Over the next four days, Faylen would interact more with the pack. She had checked out the small home on the edge of the territory and liked it. With the help of Daniel, she was able to move into it two days after the party.
By the middle of day four, she found a job at a local grocery store as a shelf stocker. In the meantime, Daniel and Faylen grew closer together. Seeming to spend every free moment together. Even going on patrols with one another. If one hadn't known any better, you would think they had moved in together. Or had they?
By day number five the pack was bustling with business. The boys were expected back today and there were many preparations to undergo before they returned later that evening. Faylen had just returned to her home from work from the previous night. She worked overnights and was only allotted a four-hour nap before she had to wake up and help at the packhouse.
Kota's POV
As I woke up from my sleep I looked around grumbling. One glance at my window told me it hadn't even reached dawn yet. Glancing over at my alarm clock I sighed softly. It was only 4 am. How had I managed to wake up this early? I normally had trouble waking up on time to join the morning west side border patrol. Rolling onto my side I reached out to my bedside table. Grabbing my phone I turned it on. Wincing as the bright light flooded my face. With a dissatisfied grunt, I unlocked it. Going to the clock app on my phone I set alarms so I could stay on task to arrive at our meeting area on time. After I had set four alarms I rolled out of bed. My back cracked as I did so. Smiling to myself I stood up and ventured to my closet.
I slide the barn-style closet door open. Watching with admiration as my closet lights automatically turned in. Call me fancy if you want but I had the largest room in my packhouse of course. Being Alpha of the Red Aspen Pack allowed me such luxuries. Walking into my closet I grabbed a pair of gray sweats and a nice fitted white tank top. Mumbling quietly to myself as I then ventured out. Quietly sliding my door shut I would take a glance back over to my bed. Smiling as I observed the girl sleeping. Katie is my girlfriend of 7 years. The girl I had hoped to have been my mate. Unfortunately, she was not. Though neither of us had found our mates yet we decided to have her become our mock Luna. The pack was well aware of what she was so it's not like we were deceiving them. We never completed the mating process either. It was best left that way for when we both finally found our mates.
Tearing my gaze away from her I went to the bathroom. Hopping in I would take a quick shower. Hoping out just as my first alarm went off. Smiling at myself in the bathroom mirror. For once I pack was going to be on time. Chuckling I dried off and got dressed. Followed by brushing my teeth and combing my hair. Like clockwork, the alarm signaling for me to leave for the meet-up area rang out.
Walking to my bed I kissed Katie's forehead and then quickly left. Making sure to close the door quietly so as to not disturb her. I wandered down the hall. Making my way to the elevator that would take me to the second floor. Conveniently the only floors in the packhouse with a staircase would be floor 1 to floor 2. To get from floor three to five you had to take an elevator. I quietly waited for the elevator to reach my floor and open. Smiling, I stepped inside surprised to see that it was empty. With a bit of hesitation, I pressed the down button twice to bring me to floor 2. Watching as the elevator slowly lowered. Dinging each time we passed a floor. What seemed to take minutes had only taken about twenty seconds. Smiling delightfully as it came to a start. Within a few seconds, the doors opened and I stepped out. I had to admit even though it was only 5 am the packhouse seemed awfully quiet.
I probably shouldn't have but I decided it was best to brush it off. Walking down the hallway I made it to the staircase. Looking out at our grand first floor. For a moment I relived the last time I had been standing in this exact spot. Looking out at all my unmated pack members. Informing them that in less than twenty-four hours we would be joining Black Reach's pack for a formal ball. Only those unmated would be allowed to attend though. This however also meant I had to attend along with my brother. Who stubborn as he was took control of a small portion of my land to form his pack. It was a crazy idea at first. A pack inside of a pack. I along with our father had laughed at first. However, he brought a good point to the table. We both were unmated so neither should have become Alpha. With a bit of reluctance, I agreed, and eventually with some convincing our father. Suddenly my eyes snapped up as I heard some laughing from below. However, I quickly relaxed seeing it was my patrol team. Which consisted of five Omega's three of which were unmated. One had a mate and two children while the other had recently found his mate. Smiling, I went to the right side of the staircase and casually walked down it.
"Come on boys we have a big day ahead of us" I smiled at them in amusement to see their looks of astonishment at my on-time arrival.
Without another word we left. From the looks of it, we were the first patrol to be awake and leaving. Which was overall fine by me. My brother would be leading patrol two who would secure the East side of our border.
We all walked towards the woods. We would spend the better half of our walk-in human form. Only shifting to our Wolf forms when we were about one-fourth a mile away from the border. Luckily for me, there had been no disturbances along the Westside. After checking a d remarking the border I mind-linked my other patrol leaders.
To the others: "West Side is clear, what about your guys' sides?"
East Side: " Eastside is clear though it smells like another pack is getting a little close to the border best to watch this side closely.
North Side: "Northside was clear. We went ahead and remarked the border."
South Side: "Southside is clear as well sir. We also had to remark the border."
To others: "We will keep a look on the east side brother. Thank you all. I suggest we get back to the packhouse we have a lot to prepare for."
After that, I cut the line dead. I would head back to where we had stripped. Leading my patrol members with me. As we stopped by where we had stripped and shifted my team shifted back and got dressed. I however picked my clothes up carefully in my mouth and ran off towards the Eastside of our border. I wanted to check out what my brother had been talking about. Ensuring I came up with a proper plan while at it.
