Chosen

Chapter Twenty

   I didn't like not having Axel around. But, as his mother and Cat explained to me several times it was necessary. This would be the last training for a while. I stared out the window and sighed, it was a rainy day. That meant I would be cooped up inside.  I tucked my knees under my chin and bit my lip. I missed Axel. My body called for its mate.
   

      The door to my room burst open and Cat walked in, giggling. She was up to something. I mean when wasn't she up to something. I looked at her, waiting for her to tell me what she was scheming. My mother followed in after her, along with Alice. They were watching Cat with smiles on their faces. The pregnancy was sticking and she was so happy. She looked wonderful and healthy.

"Addy!! We have to get you ready."

"For what?"

    I whispered and she sat down next to me with a sigh. She patted her bloated stomach and giggled as her baby kicked back. I was so grateful to Luna for blessing this pregnancy for Cat and Blake.

"It's a surprise. You've been pretty sad the last few weeks with Axel gone again. So... we planned a surprise."

"Okay..."

    I reluctantly let Cat tug me to the bath and into the tub. She filled the water with scents and oils. I thought she went overboard but she kept adding in things. She said it would all enhance my natural scent. I have no idea why she'd want to do that. After a while in the bath, I was drug back to my room where Cat, Alice and my mother all worked on my hair and make up.  They took their time. I ignored their chatting and tried to clear my mind. Whatever they had planned they were extremely excited about. 
    After my hair and make up were finished, the tugged a beautiful and intricately designed white gown on my body. The sleeves slipped from my shoulders, and the delicate lace at my breast formed floral designs. I stared at myself in the mirror for a while, shocked. It never ceased to amaze me that I was still alive. My mother slipped a small pearl on my neck and I smiled at her. It was her gift to me. One she had wanted to give me when I turned eighteen. Cat walked over and placed the crown on my head and I blushed.
"Is anyone going to tell me why I'm all dressed up?"
"Nope. But we will tell you, your brother finally arrived with his mate and their children."
   I smiled and hugged my mother, she was excited about me meeting my brother and something else. I really didn't feel like I had the energy or patience to. My father walked in at that moment and smiled at me. He seemed just as excited. He grabbed my hand and placed it on his elbow, leading me from my room.
"You look beautiful. Cat, Alice and your mother did amazing."
"Thank you. Yes, they did. Though I don't understand why all of this was necessary.."
"Oh. You will soon."
    I looked at my father confused as he led me to the ball room. We hadn't had a party planned, that I knew of. I was startled by the noise and all the wolves. I gripped my father's arm tightly, disoriented. I didn't do well with crowds yet. Especially without Axel. It was something I was still working on. My father stopped in front of a tall and blond man. The woman next to him cradled a baby to her breast and cooed.
"Son. This is your sister, Adaline. Adaline, this is your brother, Jackson and his mate Claire. These are their children, Mia, Thomas and baby Violet."
"Hi."
   I whispered, my eyes roaming the room. I was unnerved and overwhelmed. This was a bad idea. My heart began pounding and my stomach turned. I felt sick. My father seemed to notice my unease and trembling. He motioned at Cat and she nodded. My mother smiled and giggled. Something was definitely up. I turned to ask my father a question but he wasn't next to me anymore. I started panicking, frantically looking for him. Someone suddenly touched my shoulder and I jumped, completely startled. A small scream bubbled it's way from my throat. I was trembling and trying not to cry, panic started clouding my vision.
"Addy.... little one. Shh. You're safe."
   I melted at the sound of Axels voice and immediately calmed. He had wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer. I buried my head in his chest, inhaling his scent, trying to calm my nerves. I clung to him and began sobbing. I could feel him send a glare to my father.
"You weren't supposed to leave her alone like that, Titus. She doesn't handle that well yet."
"She needs to learn. I also only did it so you could surprise her better."
   My head spun and I shuddered. Something was off. I peeked up at Axel and he nuzzled the top of my head, rubbing his scent on me.
"I thought you weren't coming back for a few more weeks."
"My wolf got too restless being away from you. Something felt wrong about it. Cat said you had gone into a depressive state and we came up with this plan to surprise you."
"Oh.."
   I whispered. I was a bit upset. They knew I didn't like balls yet. I was happy Axel was back but I really wished they had found a better way to surprise me than this. I gathered my gown and turned away.
"Addy.... come on... don't be upset."
   Cat murmured and I started sobbing. I swiped at my nose, and eyes. Axel looked a bit unnerved. I know he was being bombarded by what I was feeling through the bond.
"I.... you stopped responding through the bond and it had been weeks. I.... I didn't..."
   Everything became too much and my knees buckled. Axel shot over and caught me before my head bounced off the floor and everything went black. The last thing I was aware of was Axel snarling at anyone who tried to come near me.