Lobo had been incredibly restless all morning. Phelan decided that a run to clear his head and calm his wolf was necessary. He realized that missing the scheduled brunch would be frowned upon by his hosts. And that it could be detrimental to his proposed alliance with all of the Alphas. However, he also couldn't risk attending the brunch with a crazed wolf. That definitely could ruin all hope of an alliance if Lobo lost all control. Phelan was hoping that a quick run would rein Lobo in. Lobo wasn't usually impulsive. Phelan and Lobo both were known for being level headed creatures able to contain themselves until they chose not to. Phelan couldn't remember any other time in his life that he doubted his ability to control his wolf. These feelings of inability were new to him. He didn't like the way he felt or the way Lobo was acting. He felt like he was on the verge of going feral. The crazy thing was that he wasn't really sure why? He knew that he had to find the auburn haired angel with the amazing red wolf. He knew that sooner would be better than later. Phelan believed that the meadow would be a good start. He couldn't explain it. But something told him that his beauty would definitely return there. He felt that she had a connectionto the spot. "OK, a quick run to the meadow and back. If we are fast enough I will just miss the start of the brunch. Let's do this, Lobo." Phelan spoke to his wolf as they ascended the stairs to the main floor of the Long Mountain pack house.
Phelan wove his way through the crowded mansion, offering a nod of hello and recognition to wolves as he passed. He was relieved when he finally made it outside. The back lawn was decorated beautifully. He hoped their daughter would finally appreciate the effort put forth by her family and pack and choose to attend the brunch in her honor. After all who has someone go to these lengths to celebrate their very existence and then never make an appearance? Phelan shook his head in annoyance as he stomped towards the woods. He had to be careful not to lose control and shift here on the lawn. Whoever she was he didn't need her rudeness adding to his dilemma. So he quickly tried to rid any thought of the unknown Alpha's daughter from his mind as he went to enter the woods.
Phelan reached up, grabbing his shirt. As he was about to pull it over his head he froze in place. He felt a strong pull all over his body at once. He was being pulled back the way he had come. Confused he stood there blinking. Then the most amazing smell hit his nostrils. Cinnamon, spice, and apples! The most mouth watering combination. He lifted his nose and breathed it in deeply. Strangely the smell calmed him and his wolf instantly. He was being pulled back, so he spun on his heals to search for the source of the tantalizing aroma.
His emerald eyes fell upon her immediately. His heart skipped a beat and his breath caught in his throat as he took in the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He stood there completely captivated by her. Phelan took in her long legs, her perfect shape, her porcelain skin, and auburn hair that was braided perfectly and snaking sensually over her shoulder and across her breasts. He had been searching for her, but somehow it was her that found him.
In unison they both started walking towards each other. They maintained eye contact as they slowly closed the gap. When he was standing inches in front of her, Phelan leaned forward and sniffed the top of her head. It was pure heaven. Lobo immediately settled completely down and all the stress and emotions that Phelan had experienced were gone in an instant. On instinct he wrapped his arms around her middle, pulling her against him. Simultaneously, the she wolf reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and shoulders. Looking deep into her beautiful blue eyes, Phelan growled with pleasure and leaned down claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. He heard her moan against his lips and felt her knees go weak. His arms still wrapped around her waist insured that she wouldn't fall. He supported her as he was on the verge of losing himself in their kiss. Then from somewhere nearby someone cleared their throat bringing Phelan back to the real world.
He watched amused as his mate cleared her throat and with her cheeks scarlet, tried to straighten her dress and step away from him. But he was having none of that. He refused to release his grasp on her for fear that she would disappear again. Chuckling a little as she looked back at him, obviously a little caught of guard. Phelan turned to see all three of his men standing there awkwardly. "Apologies, Alpha. We don't want to interrupt. But when we realized that you weren't in your suite or anywhere else inside we feared that you might have need of us." His gamma quickly explained their intrusion.
Phelan nodded. He was in such a state that he hadn't informed his men of his plan. "That's quite alright men. I should have communicated with you before I left. However, as you can see I am fine. Go and enjoy the brunch. I will be there momentarily. The young lady and I have some things we need to discuss." His men nodded in understanding then turned and walked back over to join the others at the brunch.
Turning his full attention back to the lovely gem in his arms he couldn't stop the grin that plastered itself upon his face. "Hello Beautiful. I have been searching for you for so long." The girl in his arms beamed back up at him. It was obvious that she was pleased to have found him as well. "My name is Phelan Mchughes. I am Alpha of the Red River Pack. May I know your name? I'd like to know what to call my future Luna."
Her eyes never left his as she answered him. "Alpha Phelan, my name is Wren Mixon. I am the only daughter and second born child of Alpha Mixon and Luna Freya of Long Mountain pack. Welcome to my birthday celebration." Phelan chuckled again before responding. "So you are the elusive birthday girl! I was wondering if you would ever make an appearance."
