2 Souls

Playing with fire

The trip from my aunt's cottage to the pack house was just under an hour. Aunt Tara always said that we lived so far away from the pack because I was embarrassing. That I was the only girl my age that couldn't be trained. I still went to the pack school with the rest of the pups. I stayed to my self. I didn't talk to anyone, and no one ever talked to me. The only exception was the Cable twins. They took every opportunity to send me into a shift. They knew just what buttons to push, and always made sure every one was around to see. Living under the same roof was going to be interesting.

We pulled up to the pack house and I was in complete shock. I had not been there since my father died and a lot has changed. It was bigger, two wings had been added on the east and west of the main entrance. There were lots of flowers and trees along the driveway. As we came to a stop the truck door was opened by a familiar face. Gamma Mitch Larson smiled and pulled me into a hug, 'Hey Gracie! I'm so glad to see you! You have grown so much. I'm really looking forward to training you.' This made Alaia dance around in my head, she loved Mitch when we we younger.

'Mitchy! What happened to you?' his once short jet black hair was now pulled into a long ponytail. He had gained a ton of muscle and it fit him well. 'I grew up! I was 19 the last time I saw you. This body is a work in progress.'

I gave him an eye roll and followed him into the pack house.

All conversation stopped when I walked through the common room. I dropped my head and stayed as close to Mitch as I could. We stopped at the base of the stairs, Mitch turned to the Alpha, 'Would you like to do the honors?' With a nod Blake spoke as if to ensure everyone heard him 'Grace will occupy the Beta quarters on the 3rd floor. She needs to be close to ranked members at all times. Mitch will be with you until the reception tonight.' I raised my head, 'What reception?' Alpha Blake smiled 'Your coming of age reception, and your claiming your birthright as Beta. At midnight you will run with the ranking members to solidify the bond. Don't be scared, you are right where you should be. ' The Alpha placed a light kiss on my head and left us down the west hall.

I took a deep breath feeling all the blood drain from my face, 'Mitch I have nothing to wear for this reception. I'm going to look like a freak. This is going to be a nightmare!!' Mitch placed a hand on my shoulder and laughed 'Everything will be ok, the alpha has already seen to that, now come on.' Tugging my harm, Mitch pulled me up the stairs.

We reached the 3rd floor and my heart rate went through the roof. I walked into my new digs and froze. Sitting on my bed was our Luna ,Laurette with a soft smile on her face.

She was small 5ft nothing at best, with long blonde hair and chocolate brown eyes. She wore a simple white flowy blouse and red leggings. 'Welcome home Grace, I know that all this is a shock to you, but I am truly happy to have you here. ' She stood, and closed the distance between us embracing me in a hug.

The Luna was a sweet woman with a mother's eyes. She was a fierce woman when she needed to be. She gestured for me to take in the space. The room was huge, double French doors opened onto a balcony overlooking the back gardens, Spanish moss hung from the trees and the smell of lilac and honeysuckle filled the room. The 4 poster king sized bed was covered in a soft, green comforter that looked like heaven. I couldn't wait to throw myself into it and sleep for days.

Moving to the onsuite bath it was bigger than my room at Aunt Tara's. It had cream colored marble tile, with delicate blue and green accents on the floors. The shower was situated in the corner and was big enough for 4 people. The garden tub looked so inviting with ivy vines trailing around it. As I took this all in the Luna watched with excitement. ' I had hoped that you would like it. Blake and I had the room redone just for you. Come sit, we must discuss your dress for tonight. '

Oh crap, I had almost forgotten about the reception! ' Calm down kid or we are going to shift' Alaia yelled from with in. I took several long slow breaths, feeling warm hands on my face Mitch spoke as if talking to Alaia, ' Don't let her lose control. She is safe here' Alaia began to purr which was something new. 'Did you just purr at him? What is wrong with you?' I could feel her confusion and frustration at being called out on it ' I have no idea!! He's the first to ever speak to me. I didn't even know I was purring. Is your fault for going all spaz!' With that Alaia pulled back and refused to talk to me.

Mitch stepped back and looked at me with concern. ' Why did you speak to my wolf? No one has ever done that. How did you know she would respond to you? ' Mitch shifted on his feet not meeting my eyes, ' It was a hunch. But it worked so your welcome. I'm going you leave you and the Luna to talk. I'll be back later.' he turned in his heals and almost ran from the room.

I chose to sit in a plush arm chair near the window. The Luna sat a large box at me feet then situated herself on the chair opposite me. I looked down at the light blue box with my full name written on it, Grace Sabine Lafayette.