ã€ŠThe Forgotten Lunaã€‹


 Prologue

    The storm had blown in quicker than I anticipated, darkening the skies and bringing with it a torrential downpour of rain. The heavy water droplets seemed far colder than should have been possible, but then maybe that was just the weight of everything happening under the cover of the storm. Lightning flashed across the sky giving brief moments of illumination to the gray clouds and darkened forest, in the otherwise black night.

    I had been forced to move my timeline up. The rains didn¡¯t usually start for another month. I had been planning this for the last six months. I had set everything in motion last week when I knew the storm would be coming in. It was time to do away with Liam and Gwydia De¡¯Lune. I would take what I wanted this time, instead of settling for what I could get.

    I had been working with a group of rogues and a handful of pack members that saw things my way. Liam was too soft to be Alpha, always wanting to be diplomatic instead of striking down the heart of the problem from the start. Sure, our pack thrived and we rarely had issues, but we weren¡¯t feared. We weren¡¯t seen as any real threat in battle. What would happen if it ever came down to a battle, or a war? It was time for an Alpha who would do what was necessary for the pack¡¯s survival no matter the cost. It was my time.

    I had grown up with Liam, we had been best friends since we were pups, always causing trouble and getting into mischief, causing our families some sort of generally harmless grief. That was until she came along. She came with her father to discuss an alliance between their clan and our pack. They weren¡¯t even wolves. They were Fae and their lands bordered ours to the north in the ¡°no man¡¯s land¡± area of the mountains.

    I had instantly felt drawn to her, wanted her. She wasn¡¯t my mate, but she was an exotic and beautiful little thing, barely 5¡¯3¡±, red hair, the most beautiful green eyes I had ever seen and curves for days. Then I watched her and Liam lock eyes and instantly recognized the connection of their bond. We¡¯d all seen it happen before. She would forever be his. It was at that moment that I felt something change in myself.

    A seed of jealousy took root. I tried to be happy for my best friend, tried not to let it get to me. I even took a chosen mate after my true mate rejected me for the guy she¡¯d been dating. Maybe if my mate hadn¡¯t rejected me it would have been different, but as it was the jealousy festered and grew over the next decade. All leading up to tonight. Tonight I would be good enough, I would get what I wanted, what I deserved.

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    Myself and about 10 of the pack warriors loyal to me were at the border of the pack territory, waiting for the rogues to arrive as back up. The storm had rolled in an hour earlier than it was supposed to and I was getting irritated standing in the downpour. I was just glad the rogue leader was as gullible as the others. All it took was a promise of land, and some she-wolves once the plan was successful, and the rogue leader was only too happy to help me out.

    As for the pack members that decided to follow me, they weren¡¯t hard to buy either, a brief mention of elevated rank, which came with more pay was all it took to get them on board. I sneered internally, none of these idiots deserved anything and I would be glad if most of them died tonight. There would be less loose ends to deal with in the end that way. Truth be told they were merely a distraction so that no one would notice what was truly going on. I was the Beta, my job was to protect the Alpha and his family. No one would suspect me of being the cause of their end.

    I might keep on Gamma Daniel and his mate Rose though, they were beyond loyal to me. They always had been. It didn¡¯t take much encouragement from me to get Liam to appoint Daniel as Gamma, he trusted my judgment. The fool.

    I turned towards the border, smelling them before I saw them. The smell of rotten garbage and body odor was unmistakable. I kept my eye on the tree line, watching as they came into view. I hated rogues, the smell of them, the sight of them. They disgusted me, but I needed them for this plan to work. I needed them to distract the pack warriors. Jackson, the rogue leader, stopped in front of me, shifting from his mangy, muddy brown wolf into a 6¡¯0¡± tall, naked man.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± I asked, wanting to get this done and over with before the storm moved past us.

    Jackson nodded, ¡°We know what to do. We will stick to the plan. You will keep your end of the agreement.¡± It was a statement, not a question and I nodded to him.

    ¡°Good, good, and once the dust settles we¡¯ll make arrangements for your payment.¡± I could feel a sinister grin slip onto my face, ¡°Let¡¯s get this done.¡±

    I motioned to the men and the rogues, signaling to take their positions. Swiftly and silently we made our way into the village. Lightning was flashing across the sky, lighting our way and still leaving plenty of shadows to travel in, as if the Goddess herself was on our side. It was my time to shine and after tonight I would have what I wanted, what I deserved.

 Chapter 1

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I tossed and turned in my bed, unable to find any kind of peaceful sleep. I never sleep well this time of year. Nightmares would chase me down, pestering me until I could no longer avoid them. It was usually a good two week time period from start to end before I could begin to return to normal. Nine years. It had been nine years since the night I lost everything. Nine years since my family had vanished. Nine years since I had arrived at the Red Moon pack, sold to them as an Omega and essentially forced to work as a slave. Just eight when it happened, I still didn¡¯t understand why I was spared unlike the rest of my family. The few memories of the night that I could recall had become hazy over the years. His face though¡­ His face I would never forget. It was seared into my brain with such clarity that there would be no mistaking I had the right person when I came for him. Of that I was sure.

    The nightmares were always hazy. It was stormy, people were screaming, my people were screaming while my mother was telling me to take my 5 year old brother and run and hide. The Delta¡¯s had jumped in to help my parents as I grabbed Elwyn¡¯s hand and ran as fast as I could. Their faces were hazy and I could not recall the name of the Delta and his mate. I remember running, taking Elwyn to a safe place to hide, but I could never remember where I hid him. I could never make it past that point. My emotions and the overwhelming guilt of not knowing why I survived and they didn¡¯t always startle me awake about this point. Everyone thought the entire family was dead, including their daughter. I would keep it that way.

    I sat up on my bed with a gasp, sweat sticking to me like a second skin, I tried to catch my breath as I cleared the sleep from my eyes. The large blue numbers on my alarm clock glaring 0430 at me. I needed to be up in 30 minutes anyway, so there was no point in trying to go back to sleep. I stretched my stiff muscles and slipped out of my bed. The concrete floor was cold and the sudden temperature jolt to the soles of my feet brought me around a bit more.

    I grabbed a pair of worn jeans, a thread bare black t-shirt, panties and a bra then stumbled towards my shower still half asleep. There was no bathroom per say, just like my room wasn¡¯t exactly a room. I was kept in the basement. My room was a storage nook that barely fit my twin mattress, narrow 3 drawer dresser and a 2-tier small shelf that I used as a night stand. I had hung the thickest blanket I owned over the doorway to give myself the illusion of privacy. That was a joke in and of itself when the bathroom was taken into account.

    There was a free standing shower with clear glass doors, a large single basin sink, and a toilet; however, there were no walls, no doors and if I was lucky the water would be lukewarm and not ice cold. At least I had access to the barest of necessities though. I was thankful I didn¡¯t have to slave away and do so in my own filth and body odor.

    As I looked at myself in the standing mirror that Matheau, my best friend, had smuggled down for me a few months ago, I let out a sigh. The nightmares always brought back curious memories. I had been sold to Alpha Andrew of the Red Moon pack at the request of his Luna, my paperwork all showed my name and rank to be Alyce Lilly, an 8 year old Omega orphan. I knew better. I knew who I was. My name is Faelyn De¡¯Lune and I am the only daughter of Liam and Gwydia De¡¯Lune, rightful Alpha and Luna of the Silver Moon pack.

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    I never let on that I was someone other than who my paperwork said I was. I had always been too intelligent for my own good according to my father. I knew something was off when they didn¡¯t come find me and when I was sold off as an omega orphan I knew something was terribly, terribly wrong. If anyone ever found out who I truly was, at least before I was ready to remind them, then I would likely die before I could avenge my family and find the truth. To accomplish any of this it would require me to keep my origins under wraps and to find a way to take back my pack. I planned to take my leave from Red Moon and start my journey to take back my pack before long. I was just waiting for my birthday.

    Finally I undressed, taking a quick assessment of the bruises all over my body. They were in various stages of healing. I really was treated like a slave in this pack. If it weren¡¯t for secretly training with Matheau and his parents, and my wolf shielding me, or lending me her strength, I would be in a lot worse shape. I was regularly a punching bag for the pack members my age, and while most werewolves healed relatively quickly I hadn¡¯t shifted yet. I had my wolf, I had gotten her at 13 like most wolves did, but I hadn¡¯t shifted at 16 like the others had. Aramyth, my wolf, insisted that for me this was a normal thing. I didn¡¯t understand. She said I would soon. I trusted in her. My main goal was remaining strong and training as much as I could so that I could survive when I left the pack. I was a month away from my 18th birthday, a month or so before I could make my escape.

    I stepped into the water, thankful that it was luke warm this morning instead of cold. Probably due to the hour of the day. Maybe I should start getting up earlier. Washing my hair was a task, it hung down to my ass, but I made quick work of it and scrubbed myself clean of the sweat the nightmares had caused. I took a minute to just enjoy the water rolling over my body before turning it off and stepping out. My towel was small and thin, but I used it to get the water from my body and as much water out of my hair as I could.

    Stepping over to the mirror I braided my hair, wrapping it around my head like a crown, pinning it in place. I had learned long ago not to give the bitchy she-wolves a hand hold, but I also refused to cut my hair. It hadn¡¯t been more than trimmed since I arrived at this hell hole of a pack. I stared at myself in the mirror. With my flame red hair, translucent green eyes and pale skin I was the spitting image of my mother. Gwydia De¡¯Lune was not a wolf. She was Fae and I had inherited many of her features and my wolf came from my father. I was a perfect blend of my parents, my looks from my mother, hell my ears even had a slight point to them if you looked close enough. My attitude, determination and strength came from my father.

    Elwyn had taken more after father in the looks department from what I remembered. The ice blue eyes, brown hair and tanned skin were all from our father. My brother was only 5 when he and my parents disappeared. I remembered him being a very calm, level headed child, even at such a young age. He took after our mother in that way. I wondered if he would be taller than me now. Had he gotten our father¡¯s ridiculously tall stature? Mother stood a grandiose 5¡¯0¡±, which just made her look ridiculous standing next to my father who had been 6¡¯3¡±. I had inherited my mother¡¯s runt gene, standing at 5¡¯3¡± - barely. I had also inherited her curvy figure though, so there was that.

    *Faelyn,* Aramyth refused to call me Alyce. She never let me forget who I truly was, *That¡¯s enough self pity. You¡¯re going to be late if you don¡¯t get your ass in gear!*

    *Yeah, yeah. I¡¯m going, I¡¯m going.* I smiled at her a bit in my head and threw on my bra and panties, then slid into the jeans and t-shirt. I didn¡¯t bother with shoes. I hated them. I couldn¡¯t stand not being able to feel the ground beneath me. I darted up the basement stairs and into the kitchen, skidding to a halt in front of the double inset stoves on the island.

 Chapter 2

    It was time to get cooking, pun intended. I ignited the gas burners on both stoves, lowering the griddle tops down over the burners and then turned to preheat the oversized double wall oven behind me. I lived and worked in the pack manor, which since I was the sole cook here I was thankful for. I cooked for Alpha Andrew and Luna Nora, Beta Ethan and his mate Bethany, Gamma Levi and his mate Christine, Delta Jake and his mate Faith and their son Matheau. Theo and Dean also usually ate in the pack manor. They were the future Alpha and Beta, both sons of Andrew and Nora.

    Thankfully Jewel, the daughter of the Beta, usually ate at the pack house; she was convinced I would spit in her food. Since I cooked buffet style I¡¯m not sure how I would target just her food, but whatever. It kept her away from me for longer. She was my biggest tormentor. I had thought about leaving the pack more than once to get away from her. Sure I could take her in a fight without breaking a sweat, but then my secret would come out. The only reason I hadn¡¯t already left was because I would not survive as a rogue when I couldn¡¯t shift. It wouldn¡¯t be long though, and then I would be gone.

    If I was lucky I might even meet my mate once I leave, if not maybe I will take a chosen mate. If he belongs to this pack, I will reject him on sight. I don¡¯t care who he is. The only person I would even remotely consider would be Matheau, but he likes boys and he was basically my brother, so that wasn¡¯t happening anyway. I really needed to find a time to talk to him and let him know my plans. I couldn¡¯t just run away and leave him in the dark. Would he understand? Yes, but not before skinning me alive. I¡¯m sure I would make a lovely rug.

    Then there was Vincent. He was the Gamma¡¯s son. I tried my best to avoid him. He creeped me out and I was pretty sure he was as twisted as Beta Ethan was. He was always watching me, looking at me like I was some kind of last meal that he was entitled to. I shuddered and pushed the thoughts from my head, which Aramyth was happy to replace with thoughts of her tearing him apart, which made me giggle.

    I set to work making breakfast. I may cook for fewer people, but they were still wolves and ate like them and there was only one of me. Today was fruit and creme filled crepes, bacon, eggs, home fries, biscuits, gravy and toast. I spent a couple hours working, making sure everything came together and finished about the same time.

    I lifted my head as I heard footsteps thudding down the stairs, ¡°Theo and Dean.¡± I thought. My suspicions confirmed as they came running into the kitchen, always the first to arrive ahead of the others. They were never mean to me at least. They weren¡¯t particularly nice, preferring to pretend like I was invisible, but they weren¡¯t mean and cruel like the others either. I was fine with this. The less attention on me, the better.

    I lowered my head and my gaze as was expected of an Omega to the ranked members of the pack. A sign of submission. This made Aramyth¡¯s fur bristle, *We should not submit like a wolf of no rank. We are not an Omega. We are an Alpha!*

    *I know. We know that; they do not. They cannot. Female Alphas are unheard of. We would be in serious danger if they find out before we are able to get our pack back. I¡¯m sorry Aramyth. I know this is hard for you - the submitting, the disrespect, the secrets. I wish things were different. Just a few more weeks, ok?* I frowned and mentally hugged her. I wished dearly that things were different for us.

    *I know. I¡¯ll try my best.* Aramyth huffed and nodded before she settled into the back of my mind.

    I usually managed to get out of the kitchen before everyone arrived, but today I was not so lucky. I was just placing the last of the food in the buffet warmer and turning to make my exit before the others could show up but I wasn¡¯t looking where I was going and I ran right into a wall. I growled as I landed on my ass, ¡°Fuck!¡± I muttered to myself. I soon realized that ¡®the wall¡¯ was actually Theo who was headed to fill his plate.

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    I could feel his annoyed gaze on me. I gave a hasty, ¡°Sorry¡± as I stood up in front of him. Suddenly I heard a high pitched, nerve grating voice that I had been hoping to avoid this morning.

    ¡°Get away from Theo you pathetic whore!¡± Jewel had walked in as I stood, still within Theo¡¯s personal space as I hadn¡¯t had a chance to move away from him.

    Theo was 19, almost 20 and he still hadn¡¯t found his mate. Jewel had spent the last 6 months trying to saddle up to him and earn his favor in the hopes that he would take her as a chosen mate. True mate or chosen mate it didn¡¯t matter, all Alpha¡¯s needed a Luna.

    I rolled my eyes as I turned towards Jewel, my patience growing thin this morning, ¡°Don¡¯t get your panties in a twist. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s your mate.¡±.

    ¡°How dare you! How dare you disrespect me! I am the daughter of a Beta and you¡­ You are just some useless Omega whore!¡± Jewel¡¯s face grew redder with every word as she charged me, swinging her fists repeatedly into my ribs. I went down, curling into myself to protect my soft spots, she kept kicking me and I took the blows like a champ.

    I would have bruises later but at least I wouldn¡¯t have cracked ribs like the last time when she caught me off guard. While I certainly could have taken her, I had never once laid a finger on any of the pack members, not even in my own defense. I refused to stoop to their level, or take more punishment than I already would because I swung back. My mouth regularly got me into trouble, but they would have found a reason to punish me regardless, and my Alpha blood made saying nothing damn near impossible, so I used the unavoidable punishment as an outlet which helped keep Aramyth amused and even a bit content in our situation.

    ¡°I am many, many things, a whore is not one of them. I have zero desire for any of the members in this pack. Ever. You simply view everyone as a threat because deep down you know you¡¯ll never be anything more than a spoiled daughter of a beta.¡±

    Jewel was livid, nearly foaming at the mouth. I watched her raise her foot in preparation of bringing it down into my ribs with all her might, but her attention was drawn elsewhere as Dean came to stand by his brother, ¡°Leave it alone Jewel, she isn¡¯t worth the effort.¡±

    ¡°He''s right Jewel, let¡¯s just get some breakfast.¡± Theo agreed and grabbed Jewel by the waist before she could stomp me full force. She still landed a blow but I was pretty sure nothing cracked. She was clawing and growling to get to me as Theo dragged her away.

    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± I heard Alpha Andrew bellow, his power rolling through the kitchen like a wave; it caused everyone else to bare their necks in submission. As I was an Alpha myself it didn¡¯t affect me. I was 12 when I realized it, but I continued to act as though it did, baring my own neck in submission. Alpha Andrew growled, ¡°What is the meaning of this? Why are you in here, acting like a bunch of animals?¡±

    I said nothing, trying not to snicker as Aramyth once again ran her mouth, *We are a bunch of animals, what does he think wolves are?*

    Jewel was the first to speak up, ¡°Alpha Andrew, I was just teaching Alyce her place, and some manners. She had the audacity to speak back to me, even insulting me when I caught her trying to warm up to Alpha Theo.¡± I watched her turn on the pout and let crocodile tears well up in her eyes.

    I continued to say nothing, making no efforts to defend myself as Alpha Andrew gazed at her and then the rest of the group, his mate Nora slipping her arm through his. I knew he wasn¡¯t fond of me and if he believed that I was trying to charm Theo then I was already in enough trouble without running my mouth further. A group was starting to gather behind the Alpha. Jewel''s parents were there, and the Gamma, with his family, had come down for breakfast. I could hear Jake, Faith and Matheau coming up the path, as they lived in their own home near the manor. Other Omegas had also started arriving, but they were here to attend to other chores.

 Chapter 3

    ~Andrew~

    I could feel the muscles in my jaw tick, it was too early in the morning for this shit. Nora slipped her arm into mine and I calmed a little and my muscles relaxed. I didn¡¯t like Alyce. She was forever a thorn in my side. Her stubborn streak and hard headed attitude were constantly forcing me to deal with petty squabbles amongst the younger wolves in my pack, usually brought about by her actions.

    I could feel my wolf, Oscar¡¯s, annoyance as he paced in the back of my mind. He was as fed up as I was with this, *Let¡¯s just put an end to this. I would like to have some peace and quiet today.* He growled at me.

    *Agreed.* I responded.

    I had never wanted to bring her into the pack when the trader brought her around. Nora had insisted she would make a wonderful breeder when she came of age. I could never deny Nora¡¯s wishes, so I bought her.

    It wasn''t so bad, having her here in the pack, at least for the first few years. About the time her wolf emerged, so did her attitude. It was about the time she turned 13 that I started using other forms of discipline, trying to break her spirit. To this day she refused to break, which just infuriated me further.

    She was still far too spirited to be made use of as a breeder. I didn¡¯t understand why she hadn¡¯t broken yet. The pack members regularly beat her; she spent countless days, even weeks in the isolation hole with Levi and Ethan inflicting ridiculous amounts of pain on her. Still she held on, took it like it was nothing. No matter, everyone had a breaking point, and I would find it. I had paid double what I should have due to her exoctic looks. There was something off about her, but I could never quite put my finger on what it was.

