âBecky, my Kâaalógii?â Wyatt murmured softly.
âHmâ¦?â
âWe need to get up. Your parents are expecting us for dinner,â he reminded her.
Becky opened her groggy eyes to look a Wyatt. He was propped up on his elbow, face in one hand, on the bed next to her. With his free hand he was gently massaging her hip and thigh. Really not wanting to get up, she kissed his chest before asking, âCanât we stay here? I donât want to have the conversation I know Iâm going to have with Mom if we go to her house. Speaking of conversations, I had another question for you.â
âWhat question?â
âDo all wolves mark their human mates the way you did me?â Becky asked.
Wyatt shrugged, then answered, âI donât know because I donât know anyone with a human mate. For all I know it could be the alpha in me and regular wolves donât, or maybe they do, and Iâve just never heard about it.â
Becky thought about his answer for a few moments as she rubbed her hand across his chest. She then said, âI think I know a girl in my class who is mated to a wolf, I could ask her I suppose. For now, I suppose we should shower and get ready for dinner.â
âMight be a good idea,â Wyatt agreed with a soft sigh. Then, tilting her face up so that she was looking him in the eyes, he asked, âBecky, we havenât done anything wrong, you know that right? You are my mate and in the werewolf world that is as good as calling you my wife. It is natural to have these feelings for each other and to act upon them. I will not be ashamed of showing you my love in the physical sense.â
âI know Wyatt, and Iâm not ashamed of what we have done either. In my heart you are all I will ever need or want, and I love you. Yes, I love Mom and Papa, but I have you now and you come first. I feel like Papa has already accepted you and if you are patient with her, eventually Mom accept you too,â Becky told him, hoping she was right in her assessment of the situation.
âYes, your papa has accepted me, my wolf and I both feel his acceptance of us.â Wyatt agreed. âSo, for you my lovely Kâaalógii I will be patient with your mom.â
âThank you, Wyatt. I love you,â Becky said.
Leaning closer to her, Wyatt gave her a sweet kiss, the murmured, âAyoâo aniinishni too Kâaalógii.â
Then standing, Wyatt headed for the bathroom and a shower.
Forty-five minutes later Wyatt and Becky stood on the porch knocking on her mom and papaâs front door.
âCome on in you two...â Jeff said as he opened the door. He soon stopped talking though as he took in a deep breath. Then cocking his head, he murmured, âUm...?â
âIs something wrong, Big Tree?â Becky teased, using her nickname for Jeff.
Jeff stepped closer to Becky and whispered, âLittle monkey, I donât know how he did it, but you two are in so much trouble when Mom gets a whiff of you. I say congrats though since I think the two you are perfect for each other.â Then he leaned away and hollered, âMom, the kids are here!â
âDinners finished. Jeff, go find your father so we can eat,â Mom said as she stepped from the kitchen. She smiled at Becky, but the smile drooped a little when she looked at Wyatt.
Becky felt Wyatt tense up next to her.
Wyatt knew Julie would soon start on him; she always did. Tonight though, with them having just mated, Julie would use it as extra ammo against him. So, already annoyed, he gave a light growl before saying, âI think there are a few things that need to be said before we eat.â
Wyatt then took Beckyâs hand and lead the way into the sitting room.
Jeff came down the stairs with Gary a step behind him.
âI have dinner ready; it needs to be eaten before it gets cold,â Julie fretted.
âItâs alright Julie, thatâs why we have a microwave,â Gary said. âLetâs hear the boy out.â
âBut...â Julie began.
âNo buts,â Gary told Julie as he kissed her cheek. He then gently pushed her down onto the love seat.
Becky wondered what was going on also, so she asked, âWyatt?â
âI canât keep this up Kâaalógii,â Wyatt said as he looked down at Becky. âEventually it will affect you and your feelings for me, maybe not today or tomorrow, but at some point, it will.â
âWhat are you...?â Becky began, showing him that his words worried her a little bit.
Putting an arm around Becky to give her comfort, Wyatt turned to her parents as he began, âI have struggled for a long time about who I am and with the feeling of insecurity. When I came here with the other warriors from my pack, I never dreamed I would meet my mate. Gary, you have made me feel welcome and I thank you for that.â
Gary nodded, then said, âYou are a good man Wyatt. My wolf and I trust you with my daughter. If my wolf did not, I would have been less... welcoming.â
Wyatt gave a slight bow of acknowledgement, then said, âBut now I would like to set a few things straight. I know that you have heard about me and the things I have done. Iâm sure this is the biggest reason Julie does not like me, isnât that correct Julie?â
Julie glared at Wyatt, then agreed by saying, âYes. Wyatt, Iâd heard of you, and youâre right, I didnât like what I heard. I donât think you are a good match for Becky.â
âMom!â Becky exclaimed with a gasp of shock.
âIâm sorry Becky, but thatâs how I feel,â Julie informed her. âI think you would have been better off with a good human boy.â
âWhy? You know how theyâve always treated me,â Becky reminded her mom as tears pricked her eyes. âYou know that none of them will have anything to do with me!â
âThatâs why you go to college or university, meet new people,â Julie commented.
