Chapter 20

"I love you." Thane whispered and I felt as if ice was poured down my back.

I suddenly jolted away from him, far enough for his hands to fall from my waist. "W-w-what?" I stammered in surprise and bewilderment.

"You heard me." He took my right hand in his and fiddled with the ring he gave me when I arrived here.

"Thane, you love me?" I asked in incredibility, "How could you...I mean it's only been a month."

"That doesn't matter to me." He gave me a weak smile and I knew he was hurt.

"Love?" I squeaked. "Are you sure?" I covered my face with my hands in frustration because I liked Thane so much that it sometimes overwhelmed me but did I love him? I didn't have an answer for that and I felt like if I can't answer that question myself then how could I possibly tell him my feelings.

He pulled my hands away from my face, "Yes I'm sure." He chuckled and brought my gaze back to the ring on my finger, "When I gave you this ring, it was for two reasons. One you already know as my promise to marry you and secondly I gave it to you because I knew from then that I was in love with you. You're my mate, how could I not." He laughed.

"But you didn't even know me back then." Was my lame response.

"I did. It may have been a few days but I payed attention to every single detail about you. To the way you crinkle your nose when you're confused to the way you unconsciously feel safer whenever I'm around you to the way you bite your lip in concentration. You hate whenever the room's messy, you like the crust of your bread cut off and you think I don't catch you smiling at me whenever I'm in my office working but I do. You're everything I could want in a mate sweetheart and I could go on on about you." His eyes crinkled as he smiled.

"You know for an alpha you're pretty mushy." I nervously laughed.

"Only for you babe." He winked before he adopted a serious expression. "I know you don't feel the way I do-"

"I do. I really like you Thane, I'm in this through thick and thin but I'm not sure about the 'L' word..." I trailed off.

That earned me a genuine smile from him, "Let me rephrase then. I know you don't feel as strongly as I do just yet." He added in the last two words when I glared at him. "But I wouldn't take it back because it's how I feel and I had to tell you. However I don't expect you to rush into your feelings and say it back. The last thing I want to do is pressure you into feeling the same way for me. When and if you ever feel the same way, I want you to mean it with conviction and without prejudice. I won't repeat it until then though because I could tell you feel uncomfortable."

"You never fail to surprise me, you know that." I beamed up at him.

"One of my many talents." He answered as he pulled me to him, closing the distance between the both of us physically and metaphorically.

