15

Reece

I woke up to soft light filtering through the slightly parted curtains. Of course the sunlight would hit directly in my face... I groaned softly and turned over, reaching over. As always, I came up empty. No Asher. With a sigh, I sat up and rubbed my eyes. I looked around the hotel room I was in and smiled softly.

I'm so glad that nightmare is over. My eyes suddenly bugged wide with realization. I can finally see Asher again! I leaped out of the bed, quickly got dressed, then brushed through my hair -which had gotten longer- and my teeth.

Before I left, I ran my fingers through my hair, which came down a little ways past my shoulders. To think that before all this happened, my hair was to the middle of my neck, and before that, down to the middle of my back. I shook my head at the memories, then skipped from my room to the one where Cally and Jeff were staying.

A grin spread across my face to see the two of them still fast asleep in their bed, snuggled close together. They look so happy together...

I walked over to Cally and began lightly poking her cheek. Her cheek twitched, but she didn't wake up.

"Cally..." I whispered as I poked a bit harder. "Cally, wake up..." She groaned and snuggled closer to Jeff, who simply sighed through his nose.

I huffed and went over to Jeff's side and poked the back of his head. "Jeff... Jeff, wake up. Wake up!" I whispered a bit louder. He simply blew me off by grunting a bit, then pulling the two of them even closer, if that was even possible.

I walked over to the foot of their bed and glared, my hands on my hips. I think these walls are sound proof...

I sucked in a lungful of air then let it out in a piercing scream. They shot up, wide awake, looking for the threat.

I just smirked. "Good, you're awake. We gotta get going if we're to get home today." Cally let out a loud, not amused groan and flopped back onto the pillows. Jeff glared at me and lightly pat her shoulders as he muttered comforting words to her.

"Reece, why did you do that?" Cally sat up a bit and scowled at me.

I just shrugged. "You guys weren't waking up when I poked you, so I thought screaming would make you wake up and become alert."

"Well, it worked." She snapped and I giggled.

"I'll make you guys coffee." I walked to the small kitchen and got the coffee maker ready. I watched the coffee steadily drip into the canister. A cabinet opened above me and two mugs were set beside me.

I locked eyes with Jeff, who grinned, then left. "I said I'd make coffee, not pour it for you!"

"It's payback for what you did." He said simply. "Oh, and a good morning to you, too." I grumbled to myself. Maybe screaming wasn't the best idea...

As the coffee brewed, I opened the mini fridge and got a water bottle out for me and steadily drank from it. Soon, their drinks were ready for them. I poured them each a mug and brought it to them.

"I'm not sure how you like your coffee, so I left it straight from the pot." I handed them their mug.

Cally took a sip. "It's fine. I like it this way."

"I might need a bit of creamer..." I snickered at Jeff then went to find one of those mini creamers in a cup. I got two for him and a spoon.

"This is funny..." I commented as I watched them slowly get out of the bed to get ready.

"What is?" Cally asked over her shoulder as she dug through her bag.

My grin widened. "Cally is the one who wants the strong coffee with no creamers, yet Jeff is the one who needs the creamers. Does this say something about the relationship?" Cally dropped her clothes and Jeff nearly spewed his drink.

"Oh God, it does!" I shrieked. "I don't wanna know what you guys do in bed! Keep that stuff to yourself!"

"Says the girl who's almost eight months pregnant." Cally countered with as she gathered her clothes up again.

"Hey," I flipped my hair from my shoulder dramatically. "At least I don't blurt to the world what I do in the bed."

"We don't either!" Cally shot back.

"Don't shout at me!" I faked tears streaming down my face as I turned from them. I heard Jeff beginning to freak out while Cally just snorted.

"Pregnancy hormones..." Soon, the bathroom door slammed shut.

"So glad to see you again!" I sang happily to Cally, dropping my act. She opened the door long enough to flip me off, but I could hear her giggling.

I went back to my room after I made sure Jeff was going to be okay after almost spewing his drink for a second time and got the bag ready that had been packed for me. I put it by the front door and flopped onto the bed right after Jeff made it.

"Really, Reece?" He sighed.

"You know they have people who come around, right?" I sat up and sat cross legged on the bed.

