Chapter 5 Sarah's POV

I opened my eyes. The car was slowing down, turning into a big mansion's parking lot. I turned to look at Sam. "Hey sleepyhead,?? he said with a smile, that same smile that melts my heart every time I see it. "Hey Sarah! You missed all the fun,?? Zach said to me. He looked excited like a kid. "Hey guys! Sorry, I didn't realize I was this tired!?? They both laughed as Sam finished parking the car. "Here we are!?? he told me. I looked outside; the mansion was enormous. I think I've never seen a house this big, well other than in movies. "Wow! Your parents have a huge house!?? I told Sam. "Well, it's not just his parents' house.?? Zach said, "A few members of the pack live here. My parents live there as well.?? "Some members of the pack live in the forest or in houses nearby.?? Added Sam, "But most of my uncles and aunts live in this mansion, with a good part of my cousins too, as well as my little sister.?? We came out of the car. "Wow! I didn't realize I was going to meet your whole family.?? I told him. I was feeling uneasy at this thought. Sam put his arm around my waist and kissed me on the mark he made on my neck, which calmed me instantly. "Don't worry baby, it's going to be fine, they're going to love you.?? He said with a sweet voice. He knew exactly how to make me feel better. As we started to walk to the house, the door opened and a small young woman with green eyes and long blond hair came out. She looked like she was about fifteen years old. She looked at us, smiled and came running to great us. Sam let go of my waist and hugged her. "Sis! I'm so glad to see you! You've grown so much!!?? "Oh, I missed you Sam!?? She told him. She released her hug and then hugged Zach. "Hey Suzan! It's been a long time!?? He told her. "Well, you should come and visit more often.?? She told him with a spout. "I missed my favorite cousin.?? Then she released her hug and looked at me with a big smile. "Hi! I'm Suzan, I'm Sam's little sister.?? Sam answered before I could say anything, "Hey Sis, this is Sarah, I love her with all of my heart. She is my mate.?? Suzan's eyes widened at those words and she hugged me tight. "Oh wow! I'm so happy for you guys!?? she said looking at me and Sam. "Welcome to the family Sarah.?? I was feeling truly welcomed. "It's so nice to meet you, Suzan.?? I told her. "Oh please, you can call me Sue, all of my friends call me like that.?? "Okay Sue it is then,?? I added with a smile. We walked to the front door. A tall man with a broad chest and dark brown hair and hazel eyes came to greet us. Beside him stood a woman with long blond hair and green eyes. She looked exactly like Suzan. It's wasn't hard to guess they were Sam's parents. "Welcome home son.?? The man said. He looked very strong and serious, but also kind. You could feel the love for his son through the way he looked at him. Sam gave them a hug. "Mom, Dad, I want you to meet Sarah, my mate,?? he said with a proud look on his face. "Aww sweetheart! Congratulations!?? His mom told him with a big smile and then she came and hugged me. "Hi Sarah! It's so nice to meet you. My name's Val, I'm Sam's mom and this is Mark, his dad.?? "It's so nice to meet you too.?? I told them both. I was getting a little shy as I saw some faces looking curiously at us through the windows. Sam's dad seemed to smell something and then turned to his son with a proud smile. "I guess we'll have something to celebrate tonight.?? He said to us with a smile. "Don't just stand there! Come in!?? Suzan told us, pulling my hand to get me into the house giggling. The house was really big, with lots of rooms. There seemed to be people everywhere. Sam looked proud to present me to everyone, and everyone seemed quite happy to meet me. There's no way I would be able to remember everyone's name!! But everyone made me feel at home so at least that's a relief. Finally, we arrived at our room. The room was really big with a king-size bed and lots of cushions. "Wow! You have a big room!?? I told Sam, throwing myself on the comfortable bed. He came to the bed and laid himself on top on me, keeping just about an inch between us. "Well, I'm the Beta here, so I have quite an important job to do. I guess I deserved a big room, but it's of no use if I'm to be alone in it.?? He started to kiss me gently on the lips and then continued to my neck and shoulders, giving me shivers. My hands started to roam his back and brush the nape of his neck. A knock came on the door, forcing Sam to stop and get up. I got up as well while he went to open the door. Suzan was there, smiling. "Hey Sam, Mom asked me to tell you guys supper is going to be ready in a few minutes so you should get downstairs soon.?? Sam looked disappointed that he couldn't be alone with me more but answered, "Okay Thanks Sis, we'll be down in a minute.?? Then he closed the door. Sam sat beside me on the bed. "So, are you ready for your first supper with my family as my mate??? he asked with a grin. His question took me by surprise. I mean it's only supper, right? "Well, is there anything special I should expect??? He laughed and began, "Well, there is this tradition for us lycanthropes, and it would make me very happy and proud if you let me do it.?? I was curious to know what this tradition was. "Well, it depends on what this tradition is.?? I told him with a smirk to tease him. Sam continued. "It's a tradition for a wolf to feed his mate in front of his family, to show everyone he will always take care of her.?? He said while blushing a little. It was the first time I ever saw him like that, he looked like a kid. "You mean like the other day when you fed me??? He looked at me rubbing the back of his head, embarrassed. "Well, yeah but I didn't dare to tell you about the tradition the other day, especially since you didn't know about me being a wolf. So, you know, it's the first meal