I giggled as he crushed his lips onto mine in possession but slowly subsided into a passionate lip lock.

~~~

The next morning I woke up to an empty bed since Thane left bright and early to meet up the young wolves from yesterday. The one who initiated it, Blake, Thane wanted to meet with him to both scold him in only the way an alpha can and help him out in training because his initiative showed great potential for a future pack warrior.

I quickly showered and went down to the main floor to find Bailey since Thane practically banned me from the infirmary until further notice. He even left a guard outside the door to prevent me from entering.

As I arrived to the bottom of the staircase I spotted Bailey hand in hand with Lucas, pack Beta and her mate.

She kissed him goodbye as he left for training and turned into the grand kitchen because she didn't have training today.

"Hey Bail." I chirped as I entered the kitchen.

"Hey Em, I heard about yesterday." She came up to me to give me a bear hug even though she was as petite as they came but as strong as a bear.

"Yeah, overuse of power." I rolled my eyes and plopped down in a bar stool. "So whatcha doing today."

"I'm on kitchen duty for lunch, then I might go meet up with the girls." She explained as she pulled out various ingredients from the pantry.

"The girls?" I curiously asked.

She smiled at my raised eyebrows, "Maybe if your mate let you go for a second, you would've hanged out with us more. It's basically Caroline, Delilah and myself but Layla and Abigail is joining us today. You're free to join us if you want."

I remembered Delilah from when I meet the pack almost a months ago when I arrived here. Caroline was Beau's mate, who I have yet to meet since I saw her in the crypt and Thane dragged me out. Abigail, Bailey's sister, was the number one person I despised and her little minion Layla.

"Tempting." I muttered sarcastically, "But I'll pass on the offer." I moved around the counter and offered my assistance.

"Come on, it will be fun." She passed me a few vegetables to cut up.

"You do realize I strongly hate your sister right." I said without hesitation because Bailey felt exactly what I did for her sister. Abigail was adopted by Bailey's parents and since then Abigail has made Bailey's life torture. "Why is she even hanging out with you?"

"Ugh she's such a bitch, I honestly have no idea why she started hanging out with us. It's the second time that she's crashed our party but I can't stop her because she just weasels her way into our time." Bailey rolled her eyes at her sister's behavior.

"Well if she's there, you can count me out."

"Come on, don't let her get to you. You're the Luna for crying out loud, show her who's boss and stand your fine ass up to her jealous attitude." Bailey preached.

"If only it was that easy. Every time I think of her, I can't get the image of her throwing herself at Thane and kissing him." I said angrily and almost cut myself as I was blinded by rage.

"Well you have me to support you against her snarky remarks plus I'm sure Thane will kick her out of the pack if you ask." She flipped her hair as if we were discussing the weather.

"He could, but I don't want that." I sighed.

"He's the alpha, if he doesn't want her in the pack then he will just command her to leave and break her pack connection so she isn't able to come into the pack's territory and communicate with us through pack link." She shrugged.

"That's terrible." I gasped and even though I didn't like her doesn't mean I want her to go rogue.

"Honestly if she threw herself at Lucas like that and kissed him, I would've cut a bitch then have her thrown out like the trash that she is." She said nonchalantly.

"Bailey." I scolded but couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up inside me.

"But seriously Em, why haven't Thane kicked her out yet? She has been nothing but a menace in the pack since for as long as I can remember, she hardly does anything, she hates you, the Luna, and to add the cherry on the sundae, she's basically in love with your mate." I slammed my fist on the chopping board when she said that because even though Thane loves me, what if he thinks just because I haven't sorted out my feelings that I don't want him and she pushes her feelings onto him. "I mean no offence and I only wish the best for you sweetie but Thane should have disposed of her." She finished.

I was finished peeling some potatoes when she took them from the bowl and added them to some hot water on the stove. "Mash potatoes." She explained.

"I don't know why he haven't but I don't want him to even though he said he would if she crossed the line. After the whole kiss thing she backed off didn't she? Plus I don't want the pack to think that I'm dictating their life and put them in fear of possibly being rogue. My intention is to gain their respect not make them fear me." I told her.

Bailey smiled in understanding, "I knew you were going to be a great Luna and I respect your decision. Plus you may not know it yet but the pack respects and adores you more than you can understand."

"I may not get to spend enough time with everyone, but you're all my family now and I couldn't be more grateful." I grinned at what Bailey revealed to me.

"Great, so it's settle. You're going with us today." She clapped her hands in finality.

I laughed at her change in direction, "When did we go from discussing your sister to my decision changing to yes?"

