Chapter Forty - Part One

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This chapter is dedicated to @deluca17 I made it in time!!! Everyone wish her luck because she's leaving for basic trianing for the army. Good luck beautiful!!

The dress to the side is Rainie's. It's beautiful and my description wouldn't have done it justice. 

Please listen to Christina Perri's A Thousand Years. It fits perfect with Rainie and Mason.

Chapter Forty

Part One

His fingers brushed the bare skin of my neck. "You look beautiful, Rain." My smile was coy and portrayed the sudden shyness that came over me. Releasing the clasp, the necklace fell into place against my pale skin. It was a heavy comfortableness and sat perfectly in the center of my chest.

Lifting my eyes, I met Mason's gaze through the mirror. "Thank you," Turning to face him, I linked my arms around his neck, "You look very handsome yourself."

And he did. Wearing a black button down shirt, a grey satin tie, black dress pants and a suit jacket, he looked every bit the definition of masculinity and very, very sexy. "Careful with those thoughts, little kitten otherwise we're going to have a lot of very impatient guests." 

Those cerulean eyes burned with lust just as I knew mine would be. "Being a little late isn't too bad."

His brows lifted as he chuckled, "My girl's not as innocent as she looks," he teased. "Maybe we should keep them for a while. Call it a tradition."

"It's only a tradition for a wedding and it's supposed to be the bride that's late."

His arms tightened around my waist, bringing me closer to his hard body. "Well we can start our own tradition." No sooner was the last word of his mouth, his lips were on mine. Now, being full mated with Mason, everything felt different. Yet, each touch and caress still had my heart somersaulting inside my chest, and each kiss had my knees weaken. My wolf was complete. I was complete.

My body was responding to Mason in ways it never had and I drowned in every second of it. Using his hand to tilt my head back, my neck was bare to him and he took full advantage of it by peppering it with open mouth kisses, circling his tongue over my burning skin and inflamed mark which was still pulsating with ecstasy.  

I giggled, "If we're late and your mom freaks, I'm blaming you."

He smirked against my neck, "Baby, I can guarantee we're going to be late."

Slowly falling back on to the bed, I was once again left wearing nothing but the diamond necklace.

* * *

"Honestly," Sara let out a heavy breath, "Ask a man to do something and you can guarantee it'll be done wrong." Grabbing a fist full of napkins, she threw them on to the table. "Pack this, pack that," She continued, "No one would know it was his son's announcement ceremony." By now, I was pretty sure she was speaking to herself more than anyone else.

"He's stressed." Nell said in her reassuring tone, "He wants to protect his family and his pack, for now that's his priority. Tonight he will be back to being a father and a husband."

Sara relaxed her shoulders, "I know." Hearing me enter the kitchen, she glanced at me over her shoulder. "Oh Rainie, I was wondering where you got to. Have you seen Mason?"

My cheeks quickly became hot. "He's, uhm, he's..." Why I couldn't form a sentence was because of the images my mind was torturously conjuring up of Mason and I together.

"I'm right here, mom." The sound of his voice brought a sigh of relieve. He placed a chaste kiss on my lips. Of course that only caused a thicker blush to color my cheeks. I bit my lip to hide the smile once my eyes caught sight of the teasing glint he had in his.

Sara, oblivious to anything other than the napkins she was folding, said, "Good, people will be arriving soon and I want you both there to greet them." Looking over her son, her brows furrowed, "Fix your tie. Why do you look half dressed?"

My eyes widened. Stealing a glance at Mason, I caught the smirk forming on his lips and I couldn't trust him not to say something unbelievably embarrassing, so I stepped forward out of his arms. "He, uhm—"

"Sara, relax," Nell said, cutting me off. "Everything's taken care of, the garden looks beautiful, the food ready and these two are just being kids in love, aren't you?" She turned to us; the knowing smile on her lips caused me to dip my head in embarrassment. "Don't panic, just enjoy tonight for what it is." 

Taking a well needed deep breath, Sara smiled. "You're right." Turning to us, she continued, "I'm sorry, I just want everything to be perfect for you both."

"Mom, it's already perfect." Mason said, once again bringing his arms around my waist and placing a kiss on the back of my neck. "Tonight will be perfect."

