CHAPTER 45: It's way too early...

Celeste
I wake up at midnight, from my way - too - short nap, to the loud buzzing of my alarm. I try to reach over and shut it off, but Randol is holding me so tight that I can't move. It's like he thinks I'll run away if he doesn't. I don't mind, though. The circle of his strong arms feels safe. I lay there for just another minute enjoying the feeling. We have to get up, though, or we'll be late.
"Randol. Wake up. We have to get going."
"Not yet. Still sleeping." Laughter threatens to spill out, but I keep it contained. He sounds like a child being woken up for school. Time to play hardball.
"If this is how you're going to act, then I can't let you sleep with me anymore." His eyes shoot open, and he sits straight up in bed.
"Nope. I'm up. I'm up." He looks over at the giant smile on my face, and his whole body relaxes. He rolls on top of me, and looks down into my face. "You are a horrible person."
"Yes, but it worked. You are adorable in your childlike state of half sleep, by the way."
"And you are gorgeous." He leans over and gives me a soft kiss, and my heart flutters. This was not a kiss full of passion. This was a kiss full of love. "Good morning."
"Good morning. Now, it's time to get up. We have work to do." He doesn't go to move away. He just looks down at me and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
"I look forward to this, when we move in together. I get to wake up with you in my arms and have your face be the first thing I see, every day."
"Well, don't get ahead of yourself. We have to deal with the current situation before we can even think about moving in together."
"Well then, my princess, consider it dealt with." He plants a quick peck and jumps out of bed. "I'm going to go get ready. I'll meet you downstairs in half an hour. With breakfast."
"Well, if there's breakfast then I will be there with bells on."
"I assumed you would." When he leaves the room, I get out of bed and grab some clothes to throw on. After I'm clothed, I head into the bathroom to brush my teeth, fix my hair, and put on some light makeup. I look like a zombie right now, so I just want enough to make me look awake. It only takes me about twenty minutes to finish getting ready. I grab my bag and I'm out the door.
I walk into the kitchen where Daddy, Uncle Anthony, and Mr. Yamaguchi all sit watching Randol cook. "Good morning, gentlemen." They all give me noncommittal or grunt - type noises of some sort. "So chipper in the morning, I see." I walk to the stove and kiss the sexy chef on the cheek. "Good morning. Breakfast smells delicious."
"Good morning, Princess. Have a seat. It's ready." He plates up breakfast for everyone, and we scarf it down.
"All right, is everyone ready to go?" Daddy walks us to the door and gives me a hug. "Be careful, sweetheart."
"Daddy, I'll be fine. Donnelly is nothing I can't handle."
"I was talking about Anthony's driving." I put my hand over my mouth to cover my laugh.
"Very funny, old man. I'll have you know I'm an excellent driver."
"Sure, you are." They really are like brothers, aren't they. "Now get going or you'll miss your plane."
We set out on the road to Denver. Randol and I rode in the back, and I leaned on his shoulder most of the way. We didn't really talk, just enjoyed being close to each other. I spent the entire ride just thinking, mostly about Donnelly. Can I really come face - to - face with the man who said such terrible things about my parents and not choke the life out of him? That's just for starters. Look at everything he has done to the paranormal community in his jealous toddler tantrum. I feel electricity start to roll through my body. I have to calm down. I take a deep breath in, and slowly release it. Randol must have noticed.
"You okay over there, Princess?"
"Yes, and why do you call me that, anyway?"
"You do realize that's your official title now, right?"
"Um, no."
"My father is still the alpha right now. As incoming alpha, I'm the pack's prince until I ascend. Then I'll be the alpha. As my mate, you are the pack's princess. Once you ascend, you will become the luna."
"Well, that's not high pressure or anything."
"Hahah, rest assured you're made for it. In a lot of packs, most decisions are made by the luna and enforced by the alpha. After our little adventures here, I am completely certain you will slip seamlessly into the role."
"I hope you're right. So how long do I have?"
"Six months."
"You have got to be joking."
"Nope. Dad has been ready to step down for a while. He was just waiting for me to find my mate." A kiss falls on my temple. "And she was worth the wait."
"I guess I better get my shit together then." A soft chuckle floats over my head. "You're going to be a great alpha, Randol."
"Thank you, my luna." I feel the weight of his head settle onto mine, and we just stay like that the rest of the way to the airport. "Ah, we're here."
We finally make it to the airport and get checked in. An hour and half wait in the airport and a four - hour plane ride later, and we're in Connecticut renting a car. While we were on the plane, Daddy left me a message to let us know the children have been extricated and are on their way to their homes. Thank God. They are almost in the clear. We are planning to move in on Donnelly under the cover of night, so for now, we drive into his town and get lunch. Of course, I'm already starving. We relax and have a leisurely meal at a cute café. After we're all stuffed we drive over to check in to our hotel and wait for nightfall. It's nerve - racking, but I could definitely use a little sleep before we go, so I guess I'm glad for the downtime.