Page 51 of Charmed, I'm Sure
The bar stool next to him is empty, so I slide onto it and signal to the bartender that I need service. Adren looks at me out of the corner of his eye before setting his tankard down.
“Hello son, how are you liking Pumpkinridge so far?”
“I like it! All the things that I didn’t know existed have blown me away. I saw a selkie carrying her skin in a purse so nobody stole it. I didn’t even know that was a thing either.”
Adren chuckles as he turns in his stool to face me. “Yeah, I guess things are a bit of a change from Jasper. It will take some getting used to, but you will get there.”
“For sure. I’m actually glad I caught you. Bellamy mentioned I need to ask about the wolf traditions for Samhain?”
“Bellamy as in the dark twin? Why in the world are you mingling with the witches?”
I duck my head, embarrassed that I haven’t mentioned to my Alpha that she’s my fated mate and the reason I’m here.
My foot bounces on the spindle of the stool. “That’s actually funny that you ask. The thing is…she’s my fated mate.”
“Oh…ohhhh. So when your old Alpha said that you always felt drawn to somewhere over here and that you finally found us…that’s what was drawing you here?”
“Yeah. I obviously didn’t know what or who until my first day here. She actually was the one who brought me the welcome basket for the town. I knew the second our eyes locked.”
He claps me on the shoulder. “That’s wonderful. How’s the mating been going since then?”
My shoulders droop. “It hasn’t. I’m sure you know she isn’t the most open person. I don’t even know if she knows that she’s my fated mate, or she is living in an extreme level of denial. Either way, I’ve spent this entire time trying to win her over. To say it’s been a challenge is putting it mildly.”
With his hand gently gripping my shoulder, he assures me, “Son, I’m sure you know that our beautiful Moon Goddess would never pair you with someone who isn’t meant for you in every possible way. She is diligent and careful in her selections. Even in selecting someone, Bellamy, that doesn’t seem to be your match in any possible way. But one day, down this wonderful path of life, you will have your ‘aha’ moment where the pieces fall into the puzzle and you see what she’s seen all along. You just have to have patience and acceptance.”
“Yeah, my mom said something along the same lines. I think I’m making progress, but I have to say I was a bit disappointed when she mentioned that there were pack traditions to attend to during Samhain. I was hoping to win her over finally that night.”
Adren smirks before grabbing his tankard and taking a hearty swallow. “You will have to find a way to balance pack responsibilities and mate responsibilities. As we all do. I’m sure you can find a time that night for whatever it is.”
“Yeah,” I say as the bartender walks over, and I order whatever it is Adren is having. Not really sure what there is available, regardless.
“As for our traditions, we have a midnight run. The moment the moon peaks at its highest, we shift and run through the Whispering Pines together. It’s our way of honoring all the wolves that came before us.”
My head bobs as I pick up the tankard full of a deep amber liquid that looks more ale than beer. Taking a swig, I cough as the strong liquid flows down my throat. Adren chuckles as he taps my back.
“It takes a bit to get used to, but Tamos is the best ale maker in all the world.” He takes another swig before “ahh”-ing. “At the end of the run, all bonded pairs of wolves join in a howl, celebrating our appreciation for everything the Moon Goddess has blessed us with that year. Then, our last thing is sending our wishes up to the Goddess for what we wish to have in the new year.”
“Wow, that is pretty cool. I wish I could bring Bellamy to it, but I understand that it’s reserved for wolves only.”
He nods his head. “We have a time of the night where we all gather to celebrate Samhain as a community. But we break off to each of our territories as the veil thins. Each choosing our own species-specific traditions.”
“That’s understandable.” I sit with that for a little while as we both sip on our ales. Neither of us feels the urge to fillthe space with filler conversation.
He places his empty tankard down on the bar top before sliding off the stool. He slaps the wood a few times before waving to the bartender and turning to me.
“I’m glad you are here, Miles, I’m sure you will fit in with us perfectly. Let’s chat about your role in the pack when Samhain is over. Right now, we are all busy with our preparations. I’m sure you would like to know more about pup wrangling and probably why I chose that for you?”
“Yeah…kinda, but sounds good, Alpha.”
He dips his head before leaving. With my tankard in hand, I stare into it as I swirl the deep amber liquid. I’ve got to figure out a way to meet both my pack needs and my desire to be with Bellamy. I wonder what time she will do the veil sealing? What if I use my wish for the new year for my mateship? Is that allowed? Can I say, “Hey can you help a brother out?” or will that be frowned upon? Probably frowned upon.
Checking the time on my phone, I realize that I’ve only got enough time to make it back to Hex & Harken before Clarissa is off work. Maybe she can help me figure out a way to tie the two together?
I’m winding around the corner toward the cafe right as I see Clarissa walking out the door and searching around for me. Perfect timing. When her eyes lock on mine, a smile spreads across her face.
“There you are.” She beams as she waits for me to walk over.
“I made it just in time it seems.”