The She-Wolf’s Mate (Book 2 She-Wolf Series)

Samantha

After being kicked out of my own office, I decided to find something else to keep my mind busy. I tried not to feel hurt by Ivar’s not sharing his secret with me. Trinity had explained before that he couldn’t tell me until after we were mated.

I hadn’t, however, realized that the men who lived with him were privy to the secret. I hadn’t even realized they existed until just the night before when Trinity had enlightened me. Every time new information was revealed about my betrothed, I tried to remind myself that he had lived a thousand years and we had only gotten to know each other the last few days. It was a difficult position to be in, though.

I found myself wandering to the pond that had been my safe haven since I took over as Alpha. I wasn’t surprised to find Stephen already there, throwing cereal to the ducks.

“Alpha Paulson,” he greeted me with a smile.

“Hey Gramps,” I took the seat beside him.

Over the last year, we had become close. He was a voice of wisdom and experience when it came to being the alpha. I trusted him and his advice. He was also one of the few people I had confided in about my difficulties in Ivar’s absence.

“I thought ducks like bread,” I said as Stephen handed me some Cheerios for the friendly fowl.

“Not good for them,” he explained. “Apparently this is better.”

“Hmm,” I murmured.

“It seems like everything is working out,” he commented.

“Seems that way,” I agreed, frowning.

“So, why so somber?”

“I wish I knew more of what I was getting into,” I said, honestly. “I’m trusting in fate, but it’s hard to take such a massive leap when I feel so blind.”

“You did once before,” he pointed out. “That seems to have turned out okay.”

I smiled, slightly. “Yeah it did,” I agreed.

“If ever there was a woman made to be queen,” he said, looking at me earnestly, “it was you Sammy girl.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, leaning my head against his shoulder. “Watch out for Lukey for me?”

“Oh, I don’t think you’ll have to worry about him,” he drawled. “But you know he has me as well as a few other wolves ready for him.” He paused for a moment. “And apparently one heck of a fierce human. That sister of yours is something else.”

“That she is,” I laughed. “Emerick is going to have his hands full.”

“I heard about that,” he nodded. “Maybe he will be the calm to her storm.”

“Who would have thought Emerick would be the calm one?” I snorted.

“Fate works in mysterious ways.”

“That she does,” I agreed.

We sat in the quiet for a moment, watching the ducks swirl on the water. A gentle breeze rattled the leaves. This spot had always centered me. I felt a sense of longing at the thought that it would no longer be right outside my office

“I should probably go make sure Cassie hasn’t started demo-ing walls in the banquet hall,” I said after a while.

He nodded. “I heard some of the alphas would be flying in a little later on. Everyone is excited for the royal wedding.”

“‘Royal wedding’ sounds so formal,” I said, wrinkling my nose.

“Well Sammy, you’re marrying a King." Amusement glistened in his eyes.

“Thank you for everything.” I gave him a hug and then stood.

“I’m always here if you need me,” he promised.

“I know, Stephen.”

I made my way back across the lawn, passing benches and an arch that had been set up at the end of an aisle. It looked like Cassie was preparing a beautiful ceremony. Not that I was surprised. My talented friend was nothing if not driven and efficient. She made a beeline for me as soon as I entered the ballroom.

“Alpha Paulson,” she called, brightly. “How are you, hun?”

“I’m good, Cassie,” I told her. “How’s everything going?

“Set up is perfectly on schedule,” she said, looking down at her tablet. “Although, I’m not sure where the king has run off to.”

“He’s in my office,” I told her, flatly.

She narrowed her eyes. “I specifically kept him the busiest so he would leave you alone.”

“Of course you did,” I laughed. “It’s okay. He had some issues come up that he needed to handle.”

“Is everything okay?” she frowned.

“I don’t know,” I told her, honestly. “He couldn’t tell me.”

I tried to keep the sadness and frustration out of my voice, but Cassie still gave me a sympathetic look.

“I’m sure he wants to,” she offered.

I shook my head. “It’s okay, Cass. It doesn’t matter. I would like to stay busy, though. Where can I help?”

She had me inspect the centerpieces and table settings with her. There were a couple that we had to “fix” but I got the feeling she had created an unnecessary task that she and I could do together.

We chatted and laughed. By the time we had wrapped up, I felt better. Cassie seemed to have that effect on people. I checked my phone and realized it was late in the evening.

“I should probably check in with Luke to see about dinner plans,” I thought out loud.

“It’s all taken care of, babe” Cassie waved me off.

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“It’s your rehearsal dinner,” she said, smiling. “Your dress should’ve been delivered to your office by now. Just come out back when you’re ready.”

Unexpected emotion overwhelmed me. I hadn’t gotten a traditional wedding when Travis and I had married, and I had resigned myself to the fact that I never would. When it was decided we would be throwing a Mating Ceremony two days beforehand, I made the assumption that things would be quickly put together.

As I stared around the beautifully decorated ballroom and remembered the bachelorette party my friends threw, I realized this was everything a normal wedding would have been. Rehearsal dinner apparently included.

I took Cassie’s hand. “I don’t know how you do it, but I’m lucky to call you my friend.”

“Sam, as a friend I want you to know I love you dearly and I hope you know you deserve all the happiness in the world,” she gave my hand a squeeze. “As my alpha, I want you to know it has been my utmost honor to serve you. Werewolf-kind is blessed to call you our queen.”

I hugged her then. Soaking in the warmth and love from the bubbly woman who had played a large part in normalizing life here for me.

“I love you, Cassie,” I told her.

“I love you, too, Sam,” she said, sincerely, before giving me one last squeeze and pulling away. “Now come on. We have to get you ready.”