The Mermaid's Unexpected Mate

Chapter 31

Alon's POV:

 It's been a couple weeks. So far, I haven't suffered any side affects from Harmony's mark. Honestly, it's amazing being marked. Well, I found out after I woke up, that Earwyn marked Dawn. I was half expecting Darnell and Aerwyna to be marked, but they aren't. It's weird. Lately they seem....off. Jack and Raidne have been getting along really well. Raidne and I have become so close. Today Jack actually asked me for my permission to mark her. I did give my permission. I know he'll take good care of her.

Marina's POV:

 "Aerwyna, honey, is everything alright?" Michael asked our daughter. I sat down on her bed and stroked her hair. She lay face down on her bed. She shook her head. "What's wrong, sea star?" I asked. 

 "I'm jealous." was her muffled reply. I looked up at Michael, who shrugged. 

 "Who are you jealous of?" Michael asked.

  "Harmony and Earwyn." 

 "Why, Aerwyna?" 

 "Earwyn marked Dawn and Harmony marked Alon. I haven't been marked and I haven't marked my mate!" she looked up at us. "Doesn't he want to mark me? I've tried to be a good mate...Maybe I did something wrong..." 

 Michael chuckled before sitting at the foot of the bed. "Aerwyna, I have done many stupid things. Your mom was the first to mark me. And then I marked her. Marking comes when both are ready. When it's time, it'll happen." 

 "But I'm ready now, dad!" 

 "I know, I know. But maybe he isn't. Marking is a big decision. It means you are taken and no one else can claim you. It's a process in which you both have to be ready and willing. You can't force him. And he can't force you. We understand you're anxious for it to happen, but you have to be patient. It'll happen soon enough." 

 "I'm not good at patience." 

 I smiled at her. "We know you aren't sea star. But you're going to have to learn to be patience. It's an important thing to have. There'll be a lot of times in your life when you are going to need it. Trust me on that, sea star." 

 "Like what?" 

 "Like when you get into a fight, or you're raising children. Children take a lot of patience." 

 "I guess I can try to be patient..." she mumbled. 

 "That's my girl. Don't be in such a hurry to grow up. It won't be you having growing pains. It'll be me. I'm losing my baby girl!" Michael faked crying. I rolled my eyes and smiled at him. Aerwyna giggled a little and hugged him. 

 "You won't ever lose me, daddy. I'll always be your baby girl. I love you," she replied. 

 "I love you too, baby girl..." Michael smiled. I smiled at my husband and daughter. They were a lot alike. I love them so much.

 Jack's POV:

 Raidne and I were taking a walk around the pack. My heart was thumping. My cheeks were noticeably red. I don't know why I'm so nervous. I mean, other wolves don't get this nervous! Do they..? 

 "Jack, are you ok?" Raidne asked me. I nodded with a small smile. She raised an eyebrow. "I may have grown up believing I was a siren, but I'm not stupid. Something is obviously on your mind. Do you feel sick..? I mean, your cheeks are red." I groaned. I guess it's now or never. 

 "No, I don't feel sick....I do have something on my mind, though." I told her. I could practically hear my heart beat right now. Calm down, idiot! 

 "What's on your mind?" 

 I took a deep death and took her hand, looking her in the eye. "Raidne, you are smart and so beautiful. You are strong and brave. Your the most amazing girl I've ever known! And...I guess what I'm asking is...Can I mark you?"

 Raidne's eyes went wide, her cheeks turned pink. "Yes! Yes, Jack, yes! Of course you can mark me! Though really, how am I the most amazing when you know Harmony?" I laughed. 

 "I don't know. You just are. I mean, you grew up raised by sirens, believing you were a siren when you were actually a mermaid. I can't really explain it, Raidne...You just are.." 

 Raidne smiled and hugged me. "I love you, Jack.." 

 "I love you too, my wonderful mate..." I said quietly. I went over her neck and found that sweet spot. I then bit down, marking her. She squealed in shock. I held her tight. "It's alright. It's over now." I whispered. She nodded slowly. "You did so well, Raidne.." 

 "Thanks, Jack..."

 Unknown POV:

 They think all of us have been chased out of the pack and far away from it. Actually, we were. I came back. Why? I have no idea. It felt like I was being drawn here by some unknown force. I don't understand why I'm here. I stay outside the pack, not letting anyone know I'm here. I'm glad to be away from my people. They weren't the nicest to me. But, whatever. I'm on my own and I like it that way......You don't believe me, do you? Well, I don't blame you. I wouldn't believe me either. But, whatever. It's safer for me and everyone else if I'm alone.