After checking the East Side I went back to the packhouse. Shifting and changing before I left the area most hidden by trees. Walking into the packhouse I was greeted by Katie. Kissing her on the forehead I told her what she needed to ensure the pack got accomplished alongside the unmateds. Including herself getting pre-prepared for the following day. Afterward, I excused myself and went to the second floor. Taking one last glance at the bustling main floor before heading to the hallway off to the left. It led to the hallway holding everyone's office. At least all those in the pack that needed an office. Mine was placed at the beginning of the hall so I didn't have to walk far before slipping inside.
Here I would spend the rest of my night. Making plans and only leaving it at 9 pm. Grabbing a bite to eat from the kitchen then went upstairs to my room. I took another shower, prepared for bed then joined my girlfriend.
Faylen's POV
It was finally the day the boys came home and the day before the ball. Three days before we had found out that Dom invited our neighboring packs. Red River Pack a small pack branched off from Red Aspen Pack the strongest pack in the state. Due to the sudden addition, we had twice the preparations to do today.
After three and a half hours of sleep, my alarm rang out in my ear. I groaned and slapped my phone. For a moment I thought about throwing it across the room but I didn't want to have to get a new phone again. Instead, I swiped the alarm off to dismiss it. Mumbling to myself as I slammed my phone onto the bed. Sitting up I ran a hand over my face. Half an hour before I had to leave the house. Sliding out of my bed I went towards my closet. It was nothing fancy, just your standard closet. Which was fine by me. I didn't want anything fancy. It would make me feel important when I don't even know where I stand in the pack at this point. After starting my job at the grocery store I hadn't done much interacting with the pack. Although I and Daniel have begun bonding. Maybe the signs of a new friendship even?
As I stood in front of my closet I grabbed out a pair of leggings and a light purple tank top. I figured these would suffice for a hard day. Since the boys were returning I had gotten off work as I was required to help the pack prepare for the coming ball. Although part of me was hoping to see the boys today, another part of me was scared to see them after all this time. I couldn't help but wonder at the same time. Was one of these boys my mate by chance? I knew that would only make things all the messier.
As I thought of these things I grabbed my undergarments and socks and headed into the bathroom for a shower. I had similar thoughts about the ball. Wondering if I would meet my mate tomorrow and what would I do? By this point, I was so unsure if I could even mentally handle having a mate. Given everything that had happened in less than a week. Just as I got out of the shower I heard my phone go off. Walking over I saw it was a text from Alpha Jackson.
From Jackson: I and the Luna have had a long discussion. We have decided it would be in the pack's best interest to accept you as our third in command. Tomorrow before the ball we will be holding a banquet for our pack specifically. We will introduce you as the third in command and Dom and Kyle will be introduced as the Beta and Alpha. I and my love have decided it is time to step away and let you young kids take over. I hope you understand the importance of such a thing.
I couldn't lie as I sat there and read the message. I was startled. Why had they suddenly made such a rash decision anyway? Deciding to ignore the wrenching feeling in my gut I finished drying off and getting dressed before responding.
From Faylen: I wanted to thank you both for such an opportunity. I will do everything in my power to not make you guys regret such an important decision. I will be at the pack soon to help with preparation. Leaving soon.
I closed my eyes for a moment and let out a shaky breath. After a few moments I returned to calm and my stomach no longer felt like it was churning. Quickly I brushed my hair and threw it up into a simple ponytail. Sliding my phone and wallet into my pockets I walked to my front door and grabbed my house keys. Slipping into my shoes I left. Making sure to lock my home and slip the key into my pocket. After I had done so I began jogging to the packhouse. It was a good distance away but I was in shape and pretty quick despite having the werewolf speed as a booster. I normally prided myself on being faster than my pack mates although here there were a few faster than me which seemed nearly insane. Within the next ten minutes, I had made it to the packhouse. Halting in front of the front door to catch my breath.
After recovering I pushed the door open and slipped inside. Surprised as I witnessed everyone bustling around. For me though? I had been assigned to the ballroom. I was part of the setup crew. It was among my responsibilities to make sure the music station was ready to go, decorations were placed correctly. I was even part of the crew in charge of setting up a booth for newly mated couples to take pictures on such a memorable night. I walked quickly to the ballroom. Even though I was twenty minutes early I already felt hours late.
As I reached the ballroom it didn't get any quieter. All around the room people were bustling around. Following uncanny directions and hoping they wouldn't have to move anything again. I walked up to the coordinator and got my directions.
Most of my day passed like this though. Being bossed around by some fancy event coordinator. Sweating as I moved from task to task. It seemed they were determined that everything be set up perfectly for such a night. I had the feeling this wasn't their first Mate ball. By one we finally got to take a break and grab something to eat. By now I felt like I was starving.
After getting a thirty-minute break we went back to work. Now I had wished I was able to tag along and pick up the boys. I knew it was going to be a lot of work but I hadn't expected anything like this. Finally, by ten pm we had finished. By now the rest of the packhouse had fallen silent. Exhausted and sweaty I said my farewells and crept out of the ballroom. Silently making my way out of the packhouse. I was upset I hadn't seen the boys today but it's not like there was anything I could do. Having hardly eaten all day my stomach growled at me.
Grumbling to myself I slipped out of the packhouse and began walking back home. Despite being exhausted I knew I needed to return home and shower and eat before I could even think about going to sleep. After a thirty-minute walk, I had made it home. Fumbling with the keys I blocked my house and went inside. Taking my shoes off at the door before walking to the kitchen. I wasn't in the mood so instead; I ransacked my fridge and cabinets for my snack and easy-to-eat items. By the time I had devoured a good portion, I felt a lot better and not so hungry. With a relieved smile I went to my bedroom. Grabbing my pajamas I had a quick shower. Changing once I was out and not bothering to brush my hair I went to my bed. Not even a minute after my head had hit my pillow had I fallen asleep.