6 comments/ 4124 views/ 19 favorites Simply His Ch. 27-30 By: CalyPy Thank you all for such great support on the story, I really love how you can are on this for the story and not for the corrections or mistakes. I like your votes but love your comments so please never stop sharing your thoughts. Enjoy J C. ***** Chapter 27 "Chances" *Meadow* I look at our entwined fingers and smile; then I look at him and he is staring through the window with his mind on several things. We are driving to my office and have a meeting with Carter at first hour. Ever since we walked out of the airport he has been going through many things all at once. I peeked into his head and left quickly when I got dizzy in the vortex of his thoughts; a meeting with Alpha Demark, who I still haven't met, a visit to the Smithson Pack to catch up on the status of their recovery from the horrible attack of Cornelius and Agape. On that note; Caleb has been worried that he sent his best trackers, they were truly remarkable, yet they came back empty handed. Cornelius and his pack has vanished, he even tried to track them with satellites with no results. He had rejected that idea at first because on a forest area there would not be many chances to detect them, yet he still tried as a last resource and it also failed. I close my eyes and try to relax him, I only learned I could do this yesterday, but I am so excited. I imagine a thin cloak covering him and soothing him, helping him relax. He shifts on his seat and then wraps his arms tightly around me, kissing me softly as he smiles. "Thank you..." He whispered as Alex announces we are there. I take a deep breath, I am glad we took time to come back to the city, I needed to control my abilities or this city and the wolves in it would drive me crazy. Outside the car there are two gentleman with expensive suits, I immediately sense they are wolves. Caleb walks out first then extends his hand to grab mine and lead me to the door. Both gentleman bow their heads. "Greetings Alpha Rowen." The tallest one replies, then he looks at me and with a smile he bows his head. "Welcome back, Luna." "Thank you." I said calmly, Caleb was not worried nor annoyed, so there was no need for me to be either as well. I pulled his hand though, bringing his attention. 'Introduce me, maybe?' I mind linked him and he chuckled. "Julius is my lawyer, he is one of the many loyal pack members who choses to be here in the city. Julius, this is our Luna." "It is an honest pleasure to be at your presence, Luna. Welcome to the family." He said kindly. I felt goosebumps on my skin at the honor of being called that, and feeling the pack bond start to attach with him. "And the quiet one is Kade, he is my accountant, also from the pack. He can't talk, but he can communicate." Caleb nodded at him and he replied with a bow, then I heard him. 'An honor to meet you, Luna.' And I smiled. 'Thank you Kade' feeling the invisible connection of the pack firm to him as well. "Do you have everything ready Julius?" Caleb asked and after a confirmation nod he pointed at the entrance for me to go first. The security has changed, the annoying security arch was now gone, instead there was a simple wall and behind it two security staff could catch anyone walking by. I am sure there is additional electronics behind that wall. It was a definitive update, one that assured less people stuck at the entrance. We arrived at our floor and Carter was talking to Janine, his assistant, giving her instructions. He grinned widely when he saw me and came to greet me with a warm hug. He was so alive. His scent was one of trust and honesty. Ah yes, I started to notice how scents could tell me more about a person than only their smell; I could catch their mood, their feelings, and lately I also started to notice part of their personality. "Meadow darling, so good to see you back... and you look stunning! vacation suits you!" He greeted me and I giggled. "Hello Mister Carter, it is wonderful to see you." "Caleb... you took good care of my ace here, I am thankful for that. Did you gave her time to work on our little project at least?" He said perking a brow and I blushed. Caleb was laughing hysterically. "Of course I did, after all, I had to kidnap her in order to force her vacation." I rolled my eyes and shook my head at them both. "So who are these guys?" Carter asked finally, nodding at them both. "This is Julius, my lawyer, and Kade, my accountant. We brought you a first draft for you to look at. Where is your lawyer?" Caleb asked, pulling me closer to him with a gentle tug on my hand. "Tom should arrive any moment, please let's get into the meeting room." He encouraged us and I led the way. Caleb sat on the edge of the table at the left, and pulled me to sit next to him. He strategically left the end for Carter who grinned at the sign of respect. There was no doubt that Caleb knew how to deal with people like him. After a minute, Sarah came in with small coffee cups for all, she has been with the him ever since Carter started the business, she was a wonderful soul who radiated kindness and pride into everything she did, no matter how small. When she passed me my cup, I smiled at her and thanked her, she blushed and remained quiet. A few minutes later, Tom walked in, looking rushed and apologizing for his delay, blaming the traffic. He was being honest, but it was too funny. The rest of the meeting went easy; Julius read the base contract out loud and Carter couldn't help but have his mouth open; Caleb was literally giving away a fortune to merge as a silent partner, requiring only to be consulted when a major change was required, this included firing a number of five or more employees, change on high position staff and all decisions regarding security, including the implementation of new security gadgets and tracking devices on the company vehicles and outside staff. Kade put the cherry on top when he delivered a study on the investment profit generation through a timeline, that put Carter almost to the edge of sanity. "I am not really sure what is your win on this contract Caleb, you are giving too much and taking so little." Carter said with a sigh, scratching his head with his left hand. "It is easy, and I know what I am doing. I take this like an experiment. I am helping your company and taking the opportunity as a test program for the implementation and field test of new technology. For