Fighting for Our Destiny

Chapter 8: Acceptance

(Steph's POV)

His canines sank into my neck and it was the best feeling in the world. It had started out as a burning but then eased into pleasure. It overwhelmed me, I felt like I could cry and laugh at the same time.

Our lips clashed again in sweet ecstasy. I couldn't love this man any more than I do right now. His family was accepting of me even after what I put them through. I felt it was my fault Derrick wrecked since he was depressed because I wouldn't talk to him.

I would probably always have that nagging thought in the back of my mind but for now I was content focusing on Derrick's soft lips. If it weren't for him protecting our pup we would definitely be going all the way but Derrick pulled back before it got to serious.

"Steph, why wouldn't you let me talk to you and explain my feelings for you?"

"I figured you would just be trying to curb the storm in my heart. Tell me everything will work out for me but then reject me."

"I would have never rejected you. I loved you when I first laid eyes on you. Nothing was going to change that. I swear I'll protect you and our pup. Nothing will ever take you away from me." Derrick leaned in and sealed that promise with a tender kiss.

"I love you Derrick."

"I love you Stephanie." After that we snuggled together on the couch just talking about ourselves. Favorite foods, color, animal, etc. All things couples should know about each other.

Eventually we had to go into the dining room and immediately every ones eye their way to my neck. Rounds of congrats and welcome to the family were passed and I could tell I was already accepted into the family. Everyone was talking and eating when the phone rang.

"I'll be right back," Matthew said as he got up to answer the phone. Everyone continued until he came back with a very disturbed loom on his face.

"What's going on Dad?" Derrick asked.

"The Moonson Pack were just attacked by a band of rouges. They said the reason was in search of a girl. The girl described sounds just like you Stephanie."

Derrick started growling and I automatically put my hand on his arm to calm him. It worked because his eyes changed back from black to his normal baby blue eyes.

"We have to prepare for a future attack. All fighters will be on duty or on call from now on. They won't get her Derrick. I swear that to you son." Matthew solemnly continued on with his meal and soon everyone followed suit but we weren't as talkative as before.

Matthew took me home at about 8pm and before I could get out of his truck he stopped me by saying, "Stephanie? They won't get to you. I swear it as your Alpha and future father-in-law."

"Thank you sir. I'll see you later." With that I went in the house to my waiting family.

"You smell different Steph," my brother, Trey, said to me. My parents automatically looked up and caught sight of my mark.

"Does he make you happy babygirl?" Dad asked after it had dawned on him what this meant.

"Very much so. I wish I had let him explain sooner. Maybe none of this would have happened." I could feel the tears slipping and no matter how hard I tried to stop them they just kept coming.

"Oh honey," Mom pulled me to the couch and tried to comfort me. I then told them about the phone call pertaining to the Moonson Pack.

"They are not going to get you babygirl!" My dad may be this big macho man but when it comes to his daughters and his mate, he's a big teddy bear. He knew just what I needed just then. My dad and I always had this connection that he would cuddle with me when I'm sad.

Dad picked me up and packed me to my room where he laid down and wrapped me in his arms. This has always been his way of comforting his daughters. It made me feel safe, tucked into my dad's side.

I eventually drifted off to sleep. My dreams were peaceful for once. I tuned into the mate link for a few seconds and could feel happiness and anxiety running through Derrick. I remembered then about Derrick's appointment tomorrow to check on his bone development. He was doing so much better. Hopefully he'll get the braces off and be healed up.

I dozed for a while after having to get up to go to the bathroom. My mind decided to turn thoughts on just then. I remember something that I heard once about acceptance making you feel better. I know things could have been different but I also know that because of the separation Derrick and I had at the beginning, our relationship is going to be better and stronger than others.

I could now accept things as they were. We were together, Derrick and I. We were going to have a pup. No matter what comes to pass, nothing will be able to tear us apart. We love each other. He accepted me from the start and now I've accepted him. You wanna know what else? I accept everything happening. Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this had to happen for a reason.