Chapter 12

I look at her stunned and at Tommy who is blushing and looking utterly embarrassed.

"What do you mean Tommy's mate?" I ask her.

"Do you not know what mates are?" She asks me confused.

"I mean yes I know but I never sensed anything. Aren't you supposed to know right away when you meet your mate?" I ask.

"Remember you said your wolf has been blocking you out? You said your senses have been hindered because of it. That's probably why you couldn't sense it." Tommy says.

"Did you sense it?" I ask him.

"I sensed something but I wasn't sure what it was until I told my mom everything about with James and all. She said it was common with mates to be protective.

Tommy is my mate? I have a mate?!

My mind was racing along to the quickening of my heart. I tried to remember what my mother had told me about mates, she had not told me too much about them. She told me that they were kind of like soulmates and that many wolf's have them but some never find them so they end up choosing their mate instead. I wondered once or twice if my parent's were mates or had chosen each other, but never asked. They didn't talk much about how they met or any of those things so I never really thought to ask.

"Maya, since you are our son's mate we will without hesitation welcome you into the pack but if you need more time I understand." The Alpha says.

Honestly I am not sure what I want.

"You have a home here with us if you want it Maya. Our pack will treat you as family and protect you unconditionally against any threat. You have been through much and you don't need to go on alone any longer if you accept our help." Elizabeth says, tears are filling her eyes.

Seeing this makes tears in my own eyes form and the barrier holding them back becomes weak and I drop my head letting the tears fall. I can't help the whimper that leaves my mouth. I had been feeling so alone lately and trying to be strong, that I have not cried like this in some time. For some reason I turn toward Tommy and lay into his chest, he doesn't hesitate and soon his arms wrap me in a tight embrace. He nuzzles his face into my hair and begins whispering into my ear.

"I'm here. You are not alone." He says softly which makes the tears fall more.

Soon I feel a warm hand rubbing my back gently and I realize it's Elizabeth. I cry for a couple of minutes but being held like this is helping me feel more calm and the tears began to dry. This was something I had missed so much, being held. Nathaniel was nice to me but he was respectful and tried not to touch me too much. I missed this kind of contact with others, and did not want it to end. When I felt Tommy's hold loosen I wrapped my arms around his waist so he understood not to let me go. He laughed softly and held me tight again and I hid my face more into his chest taking in all the warmth he was giving off.

He nuzzles closer to my neck and took in a deep breath and sighed contently. Did he just smell me? I know this would seem strange since I barely knew Tommy, but being held by him made me feel safe which I had not felt lately. I tried to be strong but I have been terrified since my parents death and I was so alone. I wanted to belong again to have a family again! I didn't realize how long me and Tommy had been holding each other until the Alpha suddenly cleared his throat and I was snapped back to reality.

Out of embarrassment I pulled away from Tommy suddenly and my check were as red as a tomato.

"Sorry." I say softly.

I look up and see Elizabeth had left the seat she had taken beside me and found a seat in the Alpha's lap watching me and Tommy. This was awkward.

"It seems like my Luna's instincts were right, you are our son's mate." The Alpha says with a proud smile. "As his mate you always have a family here with us, so when you are ready we will be happy to have you with us!"

I feel like crying again at his words! Was this my chance to have a family again? How could I say no to that?!

"It's late now, why don't you both stay here tonight. We can discuss this more in the morning over some of Elizabeth's delicious pancakes!" The Alpha says happily.

I turn to Tommy who looks like a sad puppy glancing at me quickly before looking away. Did I hurt his feelings when I pulled away? Oh no, I want to tell him I loved the hug but I am too nervous to.

"I would like that!" I say happily.

This makes Tommy lighten up a bit and he stands and offers me a hand. I look at it and him for a second before taking it.

"Good night you two!" Elizabeth says as we began to leave the room.

Tommy is happily leading me that I barely have a chance to thank them before they are out of our sight. I guess Tommy is excited that I decided to stay! Cute. We reach a hallway with many doors and pass two or three before we stop and Tommy opens the door in front of us.

