Hope

As I was basking in the warmth and comfort of my mate, all other thoughts seem to flee my mind. I had no worries, no plans and no fears. All I could focus on were the sparks overwhelming my body. We laid like that and talked for I don’t know how long. He told me about his childhood, his Alpha training and changes he wanted to make to the pack. I told him about my childhood, my parents and my relationship with my brother.

“How did you find out you were a healer?” He asked and I laughed at the memory.

“I was five and Kade was eight. We were climbing a tree in our yard and Kade fell. He broke his leg on the landing and it was a nasty fall. Like his bone was sticking out and everything. The thought still makes me cringe. He was screaming out in pain and my parents were running towards us. I put my arms around him, trying to comfort him when I felt my hands warm up. A few seconds later his leg was perfectly fine. He didn’t have his wolf yet, so the healing time for something like that should have been at least a few weeks. My parents saw what had happened and put it together. I’ll never forget the look of shock on their faces. It was priceless. They had me practice a few times, then told our Alpha. That’s when my dad became my protector. I wasn’t allowed to go to school or go anywhere without my dad until Kade was trained enough to take over. He’s been my protector for three years.”

“That sounds lonely.” I nodded sadly.

“It’s incredibly lonely. I have a few friends, but mostly I need to stay in the house for my safety. I picked up a few hobbies to keep me busy, but having my brother follow me around everywhere isn’t really good for my social life.” Connor was just about to respond when Kade mind linked me.

‘How’d it go?’

‘It worked! He can see again.’

‘That’s amazing. I’m so happy for you both. What’s next?’ I frowned. I wasn’t really sure how to answer him.

“What’s with that face sweetheart?” I looked up into Connor’s emerald green eyes. I was transfixed by their beauty and almost forgot to answer him.

“We were supposed to go home today. My pack is throwing me a party for my birthday. Will you come with me? Maybe we can spend a few days so you can meet my family.” He smiled and started running his hands through my hair. The motion was soothing, and I closed my eyes.

“Of course, mo stóirín. I want to celebrate with you. But I do need to talk to my parents. With my sight being back we have important things to discuss.”

I nodded and mind linked Kade to meet us in the Alpha’s office while Connor did the same with his parents and brother. We walked down the long hallway hand in hand and stopped in front of a large door. Connor squeezed my hand and pushed inside. Both of his parents were inside talking and turned to face us when they heard us enter. Both of their eyes fixated on our joined hands, and then they looked at Connor. He was smiling at them and I could tell the moment they understood that their son could see again. Alpha Gideon’s jaw dropped in shock while Luna Farrah started crying and ran to hold Connor in her arms.

“My precious boy! How is this possible?” He turned to me and smiled. He lifted his hand to gently cup my cheek.

“My angel healed me.” Farrah looked to me and wrapped me in a tight hug.

“So, Hope is your mate?” Alpha Gideon asked. His eyes darted to both of our shoulders, where our fresh marks were still healing. We both nodded and smiled at each other.

“Oh Gideon. Look how sweet they are together.” We heard footsteps behind us as Kade and Draven entered the office.

“Hey, who’s this pretty girl?” He gave me a sly smirk with a wink and Connor growled at him.

“She’s mine!” He yelled at his brother and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“Holy shit, Connor. Can you see again?” Draven’s eyes widened in shock and a smile spread across his face.

“Yeah, I can. So, I can see you checking out my mate. Keep your hands and eyes to yourself.” I couldn’t stop the giggle that poured out of me.

“I thought she kinda smelled like you. So, does this mean that Connor can be Alpha, Dad?” We all turned to look at Gideon who had his elbows resting on the arm rests of his chair and his fingers steepled in front of him, deep in thought.

“Yes, if that’s still what he wants.” Draven let out an excited whoop and fisted the air while Connor nodded.

“It is what I want. And Hope will be a perfect Luna.” He looked down at me with adoration in his eyes. The idea of being a Luna frightened me, but I felt invincible next to this man.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Luna Farrah murmured with a sweet smile on her face and unshed tears in her eyes.

“Thank God I don’t have to take on that shit job!” Draven let out a loud sigh and his shoulders visibly relaxed.

“Hold on, little brother. I have an equally important job for you. I need you to resume warrior training. You will be assisting me in protecting Hope.” That caused Kade to speak up for the first time.

“That’s your job, Connor. She is safest with you.” Connor nodded and tightened his arms around my waist.

“I agree, but I want as many people as I can trust protecting her. She will never leave this pack’s borders without me, but it is unrealistic between Alpha and Luna duties to assume we will never be apart for the rest of our lives. And I don’t want her trapped in the packhouse just because I can’t accompany her. I want her to have some freedom and to enjoy her life. I want her to be happy.” His words caused warmth to spread through my body. He had listened to me explain my life thus far, and knew I wanted more. I looked up at him and nearly cried. My brother simply nodded his understanding. I could tell he had some more concerns, and I was sure I would hear about them later. Draven stepped forward and lowered himself into a bow in front of me.

“I am at your service m’lady.” I giggled and ruffled his hair.

“We’re gonna be good friends, you and me.”

We discussed Connor coming back to my pack and Draven decided to tag along. We would be allowed to stay three days and then we would need to return.

“I’m going to schedule the Alpha and mating ceremonies in two weeks. That should give you time to brush up on your Alpha training, Connor.” Alpha Gideon stood and hugged Connor first and then me.

“Welcome to the family, Hope. We are so pleased to have you.” I smiled up at him and thanked him quietly. We were heading out the door to pack our things when Luna Farrah pulled me back and into her arms before whispering in my ear.

“Thank you so much for giving me my son back. I can never repay you.” I smiled and squeezed her tight.

“No thanks necessary, I should be thanking you for raising such a wonderful man. He is going to be an amazing mate.” She giggled and replied.

“He better be. If not you tell me, young lady and I will straighten him out.” We laughed together before Connor popped his head in the room.

“What are you two conspiring about?”

“Nothing!” we replied in unison.

“Uh huh. Very convincing. Come on mo stóirín. Let’s get you away from this crazy lady before she gives you any ideas.” I smiled and followed after him.

“I swoon every time you call me that.”

I heard Luna Farrah mumble “So do I.” behind me as we walked out of the office. Connor raised his eyebrows and looked down at me with an amused smile.

“Swoon huh? I’ll have to come up with some more.” He whispered in my ear before he kissed a tender spot behind my ear causing a straight shot of longing down to my core. I couldn’t stop the involuntary moan that passed my lips and I could feel Connor’s smirk against my skin. Before I could say anything, he swooped down to lift me into a bridal carry, and we set off to gather our things.