Unexpected Turn of Events

Authors Note: Again thank you all for your comments. This is really getting exciting for me, as the story is progressing. I am even more excited with all the emails I have also been getting. Thank you all for supporting me so far. It does mean the world to me.

I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays and time off. I am really in need of some sleep now!

Please don't forget to vote and comment! Enjoy...

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Cullen just barely glanced at Angel when she shouted her question. "I will discuss it with you later Angel," said Cullen, as he continued to talk to a few selective members.

Angel sat there fuming. It was one thing to move in with Cullen, but it was a complete different story moving to another country for an unknown time. What about her schooling? Her friends? Family? Angel bit her lower lip, getting nervous, as it seemed like someone pulled the rug right from under her feet and her life is now spiraling out of control. She knew it would be a loosing battle to try and say no to Cullen—unfortunately he tends to win all arguments. Angel was experiencing so many emotions right now—but it all came down to her being sad and scared.

Cullen looked over at Angel, and felt a tug on his heart at the sadden look upon her face mixed with some other emotion. Was she actually scared? It couldn't be. This was the one time he finally saw passed her defensive wall she puts up, and was able to see what Angel was truly feeling. Cullen wanted to just wrap his arms around Angel and tell her that there is nothing to be scared of—but he knew as soon as he mentioned that word, she would stiffen up and deny it right away.

Cullen finished delegating some important issues to the betas that will remain here in the States. He knew that it couldn't have been more than five minutes, but when he turned around so he can talk with Angel, she wasn't there anymore. He looked around the room, thinking she may be talking with Glynis or Eilis, but when he found them still at the tables and Angel no where to be seen, he began to get nervous. She wouldn't dare to try and run away, would she?

Cage an animal in, and it will try to break free to have its' freedom.

Angel is not a wolf—yet—but this is an animal and human instinct. He quickly left with his betas to start the search for Angel.

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Angel headed outside by the gardens. This place soon became her sanctuary. It was so quiet and tranquil here. She just loved the flowers blooming and the sound of running water. The night was clear and the stars were so easy to see. When Angel sat on the bench, she knew she had to think over things carefully. She knew that she was attracted to Cullen—without a doubt—and she also was able to constantly feel the tug to be with him. Before this alone frightened her, but now, it felt...it felt...right.

Maybe Isobel was right? He is my mate after all. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to see how things progress? But to move to another country?

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Cullen probably had the whole house searched from top to bottom. He knew that she didn't leave through the front door or even through the gates, because the security members would have saw and stopped her.

So where the hell could she have gone?

If only they were mated already, he would be able to tell right away where she was. Taking a deep breath, he knew he had to get a hold of himself.

Gavin seeing his Alpha tense knew he had to tread lightly. "Come now Cullen. We know she didn't leave off the premises. She is here somewhere and we will find her in no time. She is a sly sneaky lass, isn't she?" Gavin smiled to himself. If Angel was a were, he would have painted her to be a fox. She was always able to sneak up on people or away from them without being noticed. It would be something to see when she is finally made a wolf.

"We searched the whole compound. How is it possible for her to get by all my betas?" asked Cullen, while he ran his fingers through his hair.

Gavin thought about it for a moment. "I believe it is time to think like Angel. She knows she can't leave the compound, so where would she go?" suggested Gavin before he continued, "Maybe she isn't even inside to begin with..."

As soon as Gavin said that, he knew right away where Angel would be. He saw her eyeing the gardens when they first arrived, and also that is where she took her sister when she stopped by. Cullen was already striding toward the doors that would lead outside to the gardens. When he stepped outside, he looked around and found Angel right away. She sat there on the bench among all the flowers. Angel took his breath away with the moonlight shining down on her. He was easily able to tell that she was in deep thought. Well here goes nothing...

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Angel was thinking so hard on many things that she didn't even hear someone approach until a shadow fell on her. When she looked up, her gasped immediately at first being startled to see Cullen there, but then to just see how even more handsome he looked out in the moon.

"I'm sorry if I frightened you Angel," said Cullen softly.