"Right, but not very many people have the courtesy to make their jobs a bit easier." He stated as he began picking up what little mess we made last night.

"You have a point..." So I got up and went back to my room I used and made my bed as neat as possible. Once made, I went back to the main room and helped Cally pack up the few things she left out while Jeff went to change.

"I'm so glad that I'll finally be going home." I said more to myself.

Cally hummed in agreement. "It's nice to know that we don't have to think about what happened. We can put this all behind us. Are you sure you're going to be okay?"

I looked up and met her concerned gaze. "Of course. I'll have Asher beside me to keep the terrible nightmares at bay. Sure, I might get tired of him clinging on to me every two seconds, but at least I'll be with him for the last two months of the pregnancy." I lightly rubbed my stomach.

"May I?" I nodded and stood up so she could get on her knees. She pressed her ear lightly to my stomach and lightly ran her fingers over the fairly large bump.

"You've got a strong one in there," She said and looked up to me with a small smile. "I might be able to tell you the gender if you'd like."

I shook my head. "No, I want it to be a surprise. Asher and I will think of names once we get back together, but I don't want to know the gender yet."

"So be it." She stood again and gave my shoulders a light squeeze. "Just promise me one thing."

I nodded. "Sure."

"Don't let him give the baby a ridiculous name."

"Huh?" I said, confused.

"Asher's not good at giving people names." She commented, her face completely blank.

"Okay..." I trailed off at the end. "I'll be sure to remember that..."

A grin played at the end of her lips, then she began to giggle. "Good. Now, let's get you out of here so you can see Asher again." My spirits soared as Jeff came out of the bathroom and grabbed our bags.

He led us down to the lobby and to a car that was sitting idle in front of the doors. Rorie stepped out and brought me into a light embrace.

"Alright, Reece," He pulled me back and made me look in his eyes. "We're going to see Asher now. But, I want you to try and keep a level mind and not completely freak out when you see him. I know it will be really hard for you, but please keep a level head."

I rose an eyebrow in confusion at his words. "Rorie, why are you telling me this?"

"Just trust me." He pleaded.

I slowly nodded, not liking where this was going. "Alright, I trust you." He smiled at me then helped me into the front seat, Cally and Jeff taking the back. The ride was silent at it was starting to worry me. There was no music on, and no one dared to speak.

"Reece," I met Rorie's gaze. "We're getting close to our destination. Can you feel Asher yet?"

I shook my head. "I think he's blocking me out. I want to try and get to him, but he won't let me in. It's been like that since yesterday."

He nodded and slowed to make a turn. "That's good... He'll probably open back up once he sees you again."

"What do you mean?" But he remained silent. I pouted, not liking the secrets. Why is he hiding something from me? I thought we were friends.

Then I remembered what I saw. "Rorie, what are you?"

He bit his lip as we pulled up in front of a grand house. "Reece, I'm a Hunter; a Hunter of the Supernatural. So are my parents, and Shelbie's parents. This means that we hunt the beings that aren't entirely human, an example being Werewolves. But since you and Shel are mated to Werewolves, we signed a pact that states that we Hunters will not harm any of the packs in Oregon."

I nodded slowly. "Okay..."

"One more thing," I looked back up to him. "Let Cally and Jeff get out first. I will be leading you inside."

I nodded again and listened as Cally and Jeff got out pf the car. I watched them walk up to the house, then disappear inside once the door opened. It closed, then Rorie got out to help me out.

I rolled my eyes as he unbuckled me and took my hand to help me out. "Rorie, you don't have to do this. I won't break."

"I just want to make sure nothing happens to you before you see Asher again." Was all he said. "Stay behind me and don't stray too far." Why is he being so weird? He seems... tense and anxious. What's got him acting this way?

He stopped at the French doors and knocked. They soon swung inwards and Rorie walked in, me right behind him.

"Have you got her?" A voice asked as the doors closed. I suddenly became very jittery inside and I almost couldn't contain myself.

"Yes, she's right behind me." Rorie stated. "Just please try to relax in front of them."

"I know." I could hear the strain in his voice, most likely from when my scent finally reached his nose.

Rorie quickly turned around and faced me. "Remember what we promised?" I nodded. "Good. Now, when I turn around, try and stay calm. You'll find out soon." He stood up straight, took a step back, then stepped aside.

