FULL NOVELXO Chapter That Was Unexpected
I looked at Chase with worry then at my mate who shook his head understanding that I needed to see what this was about. I followed Chase to his truck and got in, wondering what could be so important while he drove off towards his pack.
"Chase, did he say why he wanted me to call him?"
"No, he just asked that you call him as soon as you got back to the pack."
"Did he sound upset or scared or did he say something was wrong?"
"Calm down Em, he just asked me to give you the message. And there was no tone in his voice."
Looking out the window, I started thinking the worse about why he would be calling me. Was someone hurt? Did he change his mind and wanted me to take over? What if Anderson had threatened them? My knee started bouncing on the floorboard when I heard a voice in my head.
"Breathe, Red. I'm sure it's nothing but if you need me, just say the word."
My anxiety left my body as soon as he spoke the first word and I smiled knowing he would always be there to make things better. When we drove up to the house, Everly was sitting on the porch waiting for us to arrive.
"How are things going with you two?"
"Things are amazing. I'm going to ask her to marry me next weekend. We're having a party for the warriors and everyone will be there, I hope you and Bishop will be able to come."
"We wouldn't miss it." I smiled at him as he put the truck in park and turned off the ignition.
I opened the door, jumped out and gave Everly a big hug before going inside and making my way to Chase's office. I sat down in his desk chair and picked up the phone, pausing before I dialed so my father didn't pick up the alarm in my voice. Pressing the buttons, I heard it ring a few times before he picked up.
"Alpha Watson."
"Hello, father."
"Em! I'm so glad you called, your mother and I have missed you. How is everything in Tennessee?"
"I miss you both too and I have been pretty busy here."
"Yes I've heard. Chase tells me you have been spending a lot of time away from his pack. Tell me, what has you so occupied?"
Not knowing if I should tell him about Bishop, I said, "I've been doing a lot of traveling, you know, roaming around."
"You should be careful out there, Rogue's aren't welcomed everywhere."
"I'm not a Rogue, father."
"Well you left my pack and you haven't been accepted by Chase's pack yet, so technically you aren't a member anywhere."
"I'll be fine father. Now what was so important that you wanted me to call you? How is everything at the pack? Do you need me to come home for anything?"
Not wanting to sound like a desperate child begging their parent to ask them to come home, I said it in a very sarcastic tone, hoping he wouldn't see through my act.
"Everything is fine. In fact, they are better than fine. Anderson has turned our pack into a lean, mean fighting machine. We have our own increased security detail and our random attacks have stopped. He has been a blessing to us, Em. I told you you were wrong about him."
Tears filled my eyes as he continued on about how Anderson had done so many great things for the pack. He lent them some of his top men to come in and teach all kinds of new fighting tactics and he even helped them secure the boarders by building up the land.
What I had seen when I visited weeks ago was just the first phase of his plan and since then he had totally transformed them, not only physically but emotionally too. He even gave my mother some new duties, which she was enjoying tremendously.
The longer we talked on the phone the better I felt about my decision to leave because the truth was, they were better off without a selfish leader like me. I had come to terms with the fact that I would never be good enough for the council and that was alright with me because I had everything I needed with Bishop and from now on I was going to pour everything I had into being the Luna he and his pack deserved.
"It sounds like the pack is stronger than ever. I'm really glad father."
"Em, you know your mother and I just want you to be happy. I know not meeting your mate yet has to be hard but don't let it stop you from finding your true love, mate or not."
"Actually father, I met my mate while I was here in Tennessee."
"Ember that is wonderful. Who is he? Is he part of Chase's pack?"
"No, in fact he is the Alpha of the Black Claw pack which borders Chase's pack and I have agreed to be his Luna."
"Then we have to meet him. You should come home and visit and bring him along. Your mother will be thrilled when she finds out."
"I will talk to him and see if we can make the trip but I have to get back. I love you both, so much and I can't wait to see you."
"Love you too, Em."
Hanging up, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face. Two months ago I never would have imagined being happy that my father's pack was thriving without me but here I was, relieved that he didn't need me. I pushed the chair back and jumped up heading back outside.
"Chase, can you bring me back to Black Claw?"
"Uh, yeah, everything ok?"
"Everything is perfect." I smiled as I gave Everly a hug then said, "We will see you guys next weekend."
Chase pulled into my driveway where my very concerned mate was waiting on the front porch for me. I opened my door and ran into his arms, taking a deep breath and inhaling his amazing scent. His tight grip assured me that no matter what, he would always be there for me.
"Thank you for returning her, Chase."
"I thought about keeping her at the pack but the thought of her being away from you for longer than she already was made my heart hurt. See you both next Friday night."
Bishop tilted his head and I patted his chest saying, "They're having a celebration and Chase is popping the question. Can we please go?"
"It is for a special occasion." He paused and looked at Chase then extended his hand to him. "We'll be there."
After shaking hands, Chase left and we stood holding each other as the sun began to go down.
"I take it the phone call went well."
"It did and my parents want to meet you." I said as I looked up into his big brown eyes.
"Then I guess we will be planning a trip to Georgia soon." Kissing my cheek he grabbed my hand and led me into the house.
My heart was so full it was about to burst. How did I get so lucky as to have a mate like him? I didn't know why but I would thank the goddess every night if it assured me we would be together forever.
Chase is so cute, asking Everly to marry him during the celebration. I hope this puts a fire under Bishops butt to make things really official with Em.
That was some surprising news her father laid on her. Phew!!!! Em actually took the news better than I thought but will her parents really like Bishop or do you think father will give him a rough time just because he's taking Ember away?
What will the future hold for Black Claw pack? Will Em stay in her Luna lane or will she cause problems if Bishop has different views than her. Time will tell when they start ruling together.