    ¡°Alyce, there will be no toleration of disrespect in this pack! Especially from an Omega." I spat the word at her like it was an insult rather than just her rank, "You will spend two weeks in the isolation hole.¡± I snarled, motioning to Levi and Ethan, ¡°Get her out of here. We will need her for the banquet preparations. She is, unfortunately, the best cook we have. Which means we will need her presentable and able to move at a decent pace. Keep that in mind when you torture her. No new scars that are visible, nothing she can''t heal in two days time.¡±

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    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Levi and Ethan stepped forward, they were grinning a bit more than I liked, but their grins faltered after the Alpha told them they had limits this time. They grabbed my arms and I lifted my head, every fiber of my being screaming at me to fight back, to not let them drag me away. I knew where I was going, I knew what was coming. I glared at Alpha Andrew, refusing to let his words affect me, for I knew the truth and he did not.

    Theo and Dean were shifting on their feet a bit. I knew they didn¡¯t agree with the actions of the current leadership, and they didn¡¯t even know half of it. Theo could easily take a stand, but he never did. He was probably the only one who could actually stand up to his father. In my opinion he was guilty too, not as bad as the ones who actually did the deeds, but still guilty. Dean, well¡­ There wasn¡¯t much he could do. He hadn¡¯t even shifted yet.

    Jewel was bouncing on the balls of her feet, far too excited about how things had turned out. She put her hand on Theo¡¯s arm and tried to snuggle into his side, her eyes wide as she took in the results of her fake tantrum. He ignored her, pulling himself away from her clutches as he stepped to the side a bit, much to her dismay.

    I refused to cower, looking around at them all, my gaze landing on Matheau. He was standing in the back with his parents. Faith and Jake¡¯s expressions showed me how much they wished they could intervene. I smiled softly at them all, letting them know I would be ok. I looked back to the others, holding my head high, ¡°One day you will realize the gravity of your choices, all of you will, and I will be there to witness it.¡± I spoke barely above a whisper, but they heard me, and I didn¡¯t care. Some of them looked at me like I''d grown a second head. They would understand the meaning of my words eventually.

    Ethan and Levi carried me out of the kitchen via the back door and carried me across the back lawn towards a row of sheds. One of them housed the entrance to the isolation hole. An underground room that the pack used to torture information out of captives, or in my case, to try and break my spirit with said torture. I knew the room well and I could only hope the next two weeks would be a breeze in comparison to the last time I was put in here, given the Alpha¡¯s instructions.

    With the information about the banquet I started letting my wheels turn. It was to be held a week after my 18th birthday. It would make a great cover to escape the pack. It was a little later than I had planned, but the chance of getting a head start before they noticed I was gone would make the extra few days worth it, *What do you think?* I asked Aramyth.

    *It¡¯s a good plan. We will have to be careful with your first shift though. If the wrong people see, we will be screwed.*

    *That should be easy enough. Matheau and his family will help us, of that I¡¯m sure. And when we are safe and have our pack back, we will come back for them.* Aramyth and I continued talking, so much so that I didn¡¯t even notice them changing me to the wall. It wasn''t until I felt the needle prick and lost contact with Aramyth that I realized it was beginning.

 Chapter 4 *TW*

    I had spent two weeks down in the isolation hole and while I had been prepared for the torture they inflicted. I had not been prepared for the surprise guest that showed up and their actions. Whether they were planned or not I will never know and it makes no difference. My visitor had made it onto a particularly specific list of mine and that was not a list anyone wanted to be on. Nor was it really one I wanted to add to, there was only one way off it and that was death. I shuddered a bit as memories of my time in the isolation hole flooded my mind.

    **Flashback**

    Ethan and Levi had carried me into the isolation hole with no resistance from me, even when they stretched my arms above my head and secured my wrists in the shackles that hung from a thick ceiling beam. I was surprised to find they were using steel shackles and not silver, probably due to Alpha¡¯s warnings about me having to be presentable in public. Silver would burn and take a lot longer to heal, longer than I would have between the end of this visit and the banquet. No one would dare defy the Alpha¡¯s orders. I felt a prick in the upper muscle of my arm, and felt my connection with Aramyth receding. ¡°Wolfsbane,¡± I thought to myself. It was poisonous to werewolves, but in small quantities it would keep our wolves suppressed and it was the only way minor injuries would leave scars.

    I drew in a deep breath, instantly regretting it. The hole stank of feces, urine, blood and death. Some of it was certainly fresher than others, clearly I wasn¡¯t the only person who saw this hell hole. Part of me wanted to know who else had been drug here; the other part of me was glad to be ignorant as it may have strained my control depending on who it had been and why.

    Ethan and Levi came down to ¡°visit¡± me. 2 to 3 times a day I was forced to deal with at least one of them, if not both. They used knives and whips dipped in diluted wolfbane, maring my pale skin with what would become permanent scars. By the end of the first week my clothes were in tatters, and my muscles ached. I had open wounds over what felt like 90% of my back. They had been careful to make sure that the wounds and scars were easily covered by clothing.

    On day 10, Ethan was down there alone with me, repeatedly lashing my back with a barbed whip. He was taking great joy in the fresh blood pouring down my back. I have refused to make so much as a gasp. I will not give them the satisfaction.

    ¡°Come on you useless bitch! Plead for the end! Beg, cry, and maybe we¡¯ll take mercy on you!¡± Ethan cackled, which was followed by his growling when he got no response from me. I heard the whip crack and felt it dig into my back for what was probably the twentieth time.

    I bit the inside of my cheek to keep myself from making a sound. There would be no mercy. I knew better. They were already forcing themselves to be more careful than they usually were. So no, I would not make a sound. There would be no satisfaction for them on that front. Not before, not now, not ever.

    ¡°Go. Fuck. Yourself. Ethan.¡± I growled through gritted teeth, purposely leaving out his title. I heard him give a deep growl and heard the whip crack again, feeling it wrap around my ribs. Once, twice, three times successively. I was getting to him, that was evident by his loss of control.

    ¡°What did you say to me? You disrespectful little cunt!¡± He roared at me as he swung at me again. Two whippings in quick succession made my eyes squeeze shut. I could hear him laughing with glee as fresh wounds opened on my ribs.

    ¡°Clean out your ears Beta,¡± I sneered as I called him by his title, ¡°I said¡­ Go. Fuck. Yourself.¡± My mouth was going to get me in trouble, again. That was nothing new though. As a wolf with Alpha blood it was very hard to submit and not speak your mind. The more I worked him up, the more control he lost, the wounds becoming a little shallower, a little more superficial.

    It was then that I smelt another wolf in the room. It didn¡¯t take me long to place the scent as I heard his footsteps approaching Ethan and I.

    His voice filled the room with a low grumble as he spoke, ¡°I have a better idea. Why don¡¯t I just fuck you instead?¡± His tone was cold, calculated and calm. Way too calm, it sent shivers down my spine and not in a good way.

    ¡°Unless you have a death wish you will stay the fuck away from me Vincent.¡± I growled at him. The hair on the nape of my neck was on end. This was not good, and there was nothing I could do right now, not without my wolf. There was too much wolfsbane in my system for me to get to Aramyth.

    ¡°Oh shut your mouth. I see the way you parade around the manor, showing off that milky pale skin. The way you always find me with your eyes when we¡¯re in the same room. I know what you want, what you¡¯re after, and now you¡¯re going to change your tune when I come to give it to you.¡± He moves towards me and I hear Ethan moving out of his way.

    ¡°You are a disgusting dog Vincent. I feel sorry for whoever your mate is and I pray, for her sake that you two never meet.¡±

    I felt Vincent at my backside, running his fingers down the side of my ribs that were mostly free of lash marks, ¡°I hope I never meet her too. I have every intention of making you my bitch instead of the pack bitch. I know what you want. I¡¯m just here to test the merchandise before I make such a large commitment.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ Oh this could be good¡­ This could finally break her. The Alpha would be quite happy if we finally break her.¡± Ethan whispered to Vincent.

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    ¡°You¡¯re delusional Vincent. The only thing I have ever wanted from you, is for you to leave me the fuck alone.¡± I kept my voice firm and confident. I was confident that he was about to assault me. It was no secret that he had been trying to get into my pants for a long time, apparently in his delusion the tables were turned.

    ¡°I will watch the door, Vincent. Give you two some privacy,¡± Ethan¡¯s voice was starting to grate on my nerves. Next thing I saw was his face in mine, ¡°Maybe you will think twice before messing with my daughter and what is hers next time. She is your future Luna after all.¡± He chuckled as he turned and headed back up the path to make sure there were no interruptions. ¡°This might just be enough to push her over the edge. The Alpha had been trying for years to break her.¡± Ethan thought as he took a position at the main door.

    Vincent didn¡¯t acknowledge Ethan, but he did wait for him to leave the area. He reached up to adjust the restraints so that I was facing him instead of the wall, ¡°Now we¡¯re alone, now you will be mine.¡± It was barely a whisper as he ran his finger down my face.

    I growled at him and brought my knee up, trying to hit him in the groin with all my strength. Unfortunately for me he knew I would try something and was prepared, catching my knee with his hands, ¡°Tsk, tsk. Is that any way to treat your lover?¡± Another whisper as he inhaled my scent, ¡°So sweet, like mint and honey.¡±

    ¡°Fuck off. I am not and will never be your lover. I want nothing to do with you Vincent. You¡¯re the same type of soulless, pathetic bad seed as your father and your ¡°uncle¡±. You will pay for this, you delusional prick.¡± I hissed, drawing my head back as far as I could before ramming it forward into his. I was not going to take this lying down. I would fight. My head connected with his face and I heard bones crunching. Good. I hope I broke more than just his nose.

    ¡°You ungrateful bitch! Is this how you treat people who are being nice to you?¡± The fingers of his right hand wrapped around my throat as I caught a glimpse of the rush of blood coming from his nose as I picked up on the metallic scent in the air. He growled as he used his left hand claws to shred the rest of my clothing.

    ¡°If you think¡­ This is nice¡­¡± I gasped in another breath before continuing, ¡°You aren¡¯t just delusional¡­ You¡¯re psychotic.¡±

    I watched his face twist as I called him psychotic, ¡°I¡¯ll show you psychotic you little slut.¡± He let go of my throat and undid his pants, dropping them and his boxers to the floor as I was gasping, trying to fill my oxygen deprived lungs as quickly as I could without hyperventilating.

    He was a foot taller than me, and with my hands restrained and no contact with Aramyth I had no hope of actually fighting him off. His hands gripped my shoulders and shoved me into the wall. I winced, inhaling sharply. Pain radiated through my body from the fresh wounds on my back scraping against the rough stone wall. I growled, kicking at him, trying to get him away from me, but I couldn¡¯t get a good foot hold on him to put any real force behind it. I think this is the first time in my life I¡¯ve ever wished I were taller.

    I felt his hands leave my shoulders and slide down to palm my breasts, running his thumbs over my nipples. His nose must already be starting to heal, I heard him drawing in a breath to take in my scent again. I suspected he was trying to pick up the scent of my arousal. He would be sorely disappointed since it was non-existent, he did nothing for me other than make me want to hurl. I grinned, knowing it hadn¡¯t been set properly and would have to be re-broken later to fix it.

    I felt tears pricking the back of my eyes and I squeezed them shut, refusing to let them fall, ¡°I will not cry. I will not break. They will not win.¡± I repeated in my head like a mantra.

    His lips were roaming over my neck and jaw now, like they were his to explore when in fact they were not. My legs were forced apart by his knee and he trailed one of his hands down my body, cupping my pussy, toying with the folds with his fingertips, ¡°You¡¯re going to enjoy this you bitch, just like you have every time you¡¯ve spread your legs for the other pack males.¡± He crooned.

    I snarled at him, ¡°You are the last person I would enjoy anything with you pathetic asshole. Can¡¯t find a willing partner so you¡¯re going to rape one who is in no position to fight back!¡± I spit in his face. That seemed to set him off, whether or not it was the action or my words I¡¯m not sure, but I know I saw something in him snap. His eyes were flickering back and forth between his normal brown eyes and the dark gold of his wolves. At least his wolf looked more like he wanted to slaughter me than rape me.

    ¡°Well, I was going to be nice about this, but if that¡¯s how you want to be¡­¡± He lined his dick up with my entrance and slammed his erect length into me fully with no warning. Despite the pack rumors and colorful pet names, I was actually a virgin. It took everything in me not to scream out in his face, to let him know exactly what he was actually stealing from me.

    The pain was bad, but not as bad as I was expecting it to be. The fact that I was about numb from a week and a half of torture might have something to do with that though. I knew I was going to feel all this later. Male wolves were already larger than an average human male both in length and girth, and I was tiny in comparison. Between being a virgin, my stature and zero preparation it nearly broke my resolve.

    I let my head roll to the side, staring at a wall as I blinked back tears, ¡°NO!¡± I yelled at myself, ¡°You are stronger than this. You will get through this. Just as you have every hurdle life has given you. You will survive this, and you will not forget.¡±

    I let myself zone out, stopped fighting for fear of what further injury might occur if I didn¡¯t. I laid there, motionless, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice. I let my mind wander to memories of my life before this pack, brief as it was. I thought of the picnics with my family, training with my family; my father telling me I could do anything, survive anything, with my determination. My mother always encouraged me to be kind and fair, but to never forget and not to let others walk all over me. To be the bigger person and forgive, but never forget. My brother drawing me pictures for my room, and always trying to protect me from everyone and everything. He was always a sweet kid. These memories would get me through, would be my light in the darkness, my reason for persevering. They had disappeared and I had survived. There was a reason, and I would survive this and keep going to find out why.

    Vincent¡¯s grunts and groans were nothing but background noise as my mind wandered. His thrusts were beginning to get a bit sloppy. When he finally reached his climax and stilled against me before withdrawing from me. He palmed my breasts again, squeezing them hard enough I knew there would be bruises. This drew me back into the here and now as he forced his lips against mine and whispered, ¡°Thanks sweetheart, let¡¯s do it again sometime.¡± There was an evil glint in his eyes as he pulled his clothing back on and left as briskly as he had arrived.

    **END TRIGGER WARNING**

 Chapter 5

    I had endured another three days of torture before Ethan had finally released me, throwing clothes at me, ¡°Get dressed and go get cleaned up. We have a 3rd pack joining the banquet and the Alpha wants to see you about the additional preparations. Do not keep him waiting, and do not open your mouth about Vincent¡¯s visit.¡± He snarled at me.

    I glared at him as I dropped to the floor. My legs were shaking and my muscles were too sore to take my sudden weight. I summoned all the physical strength I had left and got to my feet, putting on the sweats and t-shirt that he had thrown at me. I was drowning in the clothing that was far too big for me and it reeked of Vincent. I began to wonder if they had planned this. Everyone knew of Vincent¡¯s infatuation with me over the last couple of years. Had Vincent planned to do this all along? To take what he couldn¡¯t get willingly, while I wasn¡¯t able to fight back, while no one would be around to stop him? I had originally just taken it at face value, an attack of opportunity, but the fact that I had been forced into Vincent¡¯s clothing made me re-evaluate the situation.

    Ethan shoved my shoulder causing a wave of pain to spread throughout my body, more intense where the freshest lashes were, ¡°Get moving.¡±

    ¡°Kiss off you sadistic asshole.¡± I spun to face him, catching him in the jaw with a right hook, letting him get a brief glimpse of my actual strength. He grunted and staggered backward, clearly caught off guard and surprised at my strength. I took the chance to run, despite my muscles screaming in agony when I did so.

    I fled the isolation hole, darting out of the shed that hid it. I had planned on going straight to Jake and Faith¡¯s, but decided to get my summon from the Alpha out of the way first. I hadn¡¯t even bothered to clean up, I went straight to his office, slamming the door into the wall as I flung it open. I hadn¡¯t bothered to knock, or wait for an invite. Nor did I submit, or wait for him to acknowledge me from where he sat behind his desk. I stood there, looking him straight in the eyes. He had ordered my punishment. Now let him deal with the sight of the results, ¡°You wanted to see me Alpha?¡±

    ~Andrew~

    I was surprised when my office door flew open, lifting my head to see Alyce standing there. Everything about her was disrespectful, but I didn¡¯t have the time to deal with it right now. The banquet was 2 weeks away and we needed to start preparing sooner than planned with the addition of a 3rd visiting pack.

    Oscar, my wolf, moved towards the front of my mind, his fur bristling at the disrespect she was showing, *Who does she think she is? We will teach her a lesson.* He roared in my head.

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    *Yes, but not now. We need her now, need her to help make this event go smoothly. Maybe we can trade her off, after the event, to help form alliances. We will punish her again afterwards, with no limitations this time.* I replied. This seemed to please Oscar and he settled back down for now.

    I turned my attention to Alyce, ¡°Yes, though I gave express orders for you to clean up before entering my presence!¡± I growled my displeasure at her, and I could have sworn I saw her smirk before she wiped her face clean of any expression. ¡°We will have a 3rd pack joining us for the banquet. You will need to start preparing everything you can in advance in a couple days. Given that my hands are tied by the circumstances I will give you two days off to focus on making yourself presentable. You will be serving in the kitchen and on standby for wait staff during the event. You will be on your best behavior, and you will be respectful while our guests are here or I will put you in the hole until you wish death would take you. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    I let my Alpha aura out as I gave her the commands, a feeling of satisfaction washing over me when I saw her submit. I was beginning to wonder if she actually was an Omega, my aura seemed to make her less uncomfortable than others, even those with a title seemed more bothered by it than she did.

    ¡°Yes Alpha,¡± she said, ¡°What packs will be joining us? I will make sure I have every pack''s preferences accommodated.¡±

    ¡°The Moonlight Pack and Dark Forest Pack from the secluded mountains, as well as our allies to the east, Cold Moon pack. Now get out of my sight.¡±

    I watched her leave, closing the door to my office behind her. I threw an empty glass that had been sitting on my desk at a wall in frustration and turned my attention back to the paperwork I had been working on.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I kept my face a blank canvas despite my desire to smirk when he let his Alpha aura flood the room. I was too tired to deal with his ego at the moment so I bared my neck in submission to him just to move this along.

    I made a mental note of the packs and what little I knew about them. I would ask Faith about them later. I could feel my adrenaline running out and the events of the last two weeks starting to creep up on me.

    I made a hasty retreat from the manor once the Alpha dismissed me, heading straight for Jake and Faith¡¯s. My strength was fading and I would need their help to clean up and address my wounds. When I reached their house I let myself in, nearly collapsing before Jake caught me around my waist, keeping me from kissing the floor.

    ¡°Alyce!¡± I heard Faith cry out before I succumbed to everything I had endured the last two weeks and passed out. I would never give my tormentors the satisfaction of seeing how much what they did got to me, but here I was safe. I could let my guard down a little and let everything out. Jake, Faith and Matheau were the closest thing I had to family. Spots danced in my vision as I passed out in Jake¡¯s arms, knowing I would have a lot of explaining to do when I came to again, but for now I could rest.

