Regina was confused.

Very very confused, and worried.

She stood outside Granny's, staring open mouthed at the closed sign hanging on the door.

Never has she ever seen Granny's closed, especially during noon rush hour. She's pretty sure the old Lucas woman would still open the restaurant even if she was on her death bed, so to see the restaurant closed left her baffled.

Something must of happened, something big. She couldn't possibly believe that Eugenia would just close her restaurant for no reason, especially since Ruby had also said she had a shift at 10. Unless of course, she had lied to Regina for whatever reason. The thought bothered her more then she would ever admit.

Now what?.

She had come here with a hidden motive, more then just to order food. She had wanted to check up on Ruby, make sure she was alright and to see her beautiful face again. The feelings she had been sensing had vanished on the drive over, she could still sense the wolf but it was like a wall had come up between them. She knew Ruby was on the other side of the wall, but it was very muffled.

Regina glanced over at the B next to the restaurant, something was pulling at her. Next thing she knew she was walking over towards the entrance, she looked like a woman on a mission. She knew it was none of her business on why Granny closed for the day, but that isn't stopping her from finding out either way. If she went back home without knowing she would most definitely lose sleep over it.

So putting on her best mayor face, she walked right in to the establishment.

The bell rang as she walked in, she knew either Ruby or Granny would come to see who had walked in due to them being able to hear the bell from far away. Being a wolf did come with it's many advantages.

True to her thoughts, Granny came out from the back room.

Regina wasn't sure, but she could of sworn she saw something flash in Eugenia's eyes as soon as she laid eyes on her. It came and went too fast for Regina to decipher, but she had a feeling that there was something the other woman knew that she didn't. The thought made the hairs on the back of her head stand on end. But as soon as it came, it was gone. Granny gave her a wide smile, she's a little taken aback with how wide it was. Her and Eugenia always cared about each other to an extent, since she was the one that enchanted Rubys cloak for her. She didn't know the young wolf back then, granny had come to her castle begging for help and explained the situation of her granddaughter. Regina had helped her without hesitation, back then she didn't understand what had motivated her so much to help granny without question. But now the pieces are slowly coming together.

Regina returned the smile as she walked up to the old wolf, the older Lucas always had this motherly vibe to her.

" Hello Regina", she greeted, then she did something that surprised Regina. She walked up to the young sorceress and gave her a big hug. Regina froze for a second, not having expected to be hugged by the forever serious older woman. But she hugged her back either way, feeling warmth and affection flooding her heart. Now she knew for a fact that there was some kind of connection between her and the Lucas family, not because of what she felt for Ruby but also Granny. She felt like she was hugging her mother.

" What is this?," asked Regina, her voice wavering a little.

Granny knew exactly what she was talking about. She couldn't help for the care she felt for Regina, especially now that she was Rubys mate. The mating bond connects Regina not only with her chosen mate, but with her mates family. Right now Granny felt like she was holding another member of the Lucas pack, that goes to show you how strong the mating is.

Pulling back she gave Regina another smile, " I'm sorry little one, but I can't say. I know you probably have a lot of questions, and I wish I could answer them all. But the only thing I can say is that you have to figure it out on your own", Granny stated, she couldn't break her promise to Ruby. As much as she wanted to at that moment.

Regina looked at her in confusion and realization, " So I was right, there is something", she stated.

Granny gave her a tight lipped smile, " I'm sure you'll figure it out", she said confidently, if there's one thing she knew about Regina is that when she wanted something she'll do anything to get it. Granny is banking on that. Her hands might be tied, but Reginas hands aren't.

Before Regina could open her mouth, she whipped her head around towards the door granny had come out of and her eyes locked with blue.

There was Ruby, in all her tall brunette glory. The two stared at each other unblinkingly. The intensity of their eye contact could light a room on fire at this point, surprisingly enough the room wasn't up in flames.

Regina took Ruby in, her lose wavy brown hair falling in waves down her back, her form fitting black t-shirt that hugged her upper body perfectly. Her long jean clad legs that seem to go on for miles, and last but certainly not least those captivating blue eyes. Regina felt a frown forming on her face, something was off about her. She was smiling like usual, and her posture was relaxed like always. But she seemed more…… Guarded. More distant. Regina didn't like it one bit. She just wanted the other girl to come over to her and take her in her strong embrace.

Regina took a small breath, " Ruby", she greeted. Giving the wolf a small shy smile.

