Life Straight Up (reposted - feedback wanted)

Chapter Two

We all sat around the table, on the decking in the back garden, laughing our heads off. Thanks to the three garden heaters around the table the cool night air wasn't a problem. Thankfully dinner was a complete success, except for the slightly over cooked roast potatoes. Other than that, the leg of lamb and vegetables were great. Now we were all stuffed and drinking wine, the strawberry crumble was still in the kitchen cooling slightly. I have a feeling that it might have to wait for another night. Curled up on my seat, in my oversized jumper, I sipped my wine and watched everyone laughing and joking. Helena was now back to her normal bubbly self; she also seemed to have a problem keeping her hands to herself. Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time that I had witnessed this; she had the excuse of her pregnancy hormones but Celine and Cira, well I guess it could be put down to the alcohol. They were whispering into their mates' ears and both Markus and Jared seemed fidgety and tense. I had to chuckle at their attempts to be subtle. Celeste was sat to my right quietly, smiling and laughing when the conversation called for it. I noticed her eyes drifting to Chris on and off. He was sat at the other end of the table next to Cole, discussing business no doubt. He tried to hide it but I caught him glancing over at Celeste but she hadn't noticed.

"I think you have an admirer," I said leaning in closer to her.

"Huh?" she asked.

"Chris has been watching you," I said giving her a small smile.

"No, he's not," she replied looking down at her lap.

"Yes, he is, he's been looking over at you all night," I said resting my hand on hers.

"What if he was, he won't do anything else," she replied quickly.

Not that I wanted to think about my brother's sex life, I couldn't help but feel sorry for the both of them. I can't even imagine what I'd do if Cole distanced himself from me, I'm sure I would feel like I was dying slowly. I had to do something, I had to bring these two back together. How could Chris ever really lead his pack if he doesn't lean on her? Every great man needs the love and support of a great woman. Without her he is only half the man he should be.

"You do something then," I said smirking.

"What, I can't do that?" she replied sounding somewhat shocked.

"Of course, you can," I said winking at her.

"No, it wouldn't get me anywhere. He'd just go to bed as usual and turn away from me," she replied sounding as though she was about to cry.

"Celeste look at me," I said making her turn towards me. "You are a beautiful, strong, sexual female. You just need to remind him of that. Go after what you want and don't back down until you get it. Trust me he'll love it if you take control, his wolf might fight you on it but it will make it all the better," I said winking.

"You really think that will work?" she asked, sounding a little unsure.

"I know it works," I replied, glancing over at Cole hungrily.

I bit my lip watching his every move; he must have sensed me watching him as he looked up at me. My body heated up at the look in his eyes. I slowly lifted my glass to my lips, my eyes remaining on him. As I pulled the glass away, I slowly licked the wine off my lower lip. I couldn't help but smile as I saw him squirm in his seat.

"Are you finished eye fucking my brother?" Celeste asked beside me, pretending to gag.

"Yep, just proving a point. Guys like it when the women takes control," I replied turning and smiling at her.

Another hour had passed and we were all still sat outside. Helena looked as though she was going to be asleep any second. Whereas Cira and Celine were still actively winding up Markus and Jared. Beside me Celeste had taken on my advice, she had waited until Chris looked at her again and began subtly flirting with him. He was definitely taken aback by her actions and he did try to fight it, for about a minute. It wasn't long before they were focused completely on each other. Cole looked over at me smiling and shaking his head, he knew what I had done. I couldn't wait for everyone to go so it could just be us, not that I hadn't enjoyed the evening I just wanted some alone time. As if on cue, Helena yawned loudly and leaned into Alec.

"Hey guys I think we're going to call it a night," Alec said lifting Helena up out of her seat. "Goodnight," he said as he carried her off towards the house.

"Wow look at the time, I think we had better be heading home," Cira said excitedly.

"Goodnight everyone," Celine said joining her sister.

"Have a good night," I said to Jared and Markus as they hurried out of their chairs, to catch up with their mates.

"Oh, we will," Markus replied smirking, making me chuckle.

Once they were gone I got up from my chair and started to clear the table, grabbing some empty glasses.

"Wait a sec Ray I'll give you a hand," Celeste said jumping from her seat and grabbing some empty wine bottles.

"Don't worry about it; I can take care of this. Go be with Chris," I said quietly as we neared the house.

"Are you sure, I don't mind helping?" she replied.

"Go be with your mate," I ordered playfully.

"Yes ma'am," she giggled giving me a little salute.

Once I had put the glasses in the dishwasher I headed back out to get the rest of the stuff off the table. As I walked out the door Celeste and Chris were scurrying back to their pack house. I couldn't help but smile as I grabbed as much as I could and went back inside.

Just as I was finishing loading the dishwasher I sensed Cole coming up behind me.

"That was very clever of you," he said.

"I know, who would have thought I'd know how to work a dishwasher?" I replied smirking as I turned to face him.

"Very funny Raynie-Fay," he said trying to look serious.

"Oooh the full name, I must be in trouble," I chuckled.

"Of course, you're not," he replied kissing the tip of my nose. "Besides, you know exactly what I'm talking about," he continued, leaning back and looking me straight in the eyes.

"Sorry I have no idea," I replied biting my bottom lip as he pressed me into the counter.

"You brought Celeste and Chris back together," he said brushing some hair from my face.

"Just doing what any good sister would do. I hated seeing them hurting all the time," I replied looking down slightly.

He put his fingers under my chin and lifted my face to his.

"You're an amazing Luna, always thinking of others. I'm so lucky you're mine. Come with me, I have something to show you," he said as he took my hand and kissed it.

He led me back out the back door and onto the patio. I looked around trying to find something new, that perhaps I had missed earlier. Instead of stopping though he carried on down the steps and across the lawn towards the trees. It didn't take me too long to figure out where exactly we were heading, the lake. It was our little place; we often walked out there in the evening and watched the stars from the water's edge. As we got closer I started to notice light coming through the branches of the trees. A few more steps and we were in the clearing. I brought my hand to my mouth as I was amazed with the sight in front of me. The branches were covered in thousands of fairy lights and white floating candles littered the water's surface. It gave the clearing a heavenly glow, it was truly magical. I turned to Cole, about to ask when he had done all this, when I found him knelt down on one knee. In his hands was a little velvet red box. My heart was pounding as the realisation of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks.

"Ray will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?" he asked, with a nervous glint in his eyes.

I was speechless, this was the most romantic thing I had ever seen in my life and I couldn't believe it was all for me.

"Cole it's your birthday, I'm supposed to give you something," I said finally finding my voice.

"Say yes and it'll be the greatest present I could ever receive," he replied, looking even more nervous than before.

The emotions bubbling inside me were like nothing I had ever felt before, I was so happy.

"Yes," I said quietly as tears began to run down my face. "Yes!" I said louder.

Cole jumped up from the ground and kissed me like he had never kissed me before. It was passionate and full of need and hunger, yet tender and sweet all at the same time. I ran my hand through his hair and deepened the kiss, showing him just how much I loved him.