Till We Met Again

Chapter Two

                                  Juniper

Once we made it to the living room, Ash finally let go of my arm, allowing me to walk over to the couch on my own. I sit on the couch as he goes and reaches for the door. 

Ash pauses for a brief moment, allowing concern to flash over his features before turning blank once more as he turns the door handle. Finally, with his back to me, I take in a much-needed breath and gather my thoughts once more.

To distract myself from the two men standing ten feet away at the front door, I run my hand through my hair to try and tame it in. Trying my best but knew in the end, until I took a much-needed shower, it was no use, I started to braid it to keep it out of the way. 

Just as I am finishing up, Ash turns around with the guest, his son Colton. "Honey, this is my son I was telling you about, Colton remember?" He looks at me with a hint of worry peaking through is blank expressions. "I will let you to talk as I prepare a quick lunch for us all. I am sure you both are starving." And as if on que both of our stomachs start to growl. Which in turn makes both men burst into laughter.

I watch silently as Colton walks over to the loveseat across from me, sits down, and takes in a deep breath. It seems as if he has a lot on his mind and this place is the only place he can seemingly relax. 

With curious eyes, Colton looks me up and down, assessing me. Which also made me feel more self conscious then I already was by the way. "Dad, why do you call her Honey?" Colton speaks out of nowhere.

"I don't really know." Ash says, "I don't know her name, but Honey seemed like a good fit for the time being you know. Had to call her something." He muttered the last bit to himself, but with our outstanding hearing, we both heard him anyway.

I take a moment to look over Colton as he glances at his dad for an answer to his question. Colton seems to be about the same height as his father, maybe even slightly taller. You can tell he is still fairly young and a tad unexperienced as a Alpha. With his dark brown hair and brown eyes, I can only assume Ash looked just like him when he was Colton's age. 

My attention shifted back to the conversation being held around me, as Colton's brown eyes look back to my very own green ones. He speaks "You don't talk much do you?" With a slit tilt to his head he continues. "What's your name anyway little one?"

Little one? LITTLE ONE? Who in the world does he think he is calling me that. Anger flashes across my face. Eyebrows crease in confusion then quickly following realization. "Sorry, sorry I didn't mean to offend you, I just want to know your name."

I take a deep breath before I say something I might regret. "My name is Juniper, please refrain from calling me little one again"

"Juniper. That is such a beautiful name. Its stems from a plant name, which means many things such as Strength, wisdom, and usefulness. The juniper tree was very important in certain cultures." Ash recites as he brings over a tray packed with many types of sandwiches and other pastries. 

I look at him with a look of understanding, Someone who finally understand the importance of my name. "My father chose it, he specialized in plants and there healing properties." I quietly muttered in return.

Colton glances between his father and I before joining the conversation once more. "Nice to finally meet you Juniper, and welcome to the Half Moon pack. I am unsure what my father has shared with you in regards to where you are located."

"I shared enough, come on son, give your old man some more credit here." Ash cuts in quickly. I shake my head with the ghost of a smile on my face as the duo starts to argue. 

"I'm sorry to interrupt. But do you think I could use the rest room before we discuss anything further about my involvement in things?" I interject myself into the argument that was quickly brewing into front of my eyes.

They both stop suddenly. "Of course Honey, the bathroom is right there, take as long as you need. I know we can be a little much." Ash says pointing to another door across the room.

"That works quite well actually, I need to talk to my dad in private momentarily anyway." Colton cuts in. I nod my head and shakily stand up and head to the bathroom door.

I lock the door behind me as I start to hear the men whisper to each other in the other room. I do my business as I try to clear my mind. As I stare at the girl across from me, looking back at me with the same eyes I will always know. Although they look more dull now then they have in the past. Sorry, getting sidetracked again. But this girl who is staring back at me, well, I don't recognize her anymore. She has changed, she looks sad. She has seen things that I don't want anyone else seeing. But I am proud of her. She has gone through hell and back and she keeps going.

A knock rings at the door once more. Startling me out of my inner thoughts. "Everything okay in there? You've been gone a while" Oh it's just Ash. "Yeah, sorry, I'll be out in a minute."

I stare at myself in the mirror one last time, I square my shoulders. Take a deep breath in and leave the bathroom. I didn't realize I was in there for that long, no reason to keep them waiting any longer.

I glance back at Ash and Colton as I take my seat back on the couch. I taking another slow breath in knowing what we are about to talk about isn't going to be easy. My hands start to shake just thinking about it.

Knocking me out of my dark thoughts, Ash grabs my hand and starts the soothing motions once more, relaxing me slightly.

"I know that what ever happened out there before we found was not pleasant. I am sure you have suffered enough pain and sadness for a lifetime. We want to offer you a deal, but you have to give us something in return" Colton speaks for the both of them. I stare at him waiting for him to continue, I need to know what I am getting into before I agree to anything.

"I want to offer you a place in the pack, I don't know where you came from, or if you already belong to a pack. But I want to give you a place to call home. Whether it be only temporary or forever is up to you." He looks me in the eyes as he speaks.

My eyes narrow slightly before saying "What is the catch, what do you require in return."

I steady myself, prepping for what ever is about to come out of his mouth. Ash answers this time though catching me off guard.

"We need to know who and I suppose what you are. We need to have the details in order to tell how big of a threat you may be. Not that I think you will be, but we must take all precautions necessary in order to protect our pack, our family."