Page 56 of A True Mate Bond

“Would you mind helping me with the dishes, Blake?”

Knowing that meant she wanted to talk, he nodded and followed her into the kitchen where he started washing the dishes while his mother dried them.

It took her a few moments to say something, but he gave her time to find the right words. “I’ve noticed that Niev is quite shy around the pack.The few times she has been with a larger group she seems reluctant to be with us, much different than how she is with us alone,” she stated worriedly.

“She’s unsure of how the pack will treat her. When she came here, she didn’t get the feeling she was welcomed and even after all she’s done for us, her worry remains. She has noticed everyone’s behavior change toward her, but they are still afraid.”

“From what I’ve heard, everyone is eager to meet her, yet also unsure how they should interact with her. I also think it’s partially your father’s fault for accepting her into the pack without a proper ceremony. I know he had his reasons, but I was thinking about adding her to the merging ceremony. Do you think that is a good idea?”

“I do like the idea, but I’m not sure if she’ll accept your proposal.”

His mother smiled mischievously. “I thought so too. So I was thinking about not telling her and adding her at the end, after all the Skadu Wolves have accepted your father’s request.”

“And you’ve already talked to Father about this?”

“Of course. He’ll do so if you agree.”

“I don’t like making decisions over her head.” He looked over his shoulder and watched Niev as she leaned over the notes that Lyliann was taking. His mother was right. She was much more confident and open around his family compared to the rest of the pack. “I think we should give your idea a try and hope she’ll forgive us if she doesn’t like it.”

“I’ll make it a point that it was my idea if it goes wrong.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

She smiled, her eyes radiating pure love. “Blake, she’s like a daughter to me and I would do anything for her to feel comfortable and happy here. I know we are all the family she has left, and I want only the best for her.”

“I have a few other things I would like to plan with you for her.” He lowered his voice a little more, afraid she would hear him. “So, humans celebrate something they call baby showers in which they shower the soon to be mother with gifts for her baby and herself. I want to do something like that for Niev, but I need to do some research before I can start planning something. I was hoping you would help me.”

“Of course,” she quietly cheered, her smile brightening even more. “Just let me know what you need me to do and I’ll do it.” She laid her arm around him and gently squeezed him.

They continued to clean the dishes in silence and right as he was rinsing the last plate, he felt Niev’s warm arms wrap around his waist. He leaned into her touch and felt her place her cheek on his spine.

“How are you feeling, beautiful?”

“A little tired, but probably nothing compared to you. Were you up all night while I was sleeping?”

“Most of it. I dozed off here and there but not a lot. Would you like to go home and nap?”

“If you don’t mind,” she said shyly.

“Of course not, we can nap together.” He handed the plate to his mother, turned around, and kissed her forehead.

She smiled, her eyes reflecting her happiness. “I like that idea.”

He nodded and they both said their goodbyes to everyone before leaving the house. They walked toward the truck, holding hands as the clouds above them slowly darkened. Luckily for them, they made it home before the rain started pouring down.

They spent the rest of the afternoon cuddled up in bed. Niev was sleeping on his chest while he used that time to research what traditional weddings entailed. Apparently, they didn’t only have a ceremony, but also traditions for after the ceremony such as cake cutting and a first dance as bride and groom.

It was much more than he’d expected there to be, and he became overwhelmed. Though, there was one thing that he did like very much.

During the ceremony, there were specific words that were used to ask the couple by the wedding officiant if they would be faithful to each other. He made a note in the back of his mind that he would ask his father to do so during their commitment.

He hoped that even though his pack’s usual commitment ceremonies were quite simple, Niev would still enjoy it. It was one of his biggest worries that she didn’t feel like this was the kind of life she’d expected for herself. Of course, he knew it wasn’t anything that she’d ever dreamed of, but he hoped it was enough to make her happy and not regret her decision.

Lifting Dark Clouds

The following weeks passedby quickly. Blake was able to move Niev into their new home just two days ago and was now busy putting together two cribs, wanting to surprise her. She’d gone out to find herself a dress for their ceremony and he took that opportunity to give the nursery its finishing touches. Of course, Niev had been the one decorating and choosing paint colors, and it had been mostly finished before anything else was ready. Now, he only needed to add the last bits of furniture.The only rooms that hadn’t been touched during the renovation were the second bedroom and the attic.

Niev, his mother, Olivia, Lyliann, Layla, and Aaron had left for the mall that morning, driven by his father who Niev had insisted on coming. Apparently, most soon to be brides took their fathers to approve of the dress, and she wanted his father to come and take her father’s place instead.

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