Chapter 3

Colson pulled up to the hotel with Gretchen sleeping beside him. The trip had been longer than anticipated, and he was ready to call it a day. Colson pulled into a parking spot and shut off the engine before waking Gretchen up from her nap. He gently brushed away the strands of hair that had fallen into her face and were able to see her without anything obstructing his view. Colson began to rub her cheek as he said to her, “Hey, we’re here. Time to wake up.” Gretchen opened her eyes and smiled at Colson. She began to stretch her arms as Colson unbuckled her seatbelt so she wasn’t restricted. Gretchen leaned over and looked out the windshield at the hotel that stood before them. “Wow,” she whispered. Gretchen sat back in her seat and turned to Colson. “Sorry, I fell asleep. How long was I out?” Colson chuckled. “Just a few hours. You’re cute when you sleep.” Gretchen blushed as she opened her door to get out of the truck. Colson pulled her suitcase from the backseat before setting it on the ground and rolling it in for her. Gretchen pulled out her phone to check the time. It was close to ten by the time they got there. Gretchen followed Colson as they walked to the hotel lobby to check-in. As they entered the hall, Gretchen noticed her family from the elevator. “Uncle Zachary!” Gretchen called out as she waved at him to get his attention. Zachary turned and looked relieved when he saw his niece standing in the lobby. He quickly walked over to them and hugged Gretchen. “I’m so glad you could catch up,” Zachary told her. “Me too,” Gretchen admitted. Zachary extended his hand to Colson, which he gladly took and shook. “Thank you for bringing her up here.” “It was no problem at all. I was happy to help.” “We were just about to get something to eat. You are more than welcome to join us.” Zachary offered. Gretchen nodded with enthusiasm. “I could eat. I bet you could, too,” she said to Colson. Colson looked down at his watch. He was hungry but knew that he needed to get back on the road again. “I probably shouldn’t; I need to get back.” “Please, after all that driving to get Gretchen here for us. Please, let me buy you some dinner.” Zachary offered. He looked at Gretchen, who gave him pleading eyes to say yes to her uncle’s offer. Colson shook his head. This girl of his, how could he say no to that beautiful face, he thought to himself. His wolf purred excitedly, hearing they weren’t leaving their mate yet. “Okay, thank you.” Colson agreed. The elevator opened, and the rest of the party went toward the lobby. Vita came bouncing up. “Hey, Gretchen, glad you are here,” she said as she hugged Gretchen. Deak nodded politely to Colson. Marco walked up and slapped Colson on the back, “Hey, you finally made it.” “Yeah, I didn’t realize how far it was.” “Are you joining us?” Tabitha asked as she walked up and stood next to Colson. Marco pulled Tabitha into his side, keeping her from hugging anyone. Tabitha looked at him with narrowed eyes. Marco leaned down at kissed her nose. “Aren’t you two cute,” Gretchen sang out. Tabitha rolled her eyes. “Just wait; Colson will show his protective side soon enough,” she warned. Colson huffed as he rubbed his hand on Gretchen’s back. “Hey, I’m trying not to scare her away.” They all laughed except Gretchen. Colson’s sister Ophelia had been cruel to her, giving her a wrong impression of wolves. Sure, this group seemed nice, but Gretchen was still scared she might do something to piss them off. What if she made Colson mad? She had seen his temper when they first met; it scared her a lot. Colson continued to rub his hand against Gretchen’s back. He could sense her anxiety and was trying to calm her down. Zachary approached the group, “Hey, our table is ready.” Gretchen quickly moved away from the small group and followed her uncle into the restaurant. The rest of them looked at each other with questionable looks and quietly followed. Vita pulled on Colson’s arm to hang back so that she could talk with him. Deak waited patiently for them at the entrance of the restaurant. “Colson, I don’t know if you knew, but your sister treated Gretchen badly in high school and college,” Vita confessed. Colson’s eyes widened as his wolf growled at how his mate had been treated by his own sister. A flashback returned to him when he remembered his first encounter with his mate. His shoulders dropped when he remembered he hadn’t given her the best first impression. Colson nodded as he understood what Vita was trying to tell him. “I’m trying to be respectful and show her that I can be trusted and a good mate for her,” Colson admitted. Vita smiled softly at Colson as she rubbed her hand on his arm for sympathy. In the distance, she heard a growl and looked at her mate, who watched her every move. Vita quickly removed her hand from Colson’s arm and apologized. “I, too, am still learning,” Vita admitted. “Yeah, let’s head in before your boyfriend tries to kill me,” Colson suggested. “Good choice.” Vita agreed and walked straight over to Deak. “Sorry,” she said once she was next to him. Deak reached down to grab her hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “I’m sorry too. Forgive my protectiveness over you,” he confessed. Vita smiled as she followed Deak into the restaurant and to their table. Vita whispered behind him, “It’s one of the things I love about you.” Deak smiled as he pulled the chair out for his mate to sit in and enjoy a nice meal together. *** Back at the cottage in the forest, music played throughout the house. The older man walked into the room, where the younger man was playing a piece on the piano. “What is it, Hemsworth?” the young man asked as he continued to play. “There is news, your grace,” Hemsworth answered. “What have you heard?” “Mr. Duvall has been named the new Lycan King of the land, your grace,” Hemsworth informed. The young man laughed at the news. “My dear friend from high school is the new Lycan King,” he repeated. “Yes, your grace.” The young man finished the piece he was playing and closed the piano before getting up. “Well, I must visit him and congratulate him.” “I’m afraid he’s gone, your grace.” “Where did he go?” “He’s on his way to Silver City; he’s escorting a small coven to find information.” “Excellent. Pack my things, Hemsworth. I think a trip to Silver City is just the thing I need right now.” “Very well, your grace.” Hemsworth bowed before leaving the room. The young man walked to the window and looked out across the land. “I will have everything I ever wanted soon enough. Just wait and see,” he said aloud before turning and leaving the room.