example, the new entryway detector system, tracking devices and similar security gadgets. This works wonderfully with my new endeavours. I don't like testing this kind of stuff in a closed farm. I want this tested live and so it becomes a win win opportunity. Of course I can keep my eyes on my princess at the same time, that is a plus." Caleb chuckled as he pulled my hand up and kissed it. I shook my head at him with a smile. "As if I need to be kept under surveillance." I chuckled and he laughed. "Well, I don't know what you think Tom, this sounds like a damn good deal for our side." Carter asked our lawyer and he was nodding with wide eyes, extremely aware of everything said. That and his cut on the deal. "Alright Caleb, you got yourself a business associate." "Bring that thing, ready to sign, monday would you Julius?" "Yes Sir, I will bring this for you first thing in the morning." Julius replied, his assured smile showed he knew well how to elaborate the most appealing deals. "Well then that is all for now, Caleb and Meadow? mind you two staying a big longer?" Carter added and we both nodded, dismissing our lawyers and the accountant on the way. Once they were out, he looked at us and smiled, shaking his head. "You two are good for each other. I am glad you are serious on your relationship." He said with honesty. "I know what is good when I see it, and I haven't been able to pull away from this one ever since I laid eyes on her." Caleb said while he caressed my hand gently, making me blush. He would always find a way to surprise me with his words. "Meadow, what are you planning to do? You have the new implementation plans working better than before, from what I could see on the draft you emailed me. But your role in the company can't stay the same. I need to promote you to head of department now." He said and I was flattered by his trust. I had no way to doubt his intentions, he had shown his trust in me before I was associated with Caleb, I knew his words were true. "I am flattered Mister Carter, but I am not sure I can take the job." I said a little hesitant at first. He frowned and looked at Caleb who lifted both hands as if in surrender. "He has something to do with my decision but not all of it. I would like to offer you maybe my services as a consultant, if you would agree. I will stay here until we both can find someone new capable for the job, and after that, I would be holding monthly meetings with you here perhaps?" "May I know why you want to do this Meadow? and please be honest." He asked, tapping his pencil on the table. "I want to spend more time with Caleb, that is true. But I also have a chance to assist as a consultant in his company too. I know you will understand this is a big opportunity... I can't let pass." I said, forming the words as they came to mind. I didn't plan any of this, but I was sounding convincing enough even for myself. He laid back against his chair and sighed. "That would mean a cut on your paycheck too Meadow, tho I think you aren't really interested in that." I smiled at him and nodded. "My paycheck will come from him as well, don't worry." I grinned and pointed at Caleb and he joined with a laugh. "Ok Meadow, you are bound to this office till we find your replacement, and it better be a good one." He finally said with a smile and I agreed. The day went by quickly with all the things I had to catch up, people to talk to, announcement to prepare for monday and the call for filling my place now out on the respective sites and newspapers. I quivered when I sensed Caleb coming for me, our connection giving me warning of his playful mood. He knocked on my door and came in. "Ready to go out for dinner?" He smiled at me and I beamed of joy. I grabbed my purse and walked to him, kissing his lips tenderly. "I am ready... let's go." I said and he growled lowly, a grin on his face as he looked at me. "Maybe I just got new ideas..." He said in a slow sexy voice that made my heart jump and beat faster. "Yes? what other plans?" I asked as he moved me into the office and closed the door behind him, a click announced it beeing locked. I felt my cheeks hot and red as he slowly slid his hands on my body, my breath cut with anticipation. "Caleb... we can't be loud here..." I warned him, and just as I said those words I realized I would never put a stop to his intentions. It was as if his cravings became my own ones, though I was the only one who thought about possible outside consequences. "I am not sure I can control myself around you." He whispered to me as he pushed me against the desk; his hands locked briefly on my waist as his eyes burned me. "Tell me to stop...if you must" He said in a low raspy tone and I gasped, lifting a hand to pull him to me, crashing our lips together. His thumbs slid under my silk blouse and slowly lifted it exposing my goosebump filled skin. I arched slightly as he reached my breasts and rubbed my hard nipples with his fingers, tugging them over the thin bra fabric. I felt like I was being sent into overdrive when he surprised me with lowering his lips into my mark. He licked my sweet spot and I groaned, digging my fingers in his back and almost tearing his shift. I jumped upon my desk and spread my legs, forcing my skirt to climb up around my waist, I pulled him closer and locked my mouth with this. This was the only way we would both remain quiet enough. I felt him grow harder by the second as he pressed against my thighs and pelvis. He slid his hands behind my back and undid my bra, making me moan with pleasure as I felt my breasts bounce free. He broke our kiss and I arched my body, leaning on the desk as I rested my back on my arms and elbows; I saw him grin as he gently put my bra to my lips and whispered. "This might help with the noises." And I bit the piece of lingerie as if my life depended on it. He kept grinding his covered hardness against my damp panties as he leaned on me and took one of my nipples into his mouth. I closed my eyes and quivered, each small rub of his tongue on my skin sent waves of pleasure all over my body and ended down my intimacy. Then he bit me, softly. I whimpered quietly thanks to my own bra and it felt so good. He started nibbling my nipple and I almost came as his hard cock pressed more on my wet lips, but then he stopped and moved to the other nipple, leaving me breathless. I wasn't going to last much longer this way, and I knew how to set him on