Olivia nodded at everything making me giggle. 'This girl is ready to go' I shook my head to myself. I was getting pretty tired and I had more than enough clothes.

    Daniel was hesitant but agreed to leave once I agreed that he could take me shopping again some time soon.

    We stopped and got the girls ice cream and headed back to the pack house.

    "Hey our turn was back there!" I  said turning my head to look back.

    "We are making one last stop." he said with a small smile.

    He's up to something I just know it.

    Fifteen minutes later we pulled into a parking lot. When I got out of the car I wanted to cry. This can't be happening.

    There in big letters read "Lena's Salon". I looked over at Daniel with tears forming.

    "The girls told me you've always wanted a haircut." he stated with a grin.

    I hesitated. My mom never wanted me to cut my hair. My sisters all had their hair cut regularly. I always thought it was unfair. Thinking back on it now, she really treasured me and everything about me. She never wanted me to be unhappy with who I was. That is probably why she never wanted to change anything about myself. I could only think that now would be a perfect opportunity to move forward. I needed a change that I am in control of. I'm sure my mom would agree with me in this moment.

    I smiled up at Daniel. "Let's do it."

    He ushered all of us inside where we were met by a woman. She looked at Daniel and bowed. 

    "Good afternoon Alpha, how may I help you?"

    "Hello Lena. This is my mate Lydia. She would like a haircut." he smiled down at me.

    "Oh this is her! Oh my god it's so good to finally meet you! You're all I hear about!" she came up and hugged me tightly.

    I looked up at both of them confused and Lena laughed.

    "Oh I'm sorry. I'm Lena the head tracker in the pack. I live here in town." she said trying to settle my confusion.

    "She's more than just the head tracker. She's the best tracker any wolf has seen. I asked her to live on the outskirts of our territory to warn us of any unwanted outsiders." Daniel explained. "You'll see her at major pack meetings and functions."

    "It's very nice to meet you." I smiled back at her and shook her hand.

    Lena was a beautiful, energetic, slender and tall woman, I'd say about 5'9. Long black hair flowed down to the middle of her back in waves. Grayish blue eyes twinkled, brightening up her face. Age was evident on her features though I wasn't sure exactly how old she was. She looked middle aged by human standards. She had a very sweet disposition and I liked her already. My little princesses seemed to like her to. They all stuck out their hands to greet her, even Olivia.

    "Ok, so let's see what I'm working with." she clapped her hands together as I sat down.

    Undoing my bun, she let the braid fall to the floor.

    "Wow, ok I can see why you want it cut now." she giggled slightly. "What style would you like? Shoulder length? A bob? Bangs? Oh! You could do a-"

    "Pixie cut!" I exclaimed cutting her off.

    She stared at me with wide eyes. "Dear....are you sure?" she said slowly.

    "I'm positive. Go big or go home. It will grow back anyways." I shrugged earning a laugh from Lena and Daniel.

    "Yes it will and I will let you cut it whenever you want." Daniel spoke up.

    "Alright! You ready?" she asked holding up the scissors. I gave her my widest smile and nodded.

    I have never been more ready for anything in my entire life.

    "Oh wait! I was wondering.....could I not be facing the mirror? I want it to be a surprise for me and everyone." I asked reluctantly.

    "Of course honey."

    I looked at Daniel who nodded. "Come on girls, there is a park nearby. Who wants to go play?" 

    He was met with giddy screams as the girls happily bounced out the door.

    "We'll be back in a little while." he called out behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~

    Lena and I chatted throughout the session. She talked about how her family moved here from Oregon when she was a little girl. They loved this place so much they never left. I learned that her brother, Will, was one of the pack trainers specializing in hand to hand combat, strengthening the human form. A stronger human form makes for a stronger wolf.

    With each snip I could feel my body becoming lighter. The air smelled more crisp. The atmosphere around me felt livelier. It was like a huge weight had been lifted off of me. I felt amazing. 

    As Lena was finishing up the edges, I heard the door swing open.

    "Hey guys are you ready to see?" I called out.

    "Yes!" they shouted in response.

    "Alright.......almost.....there we go. All done!" Lena said. "You turn around when you are ready. I'll be standing over by them."

    I giggled from the suspense. I couldn't wait for them to see the new me. Standing up I braced myself.

    "Ok! One.......two.......three!" I said turning around.

    Everyone gasped.

    My little princesses smiled up at me like I had performed a magic trick.

    "Liddy fairie!" Olivia cried. 

    "You're so pretty!" exclaimed Chloe.

    "I didn't know you could do magic Liddy?!" Elizabeth said, a look of wonder on her face.

    Their reactions puzzled me. Do I really look THAT amazing with short hair?

    I looked over to Daniel and Lena whose expressions were what caused me to worry.

    Lena was staring at me open mouthed, her eyes as round as saucers.

    I looked over at Daniel who looked like he had seen a ghost. Fear clearly etched all over his face. I started shaking as I watched his fear turn to worry as he looked at me like I had been wounded.

    "You guys.....you are really freaking me out! Is it that-" turning myself self around to look in the mirror I cut myself off, immediately going rigid.

    My long hair was now trimmed into a beautiful pixie cut which framed my face, accentuating my high cheekbones. What I wasn't expecting were the pair of eyes that were staring directly at me.

    "My eyes!" I gasped........"Th-They-"

    My eyes had turned frosty blue.....almost white......and they were.....glowing.....