Chapter 94

Trixy stirred and stretched like a cat after waking from their afternoon nap. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, the movement causing a slight twinge at the base of her neck. That made her eyes grow wide and she quickly scanned the room. It was not her apartment or the room from the hotel, but that wasn't important. Spying a mirror, she sprang to it, the large shirt flapping around her hips. She cocked her head and peered at the large mark on her neck, a tattoo with a pattern similar to the one she and her brother shared around it. Her mate mark, a sign to all that she was a claimed woman, and Trixy never felt happier than she did in that moment. She squealed and danced, never taking her eyes off her mark. She didn't know what possessed Sam to mark her but she was not complaining. Taking a deep breath, she wondered where he was, as she was sure that she was in his room. With one final look she turned, ready to explore her environment. 

She noticed her bags in a corner and smiled, knowing that Bruno probably went home to get their stuff once she confided that she had found her mate. She opened doors, first finding the closet and then the bathroom where she decided to take a shower. She opened her suitcase, finding one of the few dresses she owned, a white with purple flowers that matched the purple streak in her hair. She paused, hating to take off Sam's shirt, but comforted herself with the fact that she now has unlimited access to his woredrobe. She took it off, burying her face in it when the door opened and Sam stepped in, catching her in all her luscious glory. Immediately his member stood at attention, but his mind wondered if she was okay. He walked towards her while Trixy turned, covering herself, a shy feeling filling her. She wondered why, when memories of her wonton behaviour flashed through her mind, yet seeing him now, made her bashful. Sam sensed her feeling and thought she was the cutest thing in the world. He stepped up behind her, brushing his erection against her bare ass, smiling as she jumped at his touch. He leaned in, a mischievous smile on his lips as he whispered, "How are you feeling, my lovely mate?"

Trixy swallowed, his husky voice dripping over her like honeyed whiskey, making her clamp her legs together. She swallowed again before a tiny "fine" slipped past her lips. Sam smiled, but his wolf wondered if her body was alright, and of course, he wanted to know about the marking on his hands. He gently turned her and, placing a finger under her chin, he tilted her face up to meet his. His eyes roamed over her face and neck, a smile forming when his gaze landed on his mark. His wolf puffed up his chest in pride, knowing now that she fully belonged to him. He leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead before gently leaning his head on hers. He breathed in her scent, delighting in the hint of his unique fragrance mingled with hers, but this was also for a different reason. He breathed in slow and deep, and soon her breathing matched his. When he knew she was calm enough, he wrapped her arms around her. 

Trixy hugged him back just as tightly, not sure why she almost had a panic attack, but his scent calmed her, and the feeling of being in his arms made her feel safe. Sam held her until she totally relaxed, and when she did, he gently rubbed his chin on the top of her head. He pulled away slightly, and with a tilt, he gestured towards the shower. "You get clean, and I'll order some food. When we're done, I have a few questions, and I know you do too." Trixy nodded and grabbed her clothes. Sam stifled the groan as her pert little backside disappeared behind the door, soon followed by the sound of the shower. He quickly linked Bradley to ask him for an hour or two as he and his mate talked. He was sure that his presence was not immediately needed as he'd just returned from their briefing. Martha was tasked with finding a new hotel while the investigation of his Alpha's attack was still ongoing. It seemed that Sammy did a great job at keeping things in order, and Sam could tell that the soldiers who stayed back did not shrink on their training. 

As he thought of the conversation he was about to have, he decided to get out of the current outfit and put on something more comfortable. He figured that after they had breakfast and talked, maybe she would be up for a walk, so he could show her her new home. Soon, the meal arrived, and he took the tray, placing it on the small table surrounded by two chairs near the window. The bathroom door opened, and Trixy stepped out, steam causing the ends of her hair to curl. The dress fit her perfectly, and Sam felt his heart soften. He stretched out his hand, and she stepped forward to take it, some of the spark back in her eyes. He pulled her towards him, raising her hand so he could place a kiss on the back of it. "Milady, breakfast is served", he said with a flourish, his sweeping gesture encompassing the simple meal of toast, eggs, bacon, fruit, coffee and juice before them. He urged her forward, and after ensuring that she was comfortable, he sat down, dishing out their meal. They ate in silence, occasionally glancing at each other with soft smiles. 

