"How does it feel?"
"Hah…I can't describe it." It's true. I can't describe this incredible feeling I have now that I've found my mate. I always had an inkling and so did my parents. But honestly, I think they were kind of hoping that it wouldn't come to pass.
Now we have a big decision to make. Should we rule our packs separately or should we merge them, if we do, how should we go about it. Do we merge into Red Eclipse or Silver Snow? Ah! It's draining my soul completely thinking about all of this! And then my mind fills with that milky skin covered in my kiss marks. The moaning and whimpering crashing into my ears. Mmm….Damn!
"Hahahahha….You are addicted!"
"Shut up!" I say that but the smile on my face gets bigger as those delicious thoughts temporarily wash away the stress.
We are headed to my dad's office to go over the wedding. Planning the wedding before we have our meeting with the Graysons is a bit presumptuous but that's my dad for you.
"Okay, yes. I understand. Tell him we will have a proper discussion in the next day or two!"
From his tone and body language it's clear who he's talking to. For some reason, I still find myself competing with him even though he has his mate already. Strange I know, but it was so obvious that Dean had a crush on him.
Wes and I wait patiently for him to finish. I bet he's been on with them for an hour after the Alpha Council meeting. This is a daily occurrence. Pfft…
"Did you hear that?" He says on the other line.
I hear Skylar's intense groaning. He will never change. I still don't know why people say that we are alike. I do know that he is the best sparring partner that I've ever had.
"Hahh…." Dad slumps back in his chair holding his hand to his forehead.
We give him a moment.
"Your soon to be brother-in-law is still a pain in my ass." He looks at me and a smile graces his face.
"So what else is new." I laugh and Wes joins me.
Dad chuckles a bit too. "Okay enough of that. The wedding is going to be big. It seems that both of those Netherlands packs are coming in full force. Before you say it." He puts his hand up to stop me. "All of our elite warriors combined with theirs will surround the perimeter."
He hands us the outline of the land with all of the important spots highlighted.
"The guard towers have reinforced the security of all of our tech. The newest weapon from Midnight Silver really is what they say it is. The last hunter attack was blown back by it. Wes was there. What did you think?"
"It was amazing. No wonder they were able to defeat that rogue group."
"Speaking of rogue groups. How is the one that we helped last week doing?" I say.
"Good so far. But you know them, they will continue to be nomadic. I'm just glad that they accepted our help. The hunters almost got their hands on them."
"Mmn…"
"So, we have decided to split the warriors up into groups of five stationed at each of these locations. They will be a mix of each pack as we usually do for big events, equipped with the new weapon and the new coms are working excellently."
"Hmph! I'd like to see hackers break through this time."
Two months ago we spent the entire two months at war with some hunter hackers. Their speed really took us by surprise, we almost thought they got their hands on another group of rogues to work with them. But we lucked out and finally sent them packing, thanks to Midnight Silver and Crimson Peak we discovered that they haven't been able to get their hands on any more rogues. Sucks for them!
"How is the expansion going?"
"It's going…after we meet with them and make our decision then we can expand onto their land to make more space for the guests too."
"Dad."
"Don't give me that look. Our pack and land are much larger than theirs. It makes sense for them to come into our fold."
"And if we decide to run both packs separately?"
"Hahaha…don't make me laugh son! Why do you think Skylar and Joseph made the choice they made?"
"Because Skylar likes The Netherlands."
"Hah!..." He pauses seriously considering my blunt statement.
"Alpha David. Everyone knows Skylar never intended to take over his family's pack. If it was really up to him, he wouldn't be the Second Alpha to Midnight Silver. He just wants to be Luna with less responsibility." Wes nudges me with his elbow and whispers, "Even though he's not the one having the pups."
We both chuckle. I had to laugh at that. It was common knowledge that Skylar likes to take control in their relationship.… if their interactions in public says anything. When Joseph had those first pups, I was beyond shocked. No male Alpha in history has ever given birth and these two are the first male Alphas to be mated so we didn't know what to expect. But now that we know this, I'm seriously hoping that Dean will have my pups. With his family's strong bloodline it's hard to say. I honestly expected Skylar to carry them because everyone knows that Midnight Silver might as well be the Alpha King…. They've been the largest pack throughout history and the strongest never faltering. Such a surprise.
