Troubled Freya

Chapter Three - Dinner

✤ Ryder ✤

“We will address that,” the Alpha gestured over to us, more importantly to our hand-holding. She immediately let go of my hand. “Afterwards, for now,” he turned to look at the wolves on the sofa. “Gary?” the older wolf turned to look at his mate and then at Holly.

“Yes, we weren’t happy when you didn’t come home Holly, we were worried, but Freya told us you had met your mate,” he said to her.

“We are so happy for you,” her mother gushed out. My eyes found Blade’s and we both smirked at each other. However, I didn’t miss him glancing over at Freya, which I didn’t like.

“Thank you, mama, papa,” Holly sounded as if she was going to burst into tears, but she didn’t. They continued to discuss what was going to happen next, the answer being that since Holly had an older brother, who was already in training to be the next beta, it made sense that she would leave her pack and join Noah’s. Simple. It was over before I knew it. Noah, Holly, and her parents eventually left, and I wished they were still busy so that I wouldn’t have to face Freya’s parents.

“Take a seat,” he ordered, and I moved quickly to the sofa, Freya soon sat down next to me and suddenly Blade joined us sitting down on the other side of me. “Freya?” his strong gaze fell upon his daughter and I couldn’t help but smile. She didn’t look scared or intimidated. Not at all.

“Yes, father?”

“Explain?” I watched as she rolled her eyes and sighed as if it should be obvious and it was.

“He is my mate,” she stated. The Luna squealed out loudly, causing all of us to jump in surprise. The female had been so quiet until that point.

“Oh honey!” she yelled out and rushed forward. Freya stood and they hugged affectionately. The Alpha stood up and smiled at the two females. Blade elbowed me in my side and I quickly stood up. The Luna turned to me with a warm smile. “I’m Laura, it is SO nice to meet you,” she pulled me against her for a quick welcoming hug and then I was face to face with the Alpha.

“And I am Arion, and I only have one thing to say,” I panicked as I wondered what he could possibly have to say while he looked so serious. I wanted to beg my brother for help or grab Freya’s hand for safety, but I knew I had to stand strong. His face suddenly changed from serious to happy and he smiled so brightly that I blinked a few times. “Welcome!”

“T-thank y-you,” I stuttered out and then cleared my throat. “I mean, thank you,” Arion didn’t hug me, but he did put his hand out, to which I quickly grabbed on too. Shaking his hand before letting go and looking over at Blade, who had stood up.

“I’m Blade, his twin, and this i***t,” he shoved me slightly. “Who didn’t even bother to introduce himself is Ryder,” Blade added as he bowed politely and respectfully at them and I blushed.

“Wonderful, now, I think we should have a dinner party tonight,” Laura said with excitement. "We'd love to meet your parents and I am sure they would love to meet Freya's," Blade and I nodded. "Why don't you run along Blade?" Laura turned to him and smiled. Blade released a loud sigh of relief and I smiled. I knew he wouldn't want to sit through this awkwardness anymore. 

“There is much to discuss,” Arion added, and Freya nodded.

“Ok,” Blade said, and I turned my attention back to Freya. I couldn’t believe I had found my mate. I stared at her in awe and adoration. I couldn’t wait to get to know her, and for her to get to know me. My wolf and I were barely able to control our selves around her, so when someone started coughing it snapped me back to reality.

“I think we should give them some time alone,” Laura said to Arion who nodded. So much for having things to discuss but I knew it could wait. What couldn't wait was Freya and I was glad to see Laura and Arion leaving me alone with Freya. She stood shyly in front of me and I had no idea what to say or what to do.

“So…” she started, and I smiled.

“So, you are really…” I paused as I tried to think of the right word. Beautiful was so cliché and overused. Stunning didn’t quite seem right and amazing sounded silly. “Exquisite,” was the word I finally chose, and she blushed, causing her pale cheeks to blossom. She licked her bottom lip and I groaned out, her eyes stared back at me and I took a step forward and pulled her against my chest and placed my hands firmly against her hips. She immediately responded by wrapping her arms around my neck and pressed her body against mine. She felt fragile and small in my arms and as I looked deep into her eyes, I just knew that she would become my everything. I wanted to kiss her, and my wolf wanted to ravish her. Her lips looked so inviting but I didn’t want to rush her, I moved my hands up to her waist and caressed her sides softly. “Freya…” I may not want to rush her, but I would very much like to kiss her.

“Yes, Ryder?” she breathed out, and hearing my name leave her lips drove me crazy and my plan on asking permission flew right out of the window. I crushed my lips against hers in a kiss that was going to change my whole life forever. The soft whimper she made caused me to let out a small moan of my own. Her lips felt gentle and plump against my own, the passion that flared up between us caught me off guard. My inexperience shined through and as I slowly released her, I gazed down into her eyes and was rewarded with a smile that did things to me. “I am so happy,” she beamed out with the cutest little giggle.

