Thorn Ch. 01-06

A young woman opened the door. "TD. What a lovely surprise. Come in." She stepped back to allow them in "Who do we have here?"

"I'm LJ" Luna quickly answered causing him to smile at her rush to stop him giving her name.

"Thorn the whole pack is talking, the family haven't shut up. I could barely focus when you were telling me you were on your way, what with all the squeals and everyone wanting to describe her, and give a play by play of your meeting."

"LJ has just been employed at The Rose & Thorn and is looking for accommodation, I wondered if you were looking for a replacement now Gemma has moved in with Lucas?" He voiced his suggestion politely for Luna's benefit already knowing Kate could not deny him. After all the pack owned the property, and he was the alpha.

"I get the feeling this spare room is never going to be occupied long, everyone you put in there ends up mated to a member of the pack. Maybe I should change rooms."

"TD, you are awesome, I was going to advertise and now I don't even have to go through all that drama". She looked at LJ and thought how lucky she was to have Thorn's love, and wondered when someone would claim her as his. "I am sure it won't be long Kate." She heard his reassurance but knew some waited their whole lives.

"And don't bother changing rooms Katie, if your mate was in our pack you would already know him and have been mated a few years ago now."

"Well that isn't exactly good news TD it just means I have less chance of finding him."

"He may not be a wolf." Thorn tried to reassure.

"Don't bullshit me Thorn, how many generations back was the last time a female wolf successfully mated with a human?"

"Okay you have a point but there have been talks of more interactions with packs and I can see benefits to it."

"Well you keep me posted."

"Hi roomie, I'm Kate, or Katie". Kate had a ponytail of deep red hair and flashing emerald green eyes. Freckles danced across her nose, and a very friendly smile graced plump lips. "When are you moving in?"

"Hi Katie" Luna looked at Thorn quickly and then back to Kate "Today please?"

"Brilliant, I trust TD with my life, you're very lucky to have him looking out for you. He looked out for me when I first moved here too. Actually if my family hadn't known he would be around I doubt they would have let me come here to school. Our families go way back. I'm heading to afternoon classes shortly, but here is a key." She fished in her pocket and began removing a key off a large key ring. She beamed at Thorn and at LJ "TD and LJ any more initials and I'd be sounding like I talk in code" She handed over the key and spotted Luna's small frown as he had. "What's wrong?"

"I do trust him. It's scary. I only just met him and this is all going so fast. I mean I don't know either of you, and neither of you know me and yet here I am ... I'm nervous, wondering, well, why, why are you helping me?"

"Me, easy, a room-mate, friend, help with the rent and housework. You'll be helping me too. It hasn't been easy since Gem left. Have you met her?" She saw LJ nod and continued "The place seems really empty without her around. As for Thorn, well that's obvious he is almost drooling he has it so bad for you." Thorn growled "Oops guess he thought he was keeping it a secret, men are so dense."

"You, you ..." Luna was opening and closing her mouth looking at Thorn she turned stunned eyes back to Katie.

"Guess men aren't the only ones who are dense," she smiled to soften the announcement. "Relax he is a big boy, if you don't want him he'll cope and probably still become one of your best friends."

Thorn interrupted before full panic kicked in "Hey, don't panic, we only just met. Today is just a job, a place to stay and a friend. Today is not about me, or what I want." He took her hands, felt them small and trembling in his own. "Deep breath. It may not even be on the agenda this week." Troubled eyes clashed with his briefly before she quickly looked away. "Seriously, yeah you're attractive, I'm trying not to drool, but I don't even know you yet. I'm just being a typical guy in alpha mode, taking over, trying to help an old friend and a new friend, and finish up with a grateful employee."

He watched her breath him in again and couldn't resist running his tongue over his lip as he realised he had taken a large breath of her at the same time. He relished the thought of tasting her, yet battled the idea of doing so right then. Where was his famous control? She was clearly trying to collect herself so he released her hands and took a small step back.

"Okay, job, got it. Place, got it. Rent?"

"Okay practical stuff, I like the way you think" Kate encouraged, mentally sending a hug to Thorn "She's half in love with you already, relax." "Gemma paid a hundred a week, half the utilities, then bought her own food is that okay?"

