Consciousness finds me the next morning in Jayden's bed unlike when I fell asleep in.

The first thing I notice is Jayden fast asleep on the chair next to me with his head on the edge of my bed; I look around the room and smile at the sunshine outside.

I lean over and place a kiss on Jayden's head; he instantly wakes up. He looks at me with a sleep grin before letting out a loud yawn and a stretch.

"Morning princess." He says kissing my cheek then moves to kiss my lips. I smile into the kiss and wrap my arms around his neck.

"Morning." I reply with a grin after pulling away from his luscious lips.

"So baby," He says climbing into the bed next to me. "how are you feeling?"

"I'm alright, just feel a bit off I guess." I reply looking down to where I lay.

"Are you sure? Don't pretend to be alright for me, tell me the truth."

"I promise I am fine Jay and I promise that I will tell you if I don't feel alright." I say cupping his cheek in my hand.

"We were suppose to tell you at the picnic then all this happened but tonight you're parents and brothers are coming to the castle for the night!"

"No way!" I scream standing up way to quickly, my head instantly spins and I grip the edge of the bed to steady myself.

"Woah!" Jayden says grabbing me "Doc says that you will get tired and dizzy spells."

"I'm okay." I nod letting a smile find my face "So what shall we do today?"

"Well we could go out if you like." He suggests "Even though you should stay in but if I'm honest I think we need to get out of the castle. My mom is trying to find you by the way, to apologise."

I rub my temples at the thought about Kate and what happened yesterday, I don't think I want to talk to her yet.

What could we do?

"I heard Willow talking about something that's happening today." I say folding my arms in front of me.

Jayden raises his eyebrows and looks at my chest, I snap my fingers in front of him which makes him look back at my face. I roll my eyes but can't help the smile that finds my face.

"Yes there is a big sort of party thing; we do it every few months. Basically all the guys play a big basketball match while the females sit on the side having picnics and stuff." He explains with a shrug "I haven't been for a while actually."

"Lets go then!" I say jumping up but stop when Jayden gives me a stern look.

"You realise this will be the day you will be introduced to the entire pack then don't you?" Jay says gripping my waist slightly tighter.

I never thought about that but I suppose that wouldn't be such a bad thing. It's not an entire day all about me so the main focus won't be on me.

It sounds like a good idea.

"That's fine by me." I smirk and place a kiss on his chin.

The biggest brightest smile lights up his face as soon as I say that. He leans down and pecks my lips softly before heading into the closet.

I sigh and rub my hand down my face. I can't believe this is actually happening? I'm going to have to face Kate and the truth behind her words, I just hope the whole pack aren't on the same page as her.

I shake my head to rid myself of those thoughts and walk straight into the bathroom. I really need a long hot shower.

***

"Lodi you okay?" Jay asks wrapping his arms around my waist from behind me. I smile and lean back against his solid chest.

I look out of the window and hold onto the frame, I cherish the feeling of fresh air and Jayden's arms around me.

"I'm fine." I say with a short nod. Jayden moves his arms to my waist and spins me around so I am facing him.

"Shall we get going?" He smirks holding his hands out in front of me to take. I smile and put my hands in his large ones, I can't help but love the way his fit worth mine.

Cheesy right?

Jayden leads me down the many flights of stairs before taking me outside. The sun beams down on us making me regret wearing a thick knitted jumper.

The sky is a gorgeous blue which is a change from the constant grey clouds we've had this winter.

"It's lovely today." I say as Jay and I walk towards the basketball court holding hands.

"It is indeed, the perfect day for a game and a picnic. Just a warning everyone is going to be here including my parents." He says looking down at me.

"How many people?"

"We're the royal pack so we are the largest around with just over 10,000 inhabitants around. But most live in other territories for schools and uni." He explains and I gasp.

10,000 wolves!? He expects me to lead 10,000 wolves! That's not even mentioning other packs we have to help with.

"Holy crackers." I whisper to myself, I know Jay heard but I didn't mean for him too.

"Hey." He says stopping us and moving to stand in front of me "It's okay Lodi, I promise to never leave your side. We will rule he best we can and that's all we can do."

I smile and peck his cheek. He nods in approval before carrying on walking. His words play no part in calming my nerves though.

After a while of walking, I hear the party before I see it. People are talking everywhere and I can hear the shouts of the guys on the court.

"Hey!" Willow pops up out of nowhere and pulls me into a hug. She turns to give Jay a quick hug too.

