The Escaping Luna

The Mate

*Kaia POV*

The past week has been such a whirlwind that I have barely been able to catch my breath. Everything from my escape, to Jilly and Evie escaping, to finding out Jilly is now my brother's mate, to Evie finding her mate in Jilly's brother, to now trying to figure out how to take down the asshole Luca. To say that I feel like a zombie walking around trying to figure things out is the understatement of the year. I am, however, extremely happy for my girls finding their fated mates. They deserve happiness. I can't say that I'm not a tad jealous though. I have always dreamed of finding my mate, raising a family, and living my life happily ever after. Especially when I was captive. I always knew that Luca was definitely NOT my mate, and I would rather die than be forced into being his. I turn 18 tomorrow. Who knows, maybe I'll find mine then.

I get dressed and leave my suite, making my way to the library before lunch. I had skipped breakfast to get a few more hours' sleep. My bed was just so comfy that I couldn't bare leaving it. I walk by the sitting room and hear my dad on the phone with what I assume is Eve's parents. Listening for just a moment before continuing to my intended destination. He must have seen me, and followed me to the library after his call. "Well good afternoon princess, sleep well?" I nodded and replied "Best sleep in months. I forgot how comfortable my bed was. I'm sorry I skipped breakfast."

"That is perfectly fine, sweetheart. I wanted to let you know that Nigel has gotten ahold of Alpha Mason, and I just got off the phone with Alpha Samuel. They will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, just in time for your birthday fest." I tell him OK, and hug him as he leaves to tell the others. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my birthday, but I guess it will be fine. I understand the urgency, but I just got home. All I wanted was one day without any mention of Luca, or fighting. I know it sounds selfish, and I really don't mean to be feeling this way, but I wanted my day to be all about ME. Sharing my day with other big events going on wasn't my idea of fun. I guess that it's time for me to "grow up" and just be happy about even being alive to celebrate anything. I am super excited for my girls to be able to be reunited with their families. I really am. I tell myself that life needs more happiness and celebration. No matter what day it falls on. I decide to get up and take my book out to the porch and get comfy on the porch swing. I love to read, especially about history and myths and legends. I am deep into a book called Lilith: The Book of the First Woman by Ada Langworthy Collier, and I hear the screen door slam shut. I looked up to see Nigel pacing in the yard. "Nigel, is everything alright with you?" He stopped and realized that I was on the porch. He started to chuckle and looked a little embarrassed. "Yea little wolf, I'm good. Just got my nerves riled up. My brother is arriving tonight instead of tomorrow, and I'm a little concerned about how he will handle the situation with Jillian. Also, with myself and Eve." I got up and walked over to him and grabbed him by his beard to get him on my level. "Look here you big brute of a dude. If he can't see how amazing Jillian and Eve are, even with 'the situation', then he is a damned fool. You worry too much. We didn't ask for this to happen to us and we are the same people we were. Just with a slight twist. My dad is hoping that the man coming with Eve's father can help us figure out how to fix this. If there is a way to do it. So, cheer up and just be happy with your life, no matter what anyone says." He gives me a big smile and hugs me. "Thank you little wolf. Please don't tell Eve or Jilly about my breakdown please. I don't want them to worry. I hate to rush off after this heart to heart, but I need to go pick up your girls' nourishment." He waves me off and heads to his car. I guess I can understand his concern, but it's not like we can change anything about what's going on. Stressing doesn't help s**t. I headed into the house and into the kitchen. "Hey Mary, is there anything I can help with? I'm kinda bored just waiting around." Mary and her family had been our family cooks for as long as I could remember. When I was younger, it was Mary's mother, Mary and her sister Abby. When Mary's mother passed on, Abby left the pack and never returned. She was like a grandmother to all of us, and we loved her like family. She had her back to me and pointed to the huge tray of baguettes, "You can start by slicing the vegetables for those, and putting them on the tray next to them. I'm making the meats now. The soup is done, salads are done, the sandwich preparations are all that is left." I grabbed my apron and got busy helping. We were so focused we didn't hear anyone enter the room.

"Excuse me, I'm Alpha Mason Stone" he said. "I'm looking for either Alpha Hardin, or my brother Nigel Stone." I turned around to answer and my eyes met the most gorgeous man I had ever seen. I could see him tense up and I stumbled over my words, "He..Hello..I..I'm Kaia, the Alpha's daughter. He is in his office and Nigel went for a supply run for us. I..I'll take you to my dad." As I walked by, I brushed against his arm, and his body got even more stiff. I felt so nervous being near him, yet didn't want to be away from him either. Surely Jilly's brother is not my mate. Is he?