Chapter 105

Shawna POV

I stomped through the house, well as much as I would ever stomp. Truthfully, that wasn't much, just a heavy-footed walk so people knew I was present. Far be it for me to make any sort of scene, I just wasn't like that. I found Natalie in the living room curled up on the couch. She was watching some senseless television and staring off into space. When I walked in and plopped down onto the couch, her eyes caught mine. She must have seen something there because she sat up and put the television on mute. "What is it? What happened?" she asked.

I sighed and leaned back into the cushions. " People happened. Three women to be exact, and it's messing with my head."

"What three women? Do I know them?" she asked.

"I can't say. I saw them walking down the path from the pack house towards the training grounds. They didn't see me, but I could hear their conversation. They were talking about Michael," I told her.

"Michael? Really?" she looked perplexed. "None of the women here even know my brother. Why would they be talking about him at all?"

"They mostly spoke of how handsome he was and that one of them wanted to try and get his attention at the Full Moon Run. I heard one of them tell them that he was with me and they basically said that it doesn't mean anything, they are bored and basically want to try and see if he's interested or their mate," I rushed in all out in a hurried cadence.

"I see. And what is she bored with exactly? There is so much to do here, and it's beautiful. The pack is huge. Have you ever been in to town? Michael said there are literally hundreds living in the small town here." Natalie was beaming as if she could just imagine herself running around the town, looking for a man to date.

I looked at the floor before I could talk myself out of being honest, "Carl. She said she was bored of Carl."

"My Carl?" Natalie gasped.

"I assume so. How can he be your Carl if he's screwing some other girl, Natalie?" I asked quietly.

"He's not screwing anyone. He told me he used to date some girl here but that it didn't work out and he broke up with her a couple of months ago because he didn't feel like she was the one for him and he had no pull to be with her. It was after that he decided he should do the run," Natalie said.

"I didn't realize you two talked," I admitted. "I guess I missed something."

"We have breakfast together every day. We were training together last night. He's a good sparring partner," she blushed at that last sentence.

"Sparring?" I giggled. "Is that what it was?"

"Stop," she smacked my arm lightly. "We didn't do anything, we really were sparring, but when he pinned me down," she waved her hand in her face like a fan. "I thought my ovaries might combust. He's intense."

"Okay, well what should I think about these women? Should I be concerned that they will interfere tonight? I don't want to start acting like a jealous mate before I'm even confirmed to be Michael's mate," I admitted.

"Oh Shawna, you are as good as being mates. Michael will choose you no matter what happens tonight. He loves you."

"And what if he isn't my mate and one of these she-wolves is his mate? You think he will turn a blind eye to the Moon Goddess? I know he's your brother, but let's be honest. He would be faithful to whomever the Moon Goddess has chosen for him," I told her as tears glistened in my eyes.

"Well I'm certain she chose you," Natalie said with confidence. "So is Michael."

"I hope you are right," I said. I hugged one of the throw pillows to my chest and glanced towards the door to make sure no one was nearby. "So what about Carl? Are you really going to do this?" I asked. "If he's your mate, then you have to leave Idaho Falls and come here. Alpha Gabe isn't going to let his lead warrior move away."

"Maybe, but I wouldn't mind moving here. It's so pretty and serene. Ashlynn is cool. The ranch life itself is fascinating, and I could easily transition to their patrol here," she said. "I am not worried about it."

"I can see you have basically planned it all out," I joked. "You will be mated, married and pregnant within the year." Natalie laughed and tossed one of the throw pillows at me.

"Not true!" she laughed heartily and I realized I hadn't really heard her laugh so carefree. Maybe being here was good for her, even if it held demons for me. That thought surprised me. I'd been totally at ease since we went to the dungeons and I had a good cry and reflected on my time there. I hadn't even thought of the trauma associated with Montana, till right now. I sighed with a huge sense of relief. This had totally been the right thing to do, even if I was irritated by a couple of immature women who gossiped like teenage girls.

All of these thoughts brought another to my mind. "Natalie, do you know how long your brother is bound to Alpha James as his protector?"

Natalie placed her index finger to her lip while she ran through her thoughts. "Hmmmm, I think he has another year or two. Alpha James will have to be reappointed in two years, if my memory is correct. At that time, he could choose to keep Michael or request a new protector. In the same way could choose to step down from his duties at that point. The only other way is if Alpha James was stripped of his title of councilman or if he died. He's not that old, so chances are he will only die in battle or if murdered." Natalie shrugged. "I guess you need to ask Michael directly to know for certain, I can't keep up with him."

"Yeah I guess I will." I sat deep in thought, contemplating what Natalie had just told me.

"Why do you ask Shawna?" Natalie broke me from my thoughts.

"Just wondering if we will have to stay in Idaho Falls forever. I don't think I want to stay there much longer, but I'd never leave without Michael."

"No, I can't see you two not being together either."