Chapter 8

Joshua POV

Rue's home wasn't what I expected interior wise. The eclectic style is surprising for my tomboy mate. The place is spotless and cozy, I was expecting something out of place. Rue got me a beer while she changed into something comfortable for bed. I see her diploma, certifications, and her degree on the walls, even family photos on the shelves. I saw a picture of the twins when they were young with a young boy and girl who I assume are Nathan and Leslie. The house strangely smells like lavender.

Rue came out of her bedroom wearing a crop top with no bra and panties. This woman will be the death of me. She handed me some men's sweatpants that smelled like her. "Why do you have men's sweatpants?" I asked her. "I wear men's sweatpants because they are cheap and comfortable. I sometimes wear JJ's hand-me-downs. Men's clothes are cheaper than women's clothing, which sucks," Rue answered. She is right, I have seen the prices on a lot of women's clothing. I have seen dresses that cost $700 because they were a designer brand. The fact that a lot of women will spend $700 on a rag is horrifying.

Rue went to the bathroom to finish getting ready for bed, and seeing her barely clad behind was about to make me do something I might regret. I am into women's behinds and proud of it. I am a Southern boy who likes women to have a little meat on their bones, so sue me. I had the urge to claim her, and make sweet love to her. Thank God, there wasn't a full moon, or we would be making love right here without a condom. I have to ask her if she was the pill later. I want to make love to Rue at the right time, and I want it to be special.

Rue showed me the guest room, and it was a nice room. She surprised me by giving me a quick peck on the lips. "Sweet dreams, lover," she said as she headed to her room. I went to the bathroom to take a cold shower, and changed into the sweatpants. Is she really teasing me?

In the Morning

Rue made me some breakfast before heading to work. I was disappointed that I didn't get to see her before she left. Rue made me some pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausages, toast, and orange juice. It looked great and tasted great too. Thick and a great cook, I have done well in my past life. I am not going to be with a girl for her cooking, but her knowing how to cook, is a bonus. It is almost like we are a married couple who vibe really well. Next to my breakfast was a spare key to her home. This is the first real relationship I have ever had, and it is the same with Rue. The women I dated just wanted me for my looks and money.

I have had women who would try to get me to buy them expensive clothes and purses. I have had women try to get a car out of me. I had women try to get me to pay their bills for them. I had women go on a date with me, not interact with me, and try to get a free meal out of me. I had women disrespect my cousin and get surprised that I immediately gave them the boot. I have had women try to baby trap me with a condom they bring themselves. I am not buying a girlfriend a car, so she can drive off and ghost me. I am not buying a girlfriend a new house, so she can mess with her side dude. I am not buying a girlfriend luxury gifts, so she can wear them while she is with her side dude. It amazes me that people are willing to buy love.

Chris sent me all the information Victoria got from Rue and her family. All the members have the cleanest records I have ever seen. I read Rue's school records, and her grades consisted of A's and B's. She learned how to read at the age of four, and all her teachers have great things to say about her. Rue never ceases to amaze me. She was fired sixteen times for her previous job, and her boss was a bitch. Why would my mate put up with that treatment for six whole years?

As I am eating my breakfast, I called Victoria to let her know that I am planning to build an apartment complex, a vet hospital, a shopping plaza, a casino, and maybe even a vacation lodge. Luckily, Stormyard is a tourist attraction. It needs some sprucing up to make it a little more fun and enjoyable. I have to run it through the other council members to see if they are okay with it. I thought about my pack, and can't wait for them to meet my Rue. I have to claim her because there will be unmated males that will act like dogs in heat when they see a pretty unmated female. It will be like bringing a gazelle to a pride, thinking they wouldn't touch it. I am trying to make my pack as welcoming and open-minded.

There might be a chance that a member's mate wouldn't be a werewolf or a halfling. It is as common as you think, but a lot of packs will be a little judgmental. If a vampire is mated to a werewolf, the pack might have mixed emotions. The younger ones might not care or have a problem with it. The much older ones will be biased and prejudiced due to having bad experiences with vampires. I wish that we wouldn't hold grudges over a feud that was centuries ago. I have no issues with other paranormals, hell I have dated other paranormals. If you are cool, then I am cool with you.