I locked eyes with the man I thought I would never see again. I held back a sob as his eyes raked over me, their attention mainly on my belly.

After what seemed like eons, Asher slowly paced over to me, standing mere inches away from me. Before I could even react, he brought me into a tight and loving embrace. I wrapped my arms tightly under his, letting my hands grip his shoulders from behind.

Asher buried his nose deep into my neck and inhaled deeply, a soft moan sounding in his throat. God, I missed this so much. Forget what I said about getting tired of it; I never want to let go again. I never want to let go of this feeling ever again.

Asher slowly pulled away and I was shocked when I saw tiny beads of moisture threatening to spill over the corners of his eyes. When his lips turned up in a loving and genuinely gracious smile, they spilled over. I caught them with my thumb and he leaned his cheek into my hand.

"I missed you so much, Reece." That did it.

My tears spilled over, but at a much faster rate than his. "I missed you, too, Asher."

"I promise to never let you go again." He lightly kissed my lips, then pulled away before I could kiss back. He lightly placed his hands on my sides and looked down to my stomach. Ever so slowly, he got down to his knees and kissed my stomach.

I smiled brightly, the tears still spilling over and glanced up to see who was watching. No one was in the room, except for two, very familiar people across the room. The woman smiled and shyly waved to me, the man wrapping an arm around her.

My world froze at the sight of the two. I was seeing ghosts; literally. Did my time with the Rogues make me go insane and everything I'm experiencing is all a dream and none of it is true?

I placed a shaky hand on one of Asher's and felt the all to familiar sparks dance at our touch. No. This is real. My mind isn't making this up. I am completely sane. I haven't lost my mind.

Then why am I seeing them?

A wave of emotions suddenly filled me, some of them Asher's and most of them being mine.

"Reece?" I turned my attention to Asher as he stood. "What's wrong? You're as pale as a sheet."

I turned my gaze from his concerned and confused one back to the two familiar strangers. "Are... are they real? Are they really there? Can you see them, too?"

He looked over my shoulder and nodded to the two. "Yes, Reece. I see them too. I see your parents."

"Oh my God..." I barely whispered and covered my mouth with a quivering hand. "This can't be real. It can't be! You're dead! You're both dead! Why the hell are you here?!"

My mom frowned. "Well, that's no way to greet us after a year of not seeing us."

"But you're dead!" I repeated louder. "We had a funeral and everything for you! A search party, a national search, everything! You guys were never found! Where the hell were you guys?! Why did you leave?!" Asher placed a hand on my shoulder and another over my stomach. Almost instantly, I began to calm down.

"You see, Reece..." My eyes flickered over to my dad. "Your mother and I were running from someone who was out to get us. We had to leave, so we staged our deaths so we could stay away from them. We didn't want to put you in danger, so we left. We came back, thinking we were safe. Then we find out that you had been kidnapped."

"We just had to come find you," I focused back on my mom. "Even if it meant we could end up being found out by the one coming after us."

I slowly shook my head. "This isn't making sense..."

"Reece," My parents shared a look before my dad spoke again. "We're Hunters of the Supernatural. We angered a Rogue, who was once an Alpha, and he's been following us to seek revenge. When we hadn't seen him in a few months, we figured we were in the clear."

"So we came back." Mom concluded.

I couldn't believe this. My parents, who I thought were dead, were actually Hunters and were out hiding God knows where, are back in the flesh. They came back and are now trying to be a part of my life again. What do I do? What do I say?

"Reece," I looked to my parents again. "You don't have to accept that we're back right away. You can spend some time settling back down into the normal routine you're used to with your mate. We'll understand if you want to keep it the way it was before you found out we were still alive." Mom smiled softly and took my dad's hand.

"I..." I swallowed hard. "I need time to think about all this... I just want to go home right now."

Dad nodded. "Don't we all? Let's gather up the rest of the troops and get going." Soon, the rest of the people I would be flying back with joined us in the room. My eyes landed on Lana and I couldn't hold back a squeal.

Her head snapped up, and she squealed right back at me as she waddled over to me. I met her half way and we attacked each other in tight embraces.