After the meeting Wes and I head to the pups' playground. I love watching the little ones playing around. The coming of age ceremony for those pups that are ready is coming up. I'm glad it's before the wedding, one less thing to worry about. That's the same night as the full moon, Chase has already started scratching and howling like a wild one. These little visits to our mate just fuels us both. I want to mark him and pound into him without a care in the world, but I convinced Chase to wait until our wedding to do the mating ritual. Man, what was I thinking! I'm bursting at the seams!
"Hey, I'm going for a run."
Wes nods and follows me to the outcrop just in front of the trees. I hand my clothes to him. The sound of my bones contorting and breaking echoes in my ears that extend up. The sound of my fur growing out of my skin, my nose turning into a long snout. I dash into the thick forest feeling the wind dance across my fur. Ah! This kind of freedom is the reason why being the pack's future Alpha doesn't get to me. I slow to a trot along the riverbank, the rushing water is like music. I look up at the falls before walking over to the river to stare at Chase's beautiful midnight blue fur gleaming in the setting sun's rays. The silver eyes look back at me.
What are you thinking about Chase?
Just my mate having my pups.
Hahahhaha….we are two peas in a pod, huh?
You could say that.
We can only hope. It's not for sure.
Don't be so negative! You spoil my mood.
Okay, okay.
We continue our little tirade after I shift back. It's fun having him around. Reject my mate? I would never do that! I thought he knew me better. It's okay, we still have plenty of time to learn all about each other. I walk into the river and swim around for a bit before hopping out, shifting again and running back to the spot where I left Wes.
Wes, I'm heading back.
Roger!
He hands me my clothes and we walk to the pack house just in time for the pack dinner. Having dinner with the pack for me started after my birthday last year. Dad says it's so that I can grow closer to the pack along with shadowing him to learn the daily routine I will have to endure once I take over. I've been groomed since I was a pup for this but now it's more intense. I have to travel with him all over the place to visit other packs and when he feels like it he will travel to The Netherlands to meet with the Big Alpha Council. I call it a World Conference or International Packs Council, but they want to call it what they call it. Hmph!
My spacious Alpha suite feels too spacious. Part of the expansion includes the house that I'm building for my mate and our family. I actually started construction on it two years ago. I lend a hand here and there to add personal touches but a team of Gammas and Zetas have been working on it. It's almost done. I can't wait to show it to him. For now, I'm in this barren suite.The only way to access it is through a private elevator with my access code and thumb prints of myself and allowed persons which are my parents, Beta, and Gamma. I expect the house to be finished soon, but I'm thinking about giving access to Dean anyway.
I wake up and stretch before heading to the bathroom to take care of business, brush my teeth. Then do a few push ups next to the bed, chin ups on my multi Bioflex….the one that changes into different types of workout equipment. Even after doing this for 30 minutes I go for a run around the perimeter with Dad, Wes, and Sam. To run the whole perimeter it takes 30-35 minutes with our speed. Some days we shift, other days we run in our human form with our wolf speed, sight, hearing, endurance, stamina, etc. Today is a human form day. Everyone keeps their shirts on and heads out once Wes shows up.
When the full moon comes in a few days he and his mate will have their mating ritual and consummate their mate bond. It's almost like he's in an all you can eat buffet, he's so excited.
You know we can smell the heat off you! I tease.
Hahahaha…. Dad laughs.
It's like you're still a pup, Wes! Sam says.
"Hahahhaahahahaa…." We all laugh out loud.
Wait…what is that? I stop in my tracks. I don't like what I smell right now.
The others have stopped too. We tilt our heads slightly to the sky and sniff the air.
Humans! - Chase growls.
I turn to dad. He's already calling reinforcements. We pick back up our run. Damnit! That's all I need only weeks before my wedding!
