Chapter 33

Lexi

I had a great lunch with Aiden the other day. He isn’t so bad when he isn’t being an ass. And the book was the sweetest thing. I have been reading it everyday trying to get a grasp on my new world. I think Aiden wrote it himself and that makes it even sweeter. And the way he broke everything down makes learning all this so much easier. Which is great since I am meeting Luther’s pack today. I’m nervous as hell. Thankfully Luther is driving me there. I doubt I would find the place on my own. It is hidden deep in the woods. Closer to Iron Mountain than Gwinn.

It also gives me some time to study more. Yes, I brought the book with me. There are even empty pages in the back for me to take more notes if I need. I will probably just remember everyone’s names.Luther said it was just a small get together so hopefully there won’t be too many people here. And there is what if they don’t like me. Or think I’m weird. Or don’t think I’m good enough for Luther even though we are paired by the Goddess.

I feel Luther’s hand on my thigh. The sparks that I now know what they are are a little more intense. Luther said that the more we are together the stronger the bond will be. And the sparks, or pulsing of electricity will get stronger too. I am finding I’m liking them more and more. I still have the sparks with Aiden but not as strong. Luther thinks they will continue to weaken since we aren’t close and will be gone when I can accept the rejection. It makes me sad to think about it but I will respect Aiden’s wishes. And there is no use trying to fight for someone who doesn’t want you. I have to push those thoughts from my head. I’m meeting Luther’s family. I don’t need to think of the mate that doesn’t want me and focus on the one that does.

“ Baby, try to relax. It will be fine. They are going to love you.” Luther said. “ Am I being that obvious?” I asked. “ Yes. I can feel your emotions all over the place and your glow is erratic.” he said. “ Damn it. I’m sorry.” I said. I close my eyes and take slow deep breaths to get my glow under control. It is getting harder and harder. I really need to start training. I should ask the Elders to help with that and get a schedule set up. I feel the car stop but I’m focusing on pulling my glow back. I hear doors open and close then mine open.

The cool air blows and brushes across my skin. I feel Luther’s hand on my cheek. “ Baby, open your eyes.” I slowly open them and see Luther smiling at me. “ Baby, if you get out of control it is ok. I will bring you back down. Try not to worry. I want you to be yourself. No matter what form it takes. If you glow a little no big deal. If you project a little just hold on to me. But it will be fine. I promise. And if it gets too much just tell me and we are out of here.” Luther said.

I lean into his hand and smile. “ Thank you Luther. I don’t think I could do any of this without you by my side.” I told him. I don't know how I would handle all of this if he wasn’t here with me.” Lucky for both of us that is where I will always be. Now come on. Let’s go meet everyone before my mom busts out the door and steals you from me.” he said. I laugh and take his hand.

He helps me out of the car and I get my first look at the packhouse. That is what it is called, I found out. Where the Cline’s looked like a mansion this one looks like a five story log cabin ski lodge complete with stone chimney. It looked like it belonged in a painting with the way it was set with the forest surrounding it. “ You get to live here?” I asked Luther. He nods “ Do you like it?” “ I love it. It is so beautiful and peaceful.” I told him. “ This can be your home too. When you are ready. And you can come here anytime you want.” Luther told me as we walked up the steps. “ I would like that.” I told him.

Luther reached for the door handle but before he could grab it the door flew open. Standing before us was a woman who looked like she was in her mid-forties with long jet black hair. She had on light make up and looked like she could be a model. She was wearing a white sundress in the middle of winter. When do I get the warmer body? I’m always cold but it does seem to be getting better. The woman gives Luther a quick smile before turning to me. She squeals like a schoolgirl. “ Oh Godess your here.And you are gorgeous. My son is a lucky man.” she laughed. Before I could blink her arms were around me crushing me to her chest. “ We are so happy you came.” she said.

