Midnight Rayne

6.

6.

The week flew by so quickly. Between spending time with my mates, planning the mating ball, the new training schedule, and preparing to take on my role as Alpha I am exhausted. I love having two mates. They are so helpful and supportive. I thought there would be more jealousy between them, but no, we all get along so well. The guest list for the ball has been reduced since I've already found two of my mates. Everyone who wants to attend can, but most were just hoping to nab the future Queen as a mate. The three of us spend as much time together as we can manage but we decided to wait for my birthday to move to the royal suite that is being built for us. The custom bed could fit at least a dozen people, eight if they were all as big as Shawn, two closets the size of small bedrooms, I haven’t even gotten to the bathroom. It’s a dream come true. Double sinks, built in vanity with lighted mirror, walk in shower with six shower heads and voice controls, bench, and wall handles. Don’t get me started on the bathtub! A jacuzzi sized tub with jets, massagers, and a heating coil so my bubbles don’t get cold. To top it off we have our own towel warmer and heated floors. Everything in our suite is automated and our A.I. can control anything we ask. I named her Friday because her voice reminded me of Tony Stark’s A.I., yes I love Marvel movies. We also have different security levels for support staff, family, and of course us. I cannot wait to move in! My birthday is tomorrow and I can’t breathe. My parents assure me that I’m ready. I feel like my body is buzzing. I’ll feel the full effect of the mate bond tomorrow, I’ll get my magic, and awaken my vampire.

“Mom?” I call out.

“In the closet honey.” She calls back.

“Hey mom. Can I ask you something?”

“Anything, love.” She says.

“What does it feel like, being a vampire? Do you crave blood all the time? Will I change?” I’m so curious.

“Your senses will be heightened. More than they are being a werewolf. You’ll be incredibly fast, strong, and more agile. But you’ll also be impulsive, sensitive, emotional. You’ll have to learn to control all of that. You’ll have to be careful. Especially with Aroha. Shawn has enhanced healing, but Aroha is essentially human. You can’t rely on your vampire blood to heal her, if she dies with vampire blood in her system she will turn into a vampire and lose her magic for good. And you will develop a temper you never knew you had. The hunger you will feel for blood will never go away completely. Don’t let it consume you.” She hugs me and tells me to get some sleep. I go up to my room and my mates are waiting on my bed. They are talking and laughing like they’ve known each other forever.

“Hey you two.” I say

“Hi, beautiful.” Shawn says, making me blush.

“Come here,” Aroha says, patting the space in between them. I kick off my shoes by the door and climb on the bed.

“How’d the talk with your mom go?” Shawn asks, cuddling me up against him. I’m facing Aroha and she’s running her fingers up my arms.

“It was good. She always knows what to say to calm me.” I say.

“Of course you’re nervous. Tomorrow is a big day. You’re getting your magic and awakening your vampire. Your mom is a hybrid, it’s understandable to want her insight.” She smiles at me.

“And we’ll be with you every step of the way.” Shawn reassures me.

“Can I ask you guys something?”

“Yes.” “Anything.” They respond together.

“How do you feel about mating? I mean I’m not experienced at all and I don’t want to let you down. What if I mess up?” I’ve been so nervous to ask them.

“We aren’t going to pressure you, baby girl.” Shawn says, “I’m not perfect. I should have waited for you. I was stupid and I thought I was in love but it was all a lie. She used me and I regretted it.”

“Please, please tell me it wasn’t Sophie.” Aroha asks and my breath is caught in my throat.

“God no! I don’t know where she’s been. Even I’m not that dumb. One of my sister’s friends was visiting from a neighboring pack. She was eighteen and I was seventeen. She told me she felt the sparks of the mate bond and I was dumb enough to believe her. She talked about coming here and being our Beta female and how she was going to make changes to our pack. She said she could be our Luna until the King found his mate. She was power hungry, but she said we were mates so I didn’t want to question her. I thought she’d reject me when I turn eighteen. I wanted to introduce her to my family but she kept saying we should wait until we marked each other. On her last night here she met her true mate and I was left looking like a fool. I only told my sister because she was there when Lena claimed I was her mate. They haven’t spoken since.”

“I’m so sorry that happened to you. But I’m here now, we both are. I’d like to wait to complete the mating process when we can feel the full effect of the mate bond. I don’t want there to be a doubt in your mind that you’re mine and I'm yours. I don’t want to take advantage of you.” I look at Aro, “Either of you.”

“I’m just as clueless. I didn’t know I had a mate out there. Witches aren’t usually supernaturally paired.” She looks so innocent.

“How do you feel about that, handsome? Being with two virgins?”