Chapter 17- New Faces

We got showered and dressed. I was thankful that Rose had thought to have some clothes in my size brought to Clay’s room. My clothes from yesterday were a mess and gross from running and everything that had happened. I was thankful for the fresh feeling of this morning.

We headed downstairs for breakfast. I was still amazed at the fact that the kitchen was huge, and they had their own cook. I actually enjoyed cooking but often it was lonely to cook for myself so I did not cook that often. I was hoping to meet the cook today since Clay had said it was his friend.

We reached the kitchen, the smell of bacon filling my nostrils and making my stomach grumble.

“You hungry love?” Clay whispered in my ear sending chills down my entire body.

“Yes, I believe I am.” I giggled. We rounded the corner and walked through the doors, when we did everyone just stared at us. I was holding Clay’s hand and the stares from those around us were starting to become awkward. I looked at Rose.

“Oh My GOSH!” Rose screamed out. “You did it!” All at once Rose came and almost tackled me in a huge hug. She began to ask a million questions it seemed all at once and there was no way I could answer any of them.

“Rose,” Clay said.” I understand your excitement. But can we eat and then talk to you.” I let out a big breath. Answering most awkward questions in the presence of all these strangers was not something I wanted to do.

Rose looked at me and nodded, then she leaned in close and whispered, “You and me. Later. I want to hear everything!” I looked back at her and smiled. I nodded to her. She was my best friend, and I was excited about sharing things with her.

“Right now, lets eat!” Clay said with a laugh. He guided me towards where to sit. As we walked, I noticed who was just hanging out in the kitchen. They were either sitting at the island in the middle or standing on the edge of the room. We got our food and two guys stood up to let us sit down.

“Do you want some coffee?” Clay asked me. With that I remembered yesterday morning. The fact that I was getting coffee for everyone and then how the day just turned around so quickly. It was hard to believe it had only been a day of being here. With Clay it felt as if I had already been here for awhile but instead it was less than 24 hours.

“I actually do not drink coffee.” I said back to him. He looked in shock at me.

“You don’t drink coffee? Why?” Clay asked me back.

“I just do not like it.” I shrugged.

“Well then, what do you drink?” He looked a little defeated.

“Water.” I laughed in my reply. I noticed him pour me a glass of water and he placed it in front of me.

“Well water it is then.” Clay said. “Now let me introduce you to some people.” I nodded. I would like to know people in this room if they were close enough to Clay to be eating breakfast with the family.

“You already know my mom and dad.” Clay motioned to where his parents were sitting. I hadn’t noticed them before but they were right there.

“Good Morning Darling. I am so sorry about yesterday.” Sarah looked at me. I could tell she wanted my forgiveness. I knew her and my mom were just trying to do what was best even if it wasn’t.

“You just did what you thought was best. That’s all we can do.” Sarah smiled at me with a glisten in her eye. She walked over and gave me a hug.

“We are so glad you are part of our family now. I know you have a big heart and kind spirit.” Sarah let go of the embrace and I just nodded my head in hopes to not let her see how shaken I was.

“Honey, we are very glad you are part of our family. It is so good to see my son happy too.” Oliver said. He did not get up and I was quite grateful that he did not make it more awkward than necessary.

“Thank you.” I said simply. Clay drew back my attention as I took a bite of my bacon. I wanted to get to know everyone, but I also did not want my food to get cold.
“That is my friend and our cook, George.” George nodded towards me. He was a stocky tall guy. He looked like a linebacker for a football team. I had no doubt that it was all muscle. His eyes were gray, and his skin was dark, like he spent lots of time in the sun.

“Hello George. Your food is amazing.” George blushed at the comment and then replied, “Thank you Grace, I have always enjoyed cooking and being able to provide for others. I am glad to hear you enjoy it.”

“George also takes care of the garden. Most of our fruit and vegetables come from there.” That would explain his tan, but it gave him a gentler look and a kind face.

“Wow George. Your garden is beautiful. I saw some of it yesterday.” I said to George. Again, the man blushed at the praise, and I was left to wonder how often someone said it to him.

“This guy back here is Ian.” I looked behind me and noticed another massive guy who looked like a twin to George.

“Hello Ian.” I said.

“Ian is our trainer and helps people learn to fight and use their wolf in a fight. He is also George's brother.” Clay said, also letting me know that we would be seeing a lot of Ian in the coming days. The connetion between Ian and George was interesting but very clear in the way they looked.

“Hello Grace. It is nice to meet you and I look forward to meeting your wolf later.” Ian’s voice was deep and relaxing.

“Yes, Clay told me this morning that we would work on some training today. I would like to say I am excited but as I have no idea what to expect I am mostly just nervous.” I laughed and the room filled with laughter as well.

“You will be fine. We will work on basics today.” Ian confirmed and that made me feel a bit better.

“Sounds good.” I replied. Shoveling yet another mouthful of food in before Clay could get to the next person.

“This firecracker over here is Izzy.” I looked in the corner and saw a girl with bright red hair cut into a pixie cut. She had tattoos down the one side of her body. Her shirt was a Aerosmith oversized shirt that hung off her one shoulder and she had tight neon green leggings on. This girl looked like the firecracker Clay just described her as.

“Hey Grace. It is nice to meet you and great to know your still alive.” Izzy was going to be a fun friend.

“Yea, I’m pretty happy about the whole being alive thing too.” I started to laugh, and Izzy joined in with me. Before I knew it the whole table was laughing. It was one of those moments where you realize you could laugh, or cry and I just started in with an uncontrollable laughter.

“Thank you, Izzy, I needed a good laugh.” Izzy shrugged her shoulders in a way that said glad to help.

“I need to get going.” Izzy said and headed out the door. Everyone else waved their goodbyes and I noticed it was just Clay, his parents, Rose and me.