fire. I wanted him to take me, right there and then, so I opened my mouth, letting the fabric slid away, and I whispered. "Take me..." and then 'Take me' I repeated with my mind. He growled lowly and I heard the almost mute sound of his pants being unbuckled and then drop on the floor. He pulled my wet panties aside and locked his eyes with mine as he pressed his manhood deep inside me with one slow but unstoppable thrust. I collapsed into the table, unable to think straight nor wanting to. Totally involved, there was only him and me, and him in me. There was a connection between us, beyond physical. Something triggered each time we would unite in an intimate way. I felt how the world shifted and moved differently, and my wolf came closer to the light. She was still hiding in the shadows, but I could see her eyes and her attention now completely into us. It wasn't as if there was a 3rd person watching us, no, even though I feared it could be. It was like part of me was closer to completion. Caleb moves slowly on top of me, slow but deep thrusts, his face tense as he tried hard not to groan or moan loudly. I pulled him to me and he kissed me passionately, thrusting hard and deeply. I groaned, thankful for his mouth on mine, my nails digging in his back as my legs wrapped around him. He moved more deliberately and slowly, pushing me against the desk as I began digging his skin with my sharp nails. I felt how perfect he rubbed every inch of me and I arched more, writhing below him. Then he pulled away from my lips and I felt his hand on my mouth, I didn't understood why until he bit my mark and thrusted deeply inside me and I screamed aloud and within my mind. Deep, hard, intense thrusting as he pushed me to the edge and beyond. Another bite and I exploded, my body shaking as I came hard and melted completely. I heard him grunt and howl within his mind as he thrusted one more time and came with me, filling me with his seed, prolonging the exquisite pleasure. He took several hard breaths right next to my ear and I quivered, then he lifted me up gently and took me with him on my chair, making me straddle him. We kissed softly and tenderly; both holding on one another. 'I love you so damn much my Princess...' He whispered to me into my mind and I smiled. 'As much as I love you, my Alpha...' --***-- Chapter 28 "Visits" *Meadow* He chuckles as I point Craig where to turn. I am happy that Alex stayed home this time and Craig came instead, although Caleb has been more than careful when I am around him, I haven't felt anything towards him since Caleb and I mated fully. To me it was a big relief, I didn't want to feel insecure near him, especially since he was Caleb's third in command. "Ok, now turn left on the next corner and slow down, the store is in the middle of the block." I smiled. As soon as we turned the last corner, I noticed something wasn't right. The store was closed and she never closed on a saturday morning. "Perhaps she is on vacation?" Craig said scratching his head and I frowned, stepping out of the car to look inside the store thru the windows. "The flowers are withering, the store has been closed for days." I looked at Caleb with worry eyes and he pulled his phone out. "What is her name?" Half hour later we arrived at Saint Mary's Hospital and I rushed to the information desk. "I came to see Crista Ward? They told me she was here on intensive care." I spoke quickly and the nurse quickly assisted me. I ran to the elevator and hit the 4th floor, Caleb and Craig reaching me just in time before the doors closed. As soon as they opened I rushed to find her room. I stopped half way my search, I turned my back and saw a paralyzed Craig and Caleb holding him. I took a deep breath and tried to focus, I walked back to them and Caleb gave me a warning sign 'Hold on, I think he just caught the scent of his mate...' He whispered to me and I relaxed. 'Go find your friend, I will help him find her and try to make him calm down.' He said again and I nodded. 'Thank you...' I whispered back, turning around and resuming my search. I found room 469 almost at the end of the hall and I knocked gently, waiting for a sign. "Yes? Come in." I heard the young Bella, Crista's daughter, invite me in. As soon as I we saw each other, she jumped to my arms squeezing me. "You are ok!" She almost whispered-screamed with excitement. In our hug I could see Crista, my mom's friend, filled with tubes sleeping. I held Bella from her shoulders and questioned her with a look. "She has pneumonia and has been like this for days. She has also been worried about you. You didn't show up last weekend." She whispered lowly and I felt a shot of guilt. "I was on a trip with my boyfriend, he kind of kidnapped me in order for me to leave. I am so sorry." I replied in the same low whisper. She shook her head and smiled. "That is good Meadow! You needed someone to take care of you... You already look happier." She smiled at me. "Meadow? is that you?" I heard Crista call me from her bed. "Oh darling... I was so worried about..." she coughed a little and Bella rushed to her side, helping her take small sips of water until the glass was empty. "Thank you dear, can you get me some more?" She asked Bella and she nodded and ran outside. Once she left the room I walked to the edge of Crista's bed and took her hand, feeling her week. I tried to hold any tear from coming out. She smiled at me. "I am happy you are well darling. When you didn't show up last saturday I was worried." I shook my head. "I am so sorry, I should have called. My boyfriend took me on some forced vacation time. I made him promise we would come visit her after." "Ahhh Meadow, you found someone special, haven't you?" She half whispered, I could feel her energy slip away. I squeezed her hand and pushed part of my own energy into her; I didn't know if it was possible, I just knew I wanted to. "Yes, he is a wonderful man, he has literally shaken the very core of my existence. I love him madly." I smiled, unable to hide the emotions that Caleb brought in me. "I knew you would only get attached to someone that kind of special, your mother and I always felt you and my daughter would be the exception to today's crazy youth." She half giggled and then coughed a bit more. I sat in the chair next to her without releasing her hand. "How did you find us?" She continued. "It is saturday, and I headed to the store and it was closed. I