Chapter 5

Crystal watched the road, anxiety growing as she saw members of the pack turn and wave as they recognized their Alpha’s car. They drove through the village and Rook proudly pointed out the hospital, schools creche and even a well-built mall with many shops. There was numerous shops and restaurants scattered around the town as well. Crystal realized that the pack was very prosperous to have all their needs met and everything that a human city had within their pack lands.

They left the main residential area behind them and headed onto a road surrounded by trees. Crystal relaxed, the road gently curved and a mansion came into view. Se was too stunned to even gasp as the sight of the mansion. It was a multistory red bricked mansion with white columns and accents. Large windows reflected the light and trees that surrounded it. Beautiful flower beds filled with colorful flowers of different varieties surrounded the massive double front door.

Tomas was standing at the door waiting anxiously for them.

“Uh oh, He doesn’t look very happy Rook.”

“No, he doesn’t.  let’s go find out what the problem is.”

“Luna welcome home,” Tomas greeted Crystal as he opened the door and helped her out.

A low growl from Rook had him quickly letting go off her hand and stepping back.  

“She is my mate Tomas. Keep your hands to yourself.” Rook warned him.

“But Alpha I was just helping her. She is my Luna and you know I will never harm her.”

Rook nodded but possessively slid an arm around Crystal before leading her up the stairs and into the mansion.

“What’s the problem?” he continued looking at Tomas and then frowning and looking around. “And where is everyone?”

“Your grandmother dismissed everyone and told the Omega’s that she will cook dinner. She doesn’t want any strangers in the house except family so everyone has left. Your grandparents have asked your father to show them the pack lands. They wanted to see all the changes since their last visit. And your mother said she had some things to do and left.”

“Okay, Is there anything else?” Rook looked at Tomas and there was a glint in his eye that Tomas immediately recognized.

“No Alpha,” he replied and then grinned. “I’ll see you at dinner.” And quickly disappeared.

Crystal and been looking around the foyer while they spoke and her attention once again went to Rook as Tomas closed the doors behind him.

She smiled as she saw his barely contained excitement.  “I guess all you want is to have me alone?”

He chuckled, “Of course.” Grabbing her hand, he continued “let me give you the grand tour and then show you our room.”

“Our room?” she asked.

“Of course, you know there has never been anyone else.”

  She fell silent as she realized the truth of his words. Because of her dragon and her guardian abilities she knew he had never cheated on her and had always been loyal to her from the day they had met and realized that they were mates.

No matter how far apart they were, his presence and support in her mind had always given her strength even when she had wanted to give up. He had been unwavering in his support of her and her duties and Crystal realized that this time together might be one of the rarest time that they had together. Time alone with each other. Looking at her mate excitedly showing her his home she couldn’t help noticing that he always said our home.

“Our Home,” Aria purred in joy. “Our mate is great he has made us a home and is waiting for us to give him young ones”

Crystal shivered at Aria’s words which immediately drew Rooks attention.

“You’re cold,” he exclaimed. “I’m so sorry, let me get you warm.” And before Crystal could react. He had scooped her up and heading for the stairs.

“Rook! Put me down. I can walk. Where are we going?”

The soft rumble of his laughter in his chest beneath her cheek gave her goosebumps.

“I love carrying you. Indulge me please.” He pressed a kiss on the top of her head. “I’m taking you to our room where I’m going to give you a nice warm bath before dinner.”

 She relaxed in his arms and enjoyed the feeling of security he gave.  They were finally at the top floor of the mansion and there where only two doors facing them.

There was a single door, painted a dark green and appeared to be made out of steel. And the other door was an impressive set of wooden double doors with detailed carvings of flowers and plants.

Rook stopped in front of the double doors that had a keypad next to it. “This is our room. No one is allowed in here. I’ve recently had to change the locks and the code on the door is your birthday which only I and Tomas know.”

“Why? What happened,” Crystal asked concerned. Worried about her mates safety in his own home. Aria became more alert and began to scan here surroundings checking to see if there was any danger.

