Fantasy Romance Novel

Chapter 19

"What?" Kole questioned noticing her sudden frown.

"I don't think you want to know."

"You can tell me anything."

"Alec found them and destroyed them all," Aurora paused debating if she should tell the whole truth. "And then Darren punished me." She finished in a whisper.

Well she had been right, he hadn't wanted to know that. He couldn't handle someone touching his mate. He could feel his wolf stir at the thought.

She winced when she saw his eyes flash and crushed the spoon he was holding. She knew she shouldn't have told him, she had just ruined their wonderful night.

"Sorry I shouldn't have said anything." She said glancing at the bent spoon.

"No, I want you to tell me these things. I don't want you to feel like you have to keep anything from me."

"Ok." She nodded, feeling doubtful. Making small talk they ate their meal. She didn't even eat half of the large burger but she took it and the left over fries home with her.

Once they had both finished, they paid the check and went to leave but not before she felt Kole's irritation. Glancing over at him she watched as he glanced down at the receipt and noticed that there was a phone number written on the bottom of it, no doubt their waitress'. Before she had even a second to doubt their night, Kole made it very obvious as to throwing away the number making sure both Claire and Rory saw.

"Would you like to walk around for a little before heading home?" He asked a hopeful smile on his face.

"I would like that." She nodded.

They walked outside and almost immediately he took her hand, and she felt hope. Just his touch was soothing enough to her. She glanced at their connected hands, his covering her petite hand. It was a perfect fit. Aurora glanced back up to his face, curious to see if they were having the same experience, but his face was emotionless. She frowned and wanted to pinch herself. Maybe this was all just a cruel dream. She heard about some wolves trying to let their mates down easy and that's exactly what she thought this night was.

"I'm sorry I've been distant," Kole said suddenly as they walked down the road.

"That's alright." Her throat started to get tight, nervous about where this conversation was heading.

"No it's not," Kole growled. "You've been with us for more than a week and I've done nothing to help you adjust or even spend time with you. I've just had a lot on my mind. Things I needed to work out."

His words did nothing to sooth her worries, she knew where this was heading. He was rejecting her. He planned to take her to a nice restaurant and let her down after she had a nice meal.

Rory stopped abruptly, pulling her hand from his. Her throat was getting tight and she was struggling to breath.

"Aurora?" Kole asked worriedly. He reached out to touch her shoulders, but she wouldn't let him.

"Stop, please." She folded her arms around her waist trying to hold herself together.

"What's the matter?"

"You're going to reject me." She whispered, tears running down her checks. "It's ok, I was expecting it but I didn't think it would take you this long..." she took a step backward preparing to run from a shocked Kole.

She went to turn except she found herself being pulled into a hard chest.

"Is that what you think?" Kole asked running his hand through her hair.

"It's the truth."

"No, no..." Kole pushed her away just enough to be able to look into her green eyes. "I'm sorry I made you doubt our relationship. I should have seen it earlier. I have no intentions; not now, not ever, to reject you Aurora."

"You don't?" She looked up between her wet lashes, scanning his face for any sign of lies.

"No, you are the best things that has ever happened to me. I thank the moon goddess every night that she brought me to you. I just worry that I'm not good enough for you. The things I've done, the people I've killed, you shouldn't have to be with a murder."

"You are good for me. The things you've done, is to protect your family which is something that anyone would have done." Aurora said trying to reassure him. She didn't see him as a killer, she saw him as a protector.

"I'm glad we were able to talk about this."

"Me too." She nodded the smile back on her face.

The night before had been amazing. It was the first time that they had been out together and Rory really enjoyed it. She definitely felt a little more at ease when Kole reassured her that he wasn't rejecting her, which he confirmed by showing her that he was making a spot for her in his life. What he saw to be a little gesture, meant a lot to her- and caused her to have a little breakdown.

Rory was glad when they pulled into the garage, she was exhausted and ready for bed. She made her way to the trunk of the car going to grab a few of the shopping bags, but Kole beat her to it.

Chapter 20

"Are you sure you don't want me to grab some?" She asked as she followed him into the house and up to their room.

"I got it." He responded.

