A Wolf's Claim

CHAPTER 38

*Jace*

"Jace, they can't live like this for another four months!" Ma argued, though I knew she was right, I was afraid to separate the pack.

"I know--" I growled, "But, if either The Midnight Sun pack or The Silbermen discover the pack is split, it's an invitation to attack us!"

"Sometimes the decision is difficult, but you have to do what's best for the pack, Jace." Ma sternly retorted, and I knew she was right.

I nodded, pursing my lips. "Fine, but Adam and Ford are staying here with me."

"That's fine." Ma agreed, and it was settled.

"I'll make the announcement," I nodded, "Thanks for coming back, Ma."

"Thank your beautiful mate." She smirked.

"I love the fact that you two actually get along now, you have no idea how happy that makes me." I honestly remarked.

"I'm sorry it wasn't like this in the beginning, sweetheart." Ma shook her head, shamefully.

"Let's just be grateful that it's better now." I said, patting her back.

Ma nodded, leaving the office, and I followed shortly behind her. I saw Stella and Sienna in the living room when we first walked in, but I was too carried away with my conversation with Ma to say anything.

Each day that passed was getting harder for me to not claim Stella as my mate. I was ready, but was she? I haven't brought it up, not with everything else that's been going on. I didn't want her to feel pressured, but I also needed to know her answer. I know she's accepted me in her mind, but she acts like something is preventing her from going further.

Stella and Sienna were still sitting in the living room, while construction noises blasted nearby. Stella had a permanently scrunched face from the loud noise, an expression that made me chuckle and smirk at her adorable face. I sat beside her on the couch, draping my arm across the back of the couch, right behind her. It was cute, her body tensed up instantly, and she tried to sneak a peak out of the corner of her eye. My mate was more innocent than I thought, it seems.

"Ladies and gentlemen, glad you're all in one place!" Francisco shouted, walking into the room, and stopping when he set his eyes on Zara. "Oh-- Hello! I don't think we've met yet."

"We haven't." Zara grunted, but still shook Francisco's hand.

"I'm Francisco, the Contractor." He said, his bright smile beaming from joy.

"Hello Francisco, I am Zara." She responded with a curt nod.

Francisco gulped, nodding with a nervous smile, and looked back toward me. "I know we already have a blueprint, but I was thinking about adding an area to this open space. Keeping it still part of the 'outside', but roofed. What do you think?"

"I think that sounds nice," I nodded and looked to the others for their opinion, "What do you guys think?"

"I like it." Sienna and Adam said in unison.

"Me too." Stella squeaked from beside me, and I casually looked at her with a crooked smirk.

"Go head with it, Francisco." I nodded.

"Very well." Francisco nodded in return, but lingered for another moment. "Sir, may I borrow you for a moment?"

"Sure." I nodded, kissing Stella's cheek before walking away.

Francisco lead me toward the backyard, a section that hadn't been cared for in a while. The grass was dead, along with everything else in a ten-foot radius. Francisco sighed as we approached, looking at me with an aggravated expression. The rest of the yard was fine, except for this patch.

"I've tried everything, sir. Nothing is working, this part of the yard is dead." Francisco shook his head in disbelief, "I have some ideas about it, though."

"Shoot." I said, willing to hear anything he came up with.

"What about a gazebo? It would be the perfect size, and the perfect spot." Francisco shrugged, shoving his hands in his front pockets.

"Fantastic idea, Francisco!" I exclaimed with a loud clap of my hands, "I like your way of thinking."

"Thank you, sir." He nodded and smiled broadly, like a child receiving praise.

"Let me know if you need anything else, I'm going to be spending the majority of the day with my m-- girlfriend." I said, turning to walk away.

"Sir? If I may?" Francisco asked, as I turned around to face him and he appeared uneasy. "You should try taking her somewhere romantic."

"Thanks for the words of wisdom, Francisco." I grunted, rolling my eyes as I walked away.

I appreciate his help, but I don't really need help in this department. I've never had a problem with women. Granted, they weren't my fated mates, but what could the difference be? She's human, that's it. Otherwise, most females work the same, as far as I can tell.

I walked back inside the house, finding Stella in the same spot she was in when I left. She looked up at me, smiling slightly, as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. She quickly dropped her gaze down to her lap, and Sienna started giggling. I wonder what that was all about?

"What are you ladies getting into today?" I asked, sitting on the couch beside Stella.

"Nothing really." Sienna shrugged, and Stella remained silent.

"Stella," I addressed her personally, "would you like to accompany me on a trip?"

"Okay." She nodded with a petite grin.

"Great, let's go." I said, standing up from the couch and turning to offer her my hand.

"Now?" She asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yes." I chuckled, as she grabbed my hand and I lead her toward the main entrance.

I guided her towards a large truck, opening the passenger door for her to climb inside, before walking around to the driver's side. I can feel that she's apprehensive, and I'm determined to learn why. I want nothing more than to claim my mate, mark her, and complete the bond. She'll be an amazing Luna, I just know it... but she's stalling.

I planned to take her somewhere special, as well as somewhere safe. There's a large community of werewolves, especially around this part of town. Gunnison, Colorado has plenty of open forest for our kind to spread our legs. There's a small area called Wolves Cavern, with only three buildings to speak of. One is a restaurant, owned by a family of werewolves. Another is the local market, a place where we can buy things that only werewolves find a necessity. The last one was a spiritual temple, somewhere where we could pray to the moon goddess, as well as get married if we desired to. It's a place to celebrate our beliefs.

I wouldn't call it a town, because of how small it is, but it's that of a small village. The restaurant is actually stunning, and I can't wait to see Stella's reaction. Smirking to myself, I stole a glance from her, watching as she stared out the window. We haven't had much time together, not like this, so I'm excited to get to know her better.

"Where are we going?" She asked, her voice light and innocent.

"It's a surprise." I smirked.

"I don't like surprises." She grumbled with furrowed brows, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her disgruntled adorableness.

"Well, too bad." I laughed.

"Did you talk to your mom?" She asked, changing the subject.

"Yeah... she convinced me to split the pack until the renovations are complete." I responded, still bothered by the topic.

"I think it's a good idea, for now." She agreed, a bright smile stretching across her face.

"I'm glad to hear your opinions." I grinned, glancing between her and the road.

She smirked, turning her head back toward the window. In just that small conversation, I learned something about Stella. She requires patience, something I usually don't have much of, but I will learn to for her. She's been through a lot and is still processing things. I have to wait until she's ready.