Chapter 1
Kai's POV
"Ann could you check and see if that shipment of new bottles came in last night? It was supposed to be here 2 days ago," I asked Ann my helping hand and one employee.
"Sure no problem, I'll make sure the any other shipments are brought in too," she says as she walks to the backroom.
It took me a while to decide on a shop helper because I don't usually associate with to many people, but the shop started picking up business and I found I couldn't get it all done myself.
Ann Silverstich sent me her resume the minute my wanted ad hit my store window. I was surprised she asked so quickly, but with her associates degree in herbal sciences and the fact we got along so well I felt it was perfect fit. She has an upbeat attitude which will help in the front of the shop. She's human but from a "knowing" family so I wouldn't seem odd to her. Apparently the town has been a buzz with excitement of some kind.
My phone rings and it's my adopted mom Celeste. "Hi mom, I'm just getting ready to open the shop. How are you?" I asked as I put the last soap bar on the shelf.
"Your brother Will is graduating university next week, and than the Alpha ceremony will be on the following full moon. I wanted to let you know your are requested at both events. Now I know crowds are a problem for you so wear your gloves and stay close to me." She says in her motherly tone she takes when she wants her way.
Most of the time I have no problem with abiding by what she asks, but when it comes to crowds I tend to stay clear of them. I can speak and socialize I just can't be in close proximity to a lot of people. I'm too sensitive to their feelings and wants which I find to be an invasion of privacy. So over time I have built a bubble I put myself in when I must attend family functions like the ones about to occur. Most of the time I am ok, but once someone pushed through my bubble I feel everyone at once. So Celeste has made sure to always keep me at her side so no one humiliates me or disgraces the family. Most know not to touch me, but there has been the occasional slip.
So I can only pray this isn't one of those occasions. "Mom I told you I didn't want to go to the Alpha ceremony. I agreed to the Uni ceremony because Will asked me himself, which by the way I think you pushed him into asking me. Don't push it with the Alpha ceremony. You know most are just looking for their true mates or more primal pleasures. So don't make it sound like I'm blind to your schemes."
"My dear, I have only every wanted your happiness and true love for you. What's to say it won't happen at either event?"
I thought about this while I turn the open sign on my shop door. Sighing I say to her, "Even if I do find true love we both know I'm not a true wolf. I have never shifted and have given no signs other than an average human. Those odd coincidences don't mean anything, and everyone has the odd premonition, I'm no exception. So what will happen is what will happen, Ma. I can't push it any faster or slower than it will come and I don't really want to either. When I am ready to start seeing someone I will until than lay off a bit please."
"Honey,vEver since we found you we knew you were special. That you were a gift given to us to treasure. I just want you to have someone to love and love you back. No fling or serious relationship has ever done it for you so don't shut this out completely. Make this an opportunity for you to further your search for love or at least have a better idea of what you want in a mate," my mother says trying to love me just a little to closely.
"I will think about it okay and no promises about the Alpha ceremony. What time is dinner tonight? Lysa said she has some big news she won't tell me about over the phone," I said watching Ann put the new bottles on the display case next to the door.
"Good! I had hoped you would say that. Dinner is at 6pm and Lysa is being tight lipped with everyone so your guess would be better than mine at this point," she says her voice off some how,"So do be here early if you can. Your father has something to give you as well. Love you darling." She hangs up and leaves me curious about what she's not saying.
What could he have to give me? I wasn't sure, but I went about my day as I usually do. Lunch came around all too soon and I had yet to eat anything, when the most wonderful scent wofted the room.
There in my little shop was my brother Will. Time sure did him well, still with those kind, striking eyes, I found myself drawn to him like a string linking us, pulling us together. Shaking the feeling off myself I smile and greet my brother with a hug.
"Will, what an unexpected but welcome surprise. I thought you was getting ready for your graduation ceremony how can you be here?" I asked curiously.
"Mom and dad asked me to come home to finish some details for the Alpha ceremony. I also needed to take care of a couple loose ends, so it worked out for me to come home before graduation," he said. He stared down at me slightly. I mean I'm 5'10" but next to him, I feel short with his 6'4" full body build ready to "take to world", literally. He was looking at me more than usualvalmost possession in his eyes, which made me feel more aware of Will than usual. I let it go thinking it has been a while since we last seen each other.