"Since I said so. Plus if Abigail gives you any trouble, Caroline wouldn't be opposed to throw down a good fight with her. Her rogue instincts still kicks in and she almost punched Abigail the first time she met the wicked witch of the pack." I couldn't help the laughter from escaping me at what Bailey was saying.

We continued preparing lunch for some of the pack while Bailey amused me with stories of Caroline, who I couldn't wait to meet and told me about her and Lucas which were a little too explicit for my virgin ears.

By the time we were done I was starving and hiccuping from all the laughter Bailey and I did. When most of members from the pack house who were out training came into eat I looked out for Thane because I know he hadn't eaten since early that morning.

"Hey, where's Thane?" I asked Lucas when he came into the kitchen to meet Bailey.

"Still training, why?" He asked concerned.

"It's time for lunch, so tell him to get his butt here." I grinned.

While Lucas mind linked Thane, I helped set the table with the food and plates for everyone.

When Bailey and Lucas sat down at the table Lucas said, "Alpha said he isn't hungry."

I glared at Lucas, "Tell him I need him right now." I knew he had to train and help train the others but if he didn't eat his meal on time then he wouldn't be able to do neither. Plus I know if I said I needed him he would be here faster than the speed of light.

Lucas just grinned at me after he communicated my message to Thane and I knew he was on his way.

I went outside with a shirt and a pair of shorts for him and waited on the steps on the front porch. In a matter of a few minutes Thane's wolf came barreling into the driveway in a blur of black fur. He came to a halt when he saw me sitting waiting for him and stared at me with his blood red eyes. He slowly closed the distance between us to where I was sitting and bowed his head to me in greeting.

I couldn't remember why I was scared of Thane's wolf all those weeks ago when I was sitting with pure amazement at that moment. Maybe it was the fact that I didn't know the man behind the wolf back then.

He looked up at me when I gingerly stretched my hand out to touch his head. He lowered his head slightly and I scratched his head, "Hey alpha." I said brushing my fingers through his soft fur.

He purred in contentment and before I knew what he was about to do, he licked my cheek with his tongue.

I couldn't help but laugh and cringe at the same time, "Eww, gross." I wiped my face with the t-shirt I had for him, "Bad dog." I playfully scolded.

He let out a playful growl at me before he shifted back to my Thane in all his naked glory. "Hey beautiful." He brushed some hair out of my face as I blatantly checked him out while holding myself back from lowering my eyes below waist level even though it was basically right in my face due to him standing and me sitting.

Realizing what I was doing, I quickly stood up with a blush and shoved his clothes in his hands and turned around. I heard him chuckling behind my back while he changed.

When he was finished he wrapped his arms around my waist, "I missed you today."

"Say's the guy who wanted to skip lunch and coming home to me." I turned my head so that I was looking at him from over my shoulder.

"I just want to make sure that the pack is safe...that you're safe." He explained with a kiss to my cheek.

"You can do that without killing yourself and the pack in training." I scolded.

"I know. I'm just paranoid that something is going to happen when we least expect it."

"We'll be ready when a fight arrives Thane, but we can't wear ourselves out till then." I explained.

"Look at you, being a Luna." He grinned.

I just shrugged, "It's who I'm meant to be."

"That's for sure." He murmured as I pulled him inside to the dining table where everyone was eating.

I pushed him into his seat at the head of the table and placed a plate in front of him. "You smell like a wet dog." I giggled.

"Only for you babe." He winked.

I playfully rolled my eyes, "Now eat." I kissed his forehead before taking my seat next to him.

"Yes ma'am." He and everyone at the table laughed and it was only then that I realized everyone was staring at us, their Alpha and Luna, and our playful banter.

Bailey shot me a wink from across the table and I smiled but looked down at my plate in embarrassment.

Thane took my left hand in his right one and placed a gently kiss on the back of my hand before he placed our entwined hands on the table and began to eat.

It was strange eating with my one hand while holding hands with Thane but in an odd way, comforting. However it wasn't beyond me that we seemed to be constantly touching each other in one way or another just for the sake of ensuring the other that we were there.

By the time everyone was finished with their meals, they were off again to do one thing or the other.

"Hey Em, don't forget we're leaving in an hour." Bailey said to me before she headed off towards her room.

"Leave for where?" Thane asked in confusion and worried.

I smiled at his concern, "Don't worry babe, I'm not running away today." I laughed at his pained expression.

"That isn't funny." He growled. "Where're you going?" He questioned again.

"Bailey and the girls are hanging out so she invited me to join them since a certain Alpha banned me from the infirmary." I tsked and tapped his nose in scolding.