"Um, Thorn how much do I get paid at the restaurant?" Luna blushed

"Minimum wage sorry, but you'll get a meal each shift and certainly enough hours to afford the rent and living here."

"Okay so I can do that no problem. My boss and I will get out of here and let you get to class."

"First I'll show you your room" Kate lead LJ away and Thorn listened.

"Kate I will never forgive you if you scare her away".

Thorn continued to listen in on most of their conversation from the living room.

***

"So this is the room, it's furnished, or if you have stuff we can clear it out?" Kate grinned at LJ's wide eyed face "Big room eh?" Her eyes lit up with her smile.

"Yeah, um I would like to keep the furniture please, um use the furniture."

Luna was still trying to take the whole thing in. There was something so comfortable about the whole thing, it was like it was meant to be. Yet she just had this feeling she was missing something. Her mind was jumping between the hope this was her beginning, her chance, and the man in the neighbouring room. She had met a number of guys happy to dangle carrots like a job, a place to stay, of course this was always in exchange for, in expectation of, something in return. When she first left home families took her in for money from the state. As she got older the return on their offers became more than she was prepared to exchange and she had gone it alone since.

"No probs. The furniture stays. LJ relax it will be ok. You can take your time but just trust it, I know you like him too. Just take it day by day. In the meantime settle in, I'm the best."

"Best?" LJ was struggling to keep up.

"Best roomie, best friend and well, I am the best at keeping secrets. I mean don't tell Gem, she's close, and I reckon you'll grow to love her too, but I'm better." After a pause Kate shrugged "What can I say a girl needs a few secrets."

"Wow, modest too." LJ actually chuckled "I could use at least two of those, but I have no secrets." Silently she added well none that wouldn't result in me losing my roomie and my future friend before I could blink. People heard her background and either stamped her "damaged goods" or "target" and she wasn't setting herself up for that any more.

"No secrets yet, but I think there's going to be some big girl talk about the hunk of gorgeous in the living room in the future and I will be your confidant, promise."

Luna wanted to deny the words of her new roommate however she wasn't sure she could without sounding like she was wanting Kate to reassure her of this attraction he had, or the possibility they could be more than boss and employee, more than friends. The truth was she knew she wasn't able to offer more. She also knew the initial attraction he felt was common for men and blamed her small stature for bringing out protective instincts in a few and caveman dominant instincts in the majority. Why couldn't she have been more like Kate or Gemma? They were both women that had all the boxes ticked. Men would be drawn to them, firstly to their looks and then to their energy and personalities. Luna knew this was where she lacked confidence. She was trying to improve herself every chance she got but moving around so often didn't help. If she could make this stick long enough she would be continuing with her education and resuming the karate she had developed a love for.

"Um thanks, maybe we should go back to ..."

"Missing him already," Kate's laugh made it a joke, but she knew on some level the two were already going to struggle to be apart.

"Clown, no I just don't want to put him out too much, or make you late for class." LJ frowned slightly realising she already felt a connection with these two she hadn't felt in a long time. If ever. She was torn between being scared silly, and not wanting to do or say anything to lose it.

Luna took another look at the room and couldn't help the bubble of excitement building. There was one thing she knew she needed more than a hot guy, or even a new bestie, and that was something she felt a flicker of now. Hope.

***

Back in the living room Thorn waited nervously.

"Hey Thorn, she likes the room so I'm going to head to class" Kate grinned as she entered the room. "I'll see you tonight LJ, Thorn thanks for finding me a roomie, I already like her." She kissed him on the cheek "Congratulations TD she is lovely. You need to take this slow Thorn. I know you think you are already, but I mean slow. She's been hurt and there are definitely scars."

"Hurt physically?" He felt the rage that anyone could have hurt her building.

"Maybe but the feeling I get is deeper, and the emotional and mental scars are so much harder to heal. Actually we need to catch up about Gem too, I have a thought on that."

