~Alyce/Faelyn~

I cried into Mat’s shoulder the entire trip to his house. Contemplating the events that had just occurred. Why did this affect me so much? I had been through scenarios that were much, much worse and never cried or even made a peep.”

*Because matters of the heart get to humans much more than physical things, and the mate bond is a very intense, sacred matter of the heart.* Aramyth whimpered. *It will get better, with time and distance.*

*I know that logically, but nothing about me is very logical at the moment.*

*It’s ok, Little One. I spoke to Fjord, his wolf, and I trust that our secret is safe with them. They understand. I’m also confident that he will get a second chance mate, one much more suited to him than us.*

*I hope so. He really isn’t a bad person.*

*I know, Little One, I know.*

I peeked out from Mat’s chest as we reached the house and his mother let us in. When he settled into the chair I curled into him, taking a few moments to gather myself and calm my emotions and thoughts. I almost grinned when I heard his father’s words. I had no doubt that any of them would fight for me.

It was time. I sat up and looked towards Faith and Jake, “No, I’m ok. Really, I just wasn’t as prepared for this as I thought I was.” I wiped some tears from my cheeks and sniffled a little, pulling myself together.

Faith gave me a perplexed look and moved to sit on the couch, waiting for me to go on. Jake joined her, “Prepared for what?”

“I met my mate,” I started to explain, soon cut off by Faith, “Oh honey that’s wond-- Wait, but you’re crying… Did he reject you? That no good-” Faith growled and muttered the last of her statement under her breath.

“No, no… I rejected him. I always knew I would reject my mate if he was from this pack. I just can’t… I can’t be permanently tied to this pack. And there will be no need to kill anyone, at least not for this scenario,” I gave Jake a sideways glance and then took a deep breath and smiled softly at the three of them, “Honestly, it just took me by surprise. Let’s not let it ruin our evening. We can talk more after dinner.”

“And cake! Don’t forget the cake!” Mat piped up.

His outburst caused me to laugh, “It’s a good thing werewolves have a ridiculous metabolism or you would be as big as a house with your sweet tooth Mattie. You shared earlier, right?” I gave him a side-eyed look.

“Yes! Of course I did!” He defended.

“Better have…” I hopped off his lap and grabbed Faith’s hands pulling her to her feet, “Come on, I’ll help you finish up dinner. I’m starving after all that drama.”

“Nooooo ma’am, it’s your birthday, you sit at the table, open your gifts, while Jake and I get everything else ready.”

“Really? Gifts before dinner? No, let’s do it after so everyone can sit together and enjoy it. I will sit and behave though.”

“Good girl.” Faith smiled at me and headed for the kitchen with Jake walking along behind her, Mattie groaned and I giggled when Jake smacked Faith on the ass as they disappeared through the door.

Mat and I went and sat at the table, “Are you sure you’re ok?” He asked.

“I’m sure Mattie.” I reached out and squeezed his hand, “Thank you. Thank you for keeping the space between him and I. I’m not sure what would have happened if we’d actually touched each other. The mate bond is said to be nearly impossible to resist. You’re the best friend a girl could ask for.”

He smiled and rolled his eyes, “Of course I am, but we’re not just friends, we’re family Alyce. Forever and always.”

Mat and I sat and gossiped about anything and everything. I welcomed the distraction. He kept my attention occupied right up until the time Faith and Jake came out of the kitchen carrying a large pot of spaghetti, a bowl of salad and a plate of garlic breadsticks.

My stomach grumbled, letting everyone know just how hungry I really was. I ignored it and jumped up to help, taking the bowl of salad from Jake and setting it on the table. We spent the next couple hours eating, talking, laughing and opening gifts.

Mat had gotten me clothes, a few pairs of ballet flats and a decent pair of sneakers. He always got me clothes and somehow he always managed to know exactly what I would like. The clothes always fit perfectly too.

Faith had given me a lovely, but simple wallet. It was soft leather that had been dyed a rich violet color. Jake handed me an envelope that contained cash, a debit card and a credit card, “I can’t accept this Jake, Faith… It’s too much.”

“You can and you will. Those cards are linked to our account and you are going to need them.” Faith insisted firmly.

I arched a brow at her, “You - you know? But I haven’t told anyone yet….”

“I suspected. You just confirmed. When?”

“Aramyth says I’ll be shifting the night before the banquet. I was planning on leaving as the banquet winds down. It’s my best chance of a head start.”

“I agree. Do you know where you’ll go?”

“Not yet. I was thinking I would head north into the mountains. I need to get back to my original pack.” This caused Faith to arch a brow and Matheau to look at me in surprise.

“You know what pack you came from? Why didn’t you tell me before?” Matheau gawked, pretending to be hurt by this.

“Because I was planning on telling you tonight. The fewer people, even those I love, who knew about me, the less chance of a hiccup occurring with my plan.”

“I can’t even argue that point.” Mat pouted.

“What pack is it Alyce?” Faith asked, her own curiosity getting to her now.

“Oh, and speaking of Alyce… My name is not Alyce.” I lowered my voice, “ I am Faelyn De’Lune, daughter of Liam and Gwydia De’Lune, rightful heir to the Silver Moon pack. Everyone must continue to treat me as Alyce Lilly though. Theo knows who I am, I had to use my actual name and title for the rejection to work. He’s sworn to keep my secret safe, now I must ask the same of you. I didn’t want to leave here without telling you the truth, but it must remain a secret until I can come back for you guys, and I will be back, once I get my pack back.'' I drew in a deep breath after spitting out all the information before I could change my mind.

Jake and Faith looked at each other and smiled, like they knew something I didn’t, and then nodded at me, “Of course we will dear.” Jake said, leaning over to squeeze my shoulders in a side hug.

“I’m going with you when you leave Alyce.” Mat’s tone suggested that it wasn’t an option.

“Mat, no. It’s not worth the risk you’d be taking.”

“It is and I am. Not open for discussion.” I frowned, but dropped it. I could argue with him about it later.

“We would like to be there for your first shift. It can be quite drawn out and painful the first time. It would make me feel better if I could be there to watch over you.” Faith mentions casually.

“I was planning on asking you to join me anyway. You guys are the only family I have after all.”

“Then it’s settled. We’ll meet in the clearing in the north woods at 11:30 on the night of the full moon. Your shift should occur closer to midnight.”

“Sounds good. For now, I should get back. I still have a lot to do for the banquet and I can’t afford to sleep through my alarm, even with Mattie’s help.” I stood, kissing both Faith and Jake on the cheek.

I hugged Mat and kissed his cheek too, “See you in the morning Mattie, don’t be late!” I called as I left the house. I left all my gifts there. Faith promised to put together a bag for me with everything I would need when I left and bring it to me after the banquet. I couldn’t ask for better people to call my chosen family.

When I made it back to the manor I headed down to my room and slipped into bed. It was easy to start looking towards a better life now that there was a semi-solid plan in place.