"This is my room. The other rooms are occupied by other pack members right now, so you can sleep here and I will sleep downstairs on the sofa." He says leading me inside. I stop in the middle of the room and take in the little details of my mate's room. MY MATE? MY MATE! I HAVE A MATE! It seemed so odd to think the boy I had met only a few days ago was actually my soulmate.

I turn my attention to Tommy as he pulls some clothes from the dresser.

"These sweatpants have a string that you tighten to help them fit you. Sorry I don't have something smaller you can wear." He says with a remorseful look.

"That's ok, you didn't know I would come. Thank you." I say smiling at him.

He gives me a small smile in return before heading toward the door. He grabs the door to close it on his way out, but turns to me for a second.

"Sleep well Maya." He says sweetly and turns away.

I look after him sadly, I don't want him to go. After hugging him earlier I wanted to be in his arms again. Should I make him stay? Is it too soon for us to sleep in the same bed together? I didn't let my thoughts stop me.

"Tommy!" I almost yell.

He needs to stay, I want him to stay.

"Hm?" He turns to me.

"Please stay." I say softly.

His eyes widen and he smiles.

"Are you sure?" He asks.

I nod and he closes the door before walking over to me and wrapping me in a hug. For some reason it feels like he has been wanting to hug me for a long time and feels relieved to be able to finally. I laugh a little and hug him back, I love it! I miss being hugged and cared for and loved. Even though Tommy and I just met I want to be with him.

When we break apart he blushes slightly and steps away from me.

"Sorry, I need to work on my self control I guess." He says scratching his neck shyly.

"It's ok." I say blushing as well.

"The bathroom is right through that door if you want to get changed." He says pointing over to one of the doors along the far wall.

"Thanks." I say and I walk quickly over and lock myself inside.

My heart is racing and my face feels warm from embarrassment. I had asked him to stay with me! Him and me, together, in his bed! What was I thinking?! I can't do this!!! I groan at my own stupidity before I turn and look at myself on the mirror. The crying earlier had made my mascara run a little but not too much thankfully. I turn the faucet on and run some water over my face to rinse off any other make up away. Once I'm done I pull my hair into a messy bun and change into the clothes Tommy had given me.

I realized that I had gotten ready for bed like I was back home, but I'm not alone! And now I don't look cute at all!! Why did I take my make up off? Tommy is going to think I'm ugly!!!

I battle with my self esteem for a few more minutes before I hear a soft knock.

"Maya are you ok?" Tommy ask through the door.

"Yeah." I say with a groan.

What can I do? I can't stay in here forever! I slowly walk over and unlock the door with my head lowered. I don't look up as I step out past Tommy.

"Hey what's wrong?" He asks stepping in front of me.

"I forgot I'm not at home, so I washed off all my make up." I mumble.

"So? What's bad about that?" He asks confused.

"I look awful now." I whine hiding my face in my hands.

Tommy giggles a little before placing his hands on my shoulders.

"You are beautiful Maya! I will always think you are beautiful, make up or not!" He says confidently.

Oh no, here come the tears again. I look up at him a little surprised.

"Really?" I ask with a sniffle.

He smiles brightly.

"Of course love, you are stunning! I will remind you every day! Now let's sleep ok?" He brushes his thumb across my check and then takes my hand leading me to the bed.

He climbs in and moves over to make room for me. I hesitate at first until he pats the bed beside him and I happily take my place beside him. He pulls the covers over us and I wiggle underneath it getting comfortable. It feels so warm and cozy and I pull the blanket up to right under my face. He laughs at my immature behavior, and I blush. Whoops! Yeah I can be kind of child like sometimes.

I turn over to face him and he mimics my actions until he are looking at each other. He smiles softly at me and brushes a stray hair away from my face. His hand moves to my face and he caresses it softly.

"Beautiful." He says with a whisper.