 Chapter 6

    ~Matheau~

    I heard my mother shout Alyce¡¯s name and went running down the stairs. Alyce had been my best friend since she arrived in our pack. She hadn¡¯t always been so mistreated. Overworked and treated like trash, yes, but the physical abuse hadn¡¯t started until she was about 12 or 13 and her personality really started to shine through. Thankfully Aramyth came on her 13th birthday and has been able to help keep her strong the last 4, almost 5 years through it all. I jumped the last 3 stairs and growled as I watched Alyce pass out in my father¡¯s arms, ¡°I¡¯m going to kill them one of these days, I swear it!¡±

    ¡°Calm down Matheau, she¡¯s safe. She will be ok, she is the strongest person we know. Outbursts like that will only make things harder for her than they already are.¡± My mother spoke softly, sorrow in her eyes, ¡°Let¡¯s get supplies ready.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take her up and bathe her. We can¡¯t help her unless we can see how bad it really is.¡± I moved to take her from my father so he could help my mother get supplies to tend to her injuries. Alyce was the daughter she always wanted, my honorary big sister. She was 6 months older than me, but she let me play the big brother role despite being younger. We were more like twins than just siblings, we knew each other so well and were so intune with each.

    My father didn¡¯t fight me, handing her over to me. My mother would have been the most appropriate one to do this, she was a pack nurse after all, but I knew Alyce wouldn¡¯t mind and mother needed to prep. I like boys and she always told me she felt safe with me.

    I carried her up to my bathroom and stripped the sweats and t-shirt off her and stripped down to my boxers. I turned the shower on, adjusting the temperature and pulled the removable head down, letting it hang down. My shower was a large walk-in one done in smokey blues and grays. I carried her into the shower and sat on the floor with her.

    I got the first real good look at her injuries once I had us settled in place to be able to clean her up. Immediately I saw red, my wolf, Xavier coming to the surface with a roar. It took all my self control not to shift right then and there. Alyce¡¯s back was shredded, some of the lacerations wrapped around her left rib cage. I could see older scars underneath the fresh wounds, which meant they had used wolfsbane on her again, to stack the scars so to speak. Livid didn¡¯t even come close to how I was feeling right now.

    My mother had always been the one to care for Alyce after a trip to that sadistic place. I usually never saw the wounds before my mother had cleaned her up. The one time I had it was after the first time she¡¯d been sent to the hole. The first time they¡¯d used wolfsbane on her. I threw up at the site of it, we were 15 at the time. No one that age should have to see or endure that.

    I grabbed the hanging shower head and started to run the water over her body, watching the water turn dark pink as it washed the blood from her. The more the water washed away, the more I could see the details of what had happened to her. The lashings were varying depths, some having started to scab over if they were more on the surface, the deeper ones still seeping blood.

    Her body was black and blue, bruises on her breasts and thighs. She¡¯d never shown up with bruises like that before, and they looked like hand or finger marks. I knew she had never slept with anyone. Then it hit me. They didn¡¯t, they wouldn¡¯t. Even they weren¡¯t that cruel, were they?

    *Mom! Mom! I need you to come take her! NOW!* I shouted to my mother through the mind-link. I was shaking, barely keeping Xavier under control as I heard my mother haul ass up the stairs flinging my door open. I swiftly switched places with her barely getting out of the shower before I shifted into my wolf, Xavier snarling, fur raised, furious.

    My dad appeared in my doorway, drawn up by all the commotion. He took a brief look around, taking in the scene before walking towards Xavier slowly, ¡°Hello Xavier. I understand you¡¯re upset, but I need you to calm down. I need you to let Matheau back. You can¡¯t help your sister like this.¡±

    Xavier growled again, snarling at my father. We shared the same body, but were two separate entities. I tried to calm him down, *Xav, Dad¡¯s right. Alyce needs you to calm down, we need to tell them our suspicions so Mom can help her properly.* I inched forward, trying to gradually take the reins back from him.

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    Xavier was dancing back and forth on his paws, growling and whimpering as he weighed what we were telling him against his desire to rip the people who hurt Alyce apart. He took in a deep scent of the clothing Alyce had been wearing, growling more as we recognized Vincent¡¯s scent. After a couple minutes and a bit more coaxing I was able to take control back, shifting back into my human body and throwing on a pair of boxers and some gym shorts.

    ¡°Are you ok Mat? What set Xavier off so extremely. I¡¯ve never seen either of you like that, you¡¯re the cool headed one of the family.¡± My dad questioned me, my mother looking over at me from where she was scrubbing the dirt out of the lacerations on Alyce¡¯s back as gently as she could while being thorough.

    ¡°I¡­ I think they raped her¡­¡± I swallowed the lump in my throat, tears threatening to spill. ¡°She has bruises on her thighs, on her breasts. The clothes¡­ They¡­ they smell like Vincent. He shouldn¡¯t have been anywhere near her. How did she end up in his clothes?¡±

    My father walked over, wrapping me tightly in his arms as he looked over my head at my mother, probably with a look that was pleading with her to help calm me, or to help calm him. I could feel his own anger radiating off him. Alyce was his daughter too. He was a man of few words, letting his actions speak for him.

    ¡°Mat, I will examine her, I will help her. She will be ok physically. Mentally and emotionally, well we won¡¯t know until she¡¯s awake and we can talk to her. You two go on, help your dad finish prepping.¡± My mother¡¯s soft but firm voice came from the shower.

    I looked over my shoulder at her, tears streaming down my cheeks at this point, ¡°P-promise?¡± She nodded at me and I let my father take me downstairs with him and distracted myself with helping him set up.

    We cleared the kitchen table, spreading a clean sheet over it. I set up all my mom''s medical supplies on the kitchen counter, ¡°Dad, where is the betadine?¡± I looked in the cabinet, shuffling stuff around on the shelf before spotting the bottle, ¡°Nevermind, I found it.¡± I pulled it out and set it on the counter with the rest of the supplies.

    Mom carried Alyce down the stairs a few minutes later, having wrapped her in another clean sheet once she had finished cleaning her up. I only needed to take one look at my mother¡¯s face to know that what I had suspected was true. I took a deep, shaky breath to keep myself calm. Alyce needed me right now, and that was the most important thing at the moment. Justice, revenge, whatever you wanted to call it. That could wait, it was best served cold anyway. I helped my mother get Alyce on the table, laying her on her stomach with a small pillow under her head.

    Dad pulled the sheet down, so that the wounds were exposed and we all washed and gloved up. We spent the next hour cleaning, bandaging and in a few cases stitching up her wounds. I checked her vitals a few times throughout the whole process. When we were done, mom went to get some clean clothes for Alyce while dad and I cleaned up.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad she¡¯s ok. Why didn¡¯t she ever tell me how bad it was?¡± I looked at my dad, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you guys tell me?¡±

    ¡°She made us promise not to Mat. These ones aren¡¯t the worst she¡¯s ever shown up with. She didn¡¯t want you to know, she didn¡¯t want to burden you with it.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s my sister by choice, my best friend. She is never a burden. How can they get away with this? They raped her, took away the last of her innoncence Dad!'''' I was getting worked up again, but some stirring from Alyce brought me back from the edge.

    I rushed to the head of the table, kneeling down so I could see her face. I pushed her hair out of her face as mom came down the stairs with a stack of clothes. I was pretty sure they were mine since mom was tall and lean, most of her stuff was too small for her, ¡°Alyce¡­ Alyce, are you awake?¡± I whispered.

    I watched her lift her head, but it wasn¡¯t Alyce¡¯s green eyes looking at me, it was Aramyth¡¯s green ones. I could only tell the difference because Aramyth¡¯s had flecks of red in them, ¡°Hi Aramyth. Are you ok? I¡¯m glad to see the wolfsbane is wearing off.'''' I had never seen Aramyth, none of us had. Alyce had never shifted, but I knew she was present when I saw her eyes.

    *I¡¯m ok. Tired, but ok. I have nothing on Alyce though. I¡¯m only here to thank you, thank you all for taking care of her when I can¡¯t. In ways I can¡¯t. She is special and she will need you all when she realizes how special she is.* Aramyth¡¯s voice was gruff, the exhaustion coming through in the mind-link as I heard her in my head.

    *It¡¯s ok. You rest, I will tell them what you said. You are both family. We will always be here for you. Both of you.* I replied before closing the mind-link. Alyce¡¯s head laid back down on the pillow and she was out again. I relayed the message to my parents and we spent the rest of the night watching over Alyce in shifts, leaving her on the table because we didn¡¯t want to risk reopening her wounds now that they were starting to heal.

 Chapter 7

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I groaned, my entire body was so sore it felt like it was on fire. My eyes fluttered open, squinting against the sudden assault of light coming through the kitchen window. Slowly I lifted my head, looking around to get my bearings. I remembered leaving the Alpha¡¯s office. I remembered making it to Matheau¡¯s and then it was just blank. I blinked a couple times as everything came into focus, I was laying on their kitchen table, various medical supplies both new and used were laying about. Matheau was slumped over the table, head on his arm and drool on his cheek. I grinned a bit at the sight wishing I had a way to take a picture of it for later. I shifted my head so I could look towards the living room, Faith and Jake were on the couch, sleeping propped up on each other. They must have all been with me throughout the night. They truly were amazing people.

    ¡°Mattie.¡± I whispered, my throat incredibly dry, ¡°Mattie wake up.¡± I reached out to shake his arm and instantly regretted it as pain coursed through my stiff muscles. Even the thought of moving, much less the actual action of it, seemed to make my body throb at me in warning.

    Matheau grunted when I shook him, sitting straight up with a start, ¡°Huh, wha..¡± He looked over at me, sleep still evident in his eyes. After a moment his brain seemed to catch up and he grinned at me, suddenly wide awake, ¡°Alyce! You¡¯re awake! Thank the Goddess!¡± he squealed.

    ¡°Ugh, not so loud Mattie. My head is killing me. My whole body is killing me actually.¡± I groaned softly. Then I looked down at myself, seeing that I was in one of Mattie¡¯s oversized t-shirts and a pair of his boxers, ¡°These better be clean Mattie!¡± I hissed at him.

    I heard some movement in the living room, ¡°Of course they are, I got them for you, not him.¡± I heard Faith chuckle groggily, ¡°To be fair he is pretty clean for a guy though. Glad to see you awake. Let me start some coffee and I¡¯ll take a look at your wounds and get you some pain killers while it brews.¡±

    ¡°Faith, you are an angel from the Goddess herself, though I didn¡¯t mean to wake you. Sorry,¡± I smiled at her, trying not to move too much.

    ¡°Oh hush sweetheart, you¡¯re one of my kids. I¡¯m just doing for you what I would do for Mat. That¡¯s a mother¡¯s job.¡± She patted my hand as she walked past the table heading further into the kitchen, ¡°And you didn¡¯t wake me. Mat¡¯s squealing did.¡±

    Jake stretched out on the couch, still snoring lightly, ¡°I swear that man can sleep through anything. I bet he¡¯d sleep through a rogue attack if he didn¡¯t enjoy tearing them apart so much.¡± Faith giggled. Her husband was a fierce fighter, why he didn¡¯t work as a full time warrior I¡¯ll never understand.

    It wasn¡¯t long before Faith was back at the table, helping me to sit up so I could drink my coffee and take my pain killers while she examined my injuries. I felt her poking and prodding as gently as she could while still being efficient, ¡°The physical injuries are already starting to heal, you should be up and moving again in a couple days. Some of these are really deep, the scars will be bad. We¡­¡± She paused, coming around to look at me, ¡°We know what happened this time, we know what they did. How are you? Can you tell me what happened? I can kick the boys out if you want me to.¡±

    I froze, lifting my head to look between her and Matheau. I didn¡¯t really want to talk about it, but Faith had taught me from the very beginning that I couldn¡¯t bottle up the emotions, that I needed to let them out. I couldn¡¯t heal and push forward if the past was dragging me back. I couldn¡¯t change what had happened, but I could use it. I could take it and turn it into strength, use it to get through the hard times because I had survived more than any one person should ever have to. I sighed, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves.

    Looking at them again, ¡°You don¡¯t have to send anyone out, just.. Let me finish my coffee and help me get off this table. My ass is numb.¡±

    Faith nodded with a smile and Matheau laughed so hard he snorted. I handed Faith my coffee and let Matheau pick me up bridal style. He carried me to the oversized recliner and settled into it with me. Faith came over as well, handing me back my coffee as I curled into Matheau. He had become my safe space.

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    I think Faith could see my nerves, she reached over and patted my arm gently, ¡°It¡¯s ok sweetheart, take your time.¡± She smiled softly at me and sat on the end of the couch closest to the chair I was in with Matheau. I smiled back at her and steeled my nerves, taking a deep breath before filling them in on everything that had happened in detail. There was growling, anger, tears, hurt, disbelief, we had to calm Matheau and Xavier down a couple times, and I¡¯m pretty sure Xavier will kill Vincent if he ever gets the chance. In the end I felt better, stronger. I wasn¡¯t alone, and with my family¡¯s support I truly could get through anything life threw at me.

    <hr>

    I sat up in bed with a start. This was the 3rd night in a row. Involuntary tears were running down my face, I quickly wiped them away and hopped out of bed. I wouldn¡¯t be able to go back to sleep after the nightmares. Might as well get a jump start on the desserts I was making and freezing for the event.

    I stayed with Matheau for 2 days, healing up. Faith had tried to get me a 3rd day from her medical standpoint, but Alpha Andrew wouldn¡¯t hear of it. He had been insistent that I get to work on the event immediately. Faith did manage to persuade him to at least make sure the others would leave me alone if he wanted me to be available up until and throughout the event. She was exaggerating, but I was thankful for it. I knew I would be fair game after the banquet, and that I would no doubt be in for it, but for the time being, I was thankful.

    I looked at my alarm clock, as I pulled on a long sleeve purple top and a pair of black yoga pants, the large blue numbers glaring at me. 0300; I had officially been 18 for three hours and the banquet was only a week away now.

    *Good morning and happy birthday Faelyn.* I heard Aramyth purr sleepily in my head. I know, a canine purring seems weird. It was more of a chest rumble for wolves versus the gentle throat vibration of felines.

    *Thank you Aramyth, does this mean I will see you soon* I asked.

    *Soon, the night before the banquet actually. That¡¯s the night of the full moon. Soon everyone will realize what a grave mistake they¡¯ve made towards us. You will see how special you truly are.*

    *No, no I don¡¯t want everyone to see. We will meet with Mattie and his parents. They can help us and help keep everything quiet.*

    *Are you sure Faelyn? We could just wipe out this pack before we leave and be done with it.*

    *I¡¯m sure. A few bad apples does not justify wiping out the entire pack. We will take out the bad apples when the time is right, Aramyth, but we are better than them. We will be the bigger wolf and not drag everyone else down with them simply because it is easier.*

    Aramyth huffed, *I know, I know. You¡¯re right. I¡¯m just restless, ready to be out.*

    *I understand, just a little longer my friend.* Aramyth receded to the back of mind, as if curling up to go back to bed and I headed up the stairs. I made an easy heat breakfast for the pack members in the manor and then headed out to the pack house where I had spent the last week and would spend the next week.

    The kitchen in the pack house was at least twice the size of the one in the pack manor since the pack house was where the single wolves who were adults lived. Many of them were pack warriors and ate even more than the other wolves. There were also some younger wolves who lived in the packhouse for various reasons. Most mated wolves and our elderly wolves lived in their own houses around the pack community, but some still preferred the pack house. It was also an open kitchen at meal times. Anyone was welcome to come get food and eat with the other wolves.

    I stepped into the darkened kitchen, flipping the switch on the wall as the lights in the room came to life, flooding the area with soft white light. I had put dough in the fridge the evening before when I had wrapped up for the day so I pulled it out and set it on the counter to come to room temperature. While I was waiting I pulled out the supplies to make fillings for the various desserts. I set about making some compotes, blueberry, strawberry and peach, each in their own bowl to cool. Then I moved on to making some chocolate spreads and fillings as well as some icing. Before I knew it I heard other Omegas starting to come in to make breakfast for the pack house members. I made sure I was out of the way and continued my work.

 Chapter 8

    It wasn¡¯t too long before I caught a familiar and comforting scent. Matheau was nearby. He had been helping me in the kitchen, if you could call pinching tastes from the various bowls helping. I saw his mop of blonde hair around the edge of the kitchen doorway, soon followed by his piercing blue eyes as he peeked in at me, ¡°Is it safe to come in? Are you going to thwack me with utensils again?¡± He asked cautiously.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Are you going to keep your fingers out of the bowls this time?¡±

    He ventured further into the kitchen, coming to stand across the counter from me and saluting me, ¡°I will try my best, Sir! Eer, Ma¡¯am!¡±

    I laughed and motioned to a tray of pastries that were waiting for an icing drizzle, ¡°I¡¯ll make you a deal, you help me with desserts today and I¡¯ll send you home with your very own snack pack at the end of the day. Can you drizzle icing for me?¡±

    His eyes widened in glee and he grinned, ¡°Promise?¡±

    ¡°Scouts honor,¡± I grinned at him.

    ¡°Deal!¡± He came around the counter and leaned over to kiss my cheek. He was frowning when he pulled back, ¡°Wait a minute, you were never in scouts!¡± He pouted.

    ¡°True, but have I ever lied to you Mattie?¡±

    ¡°Fair point. I¡¯m not sure you even know how to lie.¡±

    I rolled my eyes at him. Sure I knew how, I just was unable to do so. Not that anyone else knew that, but with my mother¡¯s Fae blood coursing through my veins, I was incapable of it, ¡°Go wash your hands and get to work before I change my mind.¡±

    He laughed and did as he was instructed before coming back to start drizzling icing over the pastries. In all honesty, he was pretty useless in the kitchen, but I could usually find small things for him to do, ¡°I can wrap and store these as we go too.¡±

    ¡°That would be great. I¡¯m going to be at this the next two days if I¡¯m going to have enough to cover all 4 packs. Are the others really bringing their entire packs?¡± I glanced at him as I filled the next round of pastries with various fillings.

    ¡°Damn near. Every unmated wolf in their pack I know for sure. The more secluded packs are likely to bring everyone that wants to come and isn¡¯t necessary in their village since it¡¯s not common for them to come to gatherings.¡±

    ¡°No wonder the Alpha has his boxers in a bunch about the banquet. Where are we going to put them all? I know the mountain packs are smaller, so likely 100 each, but Cold Moon has 750 pack members, assuming half of them come, that''s --¡± I did some quick math in my head, ¡°--550 people, 600 to be on the safe side.¡±

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    ¡°Not my dragon, not my village.¡± Matheau smirked.

    ¡°Hmph. I mean¡­ Technically speaking, this is your pack and thus your village, but I meant what you knew.¡±

    ¡°Oh hush! New topic girlie. When we finish here we are going to celebrate! You¡¯re 18 today ma¡¯am. You know the drill.¡±

    I whined a little, ¡°Do I have to?¡± I gave him a little pout for good measure. I didn¡¯t want to traipse all over the pack grounds and risk running into any of the unmated males here. I damn sure didn¡¯t want a mate from this pack. I was leaving this pack in a week, and I didn¡¯t need the drama of rejecting some prick male complicating my plans to do so.

    ¡°Mom will have both our asses if you don¡¯t at least come over for cake and dinner with us.¡± Matheau stated seriously.