peeked through the window and noticed the flowers weren't being taken care of, I knew something had happened. Your name and a few calls was all it took." I said, rubbing her hand slowly. "Oh god...! Is it saturday already? my poor flowers...!" She said just as a scared Bella rushed back in. Simply His Ch. 27-30 "Mom? what is wrong?" She ran to her bedside almost spilling the water from the glass. "My poor flowers... you can't stay here forever Bella, you need to go take care of the store, if I am gone, you will need something to..." she started coughing again and Bella started to shake her head. "Don't say that mom! You are not going anywhere!" Bella replied and I took a step back giving them space. I was about to leave the room when they stopped me. "Meadow darling, are you leaving?" Crista said and I looked at her with a smile. "I am going to leave the two of you alone for now, I will come back tomorrow if that is ok?" "You are always welcome darling, thank you so much for visiting, it made my heart smile knowing you are well." I walked back to her and bent over to lay a soft kiss on her forehead. "I am more than well, and you need to get better. I will see you both tomorrow." Then when I was about to reach the door, Caleb mind linked me. 'Princess, I think we found Craig's mate... and is inside that room with you.' I stopped, thoughts rushing quickly to my head. It had to be Bella or Crista, but Crista was already long past her youth and she had a great life, a wonderful husband, and a beautiful daughter, so it couldn't be her. It had to be Bella. "Darling, is there something wrong?" I heard Crista asking me and I turned around smiling. "Just let me tell you both, don't worry. About anything. I will help you with your store once you are recovered. I will come here to take your place tomorrow Bella, and you will go home to shower and get a change of clothes ok?" I said and Bella smiled nodding. Crista was about to add something but I rushed to the door and didn't let her speak. "See you tomorrow!" I said while closing the door behind me. In front of me there was an amused Caleb holding a very shaken Craig. I smiled at them both and Craig looked at me with haunted eyes. "Craig, I just made up something so tomorrow I will come here and spend some time with Crista, my mother's friend. I think your mate is her daughter Bella, since Crista had a full beautiful life already. So relax a little. When I get here, I will ask you to escort her to her home and be with her until she is ready to come back. Will you be able to control yourself?" I pointed a finger at his chest to make my point and he nodded. "I would do anything for her." He replied as he nodded. I knew he would be careful, he was just too shocked now to meet her. "Let's go, be patient, it will be worth it, trust me." Caleb said and Craig smiled. "I have someone to learn from, thank you Alpha." He said. I blushed as I noticed Craig was referring to Caleb's experience being patient with me. Craig relaxed the rest of the way to the cemetery, I think that while I was in Christa's room, he and Caleb had some sort of a talk and it did him good. Once we arrived, Caleb walked with me near my mother's grave then stopped. I looked at him quizzically but he smiled at me. "I think you should see her alone first. Then, when you are ready, I will join you." He said calmly and I almost cried; there was no possible way for me to feel anything but pure love and admiration to him, he was my partner, my friend, my lover and my mate, always thinking of me before himself. "Thank you..." I said almost in tears and he pulled me in his arms. "Shh... it's ok, you don't need to show me you are strong, I know you are... strong women also can get emotional." I shook my head feeling my tears damp his shirt. "Stop please, you are making it harder than already is to break apart from you even for the briefest of minutes." He chuckled and kept quiet, and I finally stepped away and walked to my mother. I sighed once I got there, it felt like it had been forever since we last saw each other. The circumstances changed dramatically, and the last time I came it was the day I met Caleb. I sat on the grass at her side, smiling as I looked at her picture in a capsule inside the stone. "Hi mom... it has been a while." I began, and I started chuckling at myself. "I have so much to tell you." I talked with her about many things, and laughed at some others. I talked to her about Caleb and his people, how he changed my life without really changing me, just bringing out the best in me. After a while I closed my eyes and held silent, I saw myself sitting there in the grass like an out of body experience; I knew it was my mental recreation of my surroundings and I enjoyed the calm. On the edge there were shadows, the ones that always covered a part of me. Not bad ones, just a hidden part of, that held my wolf protected. Then I saw her nose come out of the shadows and my heart jumped of joy. Her head slowly moving past the dark line that kept her away. She looked at me and moved slowly, giving me time to admire her beauty. She was a soft milky brown, long fur and a small white shade on her chest, the top of her head, and the tip of her nose. I felt enchanted by her simple beauty; her soft blue eyes mesmerizing. She walked out of the shadows, and she did it without me asking her to. She came right next to me in this mental picture I recreated of me and mom at the cemetery, and she sat at my side quietly, looking where her grave was held. 'Hi there...' I whispered to her and she looked at me and nodded. 'Hi back...' I heard her smooth feminine voice reply. I felt overwhelmed with joy and she laid down, resting her head on my lap.'You are beautiful!' I managed to say, and I heard her huff and chuckle. 'I am a mirror of you, of course I am beautiful.' She replied and I blushed and laughed. 'I am glad you decided to come out.' I said once I calmed down. She nodded again, looking at mom's picture. 'Is the least I could do for her. And you had made me proud to be your wolf, you have proven yourself to me.' She replied and I perked a brow. 'I didn't know I was on a trial?' I asked her and she huffed again. 'You weren't, I am happy to be part of you, and knowing you allowed me time to come out without forcing me or demanding me makes me feel very comfortable.' I was proud, I smiled and just slid my hands on her soft fur while we looked at mom's picture in silence for a while until I felt another presence near us, she lifted her head and it snapped to our left. There we saw Caleb's wolf looking at us, his eyes locked on her. I smiled at him and nudged her. 