Chapter 9 – Facing up

Sophia felt like she had sandpaper stuffed down her throat when she walked in and found the love of her life just about to get married. A wedding that was supposed to happen 15 years ago.

She stared in shock at the picture of Lucas Cates looking damn fine in a suit. The blush on her cheeks were spreading and she gaped in horror.

The silence was overwhelming, the crowd's eyes swinging back and forth up and down the aisle. Everyone waiting for something to happen.

Sophia wished she could just turn and run out of the church, out of Wolf Lake and back to San Francisco. Unfortunately, her legs seemed to be cemented in place. Slowly looking around, she searched for a familiar face and was surprised when an arm linked itself with hers.

"Sophia Donner, my how the years have passed. I'm so glad you decided to take up my invitation and make it back for my brother's wedding. "

Sophia could only nod and follow Ruby as she dragged Sophia right up to the front of the aisle. Seating Sophia down next to her husband John Kanin, Ruby nodded at Sherman and sat. The priest cleared his throat.

"I repeat, do any of you here oppose this union? Speak now or hold your peace. If no one has anything to say, I shall continue."

Sophia couldn't believe what was going on. The whole thing seemed like a dream. Before she knew it, the priest was down to the final part of the ceremony.

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Luke felt his heart stop when he turned around to see what was the disturbance all about and come face to face with the last person he expected to meet tonight... Sophia Donner.

Hundreds of questions popped up in his mind so much so that he didn't notice it was time to recite his vows until he felt Prestley give him a slight tug. Luke looked up with a confused expression before Prestley sweetly said under her breathe, "Honey, it's time to say your vows."

"Do you Lucas Cates take Prestley Summers to be your lawfully wedded wife and mate in the bosom of this pack? To share your blood with, cherish and protect till death do you part?"

The word mate echoed in his ears joined by a tiny whisper in his mind which said "Sophia."

Luke took a peek and noticed Sophia standing at the very first row with his family. It surprised him to notice how well she seemed to fit in. He felt like running after her when he noticed she was slowly trying to slip out of the crowd when they moved forward to form a circle, as was Pack culture.

"Lucas?" the priest cleared his throat trying to draw Luke's answer.

"No... I mean yes.... No!! I'm sorry Prestley but I have some unfinished business to take care of. Until then, I cannot marry you."

Prestley paled instantly and tears formed in her eyes. A loud growl formed in her throat and she shocked everyone by tearing her bouquet and flinging it at Luke.

"You can't be serious. I've spent months planning this wedding and you think you can RUIN it just like that? Mark my words Cates, that half-breed will pay. Oh I know it's her alright. I know you too well. I issue a challenge and I will get her!!"

Luke slowly noticed that John walked up to his side flanked by Ruby. Ruby was the first to speak.

"Prestley, I know this is a shock to you. But I suggest that leave now before you say anymore things that may damn you in the eyes of this pack as you are very close to insulting the Alpha and his family."

Prestley went a deeper shade of red and she stormed out closely followed by her bridesmaids.

"Lucas, you cannot be serious. You have a duty to do."

"Vivian, I don't think your son if too worried about duty right now. Too bad the party has ended early tonight. But I'm willing to bet that things will be getting mighty interesting here in Wolf Lake. Heehee!"

Luke walked out of the church with that remark from Sherman echoing from behind him.

Sophia managed to get the jeep started just as Luke emerged through the front door. Tears sprang to her eyes as she caught him in her side mirror. Wiping her face with her gloves, she pressed the gas pedal and screeched out of the churchyard.

"Did you find gramps, mom?"

"Yeah, he told us to head up to the cabin first. He'll be back soon."

"So what was going on? I picked up some commotion on the mental links."

"Oh, just a wedding. I guess some people were surprised to see me there, that's all. Do me a favor kids, no questions until tomorrow okay? I think I've got a headache from driving so long."

---

Matt Donner looked up to see his daughter walk in and head straight for the coffee pot.

"Mornin' dad."

"Morning. How bout some eggs and bacon? The kids are still in bed and I wasn't sure what they'd eat, so I ran down to the diner for some takeaway."

"That's sounds great. Thanks."

Sophia closed her eyes as she let the first sip of coffee flow down into her system, its bitter taste tingling on her tongue. Sighing, she took another sip and looked up to face her father.

She couldn't delay the inevitable any longer, and besides, her father had a right to know why she had popped back to Wolf Lake.

"Dad, sorry we couldn't speak last night. I guess all that driving made me really tired."

"I understand baby. Now eat up. You look like you haven't been feeding yourself for weeks."

Tears sprang to her eyes as she caught the use of her old nickname. The concern in her

father's eyes was overwhelming. Here she was returning after 15 years after leaving without saying so much as a goodbye to her dad. God, she couldn't even begin to imagine what he must have gone through all that time!