"I'm worried about Gem too but can we leave it till tomorrow I am still trying to balance my need to stay close to Luna with the fact she is clueless to all of this and I have to tread so carefully. Now you tell me I have to go even slower. I am so sorry for ever joking about the mating pull, and how all those men and women needed to just breathe and find a balance. There is no bloody balance Kate. It is already killing me to know I can't make her mine right now. I hated her just being in the room next door and yet soon we will be a city apart. Fuck."

"We'll walk out with you Kate and I'll take LJ back to her car. Actually you don't have a car, is there a park for her?" Thorn questioned although he knew the answer.

"Yeah one for each flat just up the service alley and round back." Kate explained.

"You are the alpha Thorn, you can do this. Tomorrow it will be easier. I'm sure it is the initial meeting adding extra stress on you. Your wolf is still thinking she could get away. The man has secured her a job, a home and an awesome best friend, she's half in love with you already and doesn't even know it yet. She isn't going anywhere."

"Kate, I heard what you said about secrets. You can't keep secrets from me. I need to know everything about her. I need to be there for her. I need to protect her."

"Well I'm glad this is all looking like a good fit, two damsels in distress rescued in one day - good for my karma I guess" he grinned.

"Yeah well don't make that an order TD, because I can't be her best friend and loyal to you on that one. I will make one promise, and that is to tell you anything I think you need to know for her safety, or if the mating is at risk. Everything else, TD, enjoy getting to know her, letting her get to know you. It is one of the best parts of any new relationship."

"Well Lucas stealing my previous flatmate was sort of your fault Thorn, so really you owed me." Kate cracked up laughing at his scowl "Yeah just kidding." They were walking down the steps to the sidewalk.

"I found you Gemma too remember. You may be right that her moving in with Lucas is my fault but I'm not admitting anything, and just think if she hadn't moved in with him you would still be listening to them every second night, be grateful they now live alone"

"Ewww no thank you, I don't want to even think about that," she looked at her watch "I've gotta run, bye" and skipped off in the opposite direction.

"Are you okay LJ?" Thorn asked.

"Yeah it's just a lot to ... well it's all happened so fast."

"Sometimes things just fall into place, try not to over-think it" He grinned "Rose will be at the restaurant soon, we'll go back and get you on the roster before we drive back and get you settled."

"Thorn, I can drive myself back" She blushed "You've spent a lot of time on me today."

"You don't want me to come back?" His surprise only just masked the hurt that hit him.

"Thorn, I just don't want to keep taking up your time. I really appreciate what you've done for me today, but I'm going to be okay now."

"Well we agree on that but it doesn't mean I don't want to keep helping. Like I said it isn't my fault, blame this alpha male thing, I am just a slave to it." He shrugged "I can come if I choose can't I?"

She laughed as he did lame puppy dog eyes at her "You're my boss, I can't say no. Besides the world could probably do with a few more alpha males of your variety, usually I just meet the other alpha male variety. The obnoxious, think they're God's gift to women, controlling jerk kind."

He almost growled in pleasure then realised he wanted her to know she could say no, anytime, anywhere "I am only your boss in The Rose & Thorn, anywhere else, anytime you feel free to tell me no. I think a little of my alpha side just shrivelled a bit, those 'men' weren't alphas they were arseholes. I intend to make sure all the women I deal with know the difference."

She laughed "Thorn, you could be right. And I appreciate the theory you're only my boss at work, but the reality is you are my boss. I want to say yes to you coming back to the flat with me, but feel I should say no," she shook her head "that doesn't make sense does it?"

"Probably as much sense as me wanting to be the one that helps you, but telling myself to back off before you tell me to get lost. By the way as soon as I hand you over to Rose at work I am no longer your boss, she is."

"So, we go back to the restaurant, you introduce me to Rose and I get on the roster, then I will drive myself to my new flat and settle in. Get to know Kate a bit more..."

His groan stopped her mid-sentence "Fine, but don't let her talk you out of getting to know me too. I get the feeling she is going to hog you all for herself."

"Am I going to have to draw up a chart?" Luna laughed as they walked towards the café.

