Chapter Twelve
Understanding that arguing with Julia would not avail him of much, Ray decided to oblige. But, even if there remained an iota of a chance for him to change her mind, he would not insist. Why should he? Their first time together had been amazing, but that was not the only reason why he had kept his mouth shut. Deep down, Ray wanted to go back to his birthplace with her. As much as the idea of waking up with her in her apartment appealed to him, he couldn’t deny that he would much rather do so in his cabin. No traffic would bother him there. No noises would pierce his ears. No terrible smells would make his stomach churn, either. There existed one downside to her suggestion. Julia insisted on taking her car, arguing that she didn’t want to burden him or her friends with driving her back to New York the next day. Still, he didn’t complain. Yes, Ray did mind that they would not ride to Paxton together, but he was so ecstatic with the prospect of spending more time with her in familiar territory that he kept his objection to himself.
Minutes afterwards, he came to discover that sharing the interstate with her was much more adventurous than he originally predicted. Indeed, Julia overtook him, and even waved at him in her rearview mirror, with a toothy grin gracing her face. He initially thought to humiliate her, as his Harley was much more powerful than her car. But, he had to refrain from doing so. His kind had struggled to keep a low profile. Speeding would invite too much unwanted attention. Ray and Julia had been teasing each other too much on Saturday night, but he had managed to stay within speed limits. Taking part in this childish game could cost him dearly.
More than two hours later, he caught a glimpse of the Paxton town lights, spreading out before him, as he turned left, onto the downhill road that led to this birthplace. After clearing the first, U-bend, he locked his gaze on his family’s property. Nevertheless, none of the cabins was dark. On the contrary, every light in his siblings’ cabins was on, as well as in his own. A loud, rumbling sound rose above the noise of the thunder-headers, startling him even more: Music. An intense curiosity coursed through him. His brothers liked to stay up late, but Monica had to wake up at 6:30 a. m. for work. What was the occasion? What were they celebrating?
Ray eased up on the brakes of his Harley, sweeping their front yard, as Julia’s car rolled to a halt behind him. Raul was hugging Monica from behind, facing him, whereas Dean and Kate were a few feet to their left, holding hands, smiling down at him. Melissa stood between them, looking up in the sky, tapping her chest with her index finger, but quickly sped off towards Raul’s cabin. Ray switched off the engine of his Harley, and pulled his helmet up and over his head, as Julia stepped out of her car, just before the music ceased altogether.
“It’s almost 1a.m.,” Ray remarked, shifting his weight to dismount his motorcycle. “What are you doing up so late?”
“I just got back from my gynecologist,” Monica started, a blissful smile spreading across her face, as she stared down at Julia. “I’m pregnant.”
Ray’s heart leapt for joy within him. His brother was just a short while away from realizing the dream of paternity. As he quickened his pace to a jog however, Julia sped past him, arms open as she hurtled towards her friend. Her cheerful screams filled the air, as Monica eased out of her mate’s hold.
“That’s really great, honey!” Julia cheered, throwing her arms around her back, as Monica circled her own arms around her friend’s shoulders. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Jules.” Monica smiled, as Julia squeezed her tighter in her embrace. “Ok, this can’t be good for the baby.”
“Sorry,” Julia chuckled, leaning back, dropping her arms, as Ray closed the distance between him and Raul. “Hey, blondie!” She yelled, looking up at Kate over her right shoulder. “I call godmother!” She continued, raising her arm up in the air.
“Oh, man!” Kate groaned, cocking her head in frustration, as she tore her gaze away from her.
“You snooze, you lose, baby!” Julia taunted, winking down at her, as Ray and Raul exchanged a cordial hug.
“That’s beautiful, big man,” Ray said, patting him on the back. “I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle.”
“Thanks, kid,” Raul grinned, gazing down at Julia. “And I thought Kate was a happy girl.”
“Nah, Julia’s not just happy,” Ray smirked, pulling out of his brother’s embrace. “She’s wacky. Anyway, have you guys come up with a name yet?”
“If it’s a girl? ‘Helena.’ I haven’t thought of any boy names.” Raul’s response came fast, much faster than he anticipated. “I can’t believe what I’m about to say, but that witch has been the guardian angel of our family. It’s the least we could do for her. I told Monica; she loved my idea.”
“You bet your ass she has,” Ray agreed with a nod.
“I’m going to be a godmother, bitches! Woo hoo!” Julia cheered with her hands up in the air, as she strode toward Kate and Melissa. Ray watched, as Dean padded towards his spot, snickering, as he scratched his skin.
“You know, I’m starting to wonder what she would do, if she got pregnant,” he stated, fixing his eyes on Ray.
“Enlighten us, Junior,” Raul teased, putting his hands on his waist. “Would she throw a party? Arrange a press conference? Organize a parade, maybe?”
“I’m not sure about those, but the first thing she’d do, would be…” Ray faltered, leaning closer to his older brother… “lick whipped cream… off my chest.”
“Ooooh, that had to hurt!” Dean exclaimed, squeezing his eyes shut, as Ray watched Raul’s smugness evaporate at his confidence. Without uttering another word, he merely turned to the left, and strolled away from his Alpha. He might have loved his brother dearly, but no one, not even he, had the right to make fun of his girlfriend. Julia’s mannerisms were beginning to grow on him. She could squeal, cheer or scream all she wanted, and he would enjoy every single second of it. The feisty redhead had turned Ray’s initial feeling of surprise into a sea of joy that flooded his heart. Nobody was allowed to mock her for that.
The night went on with plenty of songs, good food, and a lot of alcohol. Kate would start singing, and her friends would follow. Most of the time, the siblings preferred to watch the trio perform, clanking glasses, and laughing to their heart’s content. Julia and Monica’s attempts at singing were usually not successful, bringing about one fit of laughter after another. This team effort was more evidence of the bond that they shared, but Ray didn’t need any more proof of that. Every few minutes, he would steal glances at his brother and his mate, in the hope that, someday, he would become a father himself.
Although the group had tons of fun that night, the celebration had an effect on Julia, one that ruined Ray’s plans. She became intoxicated. Indeed, just two hours after their arrival in Paxton, the young redhead was in no condition for a date. Her eyes were reddened; she giggled almost constantly; and she could hardly stand upright. Understanding that she was about to make a complete fool of herself, Ray excused himself, and took Julia to his cabin. The last thing he wanted was to see her collapse like she had done in the “Northern Oak”.