The nightmare had finally ended. Markian and Mitchell had managed to bring their Luna back to Starfall. It had been a sombre welcome as the pack also mourned for the loss of Bryan, Grayson's father. Alpha Xander and Luna Melody hugged both their children tightly, welcoming them back. Luna Melody shedding tears of happiness as she sent a prayer of thanks to the Moon Goddess. Alpha Xander quickly wiped his tears away as he clapped the backs of his children proudly.
Luna Melody wrinkled her nose as she remembered that her sons and the elite squad that had gone to rescue Alisha were still rogues. She had felt her heart wrench out of her chest when Markian and Mitchell became rogues. She knew why they had done it but it didn't reduce the pain of their decision. She looked at the faces in front of her with affection and smiled"I am so glad you came back. I missed all of you so much. Never leave this pack again!!! Promise me! I don't think I could handle that pain again" she said holding out her hand to Grayson and Samuel. She had been a mother figure to all the young warriors in the elite squad that everyone teared and promised never to go rogue again.
"Xander! Please accept all of them back into Starfall...I don't want them to remain rouges any longer!" she pleaded with her husband as they stood outside the packhouse during the welcome back get-together that the pack had hastily prepared to welcome the elite squad who returned from their rescue mission.
Markian, Mitchell and the rest of the elite squad knelt in front of Alpha Xander and Luna Melody. The words of the Starfall pledge rang out loudly as the elite squad recited their vows to become a part of the Starfall pack again.
"Love, loyalty, brotherhood...By the will of the Moon Goddess, we bind together under our Alpha and one family. We pledge our lives for Starfall, for Alpha Xander and Luna Melody as witnessed by the earth, the wind and the waters of this world and the next. We come to this place alone, but leave bound as one. With this oath, our journey begins together." all of them murmured the pledge they had memorised since they were young pups.
Luna Melody and Alpha Xander cut their palms with a small blade that they each carried and held their palms out. Each elite squad member did the same and clasped their Luna and Alpha's hand before hugging them. This gesture of mixing of their blood with the Alpha and the Luna of the pack reignited the mind linking capabilities of the squad to the main pack
" Thank goodness! I was beginning to miss your nasal twang, Ben" said Markian thumping Ben on his back. Everyone looked happy to be back and eager to go home. Mitchell and Markian stepped towards Grayson and gave him a hug."Thank you man! We will never forget your father! He was also like a father to the both of us and we will miss him tremendously" mind linked Mitchell to Grayson as they walked back to his house to see his mother and tell her the news.
"My father knew the risks, Alpha. You were also like sons to him. He would have laid his life down for you anytime. He took an oath as a Beta to protect the Alpha family and Starfall. I believe that was what he set out to do, and he accomplished it. He would have never let anything bad happen to any of us if he could help it! I am sure that he is up in the spirit world with the Moon Goddess regaling her with stories of how we were as kids." he smiled as he reached to open the door of his house.
"Grayson! My son! You are back! I felt the pack bond snap into place just now. I am so happy to see you my darling" Alice, Grayson's mother gushed. She turned to look at the twin Alphas." I am so glad that you managed to get Luna Alisha back...I know that Bryan would have not been able to rest in peace if he hadn't had rescued her." she said quietly as tears welled up into her eyes."Thank you for bringing him back, Alphas! He loved Starfall and I wouldn't have been able to cope if you had buried him there in Black Raven territory" Alice said while holding both Markian's and Mitchell's hands. Markian and Mitchell sat down with Alice and Grayson till nightfall as they talked about Bryan, reminiscing all the memories they had of him. After a while, Grayson stood up and said"Thank you Markian and Mitchell! I will be so glad to be able to call you my Alphas properly as soon as the Ascension Ceremony is over. You are my brothers and I would lay my life down for you as well"
Markian and Mitchell held on to Grayson, hugging him tightly."Thank you, Grayson! We would lay our lives down for you as well my Beta-to-be after the Ascension Ceremony" said Markian with a chuckle.