Together they walked in silence, but this time it was a comfortable silence.

"I made room for you in the closet and the bathroom for your things." Kole said as he walked into the closet where sure enough there was three empty shelves and a wall for hanging space.

Kole set the bags down and turned to his quiet mate. He was alarmed to see tears in her eyes as she took in the sight.

"What's wrong?" He asked worried he had done something wrong.

"It's nothing, it's silly." She said pushing a tray tear from her cheek.

"If something is upsetting you, its not silly." He said pulling her to him.

Rory wasn't good at sharing her feelings, in fact she was kicking herself for crying in front of him. She knew that unlike being in Darren's pack, she wouldn't get punished for saying or doing the wrong thing. She knew that-she really did- having only been free for nearly two weeks, she was trying to open up, but old habits were hard to break.

"I've just never had anyone make room for me." She whispered. "Thank you."

"Always."

She tilted her head up and kissed his cheek, too quickly for him to move his head to catch her lips, but all the same she was blushing.

Waking up had been different. She wiped her face her eyes slowly adjusting to the light that was coming in. She felt peaceful and it was only when she tried to get up that she panicked. She was pinned in place by something with a tight grip. Her first instinct was worried that it was Alec, or one of his goonies. Her head snapped to the right relieved to see Kole laying beside her. Instantly relieved she could help but relish in the moment. He was here when she woke up, for the first time. She shifted slightly to face him better, not knowing how long she would have to see him so peaceful before had to get up and deal with the pack. The moment didn't last long before he started to stir.

"Morning," he yawned slowly blinking away the light.

"Morning." She whispered back.

"Did you sleep ok?" Kole asked pulling her close.

"Yeah."

"Good." He nodded his eyes slowly falling shut. "The full moon is in two days, are you ready?"

She blinked not sure what to say, she never had a good experience during the full moon.

"You have nothing to worry about, I'm going to introduce you to the pack so you feel more comfortable."

"Ok." She said but before she could say any more there attention was turned to the side as they heard a loud howl.

"Fuck." Kole sighed looking down at her regret filling his face.

"Go." She smiled, knowingly.

"I'm sorry. I want to lay here longer but-," He apologized but she cut him off in the middle of it.

"Your pack needs you, I will be here when you get back." Rory said.

"Thanks." He said pulling himself out of bed but not before kissing her forehead.

She was smiling until he left the room, almost immediately after she started to frown, doubt filling her. As much as she wanted to stay curled in the warm bed she knew she should get around, and maybe look around the packs territory.

With a sigh she dragged herself out of bed and went to get dressed in her new clothes.

~*~*~

"Well look who dragged herself out of bed," Georgia spoke with a smile on her face.

"Morning." Rory said glancing at the clock, surprised to see that it was only eight in the morning. "You make it sound like it was two in the afternoon."

"Might as well be, you're burning daylight." Georgia turned her attention to the stove. "Take a seat while I fix you a plate."

Rory went to protest but was immediately cut off by a stern glare from Georgia, so instead Rory smiled and accepted the plate.

"Do you know what the howl was about?" Rory asked, scooping some eggs off the plate.

"Um, yeah," Georgia paused looking uncertain, "Just some rouges getting to close too our liking."

"Rouges." Rory paled.

"It's nothing to worry about, Kole and Alex will handle it."

"If you say so."

"I do." Georgia smiled trying to look positive but something in her eyes was giving her away.

Rory finished her meal in light chatter with Georgia, enjoying hearing things about Kole.

"Do you want to go around and meet some of the pack? Maybe that will help calm your nerves for the full moon." Georgia suggested, filling the dishwasher.

"Do you have time?"

"All the time in the world."

"Isn't it horrible that I'm nervous about meeting the pack?" Rory asked as she loaded her dishes into the dishwasher. "I know you guys seem friendly, but I'm still worried about others liking me." Rory frowned before whispering, "especially when they find it that their Luna is a Runt and a fox."

"Rory," Georgia spoke her voice firm "you are not a Runt."

"But I'm-"

"No, you are not a Runt. You are a completely different species. It's not a bad thing - no not at all. You're special