"What's all of this?" Turning in unison they both realized that someone had managed to sneak up on them again. This time it was none other than Alpha Mixon and Luna Freya. Alpha Mixon looked on at them with mock annoyance, a smile threatening the corners of his mouth and a twinkle in his eye. Luna Freya stood with her hands over her mouth and happy tears threatening to fall at any moment. "Well... young man? Care to explain why you are holding my daughter so tightly and keeping her from her guests... Hmm?"
Wren chuckled and looked up at Phelan anticipating his response. Phelan cleared his throat before answering. "Well, sir, it seems that your daughter and my mate are one and the same." Luna Freya cried out with joy and wrapped her arms around her daughter. She kissed her cheek lovingly and exclaimed, "I told you, dear. Didn't I?" Winking at her daughter before turning to Phelan and welcoming him to the family. Alpha Mixon stepped forward and leaning down, kissed his daughter tenderly on her forehead. Then he turned and clapped Phelan on the shoulder before shaking his hand. "Welcome to the family, son. I couldn't have hoped for anything better for my daughter." He then turned back to his daughter and kissed her forehead once more. "Well, now that that is handled, might we all go join the celebrations?" Alpha Mixon looked expectantly at each of them. Phelan and Wren smiled at each other before turning and nodding in unison to her father. Alpha Mixon then held out his arm for Luna Freya. They then led the way back over to the brunch where it was apparent that most everyone had taken notice to what was happening between Wren and Phelan.
As they followed her parents to their table, Wren and Phelan were offered well wishes and nods of approval from all in attendance. When they reached their table Alpha Mixon and Phelan both pulled out the chairs for their mates to sit. When Phelan pulled out his chair Alpha Mixon cleared his throat and called attention from everyone there before speaking. "Everyone it is my pleasure to announce that we are going to be celebrating more than just my daughter coming of age. It has come to my attention that Wren and Alpha Phelan have discovered that they are in fact fated mates. Please join my mate and I in welcoming Alpha Phelan to our family." He passed for a moment as everyone clapped and cheered for the happy new couple. Looking over as Phelan placed his hands proudly on his daughter's shoulders and kissed the top of her head tenderly, Alpha Mixon smiled and continued, "Now let the celebration begin. Laronda, if you would please, bring out the food. And champagne for everyone!" He called over to his head Omega, who nodded and quickly got all the servers moving.
"Congratulations, sis!" Mitchell said across the table as he raised his freshly poured glass of champagne for her and her new mate. "Yes, Congratulations Wren!" His mate echoed at his side. Blushing, Wren thanked them as she stole a look at Phelan beside her. His shoulders were squared and his chest swollen with pride. Phelan looked back at her lovingly. Lobo was also very proud of his mate. As their meal was placed before them Mitchell spoke again, " Sister, I truly am happy for you. Alpha Phelan is a strong and honorable Alpha. I am pleased to know that if we must let you go, that we are relinquishing your care into his capable hands. I wish you both a long life and much happiness!"
"Here, here!"Alpha Mixon echoed his son's well wishes. "I couldn't have said it better. On another note, I expect the two of you have much to discuss. After we eat, if the both of you would like to retire to somewhere a little more private to discuss your future, that would be perfectly fine. No one would hold it against you, I'm sure. As long as you return by this evening to be introduced officially as a couple and join the evening celebration. I think Luna Freya would be most disappointed if you were to miss the culmination of your celebration. " Luna Freya nodded in agreement as she reached over and held her mates hand. Mixon raised her hand to his lips and tenderly kissed her. Smiling, Freya, turned back to the new couple and said, "Yes. I think the two of you should spend sometime alone to get to know one another. So yes, feel free to take your leave after we eat. I will meet you in your room before the evening to help you dress, Wren."
Phelan, smiling, reached over and took Wren by the hand, "Thank you Alpha and Luna Mixon. I appreciate your understanding on the matter. If Wren is in agreement, I too think it would be beneficial to take some time to get to know each other. Wren, dear, what do you think?" Phelan smiled and waited patiently for Wren's response. Nodding in agreement, Wren smiled back at him and replied, "Yes, I think I'd like that very much."
"Then it is settled. Now let us fill our bellies. We have much to celebrate and we need our nourishment!" Alpha Mixon boomed excitedly. They all continued to make conversation as they ate and drank. When everyone had finished their meals and their drink, Phelan stood and reached out for Wren's hand. As she placed her hand in his, he helped her to her feet before turning back to the table. "Alpha and Luna Mixon, I would like to thank you for a delicious meal and good conversation. But now, with your permissions, I'd like to ask Wren to join me for a walk. We have much to discuss before the evening festivities." Phelan said, never taking his eyes of his mate. Her parents smiled at each other before Alpha Mixon waived them off with a smile.