"I'm really sorry daddy."

"I already told you I understand Sophia."

"No, daddy. I mean I'm sorry about everything. Sorry about leaving the way I did. Sorry for you not getting to watch your grandkids grow up. Sorry for the mess I left you in."

"Sophia, honey. I understand now about why you had to go. Bury the past and live the present. That's what your mother used to say. I've forgotten about it. Now, why don't we focus on the present. What brings you to Wolf Lake?"

Sophia hugged her father and let the tears flow. She also noticed that her shoulders were getting a bit wet. Was her father actually crying?

"Ahem." Adrian cleared his throat from the doorway. Ava was standing right behind him.

"Right. Sophia, I believe my grandchildren are starving. Grab a chair kids and I'll get you some breakfast."

The twins looked uncertain at the impressive looking man before them and he stared back. This was the first time they had actually seen him in person. It was totally different from reading his emails or listening to his voice on the phone.

They walked forward awkwardly and stared at the ground. Not sure what to say or do. Adrian was the first to regain his senses and slowly put his hand out. Grasping his grandson's hand, Matt pulled him into a great big bear hug. Ava joined in and soon the three of them were like old friends reunited. Both old man and teenagers, chatting nonstop while Sophia looked on with a smile on her face.

---

"THAT BITCH!!! How can you just sit there and smile while she ruins all our plans?"

"Calm down Prestley and stop all that pacing. It's giving me a headache."

"I'm supposed to be part of the most powerful family in Wolf Lake by now. Don't tell me to cal down, Tyler. We need to do something fast. Never mind just me. You ain't gonna get any closer to getting the alpha's position if she's around!"

Tyler Creed did not look like he had aged these couple of years. He had however learnt that these things take time and he had been waiting patiently to set his plans into motion once Lucas Cates was safely out of the running.

He hadn't however expected that Sheriff's half-breed to return bringing home two Cates kids. Oh yeah, he had known they were Cates's the moment he saw them sitting in the jeep while their mommy had gone to shock the whole pack. A new plan was already forming in his head. Sighing, he rose as Prestley started to rip apart his new sofa set with her claws.

"Prestley... sweet Prestley. Calm down. Everything will play out just the way we want it to, you just need to be patient."

"PATIENT? How can I be patient while that bitch lures her way back. You already know how she embarrassed me in front of the whole pack!! I am going to kill her!"

Tyler placed his hands on Prestley's shoulders and began massaging them.

"You're so tense. Look at all these knots in your shoulders." He whispered.

When he felt her relax a bit, he dipped his head and began to drop hot kisses from her shoulders trailing to her ears and lips. He deepened the kiss at her lips and when she moaned, he pulled her down...

---

Matt Donner sat in his patio with his old time pal Sherman Blackstone.

"You have any idea what brings Sophia back? I know there is something behind this little surprise visit of hers."

"Donner, haven't I told you before that all things are fated and happen in good time. You're killing the suspense."

"Shut up Sherman. We wouldn't be having this little chat if you weren't so damn secretive. At least Edie is more open."

"What can I say, it comes with the job. Keeper of prophecies and all that. Anyway, I think it is time we alert your daughter on the little prophecy involving her."

"I'm more worried about my granddaughter, Sherman. She doesn't look well. Human medicine hasn't helped her."

"I wish we could give you a better answer Donner. But unfortunately even the pack's healers have drawn a blank. She needs to change to get the strength to beat this. And to do that, she needs the blood of both her parents. There is no other way."

---

A DAY LATER...

Sophia clenched and unclenched her hands around the steering wheel. She had been sitting in her jeep for fifteen minutes, trying to gain courage and build up enough anger to face this. Making up her mind, she stepped out of the vehicle and tried to walk as calmly as she could.

The elevator was taking forever to reach the top floor. Her sharp hearing could pick up the noise of the brewery machines around her although they were muffled. They must be using something to lower the noise. The blinking of the number above her alerted her to the fact that she had reached the floor. When the doors opened she stepped out and glanced around.

The office had certainly changed since Vivian Cates was here. It was designed tastefully with oak paneled walls polished to perfection and dark green sofas set on one side. The carpeting was thick and they even had a reception desk. It had a masculine touch too, which could only mean that a male was back in charge of the pack.

Approaching the reception desk, she noticed that it was empty. I hope he's still here. She needed answers that only the Alpha could give. And by god, she hoped he had them and was willing to give it.

Taking a deep breath, she up to the door, opened it and charged in. And got what could possibly be the second biggest shock of her life since she returned to Wolf Lake.

She came face to face with Lucas Cates.