Bones and Arrows

Chapter Two

"Lotus you can't just eat cotton candy, sugar. You need food." Oscar rubs my back as I finish my third blue cotton candy.

"But it's my favorite, I'll have a cheeseburger after the next ride. Pinky promise." Oscar links his pinky with mine and kisses it. He then takes my hand, leading me to the group.

Oscar and I have been friends since the first day of class. He sat next to me and talked to me. It scared me at first because I wasn't sure of his intentions. One day I forgot my headphones and he let me borrow his for class. He's always been kind to me. Meeting him led me to Lola, Titus, and Jolie.

"Lotus, drink the water." Jolie hands me an opened water bottle. I sip it and she gives me a pointed look as if to say 'Drink more or I'll pour it down your throat.' I take four big gulps and she smiles in satisfaction.

"Can we ride more roller coasters now?" Lola asks.

"Yes, then real food." Titus kisses her cheek and takes her hand. They've been together for three years. They just found out they're mates about six months ago. It was nerve-racking watching everything unfold. We didn't know if they were mates or not. I mean how do leave you your long-term boyfriend for a stranger who's your mate? Talk about complicated.

"Whatever, Lolo are you going to the Gala?" Lola asks wiggling her eyebrows at me.

"I don't know, I doubt I have a mate anyway." I shrug looking down at my feet.

"Bullshit, Lotus you are so sweet and fun. I bet you have a wonderful mate." Jolie places her hand on my shoulder. I would love that, but I have to be prepared for disappointment. Even if I do, I doubt it will last more than a week before he sends me away with a broken heart.

"She's right Lolo. You wait, your mate will be amazing." Lola encourages.

**********************
I kick off my shoes and walk into the kitchen only to see my Papa at the kitchen table reading a book.

"Papa, why are you up? Where is Momma?" I sit next to him.

"I wanted to make sure you got home safe. I still worry even if you are grown. You will always be my pup. I told your momma to get some rest. She has to go bring food the the Colesons tomorrow. The husband died yesterday. They were mated for over eighty-seven years." I gasp. That's such a long time to love someone.

Werewolves live hundreds of years and stop aging around seventy years old. To lose a mate is a terrible thing. It's like losing a limb or your heart being ripped from your chest. No wolf would wish that on their worst enemy. Most mates die shortly after due to broken hearts or malnutrition.

"Oh my Goddess, that's awful. I'll make her something to cheer her up and bring flowers. I remember her mate used to come to the shop and buy sunflowers." I state with determination. My papa smiles and pats my back softly.

"You are a light this world needs Lotus. Never lose that light." he stands and reaches for my hand. I take it and he leads me to my room.

"Sleep, my darling girl. We have our family run and dinner tomorrow. You also need to start on your commission."

"I know, night Papa." I hug him.

"Night."
*******************
Saturday is our family-run day. My brothers come home with their families and we do a group run. After we have dinner and watch movies. It's my favorite day.

Pollux found his mate last year and they're expecting their first pup. I crocheted a bunny for the baby. Dallin and his husband have adopted an orphaned pup who is around seven years old. We have not met her yet, so this will be the first. I painted her a Winnie the Pooh picture. She loves Winnie the Pooh.

Alex and his wife have three very active kids. Fox is a soldier for our pack and met his mate three years ago. They are so cute. They travel every winter and just got back from Portugal.

I daydream about having my own family one day. With a few kids and a husband I adore. A husband who adores me and our children. Sometimes I shake the thoughts because they seem so delusional. I keep those dreams close to my chest.

"Lotus can you help me with the table please?" Momma calls out from the dining room. Rushing over to her, I take the plates in her hands and start to place them in their spots.

"What route are we taking today?" I inquire. There are a couple of routes we take interchangeably. The first one runs through a mountain, the second runs through the forest and leads to the waterfall, and the third goes past a drop-off.

"The mountain route. We've been going into the city a lot and we need a break. We'll have lunch first and then run. The children are coming hungry." she passes me the cutlery wrapped in linen napkins.

"The route is clear my love," Papa calls out as he walks into the room. He kisses her and hugs me. "The gremlins are three minutes out. Pullox and Riley are around the corner and Riley is starving."

The front door opens as Momma places the last dish on the table. Pullox has Riley by the hand, helping her to the room. Her stomach is prominent and she seems worn out. I can imagine carrying a baby can be extremely uncomfortable.

"Hi everyone, give me a second. I need to sit down." Riley says. Pullox chuckles and helps her sit. Momma rubs her back and pours her some water.

"Momma this looks amazing." Pullox hugs Momma. She smiles and ruffles his hair.

"I'm happy to see you two, my sweet boy. It's been way too long." Papa brings her close and the door opens. Three children run through the house and sit in their preferred seats, waiting for their plates.

"Daisy, Rowan, And Niko say hello now. You know better." Alex's wife, Margot yells. "You act as if we don't feed you." she buffs. Alex glares at his children playfully and nods to Momma.

The kids do their rounds of hugs and kisses while Margot makes their plates. Alex and Pullox huh me.

"Are you going to the Mating Gala Lolo?" Pullox asks. He and Alex wait intently for my response.

"I don't know Lox, I don't want to go to another event to be made fun of. I don't even think I have a mate." Both men look at me like I've grown horns.

"Lotus, you have a mate. You've done nothing wrong to deserve a mateless life." Alex assures.

"Everyone has the same sentiments. I'll think about it but I'm not sure." I don't want to make any promises.

"Look, we may not like that you're grown now and are mating age, but we want you to be happy," Pullox says. "Just go, we'll all go if it makes you feel better."

"We'll all go where?" Fox, Sophie, Dallin, Flynn, and a little girl walk in smiling.

"Oh, you're here! Hi, I'm your grandma and this is your aunt." my momma pushes through.

"Know this family is huge, you'll fit right in." Papa smiles softly. The little girl looks at Dallin and smiles at him.

"My name is Jaysee. I'm seven and I like bunnies." She smiles shyly hiding behind Dallin's leg. I kneel and smile back.

"I'm your auntie Lotus. I'm happy to meet you." I speak in a low and comforting tone. I don't want to overwhelm or startle her. There are a lot of us in this family. She waves to everyone and they wave back. Flynn comes up to me and we hug.

"Thank you for being gentle with her. My family rushed her like seagulls on a hotdog."

"I know how it feels to be overwhelmed and nervous. I don't like large crowds and we are a large crowd." I explain.

"So can I assume you won't be at the Mate Gala?" he fishes. Everyone wants to know if I'm going.

"I don't know, I'm thinking about it." I offer. I cannot say one way or the other.

"It's okay if you don't, Lotus. There is no pressure to go if you are not ready. We just want to make sure you're happy." he assured me.

"I understand that. The Gala is on Thursday, I'll know then." I just hope that I make the right decision.