After kissing Alice on the cheek, Markian and Mitchell left their house to come back to the packhouse where Alpha Xander and Luna Melody were waiting for them."The pack doctor just left. He says Alisha is very weak and he will give her some supplements to make her stronger. He cannot sense Heera but he remains hopeful. He doesn't know how much of wolfsbane was actually used...Maybe there is a chance that Heera could still come back to us" she whispered as she tucked a curl behind Alisha's ear. Luna Melody bent over and kissed Alisha on her brow as she and Alpha Xander left Markian's and Mitchell's bedroom.
The twins quickly changed and got into the large bed that Alisha was lying on. Mitchell put his arm around her shoulder and snuggled close to her right side while Markian put his hand around her waist and pull her close to her left side. Alisha murmured something unintelligible and pulled both of them closer to her. This is how the three of them remained the whole night till the sun crept into the room through the curtains of their window.
This was how the twin Alphas ended every day, for the past one week. They would wake up in the morning, kiss Alisha on her lips and go about their day learning more about what an Alpha would do from their father, Alpha Xander. Both Markian and Mitchell would run into their room several times a day just to cuddle or kiss Alisha hoping that she would suddenly awaken like the princess in Sleeping Beauty.
Alpha Xander and Luna Melody had originally planned the Ascension Ceremony as soon as the twins had marked Alisha but Alpha Thomas has ruined their plans. Now the twins were waiting for Alisha to regain consciousness so that they could walk down the aisle together as the rightful Luna and Alphas of Starfall. Luna Melody had broached the subject of them doing the Ascension Ceremony without Alisha but that idea had been shot down even before she could shut her mouth after uttering it in front of the twins. Luna Melody was glad that her sons remained steadfast about wanting Alisha to be with them during the ceremony but she also wanted Xander to pass the mantel of leadership to her sons so that she could have him more to herself without worrying that she was taking him away from his Alpha work. She reminded herself to bring up this matter again the next week if Alisha still didn't regain consciousness
The next morning after their fateful talk with their mother, the twins got ready to go down for breakfast. They turned to Alisha and said"Come on Alisha! Don't you want some breakfast? We can smell that Dad's making pancakes again. Come on darling! PLEASE come back!"Markian said as he ran his fingers over her cheek. Alisha had lost so much of weight during her capture, that Markian could feel her teeth under her cheek. Mitchell shuddered at the thought of the torture that Alisha had gone through under Alpha Thomas. He wished that Alpha Thomas was in front of him so that he could kill him all over again.
Alice knocked on the door like clockwork just like she had done for the last one week. She hurriedly pushed the door in and chimed cheerfully"Come on Luna Alisha!Time to wakey wakey! We have got to get you ready for your Ascension, don't we, my dear? See here! Your husbands can't wait to see you walk down the aisle and finally be officially known as the Luna of Starfall. Luna Melody also wants to retire soon so you really need to get up and join us" she said as she walked in with two other female wolves to help clean and get Alisha ready for the day
Markian and Mitchell blew Alice a kiss and mindlinked her that they would be down in the kitchen if she needed them. As they ran down the stairs they could hear the three women talking to Alisha like they were having a normal conversation with her
Alpha Xander was standing by the stove making his "world-famous pancakes".He had actually been kissing Luna Melody when the twin Alphas interrupted them by barging into the kitchen."Good Morning mum! For the Goddess sake, dad! Get a room!" Markian jokingly said as he walked across to the island in the middle on the kitchen. He picked up a plate for himself and for Mitchell and sat down waiting for the pancakes to be ready. Mitchell groaned and stuck his finger into his mouth when he saw his father and mother making out in the kitchen." I agree you guys! Its not fair of the both of you to flaunt yourselves when we are unable to do the same with our mate, u know" he said
Luna Melody looked at her son with grief-stricken eyes"I am so sorry, darlings! We didn't mean to! I promise! That was not our intention! I am soooo.....Xander! What are you doing?"Luna Melody cried out interrupting her apology to her sons.