Luther laughs, “ Mom, let her breathe.” She lets me go then hugs Luther. “ I’m sorry. I’m just so excited I couldn’t help myself.” she said. “ Lexi, this over excited woman is my mom, Christina Riverclaw. Mom, this is Lexi.” Luther introduces us. I hold out my hand and Christine grabs it. “ It is nice to meet you ma’am.” I said. “ Oh, no. Call me Christina or mom. We are family, no need to be so formal.” she said.

“ That is very kind. Thank you.” I told her. “ Oh Luther, she is so lovely.” Christina said. “ I know. How about we take her inside to meet everyone else before Lexi gets too cold.” Luther answers. Christina grabs my arm and escorts me inside. “ Yes, let’s go meet everyone.” she said. She leads me inside. I look over my shoulder to see Luther shaking his head smiling but following us. I see a large living room to my left. When I say large I mean I could fit my living room in here three times. There were leather couches, loveseats and chairs spaced around the room.

The floors were a light earthy brown tile. The walls were actual logs With a large bay window that overlooked the front. What really made the room was the fireplace. It was so big I think you could fit whole logs in it. It was made of stone and marble. An odd combination but it worked. Above the fireplace was a banner that stretched damn near the entire wall. It said ‘ Welcome Lexi.’ in different colored letters. My eyes went misty. I didn't notice the other people in the room. I felt Luther’s hand on my shoulder. I placed my hand over his and I turned. “ You ok, baby?” he asked. I sniffed and nodded. I pointed to the banner and whispered “ The gesture got to me. I wasn’t expecting such a welcome.”

A man who was a carbon copy of Luther just a little older, stepped forward. If this was Luther’s future I am going to be a lucky woman. “ We wanted to make sure you had a warm welcome,” he said. He held out his hand and said “ I’m Alpha Evan Riverclaw, Luther’s dad.” I shook his hand “ It is nice to meet you Alpha.” I said. He waved me off “ No need to call me that. Just call me Evan. And it is an honor to meet my son's mate.”

“ So you accept me. Just like that?” I asked. “ Yes, of course.” Mr. Riverclaw said. I mouthed wow. I figured I would have to prove myself somehow. But they just accepted that I was Luther’s mate. No questions asked. No doubt if I was good enough. Again. Wow. I feel a small arm on mine and see it is Christina. “ You can ask all the questions you want. Later. How about you meet everyone else then have some lunch.” she said. “ Yes, I would like that.”

Guess what happened next? You got it. I couldn’t control my emotions and I began to glow. And brightly. I heard a gasp and saw Christina back up. So did Evan. Oh no. I saw the other people in the room stare at me wide eyed. Yep, now they know how odd I am. They were going to convince Luther to reject me to be with someone more normal. And those emotions added to the mix making me flux between colors and spread further out from my body. Only a few inches but it was there.

“ Praise the Goddess, it is true.” someone said. I feel sparks around my waist with strong arms. I’m pulled back so my back is against his chest. “ It’s ok baby. Just breathe.” Luther says. I turn around and bury my head in Luther’s chest. “ I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. Maybe this was a bad idea.” I whispered. “ No, baby. I told you to be yourself and you are.” Luther said after he kissed the top of my head.

Luther keeps me close “ Lexi, is having difficulty maintaining control lately. It upsets her when she loses control. Because she doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Or scare anyone.” he said. “ She is also worried that because you might think she is weird you will persuade me to reject her.” Luther continued. I don’t know how he knew that last part but it was true. I wrapped my arms around his waist and held him tight. I didn’t want to let him go.

“ We would never ask anyone to give up a Goddess given mate. To ask our son to give up a rarity as Lexi is unimaginable.” Alpha Evan said.I was shocked by this and I know I sent out a pulsing glow. I slowly turned around and saw the strangest sight. Everyone in the room, Alpha and Luna included, were down on one knee with their heads bowed. “ Luther, what is happening?” I asked. “ I don’t know,” he said.