"You didn't frighten me at all Cullen," responded Angel as she move slightly to the side, allowing him to sit down on the bench.

When Cullen sat down, he had no idea where to begin. There was so much to discuss, and it seemed like this was finally their first time alone, where they would hopefully have no interruptions.

"Angel, I know all of this is a lot to take, but there is no other way. I have to go to Scotland to take care of certain matters, and I don't feel safe at all leaving you behind when danger still lurks," Cullen tried to explain.

"But Cullen, there hasn't been another threat. And I believe I am most safe here among your pack members, don't you agree?" asked Angel. She turned toward Cullen, before she began again. "And what about my life here? All my schooling and friends and family."

Cullen thought about it for a moment. "Angel, it's not like you will never see your friends and family again. I wouldn't ever do that to you. And as for you schooling, I have no idea what to say. But once you become the Alpha Bitch," Cullen said, raising his hand when he saw Angel about to protest, "and we will be bonded soon, your role here among the pack will keep you busy. There will be no time for you to become a Pharmacist, even if you completed your schooling."

Angel sat there staring at the ground. She was actually close to tears. All her planning and her dreams were being completely shredded. How is she going to do the things she promised her mother she would do once she graduated and had a job? Angel wanted so badly to pay the bills and the mortgage for her mother so much after the hard life she had, so that she could finally relax a bit and have a break. Angel felt tears well up in her eyes. She refused to show that weakness to Cullen, so she stood up and turned her back to him, pretending to concentrate on the fountain in front of her. Angel just needed a moment to get herself in control again—breathing in and out, slowly.

Once she was in control, she turned around to see Cullen staring at her intently. She had no idea what he was thinking with the look upon his face.

What is he thinking?

Cullen couldn't help but stare at Angel-worrying that everything might be way too much for her to handle all the sudden. When she turned around to look back at him, he thought there was a hint of tears in her eyes—maybe he was wrong? My God, he wanted her so badly. She looked beyond beautiful with the moon behind her.

Angel took a deep breath, and walked a bit closer to Cullen. "I'm just trying to let this all sink in Cullen. I had wanted to become a Pharmacist for such a long time, and to be told that it will never happen now is kind of hard to take. Let alone becoming your mate—everything is just so new and different." Angel sat back down on the bench next to him.

Cullen nodded. He knew this was going to be hard on her, but her life is now with the pack. Of course she will be able to still see her friends and family, but career wise—it was officially over. Now to just convince her to mate with him already was his next thing to tackle. Before he had a chance to start about that topic, Angel suddenly asked him a question.

"Umm, Cullen? Can you to do something for me?" asked Angel nervously. She didn't know what has gotten in to her, but she had only seen Cullen—as the wolf—just once. And she did kind of pass out even though she will never admit to that.

"You may ask Angel, and I will do what I can if it is reasonable," said Cullen. He wasn't to sure what she would ask of him.

"Can you...," Angel bit her lower lip, "can you change now?"

At first, Cullen had no idea what she was asking, but then it dawned on him. "You want me to change to my wolf?" Cullen never in a million years would have expected for her to ask him that.

"Yes Cullen. I have only seen your wolf just once, and well I guess I should get used to it a bit more," Angel finished lamely.

Cullen stood up and took his clothes off and just a matter of seconds, he was on all fours. He shook himself out, and stretched his limbs. He looked at Angel, and couldn't read her face. Cullen lay down on the ground, knowing his size might intimidate her as he then crawled over to her slowly.

Angel was shocked to see how quickly he changed to his wolf. But then to once again see how huge he actually was in this form still shocked the hell out of her. She felt her lips tug slightly upward when she saw him crawling slowly toward her. When she felt safe, knowing that this was still Cullen, she slowly got down on her knees next to him, and reached out her hand toward him. She knew to do this to dogs, to let them sniff first, but she had no idea if this was the same for a wolf.

