Ruby's Return

Today's the day! I get my friend back!

I spent the morning tuning up cars in the garage. Ruby called saying she was on her way home. I am so excited I got all my work done by lunch and Marcus said I could take the rest of the day.

I've been doing great with him. I am a certified electrician now and know just about everything about cars... I think I'm gonna start learning more about construction soon. I like architecture and building things. Especially when I put machines in them. Robots are fun to build too. I don't know I just like creating things and making things better.

"Guess who?" Hands cover my eyes and I know exactly who it is.

"Hi Alic." Man this guy is amazing. "What are you up to?"

"Just sneaking away for lunch. Alphas got me shadowing my dad so I have to be quick." He looks tired.

"So Ti is our new Alpha... no surprise there... but Malak! How did you know?" I ask.

"Just did." He shrugs. "My wolf told me."

"So cool. I'm happy for him!" I say

"Me too." Alic agrees.

Let me explain. The Alpha passes to one Alpha child. They prove themselves on their 20th birthday which for the twins was yesterday. We expected Ti to get the Alpha but the big shock is Malak did too.

"So do they know how it happened?" I ask. I've never heard of two siblings being Alphas.

"Because their mom is an Alpha too they say Ti got Alpha Aaron's Alpha and Malak got Alpha Lilly's." Alic explains.

"I guess that makes since... I mean Malak has always been closer to his mom... I bet Alpha Lilly is happy... and we won't have to combine packs!" I say.

"Yea... well I gotta go we have a meeting with Alpha Aaron and my dad will kill me if I'm late." Alic stands up but I stop him.

"One more thing before you go... when is Ruby getting in?" She didn't give me a time and I am so excited!

"Tonight... not sure when but you can come over in the morning if you want." Alic says then turns and runs out.

He is so sweet.

I feel my wolf growl at me. I know he's not my mate. I know we are just friends. I know he doesn't have feelings for me... and I know... I still love him.

I should just avoid him. Distance myself until the feelings die. That's what I should do but I can't. He's still my friend and I don't want to lose that. Maybe they will go away eventually. I don't know... when I don't see him or think about him they fade but every time I see him, talk to him, hang out with him, the feelings just jump up again.

I go home. I don't have much to do so I set out clothes for tomorrow and watch tv for the rest of the day shower and go to bed.

I know Ruby is back and that makes me beyond happy! Tomorrow I get to see her. I can't wait!

○●○●○

"Hello Markie." Beta Clay says opening the door. "She's in her room." He steps aside allowing me entrance. I got the day off to spend with Ruby.

"Ruby!" I yell as soon as I see her.

"Close the door and sit down." She orders. I do as she says and I can see her bouncing with excitement. "Malak and I are mates! Not like we think we are but like for sure we are!"

"Duh!" I say smacking my forehead. "Everyone expected that!"

"Shut up!" She yells irritated by my response... What? It's true!... "anyway... we are having our ceremony in two weeks and I want you to come! My family will get here next week so I need your help with setting it all up! I'm gonna be a Luna isn't that nuts!"

Well I wouldn't say nuts. Ruby is a born leader. She will be great and I'm not really surprised, Luna fits her.

"You forget I have a job now?" I ask. I got a day off but two weeks not likely.

"You forget I am joining the Alpha family. You my friend have the next two weeks off... don't believe me call your boss." She answers.

I called and well I have two weeks off!

We spent days planning. I stayed over with Ruby just to make it easier... well on her at least. For me it was torture. Everywhere I turn I run into Alic and I can't help the smile on my face when I see him.

"NOT MATE!" Is constantly being growled at me in my head.

Soon Ruby's family will be here and I will not so that helps.

"Markie get up!" Ruby wakes me. "They are coming today! I can't believe they left early! We need to get the house ready! An air mattress in Alics room so all the boys will fit, both guest rooms made up for my uncles and their mates, Pops is taking Dads room so we need to set up the couch for Dad, fresh sheets on all the beds, dishes, laundry, Alic's room! Crap he never cleans! We can't do it all in a few hours!" She rants.

"Breath! We can do it. Your Dad and Alic will help." I tell her.

"No they are training! Won't be back until it's to late!" She panics.

"Ok pick the hardest thing and I'll do it. You start with the easy stuff. We can have the laundry and dishes running while we work so that's less to do. We got this!" I try to calm her.

"Well honestly the hardest thing is Alic's room that boy is a mess." Crap! I walked right into that. "But you don't have to. I know this is hard for you being so close to him." She says.

"No it's fine I'm here for you not him. Plus he's not even here anyway." I say. She nods and scurries off to get to work.

I've never been in Alic's room. We always hang out in the living room. I know which one is his tho and make my way to it. Let me just say Ruby wasn't lying. It is a mess! Dirty clothes strewn about, half eaten pizza complete with box on the bed, candy wrappers everywhere, desk in shambles, closet in complete disarray. This may take all day! I start with the clothes throwing a load in the wash. I swear there are at least two more loads here. Then I strip the bed throwing away the pizza. I remake it and pick up the trash. Next the desk and closets. I got everything cleaned but I refuse to fold his clothes! That is a little to intimate for me. As I am pushing the hamper of clean clothes into the closet Ruby comes to check on me.

"Wow! It looks great Marker! Now for the air mattress and I think we are done! I can't wait for you to meet my family!" We finish setting up just in time for Beta Clay and Alic to get home.

"You cleaned my room!" Alic yell as Ruby lists all we have done today. "I'm so sorry Marker you shouldn't have done that! I would have gotten to it."

"Its fine Alic... you do need to put your clean clothes away tho. I'm not your maid just helping a friend." I tell him.

"Thanks."he says rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. So cute!

"She was helping me not you!" Ruby says punching him. "Now go take a shower you stink!"

"Yes ma'am!" He laughs and runs upstairs. Soon after there is a knock at the door.

"Pops, Uncle Fen!" Ruby yells as two men enter. She hugs both of them at the same time.

"Hay what am I chopped liver!" A third man enters followed by two women.

"Uncle Rhy!" She hugs him and the women.

"Don't forget us!" Two teenage girls walk in. I feel like I am intruding on a family thing until Ruby turns to me.

"Raelynn, Rachel this is my best friend Markie she has been helping me get everything set up!" I wave and the girls say hi as two younger boys run in. "And these are Uncle Fen's boys Francis and Felix... where's that brother of yours?" Ruby asks the girls.

"Dad has him unloading the car should be in any minute." A girl says. This place is getting too full for my liking.

"Hay Ruby." I whisper stepping away from the mob of people. "I know it's your family and all but..." I start.

"Too many new people... I know I get it. Head out the back. I'll call you tomorrow maybe we can hang out with just the girls." She suggests. I love her. She knows how much I hate crowds and doesn't judge me for it.

"Sounds good... see you tomorrow." I say and head out.