He sighed, “My parents didn’t believe me when I said I have a mate so they would send women to my rooms to seduce me. Don’t worry, you know I’ve never cheated on you. I love you and respect our bond. Since we first met there has been no other woman I desire. So, to protect myself I’ve locked my rooms that way even when I’m asleep no one can enter without my permission.”

Entering the room Crystal couldn’t help exclaiming in surprise. There was a small kitchen on their left and opposite that was an office area with a desk and bookshelves.  Beyond that there was floor to ceiling windows that showcased the beautiful forest at the back of the house beyond that in the distance Crystal could see the faint outline of mountains lost in a blue haze. Sunlight poured through the windows.  Behind the kitchenette there was a massive bed with red and blue bedding.  

A door near the bed was partially open and Crystal caught a glimpse inside which showed that it was a massive closet. At the foot of the bed there was a massive couch in front of a fireplace with a massive flat screen mounted above it. Near that there was another door and that was where Rook headed for. Opening it revealed a massive and luxurious bathroom. There was a massive double shower with a seat o one side, double sinks and huge mirrors. There was a bathtub as well as a sunken jacuzzi. Gently putting her down with obvious reluctance he filled the jacuzzi until the bathroom was filled with steam. The soft scent of vanilla and rose wafter in the air as he added bath oils to the water and then stepped back. Looking at her, his gaze darkening with desire he asked, “do you need help. Its as hot as possible.”

Crystal shook her head, feeling nervous. “it’s perfect thank you.”

He nodded, “I’ll get you some clothes.” And then he left her alone in the bathroom closing the door. Crystal quickly stripped and jumped into the hot water. Aria rumbled in joy as the heat slid across her skin. She even approved of the bath oils that Rook had added to the water. “Our mate knows how to care for us,” she told Crystal. “We need to fight harder to stay with him. The council can find others to do their work. It is time we join our mate.” She fell silent.

A soft knock and the door opened revealing Rook with a pile of clothes in his arms. Which he placed on the counter before looking at Crystal. “Do you need help?”

She hesitated feeling shy, and she saw the disappointment in his face as he turned away. “Yes, please can you help me with my hair?”  

He softly spoken words stopped him. Turning around Crystal could see the joy in his face as he quickly stripped off his t-shirt and jeans leaving on his boxers.

Crystal couldn’t help looking his sleek and well-muscled chest, her eyes sliding over his arms and legs.  As her eyes glided over his crotch her could see the obvious evidence of his desire. Her eyes flew to his as she realized he was standing still. He was waiting for her.

“Like what you see?” His voice was husky and she could hear the growl. His wolf was pleased at the attention.

She blushed and nodded, dropping her gaze. A gentle hand grasped her chin and raised her face. His smoldering eyes met hers. “I love you Crystal. I will not do anything that you don’t want. You decide what we do and how far we go. I know in the past we had no choice but now you do and all I want is your happiness.” He brushed his thumb across her lips before gently sliding into the water with her.

Settling her in his lap he reached for the shampoo and began to lather her hair.

She sat absolutely still, the evidence of his desire poking her. But slowly the gentle massage he was giving made her relax against him. She was sleepy yet there was a slow burn in the pit of her tummy. She felt his hands glide over her bare skin as he began to wash her body. She uttered a soft protest which was quicky forgotten and she closed her eyes enjoying the feel of her mate caring for her.

A protest sprang to her lips when she felt him pull away. Opening her eyes, she found herself staring straight into his glowing eyes. He was barely in control of his wolf yet he still held back.

Scooping her out of the bath he wrapped her in a huge bath sheet and carefully wrapped her head in a smaller towel. She grabbed a towel and started to dry him, but he caught her hand, his entire body was shaking “Honey, I don’t have much control left. I think you should change.”  With that he grabbed the towel in her hand and left the bathroom.

Crystal stared at the closed door. A strange feeling warmed her heart as she realized what he had just done for her. He had cared for her and had put her above his own needs. Looking at the clothes he had brought she found it was a pair of his boxers and his t-shirt.