A Gift from the Goddess

Book Two – Ch.#24 “What are you doing back here?” Kieran asked. “Did you get lost?” I took a small breath and tried to think on my words, but there wasn’t really any way around this. It was pretty obvious what I was doing.

“Your uh… Your uncle asked for a drink,” I said, holding it up a little to show him. “I was looking for the kitchen.” “And he asked you to get it for him?” “…Yes.”

Silence.

I tapped my nails against the glass in my hand as I awkwardly stood there, unsure if I was about to get another lecture about something I was never told about. A reoccurring situation that was becoming more frustrating.

“Raven… that’s not your job. Especially not as my… guest. We have attendants to help with that which he should already know.”

“Ok… but *I* didn’t know that and you weren’t there,” I snapped back. “I was trying to be polite. In a human city, it’s not that uncommon for someone to ask this. Especially for people who are important.”

Countless times in my life had I fetched influential men drinks in order to gain favour. Some people just expected it. How was I meant to know it would be met with this much pushback here? It was just a freaking drink.

“I’m sorry. I’ll try and stay by your side more,” he said. “And don’t worry about the drink or about Sterling. I’ll speak to him about pulling that sort of thing again.” He went to walk past me to the hallway door, but it was then that my frustration finally came to a boil.

…I’d had enough.

“That’s not the issue here, Kieran,” I said, stopping him. “You can’t be with me twenty-four seven. That’s just… unrealistic. The problem is that I don’t understand.”

He turned back to look at me and his eyes quickly softened.

“…You’re right. That’s my bad. I should explain the culture here to you more,” he said. “The last thing I want is for you to feel uncomfortable. We can do lessons or—.”

“No,”

1 placed the glass down on a side-table and took a step towards him.

“No, what I don’t understand is… me. Where I fit into all of this. Where I fit into your life and this town. You say that I’m here as a guest and yet that seems to have unspoken social rules I‘ve never heard of.”

was all he

the same way this thing between us is?” I asked, thinking back to what

abrupt feelings… the connection… It’s all so intense. I need to know if this is just a part of my sickness or… if

that, he instantly moved back over to my side, his hands grabbing mine. I could feel the warmth and sparks spread through the contact,

real,” he said quietly. “Of course it’s

is? Or tell anyone else for that matter? Are you hiding it from people because you think this is temporary? Or casual? I’m confused about what you want

to tell people anything… because everyone already knows, Raven. Everyone knows because you’re my….” “…Guest?” I offered when his words trailed off, raising a brow at him. But he then took a deep breath, rubbing a hand against his eyes. Almost as if he was having an argument with himself inside. One he seemed to leave feeling defeated. “Because you’re my… mate,” he said reluctantly. I stared at him blankly, not understanding what that meant.

tray full of glasses in hand. He spared us a quick curious glance as he passed by but didn’t pause, promptly continuing through to the dining area. “Come on,” Kieran said, tugging on

him to lead me for a minute until we came upon a room. It looked to be a small, contained suite; complete with both a bedroom and

took several feet inside but I quickly crossed my arms, growing impatient.

eyes, as though he really didn’t want to have the conversation. But it was now past the point

I could have never anticipated the way the

than the average guy on the street, I guess. It’s not like someone can prove their existence.” It was difficult

you that there lived a Goddess who created and oversaw our kind? A Great Mother who we refer to as

being indoctrinated into a cult

sister’s strong faith, I hadn’t expected Kieran to bring it up like this now of all times. Especially since faith was something personal, not

our kind’s history. Unlike humans,

she created two halves of our souls. Upon finding the other half, we are instantly connected to them. It’s why you feel and experience all the things you do around me. I feel them too.” I’d already thought werewolves were something out of a fantasy book, but now there were soul mates? Someone who was apparently irrefutably connected to you? But if his deity had decreed this…

to hide this from me?”

I wanted you to have

that I started

that. Even in the short time we’d spent together, it was clear just how attached to him I already was. I was lying to myself in thinking that I could ever return to my normal life the same now. That I could return to my father happily without any regrets. Kieran had a hold over me that was intoxicating, a light I’d craved for as

I dare to hope that this was maybe permanent? I reached my hands up and gently touched his face, his eyes immediately relaxing under

me from a world of pain and abuse, one where I was blind to just how bad it really was,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the overwhelming emotions churning inside. “How could

me. My role within this pack basically dictates the future of whoever I become mated with.” “What do

to balance