For those in need

Chapter 18 - Acceptance (A)

"So all of you are werewolves?!" She asked in disbelief while holding Michael really close to her chest. It was painful for me to see her in that state of hers because I could feel the raising panic in her. I think that's because I'm too close to her now or I am starting panicking myself.
"Yes." I answered.

"You expect me to believe that?" She said looking at me like I had just ran away from mental asylum.
I just nodded.
"And you expect me to believe that?" She said again.
"I know it's surprising. Honestly you wouldn't even know about werewolves if you wouldn't be my mate..."
"Your what?"
"Well... Moon Goddess created us and we... I mean she bonded everyone together..." I'm short on words because I can see disbelief in her eyes, backing away from me a bit.

"There is a whole story behind it but basically she decided to pair together two wolfs and they will instantly feel the connection when they meet." said Garret. Nina looked at him and at me and she remained quiet.
"I felt the connection when I first saw you in the club. That's why I wanted to get to know you better. We belong together."

"And YOU expect ME to believe THAT?!" I might have seen a bit of steam coming out of her mouth while saying that... is she a dragon? Can she spit fire?!
"Nina, I can see you are upset. How about we go to talk to your room?" I suggested because this is not good for me if the pack sees it.
She looked around and without a word she walked upstairs.

She put Michael in his crib and sat in the farther corner of the room. I closed the door and felt the tension. She expects explanation and I'm not sure how to start.
"Well... I'm waiting." she said with an ice cold voice. I guess she's some kind of winter dragon then because all of a sudden the mood in the  room cooled down to zero degrees! (Celsius or Fahrenheit 🤔😅) I guess only right thing to do now is be absolutely honest.
"Nina... I really don't know what to say. Ask me whatever you want and I will tell you the truth so you can decide." I blurred helplessly while looking her straight in the eyes. She didn't look away, studying me, thinking deeply about something.
"Werewolf...?"
"Yes. I and the whole pack."
"Why pack? You look like you don't even want to be near each other."
"I collected roughs - the werewolves who left their own pack or were sent away."
"It can happen?"
"Yes, it's like a punishment. Werewolves are meant to live in the group and if you are sent away you basically lose your place and you're on your own. And that is pretty bad since there are certain things we absolutely need a pack for... like for example..."
"No need to be so specific. So that makes sense, they need to be in a pack but they don't necessarily need to have a good relationship."
"Exactly." She is smart, catching up well so I'll try to explain something to redirect her attention towards us. "Just as there are things you need pack for but you can remain without good relationships, there are also things you need a partner for. That's why we have mates. Mates are meant to have each other's back, but because it is dangerous world for us here, Moon Goddess makes the pairs regarding the plan. The connection is always bringing some benefits to the couple, while pack or the whole society."
"How?" She said starting at me coldly. I can read her poker face, I can't even feel her emotions now.
"How it's beneficial? Well stories you read as a teenager probably showed that strong one felt for the weak one who then became the lost prince or princess or whatever. Those are partially true. Most of the time partners learn for example patience, or being more expressive. But some rare cases helped shape the whole society like Alpha from the Half Bay Pack went..."
"Not that."
"Or you meant how she makes the pairs? Well I don't know I just know we feel something like a strong pull towards someone. Just like I felt when I first saw you in the club. I wanted to hold you close and never let you go. Just the thought of you leaving the room got me choked and out of breath..." I looked at her almost pleading. She didn't react and I refrained from speaking about the more explicit details that went through my mind the first time I saw her... and basically any other time I got closer to her. I couldn't decipher what was going through her mind.
"I know it seems strange to you. But you have no idea how strange it is for me too. I always regarded humans as something different, separate species I never mingled with, cared about, sometimes not even acknowledged its existence. And now I want to protect you, take care of you..." I looked at her again and I would add many more things but I can't say that because I'm sure she would flip if I mention it.
"Is it so hard for you to accept it? To accept me, Alastair Wallyd?" She shifted in her seat.
"Accept you?" She said and stood up.
"Yes! I long for your acceptance. Just you accepting me for who I am and that I want to be near you and protect you because if something happens to you I'd loose my mind." I started pacing and Cadain was restless as well. We both tried and said what we could come up with to show her it is sincere and I feel like we are really in the dead end now. With all going on now this is not helping me at all.
"But I do..."
"Sorry, you what?" I thought I didn't hear correctly since my mind was plagued with different thoughts and I was also talking to Cadain.
"I, Nina Alvarez accept you, Alastair Wallyd."
This sent explosion through my head. I was just blankly staring at her. The only thing that escaped my mouth was a sigh and gratitude for the diety because I can't explain this miracle otherwise.
"Thanks Goddess!"