Chapter Three

Luna had been working at The Rose & Thorn for a month now, and all reports were that she had settled in well. She was picking up her role easily and as she had said in the interview was a quick learner. She fit in with the casual, family vibe of the restaurant like she had been there much longer. He had managed to be there for most of her shifts. He had organised a couple of staff events so they could all get to know each other better outside of work hours. There was a rather crazy session at a ten-pin bowling alley that made him think of a bad teen movie. They had all gone to a local amusement park. Then there was weekly drinks after closing each Thursday.

He visited the flat more than he had before she moved in. Kate and he hadn't had to fight over her yet. Mainly because after some major meditation, and numerous hours in the gym, he had managed to reduce his need to pounce on Luna every minute of the day to only once an hour. Adding in the fact he was working more hours than ever at the restaurant and still managing the pack, he had managed to keep himself busy enough when he couldn't be with her to resist the demands of his wolf to act immediately. He wouldn't tell Kate but although in some ways the control came easier, the truth was the need grew every day.

The females had all taken her under their wing. Rose had taken on a big sister role and regularly found ways to encourage LJ and build her confidence at work and with the family. Gem had become a close friend of course, this was aided by how often they worked together. Though knowing Gem she would have found a way to be in the thick of it even if they never had a shift together.

The male staff at the restaurant, they were keeping friendly, yet distant, in respect of the situation, but they all liked her. He had a few of the closer pack members now gently teasing him. He didn't mind the ribbing too much as it was a clear sign their mating would be accepted. At one time there was a strong opinion that the alpha of a pack should only mate with a wolf but for hundreds of years now it had been accepted the right mate was the right mate, human or wolf. It gave him pleasure to know his family and Luna liked each other, enjoyed each other's company.

Thorn had it on good authority her and Kate were now "besties" and did everything together from mission style shopping expeditions to watching silly soaps on television. Kate didn't give him much info on LJ though so although he saw their closeness he suspected either they hadn't got too deep and personal or Katie was sticking to her plan that he should enjoy getting to know Luna himself. He suspected the latter.

He was currently watching her through the window before going in. He watched her share a joke with another staff member, Lexi, as they filled condiment bottles and jars used in the cafe during the day. He watched her wrinkle her nose puzzled when a waiter came in and grabbed Lexi at the waist clearly teasing the young woman, but barely said hello to her. He knew she wasn't jealous of the flirtation but was starting to pick up on the different way the men treated her. He sent a message to Lucas, asking him to find a way to reassure her. Then took a deep breath "Relax Glen, I trust you with her be yourself."

LJ still smiling spoke to Glen, clearly in greeting, and Thorn watched him take a deep breath then reply. He entered the restaurant so he could hear the exchange which till then was just out of his hearing.

"Hey LJ, are you just starting?"

"No just finishing, but I don't bite so don't look so worried." She smiled in friendship but was surprised when he burst into laughter.

"You might not." Glen teased.

Lucas walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder "Careful LJ," He grinned. "Stay clear of that one, I hear he has fangs." He went on as she blushed "Though I think Thorn's 'Little One' is safe even from the dogs around here, they're all too scared of the big bad wolf. Honey, that one is very territorial. You may have noticed the guys flirt and crap with every girl in the building except you. Now don't tell Gem, but we all know you're the prettiest thing in here, so you must know it's because they respect him. Maybe even fear him a little." He almost lost it at the silent tirade Gem blasted Lucas with, the whole pack were witness to.

"I am not um, well I'm not with Thorn or anything, I, ahh, just work here, and Gemma is far better looking than I'll ever be"

"Gem is hot, sexy, she's a firecracker, a tiger." Gem told him he had just got himself off a very large hook. The whole pack smiled as they heard her forgiveness, and his promise to prove it to her later. "You 'Little One' are all sweet, roses and vanilla, a little kitten, and just what these dogs want to chase." He looked at Glen who nodded, and then looked at a mortified LJ.

"Sorry but it's true you make men drool, even most of the regulars." Glen confirmed.

"Lucas, Glen, I ..." LJ saw him approaching turned dark pink and fled.

"Well Thorn, you sure have a way with the ladies." Lucas teased. His alpha, and older brother's glare not stopping his grin.