Garrett POV
After Travis was escorted back to the clinic, I went out and found Anna to fill her in on my plan. She was nervous about it at first but when I told her how it would be best for us to lead the pack traditionally instead of letting Travis continue and have half-wolf hybrid pups that would make us look weak to other packs, she understood and accepted that this has to be done.
The tricky part is getting him to take the drug without him knowing about it or anyone tracing it back to me once this plan goes through. If it was found out that I set the Alpha up to kill his mate, then the penalty would most certainly be death. One rule that all wolves go by and never break is that we never allow or do harm to our mate no matter the circumstances. I couldn't say that I was proud to do this, especially to my brother but the needs of the pack come first and they need to be led in the ways of our ancestors.
By the time I and Anna got back home the next morning, the staff had already started collecting the kills from overnight to fix them for tonight's feast. I mind-linked Travis to see how he was doing and from what he said, he was feeling better but it would be a couple of days for his human body to fully heal and at least 5 days before he was able to shift again. The one thing that caught my attention was when he mentioned that the doctor recommended an all-natural plant-based pain reliever called 'Gotu Kola' that could be mixed in with either drink or food. It wasn't something that grew around here naturally, so the only way to get it was from the healer's shop in town that sold natural alternatives to regular medicine. I would make sure one of the omegas that worked in the kitchen gave him his first dose this morning than later on after the feast when he'll most likely be alone with his mate, I'll switch that herb with the drug, and let one of the servers give him the drink. By doing it this way, no one will suspect me of drugging him and instead blame whoever prepared the drink. Many would say I've lost my mind for going through with this but if it's the only way to keep the pack's reputation strong, then so be it.
Nia POV
Today was the day I would be meeting my future pack. The ones who will look to me and Travis for guidance as well as giving advice, settling any member disputes, and representing the pack at important meetings among pack leaders.
At a time like this, I needed someone to help me calm my nerves. I was going to call Stacy but then decided not to, since she was helping set up while making sure everything was finalized for tonight and I didn't want to distract her. The only other thing I could think of to distract my mind was of course shopping, so I went into town only to find that most of the shops were closed due to the employees or owners being snowed in.
Since mostly everything was closed, I decided to just take a relaxing walk around town and enjoy the sights. This place sure did look like a winter wonderland aesthetic from the freshly fallen snow over the roads, Christmas lights, and shops with the snowy mountains in the distance, to the little coffee and tea shop that was open so those that were out could come in for a warm drink and have a seat by the fire, which sounded pretty good right now.
There were a few people in there having a chat by the fireplace while a couple was sitting at the window, most likely on a coffee date. I ordered some tea and had a seat on the cushioned window bench that looked out onto the main road. The lemon honey tea felt so good and warm as I drank it down while enjoying the sights I looked out the window until I saw someone that caught my attention. It was Garrett walking by the shop carrying a small brown paper bag in his hand before disappearing around the corner. I could only guess that he was probably just checking on one of their businesses since some employees couldn't make it out today.
On the drive home, I couldn't help but think that I'm going to be his sister-in-law when I and Travis get married or go through whatever ceremony it is that werewolves do for mated pairs. Even if we don't fully communicate or interact with each other, I'll still keep an open mind that maybe one day he will accept me and Travis's relationship.
Travis POV
"This is it", I said to myself as I looked in the mirror. This is the night I introduce the pack to their new Luna and vice versa. The next big step after this would be to move Nia into the main packhouse where she would have her suite until she goes through her Luna ceremony, which is also like a wedding for wolves. It means she will be taking the oath and committing herself to the pack while also establishing herself as my mate for everyone to see. After that, she will be moved into my master suite where we'll consummate our bond.
I looked down at my Alpha ring that previously belonged to my father before he left me the position. It not only symbolized my role but also the strength of the pack since a ring like this is only made for wolves that are recognized by the council to be purebloods, which made me think of how our pups would be received by the rest of the werewolf community. Having hybrid pups is alright among the pack but to other pack leaders and the council, it might change everyone's perception of us.
It wouldn't affect our pups physically because they would still be able to shift and have all the werewolf abilities but mentally they might have trouble dealing with the fact that they are hybrids and not full wolves like everyone else.
"Don't think about it too much, you and Nia will love the pups no matter what their genetics are. For someone to insult the offspring of an Alpha is a big and dangerous offense, too few would dare commit. All that matters is that you raise them with love, wisdom, and discipline like your parents did for you and Garrett and I'm sure all will be fine for them and the pack", Håkon said in a reassuring tone.
He was right, all that mattered was that I and Nia raised them to be the best leaders that would carry the pack on into the future.
"Alpha, Luna has just pulled up out front. Do you want me to take her to the dining hall or would you rather escort her?", Jesse mind linked to me.
"Just have her sit downstairs in the living room and I'll be down to take her over to the hall," I replied before cutting the link.
I gave myself one final glance in the mirror before leaving my room to head downstairs. Hopefully, tonight's feast would go well and be a great start to Nia's relationship with me and our pack.