Taming Her Beastly Mate

Diana tried to get into a routine. If she could keep herself occupied, then she wouldn’t have time to miss Aiden. At least this is what she hoped for, but it didn’t work out like that. She found herself thinking of Aiden often. He had sent her a few letters using fairy messengers that she couldn’t see. He couldn’t send letters every day, since fairy messengers were in demand with all the Locke family separated from their homes. His letters were a welcome but really made her miss him. She often wondered what he would do. Especially when Sam came back and reported some disturbing things about the Sulfur pack. There had been a mysterious death, and he was suspicious of demons.

There was no proof, so she ordered that the pack be watched in secret. If there was foul play going on, they would find the evidence needed. Sam was technically more in charge than she was. He was the Lycan King’s Beta, and she wasn’t even their crown princess yet. As a Lycan Princess, she technically outranked even an Alpha King. However, Wyatt was a good leader, and she didn’t feel the need to assert herself. Especially since she hadn’t even been marked by their prince. So, while she gave her orders, she also knew Sam would run things by Wyatt. They knew the packs better than she did. And right now, they would know best on what to do.

She had hoped for some wisdom from Lycaon. However, he was quiet about the whole issue, and she felt like he knew what was going on. Of course, he probably did but the gods rarely shared information. It went against their balance code, or whatever it was.

“Paperwork again?” Lycaon g*****d as he slumped back on the couch. “This isn’t going to bring him back any faster.”

Diana pursed her lips together and glanced up at the deity. He had been around her every second, and she was becoming more comfortable with him. Though she hated to admit it, but it was nice not being alone. Most of the pack kept a respectful distance from her. However, she could acknowledge it was her fault. She always kept a wall around her, and she never seemed approachable. It was something she was trying to change, but it wasn’t working too well.

“Deeee Deeeee Dum Deeeedy Dum Deeeeedy Doooo!” Kurt sang as the door swung open to the office. She smiled as she looked up at him. He was one of the few people who was always trying to make her feel welcome. Gia and Jamie were the other two, but they had left to watch over the Sulfur pack. Though she had heard Gia left without permission. Her father, Adam, was fairly upset over it. Sam had to calm him down.

Lycaon snorted and turned to look at Kurt. Kurt instantly grimaced and frowned. “Dee Dee, are you still sitting behind this desk doing work? On a day like today? Nope. Not happening.” He said as he walked up to the desk. He grabbed her by the hand and lifted her up. “We are going for a walk. Look how pale you are. You need some good ol’ fashioned sunshine.”

Diana glanced back at the desk and Kurt tugged on her arm.

“I don’t want Aiden coming back to any paperwork.” She said, and Kurt laughed.

“Didn’t I already tell you that this pack is a well-oiled machine? You don’t have to do all the paperwork. The key is to delegate. Kay here gets it.” He said, winking at Lycaon. Kurt was a lot like his grandfather, Kade, and had a habit of giving nicknames. He made everyone feel like they were welcome and part of the pack. He was such a genuine and warm person that Diana couldn’t help but like him.

“I agree. Enough with the paperwork. If I didn’t know any better, I would say you were punishing yourself.” Lycaon said with a knowing smirk.

Diana tightened her lips together as Kurt stopped to look at her. “Punishing yourself? Why would you do that?” Kurt tilted his head down to look at her face.

“I’m just keeping busy.” She whispered back quietly.

“Nuh uh. It is more than that…” Kurt’s brows scrunched in confusion as he looked over at Lycaon. “What is this about?” He asked and Lycaon didn’t answer. Instead, he stood up from the couch and walked over to Diana.

“It’s time to move forward, Diana. It’s okay to live and be happy. You are allowed to be happy.” Lycaon said as Diana stood there quietly. Kurt looked between the two and then reached out and placed his hand on Diana’s shoulder. She turned and looked at him and he smiled.

“You love Aiden, don’t you?” He asked. Her eyes widened in shock as her lips parted. He watched as she slowly nodded her head. “You want him to be happy? The best thing you can do for that is to be happy yourself. If you won’t do it for yourself, then do it for him. I know there is a fun Luna in there, ready to break out. It is okay to think about the past. It is great to remember the ones we love, but we can’t get stuck in the past. Your family would want for you to be happy. It is okay to be happy.” He placed his arm around her shoulder and then ushered her with him.

Diana glanced up at him as he walked her down to the main room. “Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?” She asked, and he laughed loudly.

“Not at all. You are practically family.” Kurt said proudly, and she laughed.

“Much older family… by one hundred years.” Diana reminded him, and he gave her a wry grin.

“The important thing is that you look twenty. Come on, Kay, or we are leaving without you.”

Diana listened as Lycaon chuckled, following behind them. She was shocked because this was an unusual demeanor for him. Usually, he got tense and agitated when others were near, but he never did with Kurt. Though if she was being honest, she felt completely relaxed with him as well.

“Smell that? That is called fresh air.” Kurt nudged Diana playfully as she winced up at the sun. “And we are not vampires. It is okay to expose yourself to the sun.”

“The sun doesn’t bother vampires,” Diana said, shaking her head.

“See, even vampires learned their lesson.” Kurt shot her a white toothy grin.

As they walked through the pack lands, Diana realized that Kurt was right. It was a beautiful day outside, and she had been cooped up in her office for too long. The fresh air and sun felt invigorating on her skin. She found herself smiling and laughing as Kurt told her stories about his past adventures with the pack. Lycaon followed behind them, his eyes scanning the surrounding area for any signs of danger.

They made their way to the training field where the young wolves practiced their fighting skills. Diana watched as they worked together in harmony, their movements fluid and precise. It was a beautiful sight to see, and she felt a sense of pride in her pack.