Nell's eyes met mine. "It certainly will."

Everything was finished and all that was left was for our guests to turn up. "It's looks amazing, Sara," I said, wrapping my arms around her, "Thank you so much for doing this," I rose to my tip toes and kissed Alpha Peter's cheek, "both of you."

"You're welcome, Rainie." He said giving me a warm smile. "Your parents have arrived, you should go and meet them." I nodded and made my way back into the house, through the kitchen and to the living room where my eyes landed on them sitting on the couch.

My dad sat back, one leg resting on top of the other with a tumbler filled with golden liquid, looking relaxed. I was used to seeing him in a suit every day for work, but tonight he looked different. Wearing a black tailored suit with a deep crimson tie, he looked confident and handsome.

My mom was a different sight completely. Her hands fidgeted on her lap and her legs bounced in quick movements. Though even her obvious nervousness didn't hide how beautiful she looked. With her hair resting at the nape of her neck in a tidy bun, her make-up was soft and complementing of the crimson, knee length dress she wore.

Realizing my parents had chosen outfits in matching colors warmed my heart. "Hey guys." I said, walking towards them. "Thanks for coming." It was foreign to greet my parents with such formality, but I didn't know what to say.

Putting down his glass, my dad took stood in front of me. "We wouldn't have missed it, sweetie." He brought my hands together in his. "You look beautiful."

I smiled and kissed his cheek, "You look good too, old man." He chuckled and moved to the side, letting my mom come in to view. "You too mom, you look incredible."

She stood and pressed the invisible creases out of her dress. "Rainie, I..." Despite standing right in front of me, she couldn't look me in the eye. "I wanted to... It's... Oh, darling," Her voice broke, "I'm so sorry." Pulling me into her, she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly.

"Don't worry, mom."

"No," She pulled back and I could see the tears that had formed, "My behavior was inexcusable. I not only embarrassed you in front of our pack, but in front of your mate." My dad wrapped one arm around her waist and kissed the side of her head, as she lowered her eyes in shame. "Mason and the Alphas were very kind to forgive something so unforgivable."

"They understand why you did it, Louisa." My dad tried to comfort her. "No one can blame you, we're all risking something with this fight. You can't be blamed for worrying so much."

I wanted to defend my dad and reassure my mom that, even though I didn't agree with what she did, I didn't want her to be so hard on herself, but I couldn't agree with what he said. What she did in front of everyone couldn't be excused by worry.

Interrupting my dad, I reached for both of their hands, "Look what happened at the pack meeting doesn't matter. Mason, his dad and Alpha Tom had forgotten about it so we can too. I want you guys to celebrate tonight with me and Mason, and have fun, okay?"

Both of them stared back at me, "When did our baby get so mature?" His eyes were warm and his smile held both a hint of pride and sadness.

"Come on, pop." I laughed, tugging on their hands for them to follow me.

Mason was in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his legs crossed at his ankles and a beer in his hand. His attention left Cole as soon as he saw us. "Hey," He pushed himself away from the counter. With an extended hand, he stood in front of my dad. "Mr Harper, thank you for coming." Then his eyes fell on my mom, "You too, Mrs Harper. It's good to see you both again." He placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.

"Alpha Vermont." My mom greeted with a small bow.

He chuckled, "It's just Mason." My mom nodded, a small smile on her lips, but said nothing. "Come," He motioned his hand to the garden whilst linking his fingers through mine with his other hand, "My parents are outside."

Cole followed us out, "So you're the Harpers. We haven't been introduced, I'm Cole, Harbor Pack Beta." He smiled and handed my dad the unopened beer in his hand. "You must be Rainie's sister, because you're far too beautiful to be her mom."

My dad and I chuckled watching my mom's eyes practically fall out of their sockets. "Dude, stop hitting on her mom." Mason snapped. "Excuse him Mrs Harper, he's a dog."

"Take a look around you Mas, technically we're all dogs." The smirk he wore only further served to annoy Mason.

"The kids got a point." My dad laughed, much to my mom's surprise. "You're not mated?"

Cole looked as if he had just eaten a bag of lemons. "And end up whipped like this one," He titled his head towards Mason, "Hell no."

