Nina

It was true. It was all true. All the stories, and the legends my parents told me as a kid. I had always just thought the legends of the black wolf were just that….stories. Yet here he is right before me. My mate is the black wolf of legend. My shock, and wander are displayed on my face as I stare at the massive black wolf in front of me. The beauty, and love I feel is indescribable as I stare at my mate’s wolf form. As if in a trance my feet slowly carry me towards the wolf before me, and I tentatively reach out to stroke the soft fur as he lowers himself for me to reach his head. I stroke the glistening black fur on the top of his head still in a trance when I hear a throat clear behind me.
Startled out of my trance I turned around to see Derek and Grey looking at us with shock, and concern. My hand pauses, and I realize we still need more information on why he would hide this. I take my hand away, and walk back to the boys. As I walk back I hear Raff shifting, and know I should wait a second before I turn around. I reach the boys, and turn around when I hear a zipper. I turn in time to see Raff putting on a shirt, and I instantly feel my body heat up. I look to the ground for a second, so I can control my heart beat. When I look up again I see he is fully dressed, and waiting for our questions.
“Why did you hide it from us?” I question first thinking that was the most pressing concern at the moment. He hesitates, and his face gets worried. I instantly feel a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.
“Our wolves are the strongest of us, and when they were alive they were constantly hunted, because people believed they could gain our strength by killing us. You have always had the protection of your family, and pack, but when my father found out he instantly shunned me. He told me if he ever caught me in my wolf form around him, or any other member of the pack he would kill me. I wasn’t allowed to train, or join in any wolf activities. He wanted me gone, and even dead I'm sure, so when I came to live in your pack I feared he would send people to kill me, and even you. After you claimed his title. I thought it would be safer for everyone if you didn’t know, because then they might only come for me. That’s why I never wanted to accept you, because then you might get hurt in the crossfire, and if we are mated, then it would kill you when I die. I thought it would have been best if I kept my distance, but when I saw you-
when I saw you in that hospital bed I realized I was doing more harm than good.” When he finished his speech he looked at the ground, and I could tell he was lost on what to do, and scared. The anger I felt when he explained what his father did to him because of his wolf at such a young age was almost a living thing. Looking at his face I pushed aside my own feelings, and went to hold his hand. When I touched his hand I stepped under his gaze to meet his eyes.
“It’s okay, we understand. You had no guidance, and nobody who fought for you. You were only trying to do what you thought was best.” I bring my hand up to his cheek to wipe away a stray tear. “You don’t have to worry about that anymore. We can train you, and get you where you should be. We can also let you run in your wolf whenever you want. My spot is always open to you if you don’t want others to see. As for any threats Derek and Grey will alert the patrol, and make sure the guard knows. You are a part of this pack now, and if anything tries to hurt you we will treat it as a threat to the pack.” I turn around looking for confirmation from Derek and Grey who nod in response. I turn my head back to Raff only to find him crying more. As if given a silent cue the boys leave, and we are alone. I hug him in hopes to calm him down only to hear him chuckle. Confused, I look up.
“I treat you so horrible, and try to push you away, but you still support me, and even comfort me. My darling mate, I don't deserve your kindness.” He whispers, bringing his hand to cup my cheek. I feel an anger build in me at his words, and look away.
“Don’t talk down on yourself, because you deserve my kindness, and my love. That is not something for you to decide. It is mine to give to whom I please.” When I say the word love his eyes go wide, and his breathing hitches.
“After everything I have put you through I could never ask for your love. I could never ask for you. You deserve so much more.” I see the hurt in his eyes, and understand.
“Firstly you aren't asking. I am giving, and secondly if you think I deserve more, then give me more, because I don’t want anyone else.” I say the final part with determination, and I see a thoughtful expression appear on his face before he pulls me close, hugging me. I hug him back, breathing in his scent of honey and vanilla. I feel his head rest in the crook of my neck as he inhales deeply. Before he brings his hand up to my chin gently tilting my head up.
“Thank you.” He says with a smile before bringing his lips down on mine. This kiss wasn’t like the first one. Filled with fire, and passion, but a tender kiss filled with everything he never said. His lips gently move along mine before his tongue asks for permission. I accept as our mouths and bodies dance to a rhythm unheard to the world. We stay like this for a few minutes before we break apart. I see a new light shining in his eyes as he looks at me with adoration on his face. I can tell my eyes are glowing green showing Valarie is with us as well.
“Does this mean you accept us?” She asks through my voice. We are still unsure whether we will be accepted or not, and we are scared. Looking into his eyes we silently plead for an answer as a smile breaks across his face.
“I could never deny you to begin with my darling little mate.” He says in an almost chuckle. In pure excitement we jumped on him, hugging him around the neck, and almost knocking him to the ground. He lets out a laugh that makes my breath catch. When he catches his balance again he sets me down gently before taking my hand as we make our way back to the pack house. We chat happily on the way before I realize something. I turn to him quickly to ask before anybody comes into ear shot.
“It’s tradition to announce a mated pair at dinner, but if you aren’t comfortable with that, then we can hold off.” I say getting worried he will say no. He stops walking, and looks at me squeezing my hand.
“I would love for everyone to know I am yours.”