We get to the edge of a clearing far down the hill, just a step or two away from the main gates that separates a long road from the town to the pack mansions of established families. We watch for a moment as the first line of defense fights them off. They are doing a great job. Wes is hopping up and down like a rabbit.
Come on! Come on! Let me go!
I exchange a glance with dad. He folds his arms and smirks. I nod at Wes. He instantly transforms from his eagerness and dashes over the tall iron gate grabbing the first human in his sights. His jaws tighten around the hunters arm and separates it from his elbow!
"AAAaaaahahhhhh….!"
Wes steps on the gun that the guys had in his hand and smashes it to tiny pieces. The countermeasures for the silver nitrate bullets they designed has already been implemented to take care of it. Joseph built ammonium oxide acid that effectively destroys the silver liquid before it can have a chance to touch us. The bullets that they designed and our keen sight, speed…are efficient in attacking their bullets on impact.
One of the guards throws a container of the ammonium oxide acid to Wes' snout, he catches it effortlessly in his jaws and pours it on any remaining weapons of the hunters that are still squirming around. Some accidentally splashes onto one of the hunters' faces! She screams in agony as the flesh melts like warm butter from her bones. She dies shortly after.
"Sam, help them clean up that mess."
"Yes, Alpha!"
I would stay and watch the clean up, but I need to get ready for my long awaited meeting with the in-laws.
"Dad, I'm going to head back."
"Okay, we have everything under control here."
I nod. Taking another glance at the horrific scene I jog off. I grimace just a little trying to ease the anger that's threatening to rise. I should've killed one or two of them to ease my inner beast.
The water dripping down my skin, gliding between each crevasse is so soothing and relaxing. I almost forgot about the attack this morning. They must have nothing else better to do. Maybe they'er sexually frustrated. Hahahaha….
Ha! That would explain it! - Chase chuckles.
Ahh….! That was refreshing! I round my shoulders, lotion up, deodorize, and put on the fit that took me all night to decide on. I make sure to wear a little red to make his eyes follow me around.
"WhooHoo!" Wes whistles as I approach him in front of my dad's office. "Looking sharp!"
I smile with pride.
"How long did it take you to pick that out?" He says leaning in to fake whisper.
I snort at him before replying, "....like…an hour…"
"Hour?!"
"Hmmhmm…or two."
He breaks out into a laugh, holding his sides.
Mate! -Chase shouts.
"Mmn…they're here."
His parents round the corner first with him behind them and Amber and Max bringing up the rear.
"Hello Alpha Dylan, Luna Chris." I bow my head slightly and Wes does the same. "Hello Dean." I smile a little before it's quickly replaced with a serious face.
"Hello Xavier." The couple says to me in unison.
"Hello…Xavier…" He says in a low voice.
Chase growls inside of me and I steel myself to keep from doing the same thing.
The door opens and we are greeted by my mother's ethereal presence. Her dark hair pinned to her right side with large curls hanging just above her waist. She smiles warmly greeting everyone before stepping aside to let us in.
Everyone exchanges pleasantries around the room before we all sit around the coffee table in the center of the office.
I sit across from Dean. Mom brings out the tea and coffee with some treats on a tray and places them in the middle of the table. I pour a cup of tea for Dean and hand it to him before pouring myself some coffee.
"I smelled blood on the asphalt in front of the main gate. Any troubles this morning Raphael?"
"You could say that. It was just a little skirmish with some early risers trying to test our defenses."
"Hmm…good to hear."
"Don't worry Dylan. Since the transition to the new security measures everything will be just fine on the big day." Her smile brightens up the room and eases some of the gathered tension.
She takes a seat next to dad on the arm of his chair, her cream sleeveless dress pulled a little as she crosses her ankles.
"Speaking of which. Should we begin?"
"Yes." The unison voices resound around the room.
Dad starts first.
"I thought that having our sons run both packs consecutively would be a good idea. But with these attacks growing more frequent, I'm having second thoughts."
"So what is your proposal?" Alpha Dylan's ears perk up.
"How about merging the packs into one large pack?"
Everyone looks around at each other. The tension is enough to break the sword that my dad so proudly displays above his fireplace adjacent to where we're sitting.
