Breaking Traditions- the Shifter and the Mage Read online

  "Okay, I won't. Now go grab your stuff. I am tired, and I know you will be too as soon as your adrenaline wears off." He softly laughs and places a kiss on my cheek.

  "Okay, bossy, I am going." I laugh and push open the door of my car. I turn to look over my shoulder to see him settling back into the passenger seat. I am surprised by how light I feel and how he helped me to laugh. I guess that is something only mates can do.

  Leaving the car behind me, I quickly dart up the stairs to my dorm room. Using my key to slip in, I notice that Addy is not present. I frown and then see a sticky note stuck to my desk.

  Hey, I am staying with Calen tonight. Just in case I forget to text, I left this note. See you tomorrow.

  I smile, thinking through the tidbit Alex shared with me about them. They seem like they will be a great couple. Redirecting my thoughts, I grab a change of clothes and my toiletries and stick them in a small duffel bag. I also grab my backpack and any items needed for my first class in the morning. I don't know if I will have time to run up and grab them in the morning or not, so it is better to be prepared.

  With my bags in hand, I go to walk out of the door and realize I don't have my phone charger. Chiding myself I walk back to my nightstand and grab it. I don't know how much longer I will be able to use my phone, but I would rather have it charged and usable until I have another one in hand. Sticking it in my bag, I leave and head back down to the car.

  As I near the car, I see Alex has his head propped against the window and appears to be sleeping. I guess his magic took a lot out of him when he flew all the way here in his owl form. He also mentioned not sleeping well last night, so I imagine that has a huge part in it.

  He jolts up and whips his head around as I open the car door. "Hey, it's just me. No need to freak out. You can go back to sleep." I smile and throw my stuff in the back seat.

  "Sorry, I thought you would be up there longer. I guess Addy is with Calen?" He asks before being taken over by a huge yawn.

  "Yeah, she left me a note. I didn't get a message from her, so I assume they are busy."

  "Hmm," he says, leaning his head back against the door.

  I chuckle and put the car into drive. Thankfully I still remember how to get to his place having been there a handful of times. Within minutes I am pulling up in front of his house and parking at the curb.

  "Hey," I reach over to gently shake his shoulder, "we are here. Let's get you inside and to bed."

  I watch as he yawns and turns to smile at me. "I know you are tired, too, sorry for dozing."

  We both slide out of the car, and he grabs my bags. I laugh as I attempt to grab them from him, but he doesn't budge and holds them above my head. Admitting defeat, I allow him to lead the way to the house and the door.

  Reaching the door, I frown as he stoops to pick up keys off of the porch. "Sorry, I dropped these earlier before flying off. Between your emotions, my emotions, my owl's response, and my magic rising, I couldn't control myself and shifted to fly to you. I had planned on driving, though, so the keys landed here."

  "Oh," I say, a bit shocked. I didn't know that kind of thing could happen.

  "Anyway, let's go in. I think everyone is already in bed anyway." He says, pushing the door open to a very dark house.

  I smile and follow him down the hall to his room. I try to picture living here with him, and for some reason, it feels right. I expected to freak out when faced with it head-on, but my wolf and I both feel at peace. Weird.

  I watch as he pushes the door to his room open and places my bags by his desk. I can't help but stare as he sheds his shirt, followed by his shoes, socks, and jeans. He is gorgeous, and I feel my core tighten, and my cheeks flush. Sensing my response, as his jeans hit the floor, he snaps his gaze up to mine.

  I offer him a sultry look and begin to strip, giving him the same show, he just gave me. I slide my top over my head slowly while holding his gaze. I then drop it to the floor, moving to my jeans, pushing them down my legs before realizing I didn't take off my shoes. Hoping I didn't break the mood with my goofiness, I stop and take them off before continuing with my jeans. I glance up and see a silly smile on his face, but at the same time, I sense he is turned on. Glancing at his genital area confirms it even more.