Was she comparing him to a dog? Cullen had no idea. But he sniffed and licked her hand to just assure her that he meant no harm. He watched her closely as she moved closer to him. When she reached her hand out, she hesitated slightly, but then began to pet him almost. He was no damn cat, but he began to make a sound which sounded like a purr. Her fingers running through his coat like that felt so wonderful—he never expected to enjoy it this much.

Angel began to be less nervous with each stroke she gave him. His coat wasn't as soft as she first predicted, but very slightly coarse. It still felt wonderful to the touch. "Cullen, you are able to hear me right?" When what appeared to be a nod, she smiled slightly. She was completely fascinated. "You're so beautiful," added Angel. His black coat shimmered in the moonlight, and his eyes showed the intelligence behind them.

Cullen gave her a snort like sound.

Laughing, Angel said, "Ok ok, I meant handsome."

'If only we were mated already. I would give anything to see you in your wolf form.'

Cullen knew that he had to bring this topic up much sooner rather than later. He didn't know how much longer he was to bear this pull and the need to claim his mate finally. Cullen saw Angel move slightly in front of him and felt her hands slowly running on his head. He barely felt her one finger slide down his muzzle, inspecting everything she can. With her so close, he couldn't help but lean forward and lick her cheek.

Angel sat down on the ground before Cullen. She couldn't help but ask, "Will I become like you?" Once again, she saw him nod his head. She let out a long sigh. Angel didn't know what to think right now. Would she change completely when she was turned or would she still be the same Angel, but just a little different?

Cullen knew that it was time to talk a bit more. He shifted back, and put on his pair of jeans. He held his hand out for Angel, and then lifted her from the ground. "When we bond Angel, I will bite you and that will infect you. With the next full moon, you would then be able to shift for the first time."

"How come you changed now? There isn't a full moon now?" asked Angel.

"It's different the first time. After we bond, the infection—lack for a better word—will spread, and as the days get closer to the full moon, you will feel your wolf inside, dormant and getting restless. That will be the proudest day for me, to help you shift for the first time. We will then be able to run together, and there is something more I should tell you Angel. When we bond, we both will be able to send messages to one another. And depending on how strong are bond is, we may even feel what the other is feeling."

Angel just nodded, taking all this in slowly. She was willing to give this a chance. "Cullen, I am willing to give this...I mean us a chance. But things need to change with you always ordering me around. I know you're the Alpha, but you need to remember, I didn't grow up in a pack like everyone else. I don't like being ordered around like that and treated like a child. And you really need to stop being such a stubborn, arrogant man."

Cullen let her words sink to his mind. "I will promise you that I will try. But there are times that the wolf will be to close to the surface. And as for being stubborn, can you stop being stubborn as well? It seems like we both are at fault with that."

"I will try, since you will." Angel held out her hand to Cullen, so that they would be able to shake on it.

But Cullen had another idea. Grinning, he grabbed Angel's hand, and pulled her up against him. Angel's eyes widened, when he bent his head and kissed her, softly at first, then deeper. His tongue traced her bottom lip, exploring, enticing. She'd no choice but to open her mouth to his, a soft gasp escaping her.

His hips moved against her, pushing subtly, the hard bulge between his thighs leaving no doubt of his desire. The rhythm of his advance increased, slowly at first, then matching the movement of his tongue in her mouth. Cullen pulled back.

Angel couldn't help but reach up and begin to feel his shoulders and chest. His shoulders were more than twice the width of hers and his chest was darkly furred with fine black hair. His neck was thick and his biceps bulged in a vulgar display of power and strength. His massive torso tapered to a narrow waist taut with ropy muscles. It seemed indecent for a man to appear so blatantly, sexually masculine.

Unerringly his lips found hers again. Cullen's lips weren't hard and punishing, but they were soft and coercive. She waited for the explosion of brutal passion, but found only the soft pervasive force of his desire. She remembered she wanted to hate the taste and heat of him, yet savored the warmth and sweetness now. The kiss was beginning to heat up to fast; Angel knew she had to stop it before it went too far. She reluctantly took a step back, breathing hard. How she wished to go back in his arms, but knew she couldn't.

