Un•A•Were

24| Ice cream & Truths

Amanda's POV:

While we enjoy the therapeutic qualities ice cream possesses, Sam and Luke allow me to ask whatever questions I had about their...well, now my world, too.

They explain the hierarchy of the Alpha, aka "The Mayor," as well as the other positions such as the Beta, Delta, and Gamma. After hearing about the ranks, I'm thrust back to many conversations where people had called Bryan a "Beta" without realizing I could hear them.

"So, Bryan is a Beta?"

"Yes, he took over when he turned 21, as did James and Nick. Alpha James and Luna Whitney now run the pack as a team, while Alpha Xavier and Luna Rachel get the pleasure of retiring. They are still involved and help out, but the power and authority now rest with James and Whitney. Nick and Claudia take on the role of Gamma male and female, 3rd in charge, but still very important as they are in charge of the warriors, the patrol schedules, and training." Luke explains.

Luke continues to explain how he and Sam are both warriors, which explains the summer trainings during high school. They explain everything about the workings of pack life. Most of it wasn't much different from the human world.

"Since James has Whitney and Nick has Claudia, does that mean Bryan has a Beta female?" I ask shyly. My heart hurts at the thought of him moving on, but I know I have to accept the possibility. It's been four years for crying out loud. I see Sam and Luke give each other side glances again. Luke clears his throat.

"He will, eventually."

"What does that mean?" I scowl.

"When he finds his mate," he states simply. I decide to hear more about this concept of mates. I ask Luke to further explain it to me. He reveals Sam is his mate and they found out when they both turned 16, which is two years earlier compared to most werewolves who can't begin looking for their mates until after their 18th birthday. They assumed since they had been in each other's lives since birth, then it was just destiny at work. They also reveal James and Whitney are mates, as are Nick and Claudia, which explains her sudden change in friend groups. I smile at them, seeing how good they look together. I feel a slight pinch of jealousy which sparks another curious question.

"So, do you think I could have a mate? I mean, I know I'm human, but I've been around you guys and the pack for so long." I chuckle to myself. "Probably wishful thinking, but it's a sweet concept I wish humans had." I blush until I see Sam and Luke once again glance at each other nervously, but neither of them answers my question.

"What?" I asked earnestly, the smile on my face dropping into a slight frown.

"Nothing" as both look back at their ice cream nervously. I stare at them intently trying to control my annoyance at more secrets, but they refuse to look me in the eye.

"What are you not telling me?" I plead. Both look up and see the hurt and desperation on my face. "You guys promised! No more secrets, remember?"

"Yes" Luke says simply.

"Yes what?!" not fully understanding his answer.

"Yes, you can have a mate...if you wish." He explains. "It's rare for a human to be mated to a werewolf, but not impossible. Things would have to be done a little differently, but if both parties accepted, then it would be manageable." I continue to stare between my two best friends, hoping for a further explanation that never comes. The conversation ends there as Luke stands up with a stern look on his face.

"We have to get back."

"Oh! Okay!" I am a little taken aback by his abrupt change in demeanor. I stand, followed by Sam, who looks conflicted. We leave the shop and return to our cars. I give them both a hug, walk across the parking lot, and begin to get into my Jeep. Although I'm no longer in the dark about Hillcrest, there's still so much I want to know. How do I fit in to all of this?

"Hey!" Sam screams across the parking lot breaking me out of my thoughts.

"What?!" I jump as the sudden shout alarms me.

"Are you coming home?" She looks at me with such desperation and emotion. I let out a deep sigh and look down at the ground. I can feel her stare and see her begin to walk towards me. I lift my head and face her with a smile on my face.

"I guess I don't have much of a choice now, do I?"

She returns my smile and says "Not really, no!" She runs to me and wraps me in a loving hug. "I love you bish!"

"I love you, too. I'm sorry it took so long. Thank you for telling me the truth." I hug her again before we both get into our vehicles.

We make it back to the hotel and I quickly approach my mother and wrap her in a warm hug.

"I'm sorry mom. I know this has been hard on you, too. I just got overwhelmed. After I calmed down, Sam and Luke explained more about this new world."

"My sweet girl, I would worry if you didn't feel overwhelmed, but you must know your father loved you so much and he only wanted to keep you safe. It's unfortunate Bryan was caught in the crossfire and felt he was responsible. But, we still have time to sort all of that out." She notices I'm wearing dad's pendent and lightly runs her thumb over the engravings. She cups my cheeks and smiles with her eyes misty. I return the loving smile with my own. She already knew I was going home with her. She always knew what I was going to do before I did. That was her super power. "Come now, we have lots to do before heading home. I've missed having you home." I smile and nod as we exit the hotel room.

We pull up to my apartment to pack. After a few hours, my Jeep, my mom's car, and Luke's truck are weighted down. I see Luke's eyes glass over and I look at him curiously before turning to Sam for an explanation.

"Mindlinking."

"Oh" is my response. Who is he talking to? I wondered. I have more questions, but decide to keep them for later. I've had enough to process for one day.

We all take our positions in our little convoy and hit the interstate headed back to north Georgia. Hillcrest, your wayward daughter is coming home.