Ruby stared at Regina a couple more seconds longer, taking her in with slowly dilating eyes. She had tried, really really hard to stay in her room. She knew the moment Regina had come in the vicinity, her attention being drawn to her immediately. She had tried so hard to stay in her room, so very hard. But Regina was only a couple feet away, and her heart, mind and body decided that staying away from her mate was not an option. She thought that while she tried to find a way to break the mating she could stay away from Regina, that obviously wasn't going to happen. She would have to find a way but at the same time not actively stay away, she just couldn't.

Swallowing a small lump in her throat, Ruby gave Regina a small shy smile in return. " Hey, what's up Regina?", she asked. She leaned against the door frame, trying to seem as casual as possible. She didn't want Regina to pick up on how excited she was to see her, how her heart is pounding loudly in her chest.

Regina never took her eyes off Ruby, " Well, it's noon and you know how the stomach tends to demand food at this time. Especially Granny's ", she said. Her eyes just can't seem to stray from the other girl, even though Granny was also in the room with them.

Granny watched the two youngsters with a growing smirk, there's no way Ruby will be able to break this mating. It was clear as day that the mating between them was strong, theres no telling what stage it was in. But by the looks of it, it's pretty high up already. She decided it was time to break the moment, if she didn't they'd probably stay like that for hours.

Coughing slightly, granny spoke up once she had both girls attention. " As you can see, we've decided to take a day off. There was a lot of inventory that needed to be done, so we might as well". Granny had already come up with this excuse incase anyone would ask, thank god she did.

Ruby looked anywhere but at Regina, the thought that she had to lie to her mate twisted her stomach uncomfortably. But she pushed past it and added to the lie, "Yeah, there was a lot of old stuff we needed to get rid off", she said, still not looking at Regina.

Reginas lie detector might not be as on point as Emmas, but she still likes to think she could pick up on a lie. Right now she was 100% sure she's being lied to. She's not sure why, but she is. She's dying to ask what the real reason is, but knew that it wasn't any of her business. As much as she wanted to know everything that involved Ruby, she had to respect their privacy too.

Swallowing down the urge to call them out, Regina nodded in fake understanding. " Must of been quite a lot of work, I sure hope it wasn't too stressful", she said. She wasn't hiding that she didn't believe them in her tone of voice, if she was going to have to play along with them then she wanted them to know that she wasn't a fool.

Ruby inwardly cringed, of course Regina picked up on their bullshit. But what else could she do?, they couldn't exactly tell her the real reason.

Ruby shot a quick look at her granny before finally looking back at her mate, deciding it was time to change the subject. " So, the call of food finally forced you out huh?", she said, giving Regina a small playful smirk. She couldn't help how relaxed she was around the other woman, she just wanted to be around her all the time.

Regina smirked at her back, she could still feel that Ruby was being distant. But not as much as when she first walked in, but still enough that Regina didn't like it. But again, she had to respect the other girls privacy. " Yes, but it seems I'll have to go somewhere else since you guys are closed, what a shame", she stated.

Before Granny could speak up, Ruby took a quick step forward. Words coming out of her mouth before she could stop them, " We could still make your food", she said quickly. Granny and Regina both looked at her, one with amusement and the other with a certain twinkle in her brown eyes. Ruby blushed, it looks like she didn't want Regina to leave just yet. God damnit. This mating was going to be the death of her. Coughing slightly to take the attention away from her red face, she spoke up again. " I mean, since you drove all the way over here", she said, trying her best to make it sound like it wasn't a big deal. But really she just wanted to please her mate in any way she could.

Regina felt her smile growing, Ruby was seriously doing things to her. She was so sweet, and her blushing was the most adorable thing ever, second only to Emmas cute blushing face. " I wouldn't want to impose, I'm sure I could figure something out", she said shyly.

Granny decided to speak up next, " Nonsense girl, it's no trouble at all. I'm guessing you want the usuals?", she asked kindly.

Regina gave them both a thankful smile, secretly happy to spend a little more time with Ruby. " Thank you, I really appreciate it. Yes, Emma and Henry always get the same thing too. I'm sure you know more then I do", she chuckled.

Granny let out a small laugh, thinking about the savior and her son. Granny also took into account that thinking about Reginas true love didn't cause any negative emotions to rise in her, as the head of house of one of the mated pair you'd think she'd dislike Emma for being Rubys main competitor for Reginas affection . But instead she felt the same towards the blonde sheriff, no animosity whatsoever. That's something she would have to think more about at a later date.

The old wolf gave Regina a nod, " I'll get right on that, it shouldn't take long", turning to Ruby she gave her a fake innocent smile, " Stay here and keep her company why don't ya?", she said. Before Ruby could protest, granny walked out the door.

