His scent was so strong that Ruby found it hard to concentrate at work the next day. The pack school room Ruby had been assigned to was bustling with excitement as the children got word that their alpha had finally found his mate, but who was a mystery.
“I heard she’s a princess,” one child explained.
“Na ah, she's a fairy, like the one in the book my mama reads,” said another.
“Alright children, let's settle down and open our math books and finish page 9.” Ruby said, eager to shut down the conversation that erupted moments ago.
“Miss Hall, can I ask a question?” Tony, an eight-year-old pup, had his hand raised.
“Yes, Tony, what's your question?” Ruby answered with a smile.
“I heard your name is different,” Tony said bluntly.
“And you smell different too.” blurted another child.
Yes, Ruby had known this was eventually going to happen, but how to explain it to a bunch of eight-year-olds was the tricky part. She thought of many different ways to explain it. The only solution she thought was best was to make it into a story for the children to understand better.
“Alright kids, gather round. I’m about to tell you a story about the broken wolf who finally found her safe haven.” Ruby said as she gestured to the children to sit still. She heard the faint giggles from some of the kids, and the grunts from some of the boys who felt they were too old for fairytale stories.
“A long time ago, a she-pup was born to a family who loved her very much. They were neither poor nor rich. The girl had everything she could ask for, all except a wolf of her own.” Ruby paused as she saw some kids gasp. “As she grew older, she knew she was different from other wolves, she did everything by the books, went to school, made good grades, even had a job. One day she found out she was expecting pups of her own, so she went to tell the soon-to-be dad the good news, but instead of opening arms.” Ruby paused once more as her chest felt tight from reliving the past. “She was turned away, and banned from the pack.”
“Why would they ban her? What did she do wrong?” Zenna, the blonde pup asked out loud.
“The girl didn't know the answer either. So the moment she left the pack gate, a wolf surfaced. Her wolf finally came to the surface. From that moment, she would live in isolation away from others, to birth and raise her pups on her own. The girl sought the aid of a witch, who helped her gain a false identity and sanctuary. You knew her as Rebel Hall. Allow me to re-introduce myself as your teacher, Ms. Hale.”
The children jumped up, as they burst into claps. Once the class had settled down, she was able to finish out the day with more questions than she wanted at the time. Ruby reminded the class before she dismissed them that pages 10 thru 12 needed to be completed before the next week. She then collected her belongings and stepped out of her class to leave when the scent hit her. Karson had been here. How did she not know? How long had he been here? And when did he leave? Confusion hit her, but she only brushed it off to pick up her kids from the daycare and head home.
Karson POV
What was I doing? One minute I’m in my office working, the next Leo is leading me to the pack school. I stood there peeking into the small window of her classroom, listening to her tell a story to the kids. It wasn't till I could feel her tightness in her chest that I knew this story was about her. Her story made me so hurt and guilty. She really went through all of this on her own, but it also pissed me off that she could be discarded like trash so easily.
Our mate should never have been treated like that.
And she never will be treated as such again.
Leo was right, she would never have to worry about that happening ever again. Our mate bond was strong. I've never felt anything like this before, and I wondered if she could feel my emotions as well? I wasn't about to find out now, so I left for now. I’d stop by her place later. I would find time to take her out, introduce my wolf to her. Leo was dying to meet her and her wolf.
I finally got back to the pack house when I spotted Olivia talking to my parents, obviously upset about something.
“What’s going on here? Olivia, are you alright?” I asked with a little concern.
“Ah Karson, your back. We sent your gamma Nate, to deliver an invite to Ruby for dinner tonight. We hope you don't mind,” Theo said.
“I’m fine, just a small incident, nothing big. Who is Ruby, by the way?” Oliva questioned, looking irritated.
“Ruby is Karson’s mate.” Hope chirped happily.
Olivia tensed as she heard the forbidden word, “I’m sorry. Could you say that again?”
“My mate. I finally found my mate.” I repeated what my mother said again, this time seeing irritation in her eyes. “And, no, I don't mind at all father, it would give me a chance to know my mate better.”
“Then it’s settled. Oh, Olivia, would you care to help me with the staff to prepare. You're more than welcome to join us,” Hope said.
“I wouldn't mind at all, Luna Hope, I’d be honored. I would also love to get to know the future Luna.” Olivia said, with a slightly mischievous tone.
Why do I feel like she is up to no good? She’s up to something.
I don't know Leo. We had better keep an eye on her. We don't want her upsetting our mate.
“Olivia, can I have a moment with you?” I asked before she could head off with my mother.
“Of course, alpha. Anything for you.” She turned to my mother, “I’ll be a quick moment, Luna.” She said with a smile on her face.
“Don't take too long, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” My mother said as she and my father disappeared into the house.
I grabbed Olivia by the arm. “I don’t know what kind of game you're playing at, but if you mess this up, in any way, I’ll have you sleeping in the cells for a week. Do I make myself clear?”
“Alpha, I wouldn't dare do anything like that.” Olivia said as she kissed my cheek and walked up to the pack house.
I don't trust her.
That makes two of us.