  Standing in my matching bra and panties, I walk toward him and let him wrap his arms around me. He unclasps my bra, causing me to sigh and begins rubbing my back. Dropping to his knees, I take in a sharp breath as he begins trailing kisses down my torso toward my panties. He slowly slides them down my legs and motions for me to step out of them. I comply with a smirk and move without falling.

  He looks up at me from his position before standing quickly and moving us to the bed. "So much for going to sleep, huh?" I say as he lays me back on the bed.

  "We will get there, don't you worry one bit. We are just going to have some fun first." He says before trailing kisses across my neck and moving down.

  I smile at the light touch of his lips and kick my thoughts of what I need to do tomorrow to the curb. At least for tonight anyway.

  13. Alex

  The next morning, I wake with Nat still in my arms. After our late night of passionate lovemaking, we fell asleep cuddling. It was beautiful, and I feel refreshed this morning. I loved having my mate in my arms. With a light kiss to her temple, I slide out of bed to head to the shower. I don't plan on spending too long in the bathroom because I don't want her to feel uncomfortable waking up alone in this house. It may take her some time to get used to being here, and I want her to move in with me. I won't push the issue, but it would be the most cost-effective decision. Living on campus is expensive, and so is braving a single apartment on your own.

  I quickly shower and shave before heading back to my room. Opening the door, I am faced with the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I seemed to have caught Nat just as she woke because she is sitting nude with the sheet pooled around her hips stretching. Her skin is slightly flushed from sleep, and her hair is a mess, but I love it. Natural beauty. Even the sunlight streaming through the holes in the blinds seems to frame her in a golden aura.

  "Good morning, sunshine," I say, moving toward the bed. I take a seat beside her wrapping her in my arms. I gently kiss her lips.

  "Good morning," she says, pulling away from me slightly with a smile on her lips.

  "How are you feeling this morning?" I ask her, letting her stand from the bed.

  "Strangely refreshed. I thought I would feel like total shit, but I am not going to complain about not feeling that way."

  "Good, well, the shower is open for the moment if you want to get ready. It is best to use it before everyone else gets up because it tends to become a fight about who is going to use the bathroom. It is even worse when the hot water runs out." I laugh and watch her move to her bags by my desk.

  "That sounds like a good idea. I will do that and be back. I do not want to run into anyone with my morning breath. You are lucky you are my mate. It does not affect you, obviously." She says with her arms full of stuff, causing me to laugh hysterically.

  I sober up a second later, though. "Are you going to walk down the hall naked? I don't think I am okay with you doing that." I smirk.

  "Shit, no, gah!" She says, making me laugh again. I stand and grab the bathrobe I have hanging in my closet.

  "I don't use this very often, but it is clean. It may help. Here let me help you into it." I hold up the grey robe with its one tie that fits around the waist. She slides one arm in then shifts her stuff over to put the other arm.

  "Thanks, okay, now I will be back." I watch as she moves toward the door and slips into the hall.

  I sit back on the edge of the bed, thinking about everything that happened last night. She shared a lot with me that she had been hiding. I am happy to be out of the dark finally, but at the same time, I hate that her parents would do that to her. I can feel her pain as if it were my own.

  I sigh and force myself to stand and begin to dress. I need to pick up a
phone and add a number to my plan today. I also need to discuss her moving in with my roommates. I guess I should give them a bit of information about what is going on. I am sure they will be curious, especially after how I sped out of here last night.

  Sighing, I grab a black t-shirt from my closet and throw it on. I then pick a pair of relaxed fit blue jeans to slide on. Grabbing a pair of socks and my tennis shoes, I make my way back toward the bed. I once again sit at the edge and don my shoes. As I am bent forward, tying the last of my laces, Nat returns through the door in a rush.

  I glance up and say, "you okay?"

  Letting out a deep sigh, she says, "yeah, I just didn't want anyone to see me. I have never actually stayed over at a guy's house like this before, so it is weird. I think I heard someone in the kitchen though making coffee. I hope I can snag a cup before leaving for class."