Cullen felt his wolf close to the surface with the need to mate with Angel already. It was meant to only be a simple kiss, but it soon escalated into something fierce and full of passion. Cullen knew, he couldn't stay here before her, he had to leave. He wasn't sure if he would be able to control himself longer. "Be sure to get some packing done soon. We will leave within a week, that will give you plenty of time to talk with your family and friends," said Cullen, as he abruptly turned and walked away.

Angel stood there, trembling slightly from passion she felt from just his kiss. She knew if she wasn't careful, Cullen McAllister would soon be claiming not only her body, but perhaps also her heart.

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One week later...

The week flew by faster than she would have liked it to. But she managed to spend time with her family and friends, and say goodbye to them. Of course Isobel didn't handle the news very well. She stormed over to Cullen, threatening to kick his ass if something should happen. Then of course Owen began to warn Isobel with the way she is addressing the Alpha—which then led to them fighting. Angel had no idea what has gotten into them both. She found it a bit odd, that Owen was always around Isobel or always looking at her. Angel just shrugged.

The plane ride was pretty fast—Angel guessed. She slept half of the time, and when she was awake, she kept on asking questions about the pack or the compound. Once off the private plane that this pack owned, there were several cars waiting for them.

Cullen, slowly took Angel's hand, and walked over to where some of his betas were standing.

"It is great to see you Alpha. You have been missed by many," said Brom, one of the betas that stayed in Scotland.

"It feels good to be back," said Cullen. He took a deep breath of air, "Even the air smells better here." Cullen was very happy to be back. This is where he was born and raised. Cullen shook himself back to reality; he placed a hand at Angel's back, bringing her up more. "Angel, I would love for you to meet one of my betas', Brom. Also with him are Angus and Quilliam," Cullen smiled down at Angel, and then looked back at his betas, "and this, my friends is Angel, my mate."

All three of the men got down on their one knee and bowed their heads. Angel had no idea how to react to that. Who bows anymore like that to anyone? "It is a pleasure to meet all of you," Angel said softly, not really sure what else should she say. Should she tell them to rise?

Maybe I should just stay quiet and see what happens.

Brom was the first to speak again. "It pleases me greatly that you have found your mate Alpha. It has been a long time in waiting. If you will allow us to get your bags, we can begin to head to the compound immediately. I am sure Donovan would be most happy to see you," Brom added while grinning.

Laughing, Cullen nodded. "It would seem that way. Donovan never liked being in charge."

With in half an hour, everything was loaded, and they were already more than half way there to the compound. Angel saw the city that they passed about 10 minutes ago, but now there is just land and land, and guess what else....land!! "Cullen where are the cities or villages?" asked Angel.

"Where we are going, there are not many villages near the compound. We wanted to be sure that we were never found, so the compound is actually far from anyone. I know you will love the compound Angel."

And true to his words, what Angel saw perhaps another thirty minutes later completely astounded her. If she thought the compound back in the States was huge, this place was completely enormous! Who the hell lives in castles anymore? That was exactly what the building was before her. Angel loved history, and always loved reading up on it. And what lay before her had to be a castle from the 16th century, from what she was able to detect by the architecture of it.

Cullen saw the look of surprised on Angel's face, and he couldn't help but smile. "Welcome to our new home Angel."

As they drove closer, she was able to see many smaller homes around the castle and was completely confused. "I don't get it Cullen. The castle, I am sure is able to hold everyone. What is with all these smaller homes?"

"Sweetie, do you really think many families don't want their own privacy...their own home? So here, they have a chance to have that, and yet still be part of the compound where they will be safe. All of these buildings were built hundred and hundred of years ago. I also have a few surprises for you, which I know you will love. But I will have to show them to you after all the introductions that are needed to be made."

With that said, everyone ushered inside the castle—home?—that she would be staying at while they were in Scotland. When she entered, there was a great entrance of a foyer. To her left, she was able to see that is where the library was. She wasn't able to see the whole room, but new it carried more books than the public library back home. Off on the right, a bit further down, was the staircase—which would lead up to the rooms.