My Best Friends Mate

Chapter Forty Five

KIARAS POV

Weeks had passed since the knotted tree. The weather had become hotter and yet Ryan and I became colder. 
Craig and I returned with my uncle, Lennox, Sam and Julien, to the Redwood Pack while the vampires stayed at the silvermoon to train with Ryan.  We weren't able to say a word to eachother when we left and I haven't spoken to him since. Leaving my home pack didn't feel so heart wrenching this time and I think it's in part because I knew I'd be back and other part that the Redwood pack had become home too. When we had parked in front of the packhouse upon arrival back to the redwood territory, Keely had been there waiting, squeeling with excitement and hugging my neck.  Even Natalia gave me a handshake and small smile.
I was happy to see Dustin and Alyssa again, only to discover she had what seemed like, doubled in pregnant belly size overnight. Dustin and I had been training with our uncle for the past few weeks to no avail in tapping into our lycan form however our senses had heightened as had our physical strength overall. I knew my brother had been feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle this, training the redwood pack and being a husband/father to Alyssa and their unborn child but me? What was my excuse? What was holding me back?
The Aurora Coven,had been here as well working on spells and training with the wolves. Surprisingly it had been going well. I wish I could say the same for the vampires. From what I heard from Dustin, they're all having dick measuring contests back home and don't know the meaning of teamwork.

Craig and I had spent nearly every day together after training at the beach. Aquatic therapy post Gabriel's work outs felt good and being with Craig somehow made me relax and temporarily forget everything that was going on. Being with him made me feel like life was calm and normal and dare I say peaceful.
I'd float in the ocean allowing the waves to move me and every once in a while I'd look up to see Craig walking the beach, collecting shells and sea gems consisting of amethysts and agates. When I would ask him about his affinity for the ocean stones, he would just smile and give me some elusive response that I didn't push.

"What's going on in that mind of yours?" Craig asked me as he ran his fingers across my jawline. He had awoken me from my trance. I turned over in the bed of wildflowers we had been laying in.
"I was just recalling the past few weeks in my mind" I admitted and smiled.
"And? What have you deduced?" And then moved to kissing down my jaw and to me neck. I breathed in suddenly as he planted butterfly kisses down my neck, sending chills throughout my body.
"I'm anxious" I said and he stopped, moving back up to me to be eye to eye.
"I know". He said softly. "I can hear it in your heart and I can feel your emotions changes"
Sitting up and supporting myself with my arms behind me, I tilted my head back, soaked up the sun and inhaling the air said "smells like a storm is coming" Grey clouds behind us were slowly approaching. 
Craig bit the corner of his lip and looked around.
"Kiara.. let's try something" and he stood up extending his hand to me.
I took it with a confused look on my face.
"What are we doing?" I asked.
"Just trust me" and he winked.
Standing in front of me, he held my hands, and breathed deeply.
"I know you're concerned about your brother. You're his sister and you love him. We both know that Dustin is strong, smart, and won't do anything to hurt himself or the people he loves.
You should go visit him and Alyssa today and you three relax. I promise you, he's going to be ok and I think it would be good for you too "
I felt my body relax as he reassured me. That was a great idea actually.  I wouldn't mind going off the compound to see them. 
Craig squared himself again in front of me, looking me deep in the eyes.
"What happened when you transformed into your Lycan?" He asked.
I recalled seeing Craig and Ryan fighting Daniel at the underground.  Thinking about them both getting hurt lit a fire inside me and angered me. I swalled hard hoping that my response wouldn't hurt Craig.
"I thought you and Ryan were going to get hurt"
Craig only smiled.
"Your emotions. Kiara, you may be one of the most elite operators in the most skilled special operatives units in all the werewolf packs but babe, you're still a shewolf with a big heart. You love hard and you're a fierce protector of whom you love. Your emotions control your transformation.  Use that for now until you can get better control" he said as if it was as simple as a flip of a switch.
I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Craig.. how will I get angry when all my life I'm trained to stay calm?"
There was that smile again only this time his eyes were different.  They didn't curve up at the edges as if he was excited.  They softened and felt tranquil looking into them.
"Love, Kiara. Love is the greatest of all. Think about who you love"