Kurt suddenly stopped in front of her and held out his hand. “Come on Dee Dee, let’s show these young’uns how it’s done.”

Diana’s eyes widened in surprise. “I haven’t trained in years.” More like one hundred years. That was the one thing Diana hadn’t done yet… shift.

Kurt grinned. “Nonsense. Once a warrior, always a warrior.”

Diana glanced back at Lycaon, who offered her a gentle smile.

“It is time you finally shifted. You need to see for yourself that everything is okay there. You will still look the same. Just think of it as that part of you was revived… it wasn’t replaced.” Lycaon searched her eyes, and he could see her hesitation. There even seemed to be a bit of fear there. “Excuse us for a moment.” He said as he held out his hand, waiting for her to take it. He watched as she hesitantly placed her hand in his. He gripped her soft hand gently and then led her to an isolated area.

“Diana, why haven’t you shifted yet?”

She shook her head and looked down. “I wasn’t ready before. I might be now but…” She pulled her hand away from Lycaon and wrapped her hands around herself. She didn’t notice how he frowned or how his eyes followed her every move.

Lycaon stepped closer to her, his hand reaching out to touch her arm. “But what?” he asked softly.

Diana bit her l*p, her eyes darting away from his gaze. “I’m scared,” she admitted finally, her voice barely above a whisper. She was given Lucy’s lycan. What if she couldn’t connect to shift? It wasn’t like having another wolf. A lycan was part of you. This was part of who she was, and she was afraid what waking that part up would mean.

Lycaon’s expression softened. “It’s okay to be scared. But you can’t let that fear control you. You’re strong, Diana. You’ve faced so much already. This is just one more step forward.”

He took her hand again, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a soothing rhythm. “Let me help you,” he said, his eyes locking onto hers. “I’ll be right beside you every step of the way.”

“Aiden, hurry up, or we will be late!”

Diana whipped her head around, her breath caught in her chest. She watched as two kids ran down the path together. Her lungs felt like they were crushed as she struggled to breathe. Her throat was closed off as her eyes began to burn. Gods… she missed him. If anything happened to him, she didn’t know what she would do.

“Diana,” Lycaon whispered as he looked at her face.

“I miss him.” She admitted quietly. She didn’t notice how rigid the deity’s face grew from her words. “I need him here. I keep telling myself that I am fine. I can do everything on my own. That I don’t need anyone, but that isn’t true. I need him. I’m terrified I’m going to lose him. I feel so lonely without him and—” she began to say when Lycaon leaned down so that his face was looking directly into hers. She stilled in shock as she stared back into his eyes.

“Am I not enough?”

Diana’s lips parted in shock as she stepped away from him. She looked at his intense gaze that was etched with a raw emotion she didn’t want to explore. His green eyes were almost piercing, as if they were searching for something. Finally, with a sigh, he gave her a soft smile and cleared his throat.

“I can help you shift, right? I am your deity.”

Diana released the breath she had been holding. For a moment, she was worried that he meant something else. Inwardly she laughed. Of course, he didn’t mean it romantically. That would be silly. And he knew she had Aiden. In fact, the reason Aiden had a lycan was because they were supposed to be together.

“I guess it would be a nice surprise for Aiden when he returns. I want him to be proud of me.” Diana said shyly. Lycaon’s face looked a bit rigid as he straightened up and looked away. He looked a bit disappointed, or maybe agitated? She couldn’t tell, but as she tried to examine his face more, he turned to her with a blank expression. His face now showed no emotion as if it was given a clean slate.

Lycaon cleared his throat, “Alright, let’s get you started,” he said, his voice now business-like. As he turned to walk away from her, he quietly said, “You are not alone, Diana. I’m here… I know it’s not the same, but you can talk to me.”

Diana stared at him as he kept his back to her. She noticed his hand was curled into a fist and he seemed as if he was struggling. Suddenly, this strong deity seemed very vulnerable. Maybe her words were hurtful, since he was taking the time to stay there and protect her. He was a deity and was lowering himself to her personal protector. She had been wrongfully angry with him for saving her life. She never told him thank you. She went to call him Lycaon, but then remembered what he asked her to call him.

“Ike, I’m sorry for my behavior. Thank you for… everything.” She whispered. He turned to face her, his green eyes studying her face, before his lips twitched upwards. He turned and stepped towards her, wrapping her in his strong arms. His warmth embraced her in a protective cocoon. Her fingers landed on his hard, muscular chest. It was comforting, but not like having Aiden hold her. When she was in Aiden’s arms, she felt desire and love. With Lycaon, she felt safe and protected. It was a different feeling altogether.

“You don’t need to apologize or thank me. You were in shock, and maybe it was unfair to put you through something like that. You are… special to me, Diana. I’ll always be here for you,” He murmured into her hair as he held her close. She noticed how his grip on her tightened for a moment and then she felt his lips land on the top of her head before he finally released her, stepping back.

Her gaze met with his and once again she could see something more on his face. There was a powerful emotion that was hidden behind his gaze. A secret hidden in his eyes of an emotion she didn’t know the meaning of. Maybe he wasn’t sure she was going to be a strong leader since she hadn’t even shifted into her lycan.

She stared back at him confidently. She was going to be the mate Aiden deserved and the Luna that the wolves and lycans needed. She admitted that she had momentarily lost herself in her grief, but Aiden had saved her. She was a fool to just now realize how much she needed her mate. He was everything… he was the one she gravitated around now. It was time to be the leader she was meant to be.

Starting now, with shifting into her lycan.

“Alright,” she said, her confident eyes locked onto Lycaon, “Let’s do this.”

He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Let’s do this.”