  She moves toward her bag again to redeposit her toiletries and grab clothes. I watch as she slides into a pair of black yoga pants and a purple t-shirt. She looks comfy. She then slides her shoes on.

  Standing, I motion toward the door, "well, you ready to go get that coffee?"

  "Yes, please." She grabs my hand, and I pull her toward the door.

  I continue to hold her hand as we make our way into the kitchen. When we arrive, I see Stevie at the stove, making breakfast.

  "Oh! Hi Natalie, I didn't know you were here. I am making bacon and eggs if you want some. There is also coffee in the coffee pot. We have creamer in the fridge." She says this over her shoulder while she flips an egg over.

  I smile and say, "Stevie has always been a morning person. She typically beats everyone up."

  "Thanks, I am going to grab some coffee. I will definitely have some of the food. It smells delicious." Nat says as she makes her way toward one of the cabinets that hold the mugs. She appears relaxed, but I can sense her lingering anxiety. To be honest, I have some too.

  I don't know how we will fix this situation with her and her parents, but I know they are important to her. I am going to have to form a plan. I also want to be there for her every step of the way, regardless of what happens.

  "I will grab some creamer from the fridge; Nat, will you fix me a cup too, please?" I say, moving toward the fridge. I am sure we have some white chocolate mocha-flavored creamer somewhere, and I plan to grab it for her. Maybe it will brighten her morning even more?

  "Sure thing!" I hear her say as I am digging around in the fridge. After moving a few things, I spot the bottle I am looking for and pull it out. I turn to walk toward my lovely woman with creamer in hand. When she spots the flavor, her face breaks out into a huge smile. I laugh as she dumps a ridiculous amount into her coffee.

  "I think you may need more creamer in there; it isn't quite white yet." I laugh but manage to get the sarcastic words out.

  "Oh, hush, you know I love this flavor!" She sticks her tongue out at me, and I hear Stevie laughing behind us.

  We spend the next thirty minutes hanging out drinking coffee and visiting with Stevie. None of the other inhabitants are up, so it is still pretty quiet. Everyone seems to be sleepy but relaxed. I can tell it affects Nat's anxiety because of the queasy feeling I have had since waking has gone away. I know now that her mood was seeping through our bond.

  "Well, I better get going. If I don't, I am going to be late for class. Alex, do you want to meet up in the cafe later this evening for dinner?" Nat stands and moves to place her mug in the kitchen sink.

  "Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. I will meet you there, say four-thirty?" I ask as she returns to my side.

  "That works. I better go. Stevie, thanks for breakfast. I will see you around!" She kisses me before heading down the hall to grab her bags. I continue to watch her as she walks back toward the door.

  Turning back toward my half-full cup of coffee, I notice that Stevie is watching me with a raised eyebrow. She has a curious look on her face that silently urges me to spill it.

  "What?" I ask, taking a sip from my cup.

  "She seemed nervous. Is everything okay?" She sets her cup down.

  I sigh, "yes and no. It is a long story. When everyone is up, I will share what's going on, but not until then." I feel overwhelmed by the events and as if I am drowning in my thoughts.

  "Okay, just know that I am here for you and her if she needs a friend. I picked up on some powerful emotions of sadness." She says, finally lowering her eyebrow.

  "Yeah," I say, watching her stand from the table.

  "Okay, well, I will be back. Fix you another cup of coffee." She moves down the hall, and I laugh as she starts beating on doors. I guess she wants me to fill everyone in now. She can be so impatient at times.

  I laugh even harder as groans fill the house and doors finally open.

  "What in the hell is going on, and why are you waking everyone?" Eddie says, stumbling toward the coffee pot.

  Stevie follows everyone with a pep in her step and a mischievous smile on her face. "We have something to discuss with Alex, and it is important. Everyone suck it up and get some caffeine in your system."

  I watch as Lainee rolls her eyes, and Derick flips her the bird. Stevie just smirks at him, and I roll my eyes. Meanwhile, Eddie is chugging a cup of coffee. I can't help but wonder what the hot liquid is doing to his throat. Does it not burn?