âBut Wyatt accepts me, all of me, and sometimes I wonder if you ever did!â Becky exclaimed then.
Julie turned away.
Becky let out a cry as her hand moved to her mouth. She then buried her face in Wyattâs side as the tears began to fall, asking, âYou donât do you?â
âJulie, that isnât true, is it?â Gary whispered.
âYes, itâs true,â Julie began. âI accepted her, at first though because I thought, now I have a daughter to dress up and spoil. However, she always preferred you Gary, always, and I became tired of being second best in her life. So, I just... I just gave up.â
Becky looked up at her mom as she heard her voice break. Then she mentioned, âYou never said anything.â
Julie shrugged, looking at Becky now as she continued, âThen when you turned fourteen you became interested in that boy Chad and thatâs when you finally saw ME! Suddenly I was the one you talked to and we were finally becoming mother and daughter.â Then she turned to Wyatt and pointed as she exclaimed, âThen he came!â
âBut Mom...â Becky began.
Julie wiped the tears from her face as she exclaimed, âDonât âbut Momâ me Becky! You werenât supposed to have a wolf mate! I was supposed to have you for a few more years but figured that if you did have a mate he would be in this pack. Then Iâd still have you with me, I could help you adjust to having a wolf mate, and I could help out when the babies came.â She gave a snort, then exclaimed, âBut no, you had to end up with a mate from another pack! Not just any mate though, but a heartless monster mate!â
Becky gasp, feeling hurt for Wyatt at her momâs words.
Wyatt growled low.
âHe isnât a heartless monster!â Becky informed her mom with a yell of outraged.
Wyatt put his hand on Beckyâs shoulder, calming her. He then gruffly said, âThis is where we clear things up Becky. I donât know how much of my story any of you know, so I will start with my parents dying when I was ten. I went to live with my ShidáâÃ, Alpha Stone, and although he raised me the best he knew how, I have always felt I was different. This feeling left me confused about myself and about who I am because of it.â
âWhy were you confused?â Jeff asked, speaking for the first time.
Becky had almost forgotten Jeff was even there because she had been so focused on their mom.
Wyatt turned to look at Jeff as he answered, âBecause, although I was born alpha, my father was a warrior.â
âBut you are a warrior and a very good one! How can you be an Alpha also?â Jeff questioned then.
So, Wyatt went on to explain to them about his parents, how his Shidáâà became Alpha, and how his wolf had lost control. When he was finished the three of them sat in stunned silence.
âSo, Mom, now do you understand me when I say he isnât a monster?â Becky asked as she looked at her mom.
Mom stood and walked over to pull Becky into a hug, saying, âIâm sorry Becky, I really am. I let my own hurt cloud my judgement about him and...â She stopped speaking and took a step back, a puzzled look on her face as she questioned, âHow? You...?â
Wyatt spoke answering Momâs question with, âI bit her.â
âYou WHAT!â Mom yelled, then growled, âWhy, why would you do that?â
Wyatt growled also, his eyes shifting back and forth between gold, brown, and red.
Papa quickly grabbed Mom, pulling her back and bowing his head in submission. As he stood in submission, he murmured softly, âJulie you donât question an Alphaâs decision, especially about his mate and in that tone of voice.â
Mom hissed at Papa, saying, âHe isnât an Alpha though!â
âJulie, just think about what he just told us. Wyatt has an alpha gene, and his uncle could make him the Alpha of the Stone Pack if he wanted too,â Papa said trying to reason with Mom.
âMy being an Alpha has very little to do with it. Becky is my mate that I have waited a long time for, her and her love. I wanted everyone, you included Julie Borman to know that she is mine!â Wyatt all but snarled as his eyes glowed a bright gold in his anger.
Mom whimpered then and bowed her head. Papa and Jeff bowed their heads to show submission also.
Wyatt then took a deep breath as if calming himself.
Becky could tell that Wyattâs alpha side was now fully in control. She watched as his eyes turned bright gold.
When Wyatt began to speak the power in his voice could be heard as he said, âI havenât said much, but I have felt my humanâs pain and frustration because time and time again you have shown disrespect Julie Borman. The warrior in me wants blood, the alpha in me wants to throw you in a cell and throw away the key, but I cannot do either of those things because you are the mother of my mate. Out of respect for Becky we have held our tongue, but no more. You do not have to like me Julie Borman, but you WILL respect me!â Wyatt boomed loudly; his golden eyes narrowed.
âYes, sir,â Mom whimpered, her head still bowed.
Reaching up, Becky cupped his cheek to get his attention.
Wyatt looked down, saying, âHello precious.â
âWolf Wyatt,â Becky said with a smile. Then she frowned and tilted her head as she gazed at his eyes, thinking.
âWhat is it Precious? I can see the wheels turning,â Wolf Wyatt commented.
âWell, your eyes are gold like they were last night and the first day we met, but that day with Cherry they were red. Why?â Becky asked curiously.
