2 Souls

2 years 9 months later

"Grace could you come down please. Alpha Blake has come to see you. "

I roll over and see that is barely 8am. What on God's green earth could the alpha want with me at 8am on a Sunday!? I haven't done anything wrong that I can remember. ' Think Grace why is the Alpha here?' My wolf Alaia spoke softly. I shrugged internally and call down that I will be right there, and make a mad dash to the closet and throw on a hoodie that smells clean and some grey leggings. I take the stairs at a run trying not to keep the alpha waiting. In my haste I miss a step and land on my face at the bottom of the stairs at the alpha's feet.

Before I can get up, a large set of hands grabs me by the arms and stands me up.

'No need to injure yourself on my account Grace. Are you ok?'

I mentally inspect my self and don't feel any injuries other than the total embarrassment that is evident by the heat and red tone of my very blushed face. 'Alpha I'm so sorry! Please forgive me for being so clumsy,' I say with a bowed head.

The alpha chuckles and reaches to raise my chin so that his bright blue eyes meet my not so impressive light green eyes.

'No need to be so formal. I'm here on a matter that I need your help with.' A bit shocked my mouth falls open,

' My help... what could I possibly do to help you?'

Aunt Tara looking as shocked as I am steps forward, ' I'm sure your mistaken Alpha, Grace couldn't possibly be of any use to you. She's not even a ranked member, and her wolf is barely more than a fluffy spaz. She can't even control her wolf, why would you want to trust her? '

Taken aback by her harsh words, I again bow my head in submission under her glare.

With a low intense growl the alpha turns his attention to Aunt Tara. ' And who are you to tell me what I should do! You speak as if you have rank in this pack. Leave Grace and I to talk alone.'

With great speed he moved with in a hairs distance of her face and spoke in a soft tone

' Next time I will not spare you the wrath of your words. Choose wisely when you speak of others. ' With that Aunt Tara scurried from the room with out even a glance in my direction.

Alpha Blake was an impressive man. He was a 6 foot tall bronze god. Every muscle in perfect proportion, his blonde hair in need of a cut, falling over the collar of his dress shirt. His jeans clinging to all the right places, making him a wet dream waiting to happen. It wasn't until he cleared his throat that I realized I was staring and quickly shifted my eyes to the floor. ' Grace, let's sit and I'll explain why I'm here, ' gesturing toward the couch we sat on opposite ends, my eyes glued to my lap.

' You are due to turn 18 tomorrow is that correct?' Alpha Blake knew that I was, as with all were's the 18th birthday is when we take our place within the pack as adults. Its also when our wolves are able to sense our mates. ' Yes Alpha ' I replied still refusing to remove my eyes from the fidgeting hands in my lap.

'Grace, please look at me. ' he spoke softly like my father used to. I raised my eyes, ' What is it that you need of me alpha? '

'Grace, your father was my Beta, and a close friend to me. I have failed to keep you close as I promised him I would. Your smile and spunk are your father's, your simple beauty is your mother's. Seeing you only reminds me that I let my pack down. He was killed and we still don't know by who. I have failed him, and you. '

Fighting back tears I swallow hard, ' You don't need to apologize to me. I have tried my best not to be a burden to the pack, and my Aunt. I only hope that I can serve the pack as proudly as he did.'

'That is why I'm here. I want you to come live in the pack house. There we will see where you can best serve the pack, and find your love and happiness'.

Hearing his words, I fight the urge to growl and search for words that won't disrespect the alpha. Love and happiness are things I had grown up with out. My father taught me that love is a weakness that no soul can recover from. And happiness is only something babies believe in . Alaia speaks softly ' Listen to him Grace, we need our mate.' Gritting my teeth, and pushing Alaia back ' With all due respect Alpha.....'

He placed his hand on mine, ' Please call me Blake, after all I am your God Father.' With an internal eye roll, ' Ok, With all due respect Blake, why now? What purpose would that serve? You heard Aunt Tara, I am of no use to this pack. I am a burden, and I always have been. And as for finding happiness, I only seek to exist with out being in debt to anyone. '

Alpha Blake stood and removed a letter from his back pocket. ' Grace, this was given to me by your father shortly before he died. He wanted it given to you the day before your 18th birthday. He knew that his time was short and that this information would change your mind on a few things.'

Holding the letter in shakey hands, I stared at the handwriting. Tracing the words 'My Gracie' with my finger as silent tears ran down my face. I opened it to find a single page written in my father's hand.

My Dearest Gracie,

I know that this letter will find you well. You are strong, smart and more precious to me than I was ever capable of showing you. Your mother and I have so many hopes for you. I know that your mother's death hardened my heart, and I did not show you the love you needed. I taught you to rely on yourself, and that love was not needed. I was wrong, the love for your mother and the gift she gave me in you was more than I felt any man deserved. You must trust in love, seek out happiness. You carry a precious gift from the Moon Goddess that will present its self on your first shift after you find your mate. I never spoke of this for fear that someone would try to hurt you. I thought I would be there to guide you, but that isn't going to happen. The poison is quickly overtaking me, and my time on this earth is small. You need to seek out your mate, he holds the other half of your gift. With out him you will remain a broken soul, and you will never complete the transformation the goddess blessed you with. Blake can guide you, trust in him. After your 18th birthday you will no longer be safe with Tara. I'm sorry for leaving you with her, but it was my only way to keep you safe. There is a box Blake will give you tomorrow. Know that it comes from your mom and I with all the love we have to give. I wish you a life of love, happiness and safety. I pray your mate knows how special of a gift you are.

Until we meet in the goddess's hunting grounds

Your Father

Franklin Lafayette