  "Okay, well, I didn't intend for her to wake everyone up, but it works for me. How would you guys feel if Natalie moved in with me?" I ask, picking up my mug again to take a sip while everyone processes my question. It gives me a point of focus other than my roomies' faces. I know they are likely to be concerned and have questions.

  I look back up from my mug, and I smile as Lainee whips her head my direction, almost spilling coffee everywhere, and both Derick and Eddie have eyebrows raised.

  "I am cool with it. It would be nice to have her here." Stevie chimes.

  "I think that is a good idea too, but is there more going on? I feel like this is a little sudden, don't you think?" Lainee says, seeming to come out of her sleepy stupor finally.

  "Well, yes, it is a bit sudden, but there is a reason behind it," I say and then move into telling them about the whole mating thing and the fight with her parents.

  They all give an opinion on it in support of her moving in and offer to do whatever they can to help her get established where she won't need them. Even the guys puff up and offer to do what they can. I am amazed at how they all want to get involved and welcome her into our little living circle. It warms my heart.

  After we hash out a plan to start prepping to add another person to our house, everyone breaks to go about their day. I feel joyful and excited about this development and can't wait to tell Nat.

  I grab my stuff and head out the door. I have enough time to swing by the cellular store to get a phone before my first class starts. Having it before I meet with her tonight will give her one less thing to worry about. I know she is going to have a lot on her plate for a while after last night's events, and I hope I can do everything possible to make things easier.

  14. Natalie

  Waking up in Alex's room this morning was a shock to my system, but I felt comfortable. I didn't have a gaping hole in my heart like I thought I would after the dinner debacle last night. My emotions were still in turmoil, but it didn't seem as out of control like it was last night. I was a little nervous about showering in the house, though. I did not want someone to walk in on me.

  Breakfast was also lovely. I enjoyed chatting with Stevie and Alex while I drank my coffee. My anxiety eased just relaxing with them, and it filled me with joy. It made the start of my day more enjoyable and, I even managed to make it to class on time, arriving with a smile on my face. Now that my classes are over, though, I have a few hours to kill before meeting Alex for dinner.

  My thoughts consume me as I make my way across campus to the dorms. I know I need to start looking for a job, but I need to prep first. Having a solid resume is ideal. I also need to talk to Addy about what is going on
.

  Entering the dorm room, I see her seated at her desk with her nose in a textbook. "Hey, how was your night?" I ask moving to drop my bag on the bed.

  She turns to look at me with a huge smile on her face, and that is when it hits me. She is radiant and glowing with a new smell.

  "Holy cow, you sealed the mating bond!! Ah!! Congrats! I didn't think you guys were ready?" I squeal, rushing to envelop her in a hug.

  She laughs and pulls back, "yeah, we weren't sure, but it just happened. He wasn't upset, really, but we are going to be moving in together soon."

  "That is amazing! I am so happy for you!" I sit in my desk chair next to her. I am filled with happiness, and I am excited that she will have her fated mate to share a future with.

  "Thank you, how did your night go?"

  I sigh and then tell my sad story in detail. I don't leave anything out, and I watch as tears fall from her eyes like a waterfall.

  "Jeez, Nat. I am so sorry! I can't believe your parents did that. I know you said they were weird about tradition but to disown you? I mean seriously! That is straight-up cruel. If the move-in thing with Alex fails, I am sure you can move in with Calen and me." Addy says, swiping the tears that are still lingering from her eyes.

  "Thanks, I am going to figure this out one step at a time. I appreciate your offer. I guess we need to talk to someone in student housing regarding the end of the semester, huh?" I ask.

  "Yeah, we can take care of that closer to finals. I think they make everyone fill out a sheet for spring anyway. So, do you need help with a resume? I can also go with you to look for jobs as support." She says this with a smile.

  "I would appreciate the support. I have one I used for my college application, but it isn't the same. I don't think my high school achievements will help me in attaining a job. I don't have much experience other than working at the bakery, so maybe I won't have to use one. I may go tomorrow or the next day to start looking."