"I'm so happy to see you, Lana!" I then pulled back and glared at her. "That has to have been the the most stupidest thing you've ever done!"

She grimaced and glanced down. "I know... I'm sorry..."

I pulled her back into my arms and slowly rocked her. "I'm just glad you're okay." We giggled and pulled away. Almost instantly, I was tugged to Asher's side. After a few more words were said, we headed back out front to get in cars to take us to the airport to get us back to Oregon. Naturally, I was in the same car as Asher and Rorie. His partner, whose name I still don't know, took the front passenger seat, leaving the back to Asher and I.

Asher took the middle seat, giving me the seat next to the door. The second I got in, he buckled me up and locked the door. "Safety first." I rolled my eyes.

"Asher, I am perfectly capable of doing things on my own." I said stubbornly.

He simply grinned. "But I've missed out on so much with you. The growth of our child, taking care of you, taking you to the doctor for the check-ups, everything. I want to make sure that I do everything I possibly can right so I don't miss anything else. Please just give me this."

For the very first time since people have been giving me the puppy dog eyes, I fell for it. The way his eyes just glimmered with his plea broke me and I succumbed to the eyes.

"Fine." His face brightened and I was filled with his joy, making me smile. "But only for a month, because after a while, it will get annoying."

"Deal." He sealed it with a kiss and I was finally able to kiss him back. I moan softly as one of his hands cupped my cheek, gently tipping my head up to deepen the kiss.

I jerked back when someone cleared their throat. "Please, not in the rental car." It was Rorie's partner.

"Deal with it, Joel." Was Asher's reply.

"I just don't think the rental place would like love all over the seats." Joel said with a chuckle. His accent sounds so amazing...

Then his words sunk in and I blushed deeply, making Asher laugh at me as he pecked my burning cheeks. "God, I missed you so much, Reece." He scooted closer and I lightly laid my head on his shoulder.

Everything was calm and peaceful, like nothing had ever happened. Like I was never kidnapped. It just felt like we had taken a trip somewhere and were enjoying the ride home and were not driving away from the hell we had all encountered.

After another half hour of driving, we pulled into the airport that would be taking us home. A few cars pulled up behind us and I had to keep my gaze focused forward. I just don't know how I would react if I saw my parents again. Would I break down? Run over to them and hug them? Scream at them?

"Reece, baby, calm down..." Asher kissed the top of my head and gently led me inside, Rorie and Joel taking up the rear behind us with our bags. "Just relax. Everything is fine. We can deal with them at another time. Right now, it's just you and me." I nodded as he led the group to a part of the airport where our private jet was most likely waiting for us.

No doubt Asher was going to make sure it was just going to be the two of us sitting together and no one else. I honestly don't mind, though. I'd love to have some alone time with Asher.

After a while of waiting, we were allowed onto the jet. Naturally, Asher sat beside me, giving me the window seat. Once everyone was situated, the jet began its journey back home.

When the "Safe To Remove Seat Belts" light came on, Asher turned to me. "Take your belt off and give me your feet. I noticed they were a bit swollen." I smiled at his kind gesture and did as he said. He moved my pant leg up and began to massage my ankles. I tipped my head back and moaned softly. Man, that feels good...

"Better?" He asked.

I nodded slowly. "It feels nice, Asher. Thank you."

"Anything for my lovely mate." My heart skipped a beat and my grin widened. I missed him calling me that. I missed sleeping beside him. I missed him touching me, holding me, kissing me. All in all, I just missed Asher and everything about him. To think, I swore I would stay away from him, but fate didn't allow that. It practically made it to where we had to be together, and I'm glad I finally gave him the chance he deserved.

It was totally worth it, even with all the hardships that came with it.

My breath suddenly hitched in my throat when soft fingers traced over the mark on my neck. I shivered at the touch and leaned into the hand. I was then gently pulled into Asher's lap, his lips claiming mine in a slow, passionate kiss. I moaned into the kiss as he lightly drew circles over the mark he gave me with the tips of his fingers.

"I can't wait to get home..." Asher whispered against my lips as we pulled away for air.

"And why is that?" I teased, slightly out of breath.

"Because once we get home, I'm giving you a welcoming gift." He smiled and I couldn't help but smile back.