âToday Iâm only mildly upset, only bordering on rage. Whereas, that day with the girl? That day I was in full warrior mode,â Wolf Wyatt explained. âBefore my... meltdown my eyes were always golden, even in anger.â
âWyatt almost went rogue Becky,â Papa said softly. âA rogueâs eyes are red when they are at the point of no return.â
âBut you came back, you didnât go rogue,â Becky stated, then asked, âSo, why do your eyes still turn red?â
âI donât have the answer to that Precious,â Wolf Wyatt answered as he gently caressed her face with his thumb. âAll I know is when I am in a rage or when Iâm going into battle my eyes become red.â
Then leaning down Wolf Wyatt gently took hold of Beckyâs chin and kissed her. Beckyâs eyes fluttered closed as she enjoyed the moment and forgot all about the fact that they were standing in front of her parents. When Wyatt pulled back, Becky opened her eyes to find his eyes were once more a lovely dark chocolate brown. Her stomach chose that moment to growl.
âTime to feed the beast!â Wyatt said with a chuckle.
âYep, before the beast eats you!â Becky teased as she growled softly.
Wyatt was still chuckling when he picked Becky up and threw her over his shoulder. This made Becky giggle.
âLetâs eat!â Jeff yelled.
Everyone cheered their agreement and headed for the kitchen.
Supper went by fast as Jeff, Papa, and sometimes Mom, would ask Wyatt questions.
Becky was hoping that the question and answer had cleared the air to the point that her mom would at least give Wyatt a chance. She yawned and with her head laying on Wyattâs shoulder, she murmured, âIâm ready to go Wyatt, today has been then longest day ever.â
With a nod Wyatt went to stand.
Mom spoke up then, before Wyatt could, asking, âBecky, could I speak to you before you leave please? I promise it wonât take long. I wanted to talk to you about your birthday party.â
âAlright,â Becky agreed. She then followed Mom into the kitchen as the men headed for the sitting room. Once in the kitchen, she began to fill the sink with soapy water.
Mom placed leftovers into dishes to store in the fridge. She then walked over to help Becky with the dishes as she said, âOkay, so your birthday is in two days, but I wanted to wait until Saturday to have the party. The Alpha said we were welcome to use the pack community hall if we wanted to hold the party there.â
âMom, I really donât know that many people. Why canât we have it here?â Becky asked, almost in a whine.
âYou might be surprised how many will come Becky. Us, the Alpha and his family, plus Wyattâs family who are here now. I wouldnât be surprised if Alpha Stoneâs family doesnât come just to meet Wyattâs new mate. We werewolves love a party dear, and you being a warriorâs mate is big news. There will be some of the pack who will come, whether you are their friend or not, just to see if itâs true.â
âOh great, party crashers!â Becky exclaimed with a groan as she finished the glasses and started on the plates.
Mom stopped what she was doing to give Becky her full attention. She then said, âFinding your mate is a big deal Becky, being the mate of a ranking wolf is an even bigger deal. Anyway, I would rather have too much room then not enough. So, I thought we would have cake and maybe some finger sandwiches, chips and dip, and maybe one of those platters with cheese and crackers. Now, should we have a big bowl of punch or something else as far as drinks go?â
âPunch sounds fine Mom. Although, you might want to have bottled water also for those who donât care for sweet drinks. I know Wyatt doesnât care much for sweet drinks,â Becky commented. She then finished up the last dish, emptied the sink, and dried her hands.
Mom stood there for a long moment fiddling with the hand towel before saying, âIâm guessing that since he bit you, that you have mated with him also.â
Becky nodded in agreement.
âI hope you used protection,â Mom said softly so nobody else would hear her. âI donât know that youâre ready for a little one yet Becky.â
âYes, we did. Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is?â Becky grumbled as she felt the heat run up her cheeks.
Mom laughed a bit, then said, âYes, actually I do. My mom asked me the same thing when your papa and I met and mated. I was older then you though, nineteen, and your papa was twenty. Even though we were stupid and forgot protection, thankfully I didnât get pregnant right off.â Reaching over she pulled Becky into her arms as she continued, âI really am sorry for the way I acted Becky. I still have problems with Wyatt, Iâll admit that, but Iâm going to try my best to keep it to myself and treat him better.â
âNo more treating him like the red-headed step child?â Becky asked as she smirked.
Mom laughed before agreeing, âYeah, no more treating him like that.â
âMom he really is a great person. He treats me like I mean the world to him, but he also lets me be me. He makes me feel good, even though I sometimes feel like less because of my disability, and I like that.â
âHis wolf called you precious,â Mom commented then.
Pulling out of her arms Becky smiled, saying, âYeah, and he makes me feel precious.â
âWell, as long as he does that then he and I will have no problems,â Mom said as Becky yawned tiredly. âLetâs go find the men and let Wyatt take you home before you fall asleep on your feet.â
Turning, they headed out of the kitchen. The men were standing on the front porch quietly talking.
âWyatt, Iâm ready to go home now,â Becky told him after she yawned again. âI am so glad I donât have homework to do when I get there, âcause I am ready to fall straight into bed.â
Wyatt picked Becky up and carried her to the car as everyone called out their quiet good nights. Soon they were on their way home.