You're Early

"Why the fuck are you following me?" Gretchen asked the tall white haired man that trailed a few feet behind her.

Agamori said, "I'm Agamori, commander of the Darke's army."

Gretchen stopped walking and turned to face the handsome blue eyed man and asked, "That doesn't answer my question.Again, why are you following me?"

"I'm under orders from his Majesty, King Daniel," he answered.

Gretchen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms then said, "Oh, right. I know what this is. I finally figured it out. I'm in my own personal hell and every week a new member of the Darke family is going to come harrass me. So who's turn is it next week? I like being prepared."

Agamori smirked and said, "I'll have to check the schedule, my lady."

Gretchen chuckled and slapped Agamori's shoulder then said, "Alright then, Agi. Keep me updated."

As they reached the cottage, Agamori opened the door for Gretchen and waited for her to go through before closing it and waiting outside the house.

The smell of sage and lemon swept over Gretchen again and her heart sank as she turned the corner to see an auburn haired woman looking at the old photos that lined the living room tables and shelves.

"That's a very sweet picture of you," said Rosemary.

"That was my fifth birthday. My parents hired a clown and everything ," said Gretchen as she walked to Rosemary's side.

"That must've been so much fun," said Rosemary.

"It was, yes. You know, you're too early," said Gretchen.

Rosemary turned around and looked at Gretchen with a confused look on her face. "Too early? What do you mean?"

"Well, last week Damien stalked me and this week that albino fella outside is here to follow me around. You aren't due for a few more days," explained Gretchen.

Rosemary gave an amused grin then said, "I'm Damien's mother, Rosemary, I just want to talk to you."

"Oh I see," said Gretchen. "Well, please sit down, your Majesty."

"I came to check on you. How are you doing?" she asked as she sat down beside Gretchen.

"You know, some days are better than others. Thank you," said Gretchen.

Rosemary said, "You know, I grew up here in this city," as she looked around.

"Yes, I'd heard that you were Nicholas's daughter," said Gretchen. "Why'd you ever leave? This is paradise."

Rosemary smiled and said, "Love. I was hopelessly in love with my husband. Our bond called out to me and I couldn't refuse it ,although, I tried for a very long time."

"Fate beat you into submission. Sounds lovely," Gretchen said as she rolled her eyes.

"Something like that," laughed Rosemary. "It was for the best, I assure you. I'm very happy now. Daniel is a wonderful man. I know what people say about him, but they just don't know him like I do."

"You know, I bet the wives of all killers say the same thing," said Gretchen before she could even stop herself.

"Yes, that's true," said Rosemary. "And they're right. Fate never promises to give us who we want, only who we need. If no one else ever understands how we can love each other, it doesn't matter."

Gretchen thought back about Keith and said, "I was supposed to be getting married soon, but...I don't even know what happened to him. I can't remember."

Rosemary pressed her lips together and thought about what to say for a moment. "I'm very sorry, Gretchen. It's a horrible thing to be separated from the people you love," she said.

"Thank you," said Gretchen. "My poor parents, I can't even imagine what they must be going through right now." She looked away and then sucked back her tears. "They were the absolute best parents and they didn't deserve this."

Rosemary put her hand on Gretchen's and said, "No one deserves it dear. I promise you, you'll see them again."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me," said Gretchen.

"Gretchen, Daniel and I would like to invite you to come stay with us. Whenever you're feeling up to it," said Rosemary.

Gretchen glanced into Rosemary's eyes then stood and faced her. She said, "I'm sorry your Majesty, but I think that's probably about the worst idea ever. Your son and I don't get along well. We...it would just be a disaster."

"Damien, he's just beside himself with worry for you," said Rosemary.

Gretchen's said, "Rosemary, I don't want to be disrespectful to you, but I just don't want to ever see him again."

Rosemary blinked away then said, "Someday, when you have children of your own, you'll understand how much it hurts to see them suffering and not to be able to help them. It's just awful. I know that he did things to upset you, and he's just beating himself up over it. I hope when you're ready, you'll give my offer consideration. We'd just love to have you and your family stay with us."

Gretchen looked over the petite woman and felt a bit bad about the things she said. "Thank you, Rosemary. Maybe someday," said Gretchen.

Rosemary sighed then stood up and threw her arms around Gretchen. "I hope that you will just give us a chance. I know you'd be happy if you'd just open your hearts to us." Then, she released Gretchen and smiled before turning to walk away. "Until next time," Rosemary said then smiled and walked out the door.

When Gretchen walked into the kitchen, Logan asked, "Is everything alright Gretch?"

"Yes, it's fine. Rosemary invited me, us, to come stay at their castle, " she said.

"That's a hard no for me," said Logan.

Tessa slapped his shoulder then said, "Logan! That's not helpful. They're wonderful people Gretchen. A little eccentric, but who isn't? They're just very serious about the safety and welfare of their family. Considering everything that's happened in our lives, I'd expect you of all people to understand Logan."

"I do understand," said Logan as he pulled Tessa onto his lap, "but I'll be damned if I'm going to have the women in this family bowing down and following orders like a bunch of slaves. I don't care who Daniel is."

Tessa grinned and said, "Such a protective man," as she rubbed Logan's bushy blonde beard. "I just love you when you get all alpha."

"Jesus, you three will be pregnant again before this one even gets here," said Gretchen as she shook her head. and sat down at the table. "Did you all know when you met? Did you know instantly that you were mates?"

"Absolutely," said Logan. "Jacob and I knew the minute we saw Tessa."

"Not so much," said Tessa. " Witches don't feel the pull like Lycans do. I had no idea until Logan forced me to submit."

"Forced? Come on! All these years and you still get this story twisted," said Logan. "The thing about witches is you're all fucking hard headed, arrogant malcontents that don't know what's good for them. You knew we were your mates and you fought it every step of the way because it's just the kind of person you are. You thought you didn't deserve happiness so you made everyone's life as miserable as yours was just so you didn't have to suffer alone."

Tessa laughed and said, "You're definitely not wrong, Logan. We are a bunch of complete shits. I was too messed up over my parents death and my own fears to accept that my mates were right there in front of me. It took some work on their part to get me to change my mind."

"So, are you going to visit them?" asked Logan.

Gretchen scrunched up her nose and said, "I don't think so. I can't see any good coming from that."