From Dusk Till Dawn

Chapter 10

Ekon

She was full of surprises, my little mate. I have never met anyone so innocent, but so willing to try new things. Her responses to my touch were amazing. I have been with a few women in my time, but never one like her. In fact, after meeting her, I couldn't even remember another woman. Here we are, at her room in Mason's pack house, curled up in bed. She is cuddled up to me, her head on my chest, snoring softly. I can't help but stare at her.

When I thought about her words when she found out that I was her mate, the fact that she would have gone through so much pain, just so that I could find someone else, astounded me. She is a mystery that I want to take my time unraveling. She soon rolled over and snuggled on her other side. I couldn't sleep, it felt something was calling me to go outside. It was almost the full moon, so it shone brightly across the grass. I walked across the yard, but froze when a melodic voice called my name, "Ekon." I turned and was stunned by the beauty in front of me, she looked like Celeste's older sister, except this one had glossy black hair. She smiled, "Don't be afraid, My name is Nyx, Celeste's mother." I nodded, "Yes, she has spoken of you." She giggled, "She has dreamt of you, she just didn't know it. Have patience with her, she is very innocent of the ways of the world. She is well trained in combat and politics, but when it comes to matters of love, she has a limited knowledge. Her father didn't want her to mate, just because she was so precious to him. He loves all of his children, but she holds a special place in his heart. I believe it is because they are very much alike, stubborn, but thirsty for knowledge."

I chuckled, remembering her internet search earlier, "Yes, I agree, she likes to learn." Nyx smiled with a knowing gleam in her eyes. "Her father told me about this afternoon, he was in tears with laughter. Please understand, although she has found you, she has a duty to end this war." I nodded, "Of course, I will help in any way that I can."  She sighed, "There is one other thing that you should know, she doesn't know it, but she has two other mates as well." I gasped, "You are taking her away from me?" She shook her head, "No, I would never do that, but these are your mates as well. She met one, a vampire, she just didn't know it. I blocked the mate bond temporarily, but only because I wanted you to meet her first, claim her first. You are the most gentle of her three mates. The most patient, you will help her adjust to this. Do not tell her just yet, her vampire mate will be joining you before you all leave for New Mexico. Her third mate is a witch. Before you meet the witch, you, the vampire and her must be fully mated." I blew out a heavy breath, "I won't rush her."

Nyx smiled, "You won't need to, she will be ready sooner than you think. Just love her and your other mates, make sure they are taken care of. Your pack will be blessed. Talk to your Beta, for you will have to be away from the pack for a few weeks when you journey to New Mexico. You and my daughter's path will not be easy, but it will be worth it." I smiled, "It already is, I love her." Her grin grew, "Good, the stars made a good choice. I will be watching, if any of you are cruel to her, I will strip you of the mate bond, she doesn't deserve cruelty." I shook my head, "I could never intentionally hurt her." She nodded, "Good, I believe you. Now, get some sleep, you will need it. I will watch over you and my daughter, always."

Then she disappeared. My mind was reeling as I climbed into bed next to Celeste, I would have to share her and she would have to share me? Three mates, what a headache. I could only hope that Nyx's words were true, it would all be ok because I wasn't lying when I said that I loved her, I love her with my entire being. I sighed as she snuggled into my side. I wrapped my arms around her and drifted to sleep. 

Morning's light poured through the window and I stretched, waking myself up. Celeste was still sleeping like an angel, so, I quickly dressed and made my way downstairs to see if I could find Luke. He was sitting at the table in the kitchen, sipping coffee when I walked in. "My King, I need a word in private with you." I bowed to him and he waved me off, "None of that, you are family. Now, Mason's office is sound proof, we can talk there." I nodded and followed him. When we reached to office, I told him everything that Nyx had told me last night. His face went pale, "She's so innocent and now she is going to have to deal with three mates." He rubbed his face and slouched in the chair. 

I nodded, "I feel the same way and I guess that is why she told me to make sure we mate before she met her other mates." Luke sighed, "She's right, you would far more gentle than a vamp or a witch. Their sex drives are enormous and may not have the same patience with her. You should talk to her, I know my mother said not to tell her about her other mates, but a gentle prod wouldn't hurt. Not that it's a lie, but tell her it is safest that she be fully mated before we travel to New Mexico." Before I could reply, a gentle knock came from the door and Celeste poked her head in.