My Perfect Mate

The Journey Home

**STELLA’S POV**

Of course I was the first one up, I had a feeling that this is how it was going to be for the rest of our lives. I quietly snuck into the bathroom for a shower, I knew that we had about a 2 hour ride ahead of us, I wanted to be fresh when we arrived at Silver Moon. I stood in the shower for a couple extra minutes, the water felt amazing as it trickled down my spine. There was a knock on the door, “Baby! We have to leave in about an hour. I’m going to head downstairs to finish packing up the car.” I sighed and tried to relax my muscles, “Okay! I’m almost done!” I called back. I reluctantly leaned forward and twisted the handle. I grabbed a near by towel and wrapped my hair before drying off my body with another. When I stepped out into the bedroom, Gavin was already gone. I went straight for the closet and picked out what I was going to wear. I grabbed a folded pair of destructed blue jeans, my running shoes and an acid washed, black tank top. I looked around the room and noticed that Gavin had already taken our bags downstairs. I stepped back into the bathroom to make sure that we didn’t forget anything. I threw my hair up into a big poof ball on top of my head and clasped my charm bracelet around my wrist. I grabbed a near by zip up and slipped my arms into it before heading downstairs to the most dreaded part, my goodbyes.

Gavin and I made our way quickly through the crowd, we were right on schedule. I wanted to save my parents for last, they were standing next to the Jeep and Matt's truck. My mother pulled me into a massive hug and squeezed until I heard something pop. “Please by careful darling. Don’t do anything reckless. I hope I get to see you in a couple weeks.” She pulled back and kissed my cheek, I scanned the faces around me, “Where’s Noni? I wanted to make sure to say goodbye.” mother looked down at her hands, “She was too upset, she said she couldn’t handle seeing you leave again.” suddenly a wave of guilt rushed over me, “You’re right I don’t want to do that to her again. I'll touch base with her when we get there.” Mother nodded her head and kissed my forehead before my dad grabbed my shoulder and pulled me to his chest. He rested his chin on top of my head, he had been crying. His eyes looked a little puffy and he had a red outline around his pupils. “Dad, I’ll be fine.” He pulled away and looked at me, “You’re right, it looks like you’ll have plenty of protection, not like you need it.” I turned my head and looked at all the men that I would be traveling with. Matt was in the driving side hanging out the window waving goodbye to people. Conner was in the back with the window rolled down, he was smacking the side of the truck, signaling that it was time to go. Then there was Alex hanging in the bed of the truck looking restless, I knew he was probably crushed to be leaving his new mate so soon. I shook my head as I turned back to face my father,  I giggled, “Yeah, it looks like I’ll be the one doing the protecting.” Dad nodded his chin towards my Jeep. Gavin was loading the final bags and provisions into the back, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, that man would die for you. You may be able to protect your brother’s just fine, but don’t forget that even the most fiercest warriors need protection from their pack.” I gave him a stern nod, “Understood Alpha.” He pulled me back into his arms for one last hug. “I love you Princess, link me anytime you need something.” he kissed my forehead before letting me go. He placed is hand behind my arm and gave me a little push, “Now go, I don’t want to put you guys behind schedule.”

I climbed into the passenger side of my lifted, lime green Wrangler. It was a present from my father on my 18th birthday. I had borrowed a pack car for college for the fuel efficiency, but now that I was leaving Blue Moon and heading to Silver Moon, there was no way that I was leaving this beauty behind. I asked Gavin why he didn’t take the sides off, he looked at me with a serious expression, “There is no way that I am leaving us that exposed as we drive through unknown territories.” I rolled my eyes at him, “I’m sorry, I thought I just saw you roll your eyes again.” f**k! I couldn’t help it, it was a force of habit. “I’m sorry, I will gladly take my punishment when we get home.” His eyes danced with excitement, Boy was I in for a world of hurt… or pleasure. That line is a little blurred these days.

