I realised I was being followed.
Whoever Tristan had assigned to protect me, because he did have the distinct scent of his pack, was doing a pretty bad job at keeping out of sight. But, I was grateful that he was looking out for me. Even if I didn't think about it much, I knew that he was a very powerful alpha and with that power came danger.
I more than likely would have attention on me for the sole fact that we were mates. And that attention had the potential to turn lethal.
Pulling my phone from my pocket, I waited until I was further out of the airport when I dialled his number. He picked up on the first ring. "Thank you, Tristan." The smile pulled at my face and I was comforted by the sound of his soft breathing.
"I'm guessing you picked up on Markus. Thank God you're aware of your surroundings." As he spoke, my mark tingled and I felt a stronger pull towards him even through the phone.
I knew I had to get back as soon as possible or I wouldn't be able to bear it. As I made my way out I could see Raisa, a woman from my old pack, holding a sign with my name on it. I instantly picked up on the fact that Ramiel hadn't sent a man, and I was thankful for that. When I got closer, she picked up on my scent and I watched as a series of emotions flashed across her face.
First recognition, then shock and then fear.
"He's there for your protection. I needed to be sure that you'll be safe." Tristan continued, and it was as if I could see the small smile on his face. "How was your flight?"
I reached Raisa before I could respond and she mustered up a stiff smile. It shocked me to recognise the look in her eye because it had been the look in mine when I had first found out that Tristan was visiting the pack. Something compelled me to set the story straight and tell her directly that the rumours she believed, the ones she spread herself, were all false.
"This flight definitely felt longer than the last one. Tristan, I have to go." I felt her gaze burning on the side of my head as I tilted away from her. "Call me later?"
"Of course. Be safe, αγάπη."
I quickly hung up and turned back to Raisa, forcing a smile on my face. She was the first one to speak and a curious expression plastered over her face. "I can't believe it's actually true..." Her head cocked to the side slightly and I felt her gaze drop to the mark on my neck. "He really is your mate."
I was suddenly very uncomfortable. She stared at my mark like she was inspecting it. For what, I didn't know, but if I had to guess it would be for any sign of forced marking. Forced marks appeared jagged with the bite mark being rough, but mine was smooth and seamless. It had been entirely my choice. "He is. I believed he would be a cruel and heartless mate, but he's not. I asked him to mark me if that's what you're trying to figure out, Raisa."
Her eyes shot up to mine and she looked sheepish. "Sorry. It's just we were all convinced you'd come back for good. You're a Luna now, I guess we were wrong." She paused. "We should get going. Your mother is waiting for you."
At the reminder of my mother, the sense of urgency within me resurfaced and I nodded profusely. She folded the paper with my name written on it and I followed her towards the exist, tugging my suitcase along with me. I had completely forgotten about Markus until I picked up on his scent again. Glancing at him over my shoulder, I waved him over and saw his cheeks redden before he sped up.
He was tall, just a couple inches shorter than Tristan, and had short auburn hair cut close to his scalp. And when he fell into step with me, he offered me a small smile. "I hope you don't mind that I'm accompanying you on your trip, Luna. I'm honoured to be chosen to protect you."
I returned the smile but with a noticeable wince. "I don't mind only if you don't call me Luna. Kara is good for now."
He acknowledged my response and gave me a brief nod. "It'll be like I'm not here, Lu—Kara."
When we reached the car, Raisa unlocked the doors and slid into the driver's seat as Markus reached for my suitcase, offering to put it in the boot. I directed a smile his way and climbed into the passenger seat on Raisa's left. She glanced at me momentarily and seemed like she wanted to say something while Markus wasn't in the car. It was useless though since as a species, all our senses were enhanced, especially hearing.
"Is...is the Underworld as scary as the stories say?" she was hesitant and watched my facial expression closely as if she was waiting for me to snap at her.
I sighed, shaking my head. "Greenland is a beautiful territory. It's covered in snow and really cold, but it's a magical place. The stories are all wrong." I tilted my head to look at her and pressed my fingers against my mark, feeling my heart ache at the reminder that Tristan was so far away. "I wouldn't bear his mark if the stories were true."
She was silent for a few moments and blew out a low breath. "I guess I have to take your word for it. If the rumour about his appearance is wrong, then the rest can be too." She muttered after, almost as an afterthought, and I had to force down the sense of irritation that seized me by the throat.
I was there when Tristan had stepped out of that car all those weeks ago, and I distinctly remember the look of surprise on everyone's faces when we saw him. Of course, it was a brief glance because I had been so captivated by him but seeing that he had almost the same effect on everyone comforted me at the time. It meant that I wasn't crazy or destined to be his mate.
I was wrong in thinking the latter, but I had come to accept and even want him as my mate.
Markus slid into the backseat, effectively ending our conversation as Raisa pulled out of the parking lot and towards the exit. Being on the motorway in London was a very different visual experience from Greenland's snowy terrain, and I found myself missing it already.