'Do you think you are ready for him?' I asked her and she gave me one look that showed me how much ready she was. I didn't know what to expect or how to react to be honest, this was all so new to me, but she took care of it; she closed her eyes and I did the same. What happened next was completely soothing, not what I would have expected. We merged in one, I was her and she was me; I felt my furred body and my thrill for my mate, our minds combined in a duet of feelings, emotions and thoughts. We were truly one. I opened my eyes and saw my furry body covered in torn clothing, I merged with her and shifted without even noticing, or perhaps I just didn't think it was this real. Caleb started to approach us, and finally I felt what he many times tried to explain, he was one with his wolf too. He reached us, then he lowered his head. His submissive pose only showed me he was letting us know he was safe, and we took a deep breath filling ourselves with his scent. He was calm and gave us time to feel comfortable with him, gave me time to understand what was happening. It was true, this wasn't us anymore, this was me. A me with less boundaries and more primal needs. He started licking my nose and making me giggle. 'Mate' he whispered, and I nodded. Then he rubbed his head against mine and whispered again 'Mine'. This time I licked his maw and whispered back 'Yours, always.' He lifted his head up and howled with content, to my surprise, I howled behind him and I was filled with joy. I started jumping and prancing around him, and he laughed at me, but feeling my new body was so exciting; I felt so flexible and free. 'There are people nearby... we need to go.' Caleb warned me and I looked at him with disappointment. 'I don't know how to shift back...' I sent him realizing the truth. I wasn't even sure how I managed to shift in the first place. 'Ask her for guidance, and she will show you. Follow me, we will do it inside the car.' He said and headed towards Craig and I followed him, thrilled with the way the soil felt under my paws. Caleb jumped in and Craig held the door open for me to enter, I bowed my head at him and he smiled proudly at me bowing his head back. Once the door was locked, Caleb shifted and smiled at me, reaching to pet and scratch my head. I closed my eyes enjoying his touch. "You are so beautiful..." he said to me and I licked his hand. "Close your eyes and think of yourself as human, picture yourself in your, mind that is what I do." He said and I nodded, closing my eyes and picturing myself like I did before near my mom's grave. 'Help me shift back, please... Guide me...' I asked her, knowing she could hear me. I felt small spasms in my body and I shivered, thinking it was cold. Then I felt strong and warm arms embrace me, and I opened my eyes to see Caleb holding me firmly, a wide smile in his face. I looked down at myself and I was back in my human shape and skin. I looked at him and jumped to hug him and kiss him as he kissed me back with passion. Once we broke apart I was beaming with happiness. "That was incredible!" He chuckled and kissed my shoulder as he held me close in his lap. "I felt you change and I rushed to see you. I don't know how you did it, but you were the second most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life." He said and I blushed. "Second?" I asked and he nodded. "Of course, you as you are now was the first." He grinned and I laughed, squeezing him tight to me. My cheeks red at his words. "What did you mean with you don't know how I did it?" His hand caressed my bare back as he nodded. "It usually takes a full month to complete the change, the Goddess thru the moon drawing the wolf side out. But you reached your wolf earlier, and I never felt you in pain or suffering, so it must have been a smooth shift." "She reached to me, or maybe I gave her the chance to reach me... It was amazing Caleb, I can't wait to do it again when we are back. It gives the word *freedom* a new meaning." I admitted and he grinned. Now I had something to look forward once we went back to the pack in our land. I wanted to run free with Caleb at my side. "You have my word, we will run for days and make wild love until you can't walk anymore." He grinned and I blushed. He laughed at me and kissed my lips. "I am teasing you... though the offer is still up, if you decide to consider it." He grinned and I started to feel like I was going to enjoy that game. --***-- Chapter 29 "Questions left On Hold" *Caleb* This was very entertaining; Meadow was introducing us to Bella and Crista, and Craig was looking constricted. I am proud of my 3rd, even though he had such an unnatural power of attraction towards women, he never used it against any, and he had many chances. Now, when he did found the one, he was too nervous to use it. "So Bella, will you let Craig escort you home? He will make sure you don't miss anything, and remember to bring your mom's stuff, you know, her flip flops and nightgown." Meadow was being persuasive, especially since Bella was nervous around him and felt the pull already. Poor girl was so young and naive. "Uhm, yes, ok... he will be there with me until I come back?" Bella replied. "I will stay with you until you feel ready, don't worry. You can take all the time in the world." Craig replied with a smile and Bella nodded blushing. I did my best to hold my laugh, while Meadow rolled her eyes at me. After they left, I walked into the room with Meadow, and Crista was watching something on the tv. She smiled at us and turned the device off as we sat near her. I could see her fragile but eager to share some time with us, and her daughter said today she was feeling better. "Young man, so you conquered this beautiful girl's heart." She said with a soft voice. "I like to think of it as her conquering me. But I guess it all depends on which view you take." I smirked and Crista laughed, her cheeks took a slight pink color, giving her more life. "I think you got yourself a smart, handsome and adorable one Meadow, your mom would be proud." She sighed and Meadow smiled. "I wish she was here to meet him." Meadow replied with a hint of sadness; I squeezed her hand gently. Crista was an old soul with a charm; she had a huge sense of humor and it didn't take her long to start telling us both stories of when she and Meadow's mother would go out and get into troubles; some of her anecdotes were completely something else, Meadow herself was gasping in surprise of some of the things she found out her mother and Crista had done. I really liked Crista, and she filled in so much that I could imagine Meadow's mom being someone I would have loved to meet. It was late in the afternoon when Craig finally returned with Bella. We could see how they had grown closer; she would smile shily at him as he occasionally looked at her. 