Chapter 24: Observations
As Rex told our story, he used his hands to talk. He is a captivating story teller. Our pancakes were set before us but he didn't skip a beat. He told them how he had a suspicion I was his mate from a previous dinner. Including how I wore a necklace warding him off. Aqua and her mate, Inundo, hung on his every word. They were an engaging audience, laughing or gasping at all the right parts. I was shocked at how well Rex seemed to fit in and make himself at home.
"...and now I'm here because she's stubborn and my wolf doesn't want to be away from her." He left out the sex and for that I was grateful.
"Eat your damn pancakes so we can settle this in private." I was half way through my stack when Ignis returned to the room.
"Your 10 o'clock meeting is here." He said disinterestedly. His purple eyes didn't find mine and I could sense his anger.
"I'll be right there." I scarf a few more bites before standing up.
Rex grabs my arm and I look back at him. "Don't be too long." An underlying current of tension was laced in those words. My cheeks flushed and I patted his hand before moving away.
Thankfully I had worn black pants and a sleeveless button up shirt. I grabbed a sweater and swapped my flats for wedges. The businesslike ensemble was complete!
When I entered my office, I was surprised to see Clan Caeruleus Genus sitting before me. Alpha Nimbus, Indicum, and his mother, Luna Viola all sat in various chairs. My office was more of a lounge space so we could all be seated as equals.
"Welcome." I shook each of their hands. When Indicum and I touched hands a shock reverberated up my arm. Faint, but enough that we both pulled away quickly. His eyes found my face but I was already looking away.
Ignis looked between the two of us but said nothing. His jaw set tight.
"I assume this visit is about my victory in the tournament." I sat in a reclining chair.
"Yes." Alpha Nimbus said. "We would also like to share some important information with you. It seems about time."
Viola held Nimbus' hand and gave him a reassuring smile.
"I know you've always thought of me as your mother's cousin." I nod, unsure where this is going. "I was adopted by the Beta of the Rain Pack, I am not a blood relative."
While I'm surprised, I want to know more. "Please continue."
*That's comforting that Indicum isn't our second cousin. That could've been awkward.* Praesul chimes in.
*Shush, I'm listening.*
"...couldn't have a child of their own. My mother was a rogue but she earned her way into the Blue Gene Pack. Shortly after she gave birth to me, she was killed in battle. The Beta, your great uncle, adopted me and raised me as his own. I felt the need to share this with you so our dealings aren't shrouded by lies. You are still dear to me and will be treated as family."
Taking a moment to think, I accepted his word as truth. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. When you said you owed my mother a debt, what did you mean by that?"
Nimbus and Viola exchanged looks but she nodded. "She found my mate, my Luna, my love beaten and tortured in one of her raids. When she brought her back to the pack, she was nearly dead. I only found out we were mates after your mother had visited the Moon Goddess in a dream. She gave up something important so that Viola could live."
"Do you know what she gave up?"
He smiled and nodded sadly, "Her destiny."
I thought this over, "You mean the prophesy of her being the first female Alpha?"
His eyebrows knitted together, "I'm not sure what her destiny was intended but...perhaps. Your father found her the very next day. The rest is your family history."
I knew it. Mom sacrificed her destiny to change Viola's. So her destiny was handed down to me.
*No pressure.* Praesul grins.
"Look about my victory..."
"Please, you won fair and square. We have the land grant here for you and are awaiting your plans for developing it."
*Aqua get your ass to my office stat.*
*Geez, okay princess.*
If she wasn't my best friend I'd slap her around for her smart mouth.
"My gamma Aqua can work with you all to develop plans. She is basically our architect, farmer, and land surveyor all wrapped in one. She'll know what the pack needs. I trust her judgement."
She enters the room and bows in acknowledgement of another Alpha. "Yes, Apha."
"Help Alpha Nimbus and his family with the land development plans." I smile at them.
They return the smile. "Sure thing, come with me to my workspace."
Indicum lingers behind, standing at the door. Ignis is still seated in an armchair.
"Leave us." I tell Ignis.
"We need to talk."
"Later."
He does as he's told.
"Regina, about the other night..." Indicum begins once the door is shut.
"No need to explain yourself. Please, accept my apology for shocking you earlier. There is a lot of static in our house."
He looked at me confused. "You felt electricity? I felt cool current. That's odd."
I guess you don't feel the same thing with each mate?! What in the hell?
"Anyway," I continue, "I've got a bunch of meetings today but please feel free to take a look around the grounds and stop in to our kitchen. Our cook is one of the best."
He nods, "Thanks."
Leaving abruptly, he almost smacks into Ignis in the hallway. Ignis joins me in my office.
"Gina."
I turn to see his face. Sadness etched into every angle.
"Ignis, what's wrong?" I say, taken aback by his show of raw emotion.
"I met with the Moon Goddess."
"How?"
"In a dream."
"And?" My breath hitched and my heart sped up.
"She said to be patient," he paused, almost choking back his words, "with you."
"Why?"
"The Goddess told me you'd be mine but I'd have to wait...a long time." His voice broke and he was trying not to cry. "She said you are my mate. She even gave me a glimpse into our future...Goddess Regina, it's so beautiful. I just had to tell you. The thought of Rex being your mate makes my insides churn. I am already irrationally jealous he will get to breathe the same air as you. I know our bond hasn't taken effect yet, but when it does I'm going to burst. I've loved you since I can remember."
My mouth is open and my hand goes for my necklace, but it's no longer there. I fiddle with my hair instead.
"Say something." He urges.
"I don't know what to say."
"Tell me you feel it to."
"Ignis, I can't be what you want me to be." I look away from his gorgeous purple eyes. "Not right now anyway."
I didn't hear him come closer to me. His hand caresses my face then he pulls me in for a hug.
A few moments later we pull apart but still embracing. The door bursts open and Rex is standing there, his eyes black.
"Take your paws off my mate." He growls.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone