Mated for life

chapter 14 Morgan Bane's POV

We ate in silence, both of us too hungry to talk. Once we were done Casey took our dishes to the kitchen and started cleaning up while I made us coffee. We had settled into an easy routine that suited both of us, it was extremely comfortable between us. Once everything was clean and tidy we migrated to the lounge, taking our usual spots on the long couch that directly faced the fire place. “We should get supplies from town before we leave. I was thinking about asking Benji, Jess and Drew to come with. What do you think?” Casey asked me, taking a sip of her coffee.

“I think that is a great idea. Safety in numbers.” I agreed with her. “Exactly and they can help with getting your brother out of that pack.” She said. “I hear that Jess is very skilled in combat and that Benji is an excellent battle strategist.” I commented. “That is true. They are both skilled in their respective fields.” I watched as Casey took another sip of her coffee. I had finished mine long ago. “I will go ask them to join us then we can take my car down to town and get the supplies we will need.” Casey said draining her coffee.

I stood up, taking our empty mugs with me to the kitchen. “I will start getting everything ready and pack stuff that we will need that we already have.” I said to her. “Okay.” She said grabbing her jacket and opening the front door. “I will be back in an hour or so. I love you.” Casey said. “okay, I love you too babe.” I replied as she walked out the door, closing it gently behind her. I quickly washed the mugs and set them aside to dry before making my way to the bedroom.

I opened the double doored wardrobe and grabbed two duffle bags, placing them on the bed. I packed both of our toiletries into the one bag and left the other for our clothes. I walked back and forth around the house looking for things that we had that we would need for the long trip. And before I knew it an hour had passed. I heard the front door open and Casey and Benji walk in. I made my way out of the bedroom, down the passage towards Casey and Benji. “Hey Benji, how are you?” I asked. “Hey Luna. I am as good as can be. How are you doing?” “Oh boy it is going to take some time to get used to being called Luna.” I laughed. “Cass said the same thing.” Benji said smiling fondly at me.

I watched as Casey put the last bag down before walking over to where I stood and kissed me. “You know I have never seen Cass like this, all soft and cuddly. She is usually such a hard ass.” He said jokingly. Casey punched his shoulder playfully. “Lier.” She said laughing. “Let us start packing.” She said turning to look at me. “Thank you for everything Benji, we will see you tomorrow.” Casey said walking to the door. “Yeah at the ass crack of dawn.” He grumbled causing Casey to burst out laughing. I giggled at his obvious disgruntlement.

She closed the door behind Benji and turned to face me again, giving me her full attention. “I missed you.” She told me. “I missed you too.” I replied. “Yeah? Show me how much you missed me.” She said suggestively. “Not now babe, we have a lot to do for tomorrow.” I reminded her. She walked back over to me, kissing me before saying, “okay baby. Let us get to it.” We unpacked the shopping bags and started to pack everything. Some things we left unpacked as they were for the house wile other things like clothes, shoes and non-perishable foods we packed into the duffle bags.

An hour later we had finished packing the bags as well as packing away the things we needed for the house. I made my way to the kitchen in dire need of coffee while Casey made herself comfortable on the couch. “Would you like some coffee love?” I asked her. “Yes please baby.” She said. I busied myself with making us coffee lost in thought. Once the coffee was done I brought the mugs into the lounge, setting them down on the coffee table. “Thank you love.” Casey said picking up her mug and taking a sip. I took a sip of my own and sat down next to her.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Casey asked me. I looked over at her. “Yes I am sure. I need to see it, to see where my parents are. I need to save my brother. Growing up I was the one that took most of the abuse and the punishments. I protected Adam and I do not plan on leaving him there so that they can corrupt him and hurt him. I made a vow that I would always be there to help him and shield him from harm. I am not going to let him down.” I told her. “I understand. How old is he?” she asked. “He will turn twenty next month.” I said. “He is still young. Lucky for us.” “Why do you say that?” I asked. “Because if he were twenty-five like me then he would have already been made alpha and there would be nothing we could do about that. Becoming alpha is a right, the pack has to choose you, if they do not then there is a match and if he were to lose then he would be exiled forever.” Casey explained.

“So even if he is part of another pack, that pack can still choose who their alpha would be?” I asked her. “Yes, it is their laws. It is much like the ones we follow but we do not choose the alpha. An alpha is born and presented to the pack when they come of age. If someone wishes to challenge the alpha then they have a right to do that. If they win they then become the alpha, if they lose they are exiled out of the pack.” Casey explained. “I understand. So we have the right to bring Adam here?” I asked. “Yes we have that right, but he must also wish it to be so. We are not allowed to force someone to join our pack, they must choose that for themselves.” She said. “I see. But I know Adam, he would want to be here, closer to his mate and away from that hellhole.” I said.

“It will be a wonderful surprise for Jax to see Adam again.” Casey commented. “I can imagine. If I knew you were my mate but I could never see you it would be devastating.” I told her. “Yes it would, but that is no concern of ours. I am here and so are you and I will never leave you. I love you Morgan Bane.” Casey said. “I love you too Casey Waters.” I said honestly as I moved over to her side of the couch. I snuggled into her and her arm instantly wrapped around my shoulders.

We stayed like that for hours until both of us grew tired and migrated to the bedroom. Casey wrapped herself around me and we slept like that, with Casey being a big spoon while I was quiet content having her so close to me, her shirtless body pressed against mine. It was heaven to be in her warm embrace.

Casey woke me up before the sun had even made the decision to rise. I looked over at the clock on her bedside table and groaned. It was four in the morning. It should be illegal to be awake at this time. “Come on love you need to get up and shower so that we can get going. It will take us a couple of days to get to the ruins.” Casey said lightly rubbing my shoulder. “I am wake. And babe this is a crime against my nature.” I said grumpily. She just laughed softly before heading to the bathroom. I sat up and rubbed the sleep away from my eyes.

I stayed like that until Casey came back into the room with just a towel on. I was in no mood to get up but we had a plan and I was not going to miss this. I got up and made my way to the bathroom, stopping past Casey and planting a kiss on her cheek. I turned on the water, waiting for it to get hot before stepping under the spray. I loved the water pressure, it felt like I was getting a full body massage. A few minutes later I stepped out of the shower, clean and wide awake, and made my way back to the bedroom.

I got dressed as quick as I could and followed the scent of freshly brewed coffee. I walked into the lounge, happy when I saw the steaming mug of heaven waiting for me on the coffee table. “Morning baby.” Casey said taking a sip of her coffee. “Morning my love.” I said as I took my usual spot on the other end of the couch, reaching for my coffee while I sat down. I sighed when I took a sip of the wonderful mixture of coffee, milk and sugar. “God this is perfect babe.” I said smiling. “Well thank you, I do try my best.” Casey replied grinning.

Before I could comment there was a knock on the door. “That must be Benji, Jess and Drew.” Casey said putting her coffee down and walking to the door. She opened it and stepped aside to let everyone in. “You guys want coffee?” She asked as the three of them sat down. “God yes please.” Benji begged. “Tea, Drew?” “Yes please Cass.” Drew said. “Hey Luna.” Benji said smiling sweetly. “Luna, how are you?” Jess asked. “I am well but being up this early should be a crime.” I said. “I know right, red flag right there.” Benji said grumpily looking at Casey. Casey and Jess just laughed at him.

While Casey busied herself with making coffee and tea for everyone I conversed with the three of them. “So Jess?” I started. “Yes?” “How come you do not have a mate?” she blushed but before she could answer Benji piped up, “Oh she does, she just likes to keep him a secret.” He said. “Do not.” She countered. “Do too.” He said back sticking out his tongue at her. I just laughed at the two as they continued bickering. I turned to Drew who was always quiet. “Drew? How did you become a mage for the Shadow pack?” I asked her. “Well I am half elf and half fairy so I was gifted to be a mage. And as for how I got here, I was outcasted because I was not pure of either fae and the shadow pack welcomed me in with open arms. They have been my family since I was five.” She said simply.