with my family and we're officially mates. What do you say babe??? He looked anxious while waiting for my answer. This seemed to mean a lot to him, and I didn't want to break this tradition. I got closer to him and kissed him on the lips, which I can never have enough of. I answered him through his mind, "Of course honey I'll let you feed me.?? He smiled at those words and a deep rumble came from his chest, like a purr of happiness. The sound of it made me feel relaxed and happy at the same time. "That sound,?? I told him, "I like it.?? He smiled, "That's a purr, it happens by itself when I'm really happy with someone I love.?? I smiled, "I really like that.?? Sam smiled too, "Then I guess I'll have to try to make it more often.?? He came closer and kissed me. "Well, then we should get downstairs.?? We both went out of the room, Sam taking my hand in his. We went downstairs to eat supper with all of Sam's family. He had a big family; everybody was nice with me. Sam's mom, Val, had baked a big meal of steak and turkey with vegetables. It looked delicious and I was hungry! When my plate was placed in front of me, I almost forgot about the tradition, but Sam took my fork right away. I was a little embarrassed to have everyone looking at us while he was feeding me, but everyone had their eyes full of tenderness watching us. Sam's mom had a soft proud smile on her face and a tear in her eye that made all my embarrassment go away. Sam continued feeding me until there was nothing left in the plate. His dad stood up, raised his glass. "Everyone, let's welcome Sarah in our family. From now on, she will be a member of this pack and under our protection.?? Everybody raised their glass. That's when I truly felt like a part of the family, it was a warm feeling. After supper, Sam wanted to talk to his dad, about the attack at work, about prophecy and about my weird dream. He needed to talk alone with him about some Alpha stuff too. It was a good timing because Val, Sam's mom, wanted to talk with me too. Sam embraced me and kissed me sweetly before going with his father. I followed Sam's mom outside in the yard to a magnificent flower garden. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. We sat on a bench near a fountain. Kids were playing a little further while the rays of the sun were still up. A gentle summer breeze was blowing. Val was the one to talk first. "I wanted to ask you, are you happy with my son? Is he treating you well??? I wasn't expecting this question, I giggled a little. "Yes, I am very happy with your son. He treats me well, always showing me how much he loves and cares for me.?? She seemed happy and smiled. "Good. I wanted my son to know how to properly care for a woman, in a gentleman's way. And how do you take all that wolf thing? Does it bother you??? I took a little time to think before answering. The truth is that it wasn't really bothering me. "I was a little surprised at first when I found out. But then I realized how he would always be there for me, either in human or wolf form. I really don't mind, but I still have so much to learn. Like this bond thing is so strong and I'm still learning how to use it.?? Sam's mom smiled, "I still remember the first time I discovered Mark was a wolf.?? I interrupted her, "Wait what? You didn't know he was a wolf??? She looked amused "Didn't Sam tell you his mom was human??? I couldn't believe it! She was human! So, she knew exactly what I was going through. I was so happy I would have someone to go to if I had questions. "No, he didn't!?? I told her with excitement which made her laugh. "Yes sweetie, I went through everything you are going through right now. And let me tell you something, this bond is very strong. At times, their wolf can get a little possessive, especially if something happens and they get scared of losing you. But it will settle down after a few days when they are reassured. Overall, this bond is great, and your mate will always love you deeply.?? Hearing these words really made me happy. Sam's mom looked at the mark on my neck. "I take it you are fully bonded. Did the first heat hit you yet??? I looked at her with questioning eyes. Her face changed a little. "Oh, it didn't, and from the look on your face, I guess that Sam didn't talk about it either.?? I didn't really know what she was talking about. "He didn't talk about what??? "Well, I wasn't expecting to have that kind of conversation with you today, but I guess it's better you know it sooner than later.?? She took a time to think. "When you get fully mated, some of the wolf genes pass to you through the saliva of the bite. Don't worry, though, you won't change into a wolf or something like that. It's only to assure the reproduction of the mates. It usually activates after one or two days after the bonding is complete. That's when you will fall in heat for the first time.?? I wasn't sure what she meant exactly. "Heat ?? you mean like cats and dogs get into heat??? I asked a little doubtfully. She smiled at my question. "I don't really like putting it like that but yes you could say that.?? I couldn't believe what I was hearing, but then again, a few days ago I didn't even know werewolves existed! And that I was dating one of them! I guess I would find out soon enough about the heat, as we bonded last night. Val continued. "You will be in heat for about a week. If you get pregnant, the heat will stop sooner. If not, it will last about a week, and then start again about six months from there.?? I didn't even think about having a baby yet. I mean, of course, one day I would like one. But I never thought about having one "right now.?? "Being in heat can be quite unpleasant as your body will absolutely need your mate. Only him can calm your body and make you feel better?? I really thought you knew already. I hope I didn't discourage you too much??? She looked a little