"Oh please," A voice came from behind us, "any girl with half a brain would reject you."

Cole smirked, "Come on, Bella baby," He threw his arm around her shoulder, "Don't pretend you wouldn't love to be my mate."

With a fake gagging noise, she jerked his arm off. "I'd rather skewer my own eye out with chopsticks."

"Feisty and hard to get," Cole nodded to himself, looking her up and down, "I like it."

Bella scrunched her face up and turned to me, "Oh my God, is he going to start humping my leg?"

Ignoring her insult, Cole continued, "You know Bells, I think me and you could have some fun." He winked.

"Be careful man," Mason laughed, "Take it from me, this one will bite your tail."  

The smirk on Cole's lips grew bigger, "Kinky too? Even better."

By now mom's face was seconds from igniting into flames and I was beginning to think my dad was going to suffocate from his own laughter. "Why don't we go and find your parents?" I nudged Mason.

"Sure, you two stay here and flirt some more."

Bella looked at his horrified, "We weren't flirting."

"Yes we were."

"No," She gritted her teeth, "We weren't."

"You're cute. We were."

"You're stupid. We weren't."

Looking back over my shoulder, I smiled as they continued their disagreement. Maybe Bella has finally met her match.

* * *

The garden was overflowing with people.

I never realized just how many people we had in our packs, but I did now, standing in front of a sea of bodies.

So far, everything had been perfect. As the dutiful couple, we had greeted every guests that walked through the door. There had to more than half of the Harbor Pack I had never met, but they were polite, speaking mostly to Mason.

There were still times were a few of the guys would disappear together. Mason reassured me that they were just doing the routine checks. It was his turn. He had left with Cole and Jake ten minutes ago.

Scanning the garden my eyes landed on Emma and Ray. They were laughing and dancing on the make shift dance floor made of white wood decking. Bella sat with Nicky and Harmony, they too were laughing about something, whilst my parents were still sat with Sara and Alpha Peter. Of course by now, their table had filled up. Alpha Tom and Delilah were sat next to my parents, listening to whatever story my mom was telling them all.

Something heavy sat in my stomach and it hit me with sadness that I was the only one not happy. I wasn't sitting, surrounded by people, laughing and talking. I was standing as far as I could away from everyone and I knew why.

My eyes took one last look over the crowd, but he wasn't there.

Jude hadn't come.

Sophia on the other hand, was currently being nestled between Harmony and Bella. She had arrived not long ago, alone, giving no excuse for Jude and his mom not being with her.

Why wasn't he here? Had Mason told him not to come?

No, he wouldn't do that. Mason hated Jude, but he wouldn't do that to me. Not when he knew how much it meant for him to be here.

Taking a flute of champagne, I walked away from the bustling party and into the quietness of the woods, reminding myself not to go too far. In the black of night, I couldn't see where I was going and I didn't want to get lost with no one knowing where I was.

My wolf instantly felt the shift in my mood. He'll be back soon.

It wasn't Mason I was missing. Why didn't he come? I wanted him to be here and I honestly thought he would be.

Sternly, I told myself not to cry. Bella had worked too hard on my make up to let it go to waste and streak down my face.

Walking through thick mounds of flowers, over damp moss and fallen logs was harder than I thought it was going to be. Not that wearing heels helped at all.

I don't know why he isn't here. She finally answered, afraid to upset me more than I already was.

I felt bad on my wolf for being in a sour mood, when this should have been the happiest night for her, but I couldn't help it. He promised me he would be here.

Luckily, the dress I had bought meant there wasn't too much fabric hitting the floor Gathering the one sided skirt of my dress into my hand, I stepped over another log. This one wasn't as dirty as the other, so I decided to sit and take the weight of my feet. Standing for over three hours greeting everyone in heels that resembled skyscrapers had left my feet sore.

Taking a gulp of champagne, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, letting the sounds of the woods fill my ears. The distant noise from the party was still there, but the only other sounds around me where the soft breeze that rustled the trees and the odd animal that scurried across the forest floor. It was peaceful.

My thoughts, however, didn't stay empty for too long. What the hell are you doing, Rain?

Mason's voice trickled into my mind and he sounded anything but happy. I needed to get away from everything for a while.