'Good job.' I sent him, smiling proudly. He looked at me and lowered his head. 'Thank you, Alpha.' "Ok Crista, I am leaving you in good hands. I am so happy you feel better already." Meadow said to her and brought back my attention. "Thank you for visiting Meadow... Caleb?" She asked me and I nodded. "Yes, Crista?". She smiled and winked at me. "I know I don't need to threaten you nor warn you about hurting sweet Meadow, deep inside my heart I know you are an honorable man." She said and I felt a deep sense of pride by hearing that from her. I walked to her and took her hand in mine, kissing it gently as I looked in her eyes and whispered . "Yes Crista... I am honored." She blushed and I turned around to take Meadow's hand and walk her to the door, she stopped before leaving and turned around to Crista. "I will come by tomorrow, and if you feel good enough to be on your own, I would like to take Bella with me to your store, we have some cleaning to do and must start preparing all for when you come back." She said and I smiled, I knew well what she was doing, she was helping her yes, but she was also finding excuses for Craig to meet Bella more. I was so proud of her, she was a kind soul and she was looking after our pack members. A true Luna. -*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *Meadow* Craig and I left Caleb at Carter's office and then we both headed to the hospital to pick up Bella. When we were about to get there he took a deep breath and looked at me thru the mirror. "Thank you, Luna. You are doing so much to help me win my mate. I don't think I was ready to meet her." I was smiling at him as he said that, I was so happy I was able to help him, especially since I always had the impression he was just kind and shy. "You don't need to thank me, Craig. I am doing this because I know it is the right thing to do, and I feel the two of you will be perfect for each other." It was the truth, I felt they were both shy, so they needed a little push, but personality wise, both were just a perfect match. When we reached Christa's room, I had barely knocked once and the door opened. Bella was smiling as her eyes met Craig's and after only a second, she looked at me blushing. "Hi Meadow, hi Craig." She said in the most adorable and cute voice. I walked in to say hi to Crista and after a few words and making sure she was doing better, we headed towards her store. While we were driving, I mind linked Craig with a wild idea that just came to me. 'Craig, I will ask you to drop me at my old office, so you can spend more time getting to know her today while you help her clean up. Dont invite her out yet, get to know her more, maybe in a day or two you can ask her on a date.' He looked at me thru the mirror with wide eyes. 'Oh... ehm... ok? Thanks, Luna.' He sent back and I giggled. "Bella, I just got a text from the office, I need to go hold an interview for a possible candidate to replace me. Will it be ok if you go with Craig? I promise to join you for lunch with Caleb." I saw her eyes spark and her cheeks blush. She nodded and tried to avoid looking at Craig while she answered. "Ok, sure Meadow. I don't want you to take some time off from work just for this." I chuckled. "Oh I will still help you more, I am going to take you shopping for flowers to replace the old ones. We will go this afternoon, or tomorrow. It might depends on how successful you two are working together cleaning things up." I said almost casually and she blushed more. Oh I remember those feelings, insecurity, hope, desire, dreams, as if it was just last week, Oh it was just a week or two ago wasn't it. I was just so happy I was helping her. It has been a couple of days since Craig and Bella met, and as we are close to her mother's release from the hospital, I could see the signs of progress. They went out last night for the first time and she was in a bubble of happiness. Tonight it was just me and Caleb, we had been working and helping either at Crista and Bella's shop or at with Carter the last couple of days, I felt us work as a team all the time, but I wanted to spend the night alone with him. I was so happy he suggested we have some alone time as if he read my thoughts, although I was sure I didn't think about it until he asked me out. He chose the same elegant restaurant he took me the first time, before I let my guards down, when I was still so conflicted with myself. I was wearing a simple blue backless dress, with a simple front that left my neck exposed. I was proud of wearing Caleb's mark, the two small scars were nothing to the human eye, yet everything to the other world; our world. As we walked in, the waitress showed us our booth and Caleb pulled the curtains down. He sat next to me and I climbed his lap, kissing him passionately. "This place brings me bittersweet memories. I reached so far here with you, yet I screwed up so much as well." He shook his head and chuckled. "Twas the night I felt I almost lost you, and the night I gave away my will to live just to contain myself and give you time. That night you were vulnerable, and I felt you willingly wanted to give yourself to me, but I didn't want you to regret it later, I had to wait for you to be ready." His words moved me, but then they always did. Our waitress was smiling at us as she took our orders, then once she left, we both laughed at the way she blushed when she saw us at first. We were both so intimately close, yet I didn't felt embarrassed as I would have before. "Meadow, there is something I wanted to ask you... I brought you here, to this special and significant place for the both of us, so I could..." He started saying, a little nervous as he caressed my hand, I swallowed hard, feeling suddenly nervous as well. My heart racing a million miles per second. "Yes? what is that?" I replied and I noticed I was a little breathless. He cupped my chin and looked at me in the eyes while still caressing my hand then his eyes grew wide and he tensed. This was not good, I reached to him and felt something strange, a sense of dizziness crawling my skin. His wolf growled inside his head and then I felt it. More than felt it, I smelled it. An intense sharp smell that put all my defenses up. 