“I see. Well I, for one, am glad you are here and are a part of this pack.” I said smiling at her. She bowed her head slightly at me as Casey came through with everyone’s drinks. “Thanks Cass.” Benji and Jess said simultaneously as she handed them their coffee. “Thank you Alpha.” Drew said respectfully taking the tea that Casey offered her. I watched as Casey took a seat next to me, picking her mug up and draining the coffee within it. “After this we need to get going. The roads are going to be icy because of all the snow so we have to go a bit slower than I normally would.” She said to the three of them. “No problem.” Benji said winking at her playfully.

Once everyone was done with their hat drinks and the mugs were washed and dried, Casey and Benji loaded the car with everyone’s bags. When everything was loaded we all climbed into the spacious car, with Casey and I in the front seats and Jess and Drew in the back with Benji in between them. “Everyone ready?” Casey asked. “Yep.” They all said. “Alright, lets go.” She said starting the car and driving out of the pack grounds and onto the main road.

We drove for hours before coming to the first rest stop. Everyone got out and ran for the toilets and the convenience store. I laughed as I got out the car. I watched as Casey started filling up the car with gas. It only took a few minutes for the tank to fill up and once she was done and had paid for the gas she made her way over to where I was. I was leaning against the side of the car, watching as Casey walked up to me. She wrapped her arms around my waist and kissed me. The kiss we shared was full of love and passion that it ignited the air around us, causing need to course through my veins.

“God you two get a room.” Benji shouted across the lot from the entrance to the convenience store. We pulled away from each other slightly, just enough for us to turn and face Benji as we shouted at him to get lost. I laughed as I cupped Casey’s cheek, turning her head to look at me before kissing her deeply. “I love you.” I said when I pulled away from her. Drew, Benji and Jess were already in the car when we climbed in. “Oh you guys are done? We had a bet going, looks like I won.” Jess commented as Benji burst out laughing. “What was the bet about?” I asked her. “Benji said that you two would sneak away and do it quick, I said you would never allow that and neither would Casey. Drew bet boldly and said you would just do it right where you were.” She said laughing.

Casey and I burst out laughing. “Really Drew?” “What? I had a good chance.” She said smiling at Casey who had turned around in her seat to look at her with surprise. “You were supposed to keep these two in check. You know how easily they get out of hand.” Casey said teasingly. “Oh sure blame us.” Benji said rolling his eyes dramatically. “Who else would I blame if I did not have you two in my life.” “Oh you love us.” Jess said smiling. “You know I love you two crazy asses.” She said turning back around and starting the car.

We drove another five hours, the time well past nine, before we spotted a rest stop and motel. Casey pulled into the parking lot, got out the car and made her way to the reception. The three in the back were already passed out. I had forced myself to stay awake to keep Casey company and to keep her alert while driving. Minutes later Casey came back to the car. She opened the door and leaned down so that she could see me. “I managed to get a room with four beds. Everything else is all booked.” She informed me. “That is fine.” I said before turning around in my chair. All three of them looked so peaceful that I was almost sad to wake them. I reached over and gently shook them awake.

One by one they climbed out the car and stretched. “Our room is number ten, the receptionist said that it is on the third floor and that it has a pool view.” Casey said as she, Benji and Jess got the bags out of the trunk. She closed the trunk and locked the car before we all made our way up to our room. When we reached the door to our room Casey unlocked it, allowing everyone to enter the room before she did. The room was big enough to accommodate us all with enough breathing room. It had low budget carpeting that looked like it had been there when the motel was first built and granny style sofas with floral patterns. Everything was made from wood, from the bed frames to the counter tops and tables.

