32 Chapter 32

Atlas View

Zion and I continued to chat for a while after Kash had left. Once he was sure Kash was not returning he slapped my arm. "Don't you think I never noticed the mark. It might be temporary but you were to wait. What will the pack think if they see it, without the right ceremony?"

Sighing, I then groaned a little. "It was mark or try and take things further. Kash is dealing with more unknowns than we can imagine. Having him feel how much I want him, is enough to take some of those away. He has so much to learn and realize with his life still."

"Yeah, yeah. I get it. That mark will be gone by the time we do the ceremony anyways. Still, I did expect better of you." Zion was grinning now. "How do you think his father will take it?"

"I feel Kash will actually hide it from his family. Call it gut instinct. In fact, I believe he will keep it to himself." Kash had no choice tonight to have it seen. The guards won't say anything and of course Zion might only tell Doc, but it will be hidden either way. As much as I would love to have him parade it around, knowing his temperament he won't. "Alpha Dax has our cabins ready? I know we are leaving a little early but I hoped Kash could at least reconcile with his brother while we are there."

"Everything is set. Alpha Dax seemed a little, well, not sure boss." Zion though more of what he wanted to describe. "He sounded like he would be rushed."

"In a way he will be. We are arriving a couple days ahead of schedule." Zion looked at me with an exasperated face. "What? It's the truth."

"Never mind boss. It is just a feeling of something more. He never asked once about Kash either. Oh! Your uncle left already as well! I passed him on the way to bring your clothing. He gives you the best and hopes to see you soon." Zion shook his head. "I know he's up to something. I just wish I knew what."

"We may never know. But keep tabs on him. I'm heading to bed. No doubt Kash went to his own room anyways. See ya in the morn."

"Get some rest boss. You'll need it." Zion laughed while we parted ways.

The halls were quiet as I slipped up to our floor. The moon shining through the stain glass, gave a urethral glow to the walls and floors. It was very peaceful. I thought back to the vixens talk of pups and I smiled once more. Having a couple rascals running around when Kash is ready, sounds like just what this place needed after all. It never really crossed my mind until Kash brought up his fear of being unable too. I told him the truth then, and still mean it. When he is ready, he can make the choice to try or adopt. It would still be ours.

 As I neared our rooms, I could smell that my uncle had once more entered Kash's room. It was time to change security rules here. A small growl escaped and I checked his room first. My uncle did not try and scent it this round, but he was inside. Not sure what for, but I guess while we are away the security team can check the room over again. It took me seconds to follow Kash's scent into my room through the door.

Knowing it was made more because of my uncle's scent did not lessen the excitement that he still ended up in my room. I was even more pleased to discover that he was once more on my bed. No stress nest this time, but he was still curled up. He really could be adorable at times. Most men would be spread out taking up the space, at least from head to toe. Not Kash. He was curled up in a ball, hugging blanket he had bundled up to his chest.

Not wanting to wake him, I took my time preparing for bed, having my shower first. Very carefully I opened closets and doors to gather what I needed. My shower was not long, but the warm heat had me ready to close my eyes, even knowing who I would be sharing my bed with. When I finally walked out with my pj bottoms on, and was still towel drying my hair, Kash spoke up.

"You really like walking around without shirts. Trying to make up for something?" Though he was trying for his snarky self, I could tell he had just woken up.

"Sorry. I did not mean to wake you." I tossed my towel in to the hamper and walked over to my side of the bed. "Go back to sleep. We have a long day of travel again."

"Hmm. Good night." He pulled the blanket back up under his chin and started to nod off again. "My room stinks again." His mumbles could barely be heard.

"Shh. Just go to sleep. We will fix it before we get back." I laid down on my back staring at the ceiling, with my hands behind my head. Now that I was in the bed, I could feel his body move a little after he stiffened up originally.

"Atlas?" I turned his way only to be surprised he now faced me. "Umm. Can I get closer?"

I chuckled a little. "Are you cold?"

"Don't laugh asshat. It's just that your scent helps me. But, never mind. It's fine." He started to roll over.

Afraid to miss this chance, I grabbed him by the waist and brought him in, rolling him back towards me. He squeaked in surprise, while I pulled him in, kissed his forhead and purred. "Your scent helps me too. Goodnight Kash." His face now buried in my chest and my one hand petting the top of his head, we both nodded off for a good nights rest.

When I finally woke that morning, it was with Kash laying across my chest. I had awoken first to the warmth and comfort of him near me. The pheromones in the room mixed our scents together in a harmonious aroma. I could take it in all day and it made me wonder if that would be how we would smell after mating. Soon I felt him shiver a little, so I tried my best to pull the blanket over him without waking him. It did not work.

He moved so fast he flew off the bed landing on his rear. "Ow!"

"Kash, are you okay?" I rolled over to see him rubbing his butt. "I guess we need more practice, eh?" His face went red and he bolted up and ran to his own room. I could hear him from my bed complaining of the smell. "You can always shower in here."

"No!" He then made sure to slam the door between our rooms.

The rest of the morning Kash was avoiding me. He would not look directly at me and would mumble his replies. His reaction this morning should not have been that traumatic; I think? Soon even Zion and the guards noticed.