    ¡°Ooo, that is a good point. Deal, I will come over for dinner and cake, but nothing else please. The last thing I want is to cross paths with any of the unmated males here. I don¡¯t have time for that drama.¡± I still needed to fill them in on my plans so that they didn¡¯t freak out when I left and they felt the pack link snap. I knew they would be devastated, but I also knew they would understand. I would be back for them, once I had my pack back.

    ¡°Ok, and gifts, we can¡¯t forget the gifts! Also, I pray to the Moon Goddess that your mate is deliciously handsome, deserving of you and absolutely not from this pack. Maybe he will swoop in and save you like some knight in shining armor.¡± Matheau wiggled his eyebrows at me.

    I rolled my eyes at him and flung some banana pudding filling onto his cheek, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous Mattie. Knights in shining armor don¡¯t exist.¡±

    He laughed and wiped the pudding from his cheek, licking it off his finger, ¡°You didn¡¯t always think that way Alyce.¡±

    ¡°True, and then I grew up and learned the difference between fantasy and reality.¡± We had been working steadily for awhile now, I had run out of filling a couple hours ago so I had prepared dough for tomorrow to use the last of my kitchen time up. We hadn¡¯t even stopped for lunch, but I needed to clear out before dinner as it was a much bigger production than breakfast and lunch.

    Matheau helped me clean up and I grabbed a small plate of tasty goodies off the back counter turning towards him, ¡°Is that my snack pack?¡± He was eyeing the plate like a kid in the candy store.

    ¡°It sure is. How is it that you always end up with treats made by me on my birthday? I feel like this is definitely not how this is supposed to work¡­¡± I laughed as I handed him the plate, ¡°Here, take this home and make sure your parents get some too! I¡¯ll be along in a little while for dinner. I need to go clean up first.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to wait for you? Or to clean up at our place?¡± Matheau was worried about me, and I knew it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. I¡¯ll be fine, I promise. I¡¯m just going to shower and change. I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m wearing half the flour I used for the pastries.¡±

    ¡°Ok¡­ I¡¯ll see you shortly then.¡± He hugged me and kissed my cheek before he left the pack house, heading towards his home.

    I wasn¡¯t far behind him, but I headed for the pack manor instead of his place. It was going to be another long night of explanations and discussions after the festivities. It was time to bite the bullet and with a sigh I stepped through the back door of the manor and headed for the basement.

 Chapter 9

    ~Theo~

    I was in my father¡¯s office, half listening to him drone on about pack duties and what was expected of me when I took over the Alpha position. I had heard it all before, a thousand times it seemed like, but I feigned interest, nodding my head when appropriate and answering his questions absentmindedly.

    ¡°Theo, are you even listening to me?¡± I heard my father ask while giving me a pointedly annoyed look.

    ¡°Of course I am, but how many times are we going to have the same conversation?¡± I sighed, rubbing my temples as I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees.

    ¡°It¡¯s an important one, son. It¡¯s my job, my responsibility to make sure you¡¯re prepared to take over once you¡¯ve found your Luna. Speaking of Lunas, when are you going to decide on one?¡±

    I groaned internally, ¡°Here we go again,¡± I thought to myself. I had been of age to find my mate for two years, but still had not found her. I didn¡¯t want a chosen mate. I wanted to wait for my true mate, but my father was getting impatient.

    He refused to hand the pack over to me until I had a Luna, ¡°Father, I do not want a chosen mate and I do not need a Luna to run this pack successfully. I¡¯m only 19. I still have plenty of time to find my true mate, and I do everything I can to find her. I go to every gathering, regardless of the intended purpose, where I have even the slightest chance of meeting her.¡±

    ¡°You do need a Luna to run the pack son. It¡¯s not an option. The Luna is the mother of the pack. She is the balance. Your strength and your weakness, the heart of the pack and the keeper of your sanity.¡±

    My father sighed as he looked down at me, ¡°Not everyone is lucky enough to find their true mate. There are wolves all over the world, and then there are the rogues. I am not having this argument again. If you have not found her by the time you are 20, you will take a chosen mate, if I have to pick her myself!¡±

    I glared at my father as I shot to my feet with an annoyed growl, ¡°No one, not even you, can force someone on me father. Alpha or not I will find my Luna on my own!¡± I didn¡¯t wait for a response and made my way towards the door, fighting the urge to rip it off the hinges as I opened it and stormed out, slamming it behind me.

    I made my way out of the manor and headed straight for the training grounds. I needed to let off some steam before I snapped at some undeserving pack member.

    *I know he¡¯s your father, but what an arrogant prick.* Fjord, my wolf, growled.

    *It¡¯s getting really old. He¡¯s so stuck in his ¡®traditional¡¯ ways. It¡¯s going to drag the whole pack down.* I grumbled.

    *He¡¯s right that we do need our Luna, but we don¡¯t need her to take over the pack. Taking a Luna would make us stronger, but our true mate would put us at our strongest.*

    *I know, and maybe if it came to it I would take a chosen mate, but we¡¯re not at that point yet.*

    *Agreed, now let¡¯s smash some stuff.*

    I chuckled a bit and made my way across the training grounds to where the dummies were. After arranging them where I wanted them I went to town. I watched members of my pack go about their daily lives. Some keeping an eye on the pups playing, others training, either with the equipment, some with each other.

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    A couple hours into it and I was starting to feel a bit better, my body soaked in sweat. I stripped my shirt off and tossed it aside. Some of the unmated females had gathered around to watch the guys that were training. Some were training themselves.

    Our pack was at least advanced enough that we didn¡¯t keep anyone from training. Everyone was required to learn basic self defense at the very least. They were welcome to continue into advanced training if they so desired.

    I sighed internally as I saw Jewel join the group of girls. She had become a headache recently. I had made the mistake of sleeping with her once at a party, and ever since then she has gotten it into her head that there was something between us and that she would be Luna. It will never happen, I have told her this. She would make a horrible Luna. If I had ever doubted that, it was confirmed after the incident with Alyce a few weeks ago.

    A Luna doesn¡¯t attack people without cause, especially her own people. Alyce on the other hand¡­ She displayed the traits that were perfect for a Luna. She was strong and determined but also kind and gracious. I had seen the way she took whatever the pack threw at her, rather than risk having it fall on someone else.

    I¡¯d also seen her interactions with Matheau, which showed an entirely different side of her. I remember playing with her as a child, before Father basically turned the pack on her and started treating her like the pack¡¯s personal whipping girl. He banned me from being around her, and I couldn¡¯t very well defend her to my father without risking my father turning on me as well. So I treated her with indifference and did what I could to keep the others from being to awful to her whenever I could without it being obvious.

    I spent the rest of the afternoon training, calling it quits as it got close to dinner time. I grabbed my shirt up and headed towards the Manor for a shower. Unfortunately Jewel was waiting in the crowd for me.

    ¡°Theo,¡± she purred at me, ¡°You¡¯re going to be an amazing Alpha.¡± I felt her arm slip into mine and tried to politely distance her from me, slipping my arm out of hers.

    ¡°Thank you Jewel, but I really need to get a move on. I have some things to attend to before dinner.¡± I lied. I just didn¡¯t want to deal with her.

    ¡°Oh, well, let me help you! We can discuss our plans to attend the banquet together.¡± Was her retort.

    I stopped in my tracks and looked at her, ¡°We don¡¯t have any plans Jewel. I do not plan to attend the banquet with anyone. I will be there, but alone, as the next in line for Alpha.¡±

    ¡°But.. I¡¯m your future Luna! We should be attending together!¡±

    ¡°NO.¡± I growled, calming myself quickly when I saw her shrink back a little, ¡°No you are not. I will not be taking a chosen mate. I will be waiting for my true mate.¡±

    ¡°But my father¡­ Your father... ¡° She stammered.

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what those two have told you, or led you to believe, but I¡¯m not interested. Go find someone else to take you.¡± I walked away, leaving here there a bit dumb founded and teary eyed, though I was pretty certain they were fake tears.

    I jogged into the manor, starting to head for the stairs. I needed a shower desperately. Heading up to my room I stripped naked as I crossed my room, tossing the clothing in the hamper in my bathroom. I made quick work of cleaning up and threw on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top. I was heading down stairs to go to the pack house for dinner, since Alyce was not cooking in the pack manor anymore until after the banquet, but I stopped in my tracks.

    I caught the most amazing scent I had ever smelt in my life. It was mint and honey, with a hint of kiwi. I¡¯d never smelled anything like it.

    ¡°MATE! MATE! We must find her!¡± Fjord exclaimed, bouncing around in my head.

    I couldn¡¯t argue with him and I followed the scent, crossing through the living room, heading for the kitchen. The scent was stronger there, but still fading. Whoever it belonged to had been here recently. Within the last fifteen minutes. I must have just missed her. I continued to follow the scent, following the strongest occurrences of it. It took me out the back door and along the edge of the tree line. Then I saw her, my eyes going wide in realization. No way. It couldn¡¯t be¡­

 Chapter 10

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I had showered and changed into my nicest outfit for dinner with Matheau and his parents. A pair of black yoga pants, a pleated lavender skirt, and an oversized black sweater. I even put on a pair of lavender ballet flats that Faith had given me last Christmas. I pulled part of my hair up, securing it with a simple silver colored barrette, leaving it to hang down my back in loose waves. I glanced briefly at myself in my mirror and then headed up into the kitchen and made a stack of sandwiches, which I then wrapped and put in the fridge for grab and go options. I was told to focus on the banquet and let the other Omega¡¯s worry about cooking for the pack, but I still tried to do small things when I had the time. I knew most of the other Omegas were barely passable cooks. No one would die, or get sick, but it wasn¡¯t great either.

    Glancing at the clock on the wall and seeing it was a quarter after six, I headed out the back door to head to Matheau¡¯s place. I knew he would come looking for me soon, *Ready Aramyth? This is likely to be the last birthday we spend with our family for a while. We should enjoy it.*

    *I¡¯m ready, Little One. Do not be sad. They will understand, and we will return for them. Let¡¯s enjoy the time we have left with them before our journey truly begins.*

    I smiled and nodded at her, heading over to the treeline that led to Matheau¡¯s house. I laughed a little when I saw him coming towards me from the opposite direction, ¡°Coming to make sure I hadn¡¯t changed my mind?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah¡­ Kinda¡­¡± He gave me a sheepish grin and rubbed the back of his head a bit, ¡°Mom wanted me to come get you, said she knows how you are.¡±

    ¡°I would never! Mom¡¯s scary when she¡¯s mad¡­¡± I put my hand on my chest like I was offended.

    ¡°Honestly, I think she just wanted me out of the house while she sets up. You know how she is.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s going overboard isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°You know she is.¡±

    ¡°Oh boy I¡¯m gonna --¡± I stopped, Aramyth jumping around in my head trying to get my attention. I gave her a funny look in my head.

    ¡°Alyce¡­ Are you ok?¡± Matheau asked, but I didn¡¯t respond, too focused on Aramyth¡¯s odd behavior.

    *Our mate is near. I couldn¡¯t help myself. Even I do not want our mate to be in this pack, but it¡¯s different for us wolves. Our reactions are more instinctual, even primal at times.*

    I paled instantly, *Are you sure Aramyth? Are you positive it¡¯s our mate?*

    *Yes, can¡¯t you smell him?*

    ¡°No, no, no, no. This can¡¯t be happening¡­¡± I meant to say it to Aramyth, but apparently I spoke out loud as I caught his scent. It was musky, like pine and fir. I felt Matheau grip my hands as I started to turn toward the scent.

    ¡°Alyce... ? Alyce! What¡¯s wrong? You¡¯re white as a ghost. I didn¡¯t think your skin could get any paler.¡± Matheau said.

    As soon as Matheau grabbed my hands, we heard an earth shaking growl, ¡°MINE!¡± and Theo came running up the path, his eyes flickering between the amber eyes of his wolf and his normal hazel color.

    Matheau didn¡¯t hesitate to move me behind him as Theo charged us, then it dawned on him that the growl had come from Theo, ¡°What? Oh¡­ Oh!¡± He stood up straight and held his hands up to show Theo he was no longer touching me, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Theo, but I¡¯m not going to let you get near her unless she says so.¡±

    Another growl rumbled through Theo, ¡°Move Matheau¡­ Get away from my mate.¡±

    ¡°No can do buddy. Consider me her personal bubble bodyguard.¡±

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    ¡°What?¡± Theo looked at Matheau like he was stupid, ¡°That¡­ That doesn¡¯t even make any sense!¡± His Alpha aura was starting to seep out, and I could see it was visibly making Mat cringe to fight it, ¡°NOW MOVE!¡±

    *Faelyn! Get it together. Theo and Fjord will tear Matheau apart if you don¡¯t do something.*

    *Right, sorry. I know what I have to do, and I am so sorry Aramyth¡­* I heard her whimper in my head and nod, fighting her own mate pull with Fjord. I laid a hand on Mat¡¯s shoulder, enticing another growl from Theo, ¡°It¡¯s ok Mattie, I can handle this. Go tell Faith and Jake I will be there shortly.¡±

    Mat looked at me sideways, arching an eyebrow at me in question. I shooed him away and once I saw he was actually moving I turned my attention to Theo, ¡°Listen Theo¡­ I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± I curled my fingers into a fist, squeezing until I felt my nails dig into my skin to help keep me grounded as I fought the pull of the mate bond.

    He moved towards me, his voice husky as he neared me, ¡°Sorry? Whatever are you sorry for? Do you know how long I have been waiting for you?¡±

    ¡°I know, which just makes me more sorry. You don¡¯t deserve this, and I¡¯m sure the Goddess will grant you a second chance.¡±

    ¡°A second chance? A second chance at what?¡± He lifted his hand to touch my face and I stepped back, not having realized how close he had actually gotten. Then his eyes widened when he realized what I was planning.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, but I can¡¯t be your mate. I can¡¯t stay here.¡± My voice was firm, showing the resolve I had in my decision, ¡°I, Alyce Lilly, reject you Theo Marshall, as my future alpha and mate.¡±

    Theo winced, as if anticipating the pain that should come with the rejection of a mate bond, but nothing happened and he grinned a little, ¡°Apparently even the Goddess won¡¯t let you leave me Alyce.¡±

    *Your true name, little one, you must use your true name and title or it won¡¯t work.* Aramyth whimpered at me.

    *Well shit, I hadn¡¯t wanted to let that slip, but I also need to end this quickly.* I huffed at her. I looked back at Theo and sighed, ¡°I, Faelyn De¡¯Lune, daughter of Alpha Liam De¡¯Lune, reject you, Theo Marshall, as my mate and future Alpha.¡± I spit out as quickly as I could.

    He gripped at his chest as the pain flowed through him. It seemed to bring some sense to his brain as he looked at me, sadness written all over his face as well as surprise at the realization of my true name and rank, ¡°I, Theo Marshall, accept your rejection, Alyc-- er, Faelyn De¡¯Lune, as my future Luna and my mate.¡±

    I hit my knees as they buckled beneath me as the bond between us snapped. I whispered through the pain, ¡°I¡¯m sorry Theo. You were never mean to me, but you could have done something to stop it. I can¡¯t accept someone who is too afraid to protect his people, no matter what or who it¡¯s from.¡±

    I saw his eyes glaze over and knew he was mind-linking someone, ¡°I understand Alyce. It¡¯s more complicated than that, but I do understand. I mind-linked Mat, he¡¯s coming back to get you.¡± He helped me stand and whispered in my ear, ¡°Your secret is safe with me, this protection I can give you.¡± He kissed my cheek, pain still evident in his eyes, and then turned, running into the woods, shifting mid air with a pain filled howl, and disappeared without looking back.

    I thought I had been prepared to reject my mate if they were in this pack, but now that I had experienced it, I don¡¯t think anyone could prepare for that. I was a little shaky, but I turned and headed towards Mats. I couldn¡¯t tuck my tail and hide, no matter how much I wanted to right now. Time was running out and there were still many things to do.

    ~Matheau~

    I had just about reached my house when Theo¡¯s voice came through the mind-link, *Come get Alyce, she needs you right now. I will be gone when you get here, take care of her. And thank you.*

    I was confused, take care of her? What had happened? And why was he thanking me? I didn¡¯t waste time thinking about it too much, *I¡¯m on my way.* I replied and turned around running back to where I had left them. I saw Alyce standing alone on the pathway and even from here I could see how tense she was.

    I forced my legs to run faster, coming to a stop as I reached her. As I stopped and stood in front of her I brought my hands up to her cheeks and forced her to look at me, ¡°Alyce, what happened. Are you ok? Did he hurt you?¡± I started checking her over for fresh injuries, and her neck for a mark.

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m ok.¡± She threw herself into my arms, hugging me like I was her only life line. I held her and stroked her hair, ¡°I-I rejected him. I had to, I can¡¯t be permanently tied to this pack¡­ He accepted it.¡±

    ¡°Shhh, it¡¯s ok Alyce, it¡¯s ok.¡± I held her tightly for a few minutes and kissed the top of her head, ¡°Well the Goddess got it half right, your mate is deliciously handsome, but that was all she got right.¡±

    I felt her chest heave as she tried not to laugh, ¡°Seriously Mattie?"

    ¡°Right, we don¡¯t like him. We will not talk about his deliciousness.¡± I grinned at her and scooped her up, heading for my house. I felt her tuck her head into my shoulder and felt the silent tears she was shedding dampen the fabric of my shirt.

    *Coming in hot, I¡¯ll explain when we get there. No physical injuries, just emotional turmoil.* I sent through the mind-link to my mother. I picked up my pace, jogging to my house before someone could see or bother us.

    My mother was standing in the window when we arrived and she opened the door letting us in. I headed straight for the chair and settled in with Alyce in my lap, stroking her hair again, ¡°Hey, hey¡­ It¡¯s ok. He doesn¡¯t deserve you anyway. No one in this pack does.¡± I kissed her forehead and looked over her head at my mother with a frown.

    ¡°Someone tell me what¡¯s going on. What happened?¡± My mother spoke, frowning at us as she came over and knelt in front of us, looking up at Alyce, ¡°Why are you crying my sweet girl?¡±

    It was about that point my father walked in, ¡°Who¡¯s crying? Alyce? Do we need to kill someone?¡± He was attempting to lighten the mood, and only half joking. My parents really did think of Alyce as their daughter.

    I opened my mouth to explain, but Alyce sat up and shook her head a bit looking at my parents.

 Chapter 11

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I cried into Mat¡¯s shoulder the entire trip to his house. Contemplating the events that had just occurred. Why did this affect me so much? I had been through scenarios that were much, much worse and never cried or even made a peep.¡±

    *Because matters of the heart get to humans much more than physical things, and the mate bond is a very intense, sacred matter of the heart.* Aramyth whimpered. *It will get better, with time and distance.*

    *I know that logically, but nothing about me is very logical at the moment.*

    *It¡¯s ok, Little One. I spoke to Fjord, his wolf, and I trust that our secret is safe with them. They understand. I¡¯m also confident that he will get a second chance mate, one much more suited to him than us.*

    *I hope so. He really isn¡¯t a bad person.*

    *I know, Little One, I know.*

    I peeked out from Mat¡¯s chest as we reached the house and his mother let us in. When he settled into the chair I curled into him, taking a few moments to gather myself and calm my emotions and thoughts. I almost grinned when I heard his father¡¯s words. I had no doubt that any of them would fight for me.

