The Erinyes's Bond (Wolfguise)

Chapter 13-Shade

My grandfather and the owner of the property sat discussing some of the plans for the convention center. I did not need to be present but the owner liked me. He wanted to introduce me to his daughter. I had declined more than once but he continued to bring it up. An annoying battle of wills.

"Well I think this looks fantastic. Having such grand designs will surely bring in higher clientele. Shade you're going to do this work?" Mr. Larick looked up at me brightly.

"My team and I will be handling the carving. It will be the only piece in the center like it." I rubbed the new scar on my hand. I did not want to be in this meeting. My mind focused on Eska's absence.

Leaving her had been more difficult than I had anticipated. Watching her walk away was painful. I wanted to be with her. Enjoying her company, learning about her. Instead I was siting in a meeting. I fought the bubble of irritation rising in my chest.

"Shade and his boys are good. They won't disappoint." Grandfather glanced at me over Mr. Larick's head.

"I don't doubt it Tobin. Well I have a dinner to head to. Shade are you sure I couldn't persuade you to join me? My daughter would love to meet you."

I smiled tightly, hoping it appeared light. "Thank you, but I must respectfully decline. I am sure your daughter is lovely but I am otherwise captivated. "

He stood and shook my hand, offering me the left out of respect. I gripped it firmly, Eska's claim showing brightly. "Some other time then, I'm sure I'll convince you yet."

Larick turned and shook my grandfather's as well. "Tobin, I'll reach back out in a few weeks, see if you boys need anything."

"I'll be sure to let you know. Have a good evening Mr. Larick." Grandfather led Larick out and pulled the door shut behind him.

He took a deep breath and I knew a lecture was about to start. My grandfather turned and he had the biggest grin on his face.

I froze. I had been anticipating anger, annoyance even frustration but not a smile. Is this what prey felt like.  The unexpected fear and confusion.

"When the hell were you going to tell me you found a mate? A claimed mate possibly? Your Nana and I have been waiting! We knew you would be fortunate enough to find her. Then again I'm pissed you claimed her on a job site. Well, shit. Son, tell me about her." He sat at the conference table and slapped it.

Trepidation. It swelled up, and forced me to move with caution. I sat at the far end. The only time I had seen him talk to someone about a claimed mate was my father. That conversation had ended in my father's disinheritance.

"Yes, my claimed mate. Her name is Eska Redding. I met her at the club Ramona fights at." I watched his excitement falter.

"She a fighter? She a wolf?"
I took a steadying breath. "Sort of and no."

"Elaborate." His tone was even. Was his rage building?

I thought about it, what he was asking. I chided myself, being fearful was betraying to Eska. She was my mate. I should be proud and speak about her with admiration and reverence.

"She works for a security firm. She handles training their security for high profile clients. When we met she was there with another man. I knew she was mine when she responded to a growl. Eska did not shrink away, she moved closer. When the other man pulled her away I watched. Tracked her across the room. Her father owns that club, he made her fight Ramona. She was stunning, put Ramona down quickly."

He nodded his head. "No easy feat considering you sister enjoys what she does in her free time."

"What is even more impressive, she is human." I lifted my hand, showing him the solitary bite.

Grandfather sat in silence. I waited for his wrath. It had left an impression on me when my father had told him about finding his claimed mate. How quickly he had disowned my father.

"How did she handle it, the claiming?"

"It was only a half claiming. Only our marks. I told her we would finish another time. She needs more time to process and understand what that means. Though she was very decisive in where she placed her mark."

He laughed. "On your dominant hand. Clever. Did she take both of yours?"

"The wolf marked her first. Then we marked each other. Together. The human sides. She keeps picking me. This woman is unlike anyone I have ever met. The way she accepts that I am Other, surprises me. Eska is intelligent, strong, and beautiful. Though, there is so much more to discover." I looked up at him, his grin was bright.

"The Moon gives us our mates if she deems us worthy for such. She guides us to them. Our meetings are always spontaneous and unexpected, making their arrivals miracles. There is a reason our goddess has given you Eska as your mate. How could I be angry with you about that?"

My grandfather's belief in the moon goddess comforted me. While I did not believe in her, knowing he felt that way pleased me. Like he approved of her.

I shook my head feeling silly. "I know Grandmother wanted a very specific type of woman for me. Eska is not that woman. I do not want you to be disappointed."
"Shade. You have never disappointed me. Everyday you prove that you are conscious of the world around you. I am ecstatic that you have been given the chance to love a claimed mate. You've pleased our goddess."

He slapped his hands together. "Now bring her to dinner on Friday. Nana would want tonight but she'd be too panicked not having enough time."

I nodded. "I will call her." I paused. "How do you and Nana find time to be together?"

He smiled. "We make time boy. Time together will always be elusive. In the beginning the two of will feel like there wasn't enough. Its the two of you trying to strengthen the bond quickly. Its how matings work. They are sudden, demanding, and consuming. It may be harder for you, with her being human. Humans like courting, getting to know the person before anything permanent. Not wolves, mates were made for each other, everything else is icing. "