Chapter 64 - Ada's Mate
Ada
“Alpha,” the soft voice is annoying, and I moan as I pull my pillow over my head.
“Alpha,” the voice persists. “The car’s almost here. He just entered our borders.”
“What?” I jerk upright and look at Olga. “He’s here?”
“Yes, Alpha,” she smiles.
“Why didn’t you lead with that?” I shout over my shoulder as I rush out of my room and down the stairs. I do not care that I am only wearing my pyjamas. As happy as I am right now, I will run naked towards him.
Excitedly I hop up and down as I watch the headlights come closer. I do not wait for the car to stop. I run towards the car and jerk open the passenger door.
“Tyler!” I shriek as I throw my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. “You’re home.”
“Ah, it’s good to see you,” he sighs as he returns my hug.
“Six months is too long,” I pout as I step back and take a good look at him.
“Your hair,” I reach forward and pull my fingers through the hair on his neck. “It’s so long. I love it. And your tan! Wow, I’m jealous.”
“Can we continue this inspection inside?” He chuckles.
“Did you collect my postcards?” I ask eagerly as he opens the back door.
“Yes, Ada,” he snorts as he reaches inside. I am expecting him to take out his luggage, but my jaw drops to the floor when he helps a gorgeous woman out of the car. Her pink pantsuit is perfectly tailored and shows off her sun-kissed skin.
“Ada, I would like you to meet my mate, Petra,” Tyler looks lovingly at her.
“Your mate?” I gape at him. I talk to him at least once a week and not once did he mention a mate. And a beautiful one at that. From her delicate ankles to her perfectly styled raven-black hair.
“I’m delighted to meet you, Alpha,” Petra smiles nervously and for a moment I am mesmerized by her brown eyes and long lashes.
“Ada?” Tyler clears his throat when I do not respond.
“You never told me,” I look at him flabbergasted as a million questions bombard my brain. Does Petra know about Tyler’s illness? Most importantly, why did he not tell me?
“Because it’s a surprise,” Tyler rolls his eyes. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up and then she rejects me when she learns about my condition.”
“Alpha, I’m …”
“Don’t Alpha me,” I cut her off and she looks at me with big eyes. “We’re family now, call me Ada.”
“O … okay,” she laughs nervously.
“This is so great,” I shriek as I hug her. “Welcome.”
“Thank you,” she smiles, and I notice how she relaxes. “I’ve heard so much about you.”
“I wish I could say the same,” I glare at Tyler, and he only shakes his head laughingly.
“Let’s go inside,” I hook my arm around Petra’s and lead the way. “I’ll send someone for your luggage.”
“Is everyone else still sleeping?” Tyler asks as we walk to the living room.
“It’s four in the morning,” I snort. “Of course, they’re still sleeping.”
“And here I was expecting a big welcoming party,” Tyler sighs dramatically.
“Hey,” I protest indignantly. “Am I not good enough anymore? And yes, we’re having a party in your honour tonight. The entire pack is invited.”
“Oh, goodie,” Tyler mocks me and I wave him off.
“I want to know everything,” I say enthusiastically as I look at Petra. “How did you meet? Is Tyler treating you right?”
“Geez, Ada,” Tyler rolls his eyes. “How about a cup of coffee before you start the interrogation?”
“Fine,” I sigh and show them to my office before I order coffee from the kitchen.
“Now,” I take a seat on the sofa and look at them. “Tell me everything.”
**
By the time Tyler told me everything, I am wide-eyed and all mush with feelings. It is hard to believe that only a couple of months ago, he readied himself for a lifetime of loneliness.
“So, this party,” Tyler gives me a knowing look. “That’s not exclusively for me, is it?”
“No,” I admit sheepishly. “It only worked out that way.”
“A Christmas Eve party,” Tyler nods. “A first for Moon Shadow.”
“Not just any Christmas Eve party,” I say eagerly as the excitement starts building in me. “It’s for the children. There’s going to be a huge tree with gifts for all the children from the pack. And they’re going to have their own tables away from the adults. It’s going to be all about the kids.”
“Why are you separating the children from their parents?” Petra asks curiously. “Isn’t it a time for family?”
