Held For Ransom

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

It was breathtaking. And for me, saying that it's breathtaking is saying a lot. I've seen a lot of things in my life- it comes with being rich. But this- this puts all that other stuff to shame.

Imagine standing at the entrance to a fancy ball; with the steps in front of you, waiting to lead you into the massive hall, filled with big, poofy dresses of all colors the colors if the universe. Have you got that pictured?

Well, that is what I was seeing, times 10, subtract the big, poofy dresses, and add loooong, mahogany tables that filled up the whole entire room. Tables that looked like giants could dine at. Yeah, they were long.

I heard a deep chuckle beside me, "Come on Hannah, my family is gonna think I kidnapped you or something."

I looked up at him, "Um, you did kidnap me." I pointed out, with a slight laugh.

He smiles and shook his head, "You know what I mean."

I laughed, because he was right.

He took my hand in his and lead me down the stairs and into the big hall. No one was here anyway, so I didn't know what the big hurry was.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, being the curious person I am.

"I'm not sure, Mom said they'd all be here," he answered, just as confused as I was.

"Huh," was all I said back.

Not a second after I said that, the huge doors leading out of the hall opened, and a large crowd of people walked out yelling, "SURPRISE!"

In the way front of the crowd, a beautiful woman was carrying a cake- which looked awfully delicious, by the way. She set the cake down on the table closest to us and walked up to Cole and hugged him, kissing both his cheeks.

"I've missed you so much, Cole!" She pulled away and looked at him, beaming.

He smiled and returned the gesture, "I missed you too, Mom. How's the pack doing?"

She glared at him for a moment, "Where are your manners, Cole? You haven't introduced to me to this lovely young lady yet, and you're already asking how the pack is doing?"

I blushed when she called me 'a lovely young lady.' I'd never been called that before, but it was kind of nice.

"Oh, Hannah? She's nothing special. Just someone I picked up on the street," Cole joked.

I gasped and slapped his arm- hard. "How dare you!?"

Cole laughed, "Jeez, I'm kidding Hannah. Mom, this is Hannah Jansen, my mate. Hannah, this is my mom, Marie West."

I smiled and held out my hand for her to take, instead she grabbed my arm and pulled me in for a hug. I finally hugged her back after a few seconds of just standing there, processing what just happened.

Apparently his mom was the touchy type.

She pulled back and looked at me, analyzing my each and every feature. Finally, after what seemed like ages, she nodded in approval and smiled at me, "You're beautiful, darling."

"U-Umm, thank you.." I trailed off awkwardly, not knowing what to call her.

"Oh! You can call me Marie, dear," she said, sensing my distress.

"Thanks," I replied, smiling at her.

"Let's introduce you to the rest of the pack, shall we?" She asked, linking my arm with hers. Cole did the same with my other arm.