"What kind of gift?" I knew what he was talking about; I just wanted him to say it.

"It involves you, me, and the bed." He chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. "And no clothes."

"Are we going to marathon a show on Netflix naked?" I asked, knowing full well what he meant.

He simply laughed at me, then lightly kissed my lips. "No, silly. Something much more than that. I know you've been wanting it since we've been separated. I can feel you getting turned on by my talk." I won't lie, but yes. I was getting very turned on at the thought of Asher and I together in his room again. Together, alone, with no interruptions.

"That sounds nice." I snuggled close to him and wrapped my arms around him. "I can't wait to get home, either. Just you, me, and the time we spend together."

"Yeah..." Asher put his nose into my neck and began to lightly inhale my scent. "God damn it, I've missed you so much... You were constantly on my mind. I never stopped thinking about you."

"And I never stopped thinking about you." I sighed softly. "I always waited for you, and I would think about us if this had never happened. I mostly thought about us and watching our child grow. How we would be making sure everything is perfect for our child, and sharing love for the one we have yet to meet." Our hands touched my stomach at the same time.

"I would think the same." He kissed my mark and I about turned into a puddle. "But now I don't have to imagine it, because I finally have you with me once more." We fell silent after his remark and just sat there, enjoying each others company.

When the announcement came on that we were coming in for a landing, Asher reluctantly let me back into my seat so I could buckle back up for the landing. He took my hand in his and lightly rubbed circles on it with his thumb.

Once we landed and were allowed to get off, Asher stood and reached into his bag for something. "Ingrid, wait." She stopped as she was passing us. "We found this. Signih wanted me to give it to you once we saw you again."

She gasped when he held a necklace to her. "You found it! You found my necklace! Thank you, Asher!" She quickly took it and clipped it on. A bright smile lit up her face as she gave him a quick hug, then got off the jet. Asher helped me up and we followed after her.

Ingrid must have ran to get off the jet. When Asher and I stepped out of the terminal, we found Ingrid wrapped tightly in her mate's arms. Nyl was a few paces beside him, his eyes wild as he searched for Lana.

She stepped around us and Nyl rushed over to her, bringing her tightly into his arms. He kissed her lips, her cheeks, her mark, then knelt down to kiss her stomach. Asher and I stepped away to give them their space. We stood off in our own little spot as we watched everyone reunite with their mates and family members.

Bennie and her mate were huddled close to their son, smiling and sharing looks with each other. Nyl and Lana were talking with each other, and Signih was on the ground, rubbing Ingrid's stomach as they spoke with each other.

It was a happy sight to see everyone back where they belonged. I smiled softly at everyone and leaned into Asher.

"Tired, Reece?" He said with a light chuckle.

I shrugged. "Sort of. I just like seeing everyone happy again. It just brings me such joy that we can all move on from all this like it never even happened."

He kissed the top of my head and pulled me closer. "I know it will be a bit hard for you, seeing as you're human, but just know that I am always right here for you. I will help you in every way I can to make sure you're happy and content."

I smiled up at him. "Thanks, Asher. Now, let's get home. I can feel my feet starting to swell, and, quite honestly, I just want to lay in bed and sleep."

He chuckled and nodded. "Alright, alright. I'll let Nyl know we're heading out now so he's not looking for us later." After a few seconds, he took my hand and we headed for the parking lot where a car was waiting for us. I recognized the person at the wheel as someone from the pack, whose name I never got.

We rode in silence back to the pack house, Asher and I never letting each others hands go. I would love to fall asleep, but I want to be awake for Asher. Only when we get back to the room can I fall asleep.

At the house, Asher carefully led me in through the front door and up the stairs, one hand on my lower back and one over my stomach to keep me steady. I just rolled my eyes at him. I'm not going to fall and break. But he seems to think so.

The second the door opened to our our room, I wanted to run in and dive into bed. But Asher wouldn't have it. He kept a firm hold over me and gently laid me down in bed. I pouted as he tucked me in.

"Safety first, Reece." He lightly rubbed my stomach and kissed my forehead. Not two seconds later, he was laying beside me and pulled me close to him.

I sighed softly in content and snuggled close to him.

I still think I'm going to get tired of this closeness and not being allowed to go anywhere alone in a couple days...