bit sad. I felt bad for her and gave her a hug. She hugged me back and it felt so motherly, it felt good. "No don't worry about it,?? I told her, "It wouldn't have changed my decision about becoming Sam's mate. I truly love him; I want to spend my life with him.?? She looked at me and I could see her heart shine through her smile. "I couldn't have hoped for someone better for my son.?? "Well, it seems you two get along fine.?? I turned around to face Sam with a grin on his face. "Your mother is the sweetest Sam. And you didn't even tell me she was human!?? I added with a playful smile. Sam seemed surprised "Oh yeah! How could I forget about that??? He said looking a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry mom, I guess I just love you how you are that I don't even think about the fact you are human.?? He looked sincerely sorry as he went to hug his mom. She smiled at him and told him, "It's okay, it's nothing really.?? The sun was beginning to set, and the kids were not playing outside anymore. "It's getting late,?? Sam started, "we should get inside.?? His mom answered, "You are right.?? Then she added, turning to me, "I really enjoyed our talk today Sarah. Feel free to come to me any time you need to.?? She was so sweet; it was like I had a second mother. "I will definitely come if I have any questions or if I need to talk to someone.?? As we came back inside, we headed for our room as Sam's mom had her own stuff to do. On the way to our room, I was surprised to see Marissa and Keven. It took me some time to remember that Marissa was also Sam's cousin so it made sense they would be here. We finally got to our room. I was happy to be able to spend some time alone with Sam. As soon as he closed the door, I kissed him on his lips. He kissed me back, wrapping his arms around my waist, his tongue making its way into my mouth. "I missed you so much baby.?? These words made me feel like I was the most important woman in the world. "I missed you too,?? I answered. I strapped my legs around his hips. He walked to the bed. I straddled on top of him while we kissed. Sam asked me. "What did you talk about with my mom??? I thought a little, there was one thing I really wanted to talk with him. "We talked about a lot of things ?? like this heat thing you forgot to mention to me.?? Sam looked embarrassed. "I was going to talk to you about that soon baby. I'm sorry, are you ?? mad at me for not talking about it??? I wasn't really angry at him, but I would have liked him to talk to me about it. I made a spout with my lips. He looked at me with sad puppy eyes. I felt through our bond that he really felt sorry about this. "Well, I would have preferred to have that talk with you instead of your mom?? Not that she wasn't nice, but you know, it's kind of embarrassing a little.?? He held me thigh and gave me a kiss on the back of my hand. "I'm really sorry baby. Please forgive me.?? I looked at him but couldn't keep a straight face, he seemed so sad. I smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "Of course, I forgive you. But you'd better be there for me when I need it. Your mom seemed to say it could get pretty intense and unpleasant. I'm not really sure what to expect at this point.?? He cupped my cheek with his hand and raised my lips to his. Then he kissed me, his tongue making its way with mine. His other hand ran through my hair. In this moment, I truly felt loved, my heart racing fast. I was close enough and could feel his heart racing as well. We continued like this for a moment and I wished it would never stop. He finally broke the kiss, looked me in the eyes and said, "I will always be there for you, baby. Whatever you need, I will give it to you. You are my mate; it's my duty to care for you as it is yours to care for me.?? He really knew how to comfort me. I stayed in Sam's arms, my body against his, like we were made for each other. "How did it go with your father? What did he say??? He gathered his thoughts. "He was very angry to know someone was attacking my mate. He pledged that the pack would protect you at all costs and put our best team to investigate who attacked you. This attack is considered a direct attack against our pack.?? I was happy to know the pack would protect me. I never wanted to feel like I did yesterday again. "Of course, I will also protect you, baby. While they investigate, I'll get to stay close to you, so that no one gets to you while you are alone. All my duties have been put aside so that I can stay with you.?? He left a few seconds pass. Everything he said was still lingering in my mind. I was so happy to know Sam would be there for me! His voice got me out of my thoughts. "Regarding the prophecy, my father will send some people to investigate the remnants of the ancient pack that used to live to the south and see why wolves are going there?? Oh yeah, before I forget, my father wanted to talk to you about your dream.?? He wanted to talk to me? I didn't get to spend time with Sam's dad yet, but it sounded scary. I mean, he was the Alpha after all, a really important person here. This was getting me nervous. "Don't worry baby, my father is nice. You can go see him tomorrow morning. As I understand, there is a place we'll need to go to investigate this dream of yours. So, we'll leave tomorrow morning.?? I nodded, lost in my thoughts. It seemed strange that we would go somewhere to investigate my dream. Then again, I was curious about this moon goddess legend. Could it be that I was the goddess's daughter? I guess we'll find out. I was getting tired, so I changed into my pajamas and went to bed. Sam laid on the bed with me and took me in his arms. I could smell his unique scent that I loved so much. His body was so perfect, I was so lucky to have him. He was my mate; he would be mine forever. I fell asleep basking in his love, my heart beating fast.