Silence.

The two stayed there, standing and looking at each other. Dopey smiles on their faces, Ruby even forgot to be annoyed at her grandmother for setting her up.

Regina walked over and sat down on the small sofa in the corner, her eyes still never leaving Ruby. The other girl walked over without hesitation, sitting down next to her. The sofa wasn't very big so they were sitting shoulder to shoulder, electricity flowing from where they touched.

Reginas intoxicating scent wafting up her sensitive nose, Ruby took a small breath. Breathing her in as casually as possible so as to not alert Regina of her actions. She didn't want to seem creepy.

Regina was enjoying the heavenly warmth radiating off of the wolf, her presence alone made her feel protected and safe. How could she possibly be without this now that she's had a taste of it?.

Giving the girl beside her a look, Regina spoke up. " How was your run this morning?", she asked.

Ruby gave her a big smile, " It was great, definitely needed it", she answered. Then after a second she followed up with, " Are you guys enjoying your lazy Saturday?", she asked.

Regina gave a small chuckle that made Rubys heart skip a beat, " Yes, even thou Emma and Henry would rather stay cooped up all day. I myself rather like getting some fresh air throughout my day", she replied, shaking her head fondly at the thought of her true love and son.

Ruby gave a small chuckle of her own, " I can definitely see that, I don't blame them though. I would love to spend a whole Saturday doing nothing, but I have to be a good granddaughter and help Granny here", she said.

Regina gave her a playful look, " So Granny would give you a good spanking if you even thought of spending a whole day not being productive, is that what your avoiding saying?", she asked playfully. She gave Ruby a small nudge with her shoulder, adding in to her playful tone.

Ruby let out a big belly laugh, it felt amazing to just sit there with Regina and have a nice conversation. How is she ever going to be without this?, little by little the woman next to her was becoming everything to Ruby, it was dangerous.

After her laughter subsided, Ruby gave Regina a small shove of her own. " I'm a big bad wolf, you really think I get spanked by my grandmother?", she asked, giving Regina a shit eating grin.

Regina gave her a smirk of her own, " Even big bad wolfs turn into puppies once in a while", she said. She couldn't help the flirty tone in her voice, it felt so natural to flirt with Ruby that she started doing it without thinking.

Ruby gulped, Regina really could be extremely sexy when she wants to be. Even thou she was sexy all the time to Ruby. She felt her face slowly heating up, the way Regina was looking at her causing her body temperature to rise more then it already was. She pulled a little at the collar of her shirt, " Um well, I guess that's true", she said, not knowing what else to say to that.

Regina gazed at Ruby unblinkingly. She wanted to bring up what was happening between them. But there was something telling her that for whatever reason Ruby would not be honest with her, also, granny had said to figure it out on her own. Why didn't she say to ask Ruby?. That's something she's going to have to think about.

Before anything else could be said, Granny walked back into the room. She was carrying a large bag filled with food containers, everything Regina didn't even have to ask for in it.

" Here you are, sorry for the wait", she said, setting the bag down on the counter.

Regina and Ruby exchanged bewildered looks, not even 15 minutes have passed!

" I have to say, your cooking abilities never cease to impress me Eugenia", stated Regina. She got up and handed her a couple bills and grabbed the bag.

She turned to look back at Ruby, the other girl had stood up as well, hands deep in her pockets. She was gazing at Regina with a look that made Reginas knees weakened. First thing Monday she's going to start her researching, she had to figure out what was happening here. Then she had to talk to Emma and hope her true love will help her out and understand, but whatever happens, she wouldn't risk Emma for the world. But this thing with Ruby was just…. She couldn't describe it.

Deciding she couldn't fight it anymore, Regina walked over to the taller girl. She stood on her tiptoes and planted a soft kiss on her cheek, lingering there for a couple extra seconds. She didn't even feel embarrassed that Granny was witnessing this, she just really wanted to feel closer to the other girl. Pulling back she gave the dazed wolf a sly grin, " I'll see you soon darling", winking at her. Ruby looked like a cute puppy as she nodded her head dazedly. With a quick hug to granny, Regina was off.

Ruby walked over to the window and watched her go, giving off a dreamy sigh as she watched her mate get in her car and drive away.

Granny walked over and patted her on the shoulder with a small chuckle, " Fate is never wrong Pup, and fighting it is going to be a lot harder then you think", she said, giving Rubys shoulder one last squeeze before leaving the room.