We all started waving as Gavin pulled in front of my brothers, Matt and the boys would follow us to our new territory. As Gavin came up to the gates of the compound, I was hooking up my music for a jam session. Once the music was going, I felt Gavin link the four of us.

Alright boys and girls. It’ll take us about 2 ½ hours to get to Silver Moon territory. I’m pretty anxious to get Stella to safety so I’m going to drive pretty aggressively.

Matt: Sounds good man, we’ll try to keep up.

Conner: Let’s do this!

Alex must have been moping about leaving Chelsea behind because he didn’t chime in. Gavin reached over and grabbed my hand and rested it on top of the stick shift before placing his hand over mine. “I didn’t know that you knew how to drive stick.” He looked surprised, I giggled as a dirty joke popped into my head. He looked at me with a wicked grin as he floored the accelerator and shifted our hands into 5th gear.

After some debating I made Gavin roll down the windows so I could wind surf with my hand. He chuckled at my childish ways. I slipped my shades onto my face and giggled back at him. I leaned my head back and let the wind blow past my face. Suddenly “Pretty Girl” came through on shuffle. I leaned forward bouncing in my seat and cranked the nob. I started dancing and singing along,

“I can swear, I can joke. I say what’s on my mind. If I drink, if I smoke, I keep up with the guys. And you see me holding up my middle finger to the world.” I flashed my two perfectly manicured birds and bounced in my seat as I continued to sing. “f**k your ribbons and your pearls. Cuz I’m not just a pretty girl!” I puckered my lips and placed my hand under my chin. 

I felt so incredibly comfortable with Gavin, I could be my crazy, stupid self. I didn’t care if I was the weirdest person in the world, I knew that he would except me for who I was.

We continued heading West towards Odessa. “We’re going to meet my brother Kevin in up here in a couple miles,” I shot him a surprised look. I didn't know that he even had a brother! “Kevin is also my Beta, he’ll escort us the rest of the way home. He’s bring some of my other guards as well. They are all so excited to meet their new Luna.” I turned my music down as I felt a link forming.

Conner: How much further guys, Alex has to pee.

Gavin: We’re almost to Odessa. My brother, Kevin is meeting us there with the rest of my guard.

Alex: Cool beans.

Alex seemed to have perked up a bit. I really wanted to talk to him, I blocked the rest of the guys.

Hey Al, are you okay?

I’m fine Stell, I just hate leaving Chelsea behind.

She’ll be fine Alex, the pack will make sure nothing happens to her. This won’t be a long trip, you’ll be back in her arms in no time!

I know you’re right, but how would you feel if you and Gavin were over 300 miles apart?

Well, I wouldn’t like it very much, but I would focus on the fact that we’ll be back together really soon.

I guess Alex didn’t feel like talking anymore because he didn’t respond back to me.

We were about 10 minutes from our meeting spot so I decided to start gathering my stuff. I hadn’t smoked in a couple days so I dug around in my purse until I found my cigarettes. I flicked the lighter and the flame appeared. Gavin looked over at me, “What do you think you’re doing?” he said with a disapproving eye. I shrugged, “I’m smoking a cigarette, I haven’t had one in a couple days. Does it bother you?” He shrugged his shoulders, “You don’t feel like it affects your training?” I shook my head, nicotine doesn’t really affect wolves the way it does humans. We still get the nicotine buzz but the toxins leave our body much quicker. “I don’t care if you smoke, I think it’s kind of hot but have you ever thought about quitting?” I looked at me and smiled, “I would think about it more seriously if I had a concrete reason for giving it up.” He gave me a beaming smile, “Like if you were pregnant with my pups?” I was shocked, how could he be thinking about impregnating me? We’ve only known each other for less than a week! “Too soon?” he said with a chuckle. My mouth was still hanging out, “Um, yeah just a little!” Suddenly his lips turned up into a wicked smile as a dirty thought surfaced in his head.

Well practice makes perfect.

I gave him a playful slap across his arm. We should really start using condoms.