“We should be at the ruins by late afternoon tomorrow so everyone get some sleep. I will wake everyone up at eight. Goodnight, love you all.” Casey said grabbing my hand and leading me through the small motel room and into what must have passed for a main bedroom. She put our bags down in the corner and turned to face me. I wrapped my arms around her shoulders as she wrapped hers around my waist and pulled me closer towards her. I kissed her deeply and slowly. Passion instantly exploding between us once more, equal need flowing through us heating our blood and setting our bodies on fire. Casey moved us onto the bed never once breaking the kiss. She slowly stripped me of my clothing before taking off her own. “Always, I will love you.” She said teasing me in the most exquisite ways. “Always.” I whispered as I came around her fingers.

I had come three times that night before we had finally decided to call it a night.

I woke up before Casey to my surprise. Usually she was the one who woke me up. I got up and stretched my body loving the slight ache in my lower body from our activities last night. I threw some clothes on and made my way through to the lounge. To my surprise Benji, Jess and Drew were already awake. “Hey Luna.” Benji greeted smiling like he knew something I did not. “Hey guys.” I greeted. “Hey.” Jess and Drew greeted. I made my way into the kitchen and heard them burst out laughing. I made coffee quickly and walked back to where the other three were.

“What are you three laughing about?” I asked them sitting down on the couch and sipping my coffee. “How was your night?” Jess asked smiling. “Pretty good thank you.” “Oh I bet it was good…” Benji muttered. “Say Morgan?” Drew asked. “Yeah?” “Did Casey ever talk about pheromones with you?” “I do not think so, why?” I asked. “Wait, you guys… do you… oh my…” I said blushing. They knew about Casey and I and what we were doing last night. “Yep, we might not have heard you two but we sure smelt it.” Benji said laughing. “Oh dear lord help me.” I groaned just as Casey walked out of the bedroom.

“Help you with what?” She asked. I got up and walked over to her, kissing her good morning with a chorus of oooooo’s and ahhhhh’s. “They know don’t they?” Casey whispered to me. “Yep.” I said giggling. “Oh for Artemis’ sake, I will never hear the end of this.” Casey groaned as she walked to the kitchen to make coffee. “Hey Cass, we know that last night was pretty good for Morgan. How was it for you?” Benji asked trying to contain his laughter. “Get lost.” Casey retorted. The three of them burst out laughing.

Once everyone had showered and had enough caffeine to power a small car we all made our way out of the motel and to the car. Benji and Jess loaded everything into the car while Casey walked into the reception to hand the keys back. We all piled into the car and waited for Casey to join us. Once she had climbed into the car and started it she turned to look at me. “You ready for this?” She asked, her hand on my leg. “As ready as I will ever be.” I replied. She nodded her head and drove back onto the main road.

Four hours later we pulled onto a dirt road seemingly in the middle of nowhere. We followed the makeshift road until we reached a clearing. The sight that greeted us made me gasp in shock. I was not prepared for what I was witnessing. Once Casey had parked the car on the outskirts of the ruins we got out. Casey immediately coming over to me.

My heart sunk at the sight of the burned down buildings and charred remains of what was once a playground. I stepped out of Casey’s embrace and made my way to the head of the blackened pack grounds where I knew my parents had lived, my brother and I with them. I looked around at the ashes of what I had once called my home. Memories flooding my mind and flashing before my eyes. Images of chasing my brother around the pack grounds, of family meals spent with pack members, of all the things I had forgotten and blacked out over the years.

I sunk to the ground in disbelief and horror as the memories of the night that they attacked my pack and killed everyone came rushing back. The pain tearing at my heart. I sat there, emersed in the past. And when the memories had subsided and the pain was the only thing I felt I broke down. Casey rushed to my side, wrapping her arms around me as I cried for everything that should have been but was no more. I cried for my parents, for my brother, for the years of torture I endured, for the goodbye I never got to say, for the funeral I never got to attend. I cried because of it all.