Ruby leaned her head against the glass, how is she ever going to do this?. She stood there staring at where she saw Reginas car last, she didn't know how long she just stood there for. But after about 10 minutes she snapped out of her Regina filled thoughts and decided to go take a nap, maybe it will help clear her mind. As she was about to turn from the window, she stopped. Her head whipped towards the window once again, something was telling her that Regina needed help at this very moment. She would be surprised that she was sensing when Regina was in distress, but Granny had already informed her of this.

Ruby didn't even need to hesitate or think twice about her actions, she shot out of the B . She briefly heard the door cracking in her wake, she knew Granny would chew her out later. But as of right now she couldn't care less, her mate needed her.

Regina blinked a few times, she couldn't believe this was happening to her. She had been driving back home, going over her plan of action regarding Ruby and Emma. When her car had suddenly lurched violently, she had screamed and clutched the wheel tightly as she felt her car tip over on it's right side. She heard a horrible screeching sound as the metal scrapped against the road, she had closed her eyes tightly when she felt weightless for a millisecond and then…

BANG.

Her car landed hard upside down in a small ditch. Reginas head hit the wheel hard enough to daze her, she kept her eyes closed while she waited for the pain in her head to subside. She didn't even know what the hell had happened, she hadn't seen anything on the road that would cause this. The pain in her head increased with her thoughts, she took small deep breaths.

Suddenly she heard something land just outside her door, as she slowly glanced over she saw a pair of feet. Then her door was ripped completely off the car and tossed carelessly aside and worried amber eyes met her daze ones. It was Ruby.

" Regina?!?!", called Ruby. " Regina can you hear me!", she asked in a panicked tone. She was basically drowning in worry. She had followed Reginas scent all the way until she saw her mates car upside down in a ditch. Her heart had stopped completely.

Ruby could hear Reginas heart so some of her worries had alleviated at knowing that at least she was alive. But now she was freaking out not knowing if her mate was badly injured, " Regina please!, are you hurt?!, I need to get you out of there but I don't want to move you if your injured!, please honey answer me!", she said again when she saw Regina staring back at her dazedly without saying anything.

Regina swallowed loudly, she coughed a little to clear her throat then finally spoke up. " I'm fine Ruby, I don't think anything is broken", she answered the clearly worried wolf. Regina would find her worrying adorable if her head wasn't killing her, maybe she had a concussion. " Perhaps I have a small concussion", she said after.

Ruby gave a quick nod of her head, it sounds like Regina is okay. Nothing also seemed to be broken from Rubys point of view, so it was safe to move her. " Alright honey, I'm going to pull you out of there", she said. She stretched over Regina and grabbed her head delicately and placed it against her neck, then she wrapped her left arm around her back to make sure she was supported. Then Ruby grabbed the seatbelt across Reginas chest and ripped it clean off her body.

Regina felt herself come lose, but she felt herself land slowly onto Rubys embrace. Her warmth enveloping her, she felt better already.

Ruby hooked her other arm under Reginas legs and lifted her bridal style out of the car, she walked up and out of the ditch with her mate in her arms. Holding her close as if her life depended on it, but not hard enough to hurt her. " I'm taking you to the hospital", she informed.

Regina gave a small groan of acknowledgment as she wrapped her arms loosely around Rubys neck, breathing in her calming scent. She felt like everything was going to be alright just because Ruby was here with her, but she also needed Emma. She missed her true love dearly.

" Hey, stay with me Regina. Talk to me okay?", Said Ruby. She knew that if Regina did have a concussion she couldn't let her fall asleep. Then she took off at full wolf speed down the road, making sure she didn't jostle Regina too much as she ran to the hospital.

On the other side of town, Emma was calling Reginas phone repeatedly. She had a bad feeling in her chest, Regina isn't back yet and it shouldn't be taking her this long to go to Granny's and back. Emma had been relaxing with her son on the couch while waiting for Regina to return when this sudden fear hit her, she hadn't wanted to worry Henry so she excused herself to the bathroom. Now here she was, on her fifth phone call to her true love that also went unanswered. Her worries doubled, she had a feeling something was wrong with Regina.

As soon as the thought crossed her mind her phone started ringing, she quickly looked at the caller ID hoping to see Reginas name. Her brow furrowed in confusion when she saw it was Ruby calling her.

She picked up, " Rubes?", she asked surprised.

Rubys voice came through the phone, Emma could clearly hear the worry in her voice. "Emma, you have to come down to the hospital. It's Regina", she said. Emma was out the door in a flash.