We pulled into a Kwik Trip on the outskirts of town. We were surrounded by nothing but trees, of course Gavin had to pick the most secluded spot. I hopped out of the passenger side without even thinking, “Stella, wait!” He called after me but it was too late. I saw 7 wolves step out of the tree line, Scarlet instantly went on the defense, I dropped my purse on the ground and shifted within a fraction of a second. Gavin ran over and stood between me and the wolves with his hands up, “Wait, wait. Kevin relax man, this is Stella, my Luna.” I looked at him and shook my body, returning back to my human form. “s**t, Gavin I’m so sorry I didn’t know.” Gavin stepped back towards me and wrapped me in his arms, “I’m alright, I don’t need you to shield me.” Gavin looked at me with wide eyes before leaning in to my ear, “I’m not shielding you for protection, I’m shielding you because you are about to meet my brother completely naked.” I looked down, f**k! that’s the only part of why I hate being a wolf. I looked down at the ground to see what was left of my favorite jeans. My brothers peeled into the parking lot, and jumped out of the truck before it came to a complete stop. Gavin linked them,

Guys calm down, it’s a misunderstanding.

Matt: It doesn’t look like a misunderstanding

Gavin: I promise you everything’s fine, can you guys grab Stella some new clothes from her bag in the back?

Conner: Sure thing

Alex: jumped the gun there did ya Stell?

Shut up guys and grab me some clothes.

Once I was decent again, Gavin made proper introductions. Kevin stepped behind a tree and shifted, along with the rest of the guard. When they emerged they were all wearing an array of different colored basketball shorts.

I could definitely tell that they were related. Kevin was only two years younger than Gavin, they had the same hair texture just in different colors. Kevin had the same long wavy hair but the color was a chestnut brown instead of black. Kevin was about a half an inch shorter than Gavin. Kevin took a couple steps forward, “Sorry about that Stella, we didn’t mean to alarm you. We figured wolf form would be more beneficial if something were to go wrong.”

“Please don’t apologize, I clearly over reacted.” everyone let out a boom of laughter at my expense which I’m not going to lie, I didn’t like very much. When the boys had calmed down I gestured back to my brothers, “I would like to introduce my older brothers, Conner, Matt, and Alex.” They all nodded as I listed them off one and a time.

“Nice to meet you boys, are you ready to kick some Rogue ass?” they chuckled before Conner responded, “I think Stella is more ready than the rest of us, she’s the bad ass.” I blushed at Conner’s compliment, “So I’ve heard,” Kevin looked at me and smirked. “I want to introduce the rest of Silver Moon’s pack. Kevin went down the line, each one of them bowed to their new Luna. I looked around at the muscles that surrounded me, Dad was right, I would be well protected.  

Once we all got settled again, we quickly got back on the road. Kevin and the other wolves ran along side the highway hidden behind the trees. Surprisingly, they were able to keep up with the cars quite well. Gavin hadn’t said much since we got back into the car, I looked down at my hands, I got the strange feeling that he was annoyed with me. I cleared my throat, “I’m sorry I flipped out earlier. I hope you’re not mad at me.” He gave my hand a little squeeze, “I’m not mad at you baby, if anything it just confirms that you can take care of yourself. I just need to get used to the fact that every time you shift back you would be naked in front of everyone.” I laughed out loud, “That’s whats bothering you?” He gave me an are you serious look, and I laughed harder. “I’m sorry that I almost met your brother naked, but I wasn’t expecting to shift in the first place. I promise I’ll be more careful when I choose to defend myself.” Gavin squeezed my hand hard, making if flinch. “Ow, you d**k!” He looked at me and raised an eyebrow, “What did you just call me?” I pulled my hand away and held it in front of my smile. He started to chuckle at me, “God you’re so cute. You’ll be the death of me woman.” I winked at him before changing the song and turning the volume up.