“Me too,” I admitted. In all of my twenty-two years, I had never thought about my mate, sure I had wanted to meet her, be with her, but it didn’t consume me. Until now.

“Ryder?”

“Hmm?”

“I meant what I said before,” she looked down and I quickly lifted her back up, wanting to see her eyes.

“About not leaving?” I asked, she nodded, and I smiled lovingly at her. “You don’t need to worry about that,” I told her confidently. Blade could take the title of Alpha. I had my mate and right now that was all that mattered. I was suddenly excited for my parents to meet her, but that thought left as I wondered about my brother. How did he feel about all of this? I promised myself that I would talk to him as soon as I could. One thing that did bother me was his shocked expression and the constant little sneak peeks he took at Freya, what was that about?

✤ ✤ ✤

Excitement bubbled up but I did my best not to express it as I looked at myself in the mirror.

“Looking good,” I saw him standing at my bedroom door and I turned to acknowledge him with a proud smile. I wasn’t sure how he was feeling but it was now or never.

“Listen, come on in, I’d like to talk to you,” I said. Blade lazily pushed himself off the doorframe and entered the room.

“What’s up?”

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“About?”

“About Freya, about everything,” I turned back to the mirror but kept my gaze on him as I pretended to fix my tie.

“I mean, I was shocked you found your mate so fast, but honestly, I am happy for you,” he said. I tried to pick up on anything negative, but he seemed to be genuinely happy for me.

“And what do you think about Freya?” I pushed. I had noticed all the looks he had given her, and I was curious about it.

“If I am being honest here, then, I was waiting to see if she was my mate too,” he said reluctantly. I stopped fussing with my tie and faced him.

“What? I don’t understand,”

“Well, I mean, I don’t know, I guess I read somewhere that twins can share a mate,” he shrugged then, and I immediately knew that he was feeling good, judging from the relief in his voice, Freya was obviously not his mate and she was mine and mine alone. 

“And you are relieved to find out that she is not your mate also?” I didn’t want to sound annoyed, but it was hard to keep the tone from my voice. What annoyed me was that he had considered it. I didn't like the idea of him thinking of her in that way but then he chuckled, easing my mind.

“Yes, very relieved,” he stood up and took a couple of steps towards me. “Honestly, bro, I am happy for you annnddd…” he stretched out the word which irritated me, but I waited. “I am over the moon that she isn’t my mate, I don’t want to share. With anyone,” I nodded and tried to relax.

“Good,”

“What did dad say?” he asked, and I blushed, thinking back to the quick meeting I’d had with him when I had returned home.

✤ Flashback ✤

“Are you busy?” I asked him as I poked my head into his office. Alwyn looked up from his paperwork and smiled.

“Yes, but you are a welcome distraction, how did things go over at Dark Sky?” he asked, looking down. I step inside and closed the door quietly before approaching his desk. I could see he was busy with the monthly budget.

“I met her,” I said simply, and his head snapped up as he gazed at me with excitement.

“Tell me everything, who is she? What does she look like?”

“Freya Payton, Arion and Laura’s daughter,” I announced proudly. My father shot up and rushed to me from around his desk.

“Wonderful! That is wonderful!” he gushed out as he slapped me on my back. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face as we sat down and I told him all about Freya, well, what I knew anyway. “I am happy for you; I assume you will stay there?”

“Yes, she made it clear she wouldn’t leave the pack,” I said. He nodded, thoughtful.

“That means you hand Blade the title?” he asked.

“Yes,”

“Wonderful, I knew everything would work out,”

✤ End of Flashback ✤

“Nice, mom is happy for you too and I know they can’t wait to officially meet her,” Blade said, and I smiled nervously. All I can hope for is that the evening will be perfect.

✤ Freya ✤

“Do I really have to wear this?” I asked as I glanced over at my mother who was looking for a pair of shoes to go with my outfit. She stood up and turned to me with a look of disbelief.

“Freya Payton! You are going to meet Ryder’s parents for the first time! Surely you want to look nice?” I could tell by the look on her face and by the tone of her voice that I was expected to say yes.

“Yes, but do I really have to wear this?” I asked again as I gently ran my hands along the front of the dress. A cute short square neckline dress with short sleeves in soft pink chiffon with a bow. I looked nice, it fitted me perfectly and showed off my legs, but I wasn’t a fan of wearing dresses.