    It was time. I sat up and looked towards Faith and Jake, ¡°No, I¡¯m ok. Really, I just wasn¡¯t as prepared for this as I thought I was.¡± I wiped some tears from my cheeks and sniffled a little, pulling myself together.

    Faith gave me a perplexed look and moved to sit on the couch, waiting for me to go on. Jake joined her, ¡°Prepared for what?¡±

    ¡°I met my mate,¡± I started to explain, soon cut off by Faith, ¡°Oh honey that¡¯s wond-- Wait, but you¡¯re crying¡­ Did he reject you? That no good-¡± Faith growled and muttered the last of her statement under her breath.

    ¡°No, no¡­ I rejected him. I always knew I would reject my mate if he was from this pack. I just can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t be permanently tied to this pack. And there will be no need to kill anyone, at least not for this scenario,¡± I gave Jake a sideways glance and then took a deep breath and smiled softly at the three of them, ¡°Honestly, it just took me by surprise. Let¡¯s not let it ruin our evening. We can talk more after dinner.¡±

    ¡°And cake! Don¡¯t forget the cake!¡± Mat piped up.

    His outburst caused me to laugh, ¡°It¡¯s a good thing werewolves have a ridiculous metabolism or you would be as big as a house with your sweet tooth Mattie. You shared earlier, right?¡± I gave him a side-eyed look.

    ¡°Yes! Of course I did!¡± He defended.

    ¡°Better have¡­¡± I hopped off his lap and grabbed Faith¡¯s hands pulling her to her feet, ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll help you finish up dinner. I¡¯m starving after all that drama.¡±

    ¡°Nooooo ma¡¯am, it¡¯s your birthday, you sit at the table, open your gifts, while Jake and I get everything else ready.¡±

    ¡°Really? Gifts before dinner? No, let¡¯s do it after so everyone can sit together and enjoy it. I will sit and behave though.¡±

    ¡°Good girl.¡± Faith smiled at me and headed for the kitchen with Jake walking along behind her, Mattie groaned and I giggled when Jake smacked Faith on the ass as they disappeared through the door.

    Mat and I went and sat at the table, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re ok?¡± He asked.

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    ¡°I¡¯m sure Mattie.¡± I reached out and squeezed his hand, ¡°Thank you. Thank you for keeping the space between him and I. I¡¯m not sure what would have happened if we¡¯d actually touched each other. The mate bond is said to be nearly impossible to resist. You¡¯re the best friend a girl could ask for.¡±

    He smiled and rolled his eyes, ¡°Of course I am, but we¡¯re not just friends, we¡¯re family Alyce. Forever and always.¡±

    Mat and I sat and gossiped about anything and everything. I welcomed the distraction. He kept my attention occupied right up until the time Faith and Jake came out of the kitchen carrying a large pot of spaghetti, a bowl of salad and a plate of garlic breadsticks.

    My stomach grumbled, letting everyone know just how hungry I really was. I ignored it and jumped up to help, taking the bowl of salad from Jake and setting it on the table. We spent the next couple hours eating, talking, laughing and opening gifts.

    Mat had gotten me clothes, a few pairs of ballet flats and a decent pair of sneakers. He always got me clothes and somehow he always managed to know exactly what I would like. The clothes always fit perfectly too.

    Faith had given me a lovely, but simple wallet. It was soft leather that had been dyed a rich violet color. Jake handed me an envelope that contained cash, a debit card and a credit card, ¡°I can¡¯t accept this Jake, Faith¡­ It¡¯s too much.¡±

    ¡°You can and you will. Those cards are linked to our account and you are going to need them.¡± Faith insisted firmly.

    I arched a brow at her, ¡°You - you know? But I haven¡¯t told anyone yet¡­.¡±

    ¡°I suspected. You just confirmed. When?¡±

    ¡°Aramyth says I¡¯ll be shifting the night before the banquet. I was planning on leaving as the banquet winds down. It¡¯s my best chance of a head start.¡±

    ¡°I agree. Do you know where you¡¯ll go?¡±

    ¡°Not yet. I was thinking I would head north into the mountains. I need to get back to my original pack.¡± This caused Faith to arch a brow and Matheau to look at me in surprise.

    ¡°You know what pack you came from? Why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± Matheau gawked, pretending to be hurt by this.

    ¡°Because I was planning on telling you tonight. The fewer people, even those I love, who knew about me, the less chance of a hiccup occurring with my plan.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t even argue that point.¡± Mat pouted.

    ¡°What pack is it Alyce?¡± Faith asked, her own curiosity getting to her now.

    ¡°Oh, and speaking of Alyce¡­ My name is not Alyce.¡± I lowered my voice, ¡° I am Faelyn De¡¯Lune, daughter of Liam and Gwydia De¡¯Lune, rightful heir to the Silver Moon pack. Everyone must continue to treat me as Alyce Lilly though. Theo knows who I am, I had to use my actual name and title for the rejection to work. He¡¯s sworn to keep my secret safe, now I must ask the same of you. I didn¡¯t want to leave here without telling you the truth, but it must remain a secret until I can come back for you guys, and I will be back, once I get my pack back.'''' I drew in a deep breath after spitting out all the information before I could change my mind.

    Jake and Faith looked at each other and smiled, like they knew something I didn¡¯t, and then nodded at me, ¡°Of course we will dear.¡± Jake said, leaning over to squeeze my shoulders in a side hug.

    ¡°I¡¯m going with you when you leave Alyce.¡± Mat¡¯s tone suggested that it wasn¡¯t an option.

    ¡°Mat, no. It¡¯s not worth the risk you¡¯d be taking.¡±

    ¡°It is and I am. Not open for discussion.¡± I frowned, but dropped it. I could argue with him about it later.

    ¡°We would like to be there for your first shift. It can be quite drawn out and painful the first time. It would make me feel better if I could be there to watch over you.¡± Faith mentions casually.

    ¡°I was planning on asking you to join me anyway. You guys are the only family I have after all.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. We¡¯ll meet in the clearing in the north woods at 11:30 on the night of the full moon. Your shift should occur closer to midnight.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. For now, I should get back. I still have a lot to do for the banquet and I can¡¯t afford to sleep through my alarm, even with Mattie¡¯s help.¡± I stood, kissing both Faith and Jake on the cheek.

    I hugged Mat and kissed his cheek too, ¡°See you in the morning Mattie, don¡¯t be late!¡± I called as I left the house. I left all my gifts there. Faith promised to put together a bag for me with everything I would need when I left and bring it to me after the banquet. I couldn¡¯t ask for better people to call my chosen family.

    When I made it back to the manor I headed down to my room and slipped into bed. It was easy to start looking towards a better life now that there was a semi-solid plan in place.

 Chapter 12

    The last week leading up to the banquet was beyond busy. Mat kept me company as I prepped and cooked, even getting some of the other Omega¡¯s to help us with storing the food and rotating dishes through the ovens. I still did every last bit of the cooking and most of the prep work, but it was nice to have some extra hands for the little stuff.

    The banquet was tomorrow night and some of the guest packs had started to arrive this afternoon. I avoided the guests as much as possible, glad that I wasn¡¯t having to hide bruises while they were here.

    I also avoided Theo as much as possible. I would catch him looking at me from across the room on the rare occasion that our paths had to cross. The only upside to that was the fact that Jewel seemed to notice his attention towards me, no matter how brief, and the anger it instilled in her was oddly satisfying to me. Especially since she could do nothing about it, at least not to me at the moment.

    I was softly humming to myself, moving about the kitchen as I cleaned up and put the last of the prepared pasta dishes into the walk-in fridge. They would be easy to pull out and pop into the oven tomorrow as needed. The steaks were either pre-seasoned or marinating for the grill tomorrow. I had convinced Andrew that they would be best cooked to order otherwise they would end up cold or rubbery or both. I think it had physically pained him to agree with my idea.

    I finished wiping the counter down and tossed the rag into the laundry as I heard someone walking into the kitchen. I tried to pretend I hadn¡¯t and headed for the basement stairs, hoping whoever it was would let me be.

    ¡°Pardon me, Miss.¡± I heard a gruff male voice call out and I sighed a little, turning to look at him questioningly, ¡°My name is Victor, I¡¯m the Delta of the Moonlight Pack. Can you point me towards the pack house please? I was told the shortest route is through the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Yes Delta,¡± I glanced over him again briefly. He was a handsome man with brown eyes and strawberry blonde hair. He must have been about 6¡¯0¡± give or take and I could see tattoos peeking out the collar and sleeves of his shirt. I offered a tight lipped, polite smile and pointed towards the back door, ¡°If you head out that door and follow the path to the left, you can¡¯t miss it. Large brown building, bunch of loud young wolves.¡± I gave him the directions and had started to turn back towards the stairs, but slipping away wasn¡¯t going to be that simple.

    ¡°Thank you, miss¡­?¡± He asked as he crossed the kitchen, watching me curiously. I was used to that, I did tend to stick out amongst wolves looking nothing like 95% of them.

    ¡°Alyce.¡± I replied briefly. I didn¡¯t have any desire to get to know any of the visiting packs. I wanted to keep my head down and stay under the radar until I could slip away in the midst of the banquet chaos. Little did I know that the Moon Goddess had plans for me that didn¡¯t even remotely include staying under the radar.

    ¡°And you are part of Red Moon?¡±

    I gave a slight nod, ¡°I am¡­ for now¡± the last part muttered to myself under my breath but the brief quirk in his eyebrow made me wonder if he had heard it, ¡°I work as an Omega here, if you will excuse me. I have some things I need to attend to. Enjoy your stay, Delta Victor.¡± I turned, not waiting for a response this time, and headed down the stairs to my space. I needed to get ready for my first shift tonight. It was only a few hours away now.

    What an odd interaction that had been. At least he didn¡¯t look at me with disdain. Perhaps with a bit too much curiosity though. I would have to be careful, I couldn''t have anyone messing up my plans, even accidentally.

    I settled onto my bed, and glanced at the clock, it read 8:00p. I could get a few hours of sleep before I needed to get up and head out. I knew the first shift was exhausting, so best prepare as much as I am able to. I set an alarm for 10:00p and pulled my blanket over me, snuggling into it and letting myself drift off to sleep.

    ~Victor~

    I had just left Alpha Andrew¡¯s office where Daemon, Tristan, Kami, Titus and I had just wrapped up introductions of our ranked members that came. Daemon was the current Alpha of the Moonlight Pack, Tristan and Kami his children. He had left Luna Ivy and Gamma Bruce back in the mountains to keep an eye on the pack. I had tried to volunteer as I was lower rank than Bruce and Titus, who was the Beta, but they wouldn¡¯t hear anything about it. I suspect they were hoping I might find someone to catch my eye and perhaps take as a mate.

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    My mate had passed away in a rare rogue attack a few years back. We hadn¡¯t been together long. We had found each other later than most wolves, and the bond was still building which made it easier to survive her passing. Honestly I was content to go about my duties as the Delta and Head Warrior.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to go to the pack house and get my room settled. I will catch up with you all later.¡± I looked over at Alpha Daemon and the rest of the group, I wasn¡¯t feeling particularly social at this moment. I had heard rumors of how Alpha Andrew ran his pack and I didn¡¯t agree with them, if they were true, plus the man just rubbed me the wrong way.

    ¡°We¡¯ll meet up with you later, perhaps we can go for a run this evening.¡± Titus responded as I headed down the stairs. I waved over my shoulder and wandered on the main floor until I found the kitchen. Andrew had said the most direct route was out the back door.

    I heard someone humming, the voice was beautiful, the tune soulful even if it was just humming. I stopped, watching the young woman as she moved about the kitchen cleaning up. She was different, certainly not your typical wolf and not just for her looks, which seemed familiar to me as well, it was her aura. It wasn¡¯t calming like an Omegas, which is who you would expect to find cleaning up a kitchen in a pack manor or pack house. There was an edge to it, one that made you want to both let your guard down and go on the defensive at the same time. It was subtle, and intriguing. Who was this woman?

    I cleared my throat, ¡°Pardon me, Miss.¡± She turned, her aura instantly pulling back and almost vanishing. She gave me a questioning look, so I continued ¡°My name is Victor, I¡¯m the Delta of the Moonlight Pack. Can you point me towards the pack house please? I was told the shortest route is through the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Yes Delta,¡± Her eyes roamed over me, not really checking me out, more like an assessment, gauging me to see if I was a threat. Clearly she was trained in fighting, to assess situations and opponents. ¡°If you head out that door and follow the path to the left, you can¡¯t miss it. Large brown building, bunch of loud young wolves.¡± She turned for the stairs as soon as she had finished providing the information I¡¯d requested.

    ¡°Thank you, miss¡­?¡± I returned the look, taking in her red hair and pale skin. She looked nothing like your average wolf. She was small and curvy, but you could see the muscles working under her worn clothes. I caught glimpses of faint scars peeking from the edges of her t-shirt. I¡¯d bet my next paycheck that she knew how to use those muscles too, I bet she could take most Deltas and Gammas.

    ¡°Alyce.¡± She replied briefly.

    She looked like she didn¡¯t particularly want to have a conversation, but I needed just a little more information, though I wasn¡¯t sure why I felt the need to have it. There was an attraction, I was drawn to her. Not as one might be drawn to a lover, no I was likely old enough to be her father, but like one is drawn to a friendship or a family member, ¡°And you are part of Red Moon?¡±

    She gave a slight nod, ¡°I am¡­ for now¡± the last bit was so quiet I almost didn¡¯t hear it. I quirked an eyebrow at her, ¡°I work as an Omega here, if you will excuse me. I have some things I need to attend to. Enjoy your stay, Delta Victor.¡± She turned and left, and I didn¡¯t stop her this time. I continued out the back door of the manor and followed her directions until I came upon the pack house.

    I headed inside, weaving through younger wolves to get to my assigned room. I slipped in, locking the door behind me. We were only going to be here a few days so I didn¡¯t bother unpacking much of my bag, just my bathroom supplies, everything else could stay in the bag and I would just live out of it. I did hang up my banquet attire in the closet at least, no sense in showing up in a wrinkled outfit.

    Laying back on my bed I put my hands behind my head and let my thoughts drift to the girl I¡¯d met in the kitchen. There was much more to her than she let on, that much I was sure off, *What do you think, Ezra?* I asked my wolf.

    *I tried reaching out to her wolf when your interest peaked, but she wouldn¡¯t speak to me. Just glared at me, like she had some reason to fear people around them, or something to hide. Maybe both.*

    *I¡¯ve heard rumors of the way Andrew runs this pack, that the Omegas are not treated well. There were even whispers of abuse at one point, but they were quickly squashed so I don¡¯t know.*

    *She did have scars on her. It¡¯s not common for wolves to have scars, only silver or wolfsbane will leave scars. Omega¡¯s don¡¯t generally fight¡­ Train sure, but short of war, they¡¯re usually left to protect the old, weak, and those too young to fight.*

    *I don¡¯t buy for one moment that she¡¯s an Omega. Did you feel her aura? It was unlike anything I¡¯ve ever come across.*

    *Then maybe she was abused? But there¡¯s no proof of that, nor that it was done at the hands of this pack.*

    *I know, but I can¡¯t shake this nagging feeling. This draw to her.*

    *She¡¯s too young for you old man. I¡¯m sure she has a mate out there somewhere.*

    *No, no not like that. I¡¯ll admit I¡¯m drawn to protect her, but more like an uncle or a brother, not as a mate.*

    *Maybe we can ask around, or even ask Alpha or Titus. They¡¯ve both been around other packs more than anyone else in our village.*

    *Not a bad idea, I¡¯ll ask Daemon about it a little later.*

    Ezra nodded and settled down into the back of my mind and we both drifted off, traveling out of the mountains was exhausting, a nap was a great idea.

 Chapter 13

    ~Tristan~

    The meeting with Alpha Andrew had been uncomfortable at best. We all know the rumors that surround this pack, even as secluded as our pack is, we still keep up with the outside world. We even have internet and cell phone service. Granted we had to pay to put in the lines and towers ourselves, but we have it. We live more simply than most packs, but we still run business and various trades to fund our pack.

    I listened absent mindedly as Victor and Titus spoke briefly before Victor wandered off to go find his room. I was a little envious of him right this moment. The girls in this pack had already been making eyes at me once they found out I was the Alpha¡¯s son. Our pack members were mingling with theirs at the pack house, probably in the hopes of finding their mate, or in many cases just having some fun, but I wasn¡¯t like that. I had watched too many of my friends sleep around and have it come back to bite them in the ass. Nope, no thanks. I¡¯d pass.

    Titus and Victor were staying in the packhouse with the rest of our pack members. Father, Kami and I were staying in the manor. I wasn¡¯t particularly thrilled by this arrangement as I didn¡¯t like having our leading pack members separated, but it did give us more eyes and ears around questionable wolves.

    I was glad my sister was still too young to find her mate, not that it had stopped some of the male wolves from staring at her, but at least we wouldn¡¯t have to leave her here. Personally I hoped none of the females from any of the attending packs found mates in Red Moon, there were too many rumors of questionable practices.

    ¡°Father, I¡¯m going to escort Kami to her room, she¡¯s looking rather tired and could probably use some rest. Then I¡¯m going to explore a bit myself. See if I can locate a good place for a run. It''s a full moon tonight, but I believe Andrew said he had called off the pack run tonight due to preparations for tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine son. I will go make sure Alpha Andrew doesn¡¯t mind us running his land. I¡¯m sure as a gracious host he won¡¯t deny us.¡± my father chuckled a bit.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you know when I find a good spot. Come Kami, let¡¯s get you settled.¡± I turned, gripping Kami at the elbow. She didn¡¯t need me to look after her, she was more than capable of taking care of herself, however the condition for her coming with us even though she was too young for a mate, was that she would behave and let us look after her while we were here.

    Kami glared at me a little but nodded and came along with me anyway. I know she wasn¡¯t happy about it, but a deal was a deal, ¡°I can walk on my own Tristan!¡± She hissed at me.

    I grinned down at her, letting go of her elbow, ¡°I know you can, but you never let me take care of you anymore. Frankly,¡± I lowered my voice as we reached the top of the stairs and headed down the hall, ¡°I don¡¯t trust anyone in Red Moon, you¡¯ve heard the rumors, don¡¯t even deny it, and none of the other packs have arrived yet.¡± I murmured in her ear.

    ¡°I know, I know. I¡¯ll be careful I promise. Besides, I¡¯m pretty sure I can take any of these wolves with my eyes closed.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt, but just while we¡¯re here, can you let me do my job as your big brother. Please?¡±

    She sighed, her blue-gray eyes softening a little when I said please, ¡°Ok, but if you try to go over the top like you did last year I will hand you your ass.¡±

    I laughed, ¡°Oh my dear sister, I would like to see you try sometime. You are tough, but not tough enough to take me down.¡±

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    She grinned at me, ¡°One of these days I¡¯ll show you, Tristan. Also, what is with all these she-wolves looking at you like a piece of meat? You¡¯d think they have no respect for the mate bond, or themselves for that matter¡­¡±

    ¡°Maybe they don¡¯t. The males are no better. I¡¯ve had to glare at more than a few looking at you the same way. Promise me you will be careful.¡±

    ¡°I promise, Trist. I will even keep my blades on me at all times if it makes you feel better.¡±

    I nodded, my sister was an expert with all types of knives and most types of smaller bladed weapons, ¡°It would make me feel a little better. Not going anywhere without an escort would be ideal, but I know better than that.¡±

    We stopped in front of the door to her room and I kissed her forehead, ¡°Go get some rest. I will come get you for a run once I locate a place, ok?¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll see you later.¡± She hugged my waist and then slipped into her room. I waited until I heard the lock click into place and then headed out of the manor to search the woods a bit.

