Strangers to Mates

Chapter 17: New Years

I couldn't believe that it was the last day of the year. It was absolutely insane and it was actually really nice outside considering it was snowing just a week ago, yet the sun was shining for the first time in weeks. The only thing that could make today better is the party James' house but that still wasn't for a few more hours. Christmas had been so much fun but I've been bored the past couple days. Maybe it was because I haven't had a chance to see Malia since then and Raymond's been at alpha training like always. I told him that once, that I missed him while he was gone but he assured me that when he was alpha he'd be working right here at home and that I could join him at any time. It made me feel better knowing that it wouldn't get worse once he really was alpha. Not that I didn't want him to be alpha I just didn't want him to be to busy for me. I swear his training was so insane, Sadie's dad never had Chris train this much, and I'd never seen another alpha train their son this intensely. Even though I could tell his was used to it I still felt bad because I knew he grew up with this training and it's probably what made him to tense. He's relaxed a bit since we became mates but he's still really tense. I loved seeing him laugh and truly smile because he was so tense so often those things reminded me what I kind and thoughtful person he truly is.

Speak of the devil, I thought as he walked in. He'd just gotten home from training and looked tired. He flopped down on the couch beside me and sighed as he laid his head down on my lap, laying on his back.

"How was training?" I asked lightly and ran my fingers through his hair.

"Training was fine but Alpha Rock, that's not as fine" he said with closed eyes but the irritation clear in his voice.

"What do you mean by that. What happened, you only call your dad alpha when you're mad at him." I asked concerned.

"Oh we just had a disagreement." He said sarcastically.

"No really. What's it about" I asked leaning over him slightly and my hair fell in a curtain around us.

He sounded so tired but I knew that it was just stress, which almost made it worse than if it had just been exhaustion.

"It was stupid, I shouldn't have brought it up. I just told him that I didn't think I needed to keep training, I always did the same thing each and every day and I wasn't learning anything new. Of course he got mad and said that he'd trained until the day he became alpha, until the day his dad handed him the position and that I would to. And of course him being mad just got me mad" he explained finally opening his eyes.

I'd gotten use to this, him and his dad argued a lot, so whenever he came home he always looked a lot more tired then he should be and all I could do was was comfort him. Every time I wanted to do more for him but there wasn't anything that could be done, no matter what, those two never got along much.

"I'm sure everything will work itself out" I whisper dragging my nose along his jawline.

He hummed and closed his eyes again, slowly relaxing more and more under my touch.

"So are you ready for tonight?" He asked when I pulled away slightly.

"Well I'm still in pajamas so I should probably get dressed but I am excited" I say.

"Probably" he said finally smiling making me happy.

I'd let Raymond shower first since he would be faster. I got bored after a few minutes of him being gone and went searching for chocolate in the kitchen. We only had chocolate chips but I didn't complain as I ate a handful of them. Fifteen minutes later he came back downstairs in jeans and a black tee shirt.

"Do you want anything to eat before we go?" He asks having seen me in the kitchen before I headed towards the stairs.

"Sure, whatever you make is fine." I reply with a smile.

I leaned over and kissed his cheek before running up to the bedroom. I quickly showered and pulled on dark wash skin tight jeans and and a lose sleeveless top after getting out. It was black with the words 'Old enough to know better, young enough to do it anyways' written in white. The shirt itself was kinda long but the sides were slit open up to the top of my waist. I quickly put on lip gloss and converses before running back downstairs into the kitchen. I brought a coat downstairs but knew even if I brought it I probably wouldn't end up wearing it. We quickly ate the food Raymond prepared before heading out and by now it was getting dark outside.

I swear when we were a block away from James' house we could still already hear the music. I shook my head smiling as I hopped out the truck and linked hands with Raymond. Once we walked into the house I was almost knocked over as Malia tackled me with a hug.

"Whoa there Malia" I said laughing as she let go of me, "drinking already?" I teased.

"No silly, I'm just really excited" she said giggling.

"Speaking of drinks, I'll go get us some" Raymond said, excusing himself.

"Alright, well I'm stealing your girl for now" Malia said pulling me to where everyone was dancing.

We danced for a while before Raymond finally found us again with drinks, which I gladly took from him. I'd been so thirsty and I had barely just begun dancing.

"Malia why'd you have to go and steal my mate, don't you have your own?" Raymond asked jokingly.

"I don't even know where he is, I lost him in the crowd" she pouted.

"Why haven't you mind linked him?" I asked her finishing my drink.

"Oh my god, you're totally right. I forgot I could do that" she said zoning out then shouting, "found him!"

She turned to leave but abruptly turned back, "I almost forget this too, James wanted me to tell you about the fireworks display that'll be at midnight. And thanks" she said before running off.

"You know I love that girl but she just gives me whiplash sometimes" I say smiling as I toss the cup into the nearest trash bin.

Raymond chuckled before we continued to dance. And danced we did for a long time, our bodies always pressed against each other one way or another. It must have been at least half pass eleven when Raymond pulled me away from everyone.

"Where are we going" I asked curiously as we walked upstairs.

"To the balcony in the spare room, it should have a perfect view of the fireworks. And of course only I know about that" he said wiggling his eyebrows making me giggle.

He was holding my hand gently as we got into the bedroom and walked out onto the balcony.

"Wow, you can see so much from here" I commented walking over to the railing, "all the stars too"

I looked up at the sky and took a deep breath of the fresh cool air.

"I knew you'd like the view even before the fireworks." He said standing beside me, leaning his back against the railing.

"I can't believe the year is ending already" I comment still looking up.

"Ya, but it's the only thing that's ending" I could feel his eyes on me so I finally looked over at him.

