Chapter 14: Chapter 14
James and Matt sat in relative silence in the kitchen, taking comfort in the low murmuring of their mates’ voices coming from the floor above. James could tell it was Margot doing most of the talking, but he couldn’t stop the upward twitch of his lips every time he heard his wild mate give her two cents. He loved that the two women were bonding, as much as he wished he could keep Soren locked up inside all day, or with him, he knew she needed more friends. Socializing was a big factor in a wolf’s life and despite the fact that she was human, she would need to interact with them frequently.
Upstairs Margot and Soren were still talking,
“James is one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met,” Margot explained, lounging against the head rest of the king-sized bed,
“He cares so much for his people and he’s going to care even more for you.”
“But why? Why do I feel so attached to him?” Soren’s head was tilted to the side, curiosity brimming in her eyes.
“Did James not tell you? The two of you are mates.”
Mates. The word felt familiar to Soren, as if she had heard James or Matt say it before. Her heart was telling her it felt right, whatever mates meant, she was sure Margot was telling the truth.
“What are mates?”
Margot’s eyes lit up,
“Mates are your other half, what makes you complete. Mates are sacred in wolf culture, the word itself in short for soulmate. We believe that our souls are split in two from the moment we first open our eyes to this world, it is only in finding your soulmate that you finally feel full, feel complete.”
Soren nodded, it made sense. Her tie to James, the weird sense that she could tell how he was feeling and when he was feeling it.
“What does it mean?”
“Well essentially it means you and James are meant to be together. That a power up above fated you for each other. It’s a beautiful thing to find your mate. You will never be alone again, and James will always have your back, that’s a guarantee.”
“Is Matt your mate?”
Soren watched as Margot’s excited face turned wistful,
“Yeah, I was so lucky to find him when I did, I swear I was so miserable and alone at my old pack. I’m an Alpha’s daughter which comes with certain responsibilities and my father was never happy with me. It was a lot of pressure for a young girl and it hurt when my father gave me away so easily, but it was for the best. Matt treats me with the respect I deserve, and I know now not to accept any less from anyone.”
Soren smiled hearing Margot’s love for Matt. They seemed great for each other. Margot was a kind soul who deserved to be happy and cared for, of that, Soren was certain.
“Are you happy here, Ren? I know you haven’t been here long and that it takes time to adjust, but I hope your happy.”
Soren’s smile fell slightly,
“James has a beautiful home, it’s very quaint and homely and welcoming, but it’s not mine. These walls feel like they’re closing in on me and sometimes I find it hard to breathe. It is not the same as being outside, I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to it.”
Margot looked thoughtful,
“I don’t know how to help you with that, so I’m not going to pretend I have any sort of helpful insights. What I do know though, is that you should tell James how you feel, he’d want to know.”
“Maybe. We’ll see.”
Margot got up from her spot on the bed,
“I had a great time today, maybe we can go to town sometime, get some coffee or something.”
“I’ve never tried coffee before, I’d like that.”
Margot sent her a last smile and left the room, leaving the door open behind her. Soren didn’t bother to follow her, she didn’t know if that was something she was expected to do, but the sight of the moon high in the sky sent the thought from her brain.
Walking over to the window she stared up at the glowing silver ball in the sky, it brought her peace and comfort basking in the cool glow it gave off. She didn’t know how long she stayed rooted in place, breaking away from her thoughts only when a warm hand came to rest itself on her lower back. She hadn’t even noticed James’ approach. She knew he was stealthy as a wolf, but she felt like it had more to do with her lack of attention, her mesmerized state.
“How was your visit?”
James’ voice washed over her, and she felt soothed by the warm tones she had been deprived of since that morning.
“I like her, she’s nice.”
James smiled,
“Yeah, she is.”
The hand that had been sitting, placed gently on her back wrapped itself around her, tucking her into his side. She found she loved the feeling of being pressed up against him.
“You want dinner? Margot stayed a lot longer than I thought and I know you haven’t eaten since this morning.”
“No, I’m okay. I’m not hungry.” Soren wasn’t lying, James loved to try and force feed her more food than she had eaten in her life. She knew he was concerned about her weight, but it made her feel sick trying to eat everything he piled up onto her plate.