    It didn¡¯t take me long to find some trails that headed north east into the woods, ending at a lake that would be a great place to rest at the end of the run, I opened the mind-link to my father, *Ask Alpha Andrew if we can roam the north east woods without causing any trouble. There¡¯s a lake a few miles in. It would be a short run, but it¡¯s better than no run at all.*

    *I¡¯ll go ask him now, head back this way so we can all leave together in an hour if Andrew gives permission.* There was a hint of amusement in my father¡¯s voice.

    *I¡¯m sure he will. I¡¯m on my way.* It was not common for people to tell my father no unless there was a very good reason. He was intimidating. He stood at 7¡¯2¡± and had the muscle and power to go with the impressive stature. In reality he was a giant teddy bear most of the time, not that anyone other than Mother will tell him that to his face, even bears have claws and his were swift and sharp. I headed back to the pack manor, arriving just as my father came over our link, ¡°Andrew says we are welcome to roam the entirety of his territory.¡±

    *Wonderful, I¡¯ll get everyone together, let¡¯s meet in an hour? 10:30, at the back door of the Manor?*

    *Alright. That sounds like a plan.*

    My father was still Alpha in charge, but I was set to be taking over just as soon as I found my mate, so he tended to let me act as Alpha on many things. I was already 21, and knew I would need to find her soon before it started affecting my temperament and behavior. It was one of the biggest reasons we had made the trek to this pack. I needed to do everything I could to find her.

    I pushed away those thoughts for now and headed inside to gather everyone and give them the basic directions to the lake. Victor and Titus I called via mind-link, relaying information to them as they made their way over. Next I needed to get Kami, bounding up the stairs and down the hall to her room, tapping on the door, ¡°Come on Kami, time for a run!¡±

    I heard a pillow hit the door and laughed, ¡°Come on, you¡¯ll hate yourself if you miss a run, and Scarlett won¡¯t talk to you for a week!¡±

    I heard her grumble as she started to come alive, ¡°I¡¯ll be out in a minute! I hate that you¡¯re right.¡± she yelled at me through the door.

    ¡°Ok, I¡¯m gonna get Father and then we¡¯ll meet you all down stairs at the back door.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±

    I walked away laughing, heading for my father¡¯s room. Another 20 minutes and we were all assembled in the yard behind the manor, ¡°Alright, there¡¯s a lake a few miles into the woods to the north east. Alpha Andrew has given us free roam of his territory, but I don¡¯t want to wander too far with our younger pack members here. So let¡¯s stick to the lake. It¡¯s not huge, run laps around it if you need to burn more energy. I¡¯ve put clothes at the lake and here at the back door just in case. Now, let¡¯s go!¡±

    They all nodded at me, even my father gave me an approving look when I explained why we weren¡¯t running around all willy nilly. We shifted and headed for the woods, yipping and growling at each other in good fun as we raced toward the lake.

 Chapter 14

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    *Beep.* *Beep.* *Beep.* The obnoxious echo of my alarm clock started invading the first peaceful sleep I¡¯d had in a long time. Probably because it was such a short sleep. I reached over, smashing the buttons of the alarm clock, silencing it.My feet hitting the cold cement floor as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes got me moving. I didn¡¯t waste any time as I slipped into a pair of leggings and an oversized t-shirt that came to my knees. I looked like hell, but it was by design. I wanted something easy to slip on after I shifted back. Slipping on a pair of black flats I ran my fingers through my hair and then piled it into a messy bun on the top of my head.

    Aramyth was prancing around in my head, *I can¡¯t wait, Little One, as anxious as I am to run, I¡¯m more anxious for you to realize just how special you are.*

    I grinned a little as I crept up the basement stairs, *I know Aramyth, and in another 24 hours or so, we will be free and we won¡¯t have to hide anymore.*

    *No, we won¡¯t, but we will still need to be careful. He¡¯s still out there and he will know what and who you are. If word gets back to him before we¡¯re prepared it could end everything before it even begins.*

    *We¡¯ll be careful. I plan to reject Red Moon when we leave, yes we will be considered rogue, but I¡¯m hoping if we head to the north one of the packs up there will allow us in.*

    *If you use your real name, any pack in the world would let you in. At least anyone still run by the older Alpha¡¯s, younger Alpha¡¯s won¡¯t necessarily know your name and what it means.*

    *Noted, if necessary I will reveal who I am, but I¡¯d rather not give out any more information than is necessary. I don¡¯t want to bring trouble to anyone for helping us.*

    *Agreed, let¡¯s go, we will be late if we don¡¯t get going.*

    I chuckled at her eagerness and slipped through the kitchen of the pack manor, slipping out the back door. I glanced at the sky, judging that the moon would be at its apex in about 45 minutes. It would take me 25 to get to the clearing on foot. I don¡¯t know how Aramyth was always right on the nose about timing, not like she could wear a watch or read the time. I rolled my eyes at my own silliness and headed into the tree line.

    I kept to the shadows until I was further into the woods and knew no one saw me, I then took to the trees. I know, I was being ridiculously paranoid, but I needed tonight to go off without a hitch, my plans depended on it. I was catching scents to the east, scents I didn¡¯t recognize. They were faint, only coming when the breeze was blowing just right. Given that there wasn¡¯t a plethora of warriors swarming the woods I assumed it was some of the visiting pack members. I would make sure Faith and Jake were aware so they could make sure to keep an eye out and lead them away if necessary.

    I made it to the clearing only a few minutes late. I crouched on the branch, grinning as I looked down at Mattie, Faith and Jake. An evil smirk crossed my face as I had an idea come to mind. I waited patiently for a couple minutes, watching Mat shift around a little. I waited until he was close enough to where I was perched and then jumped down onto his back, ¡°Gotcha, Mattie!¡±

    The startled look on his face as I was suddenly flung over his shoulder and hit the ground on my back with a groan was totally worth it, it was soon followed by a horrified one, ¡°Shit Alyce! I¡¯m sorry! Why would you sneak up on me like that?¡±

    I laughed a little, ¡°It¡¯s fine, it was worth it. The look on your face was priceless.¡±

    He reached down and grabbed my hand, helping me back up to my feet, ¡°You sure you¡¯re ok? You look like hell.¡±

    ¡°Gee, thanks. I¡¯m fine. I took a nap before coming out here and figured clothes that I wouldn¡¯t mind getting ruined were better than something I would miss, just in case.¡±

    Faith and Jake were standing off to the side, trying not to laugh at the two of us. I turned and looked at them with a grin, walking over to hug them both, ¡°Thank you for being here. It means a lot to me.¡±

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    ¡°We wouldn¡¯t miss it for anything, Alyce.¡± Faith smiled at me and patted my cheek in a motherly fashion.

    ¡°Oh, and I smelt unfamiliar wolves in the woods on my way here. I suspect it¡¯s some of the visiting pack who arrived today seeing as there is no alarm being raised, but just be aware and alert.¡±

    ¡°Of course my dear.¡±

    It was about this point I started to notice I was feeling a little warm, I fanned my face with my hand and looked at Faith, ¡°It¡¯s unusually warm tonight isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Jake arched a brow and Faith grinned at me, ¡°No dear, it¡¯s not. Your shift is approaching. It¡¯s almost time. It¡¯s going to hurt like hell and most first shifts usually last an hour, maybe two, but they¡¯ve also been known to take up to twelve.¡±

    Mat came up behind me and hugged my shoulders, ¡°We¡¯ll be here the whole time, but try not to take too long, I need my beauty sleep before the banquet and you will still have to work, no matter your condition.¡±

    ¡°You certainly need all the beauty sleep you can get, Mattie. I would give you some of mine if I could.¡± I giggled at him and then shrugged him off. It was too warm. I gripped his arm as a wave of dizziness washed over me.

    Faith reached over to help steady me, ¡°It¡¯s normal Alyce, nausea, dizziness, headaches, fever, all normal. Sit down, it¡¯ll be better than falling.¡± She guided me to the ground and rubbed my back soothingly.

    I groaned a bit, I felt like my body was on fire. There was also an odd sensation, almost like a restlessness in my nerves and bones, like they were trying to lengthen. It was really weird and hard to describe. I knew my first shift was about to hit me like a ton of bricks.

    I bit down on the inside of my cheek to keep myself from screaming out as I felt my bones starting to break and reform. It was slow, one here, one there. I was glad that Faith had me sit down, my legs were at unnatural angles and I would have hit the ground hard and fast.

    It was a weird sight to see my bones cracking and know that it was normal. Sweat was pouring down my body, and I was starting to lose focus. I tried to relax, to not fight it, but my muscles wanted to tense out of reflex and it made everything a bit more intense.

    I felt someone pull me into their lap, holding me loosely and knew in an instant that it was Matheau. His warmth and familiar scent actually helped soothe the pain a little. He couldn¡¯t help as much as a mate could, but his being my safe space still helped a little.

    ¡°Shhh, Alyce, I know it hurts, but it will be ok. It¡¯s worth it.¡± Matheau whispered in my ear as he rocked me gently. I couldn¡¯t speak at this point so I just nodded a little in response.

    I gasped as more of my bones cracked and rearranged themselves, moving quickly now. I felt fur sprouting from my skin. Next thing I knew it was like I was a passenger in my own mind, looking through eyes that weren¡¯t my own. Our human forms had heightened eyesight and smell, but it paled in comparison to Aramyth¡¯s. I know she wanted to howl, but we couldn¡¯t tonight. It would give us away as no one had heard it and would be on alert at an unfamiliar howl.

    I got up onto my paws, shakily at first. It was a hell of an adjustment to go from two legs to four. It didn¡¯t take me long to get the hang of it though and it was about the time that I shook out my fur that I heard Mat gasp. I turned my head and cocked it sideways at him in question, *What is it Mattie?* I asked via mind-link.

    ¡°You¡¯re huge Aramyth, bigger than any female I¡¯ve ever seen! Almost the size of an alpha male wolf! And your fur¡­ It¡¯s¡­ crimson¡­ like fresh blood..¡± He replied.

    ¡°She¡¯s a Crimson Wolf. Her father was one too. It¡¯s in her blood.¡± Faith stated matter of factly, it left no room for argument.

    ¡°I have vague memories of his wolf, his fur was a deeper red though, streaked with black. I don¡¯t know what it means to be a Crimson Wolf though.¡± I looked at Faith and Jake curiously, ¡°Spill.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re faster, stronger, more agile. You are the strongest female in existence and given that you¡¯re also a legitimate Alpha Female, you are likely as strong, if not stronger than most of the Alpha males. Your healing is accelerated beyond normal Alpha limits. It is rumored that the crimson wolf blood line dates back to when we had an Alpha King, the Alpha of Alphas. They say the crimson wolves are a direct bloodline, but no one has ever been able to provide proof to support the claim. Despite the lack of evidence, it is the generally accepted theory. It generally skips generations and you are only the second known female Crimson Wolf. The fact that both you and your father have Crimson Wolves is rare, but I don¡¯t know what it means if anything.¡± Jake provided some answers for me.

    ¡°Given your Fae side is definitely dominant and not recessive in you, you are likely full of other surprises that we will only uncover in time.¡± Faith added.

    It was a lot to take in, and I sat on my haunches letting my brain mull over and process this new information. I would have to do some research when I had a chance. If I was lucky, the library back in Silver Moon pack was still intact. That would be my best chance of finding out more.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough information overload for tonight. I¡¯d like to run, but with other wolves out I¡¯m not sure it¡¯s a good idea. So¡­ Uh¡­ Can someone tell me how to shift back?¡± I grinned, my tongue lolling out of my mouth as I looked at them.

 Chapter 15

    Mat was laughing at me, ¡°Just picture yourself in your human form, how you look, what it feels like and will your human form to return.¡±

    I nodded at him, and closed my eyes, picturing my human self. I felt my bones starting to snap and reform as my body went from Aramyth¡¯s giant wolf to my tiny human self, *How do you even fit? You¡¯re ginormous compared to me!* I teased her.

    *I¡¯ll admit it¡¯s a tight fit, bit uncomfortable.* she teased back.

    I rolled my eyes at her and looked at Mat, ¡°Give me your shirt Mattie.¡±

    He didn¡¯t hesitate, pulling his shirt off and handing it to me. I slipped it on and smiled at them all, ¡°We should head back before anyone realizes we¡¯re missing. Is everything set for tomorrow?¡±

    We all headed back towards the pack manor, keeping our eyes open as we went, ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am. We have everything ready to go and will meet you there when you¡¯re ready.¡± Faith answered.

    It was about 0130 when we parted ways and I headed straight for my bed. It had been an exhausting, but exciting night. Now I needed some sleep before I had to get up and deal with final preparations for the banquet and my departure.

    ~Tristan~

    We ran for what seemed like hours, Ryder was antsy and on edge the entire time. He was bouncing around like every cell in his body was vibrating at a high frequency.

    *What¡¯s gotten into you?* I asked.

    *I think our mate is near. I can feel her, but only in brief, fleeting bits. I can¡¯t smell her either. It¡¯s weird.*

    *Maybe she¡¯s in one of the other visiting packs? Maybe some of them got here early too?*

    *Maybe, but it¡¯s more likely she¡¯s out here somewhere.*

    *It¡¯s nearly midnight, if we go looking for her now, we might scare her. We can go searching in the morning.* Every fiber of my being wanted to go ripping through this area until we found her, but I knew stalking a woman in the middle of the night was not a good first impression.

    *I know. I know.* Ryder whined, *I can feel you want to go looking as badly as I do, but your logic is sound.* He let out a whimper and we pressed forward, running with our pack mates.

    My father gave me an odd look, like he could tell something was bothering me, *Everything ok son?* His voice came over the mind-link.

    *Yeah, Ryder thinks our mate is near, not near enough to pinpoint, but in the area. It¡¯s taking a lot to not go on a mad dash to find her.*

    *I see.* He gave me a goofy wolf grin, *There¡¯s always the morning son. We¡¯ll try to find her trail and follow it, we¡¯ll leave early if necessary, your mate is more important than some silly banquet at a questionable pack.*

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    *I appreciate that Father. I could use a distraction, let¡¯s hit the lake!*

    We all beelined for the lake, Ryder and I not even hesitating as we jumped into the cold water. Almost as good as a cold shower right? Kami¡¯s wolf Scarlett came flying in next, close enough to hit us with water from her splash. The others soon followed and we all horsed around for the next couple hours until we all felt we had exerted enough energy for the night.

    *Let¡¯s get back, tomorrow is going to be a long day of socializing and playing polite.* My father¡¯s voice once again echoed through a mind-link that included the group. Climbing out and shaking ourselves dry we headed back to the pack manor. As we entered the front door I caught the faintest hint of a smell that I never wanted to lose. She was here, somewhere, and tomorrow I would find her.

    Kami drug me up the stairs, giving me a funny look as I used every last bit of my will power to follow her up to the hall our rooms were in. We all parted ways and I showered before heading to bed, though sleep didn¡¯t come much that night.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Once again the obnoxious beeping of my alarm clock broke into my subconscious, bringing me out of my sleep and into reality. After silencing it I got up and headed for the shower. I washed my hair and scrubbed up before stepping out and wrapping my hair in a towel. I dried off and dressed in a pair of black leggings with holes in the knees and a slightly too large navy t-shirt, which I tied a knot in at my hip so that it fit better. Once again I forewent shoes. I would have to wear them at the banquet and that was torture enough for one day. Quickly I braided my hair, wrapping it around my head like a crown and darted up the stairs.

    I planned to make breakfast for the pack manor this morning so I set to work. First thing I did was start some coffee in the restaurant sized coffee maker, it usually took a good 45 minutes to finish brewing. I fried up some sausage and set to making some homemade sausage gravy. When it was done, I turned it on low to keep it warm and peeled and sliced some potatoes, frying them up and putting them in the buffet warmer when they were ready. I popped some homemade frozen biscuits in the oven and worked on making a large batch of scrambled eggs with cheese while the biscuits cooked.

    I was putting everything in the warmer when I heard voices coming from the main hall. I glanced at the clock, 6:45am, no one should be up and moving for another 15 minutes at least. Crap, I wanted to be out of here before the assholes came down. I paused and took a deep breath, I could do this. I was safe until tomorrow and I would be gone before then. I couldn¡¯t just run away, it would look really odd and we had guests so I was expected to act normal. I plastered a fake smile on my face and turned, ready to take on the day. I would be free in less than 24hrs.

    ~Victor~

    I had always been an early riser. I was up before my alarm went off at 6:00am. I showered and dressed in a pair of jeans and a gray t-shirt. I slipped on some sneakers and left my room. I was planning on heading to the pack manor to meet the others before we went to the pack house as a group for breakfast. We had been told that the omega that usually cooked here was busy with banquet preparations. I met Kami in the front hall of the pack manor, she was used to getting up early for training and apparently her internal clock didn¡¯t have a vacation mode either.

    ¡°Hey kiddo, headed for some breakfast?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t call me kiddo Uncle Victor. Unless you want to suffer an early death, in which case carry on.¡±

    I laughed at her, ¡°Come on Miss Grump. Let¡¯s get you some coffee before you decide to murder everyone¡­¡±

    We were heading toward the back door as the most amazing smell of food hit our noses. We followed it into the kitchen and were practically drooling by the time we reached the doorway.

    ¡°What is that heavenly smell? Please tell me it¡¯s coffee¡­¡± Kami murmured as she looked around for the source.

    I looked around as well, my eyes falling on the same woman I had met yesterday, ¡°Good morning. Alyce right? I didn¡¯t realize there would be breakfast here this morning. I thought we would have to go to the pack house.¡±

    She smiled at us, but it didn¡¯t reach her eyes, ¡°Good morning Delta, ah, yes. I have just about finished my preparations for the banquet, everything left to be done has to be done later so I had time to make breakfast.¡± She looked over at Kami, ¡°Good morning Miss. I do have coffee ready. If you give me just a moment I will get the mugs and coffee fixings set out and then you may help yourselves.¡± Alyce turned and started setting up three trays, one filled with mugs, one filled with various creamers and sweeteners and the last one she set regular glasses on.

    I looked over at Kami, speaking through the mind-link, *She¡¯s the one I met yesterday. The Omega that is in no way an Omega.*

    *I see what you mean, nothing about her screams Omega. The way she carries herself, the aura she reigns in as soon as someone is around and she realizes it. No, everything about her screams ranked wolf, and highly ranked at that. We should rouse Father, he will likely want to meet her as well.* Kami replied.