"And where exactly is Bailey taking you?" He asked cautiously.

I shrugged, "I don't actually know, she just said get ready in something nice. Unless your pack runs a strip club, I think we'd be fine."

Thane just let out a laugh, "I'm sorry to tell you but that's just one of the few things we don't have around these parts. We do however have a club."

My eyes popped open wide, "A club?" That seemed a bit much for a pack of wolves who were constantly training.

"More like a speakeasy."

"A bar?" I laughed, "That isn't a club Thane."

"Well it's just a little place for the pack to relax when they want to. Contrary to popular belief we aren't all about military training."

"Hmm, I would've never thought." I played along.

"Well it's normally empty except for the few old patrons and after a successful fight against rogues." He explained as he pulled me in for a hug. "Go, relax and have fun." He kissed my forehead.

I wrapped my hands around his neck and reveled in his embrace. "Join us?" I hoped.

"I would love to sweetheart, but I have border patrol which starts now actually." He chuckled, "I will take you another time when it's just you and I."

"Promise?"

"Promise." He pecked my lips. "Now go enjoy your evening, I will see you tonight."

Thane left with one lingering kiss and went his way to go protect his pack, our pack.

I hurried up the flights of stairs to find something presentable to wear. I wasn't really a glamorous dresser but I felt like dressing it up since I don't 'go out' anymore.

Not like I was the club type before but my few friends and I did have our occasional girls' night out.

I walked into the closet and stared at the various items that Bailey and I bought when I got here but most of the stuff was Bailey's choice since my main goal that day was escaping. Going to the extreme back of the walk in closet where I stored most of the dresses and revealing clothing that Bailey bought and I never wore, I looked through the racks in decisiveness.

Going with the first thing that seemed good enough, I pulled out a short white, spaghetti strap dress with a beautiful blue embroidery designed that filled most of the top and flowed to a floral design to the bottom of the dress.

After a shower, brushing out my hair and applying a little makeup, I tried on the dress.

When I looked in the mirror in the bathroom, I realized it fell mid thigh and had a low enough v-neck cut that accentuated my cleavage.

I started tugging the neck line up and the hem line down and was about to grab another dress when there was a knock on the door before it flew open with an over eager Bailey on the other side.

"Oh my gosh, you look smoking hot babe!" Bailey squealed in delight.

"Not as good as you Bail." I laughed at her excitement but meant every word as she wore a red body con dress that accentuated her short, curvy body and complimented her blonde hair with red sky high heels.

"Now where's your shoes?" She tapped her chin but before I could go find a pair she was barreling into the closet herself.

In a matter of seconds she was out with a white envelope clutch and pair of blue heels that strap around the ankles. Definitely not a pair I would voluntarily choose.

"Stop fussing." She batted my hands away from my hemline and pushed me to sit on the bed and handed me my heels.

While putting on the death trap, I saw her slip something inside my clutch. "What are you putting in there?" I asked suspiciously

"Oh nothing, just some lipstick and some money." She waved me off.

"I don't have money." I said in a duh voice.

"Says the mate of one of the richest Alpha." She rolled her eyes and handed it to me.

I opened the clutch only to see my lipstick and a sleek black card.

"I can't use his card." I scolded Bailey.

"The Blackwoods have businesses all over the world Emery, he isn't just an Alpha, he's an entrepreneur too babe. That's why he's in his office that much. Trust me, the card's yours to use." She explained.

"I still can't take his money." I felt strange with having his money in my face but I didn't want or need his card.

"Well it doesn't matter, he just said to give you this card. No questions asked." She shot me a look.

"Do I even want to know how much is deemed required to be one of the richest?" I hesitantly asked.

She laughed and responded, "Trust me you don't. Plus I'm sure the figure is way over anything math taught me."

I got up from the bed and walked towards the door with Bailey in tow, "I really hope math class only taught you until the ten's figure."

Bailey just giggled at my response all the way down to the garage.

"Choose your car Em." Bailey said standing next to the set of keys on the wall. There wasn't much because the wolves prefer to go on foot...or paws since it was faster. But Thane did own his jeep and mustang and there were other trucks around for pack use.

"The mustang." I decided without hesitation.

Bailey threw the keys to me and I quickly sat in the driver seat and started up the beauty. The purr of the engine gave me a rush of excitement and I couldn't wait to test it out as Bailey hopped into the passenger seat.

"Let's go." Bailey clapped.

Turns out we were going to the speakeasy as Bailey directed me to pull in front of the bar which didn't have a car in sight because we were among wolves after all.

The building was a red brick two story with a certain rustic chic and vintage effect with a