"Oh, Goddess Melody! Can't you see that Mitchell was just joking with you!"Alpha Xander laughed as he pulled Luna Melody onto his lap as he sat down at the head of the table after placing a stack of pancakes on the table.
"Mum! Of course, we don't mind you and dad displaying some PDAs...in fact we plan on displaying it as often as possible when Alisha wakes up" guffawed Mitchell as he served himself the pancakes.
"So...I need to talk to both of you about something. The Black Raven Wolf Council arrived yesterday. Since both of you defeated Alpha Thomas so as the victors of that battle, you have to tell me what you want to do with the Black Raven pack. A pack without an Alpha for an extended amount of time becomes rogue and violent. You need to decide what to do....are you going to absorb them into Starfall or let them stay as Black Raven?" asked Alpha Xander getting right down to business.
"That was something I wanted to talk to you about also....the Black Ravens did not know what their Alpha and Beta were up to.In fact they are the ones that gave Alisha blood without us even asking...I don't think punishing them will serve any purpose. Instead of that, I propose maintaining them as Black Raven but putting one of our guys as Alpha so that we can still keep an eye on them." said Markian chewing on the pancakes slowly as he eyed Mitchell grinning as he too devoured his father's pancakes.
"Are we thinking of the same person? I will miss my Beta but I cannot say that I am sad....in fact I am ecstatic!!!" said Markian. He was very proud of Grayson. The way he had handled himself through out their rescue assignment as well as the way he had protected the Black Raven pack against Alpha Thomas's dominating aura, it had just proven to the twin Alphas that Grayson was capable of leading the pack. Markian and Mitchell knew that the best thing to keep his mind off the loss of his father was to challenge him. What better a challenge than to make him the Alpha of Black Raven?
"Ok, then I guess you boys have already made up your minds...Shall we meet them in the courtyard to inform them of the good news?" asked Alpha Xander.
"Yes please, dad...I will get Grayson and the team as well. Everyone will want to see Grayson's face when he finds out" said Markian licking off the maple syrup from his lips. Both brothers ran up to their room to tell Alisha the news. They then walked down the stairs to meet the Black Raven's Wolf council and the Starfall's elite squad who had been summoned by Mitchell and Alpha Xander.
Alpha Xander sat on the sofa in front of the Black Raven Wolf Council with both the soon-to-be twin Alphas on either side of him.
Nigel stepped forward and looked expectantly at Markian and Mitchell." I am sorry to disturb you, Alphas ....our pack...We need an Alpha!..We deserve someone who will lead us properly" he stuttered in the presence of Alpha Xander and the twins
"Yes, Nigel...My sons and I are aware that you need an Alpha and we have decided to give you an Alpha who has proven time and time again that he is capable of leading a pack. He is a man of integrity and honour and will serve the Black Ravens faithfully" said Alpha Xander. Markian and Mitchell walk towards Grayson who was standing at attention observing the proceedings without much interest
"Grayson...Would you accept the mantle of alpha and lead the Black Ravens."Mitchell asked Grayson clapping him on his back.
Grayson's mouth dropped in surprise as he didn't expect to be called up during this meeting."Alpha...Me?How? Why??....No Alpha! I am the Beta of Starfall! I cannot be their Alpha.....can I?" Grayson stuttered in confusion as everyone else beamed in acceptance. Samuel slapped Grayson on his back with happiness."Dang it Grayson! You won't be here to tell me to stop making a mess of elite squad training" he said with eyes full of mirth as he teased Grayson. Training of the elite squad was a sore point between the two Betas of Starfall. Grayson glared at Samuel "I cannot accept this honour, Mitchell...Samuel will screw up elite squad training...And I can't let him do that to us!!!" Grayson said smiling evilly at Samuel.