There was something odd going on within me and I had the very strong suspicion it had to do with the fact that I didn't entirely consider this pack my pack anymore. Nevertheless, when I arrived on the pack grounds, I was still relieved to catch the familiar scents, two of which being Ramiel and my mother.
The grin spread on my face, and even though it was getting dark outside, I could see my mother very clearly. She looked a lot slimmer than the last time I had seen her and I could see what Ramiel meant when he said the grief looked like it was killing her. Practically jumping out of the car, I embraced her tightly and sighed in relief as her arms wrapped around my body. "Mum, I've missed you so much." I pressed my nose against her shoulder and heard her voice crack as she replied.
"Kara! I've missed you more, sweetheart." She hugged me tighter than ever, but it wasn't long before her hold loosened and I heard her sniff. "What's this on your neck?" She narrowed her eyes slightly and I gently gripped my necklace.
"This? It was a gift—"
"No, this." She stepped back and her fingers gently pulled at the collar of my shirt to reveal his mark. "H-he marked you. Did he force you, Kara?"
Her tone was brisk and I recoiled away from her when she pressed against my skin. "Mum, no. I wanted this." From my peripheral vision, I could see Markus stepping towards me defensively. I held up a hand and stared at my mother. "I know you don't want him to be my mate, but he is, and I can't help but want him. He didn't force me into anything. I wanted him to mark me."
A deep frown climbed onto her face and she sighed as she pulled me into another hug. I knew she had something to say and was holding herself back, but I was grateful nonetheless. After what seemed like minutes, I pulled away and pressed my lips to her forehead. "Mum, I love you, okay?"
I turned to Ramiel and for the first time ever, I felt like his equal. I knew that by Tristan marking me, I was unofficially the Luna and that meant he no longer held power over me. It was weird to feel a fraction of Tristan's power flow through me. His scent and claim on me dominated every fibre of my being. It was exhilarating.
"Thank you for letting me know. I'm grateful."
He seemed calm, and at the sight of my mark, he cracked a small smile. "I'm glad you didn't reject him. Regardless of the alliance, having a mate is the best thing ever and it would have destroyed you both if you let the chance pass you by." The same look of longing appeared in his eyes and it made me think that this was what Tristan would look like if I had rejected him. Being alive but not living.
I had no idea how Ramiel survived rejection, but I hoped better things would come his way. It didn't seem fair for him to be alone forever.
My lips lifted into a genuine smile and I jokingly gestured to my mark. "I couldn't leave him if I tried. I understand how important mates are now."
He nodded somberly. "I'm happy for you, Kara." He diverted his gaze towards my mother. "We'll get out of your hair and let you spend some time with each other." He motioned for Raisa to follow him and I watched as he nodded at Markus, acknowledging his presence.
Something told me Tristan had told him of his extra guest.
When they both left, my mother mustered up a smile. "I'm afraid I'm too tired for anything tonight and you two must be a bit jetlagged. I'm sorry I'm not in a state to entertain."
I wrapped my arms around her again and hugged her to me. "That's why I'm here, Mum. You're going to get better and tomorrow we can tend to the garden like we did every morning, okay?"
It was a comforting thought and she smiled softly. The distraught look in her remained though and I made a mental note to speak to her soon. And with that, we made our way back to our house, where I set up the extra room for Markus and tucked my mother into bed before retreating to my own.
Like I had hoped, his shirt provided me with a sense of comfort and I took in his scent eagerly as I laid in bed, holding my phone in my hand. Rather impatiently, I dialled his number and waited for a few moments before he picked up. The smile instantly made its way onto my face and I sighed.
"Is it crazy that I can't stop thinking about you?" I started off without a greeting and brushed my fingers across the glass daffodil necklace around my neck. I closed my eyes. "I just want to feel your lips on mine again."
His voice was deep and vibrated through the phone call. "I want that too, αγάπη. I miss you more than you know." It was like we had so much to say to each other, but nothing at all at the same time. The only thing that could express my thoughts would be my action, and falling asleep in his arms like I did every night just wasn't possible.
"I promise I'll come back soon, Tristan. I can't stand being so far away from you- I blame the mark."
He laughed and the sound sent warmth surging through me. "If I had known you'd be this sappy, I would've marked you a long time ago." He paused for a moment and took a more serious approach to our conversation. "I know I don't have to say it, but thank you, Kara. For giving us a chance and keeping your promise. Marking you gave me the reassurance I needed to know that I can let myself be happy with you."
I couldn't blame him for his hesitancy because I knew how I had treated him in the beginning. I was so cruel and he didn't deserve it at all. The fact that I could bring him happiness made me realise one thing. Being mates wasn't a mistake. He may have been considered the King of the Underworld and symbolised death in the eyes of most, but I nurtured life and nature, which only meant one thing.
We were complete opposites but our feelings towards each other came naturally. He had been right when he said that no one could be better for someone than their mate. Tristan was perfect for me and this realisation changed everything.