“Because of Toby,” I smile sadly. “It’s his first Christmas without his mom. And with the attacks on our pack, there are so many children orphaned or missing a parent like him. I didn’t want them to feel excluded or less fortunate. Putting the adults in the corner and making it all about them, makes the kids equal. At least for one night.”
“Will you at least feed the adults?” Tyler gives me a pained look and I burst out laughing.
“Yes, dumbass,” I grin. “Ribs and beer – as per Gregory’s order when he heard you were coming.”
“He’s a good brother,” Tyler smiles satisfied.
“Is there anything we can help you with?” Petra asks. “It sounds like a huge event.”
“Not a thing,” I shake my head. “We got it covered. Gregory’s even going to dress up as Santa Clause.”
Petra looks disappointed as she smiles politely.
“Oh, wait, the kids, yes,” I say quickly. “It would be great if you can help out tonight with the entertainment.”
“Wonderful,” Petra claps her hands together. “Can I do face painting? Do you have face painting? I know it’s not a Christmas thing, but …”
“Love,” Tyler puts his hand gently on her shoulder and she blushes slightly as she stops talking.
“Sorry,” she smiles embarrassedly. “I talk too much when I get excited.”
“Nonsense,” I say. “I’m happy someone is as excited as me. And you can paint all the faces you want. Even Tyler’s.”
“Sadly, it will not be a first,” Tyler sighs theatrically and stands up. “Let me show you our room. I don’t know if you want to freshen up before breakfast, but Ada must. She looks like the Grinch.”
“How dare you insult my mate?” Blake grunts from the door and I jump up.
“You’re early,” I shriek happily as I make myself comfortable in his embrace. We see each other every weekend, but each time the week feels longer and longer when we are apart.
“I missed you too much, I couldn’t wait until tonight,” he kisses me lovingly before he holds out his hand in a greeting towards Tyler. “Welcome home. It’s great to see you again.”
“It’s great to be back,” Tyler accepts his hand and introduces Petra. “If you’ll excuse us. I’m taking Petra to our room.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Blake whispers before he kisses me.
**
It is absolute chaos in the garden as everyone scurries around to get things in place for the party that is only four hours away.
“Ada, can I talk to you for a moment?” Tyler asks softly as I carry gifts to the tree.
“Always,” I smile.
I put the gifts down and follow him to an excluded part of the garden.
“What’s up?” I ask, but instantly frown as I see the look on his face. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes,” he nods and crosses his arms in front of his chest. “I want you to step down as alpha.”
“What the f*ck, Tyler?” I explode. “Did Zayne say something or did a pack member complain?”
“Neither,” he shakes his head and takes my hands. “But it’s time for you to join Blake. I saw this morning how much you miss him.”
“I’ll admit it sucks, but I’m fine,” I smile weakly. “Zayne will be ready to take over in the next year. It’s not that long.”
“Ada,” he looks at me intensely. “Take it from me, time is precious. Don’t waste it.”
“What do you want me to do?” I ask on the verge of tears. “I can’t be in two places at once, and Zayne’s not ready yet.”
“I’m here, sis,” he smiles gently at me. “Let me step in until Zayne’s ready.”
“But your travelling and Petra and …”
“Petra and I talked about it,” he cuts me off. “Whether you accept my offer or not, we’re staying here until the baby’s born.”
“Baby?” I frown confused. “Who’s baby?”
“Petra’s pregnant,” he smiles proudly.
“Tyler,” I gape at him for a moment before I jump into his arms. “That’s wonderful. When? How? No, wait, I know how, but I mean …”
“I know what you mean,” he laughs heartedly. “And it is a matter of how. We made use of IVF treatment. That way we can ensure our child doesn’t inherit my disease. Our baby is due in six months.”
“But Tyler, when your baby’s here, you’d want to spend time with your family,” I reason. “You don’t want to be stuck with alpha duties.”
“By the time our child is born, Zayne will be ready,” he smiles. “Ada, just consider it, please? After everything you’ve done for everyone, it’s time that you start looking out for yourself.”
“Thank you,” I smile gratefully before I hug him tightly.