Fate Will Have It

XXII

Kenzie Hope

The next morning was almost magical. The sun rose, filling the sky with shades of orange and pink. Peach and magenta, amber and rose, radiating joy, a new day. A bird's song welcomed in the new day, sweet melodious chorus of seemingly never repeated notes, cascading through the branches, tumbling into the crisp morning air, flowing into the surrounding countryside like a great river of music.

An arm pulled me closer to its owner's chest and I giggles as a wet morning kiss made its way onto my cheek. I snuggled into the warm chest, relishing in the warmth and scent it provided. It washed away my thoughts like sand on a beach and man was I in paradise.

"Good morning," His husky voice breathed before he opened his eyes. His voice like vanilla pudding, sweet in their ordinary sort of way, it was the richness of his tones – luxurious and warm.

"Good morning," I whispered in contentment.

Our cuddles were like a little touch of heaven, warm, together, cozy. I wished I could extend the mornings, just so I could stay close to him for longer, safe in his embrace. His arms wrapped right around me bring a peace I had never known before, a calming of the storms in my heart. I think it was him that gave me hope for the future. In his embrace, I started to believe that there is nothing out there to fear, that all there is is sunshine, beautiful trees and kind people - friends to be. But then we leave, often before the sun is fully risen in the sky and I must stand the world again. His cuddles were the only medicine I needed, they were the light in the darkness, a lone star in an otherwise empty sky.

It was all too soon that we had to get up. We missed breakfast, Kaden mumbling that this was a once in a life time morning. I didn't complain, if it were up to me, we'd be here all day and maybe even tomorrow.

I dressed myself in a black rib knit halter top with floral print shorts and a pair of sunglasses, paring the outfit with black flat ankle strap sandals. Kaden dressed himself in a white shirt with a pair of lightly distressed jeans and a tan leather jacket, pairing it with his usual black vans. Honestly, we looked like a hot pair of mates.

Tonight was the night that the guys- Jordan, Dylan, Carter, and Harrison- were coming. I could not be more ecstatic. My mate and my best friends were finally going to be together in a happy scenario. They would arrive any minute now and stay for a handful of days. I was hoping during that time Jordan would be able to tell me what to do about the Moon Rise situation.

Kaden and I were relaxing on the couch, watching mindless T.V. as they walked in, escorted my a heavy amount of guards. I jumped off the couch and flew into Jordan's arms, who skillfully caught me. Kaden's jealousy ran through our bond in waves, but I sent love his way, showing him he was it for me and that these guys were just my friends, and my cousin.

I went through the entire group, giving each of them a hug and an enormous smile before moving all of us to talk in the living room. Carter and Harrison sat on the couch while Jordan and Dylan took the love seat, leaving the chair for Kaden and I, not that I minded sitting on his lap. While everyone was getting comfortable, I went to the fridge and grabbed a case of the guys' favorite beer.

They all took one gratefully and it wasn't long before we had gotten back in the swing of us again. Kaden stayed quiet most of the time, only adding when he felt he had something important to say, which was reasonable considering the last time all of us had a conversation.

Eventually, Harrison addressed the elephant in the room. "How's the Alpha treating you?" He said before adding, "I see you've been marked." I turned fire truck red as I sunk into Kaden's chest and all the boys laughed at my embarrassment.