    I nodded, *See if you can get him on the mind-link, I will try to keep her here. I suspect she tends to flee these types of situations judging from her behavior yesterday.*

    While Kami busied herself trying to wake her father up and get him moving, I turned my attention back to Alyce, ¡°Miss Alyce is there anything I can go to help?¡±

 Chapter 16

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I looked over my shoulder at Victor and shook my head, ¡°No thank you Delta, I¡¯m quite adept at this. Been doing it half my life.¡±

    ¡°Seems like a young age to start kitchen work. You can¡¯t be more than what? 19, maybe 20?¡±

    ¡°Maybe, but when you¡¯re taken in as an orphan you do what you¡¯re told, when you¡¯re told and are thankful to not be a rogue. I¡¯m 18 as of yesterday.¡± I knew I was probably giving him more information than I should, but for some reason I found him easy to talk to, like an Uncle I never had. Plus I would be gone soon and it wouldn¡¯t matter.

    ¡°Well happy birthday, albeit a bit belated. This pack doesn¡¯t do birthday celebrations?¡±

    ¡°Thank you, and no, not for Omegas. Sometimes the Omega¡¯s families will hold a small one, but I have no legal family here.¡± I took the trays I had prepped to the end of the counter near the coffee pot and headed for the fridge to get out the orange juice, milk and cream.

    About the time I was placing the cold drinks in a small tub on the counter I heard more steps coming down the stairs. I just hoped it was more of the Moonlight pack and not Red Moon members. I grabbed a bag of ice from the freezer and poured it into the tub around the cold drinks to keep them cold and turned, ready to greet the next round of wolves drawn by breakfast.

    ~Tristan~

    I was woken at 7 am by my father banging on my door as he walked in, ¡°Get up, get dressed. Quickly. Kami woke me up, apparently that curious Omega is down in the kitchen. I don¡¯t know why they think this is something to wake me up over, but she is seemingly quite intriguing. So if I have to be up, so do you my boy. They say her food smells amazing.¡±

    I growled and threw a pillow at him, which he dodged and threw back at me after getting from the floor where it landed, ¡°Come on Tristan, duties of the future alpha do not sleep in.¡± He laughed.

    *Plus the earlier we¡¯re moving the sooner we can find our mate¡­* Ryder chimed in.

    ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯m up. Get out. I¡¯ll be out in a minute.¡± Truth was, all I needed was to be reminded that our mate was out there somewhere close and I was wide awake.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait in the hall for you.¡±

    I nodded and rolled out of bed as my father stepped out and closed the door. I jumped to my bag, pulling out clean boxers, dark wash jeans and a black t-shirt. I didn¡¯t feel the need to put shoes on for breakfast so I didn¡¯t bother. I dressed quickly and joined my father in the hall, much to his amusement. Titus was coming out of his room and walking towards us as well.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± I grumbled and headed down the hall with them towards the stairs. I was starting to catch hints of the food in the kitchen as we reached the stairs. Ryder was jumping around by the time we reached the bottom of the stairs, *Mate, mate, mate! She¡¯s here! Let¡¯s find her!*

    *Hush, we have to investigate this Omega first, then we will find our mate. At least we know she¡¯s in this house somewhere.*

    Our group headed into the kitchen, the intoxicating smell of honey, mint and kiwi filling my nostrils. Could it be? Victor hadn¡¯t mentioned anyone other than the Omega being in the kitchen this morning. Could she be my mate? I brought up the rear of the group, shoving through the others as they came to stop to survey the breakfast setup.

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    I stopped dead in my tracks as I saw her, she was the most beautiful she-wolf I had ever seen with her hair worn like a crown. She was a queen, no, a goddess. She was shorter than me, and full figured, but I could see the muscles under her leggings. She turned and looked at me, her green eyes instantly finding mine, they were so pale they were nearly translucent. I couldn¡¯t decipher the emotions in them as I was too busy drowning in them, ¡°Mine!¡± I whispered as I took a step towards her.

    Ryder wanted to tackle her, take her right there in the kitchen, but he whimpered when she took a step back when we advanced. I noticed then that her eyes were glazing over, though they were so translucent I nearly missed it, she was mind-linking someone.

    Within 60 seconds a male came flying through the back door, grabbing my mate and pulling him behind him. He was tall, just a few inches shorter than me and had a lean build with well defined musculature. I only knew this because he was only in a pair of shorts. His eyes were ice blue and darting between all of us in the kitchen while standing between us and my mate, she was gripping his hand like a life line.

    I growled at the sight of them touching, ¡°Move!¡± I glared, staring him down, ¡°Get away from my mate if you value your life.¡±

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I did not expect to feel that pull again, and definitely not this soon, but it was there, as soon as I turned and caught sight of those smokey, blue-gray eyes I was in a trance. I took in the sight of him. He was tall, taller than Mat by a few inches and he was 5¡¯10¡±, so maybe 6¡¯4¡± give or take. His shoulders were broad and I could see tattoos peeking out from the edges of his shirt collar and all down his arms. I was pretty sure he could bench press three of me without breaking a sweat.

    Aramyth and I instantly wanted to run to his arms and crush his lips with ours which was a much different reaction than with Theo, ¡°No, no we can¡¯t.¡± I told myself, *We¡¯re leaving tonight, we can¡¯t have a second chance mate. It will ruin everything.* I whimpered at Aramyth.

    Then he whispered and took a step towards me and I panicked. I wanted to run, but I knew better. Male wolves loved a good chase. I took a step back, mind-linking Mat, *Help, Mattie, come quick, pack manor kitchen. Hurry!*

    It didn¡¯t take long for him to come barreling through the back door, I felt his hand grab my wrist and yank me behind him. I clung to his hand for dear life.

    The god-like stranger didn¡¯t like this, and I knew he wouldn¡¯t but I needed to think and Mattie would buy me the time to do that without hesitation. My mate growled at Mat, ordering him to move and get away from me.

    ~Matheau~

    I ran in the door of the pack manor, taking the briefest second to assess the situation. There were 5 unknown wolves in the kitchen, 4 male, 1 female. All of them are exceptionally tall, even for werewolf standards. One was easily 7¡¯, maybe a little more. The giant one, and 3 others were watching the scene with a mixture of astonishment and amusement. I don¡¯t think they¡¯re the reason Alyce called me.

    No, I suspect it was the 5th wolf, who was staring at Alyce like he wanted to eat her, and not in a bad way. Oh boy, what was going on? Was this another Vincent situation? I would kill someone if it was, but that seemed unlikely given the audience. It looked a lot like the Theo situation that happened last week.

    Didn¡¯t matter, Alyce needed me. I grabbed her, pulling her behind me, letting her cling to my hand as much as she wanted. I did not take an aggressive stance though. Not yet anyway. The guy looking at Alyce growled at me, telling me to move and get away from his mate.

    ¡°Got it, it¡¯s a Theo situation,¡± I muttered under my breath. I looked at Mr. Growly, ¡°Sorry buddy, I can¡¯t do that, but don¡¯t worry, you¡¯re more my type than Alyce is. You need to back up and give her some space though.¡±

    Mr. Growly blinked at me, taking a minute to process what I just said, ¡°I don¡¯t care who your type is. You are between me and my mate and that is a dangerous place to be. Who are you?¡± another growl from him.

    I glanced back at Alyce, who was quickly gaining her composure, and then back to him, ¡°Listen Mr. Growly, I don¡¯t care who you are. Alyce is my priority. I will move when she is ready for me to do so and not a second before. My name is Matheau. I am the son of the Deltas for this pack. Alyce is my best friend and my sister. Now unless you want her to bolt out of here the second she finishes processing this information overload, I suggest you back up.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Growly¡­¡± I heard Alyce whisper and giggle come from behind me, but didn¡¯t take my eyes off of the male in front of me. Good she was coming around.

    My eyes darted to one of the other males, the tall one. His hair was black and his eyes gray and he looked lean, but I had no doubt that he was a lot stronger than he looked. He was laughing, a chest rumbling, belly aching laugh, ¡°Mr. Growly¡­ Oh, that¡¯s both funny and currently appropriate.¡± He stepped forward, hands out, open towards us to show he meant no harm, ¡°My name is Alpha Daemon Willow of the Moonlight pack, and that is my son Tristan. With me are my daughter Kami, my Gamma Titus and my Delta Victor, who apparently met your friend yesterday.¡±

    He came up to stand just behind his son, placing a hand on his shoulder, ¡°Tristan, you need to step back. She is clearly overwhelmed, give her a minute. I know how you feel, but you need to think about how she feels.¡±

    I watched Tristan¡¯s expression change, like it pained him to step back from his mate, but he did so, with a little encouragement from his father¡¯s tug on his shoulder. I felt Alyce¡¯s grip on me loosen and gave her a questioning look over my shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯m ok Mattie, I just needed a minute. Thank you.¡± She whispered as she came to stand beside me. She looked over at the others, ¡°My name is Alyce Lilly, I do apologize for my reaction. I was just caught off guard. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you all.¡±

 Chapter 17

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I stepped up beside Mat, greeting them all and apologizing for my reaction. I was still processing it all, but I could, at the very least, be polite. They were guests and had done nothing wrong. I looked up at them all, ¡°Breakfast is getting cold, you all should eat, and Miss Kami has been waiting far too long for some coffee.¡± I looked at Mat, ¡°You should stay for breakfast too. Thank you for coming when I called.¡± I murmured and leaned up to kiss his cheek, which elicited a growl from Tristan.

    I spun on my heel and narrowed my eyes at him, moving from Mat to thrust my finger up into Tristan¡¯s chest, ¡°Listen here, you will not growl at him. If you hope to have any chance of me even considering this mate bond you will behave!¡± I could feel my alpha aura starting to leak out and quickly reigned it in. That was odd, I¡¯d never had a hard time keeping my aura under wraps.

    Tristan looked down at my finger poking at him and then at my face, both astonishment and amusement evident in his eyes, ¡°You¡¯re a feisty little thing aren¡¯t you?¡± He grabbed my hand and I resisted the urge to react to the tingles his touch sent across my skin, ¡°I will do my best to behave. It would help if you didn¡¯t deliberately do things to agitate my wolf.¡±

    ¡°Hmph. I¡¯m not about to change who I am just because your wolf has his boxers in a bunch over my best friend. If he has an issue with that then he will just have to learn to deal with it.¡± I pulled my hand from his grasp and stiffened a little as I heard loud steps pounding down the stairs, I drew in a deep breath drawing in the scent of the approaching wolves. Theo, Dean and Andrew. Fuck. I was so fucked.

    Tristan gave me a funny look as he watched my body language and I watched his eyes glaze over as he mind-linked someone. I turned and walked as quickly as I could toward the back door without raising suspicions. I needed to get out of here. I saw Mat shake his head at someone, probably Tristan who wouldn¡¯t understand why I was suddenly trying to escape.

    I wasn¡¯t quick enough, I heard Andrew bellowing as he entered the kitchen. Too late. I¡¯d been seen. I froze and turned, my head held high. I felt like a yo-yo with all the emotional ups and downs these last couple weeks. I was glad it would be over soon.

    ~Andrew~

    I was just stepping out of my room when I heard yelling and growling coming from downstairs. Theo and Dean were coming out of their rooms with perplexed looks on their faces as well. It was not a normal event for the pack manor. The pack house, sure, but not the manor.

    ¡°What now?¡± I muttered as we all ran down the stairs to find out what was going on. I could smell breakfast as we hit the bottom of the stairs, which was odd as I had told Alyce all her attention needed to be on the banquet. Clearly she decided to disobey me this morning.

    There was more yelling coming from the kitchen, and it sounded like Alyce. This caused Theo to suddenly look concerned but he quickly masked his face. Hmm, he¡¯d never shown any emotion towards her before, why now all of a sudden. I would worry about that after I dealt with this.

    We reached the kitchen and I glanced around briefly, ¡°What is going on in here?¡± I caught sight of Alyce beelining for the back door and I had to choke back a growl, ¡°STOP. Alyce, what did you do now, and why did you directly disobey me and cook here, when you are supposed to be focusing on the banquet?¡± My anger was growing. She was nothing but a pain in my ass. Once our guests had gone, I would scar her myself.

    Alyce turned, holding her head high in defiance as she looked directly at me, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything, and as for the banquet, everything is ready to go. I can¡¯t start heating dishes until later so I had time to cook breakfast for our guests.¡±

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    ¡°We could hear you yelling upstairs, don¡¯t tell me you did nothing. Do not lie to me, you will not be disrespectful to me or our guests!¡± I growled at her. Theo was shifting on his feet and I could see him fighting with himself out of the corner of my eye. I made a mental note to talk to him later.

    I turned my attention to our guests, ¡°I do apologize for Alyce. She has always been a troubled girl. My mate has a soft spot for her though, so we tolerate her to an extent. I assure you, her behavior will be dealt with after the banquet.¡±

    Matheau stepped forward, ¡°Alpha Andrew, you¡¯ve misunderstood the situation here. Alyce truly did nothing wrong, she doesn¡¯t need to be punished.¡±

    I spun to look at him, my anger boiling again, ¡°You dare question me pup? Would you like to join her? She¡¯s just an Omega and a rather useless one at that. Is she worth getting punished over? I can string you up right next to her.¡± I hissed the last sentence out at him at a very low volume, but maybe not low enough as I heard Alyce growl, so she had heard me.

    Tristan was starting to bristle, I could feel his aura seeping out. He was incredibly powerful for a young Alpha, especially an unmated one. I once again looked at him, ¡°Truly, I¡¯m sorry for the blatant lack of respect and manners from my pack members.¡±

    ~Tristan~

    I couldn¡¯t believe the reaction of Alpha Andrew. He refused to let Alyce even explain herself. The fact that he would threaten to punish someone for the simple act of standing up for her. And who the hell did he think he was? To speak about my mate like that. To threaten to string her up, and his Delta¡¯s son with her? Though I suspected we weren¡¯t meant to hear that last part. The rumors were starting to look a lot more like facts.

    *Can I sew his lips shut? Rip his vocal cords out? Anything to teach him not to talk about my mate like that.* Ryder growled in my head.

    ¡°Truly, I¡¯m sorry for the blatant lack of respect and manners from my pack members.¡± Andrew apologized to me and I nearly lost it.

    I growled at him, ¡°She is not just some Omega, and even Omegas deserve respect just like every other pack member. Omegas are the glue that binds a pack, keeps it running smoothly.¡± I motioned for Alyce to come over to me, confused when she shook her head at me a little.

    There was so much to her and I knew nothing. Clearly Mat knew plenty and would help her when she couldn¡¯t or wouldn¡¯t help herself, he pushed her toward me gently. I gripped her wrist and pulled her behind me as Victor came up to stand beside me, both of us shielding her from Andrew¡¯s gaze.

    I heard Theo start to growl when I touched her and then quickly swallow it down. There was definitely something complicated going on and I planned to find out what it was, very quickly, ¡°Father, Kami, please take Alyce out of here, Mat should go too.¡±

    I looked at Andrew, ¡°You won¡¯t mind if I borrow them for a little while right? With us being guests and all, having a couple of your pack members to show us around would be handy.¡±

    I watched as Kami and my Father escorted Alyce away, her head still held high. Mat followed behind before Andrew could even respond.

    ¡°No-no, of course not. Whatever you need.¡± Andrew sputtered, regaining his composure.

    ¡°Good,¡± I stepped to him and got in his face, ¡°And if I ever hear you threatening to string up your pack members again, I will take you out myself. That is not how an Alpha handles things.¡± I wanted to tell him that I would kill him if he even looked at my mate again, but something told me that was not a good idea.

    I turned, leaving him there in shock and followed after the others. One of Andrew¡¯s other pack members ran in as we were leaving, ¡°Alpha Andrew, the other packs are starting to arrive!¡±

    ~Andrew~

    What the hell just happened? I looked at Theo and Dean, ¡°Let¡¯s go greet our guests. We can deal with this morning''s fiasco later.¡±

    The three of us headed out to the front entry area, the Beta and Gamma families joining us to officially greet the Cold Moon and Dark Forest packs. I noticed Jake and Faith were missing, but then I realized they were likely running training as Ethan and Levi were with me.

    I greeted the ranked members of the pack, gauging them. I needed to get rid of Alyce and I needed to do it soon. I quietly wondered if we could make alliances in the next couple days, and mulled over which of the visiting packs, if any, would be willing to take her as a parting gift. I just needed to know that they could keep her in line properly.

 Chapter 18

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I hadn¡¯t put up a fight when Mat pushed me to Tristan, too in shock that Andrew would threaten Mat like that. It wasn¡¯t until I felt the tingles running through my arm when he grabbed me and pulled me behind him that I came back to my senses. I heard Theo¡¯s swallowed growl and gave him a funny look, he gave me an apologetic look in return. He must still be feeling the bond even if faintly. I suspect the only reason I wasn¡¯t is because Tristan had found me.

    I was still trying to wrap my brain around that. Second chance mates were rare and it was unheard of for the person who initiated the rejection to have one. I shouldn¡¯t have one, I rejected Theo. Was it because the Moon Goddess understood that I couldn''t love someone who had let my abuse go on, even if he didn¡¯t have a hand in it.

    I watched as Victor stepped up beside Tristan, shielding me from Andrew. Is this what a pack was supposed to be like? What a mate was supposed to do? I peeked out at Mat, but he was focused on Alpha Andrew, watching him as Tristan requested Mat and I come with him, show the group around.

    I couldn¡¯t hide my shock when he agreed, but then I think Tristan had caught him by surprise and he didn¡¯t have an excuse ready. Tristan¡¯s father stepped up to my side and put his hand on my back gently, pushing me to head for the front door of the manor. Kami walked beside me, giving me a smile and grabbing my hand in a reassuring way.

    I didn¡¯t resist, I let them lead me away, but I did look back to make sure Mat was coming as well. When I saw him walking behind me I grinned and he smiled back at me. Tristan and Victor brought up the rear of our group at least until we all cleared the door of the manor. Tristan walked up to me and lifted my chin with his finger so I had no choice but to look at him, ¡°Alyce, you have a lot of explaining to do.¡±

    I narrowed my eyes at him, disliking the fact that he thought he could force me to do anything. I started to recall the memories of Vincent in the basement, my breath starting to become faster and shallower, a panic attack starting to set in. I tried to get out of his grip, reaching back until I felt Mat¡¯s familiar grip and I flung myself into his arms, ¡°Shhh, slow deep breaths Aly, slow deep breaths.¡± He coached me and rubbed my back until I calmed down.

    I took the chance to mind-link Mattie while he continued to calm down, even after I had calmed down, *Mattie, what do I do? I knew I would reject a mate from this pack, I thought I would go with a mate from another pack, but clearly I have issues from recent events. My walls are crumbling. I¡¯m too broken for a mate.*

    *Nonsense Alyce, you are not too broken. You deserve to be happy. What does Aramyth think about him?*

    I reached out to Aramyth, confirming what I already knew from her reactions this morning, but by now she had had time to reach out to his wolf a bit then I answered Mat, *She trusts him, she doesn¡¯t think he¡¯ll do anything to harm us. Apparently he¡¯s been waiting years for his mate and has saved himself for her. I-I can¡¯t even offer him that anymore.* I sniffled, trying to choke back a sob.

    I could feel the others staring at us and Tristan trying not to growl at Mat, trying his hardest to behave like he promised, realizing at this point we were having an unheard conversation.

