Bonded Souls

C 7

Adalynn POV

I walked into the house when Mom called from the kitchen, 'Adalynn, are you ready for lunch?'

"Sure, but let me shower first," I replied as I hurried to my room. I reached for a towel and heated the water to a temperature that would help release the tightness in my shoulders. I was unable to shake the image of Jasper. I was taken aback by how much he had changed.

'I'm hoping he's not the same smartass he was before he left. It has been peaceful without all his tormenting like when we were younger.' I thought. I could feel him looking right into my soul with the stare he gave me as our eyes eventually connected. I hated that I couldn't read his face; he had the King's unreadable face-down pact.

After showering, toweling off, drying, and combing my hair, I went to the kitchen. Thanks to Mom, lunch was already on the table.

"Where is Dad?" I enquired.

"Alpha Philip and he had a brief meeting. A few minutes ago, he linked me and said he was headed home, so grab your dish now. Would you like juice, tea, or water with your lunch?" She enquired.

"Please, water. Was today's meeting about Jasper returning home?" I enquired. With a puzzled expression, she asked, "How did you know?"

"After training, Phoenix wanted to run, and as I was walking back to the car, I saw him being escorted to the King's Packhouse. I saw King Alpha Lance and Luna Lucy meet him at the packhouse."

"I see. The King informed all the packs via conference call this morning that he would return today. Since he is now eighteen and hasn't found a partner overseas, Luna Lucy has begun organizing a late birthday celebration, hoping he would find a partner this year." She finished just as Dad walked into the kitchen.

Dad approached Mom from behind, put his arms around her, and pressed his nose to her neck. "I guess I missed your smell." She giggled as he whispered. "What? You were only gone for an hour."

"It's still too long to be away from you." He grinned. "Your smell has been changing over the past few days, so your heat must be coming soon."

Mom and Dad have been together almost 30 years, and I should be used to it by now, but they're my parents, mates or not, I don't want to hear that stuff.

"That's gross; I don't want to hear that," I rolled my eyes. "I believe I'll spend this time with Dakota and Steve. I sigh. I would rather not be present." They laughed, and we sat down to have a quiet lunch. Goddess, help me; I may never get rid of the image from my head.

'Find us a place to stay, please! I don't wanna be anywhere near them two,' Phoenix shivered.

I instantly linked my best friend, Dakota. "Hey, got a minute?"

"Yes, what's going on?" she inquired.

"As I made my way to my car after training, I noticed Jasper arriving at the packhouse," I informed her.

"Are you serious? Whoa, tell me everything. She stated.

'Yup, he's changed so much I didn't recognize him. I had to hear Luna Lucy call his name before I knew it was him. 'The new semester will start Monday; you'll see then."

"Alright. In the morning, I'll meet you at the lockers. Before the first lesson, we can go find the guys," she said.

"In a few days, I might need a place to stay," I stated.

"Why? What is going on?" Dakota inquired.

"Dad whispered to Mom that her scent has been stronger the last day or two; she may be going into heat. I don't want to be around to see or hear that crap.

Is it possible for me to stay with you guys?" I pleaded

"Sure, you can stay as long as you need," she giggled.