'What... what is that?' I almost flinched and he held his arms tightly around me, his teeth gritting as he was about to lose control. I put a hand on his face and made him look at me. 'Caleb... please... talk to me.' I whispered and he pressed his forehead on mine. 'Unexpected visitor.' I heard his wolf reply, and I shuddered with fear. If his wolf was replying, then Caleb was about to lose himself into him. Simply His Ch. 27-30 A shadow stood outside our booth, I turned my head towards it and Caleb growled openly, the music helping mask the rage in it. I closed my eyes as I felt the floor moving and my dizziness growing, my heart pacing so fast. From out of the shadows my wolf walked out and reached me. I saw her sink her paws in the floor symbolically. I started to feel a little better, but the smell and the sensation never left. I was thankful of my wolf being so helpful. 'What is happening to Caleb? Who is out there?' I asked her shaking. She took deep sniffs and then looked back at me. 'Our mate needs to control himself. An ancient vampyr has arrived.' She said and I snapped my eyes open, I held Caleb's face between my hands, I remembered when he told me about vampires and how they were not really enemies, so if this one was causing him to tense, there should have been a strong reason for it. 'Caleb, look at me.' I sent him in what it felt a command voice, his eyes locked on mine. 'Be the man I admire and love.' I said to him and he took a deep breath, his wolf growling lowly, as his human side took back control. He turned his head towards the shadow and spoke. "Come in if your intentions are honorable, leave if you plan to start a war." A few seconds passed and then I saw a pale pair of hands opening the curtains. I gasped, before us the picture of ancient battles in roman illustrations took life of its own. He was tall and powerful, his eyes looking at me and making me quiver. Caleb's arms tensed around me and he grunted. "Introduce yourself before my mate and I." he ordered. The man looked back at Caleb with amusement, and then lowered his head. "My name is Aeneas, and I came in peace, wolf. Hold your fangs, I am holding mine." His voice was sincere, his eyes, although amused, were not cocky nor petulant. Caleb nodded and pointed the chair opposite us. So much for our night alone. --***-- Chapter 30 "The Advent of Dawn" *Meadow* I sat still, my eyes never leaving the roman-like live statuette before us, my hand though, caressing Caleb's. "Why are you here, you amongst all of those of your kind." Caleb spoke with a controlled anger. The man looked around the booth then back at me, giving me a smile. I felt strange; I wasn't affected by what I felt he was trying to do to me, but I didn't felt afraid either. He held his eyes in me while he spoke, pushing Caleb to the edge. "There has been... some circumstances... which have drawn my attention..." His eyes changed a little, as if he noticed something while he was looking at me. "Interesting..." He said and I knew he referred to me. "What is interesting?" I asked, Caleb's wolf poised as if to attack, as he growled lowly. Aeneas didn't care, he kept staring at me, driving both Caleb and his wolf mad. "You... you are interesting..." He said and I nodded. "Do I remind you of someone?" He blinked in surprise to my question and I felt he briefly lowered his guard. He broke his gaze and looked back at Caleb, a relief inside me. "No one in particular." He said and then he sighed pretending to be bored. Though I felt he had something else in mind. "Wolf King, that is how they call you. You lead the biggest alliance in this continent. I will make this short for you. I came to offer my aid." He said as he looked towards the curtains, seconds later our waitress walked in. "Apologies, I wasn't aware you were expecting a third. May I offer you the menu, Sir?" She asked flushed with an extremely unusual reaction. He grinned as he looked at her and I saw the poor woman fan herself while looking at him. He was using some kind of charm in her and it made me very uncomfortable. Was he trying that in me a minute ago? Was he surprised it didn't work? I cleared my throat and the poor woman dropped her notepad and looked at me, surprise in her eyes. "I am... I am sorry Madam, please excuse me, I will be back with the menu for you Sir." She said and rushed out clumsily. "If you are here for business, keep it in your pants." I said loud enough so the waitress could hear as well. Aeneas stared at me, for once, surprise in his eyes. Caleb chuckled and started to relax. 'Did he tried to charm you?' He asked me and I took a deep breath and looked at him. 'Yes, I think he did.' I replied and he shook his head. I was glad he wasn't as tense anymore. 'I am proud of you Princess... Vampyrs old and powerful such as him, can even alter mated females too.' I started to feel relief to the fact that he wasn't able to affect me and looked back at our visitor. "No one has talked to me like that in... well... let's just say, your mate wasn't even born yet. And the last one who dared to suggest such thing, became my playtoy for a few centuries." He said as if he was talking about the weather. I wasn't going to show him any emotions, I wasn't his to entertain. "If you came here to offer any kind of aid, you started the wrong way. You are supposed to try to be nice and respectful to the territory's host." Caleb said as his arm held me tightly. "Now down to business... How can you possibly aid us?" He laid against the couch and pondered his next words. "I hate coming to the new world." He mumbled quietly but our ears captured it loud enough. "You are facing an evil you are not aware of, and the dangers he represents to us all, are bigger than our possible differences." He said in a firm voice. Caleb frowned, the possibilities held in Aeneas words were far too important. "Are you referring to Cornelius and Agape?" He said and I felt myself shiver. Caleb leaned to me and kissed my shoulder, brushing his lips near my mark. I