When the meal was finished, Sam wiped at the few crumbs on his lips, took one last sip of coffee and looked at his mate. "So, let's talk. First question: How are you feeling? I mean both your body and your mind." Trixy closed her eyes, inhaling as she tapped into her physical as well as her emotions, all of which are tied to her powers. It was strange, but aside from the obvious soreness in a particular area, she felt better than before. It was like her powers grew and became even more stable without the months of training she usually has to do. She felt like her body became stronger as well. Opening her eyes, she looked at Sam, a warm glow in her gaze. Her hand drifted up to caress his mark, and she blushed as those memories flooded her again. "I feel fine, actually better than fine. I feel like everything is in its place, and I've finally found my home. I never thought I would feel like that since Bruno and I left."

Sam held her other hand, gently squeezing. "I feel the same. It's like I now know the true meaning of home and happiness." He laid his hand on his chest. "In here, it's like there's a calminess, a sense of belonging I never even knew was missing, and every time I think or look at you, it grows just a little, like stronger, more sure. It makes me feel strong and weak at the same time. It's weird, but I like it."

Trixy squeezed his hand, and the two shared a smile. "Okay, second question: after I marked you, there was this bright light, and these tattoos appeared on my wrists. He stretched out both hands and turned them so she could see the markings. Trixy sat up and, taking first one hand, then the other, she observed them carefully. "OMG! I wasn't sure if I would have been able to mark you. I know when wolves mark a human, it's usually a one-way thing, but it seems that my powers, my essence, responded to your claim and did it in return." The awe in her voice intrigued Sam. He leaned forward, wanting to know everything about this woman in front of him. "So this is not normal where you came from?" She shrugged, "It happens sometimes since in my realm, you are usually mated to your own kind. We usually do a ceremony where the priest bonds the couple, which results in a tiny bond mark, but no one has ever marked their spouse using their powers. This is unreal, and I need to do some research on it, but how are you? Does the mark hurt or sting?" Sam shook his head. "Nope. It felt hot, but my whole body was like that, but now, these marks feel like they were supposed to be here, a symbol chaining me to you, and I could not ask for a better prison sentence."

Trixy pouted, throwing her napkin at him, making Sam laugh, a feeling of freedom in his heart like never before. Still chuckling, he stood up, reaching out for her. "Come on, let me take you to your brother and show you around." She glanced back at the dishes on the table used to cleaning up after meals. Sam just kissed her temple, "Don't worry, hun, the staff will do that. There's going to be a lot you may have to get used to, living in a pack and being mated to the Beta." Trixy slumped her shoulders. She knew he was right, but she had no intention of making things harder for others if she could avoid it.

As they made their way to the guest wing where Bruno was stationed, Sam spoke, "I'll take you to the library later." Trixy looked at him confused, "Is there a book about being mated to the Beta?" Sam shook his head, "You said you'd have to do research concerning my mark. I thought it might have something there that could help." Trixy smiled and patted the arm that was possessively around her waist. "No, silly, I'll look through my family's ancient texts." Glancing around to ensure they were alone, she waved her hand, and a small portal opened in front of her. Sam leaned down and peered in, amazed to find shelves of books that looked older than the dinosaurs yet somehow in peak condition within. "Shit, that's crazy amazing." He looked at his mate, the realization that she was way more than he would or could ever think hitting him straight in the chest. Trixy pulled out a book. "This is our family library. It contains the knowledge of everything shifter-related since the first recordings. I don't know how it is maintained or new knowledge is added, but once the powers awaken in our family and our roles are given, the things we can do are revealed and we are taught how to master it."

She returned the book, and they resumed walking. "When my brother and I left the other realm, I thought we would be lost, but there were books for situations like ours, and we basically taught ourselves. Although I'm sure if we had our elders, it would have been a shorter journey. I used to be mad, but now, I know why." She paused and looked up at him, a happy smile on her face, "it all led me to you." Sam leaned down and kissed her so tenderly that when they broke apart, there were tears in both their eyes. He cupped her cheek, "I am glad that it did, my love."

Bruno cleared his throat, breaking the tender moment. "All right, all right, lovebirds, break it up. You're gonna make me sick or held in detention for breaking somebody's nose." Trixy pulled back and with a squeal, she lunged at her brother. The two embraced and the silent language of twins began with small head gestures and sound that can't be described. He gave Sam the sink eye, looking him up and down, but when his eyes landed on the mate mark around his hands his eyes grew wide before swinging back to his sister's. She gave a small nod and her shy smile was all that he needed to know. Stepping around her, he headed to Sam, his steps sure. Sam tensed, not sure if he should brace for a fight, but Bruno's words made him smile.

"Welcome to the family, brother-in-law".