Rutting Season

12

Racyn paced his room; sweat trickled down his temple. He had never felt so nervous. He hadn't heard from Tessa since they returned last night, and now he was worried that she would change her mind. “You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet. Have a drink and calm down.”

Racyn shot his cousin a look of annoyance. “What if she turns me down,” he asked. Jessie shrugged one shoulder, “Then, she isn't the one for you, and you keep looking.” He groaned and ran a hand over his face. “I don't want anyone else, and I don't want to keep doing this. She’s the one. I know it.” Jessie watched him for a minute, then said, “Okay, then you keep pursuing her. Then come back next year and ask her again. Maybe she will change her mind if she gets to know you better.”

He sighed, “Yeah, okay. I can do that.” Jessie gave him a reassuring slap to the shoulder. Of course, you can, but you won't have to. Go out there and get your girl.” Racyn took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, and patted his coat pocket. He had everything he needed. He left his room without looking back.

Each step he made was set with determination. Tonight, they were meeting at a garden party. The formal event was supposed to be romantic. He thought it was boring, but as long as she was there, he didn't care.

The garden came into view, lit with twinkling lights. Classical music performed by a live band wafted through the air, along with sounds of talking and laughter. His gaze roamed the crowd as he passed by a food table. He nodded politely as he passed by other participants, but he didn't drop to talk.

The further he entered the garden, the more worried he became that she wasn't there. His mind raced. What if she changed her mind and was too embarrassed to tell him, so she just didn't come? He took a deep breath and reminded himself of what Jessie said. He could keep trying. He wasn't giving up even if she wasn't here.

He found himself at the garden's back wall, Tessa nowhere in sight. He paused there, debating his options. He would go back to the entrance and wait a little longer. If she didn't show up soon, he would leave.

He walked slower this time, hoping the extra minutes ticked by would mean she would be waiting expectantly for him. He avoided the attention of several people as he approached the front of the garden, trying to keep a relaxed expression on his face. A woman with long black hair in a red dress covered in sequence stopped him.

“Alpha Racyn, it’s good to see you again. I was hoping we would have some time to talk tonight.” He blinked at her. He recognized her face but didn't remember her name. She was one of the women he had talked to during the speed dating event. He had no idea why she would be interested in him; he hadn’t made any effort to engage with the woman that night.

He plastered in a half smile for politeness. He didn't want to offend someone who may be an important connection later. “Yes, it’s nice to see you too. I would love to chat a moment,” a gentle hand on his arm cut off his sentence.

“Racyn, there you are,” Tessa’s voice was like a salve on his tense nerves. He turned to her, a genuine smile lighting up his face. The other woman looked pissed at being interrupted, but he ignored her. “Tessa, I’m sorry I missed you when I came in. I was just talking to,” he hesitated, what was this woman’s name?

“Gloria, what a lovely gown! It‘s stunning with your dark hair,” Tessa greeted the other woman with a smile. Gloria thanked her, “Thank you, I do love it. You’re looking beautiful tonight as well.” Tessa settled her hand into the crook of his arm as they spoke, silently marking her territory, and it made him grin.

“Gloria, it was great talking to you but we must go now. There is someone I need to talk to,” he ended the conversation, not wanting to waste another minute on pleasantries. He guided Tessa away and led her to a quiet section of the garden. Her father followed not far behind them.

“Race, even though we will be discussing things between us, my dad wants to remain nearby,” she explained. He nodded in understanding. “Sure. That’s fine with me. How did your discussion go with your parents last night?”

She chuckled, “They were surprised for sure. I’ve been so insistent that I wasn't going to choose anyone this year. Mom is thrilled and a little smug that she was the one to push me to join this year. Dad was happy for me too, but perhaps a little more skeptical than mom.” She glanced over her shoulder at Tomas with a reassuring look. “That’s why he’s here now.”

They took a seat on a bench, angled towards each other so their knees were touching. He took her hands in his and licked his lips. Here it goes, he didn't want to mess this up.

“I was nervous you had changed your mind. When I didn't hear from you or see you here, I thought for sure you had.” He squeezed her hands, “If you’re having second thoughts, that’s okay. I understand.” She shook her head, her curls swaying. “No, I never got your number so I couldn't call or text you. Then I was late because I couldn't decide on what to wear.

“I should have told you earlier how beautiful you look tonight,” he whispered. Her dress was a champagne colored satin sheath dress. She wore a thin gold chain and tiny gold studs in her ears. Her hair was loose and shining. She was so beautiful it made him want to haul her out of the party but first he had to get through the hardest part of the week.

“Thanks, you’re as handsome as always. I wasn’t at all surprised I had to pry you away from some woman’s attention. Are you sure you want to choose me,” Tessa asked. He chuckled, “You’re forgetting you’re the one with all the power here. The ladies are the ones to choose. All we mere men can do is offer the best of what we have in hopes that we meet your criteria.”

Tessa rolled her eyes, he was perfect. From his unique hair and eye color to his amazingly muscled body and open and honest personality. How he had gone this long without being chosen made no sense to her. “Okay then. Neither of us have changed our minds. Tell me mere man, what can you offer me,” she asked with a teasing tone.

He laughed, a deep sound that made her stomach flip. Then his look grew more serious. “Tessa, if you accept me as your mate, you will be Luna of my pack. I promise you will be my equal in all things. Everything that I have will also be yours. Every asset I have we will share jointly. I would deny you nothing that is in my power to give you. I am a wealthy and powerful man. You will always be protected and well cared for. The more we get to know each other, I know without a doubt that I will love you more than anything else in this world. I will always be honest and loyal to you. The only women that I will ever care about as much as you will be our daughters. I know you had plans before we met and that you need time to grow into the person you want to be. I will support you in every way possible. Whatever you need to find your talents and fulfill your dreams, I will be there to help you make it happen. All I need from you is to choose me. Do you think you can come to love me, to build a happy life with me, will you accept all the things I offer you?”