"Sssmmm….sssmmm"
All eyes turn to look at Amber sipping her coffee loudly. Her face turns red from embarrassment.
She puts up a few fingers while still holding the cup, scrunch her shoulders and mouth the words sorry.
Mom puts her hand to mouth to hide her giggle.
"Mmhmm…." Alpha Dylan clears his throat and places his coffee down on the table.
Dean shuffles in his seat holding his teacup in both of his hands. He's as nervous as I am, but his scent is rolling off him stronger, filling my senses.
"Okay. …Hahhh….How do we go about it?"
"Hmm…well." Dad taps his knee while holding his coffee cup in his hand on the other knee.
"We were hoping to merge your pack into ours." Mom says swiftly cutting the awkwardness that dad started to display.
This is why they make a good team. She can read him and the situation and is able to counter attack, taking some of the weight off his shoulders.
Luna Chris almost chokes on his tea and Dean quickly pats him on the back.
"Um…"
"I understand this is probably the last thing that you want to hear…but…what choice do we have?" Dad says without faltering.
"What my husband means to say is. If today's attack is any indication, our packs will be stronger together and to bring your pack over here will not only increase our security and safety but is also much more comfortable due to the size of our land and properties."
"Oh, is that all…?" Luna Chris says putting his tea down after taking another sip to soothe his throat.
"Yes."
"In a nutshell."
"Aha…"
The two of them exchange looks at each other and small smiles appear on their faces. Turning back to us Alpha Dylan says, "We will talk to our pack members. But I will say this right now, what you said is correct. And you could definitely house our pack members, but understand that the transition will not be easy for them."
"Also, once this is done I think that we should all hold the reins for a while before handing over the pack to our sons. I don't want them to have to deal with such a large responsibility right after their marriage."
"Hmm…sounds good. We will also talk to our pack so that everyone can prepare for the merger efficiently."
"It's good that our packs have gotten along for centuries. But I fear this merger might still cause some problems." Wes says, tilting his head a little.
"Mmn…when we had the combined training that one summer, I noticed that our training styles are a bit different." I say.
Amber, Max, and Dean nod their heads.
"So we'll just have to work on a new training regime that is good for both parties." Alpha Dylan says.
"Mmn…"
"Yes." Luna Chris says.
"Amber, Max. Help Wes and Sam come up with it."
"Yes Alpha!"
"While they work on that we can help the members integrate properly." My mom gestures with her hand from herself to Luna Chris.
He nods his head and takes another sip of tea.
"Now that that's settled! Let's discuss the wedding." Dad says with a bit of bass in his voice.
"Wait!" Mom puts her hand up. "Since we have decided to go through with the merger, what should the new pack be called? ….For Council purposes."
"Red Silver."
"Silver Snow."
They both speak at the same time.
Luna Chris chuckles and Amber snorts.
The silence permeates the room again after that.
I tap a finger on my knee that's bent with my ankle perched across my other knee.
"What about Red Silver Snow?" My pants tighten hearing his soft voice as those words roll off his tongue.
I look over at him feeling my lips twitch at the sides.
He looks over at me and quickly lowers his eyes, his face beaming a soft pink. Just then, he hiccups. Grabbing his tea with speed he gulps it down trying to stop them from rising again. I laugh internally and put a finger to my lips to prevent myself from laughing out loud as I turn my head looking away from him.
Clearing my throat I say, "I like the sound of that."
"Yes, so do I." Mom says.
"Okay." Dad's left eyebrow goes up and he looks at me. "Now can we talk about the wedding?"
The whole room nods.
"Good. Now, all of the preparations have been made for the guests. We just have to finalize the details. The invitations to your sons' packs have been sent."
"So that leaves the North American Packs and Asian packs?"
"Yes, we have prepared some for the Russian packs but I haven't sent them yet until I get your approval."
There isn't bad blood between them and the packs in Russia, it's just that they have their ways and Silver Snow has theirs. Or maybe it could do with Skylar almost killing two of their Alphas in a sparring match…?