took a deep breath and tried to relax, his touch helping me. Aeneas nodded. "May I suggest we continue this talk in a more... private environment? Is not that I don't want to... keep it in my pants..." He said as he looked at me, then back at Caleb. "But there are things in my nature of which I am not always in control." He finished just in time as the waitress came back to offer him the menu. Caleb took a deep breath and nodded. "He won't be ordering anything, please pack our food to take with us and add it to my tab." He said and the girl looked down with disappointment in her eyes, picking up our food and leaving. Caleb kissed my cheek and I smiled. "Lets go Princess, I will make it up to you soon, I promise." I smiled and nodded. The waitress brought our food and the three of us walked out of the restaurant. Caleb held my hand as he opened the door of the car for me and looked at Aeneas. "I suppose you have a way to follow us." He nodded with a grin. "Many, in fact." Caleb gently pushed me in and I followed his lead, keeping my eyes on him as he walked around to his side. "Then you will meet us at our home outside the city." He stated, closing the door and putting the car into gear. The way to our home was not a short one, it was one that would allow us time to talk, and I was thankful of that. He took my hand in his and sighed. "I am sorry, Princess. But this seems important." I shook my head. "Don't be sorry, I understand." We drove a bit more in silence then I felt him reach to our special link. 'Let's talk here, he can't hear us this way.' I squeezed his hand. 'Caleb, he is a vampire, a very old and powerful one, isn't he?' I asked, already knowing the answer. 'Yes, that is why I am letting him come to discuss this, if it has to do with Cornelius then it is still something important. He has been gone from our radars for over a week and that is keeping me worried.' I nodded and took a deep breath, I could still feel his presence near us. 'Ok... what else should I be aware of vampires? Besides them trying to manipulate every two legs with a skirt?' Caleb chuckled and I giggled, I felt safe with him, so I wasn't afraid, but I knew little of the real vampires that walked our world. 'They are old, hence they hold great knowledge. Like us, with age they grow in power, as well. They are lonely creatures, even though they can have the equivalent of mates, not all chose to have one. As they can't breed, they lose interest over time in their short term partners. Those who do chose mates are loyal to death. Sometimes beyond.' I pondered his words and felt sad towards his answer, and their life choices. 'Why you don't like this vampire in particular?' I finally asked him and he sighed. 'He is well known to be one of the troublemakers of his kind. A very powerful trouble maker. I have worked hard with my allies to keep peace in this continent, and I will be damned if one bored vampire decides to break it just as a diversion from his boredom.' We arrived home and as soon as Caleb parked the car, Aeneas landed softly behind us. I was happy that on our way, Caleb mind linked Craig to stay in the city and keep an eye on things, specially the presence of more vampires. I didn't want to have Bella and Craig anywhere near this creature. As soon as we got inside Caleb's study, I sat on my favorite couch and he joined me. Aeneas walked to the single chair, sat graciously and locked his fingers together. "Ok, we are in a safe place now, no ears besides our owns. Share what you have about Cornelius." Caleb asked him straight. Aeneas nodded and looked outside the window, his mind troubled, at least I could sense that much. "You are not facing an ordinary wolf, Rowen. The kind of evil that resides in him is an ancient one." "There was always something about him that didn't felt right. Do you know what kind of evil he is?" Caleb asked, and I felt he held more information than what he was sharing now. Aeneas looked back at him and nodded. "I have faced him before, in times that were not yet written in stone. This is an evil you are more familiarized to hear them called *Demons*". He looked at us and I reflected calm, but inside I was scared to my core. A new race I never thought really existed, and this one far more dangerous than any other. Caleb tensed and grunted. "So he is a Demon who chose a wolf as a host body?" He asked him and he nodded. "He has been doing so for centuries, each time he comes he picks a new race host to his vicious intentions." The phone rang and it startled me, I almost jumped from my seat but Caleb held my hand and squeezed it gently. Then he walked to his desk and picked the phone. "Yes." He said and I felt his rage at the news he was hearing. "How many casualties." He asked, teeth gritting and eyes closed. I walked to him and put an arm around his waist, just offering him something to hold on to. He put his hand over mine trying to breath as he shook his head. "You got her? At least something good came out of that." He said and I was going crazy, I didn't want to push him for information yet. I knew he will fill us, if not me at least, soon. I could also concentrate in over hearing him but that was wrong, I held myself from it. "That is insane... Just keep him far from her and wait for our return. We are not coming alone." He cut the call and held my hand as he turned to me. "Bad and crazy news. We need to go back now." He looked at Aeneas and continued. "They tried to attack our territory but didn't expect to find so many... defenses. Not many casualties from their side this time, unfortunately, but something unexpected has happened." He said as he looked back at me. "Alex and Cara managed to capture Agape...". "That is great news! So we have something against Cornelius now!" I said, a little excitement in my voice, he shook his head and sighed. "There goes the crazy news. Gideon has gone nuts, he claims he feels a weird connection with her, something Alex could only explain as a mating pull." My eyes grew wide. Gideon wasn't exactly the most sane person I had ever met, but he was changing, and I knew this meant something bad. Now we had to go back, there was no other way to delay our return, and so many things would change. Caleb looked at Aeneas and nodded. "Call those who followed you, and prepare to join us. Give us two days, there are not only wolfs in our land, and we need to prepare for several of your people to arrive."