I must have dozed off because I don’t remember the rest of the car ride. I woke up to Gavin placing soft kisses on my cheeks and my nose. “Wake up my love, we’re home.” I protested at first but realized that I had a whole new pack to meet. I stretched my shoulders so they would pop back into place and slid my aviators back past my hairline, creating a makeshift headband. I swung my feet down and hopped to the ground. I turned slowly to take it the my new surroundings. Silver Moon was even more remote than home. We were standing in a large clearing with the sparring ring off to the left side. I could see the mountains out West that framed the beautiful, clear sky above us. It was so peaceful out here, I took a deep breath in, the air quality was sure pure. Off to the right, in the back corner of the clearing was the enormous pack house. I could see a small throng of people spread out in the front of the house, no doubt waiting to get a glimpse of me. I was entranced by the scenery that surrounded us. Gavin wrapped his arm around my waist bringing me back to earth. “You you like it?” I looked up at him, “Like it? I love it, it’s exquisite.” Gavin beamed at me, “Come on my love, let’s go meet some people.”

Gavin led me up to the house, it was a short walk from where we parked the cars. This scene reminded me of when I came home from school just a short time ago. I leaned into Gavin, “Do I look alright? I feel a little under dressed, especially since I’m meeting your parents.” He kissed the side of my forehead as we got closer to the crowd, “You look stunning as always. Don’t be nervous, just be yourself. They are going to love you.” I swallowed the huge lump in my throat as I locked eyes with Mrs. Mitchell. She had a mega watt smile, she was softly bouncing up and down with excitement, she kind of reminded me of my own mother. When we finally reached them Gavin made the introductions, “Mom, dad, this is Stella Ann Schimdt. My beautiful mate and future Luna.” Mrs. Mitchell leaped forward and wrapped my in her arms. “Oh my dear, it is such a pleasure to meet you. I never thought that this day would come!” She pulled away from me but grabbed my hands and swung them between us, “You are just the most gorgeous thing that I have every seen.” I could feel the heat radiate to my face, “Tell me dear, what do you think of your new home?” I gave her my best smile, “It’s breathtaking, thank you so Mrs. Mitchell for welcoming me.” she waved her hand in the air, “Oh please it’s not trouble at all, and please it’s Diane!” I smiled politely at her when Mr. Mitchell stepped forward, I extended my hand, “Alpha Scott, it’s a pleasure to meet you. My father has told me so much about you.” Scott beamed at me, “Well it’s not Alpha anymore, I handed that stress off to Gavin now. I admire your father so much, you kids are his greatest accomplishments. I remember the day he called to tell me that he finally got his baby girl.” My brothers stepped up and took my place as they greeted Mr. Mitchell.

Gavin helped me navigate the rest of the crowd until we reached the large front porch. Gavin helped me up the stairs before turning to address the pack. “Good evening everyone!”

“Good evening Alpha!” they called back in unison. Gavin smiled out at them, “I want to thank you all for coming out and welcoming us back, it’s so good to be home. I wanted to take a moment and introduce the love of my life and our future Luna, Stella Ann Schmidt of Blue Moon Pack.” Gavin gestured for me to step forward, the crowd erupted in applause and yelled out several different greetings. Once they quieted down I took the opportunity to address them myself. “Hello everyone!”

“Hello Luna!” they shouted back. “I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your extremely warm welcome. I know that in just a few short weeks we will have a formal ceremony, but I wanted to address you all in preparation. I vow to always protect this pack, I vow to follow my heart and always do what’s right. I vow to love each and everyone of you. I appreciate your love and support, I am overjoyed to call you my family.” Suddenly I heard loud howls sweep across the crowd, it gave me goosebumps, it was the proudest moment of my life. Gavin stepped forward, “What you may not know is that, Luna is a fierce warrior, I have witnessed her take down 4 Rogues in a matter of minutes,” I heard several gasps escape from the crowd, “It was the most incredible thing that I have ever seen. I know in my heart that Luna Stella will do everything in her power to fight for us, she will protect us to the best of her abilities.” I turned red from all of the attention. The crowd was clapping and cheering wildly. My heart was full with all the love that these strangers were showing me, I knew in my gut that I was in the right place. I could now officially call Silver Moon Pack my home and I couldn’t be prouder.