“Yes!” Laura squealed out as she showed me the pair of shoes she had found in the back of my closet. I don’t even think I had worn them yet, same as the dress. “These will go perfectly with your dress,” she informed me, and I sat down on the stool and slipped on the chunky-heeled pumps that had a ‘peep toe’ as my mother would call it, straps and of course a bow. Oh yay! More bows! It was in the same soft pink as the dress and I vaguely remembered Laura buying me a few matching sets such as these. I stood up and did a small twirl for her as she looked so excited. “You look so sweet! I wish you would dress up like this more often,” she came over to me and kissed my forehead. “Don’t take too long in getting finished,” she left the room and I sat back down on the stool and tried to think what I should do with my hair. I decided to leave it hanging as it just reached my shoulders and had a soft wave to it that would normally bother me. I hesitated and sighed. Should I put on some makeup? I asked myself. I wasn’t experienced with applying it and since my skin was smooth and flawless, I decided against it. However, I did put on some lip gloss that highlighted my naturally pink lips. I opened my drawer and carefully took out the rose gold necklace that had my name dangling from the end. A gift from my parents on my eighteenth birthday. I slipped it on and smiled. I fingered the piece of jewel lovingly and heard the door open.

“Hmm?” I stood up and turned around.

“Come on Freya, let’s go,” she said as she stood by the door waiting for me. With one last quick look in the mirror, I left the room and followed her downstairs to the dining room. I could pick up Ryder’s scent easily, he smelt like lemon and rain. As I entered the room, I spotted him standing with his brother and before he noticed me, I checked him out. He had combed back his dark brown hair and he wore a black suit with a white shirt and a black tie. He looked so attractive and I blushed when he turned and looked at me. At that moment it was as if the whole world disappeared as if it was just the two of us. The butterflies in my tummy flapped around making me even more nervous than I was before, and I subconsciously rubbed my hands on the sides of the dress. A movement to his right distracted me and everything came crashing down. I slowly made my way into the room and glanced over at his brother. What was his name again? Blake? Blossom? Oh, Blunt? Nope, no idea. I greeted him with a quick nod before turning my attention back to Ryder.

“Freya, you look absolutely elegant,” Ryder said and I wasn’t sure how to take the compliment.

“Thank you,” I managed to say as my cheeks got even hotter.

“You remember my brother, Blade?” Ryder gestured over at his twin and I smiled. Right, Blade. I knew it was something with a B. “And my parents,” he moved and went over to his parents. “Dad, Mom, this is my mate, Freya Payton,” I wish I knew where to stick my head. Their intense curious gaze made me feel awkward and uncomfortable.

“H-hello…” I stuttered.

“Aw! She is adorable!” his mother cooed out, her brown eyes shining with happiness. “I’m Katrina,” she held out her hand and I quickly shook it and bowed respectfully. I loved the way Katrina had gently swept up her soft brown curls up on her head, it looked stunning. 

“And I am Alwyn,” his father announced proudly. I bowed at him too after shaking his outstretched hand. He had every reason to be proud. I knew the stories about Alwyn Fox. His dark hair was slightly grey on the sides but his soft honey-colored eyes shone just as brightly as Katrina's. Ryder's parents were obviously happy. That made me feel good and nervous at the same time. 

“Welcome to our home, officially,” I heard my father just behind me and I shifted to the side. “This is my lovely wife, Laura and I am Arion,”

“Alwyn and my wife Katrina,” Alwyn introduced. They all shook hands and everyone was smiling. At least our parents seemed to get along.

“Well, let’s have dinner,” Laura announced, and I followed them quietly to the table. Sitting down next to Ryder and already I could feel the excitement building up. I glanced over at him and he smiled. He was going to be the death of me, I just had a feeling.

✤ ✤ ✤

Dinner had been…difficult. Ok, that is just me being shy and awkward. Ryder’s parents were quite friendly and fitted right into the atmosphere and right into the family. Blade was a real goofball and had us all laughing throughout the evening. Honestly, dinner had been delightful. Although now, walking along the path behind the packhouse with Ryder, I was nervous. Again.

“Freya,” Ryder whispered my name and I stopped to look up at him. “We’ve just met and I am so happy but there are some things we need to discuss,” his tone turned serious and I smiled to myself. He was going to make a great Alpha. I could see his strength and I knew I would appreciate him all the more for it.

“The only condition I have is that I won't leave,” I repeated my statement from earlier and he nodded.

“And I agreed to that, which means, I will move here,” he said. I blushed as I turned away, obviously, he would move here. Obviously, he would expect more and it wasn’t that I didn’t want to be with him. I was just inexperienced and shy. “Freya, I have no idea how these things work, but I am willing to try,”

“Me too,” I said turning back to face him. He took a step closer and although we had shared a kiss earlier, I was still nervous about it. When his lips brushed gently against mine, the sound that left my lips shocked me and I pulled back, embarrassed. He chuckled as he pulled me into his arms and I rested my head against his chest.

“I think we will be just fine,” he whispered, and I knew he was right. Everything will be just fine.