"Did you tell Skylar that?" Alpha Dylan says, lifting his eyebrow.
"No…mmm…yes…a little." My dad starts tapping his feet.
Dean starts to laugh. He knows his older brother better than anyone. The Grincrest Pack, Palackvic Pack, and Slashnovka Pack refuse to forgive him and he could give two shits. He apologized and reminded them that it was a training seminar but they took it way too personal and have been crying like bitches as he likes to say for the last nine years.
"Hmm…what do you think?" Alpha Dylan says to his Luna.
"Let's just send the invitations out of courtesy and if they come then they come, if not, they can't say that they weren't invited."
"Okay, we will go with your suggestion." He smiles broadly and pats his husband's knee.
"I was thinking of having suits with corresponding colors for the grooms, what do you two think about red, cream, and silver for the color theme?" Mom says after pulling out her IPad that I think has been in her hand the whole time.
"I like it!" Dean jumps up like an excited pup and leans back on the couch after seeing everyone's surprised expressions. His cheeks burn that soft pink again. He's too adorable!
"Mmn…our favorite colors."
"I will make the cakes with a few hands from our Omegas that run their own bakery." Luna Chris says.
"How many should we have? I didn't consider that yet."
"Hmm…" He taps his lower lip and lowers his eyelids a little. I can tell that this gesture of his is Alpha Dylan's sweet point.
Chase and I both chuckle inside.
The rest of the discussion consisted of this back and forth with both Lunas doing most of the talking. Our dads would chime in here and there. Amber had a lot to say and volunteered to lead the decorating committee.
After they were happy with the details of our wedding we started to discuss the upcoming Coming of Age Ceremony that is next Monday.
"I thought that since we have agreed to merge our packs we might want to combine our ceremonies to see how it goes and to get used to the amount of pups that we will have from now on and going forward into the future. We can see any flaws and good points then work on the finer things later to get a better handle on it and other events like this in the future." Sam says.
"I think that would be wonderful!" Mom's fingers work quickly on the screen before anyone else could say anything more.
"Sounds great Sam. Both Lunas can take the lead on this. All of us will do our part to help them transform safely." Dad says.
"It will help both packs to get used to the idea of us becoming one pack." I say.
Everyone nods.
"We could also start moving our members here a little at a time after the ceremony." Luna Chris says.
"I agree. Moving slowly will help with the transition." Dad says.
"So, tonight at the pack dinner we will inform everyone."
"Good. Good. We will do the same."
After the meeting everyone goes their separate ways. I want so badly to grab ahold of my mate, but he has to go to training and so do I. Once training is done I'm going to Estes Park, Colorado to visit with the Craine Moonbeam Pack. They are a relatively small pack living under the Rocky Mountains in a place where tourists cannot feature to or the locals due to the harsh terrain. It's ideal for wolves. Many think them to be a wild pack because they are always in their wolf forms running around the forests and mountains. If it wasn't for the lavish pack house and the respected Alpha, they would get mistaken for rogues.
Since I will be gone for two days I decided to visit my mate tonight and let him know about my trip. I hold him in my arms as we lay on top of the covers on his warm bed.
"Take some beautiful pictures of the mountains for me."
"Mmn…"
"Oh, are they invited to the wedding?"
"Yes, mom made the invites for them. We plan to hand them to the Alpha and Luna after we arrive."
"I can't wait to see these mountain wolves. Hehehehehe…"
"They aren't so bad. They do well for a small pack. The hunters have a hard time attacking them because of the unfamiliar terrain. No matter how much those humans train themselves they will never get through those traitorous forests and jagged rocks."
"That's refreshing to hear."
"Mmn, we still give them a few warriors every now and then around the full moon and lunar eclipses."
"Yea, our most vulnerable times."
During the lunar eclipse, we are the most fragile due to the moon's rays being blocked by the sun's light causing our powers to dwindle just a little.
After kissing Dean goodbye I shift and speed off to my pack through the short path that connects our two packs together. I have to finish packing the little things so that I can just freshen up and eat in the morning before setting off on the jet.