"You can come back and bring anyone you want from the Black Raven's to train with us, Grayson...You will always be one of us...Just that now, you will have your own pack to lead as well." said Alpha Xander looking on as Grayson and Samuel childishly argued about who was the better Beta
Nigel walked up to the group and knelt in front of Grayson."Do you accept the role of leader and Alpha to the Black Ravens?" he asked loud enough for his voice to resonate across the room. Grayson jumped back in surprise and turned to Mitchell for help. Both Markian and Mitchell nodded their full support and smiled encouragingly. Samuel leaned forward and whispered"Go for it, Grayson...You deserve this! Lead the pack and erase their bad memories of their previous Alpha"
Grayson gulped and stepped towards Nigel while nodding his head"Thank you, Nigel! With the blessings of my alphas, I accept the honour of becoming the Alpha of Black Raven."Nigel whooped with delight as he jumped up with glee. He turned towards the rest of the Black Raven wolf council and lifted Grayson's hand." All hail the new Alpha! Long live the new Alpha!" he said.
Nigel and the wolf council were invited by Alpha Xander to stay on for a few days but they refused. The excited wolves wanted to introduce their new Alpha to the pack as soon as possible. Grayson left to pack his belongings so that he could leave with the wolf council. His packing took longer than expected as many wolves coming came in to just congratulate him. As he finished he looked around searching for the one person he had hoped to see before he left. He walked back to the back house where Mitchell and Markian were waiting to say goodbye.
The elite squad stood in attention to pay homage to Grayson , behind them ,the Starfall pack elder and the rest of the pack members stood looking proudly as one of theirs were being honoured by their Alphas to become an Alpha in his own right.
Primrose stood stiffly in the crowd not looking at Grayson at all. Her eyes welling up with tears knowing that if Grayson left Starfall, she would be able to see him daily nor talk to him.Primrose was so happy that Grayson was honoured by her Alphas but she was also devastated that she was never going to see her mate again.
Grayson looked at Primrose with longing and slowly turned towards the Mitchell and Markian at the front of the line
"Alphas...Thank you so much for giving me this honour but may I ask for another favour from you?" said Grayson quietly as he stood in front of the twin Alphas and their father.
"Anything Grayson! What is ours is yours...What is it you want?" said Mitchell winking at Markian as he had already guessed what was on Grayson's mind
"I know that I have been blessed with so much fortune already. I was blind to so many people around me that now I fear it may be too late...I have to try though" said Grayson as he came to stand in front of Primrose."Would you like to join me in Black Raven? I will be a much better Alpha with you as my Luna, Prim....please say yes," he said softly
Luna Melody gasped and started crying as she knew how much Primrose loved Grayson.
She turned to Alpha Xander and nodded as everyone else waited with bated breathe to hear Primrose's answer
"You....you want me!..... Me to be Luna beside your Alpha?" she asked Grayson hesitantly.
"If you will have me darling Primrose... I have known for the longest time that you are my life and my future but I was too stubborn and have hurt you many times rejecting you..Just know that it wasnt really you that I was rejecting my love.I did not feel worthy of you..but now, as I stand here before you qs the new Alpha of Black Raven , I hope that I have not spoilt my chance with you. I hope that you still want me. I need your strength and kindness with me always Prim...and I...I want you to be my Luna ..will you? "he answered holding her hands towards his heart.
"I would go to the ends of the world for you ...You idiot!Yes!Yes! I have loved you...for so long! I can't believe that you want me." screamed Primrose as she jumped into Grayson's arms
Grayson and Primrose turned towards Alpha Xander and Luna Melody who were standing beside the twin Alphas. All nodded in happiness as Primrose finally got her happily ever after with her mate who she had been longing for. Primrose didn't even bother to pack her things as she followed Grayson and the Black Raven pack to start their life together
Life had stabilised very quickly for Grayson,Primrose as well as their pack.The Black Ravens had petitioned the King of the Wolves to make Grayson their choice for a new Alpha.They had admitted that Alpha Thomas had been killed in a rogue attack and they, the Wolf Council of Black Raven had voted for Grayson to take over as Alpha.No one queried about why Grayson was chosen as the wolf council had been very steadfast about their choice of a new Alpha.So far, Alpha Grayson and Luna Primrose had been lauded as the best choice of leaders that Black Ravens had made in a very long time.With the close working relationship between Starfall and the Black Raven pack, it wasnt long before the Black Raven too became a strong and mighty.