Then go in the house, not the middle of the freaking woods.

There are people in the house. I told him. This is the only place where no one was.

He growled. Oh boy, was he unhappy. Rain, I won't tell you again. Get back to the party. If you want to be alone then go to my room. I could hear his heavy breathing and practically feel the anger rolling off him. Please baby, just go back, it's not safe out here.

Okay, so maybe it wasn't the smartest idea coming out here alone, but everything seemed fine. The guys had been checking the forest all day and there were no signs of anything dangerous, besides I wanted to stay here. I liked it here. I'll go back in a little while.

With that, I closed myself off to him. He would be beyond furious, but I'd deal with that when I had to.

Draining the last drops of alcohol from my glass, I smiled as a warm, fuzzy feeling spread throughout my body. I had never tasted champagne before, but I liked it. With the slight buzz of the alcohol working its way through me, I wanted to go deeper into the forest, to find the lake Mason had once taken me to, but I knew I couldn't. He was already angry, I didn't want to make things any worse for myself. So I settled for taking my shoes off and pressing my feet into the cold earth.  

A loud cheer from the party came from behind me and I was once again reminded how one of my best friends wasn't there to celebrate with me.

You're not exactly celebrating. My wolf said.

She was right. I shouldn't be acting like this. I should be at the party, laughing, drinking and dancing with my friends and pack members, but as much as I wanted to be doing that, I just couldn't believe Jude had let me down.

A heavy bang and rustle coming from directly in front of me had all thoughts of Jude slip out of my mind. With my eyes wide, I tried to see if anything was there, but it was too dark.

Another bang.

My heart jumped in my chest. "Oh, God." I should have listened to Mason. Why was I so stupid? I looked down to my shoes, there's no way I would be able to run from whatever it was in those things.

Then, just before my life flashed before my eyes, I heard him. "Dammit," he cursed, followed by a loud rustling sound. "Of all the mates, I'd have to get the—"

"The what?" I asked, my eyebrow quirked in amusement.

Mason's head shot up, his eyes meeting mine and smirked, "The stubborn ass." Pushing the last of the overgrowth out of his way, he stalked over to me, grabbed the back of my neck with his hand and crashed him lips to mine. "Will you ever do as I say?"

I shook my head.

"Didn't think so." He chuckled and kissed me again, this time wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against his body. Then he pulled back, the smooth skin between his eyes creasing, "I know you, Rain and I don't expect to be able to order you around, but when it comes to your safety, I won't have you putting yourself in dangerous situations."

"There's nothing here."

He shook his head, "There could have been, kitten. What if I couldn't have got to you in time? Promise me that when it comes to your safety, you do as I say?"

I smiled and brought his face closer to mine, "I promise."

"Good, now let's get back to the house."

His fingers linked through mine, "Don't you have to go to the guys?"

He shook his head, "Nicky's taken my place. I'm not letting you leave my sight for the rest of the night." That very thought kicked the butterflies into life. "I'm sorry I left you, I should have just let the others deal with it."

As he started to walk back to the house, I tugged on his hand, bringing us to a stop. "Can we stay here for a little longer?"

"Aren't you enjoying the party?" He looked worried.

I was. Sara had gone to so much trouble. Telling him the reason I was upset was because of Jude didn't seem like a good idea, but there was no point hiding it from him. "Jude's not here."

With just those words, he seemed to understand my change in mood. "He might be running late." He was trying to make me feel better, but I knew he didn't really care if he showed up or not. In fact, I knew he would prefer him not to.

"Jude's never late." I said, dropping my eyes to our entwined hands.

Mason tilted my chin with his finger, "Dance with me."

"What?"

Lifting one of my hands in his, he placed it on his shoulder and held the other one against his chest. "I want to dance with my mate."

"Here?"

He chuckled at my confusion, "Yes, here. We have the music," He motioned to the distant sound that I recognized as one of my favorite songs, Christina Perri's A Thousand Years, "Dance with me, little kitten."

I smiled up at the boy who stole my heart and nodded, letting him guide us in slow circles. "You're too beautiful not to smile, Rainie Harper."

"And you're too charming, Mason Vermont."

My eyes slowly drifted over each

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