“How about something small? You’re really underweight, and it worries me. Speaking of, we should really get you in to see the doctor soon, see what he has to say about it.”
“Hmm.” Soren’s hum and slight nod were all he needed to begin ushering her down the stairs, sitting her down at her spot at the island.
Her spot. Soren secretly loved how the far-left hand stool had become her spot in the house. Everything else felt like it was James’, but this stool felt like it belonged solely to her, and she liked the possessive feeling it gave her.
She watched as James put slices of meat between two pieces of bread, cutting it in half before sliding it over to her. He looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to take a bite. It had become a habit of his to watch her take her first few bites, not only to make sure she liked it but also to reassure himself that she was actually eating, that she wouldn’t waste away in his care. Still, Soren felt uncomfortable under his watchful gaze, taking her first bite self-consciously, trying not to get crumbs everywhere.
The sandwich was good, white bread and turkey tasting gourmet to her unqualified taste buds. She ate about half and then shook her head dejectedly, she couldn’t finish it.
“Don’t worry about it. Thank you for trying, I know you didn’t want to. Now, hand it over.”
Soren smiled back at the man that had so graciously become her personal chef, then slide that half-eaten sandwich across the countertop. It was gone in two large bites, she stared in awe at James, it was like there was a never-ending pit inside him, he seemed to always be hungry. Soren couldn’t help the large yawn that erupted from within her lips, the day had been exhausted. She had never done so much talking in one day and trying to keep up with Margot was a challenge.
“Tired?” James asked the question, but she was sure he already knew the answer.
“Yes, Margot’s very energetic.”
James let out a chuckle,
“Yes, yes she really is. I’m not surprised you’re tired.”
Soren slid herself off the stool as James came around the counter to her side. Soren let out a squeak as her feet left the ground. James had literally swept her off her feet. Carrying her up the stairs he placed her gently down at the threshold of his room.
“James, will you tell me about mates?” Soren asked, she had talked about it with Margot, but she wanted to hear about it from James himself, wanted to discuss what it meant for them, for her, for her freedom. James tensed up before forcing his shoulders to relax.
“Not tonight, Ren. Let’s talk tomorrow when you’re not about to fall asleep standing up.”
“Okay.” She stopped herself from responding with her signature silent nod.
“Now, I know Margot brought you a toothbrush and things, they should be in the bathroom. I’ll be downstairs, just call me if you need anything, I should hear you.”
He gave her a last small smile before slipping off down the hall. She could hear his feet retreating down the steps and she closed the door. Going into the bathroom she found all the things Margot had brought her, brushing her teeth she left her hair in its braid, ignoring the way her reflection stared back at her in the mirror.
Going back into the bedroom, she pulled the blankets off the bed. She figured James wouldn’t mind his comforter getting dirty on the bedroom floor, not if he was made for her like Margot had suggested. Pilling the sheets and things, she made herself a small bed in the corner. While she enjoyed the warmth the blankets brought, she could not bring herself to enjoy the way her body sank into the large bed. She felt at risk of drowning down into the mattress. The floor was more comfortable, brought her more familiarity with its hard surface. Not to mention the way the moonlight hit the corner of the room, bathing her in its familiar glow.
It gave her comfort and peace to be able to see the night sky from where she lay. It made it easier to calm down when she woke up and forgot where she was, which had happened both nights she had spent in James’ home. Hunkering down into the pile of blankets she had set up on the floor, she rested her head against a pillow that smelled just like the man she knew was on the couch downstairs. She knew it couldn’t be comfortable for him, to have his large body curled up on such a small couch, but she knew she wasn’t comfortable sleeping with him beside her, plus she didn’t know if he’d be okay with her place on the floor, but never the less she loved that he didn’t push her. He knew not to ask, because he already knew the answer.
Settling in, she took a few calming breaths,
“Goodnight, James.” She whispered, wondering if he could hear her from where he lay.
Looking up at the moon and the stars, she let her eyes close, the brilliance of the moon still engrained upon her eyelids.