"Hello." I reply with a smile "How's the

picnic looking?"

"Great but I could really use an extra pair of hands on the buffet table." She says, her tone full of the unspoken question of help.

"Sure I'll help." I say making her shout in happiness. I look to find Jayden to see him talking to another male in a pair of basketball shorts.

"Thank you! Everyone has left me to do it to watch the boys." She says obviously annoyed.

"Hey Jay," I call to my distracted mate. He turns and gives me a smile "I'm going to help Willow with the food."

Jay frowns and walks to me so he stands directly in front of me. His hands fins the side of my face in a gentle hold.

"You sure you'll be okay? You realise my mom is here." He questions, his thumb runs along my cheek softly and I sigh mentally.

"I'll be fine, anyway you're only on rn court so I know where to find you." I reply with a slight shrug. "Go have fun with the other guys."

"Okay," he smiles and pecks my lips "but come find me if there are any problems alright?"

"Alright." I nod. I give him a quick hug before turning and walking away with Willow. I can't help but glance behind me and watch as he disappears into the crowd around the court.

"Are you usually on food duty then?" I ask Willow as we walk towards a series of tables in a line, covered in all sorts of food.

"Yeah, party food is my speciality. I love to make little snacks and finger foods but I hate making actual meals." She finished saying just as we arrive at the tables of food.

"What do you want me to do?" I ask with a smile.

"Could you put all of the drinks from in the bag under there into the jugs please. Then put all the red cups on the table too." She points to my right then continues to move food around.

I grab some jugs off the table and line them up in a line before getting all the large bottles of fizzy drinks out of the bag.

As I start filling up the jugs I hear shouting and cheering from the crowds. I look in the direction of the court and make out the men all jumping to shoot a hoop.

"Hello." I hear a voice behind me making me jump. I turn around to see a little girl with pigtails standing behind me. "Please may I have some orange juwce?"

"Of course you can!" I say happily, quickly filling up a little cup before handing it to the little girl "Don't spill it will you."

"No I prwmise I won't." She says with a toothy grin just before she rushes off towards a gathering crowd of women on picnic blankets.

I stare at the crowd for a few seconds but instead of heading over there I return to pouring out the drinks.

"Hey." Jayden's warm voice floats around me and his arms find my waist. He rests his chin on my shoulder and I turn my head to kiss his nose.

His face is slightly sweaty and I notice that he is shirtless. I frown; I don't want all these women staring at my mates body.

Only I can see my mates body. I want to see it, all of it.

I feel something rush down my spine and thought flood my mind of us mating. I want us to mate, I do want us to mate event though I'm still scared.

There is no point being scared. I know that this man in front of me will always be there for me and will always love me.

"I missed you." Jay says. His warm embrace making me sigh in content. Kisses my shoulder softly as we sway slightly in the soft breeze.

I turn around and wrap my arms around his neck. His bright eyes stare down at me lovingly making my heart burst.

I go on my tiptoes and place my lips on his. He immediately kisses back; at first it was slowly but it soon turned into a battle of dominance.

He wins, obviously. His arms tighten around my waist and back then he pulls my flush into him. My hands move to his cheeks as we kiss.

As we kiss I forget about everything. About Kate. About the basketball game. About the drinks.

Everything except how I want this man, forever.

I pull away slowly, not really wanting too but needing the oxygen. Jay rests his head against my own and breathes deeply.

"Jay." I whisper, biting my lip nervously. He hums his response as he keeps his forehead on mine. "I'm ready." I whisper softly.

Instantly his ferocious blue eyes snap to mine and I feel his grip tighten against my waist.

"What?" He says in a surprised whisper. His eyes are searching mine but they won't find anything but honesty in them.

"I don't want to wait anymore Jay, I have you and I want you before I lose you." I say reaching up and placing a quick kiss on his lips.

"I promise you'll never lose me. Are you sure you're ready?"

"Yes." I say and he smiles so brightly that the sun is probably getting jealous.

"Let's not do it on the picnic food though." He laughs and his humour tickles my stomach so I let out my own laugh.

"Shut up Jay or I'll change my mind." I hit his shoulder playfully. He gasps then smirks, he leans back and bows his head to me.

"Whatever you say my Queen."

"You're such a goofball." I giggle wrapping my arms around his neck tightly again.

"I'm your goofball. Soon I'll be your goofball forever!" He says picking me up by my waist and spinning me around.

I squeal happily and when he stops I tilt my head down and press my lips gently against his.

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