BLOOD TIES

CHAPTER 8

JAY'S POV

I found myself drawn to her by an irresistible force. The air around us was thick with anticipation as our eyes locked in a passionate gaze. Her eyes glowed amber and possessed a commanding presence. The towering trees around us cast shadows from the moonlight that filtered through their branches. The patterns they formed blended perfectly on the forest floor as if nature itself was conspiring to create a magical moment.

A soft breeze whistled around us, leaving the leaves whispering the secrets of the forest yet bringing out the unsaid words between us. I stared intensely into her eyes even though every second of it proved just how inferior I was to her. Yet she was my mate and I couldn't look anywhere but right into her eyes.

Her hair cascaded down her face in waves. My fingers itched to touch it, smooth it and tuck it behind her ear but I couldn't. Her glowing amber eyes exuded both strength and tenderness, a vision of grace and beauty. Her body was athletic, more than I had ever seen any other girl's. It was however the sparkle of wildness and affection in her gaze that overcame me. As I stood there, I couldn't contain the intensity of our gaze. Our breaths mingled, warm amidst the cool night breeze. With each passing second, my longing for her grew, my soul yearned for a connection that went beyond words.

I acted, interlocking our fingers. My heart danced with anticipation as I slowly closed the gap between us. I could hear her heartbeat merging with mine in a race that couldn't determine a winner. A surge of electricity coursed through my body as our lips inched closer. The world faded into a blur leaving just the two of us floating in an extension of time.

Just as we were about to kiss, an owl hooted loudly shattering the peace of the night and breaking the moment. Startled, we pulled away with our eyes still burning with untamed passion. We had been so close. I would never have imagined falling that fast for anyone but with Blossom, it just came naturally. Maybe it was the pull between mates, the powerful connection that didn't need to be worked for so hard. At that moment, I realized that no one was capable of fighting against destiny. I never wanted love yet looking into her eyes, it was all I could see.

"Owls are powerful creatures. They tend to warn us of the dangers that lurk in the dark," she stated. "But they also indicate tough beginnings." She sighed heavily. "I don't know what I'm walking into. All I know is I don't want to run again."

"You are making the right decision, Blossom."

She nodded but went silent averting her eyes from me. They roamed the clear night sky, staring at the moon for several seconds. Leaves rustled behind us from the wind but I couldn't pick up a scent of any danger. However, I knew that the more we took to get home, the harder it got for Alpha Caliph to deal with the council. I couldn't let another night pass before we got there. Blossom however was taking her sweet time taking in the crisp air and the scent of the damp earth and wildflowers.

"What was she like?" She turned and met my eyes. I knew that she was asking about her mother but I didn't have much to say to her. I didn't know her deeply, only what Alpha had told me and that was a story I thought she would want to hear from him personally. "Do you know anything about her?" she asked hopefully.

"She looked like you," I replied with a smile. "She was the most respected Luna in all of the Greypark clan." I waited for her response for a while but when she didn't say anything more, I added. "Your father would answer this question more perfectly." She chuckled wearily. "Blossom, the more we stay out here, the more we lose time and it might be too late for us by the time we get there."

"I know," she stated without looking at me. "I can feel the nervousness clinging on you and the fear gripping your body." I exhaled. "You two must be really close."

"We are," I nodded. Up until that point, I hadn't thought deeply about how my life would be without him. I knew it would be hard and I was prepared for that but was I prepared to lose him too soon? "He became more than the father I lost and I wouldn't forgive myself if he died before I told him how grateful I am for that."

"Then we should get going."

"Are you sure?"

"Sooner or later, I'll have to face this," she stated with confidence. "I'd rather it be sooner. Maybe I can get some of the answers I want and maybe buy myself some time with my brothers. Perhaps I will win them over. Blood is supposed to be thicker, right?"

Blossom turned without waiting for my answer. In another life, her statement could have held so much power but the thought of her brothers ruined the little faith I wanted to put in for her sake. Capheus especially was a force to reckon with. For years, I had tried to reason with him and work together but that had bore no fruits. Maybe Blossom would have it easier because of blood ties but then there was just one tiny problem that erupted into a massive source of worry and that was her third identity. Sighing heavily, I followed her back to the truck and drove off.

We were welcomed by a throng of werewolves roaming all over the front yard of the pack house. I recognized some of them from other packs in our clan. The first thought that came to my mind was unsettling because such gatherings were only made when there was an issue involving the whole clan and the thought that Alpha Caliph was already dead made me feel sick. Blossom noticed my sudden shift of energy and took my hand.

"Is everything okay?"

Before I could answer her, I saw Capheus making a beeline toward us. I tried to read his expression for any hint of what to expect. He was furious. That had to mean that nothing had changed and Alpha Caliph was still alive. I sighed with relief and waited patiently for his outburst.

"Hello Capheus," I greeted casually and felt Blossom react beside me.

"What are you doing back here?" he asked furiously eyeballing Blossom from head to foot with a look that displayed his entitlement. "You finally found a damsel to curb your stuck-up manhood?"

I chuckled. His attitude was still as intact as I had left it. Whatever the council saw in him that was enough to make him one of their own was unknown to me. I was about to answer him but Blossom beat me to it.

"This damsel is Blossom!" she stated airing authority and Capheus looked at her in surprise. She extended her hand, her gaze hard on him with an intensity that was enough to shake anyone back to their lane and for the first time in my life, I noticed a hint of submission on Capheus' face as he took the hand. I smiled inwardly. "Pleasure to meet you," she added with no enthusiasm then broke the brief shake.

I stepped away from him, taking Blossom's hand but not without grinning triumphantly at him first.

"I believe your father will be wanting to see you soon. Don't go far," I said to him and then walked away leading Blossom into the house.