Finding My Mate

Chapter 10

Calla's POV:

Ben and I had just finished a flour fight and put our double chocolate brownies in the oven when the adults walked in. As if on cue, Ashley, Karen and the rest of the pack entered the kitchen. "Time to shine." I smiled at Ben. He nodded eagerly. "Calla, who's this?" Ashely asked slightly exasperated. I took a deep breath and smiled at every one as I began, "Everyone, this is Ben Loun, the Alpha of the Black Sea pack," I paused there. "And also my mate." My mother clapped and put her hands over her mouth with tears in her eyes. I couldn't begin to describe my fathers face. He was studying Ben with an intent alpha stare while Ben showed nothing but respect. "Wow," I thought to myself. "He must really care about me." My father walked forwards and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well Calla baby, you really couldn't have done better." He smiled at Ben. Ben respectfully smiled as he bowed his head towards me and kissed my forehead. Bryn and Steph squealed in delight and started jumping up and down. I laughed at their ridiculousness. All the other pack members stared in amazement and joy except for Ashley. She stared at the floor with her head hung low. I was about to say something to her when I was engulfed in hugs from both my parents, Bryn and Stephen. I was so relieved that they approved that I forgot all about Ashley for a while. I smiled at Ben and said into his mind, "All clear chief." He smiled back at me and his eyes seemed to sparkle like their grassy color was coated in dew. He bent down to kiss me and I looked in shock at my parents who burst into laughter along with the rest of the pack. I was so busy blushing that I didn't notice Ashely bolt out of the room and Karen chasing and calling after her.

The next hour was full of questions about Ben's life and how we met and a very awkward "Have you mated yet?" from Stephen. When the laughter at my impossible blush had faded, Stacy asked, "So what happens now? Are you leaving the pack?"  I hung my head. I hadn't wanted to think about this too much sine Ben had stated it at the river. "As I've been told, I am to join the Black Sea pack upon the night of my mating and become their Luna." There were several gasps, but none from the adults. My parents especially knew what all of this meant. "At such a young age?" Matt asked. "Well, Ben is only 17 so yes, I'll have to step up." I replied. Matt uttered soothing sounds to Bryn as she started to tear up. "Where is your pack located, Ben?" Stephen asked him. "We're just south of here. Our territory ranges from the middle of California and meets with the southern edge of your territory. And with Alpha John's permission, I would be more than happy to let Calla visit." He smiled at me. I was shocked at his kindness. Luna's weren't exactly the first wolves to leave the territory. But looking at my father, who had a big smile plastered on his face replied with, "Permission granted Alpha Ben, you and Calla are welcome anytime." The rest of us seemed to perk up to that response. Bryn and Steph high fived. I beamed at Ben, certainly I wouldn't do this well meeting my new pack. 

After much more talking, it was finally time for Ben to go. Or pretend to go, I should say. He had agreed to spend the night with me. "See you in five." He said to my thoughts. "Alright babe, I'll open the window when I'm ready." I said. He kissed me and walked out the door. I planned on bolting up to my room but was stopped by my mother. "Calla," She smiled as she sighed. "My baby Calla. You're growing up so fast." She was getting tears in her eyes now. "Oh mom," I said as I wrapped my arms around her. "It'll be alright. I'll always be your baby girl." She sniffed, "I know, I know. But it doesn't feel that way. Pretty soon you'll be a Luna! It's such a big responsibility honey. Just be careful." I was starting to wonder if she knew that Ben would be spending the night, as I become a Luna on the night of our mating. "I will mom. I promise." I said as my throat got tight. "And I'll visit often." "I sure hope so," She said. "I'm sure not letting you go just yet." She said giving me an extra squeeze. I laughed and explained that I was tired and wanted to go to bed. "Sure thing Calla baby." She said as she smiled. There was so much love behind that smile. It made me wonder about having my own children. I shook the thought off as I started to turn. "Oh, and mom?" I asked. "Yeah?" She said. "One more thing," I said. "I love you." She beamed at me then and said "Love you too, Calla. Now go get some good sleep." I nodded and bolted up the stairs to get ready for Ben. Apon arriving to my room, however, it seemed that I was robbed of time for that due to the handsome Alpha who was already perched on my bed.