"Ya" I agreed smiling at him, "most things are just starting"

I watched him nod his head, smiling a small grin too.

"Will you hold me" I asked suddenly wanting to hug him.

"Of course" he whispered wrapping his arms around me as I did the same to him.

I couldn't help but breath out a happy sigh and hold on tightly. Right now I just really wanted to be in his arms. I think it was just the moment that gave me the urge to hug him but I wasn't complaining. I had grown so close to Raymond in the past six months, and not just because of the bond. Just learning those little things about each other has brought has together and we soon knew each other better than anyone.

"I love you" I whispered still hugging him.

"What was that?" He asked, genuinely not hearing me.

"I love you" I said a little louder pulling away to face him.

He had a small loving smile on his face as he cupped the side of my face and took used his other hand to hold mine. He leaned forward and kisses me gently but passionately.

"I love you too" he said pulling away and leaning his forehead against mine.

Right then the fireworks exploded behind Raymond and I kissed him again. I let go of his hand, bringing them both up and locking them behind his neck. His hands on my waist slid under the slits sending sparks all over. I reluctantly pulled away before it went any farther like I knew both of us wanted, but I wasn't ready and I wouldn't let it happen in James' house. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, pulling me into his side, and we turned to watch the rest of the fireworks. I nuzzled my head into his side while wrapping my arm around his waist. This moment was perfect, my mate loves me me and I told him that I love him and it was a new year.

After the show ended we went back downstairs to say bye to Malia and James before leaving. It took us a while but we finally found them making out in an abandoned kitchen.

"Maybe we shoulder just leave" I said tugging on Raymond's hand.

"But that's no fun" he said smirking.

I shook my head, watching him walk up behind James with a bottle of water. Next thing I know James is soaking and I can't help but laugh along with Raymond and Malia, who looked like she was trying not to but couldn't help it.

"What the hell" James cried whirling around, facing Raymond.

"That's my New Years present for you" he said still smirking.

"That's it" James said with a devious look before grabbing another bottle and spraying Raymond who tried to dodge it.

With his attempt to move it missed him and hit me square in the face.

"James Willow" I shouted grabbing my own bottle and aiming for him.

"Oh I want in" Malia said pouring water on everyone.

Next thing I know the four of us are sopping wet and laughing.

"This is what happens when we don't just leave" I said giving Raymond a pointed look.

"Sorry" he shrugged, clearly not sorry, and he grabbed a towel coming over to me.

He dried off my face before drying his. We said goodbye to a still laughing Malia and James and left still fairly wet.

"I think that was a perfect way to end the night" I announced as we drove home.

"What makes you think the night is over?" Raymond asked with another devious look.

"Do I need to use your full name too" I asked jokingly.

"Maybe" he said pulling up to our house and got out,coming to my side, "what do I have to do that would make you say it?"

"I'm not sure" I said tapping my chin, trying to hide my smile.

"We'll do I have to be bad for you to?" He questioned, using my legs to turn me so that I faced him.

"Very naughty" I said still having trouble hiding my smile.

He leaned forward and kissed up my neck before whispering in my ear.

"Raymond Christopher Rock" I said loudly, playfully shoving him away.

"Wait how do you know my middle name" he asked suddenly confused but couldn't keep the smirk off his face.

"Charlotte" I answered, indicating his mum had told me.

"Well that's not fair, I'm pretty sure you haven't told me yours" he said leaning forward again but doesn't kiss me.

"And I'm not going to tell you" I said.

"Please" he pouted, "I thought you loved me"

Oh he just had to pull that card, I should have known he'd use that against me sooner or later. I waited a moment but finally saying exasperatedly,

"Fine, it's Lily. Erin Lily Farewell."

"Mm, it suits you. Why didn't you tell me" he asked, placing his hands on the sides of my thighs.

"I don't know, I never really thought it suited me before" I said shrugging.

"Well I think it does and now I have the perfect nickname for you" he told me.

I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is that so? Then what is this perfect nickname than?"

"You are my Lily-flower now" he said lovingly.

I instantly blushed and tried to cover it with my hair but he brought his hand up and tucked the hair behind my ear.

"I never even told Sadie and Chris that" I mumble.

"Does that make me special?" He asked having heard me.

"Perhaps" I said with a thoughtful look.

"Well come on my lily-flower, we can't stay out here all night" before I can say anything he scoops me up bridle style and brings me into the house.

"I swear if you use that nickname in front of anyone I won't talk to you again" I threatened as he walked into our room.

"Feisty" he commented, grinning, and not letting me go as he sat on the bed.

"You have to promise you won't" I said with my head on his chest.

"And if I don't promise" he tested.

"I have ways of making you" I whispered.

"Well then your going to have to make me" he said baiting me.

I moved myself so that I was straddling him now and leaned over. My hands were clasped behind his neck and I placed a kiss at the crook of his neck.

"Promise" I said, hovering my lips over his skin.

"No" he said but I could the smile in his voice and knew he wouldn't be able to say no for much longer.

I kissed his neck again, moving up and mumbled, "promise"

"No"

We did that three more times before he finally said, "fine, I promise"

I smirk in victory and got off him, heading into the bathroom to change. I could feel his disappointment through the bond but it only made me smile more. Pour baby was sad that I stopped. It was cute.

(Raymond's POV)

Damn she was so freaking sexy but I swear she would be the death of me. She would always do something like that just to mess with me, she knew the power she had over me, that only she had over me. Honestly the only part I was complaining about was the part where she pulled away. But when she said that she loved me tonight I knew it was a big step for her. She might have been playful but I knew she was being cautious before. I finally feel like she's letting me in completely.

She'll still be the death of me though if she keeps teasing me like that.