"Well I hope nothing to serious, seeing as how you are going to be the man in charge here soon," I gibe him innocently. "With you as Alpha I guess we'll see each other more for the pack business I usually help Jakob with."
"Yeah I can't believe it's finally gotten this close. I couldn't put it off forever, but Dad was reasonable about when he wanted to give me the reigns. Hopefully I can fill his shoes and be as good as he is," Will says with that boyish uncertain smile he always has when he doubts himself.
I lift up his chin with my hand and look him in the eyes and say, "You'll be even better because that's what dad would want." My hand tingles from the contact.
He pulls my hand into his and kisses the top. It tingles more, but in a good way. "I hope your right. So let's head to lunch that's part of why I stopped by today. Still don't eat breakfast do you?" He asks without letting go of my hand reluctantly.
I cross my arms and put my nose up saying, "Not all of us burn 10x the food because we have super digestive systems. Some of us know moderation, or at least try." I pinching my belly fat as we walk out to go to lunch. I text Ann letting her know I'm heading out to lunch with Will and I'll be back in an hour.
Now I'm not skinny by any means I've got ass for days, and curves in all the good places. Size 6 is overrated but being a curvy woman gives you some wiggle room. However, I'm not like everyone here who has a wolf that can run extra long distances, who run 20-40 miles a day. I work on my tai chi and a bit of the kung fu forms Phillipe showed me. I hit the weight room 2-3x per week, and walk/stand 5.5 hrs in 3" heels on any given day. So I'm no sloach, but standing next to Adonis definitely reminds me I'm not muscular.
"Hey I've never been that kind of vain person to begin with. Besides beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, and don't let other people's feelings get to you they are just jealous," Will says tapping my nose. I sigh and smile up at him.
"At least you have a care for this sisters feelings. Not all our siblings think the same." Lysa always pushes me to be better, more fit like her, but she's got more energy than most wolves so trying to make that leap was impossible. Phillipe was more understanding, but always reminded me to look my best. I usually did anyways so not to disgrace out parents, but he always felt the need to say something to me anyways.
As we walk to my favorite bistro in town I contemplate his words. We take our seats outside because it is such a nice spring day. While looking over the menu Will keeps looking at me over his menu. At first I thought he was just shocked to see me since we've hardly seen each other in the last decade, but now it's like he's studying me. I try to shake the feeling off and order an herb chicken breast with side salad and bake potato. Will orders half the damn menu and by the time the order is placed my eyes are popping out of my face.
"Do you really expect to eat all of that? I get a hardy meal but, damn if I didn't think you might die from food over dose," I said looking over the table at him.
He has a smirk on his face knowing full well that its impossible but laughs anyways. "Not all of that was for me there's no way that little chicken lunch is going to keep you full until dinner. So I ordered extra to open up the variety, and no you are not paying for this, it's my treat," he said before I could ask him to help pay.
"Will, you know I have to be careful with my intact of food or I will turn into a 2 ton whale with all that you ordered. Besides I li..." I said trailing off while looking at Will expression of doubt.
"Fine! I'll try a couple of things, just know your taking me swimming this weekend. This ass don't fix itself, gotta have a mind to work it right," I said patting myself on the backside.
An instant smile spread across his face like I just handed him his favorite toy at my words as lunch was being served.
Through out this whole lunch Will has been stranger than usual like he's waiting for something or waiting on me to notice something. Either way he has kept me in his sights the whole lunch. Am I his...? No that's crazy he's had his wolf for years it would have been noticed before now, I think to myself as I finish the last prawn from one of the dishes Will ordered. I still can't shake the feeling I'm missing more than what's being said.
After lunch is finish and 3 to go boxes later, he takes me back to my shop and drops me off.
"I can come pick you up after work, and take you to the dinner tonight, if you like?" Will asked while taking my hand before leaving.
"Yeah that would be great I still don't like driving, and I refuse to let mom and dad send a family car to pick me up. I plan to close shop at 5 pm, and I should be ready by 5:45, if that works for you," I ask smiling up at him, just squeezing his hand slightly.
"I'll be here waiting, see you than," Will says, kissing my hand before he drops it gently and walks out. He seemed tense walking over to his car, but he slipped and and drove away.