"Hey boss, what did you do last night?" Zion had moved in close while we walked to the cars.

"Nothing. And before you ask, nothing this morning. His reaction when he woke was funny but I did not even laugh at it." I was watching Kash close.

"What happened this morning?" Zion looked at Kash as well that had him turn to us and frown before storming off to the car ahead.

Chuckling I responded. "He woke up laying across me, was startled, and flew off the bed. Right on his ass. Then took off to his room."

Zion then smacked my head. "You ass. Why do you think he might react like that in the morning?"

"I dunno." His reaction had me baffled.

"Boss. Maybe you are just a clueless. He probably was embarrassed when he woke. I bet he was aroused like many are in the morning. You idiot. Of course, he is acting like this. Man. Maybe we do need Doc along to give you sex-ed classes again."

"Fuck. You think that is what happened? I can't even bring that topic up to make him at ease...oh shit!" I coughed out of realization. "I might have told him we need more practice too."

Zion burst out laughing. "You both will keep me entertained."

The trip back to Ridge Mountain, I saw Kash slowly come back to himself, and the morning events left his mind. At one point he was pointing places out as we drove to the cabins. The plane ride he kept his distance, but now he was sitting next to me.

"Oh! Look! Atlas! That meadow there is a trick of the light! Never run there because there are hidden caves that can swallow you up hidden in the grass. They are so deep!"  He blushed a little. "I may have found that out early on."

This had me chuckle. "It is good to know. We won't go running here then, maybe just the poppy field."

Kash hummed. "That place was always my fave. The patrol never went there and it was a little far for other pack members as well."

"Now, it is where our cabins are for visits." At this he frowned.

"I dunno about coming back after today. Both my father and it seems Jace have made it known I'm not welcome. Part of me is okay with that." When he looked back at me, he smiled. "It s time for me to be part of a real pack."

"In our position we will have to make trips to other packs. But we can deal with that when the time comes. For now, let's enjoy the quiet before the storm." I chuckled. "We are going to be so very busy when we get back to our pack."

"Really?" His eyes were questioning me. "I know that there is a little more with having several packs under you, but it did not seem like you were that busy. Uh, no offence."

"None taken. Truth is, when we get back, we have our mating ceremony to do. With that we need to get your Luna pledge done as well. The mating bite will give us a few days at least to breath before the packs visit us."

"Why are they gonna visit us? The ball was the big event, was it not?" Kash turned back to look out the window. "That's okay. I will be ready for them."

"Honestly, I can't wait for them to meet you." Smiling I watched as Kash had the corners of his mouth turned up in a smile. "What do you want to do while we are here?"

Remembering the trip from last time I knew we were already nearing the cabins. The forest was already surrounding the trees with the trees slowing getting closer together. Kash was quiet and I let him think of what he wanted to do. After all, once Zion and I announced our arrival, we had two days before celebrations.

"I think I should pack my room. There's not much, but the faster it's done the better." Kash was still looking out the window as if the view was something he had never seen before. Or maybe it was because he would not see this view for a long while after we leave.

"Sure. Did you want to take it all to the cabins tonight?" Kash finally turned towards me. And I could see the sadness deep in his eyes. All he did was nod before looking back out the window.

"Hey boss. Let's just go right over and get formalities out of the way. Karr and Colton can go with Kash while he packs." Zion looked back at me through the rear-view mirror.

"Could I join you, if it's okay. My family needs to know I do not fear them. No matter how hard it is for me." Kash sat up straighter and looked back and fourth between the two of us.

"Of course." This was going to be one of many internal battles for my little mate. The little ones he had over come so far, just showed how resilient he was. This was of course harder with family in the way. His father was not very nice when he left and was even less happy to know Kash came with us. I was not going to tell Kash, but his father hid more than even I knew. Kash was never part of the pack formally. If he mind linked it would have been with his father and Jace only because they were blood. He couldn't do it to others even if he tried.

'Have you thought how to do the pack pledge with him yet boss?' As if knowing my train of thought Zion mind linked me.

'No matter what it will be hard on him. He has never experienced a full pack in his mind before, and now he will have more than one. Tonight' we can talk with him about the feeling. Knowing him he will ask questions and learn of his fathers betrayal anyways.'

'Yeah, he has that instinct to him. I like it. That means it is harder to lead him astray. When he listens to it anyways.'

I ended up chuckling out loud and Kash looked my way with a questioning expression. "Zion is being funny."

Kash looked at Zion then back at me. "Yeah. Okay. You're both weirdos."

"Oh look! They are not alone meeting us. Boss, he has a few warriors here as well." Zion had slowed the car down to park.

"Are those boxes?" Beside the one group, there was a few boxes. As expected, it was only Alpha Dax and his men. Jace was personally escorting his mate and would not be in until tomorrow.

Kash sighed. "Looks like he packed for me." Then I saw something in Kash's eyes I did not expect. He brought his wolf partly forward once more. The glowing blue ring around his silver. Then his voice became closer to that of a growl. "At least he saved me the trouble of being around the stink of this place. Let's get this meeting over."