Mom waited with excitement at the door. I could see her grin that spread from ear to ear long before we made our final approach to the house.
“You look very happy”, I comment out loud as she swoops in for a hug.
“That’s because I am.” She replies.
“Come here” she pulls Kyle in for a hug. I try to hide it, but I smirk. He looked a little uncomfortable, but he didn’t say anything as he hugged her gently back.
“Come in, come in” my mother ushered us in the door as she unhanded my mate.
We followed in behind her and found my dad serving plates of food in the kitchen. Dinner smelt delicious. I couldn't wait to see what we were having.
“Hey, dad,” I say as I sit at the table.
He rounded the bench with a plate in each hand and placed them proudly on the table before Kyle and me.
“How was your day?” My father asks Kyle as he walks back to the kitchen, where he busies himself serving dinner for him and mom.
“ very busy. I have a very important meeting tomorrow, and I have been hurriedly trying to prepare.” Kyle responds vaguely. I can see that my father is curious. It must be because he spent so long as a beta to Jackson, Kyle must have also noticed his intrigue as he hurriedly added.
“Are you excited to be joining the pack tonight?” Kyle asks each of my parents, effectively changing the topic of conversation. Smooth I thought.
“Wait a moment.” I sigh, trying to hide my frustration “you forgot all the stuff that you’ll need for the ceremony.” How had I not noticed his empty hands before now? This was the whole reason we had this dinner, after all.
“It’s a silver blade. I trust the members in my pack, but still, I prefer to not wave it about for all to see, and we were visiting the hospital first. I have David on his way down here with the blade and ceremonial cup already.” Kyle squeezed my hand reassuringly. My shoulders relaxed.
“Oh, okay” I smiled warmly at my mate. “So are you?” I asked my parents.
“Yeah, it would be fantastic to be able to mind link you again.” My mother beamed affectionately at me. Until she mentioned it herself, I hadn't realised just how much I had missed having that connection with them.
“Oh my, I’d love that,” I exclaim happily.
We chatted excitedly for a while until there was a soft knock at the door.
“Come in”, Kyle called, “it’s David with the knife and cup”, he announced before David had even made it into the room.
Sure enough, he in came his beta with the blade and chalice in hand. I knew why we had it, but still, looking at it made me nervous.
I hate that thing. Sapphire agrees with me. Her hackles raised a little. She knew that we were in no danger, but that knife felt like a threat non the less.
Calm down. I try to soothe her, and it works. I can feel her agitation ease as I continue to placate her the best that I can.
My mother watches me curiously.
“What?” I asked, feeling slightly defensive, although I had no reason to be.
“Your eyes changed. Your wolf must have come forward. I was just intrigued, is all.” She explains.
“Oh”, I didn’t know what else to say to her.
“Should we do it now or after dinner?” my mother asked Kyle.
“After. I won't be able to eat after watching the pair of you drink blood. Disgusting.” I scoff before my mate can answer. The hairs on my arms stood just thinking about it. Yuck.
I’m slightly embarrassed when they all chuckle at me, but I quickly shake it off.
“David, would you care to stay for dinner?” I offer. It wasn’t just that I was trying to take the attention from myself. That was just a bonus, no I asked because I got the feeling David could use a friend right now. The bags under his eyes were a violent purple, clearly indicating he had not been sleeping well. His shoulders looked tense, and from the constant frown on his face, I could tell he was stressed about something. Maybe an evening out off his own head would do him some good.
“That’s very kind of you, Luna Faith. I appreciate the offer, but I must be leaving. I still have a lot to prepare for tomorrow.” His eyes dart to Kyle, who nods subtly. I wonder what that is about and why they hadn’t told me.
“Good night Beta David.” I offered my sincerest smile.
He bowed slightly to me and nodded at Kyle once more.
“I am sorry that I could not stay longer.” David apologises as he shakes my father's hands.
“Now worries Beta. I know what it’s like to be in your shoes, twice the work of an alpha and half the credit, aye.” My father jokes. David tried to force a smile. His sad face causes me to worry.
Once David leaves, I Immediately mind link Kyle.
What was that all about? I was never the most patient person, and curiosity quickly got to me.
Nothing for you to worry about. Just some personal stuff he has going on, but it’s David secret, and I plan on keeping it. Kyle replied without looking at me.
It kind of annoyed me that he wouldn’t tell me. I know that if it were a threat to the pack, Kyle would have said something. He would have done something. So that can’t be it.
It is none of our business. Sapphire scolded me. She was right, of course. I should drop it. Even if it stung just a little that Kyle didn’t trust me to keep a secret. Then again, it wasn't kyles secret, and David and I barely knew each other. I should just let it go.
Dinner was one of the most enjoyable evenings I have ever had. My cheeks are tired from smiling so much. The conversation never stopped. Someone was always laughing or saying something to get the rest of us too. I am so pleased that they genuinely like my mate.
My mother loved her job. She gushed on and on about all the young pups that she had met today. I think she was right to request going back to work. She was happier than I had seen her in a long time. Dad also enjoyed his new position, and it seemed like he and John were even becoming friends. No one mentioned Samantha, Declan or Crescent moon once. It was refreshing just to forget all the drama that had infiltrated our lives lately. I have had plenty of good moments here, some that have even made me feel like Waning crescent was home, but I never imagined that after what happened between Declan and me that I could still have it all. But I did. I had a great pack, a compassionate and loving mate, my family. All I needed now was for Amelio to wake up.
“Are we ready to the this now?” Kyle asked as I helped my father clear away the plates of dessert.
“Yes, let's”, my mother gushed.
Did she not realise she was about to be cut with silver? I shuddered at the thought of the blade touching my skin.
“You are up first then,” Kyle smirked at her.
My mother stuck her hand out immediately,
“Oh, this is so exciting.” my mother exclaims.
“You know I thought you'd be sadder about leaving crescent moon,” my dad said. I feel like he’s majorly just put his foot in it. We had almost gotten through the whole evening.
We all just look at him.
“What?” he retorts. “ I mean it as a good thing. I'm just happy that Heather's happy. I thought she would be a little more upset with me, is all. I didn't ask her before I up and moved her.” dad blabbed on.
“This isn't my first time moving packs.” mother stops him from rambling on anymore. I almost always forgot that mom and dad weren't originally from the same pack. She only moved to be with dad. They just seemed like a forever thing; it was hard for me to imagine that there was once a time they weren't together.
“Besides, Crescent moon, I was just one role there. I never felt like I could step into anything else. I was always just the betas wife. I will miss my friends, but a new start is Exhilarating, and in time I will make new friends. I'm going to seize it for the opportunity that it is.”
“Alright, go, mom.” I cheer her on.
The ceremony was over quickly. I had to look away as they cut their palms. I wasn't usually so squeamish but watching someone drink blood was on another level.
Hey baby.
My mother's voice echoed in my head.
A happy tear slipped from my eye
Oh, goddess, I can hear you again.
I threw my arms around her, and she hugged me back.
Do I get one of those? My father's voice joins the connection.
“Of course,” I say gleefully.