    Mat must have given them some kind of signal, because they waited patiently while we continued, *I agree with her. He has done everything in your interest since this morning. He backed off, granted he had to be told twice and argue with his wolf first, but ultimately he listened, he protected you from Andrew and I¡¯m quite positive that isn¡¯t the end of that one. Alyce¡­ I think you should tell him, let him decide if he thinks you¡¯re broken. I promise you he won¡¯t. Nothing you have suffered is your fault. He can take you away from here, where you¡¯re safe. You both deserve a chance.*

    Mat lifted his hand from my back, and I felt it replaced with those increasingly familiar tingles as he passed me into Tristan¡¯s arms. I gasped and stiffened, but Tristan said nothing, asked nothing, just wrapped me into his warm embrace. Much to my surprise I felt as at home and safe as I did in Mat¡¯s and I relaxed a little, peeking out at Mat from Tristan¡¯s chest. Mat smiled encouragingly at me and nodded a little. I nodded back and let Tristan comfort me. Mat was right. I was going to have to let Tristan in on everything. I needed him to know everything, to know what he was taking on before letting him accept me as a mate.

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    It wasn¡¯t until today that I was starting to realize just how much Vincent¡¯s actions had gotten to me. I would have to talk to Faith later.

    ¡°Alyce, is there someplace we can go to talk? Some place that pathetic excuse of an Alpha won¡¯t have eyes and ears?¡± I stiffened again at Tristan¡¯s questions, he rubbed my back and added, ¡°Mat can come, my father and Victor will also come.¡±

    I relaxed a little and nodded, ¡°Yes, there¡¯s the old fort. Mat, will you get Faith and Jake to join us too?¡± I stepped out of Tristan¡¯s arms as his pack members all watched me curiously. It made me a tad uncomfortable. I was used to stares, but they were studying me, not just curious like others were.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Mat answered without hesitation before he mind-linked his parents to meet them.

    ¡°Follow me, I¡¯ll show you how to get there. Mat, bring up the rear.¡±

    ~Tristan~

    Watching the switch in Alyce¡¯s personality was fascinating. When anyone from her pack other than Mat was around her face was blank, emotionless, you had no idea what she was feeling, thinking, processing, etc, but if Mat was there, or she was alone she would let her facade drop, she would let herself be human, so to speak, and not a robot. I wanted to know what had caused her to take on this defense mechanism.

    When she panicked at my grip and pulled away, I let her go and she instantly went to Mat. It stirred my jealousy, but I behaved. I promised her I would try, so I was trying.

    We watched as she and Mat spoke through their mind-link. I wanted to be the one holding her, comforting her. I had even stepped forward to take her from Mat, but he had motioned for me to wait. He seemed to know her so well that I couldn¡¯t even argue, so I waited, as much as it killed me.

    *Something is not right here, something has happened to her. Those reactions are not normal. Her wolf, Aramyth, won¡¯t tell me. She says it has to be on Alyce¡¯s terms or she will reject us to protect herself. We have to tread carefully here.* Ryder informed me.

    *That¡¯s good to know, but we also need answers. We will push if we need to, but we need Aramyth to help us. I don¡¯t want to push her too far.*

    *I will ask her.*

    I looked over at my Father mind-linking him, *There are a lot of issues here I think. Her wolf won¡¯t confirm it, but she doesn¡¯t deny it either. Maybe Titus should take Kami elsewhere, maybe to the training grounds?*

    He nodded and turned to Titus, whispering to him. Titus nodded at him and led Kami towards the pack training area, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go beat each other up, or maybe you can beat up one of Alyce¡¯s pack mates.¡± He chuckled a bit.

    ¡°Aramyth says Vincent makes a great target.¡± Ryder spoke up as Titus and Kami walked off. I arched my eyebrow curiously, but relayed the information to Titus and Kami.

    Finally Mat lifted his arm from Alyce and motioned me over. I didn¡¯t hesitate to move over to them, taking Alyce from Mat as he passed her off to me. He gave me a pointed look, one that needed no words to get his point across. I simply nodded and wrapped her in my arms, leaning down to draw in her scent, it was intoxicating.

    ¡°Alyce, is there someplace we can go to talk? Some place that pathetic excuse of an Alpha won¡¯t have eyes and ears?¡± I whispered to her. I felt her stiffen in my arms at the questions. I rubbed her back and quickly added, ¡°Mat can come, my father and Victor will also come.¡±

    She relaxed a little and nodded, ¡°Yes, there¡¯s the old fort. Mat, will you get Faith and Jake to join us too?¡± She stepped out of my arms and I let her. My pack members all watched her curiously. She shifted a little, looking a bit uncomfortable as they studied her.

    ¡°Of course.¡± Mat answered her without hesitation before he mind-linked someone. It was curious how he followed her requests without hesitation. According to Andrew she was an Omega and thus we all outranked her, but Mat responded like she was higher than him. Some of that might be due to their friendship, but I doubted that was all it was.

    ¡°Follow me, I¡¯ll show you how to get there. Mat, bring up the rear.¡± She stated with an authority that was subtle and I doubted she even realized she was doing it. I grinned to myself a bit. She was amazing. She turned and headed into the woods and Victor, my father and I followed after her, with Mat falling in step behind us.

 Chapter 19

    ~Kami~

    I followed Titus as he led me away from the group. I knew that Tristan had asked him to do so, and he had done so for a reason. I knew my brother well enough to know that he wouldn¡¯t send me away unless it was important. My family didn¡¯t shelter me just because I was a girl and I appreciated that.

    *Alyce¡¯s wolf, Aramyth, suggests someone named Vincent as a, and I quote ¡®good target¡¯. I¡¯m not sure why, but I suspect she has a good reason.* I heard Tristan over our mind-link.

    *Interesting.* I responded, *I will find him.*

    I grinned and looked at Titus, ¡°Let¡¯s go get us a target.¡±

    He chuckled at me and we headed for the training area where many of the Red Moon pack members were training, as were a few of ours. I wasn¡¯t the only one who didn¡¯t really have a ¡®vacation mode¡¯ as Victor often put it.

    Some of our wolves stopped training as we approached the large group, bowing their heads to us in respect, ¡°No, no, none of that. Not on the training field. We¡¯ve been over this. Out here, we¡¯re just one of the pack like you all are.¡± I huffed, waving my hands at them to stop it.

    I looked over at the wolf leading their training, ¡°Room for a couple more of us?¡± I looked him over. He was about Victor''s height which put him at 6¡¯0¡± with ashy black hair and blue-green eyes. He was lean and toned, and clearly took care of himself.

    ¡°Not sure we should be letting someone as delicate as you train with us rough and tumble types.¡± He smirked a bit, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t want to break you.¡± He was apparently full of himself and cocky as well. He didn¡¯t hide his roaming eyes and I rolled mine at him.

    Titus was laughing behind me, ¡°Delicate? Kami? Oh that¡¯s funny. I¡¯m pretty sure she would break you, not the other way around.¡± Our pack members were snickering a bit as well. They had seen me train, some had even trained with me.

    ¡°Wanna put your money where your mouth is?¡± The man leading the training asked, giving us a cocky grin.

    ¡°Why not, I haven¡¯t roughed up anyone new in awhile. Who¡¯s your best fighter out on the field at the moment?¡± I knew he was going to step up to the challenge whether or not it was him, but I was also hoping for it so I could knock him around a bit. Smug asshole.

    ¡°That would be me, my name''s Vincent. I¡¯m the Gamma¡¯s son. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met.¡±

    Game. Set. Match. I smiled sweetly at him, ¡°Kami, daughter of Alpha Daemon.¡± I moved through the crowd to the large sparring ring. The others stopped training and surrounded the ring, wanting to watch the match, ¡°Wolves or no?¡± I asked him, batting my lashes at him a little.

    I could hear Titus in my head, *Kick his ass Kam.*

    *Oh, I plan on it. I¡¯m not sure why his name was dropped, but even if it hadn¡¯t been, this cocky ass needs to be knocked down a peg. Or four.*

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    *Agreed.*

    Vincent seemed to think about it a moment, ¡°I¡¯ll let you decide. Whichever way you are more comfortable with.¡±

    ¡°Oh goody. Wolves are fine, first one to be knocked out of the ring or return to Human form after shifting loses. Fair?¡±

    ¡°I can agree to those terms. Just don¡¯t cry when you get your ass handed to you sweetheart.¡± He took a defensive stance, ¡°Your Beta can even call the match.¡±

    ¡°Well, aren''t you gracious?¡± I slipped my shoes off and piled my hair into a tight neat bun before taking my own defensive stance.

    ¡°Are both opponents ready?¡± Titus called out. Vincent and I both nodded affirmatively.

    ¡°And GO!¡± He bellowed, starting the match as he watched from the outside edge of the circle, watching us both carefully.

    ~Third Person~

    Kami and Vincent circled each other, both looking for an opening while gauging their opponent. Kami was almost as tall as Vincent, with a lean and well muscled form. It was clear she had done her fair share of training. Her eyes darted around him, watching for any tells he may have.

    Finally Vincent lunged for Kami, and she hopped to the left, bringing her elbow into his back on the follow-through. He spun at her impact, managing to keep himself off the ground. He came around to face her again, dropping into a sweeping kick, aimed at her ankles. She jumped, but not quite fast enough and she tripped, landing on the ground on her hands, face down. Rolling to the side she just barely missed being grabbed by him.

    She swung her foot up into his chest, planting it firmly in the center of it and kicking him backward. He stumbled and landed on his ass while she followed the kick through to roll to her feet.

    ¡°Come on Vincent, can¡¯t take a hit from a delicate little thing?¡± Kami goaded him, circling him as he did the same, his breath increasing as she got to him.

    Vincent growled, shifting into his wolf Axel. Axel was a medium large wolf with ashen gray fur and light brown eyes. He snapped his maw at Kami, who was beginning to look a little bored with him. He lunged at her with a growl.

    Kami dropped to her knees, arching backwards into the ground, causing Axle to miss and sail over her. She was on her feet in a flash, taking advantage of his confusion to jump on his back. She wrapped an arm around his throat, holding him in a choke hold as he jumped around, trying to shake her loose.

    Axel turned his head, managing to get a hold of her shoulder with his teeth. It wasn¡¯t much of a grip, but it was enough to get her to release him. He was panting, trying to catch his breath after she choked him.

    The crowd was starting to really get into the fight, especially seeing Kami taking on Axel. They went even crazier as Kami let Scarlett out. Scarlett was as big as Axel, her fur was red with black streaks through it and she had pale blue eyes. She let out a snarl as she and Axel lunged at each other.

    It was a good 20 minutes of assholes and elbows, growls echoing and fur flying. It was hard to follow the pair as they were both quick and agile. Another 10 minutes and one of them gave a loud yelp. It took a moment for the dust to settle, but when it did, Scarlett had Axel pinned by the throat in what could be a very deadly fashion.

    Vincent shifted back into his human form and Scarlett backed off, sitting on her haunches looking at him smuggly. He was covered in bruises and cuts, he had a dislocated knee and likely a broken arm. She had not played nice in the end.

    ¡°Your victor is Kami Willow and her wolf Scarlett!¡± Titus announced to the crowd, surprised to see the majority of the Red Moon pack cheering for Kami¡¯s victory over their own pack mate.

    Kami shifted back and Titus slid his shirt onto her so quickly no one got a glimpse of her naked other than from the knees down, ¡°Thanks.¡± She huffed, a bit out of breath.

    She had her fair share of cuts and bruises, but she had come out of the match without any broken bones. She turned to Vincent and offered him a hand to shake, ¡°It was a good match. You¡¯re a decent fighter.¡±

    Vincent glared at her and ignored her hand until she dropped it. Clearly he didn¡¯t like losing to a girl, much less one from another pack, ¡°Training dismissed!¡± He turned on his heel and headed for the pack house.

    Kami and Titus headed for the pack manor. She needed a shower and a change of clothes. Along the way, Titus let Tristan know that Kami had utterly destroyed Vincent, relaying some of the details of the fight.

 Chapter 20

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    We trudged along the deserted trail in the forest for a good thirty minutes before coming upon what Mat and I had dubbed ¡®The Fort¡¯ when we found it all those years. We had spent an entire summer fixing the structural issues and have discretely maintained it over the years. I¡¯m not sure anyone even knew it still existed aside from us.

    The Fort was a simple building that was maybe 20ft long by 30ft wide and 8ft tall. It was likely a storage building at some point in its life, but by the time Mat and I found it, it had been a fort for kids that were probably adults at the time and it had been long forgotten. We had reinforced the walls and put in a new ceiling with a staircase leading to the roof. There was a secret room in the corner, hidden behind a false wall. It was our escape from kids to teens, and even now we find ourselves here on occasion.

    Faith and Jake were waiting by the door for us. She gave me a curious look and I simply smiled, letting her know that I was ok, and there would be details later. She had my bag with her and now I was the one giving her a curious look. She mouthed ¡°Mat¡± and shrugged at me. I glanced at him briefly and he just grinned.

    Everyone filed in and Mat shut the door behind us. I grabbed a few folding chairs and set them up for everyone. I chose to distance myself from the others and sat on a table that was against the wall next to the door. Tristan apparently wasn¡¯t ok with this and started to come towards me, but I put my hand up to stop him, ¡°No, I distanced myself for a reason. You sit with the others.¡±

    He pouted, legitimately pouted and slumped into one of the chairs. Mat reached over and put a hand on his shoulder with a chuckle, ¡°You¡¯ll learn buddy, everything she does, she does for a reason. With time you¡¯ll figure out which things you can push and which you can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Alyce¡­ I need to know what¡¯s going on. The comments and actions of Andrew, your reactions to various people. Mat grouping situations by whether they are a Theo or Vincent situation. Your aura¡­You¡¯re no Omega, but most importantly I need to understand your reaction to our mate bond.¡± Tristan started, looking at me with both worry and confusion. I was glad there was no pity in them. I couldn¡¯t stand pity.

    I took a deep breath and let my eyes roam over them, ¡°What I am about to tell you, absolutely must stay in this room, between us. It would be very, very bad for me and the Delta family if these things got out before I can get us all out. I need you to make a blood oath, that this conversation does not leave this room, and you will not act on this information unless I ok it, which will not be anytime soon. I know this is a lot to ask, but if you want answers, this is the condition.¡±

    I could see Daemon and Tristan speaking in mind-link and I waited patiently. It was a big deal to do a blood oath, especially with someone you don¡¯t really know. My legs were swinging and I was staring at my feet as they moved back and forth, getting lost in my thoughts while I waited.

    Mat was starting to fidget a little, probably nervous that they would turn me down. If they did they would get no answers, I would reject Tristan and I would leave tonight as planned. Faith walked over to me and set my bag on the table. Then she hopped up beside me and squeezed my hand. This drew me from my thoughts and I looked over at her with a smile. It was only with them around that I could let myself be vulnerable, let my guard down a little and be myself.

    Jake was leaning on the back wall, arms crossed over his chest, one foot propped against the wall. He was just watching, like the silent guard he usually was. I smiled at him as well and got one in return.

    Finally Tristan looked at me and cleared his throat to get my attention, my attention was instantly on him, ¡°We will do it.¡±

    This made my heart flutter, though I wasn¡¯t exactly sure why. I hopped off the table, Mat handing me his knife as I approached the group. I took it and sliced my palm, handing it then to Tristan who did the same and handed it to his father, who also followed suit. We pressed our hands together letting our blood mingle, ¡°Alpha Daemon Willow, Alpha-to-be Tristan Willow, do you agree in this oath of blood, to keep everything that is said in this room to yourselves, to not act on it without my permission? Do you agree that failure to do so will result in a loss of your title and status, and if I so will it, your death?¡±

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    ¡°I do.¡± Tristan didn¡¯t hesitate.

    ¡°As do I.¡± Neither did his father.

    I was surprised at the lack of even a little hesitation on both counts, ¡°Then with this the blood oath is sealed.¡± I pulled my hand from theirs, my palm already healed, while theirs was sealed but not quite gone.

    I ignored their surprised looks at my healing and cleaned Mat¡¯s knife, handing it back to him before returning to the table to sit by Faith. Everyone¡¯s eyes turned to me and Faith rubbed my back to assure me she was there.

    ¡°My name is not Alyce Lilly, though that is what all my paperwork states. Nor am I an Omega, again that is what is on my paperwork from the supposed orphanage. It¡¯s all lies. Alpha Andrew does not know this though. He truly believes that I am an Omega and that my name is Alyce Lilly.¡± I started.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you corrected him? Why does everyone still pretend you are who your paperwork states you are?¡± Tristan asked, watching me.

    ¡°Because until last week, when I turned 18 and had finalized my plan to escape this pack, no one knew who I was. Mattie, Faith and Jake are the only ones who know my true name and rank, other than Theo because his knowing was unavoidable. And tonight you will join them.¡±

    Victor tilted his head at me, ¡°You¡¯re not a full wolf are you?¡±

    ¡°No Victor, I am not. My father was a wolf, my mother a Fae. My name is Faelyn De¡¯Lune. I am the only daughter of Liam and Gwydia De¡¯Lune. I am the rightful heir to the Silver Moon pack, and I am an Alpha Female and a Crimson Wolf.¡±

    I spit the information out a bit fast, but hoped they had caught it all. The shock and awe on their faces was apparent to the entire room, but they remained focused for the moment. I was sure this conversation would take several paths by the time we were done.

    ¡°No wonder I feel so drawn to you.¡± Victor chuckled. ¡°I was originally part of Silver Moon. I left to join Moonlight when you were about 3. I needed to get away from the memories of my mate after she died.¡±

    ¡°That certainly explains a lot. It¡¯s the pack bond. I never renounced Silver Moon. I have every intention of getting my pack back from that traitor and finding the truth of what happened to my family. I need to know how they died, where they ended up. Not knowing is worse than facing the truth.¡± Victor nodded and fell quiet for the moment.

    Daemon spoke next, ¡°And how do you plan to do that?¡±

    ¡°That I do not have a plan for yet. I had only planned my escape into the mountains. I was planning to seek refuge in one of the mountain packs if they would have me after I made sure they realized that taking me in had risks. Once I was safely away from here I would have started planning the next steps.¡±

    ¡°And if no one had been willing to take you in?¡±

    ¡°Then I would have become a lone wolf and succeeded on my own, or died trying.¡±

    Tristan growled, ¡°No, you can¡¯t think like that. It¡¯s unacceptable.¡±

    I smiled a bit, ¡°You say that now, but you still don¡¯t know everything. Hold your decisions until the end.¡±

    ¡°Ok. So the way Andrew acts about you and towards you? What¡¯s the reason for that?¡±

    I sighed, ¡°That one may be easier to show you and fill in the details rather than explain the entire thing¡­ Faith, give me a hand please.¡± I stood and turned my back to them glad I had wrapped my hair this morning. Faith stood next to me and helped me lift my shirt in a fashion that would not expose my chest, but would expose the scars. I stared at the wall, unable to look at them while they took in the view.

    ¡°These are the worst of them. Whips and knives coated in wolfsbane. She has others on her arms and legs, from knives.¡± Mat whispered, fighting his own anger about the situation.

 Chapter 21

    Tristan exploded out of his chair, growling and snarling as his wolf tried to surface. Mat and Daemon both grabbed him, Daemon speaking in a low voice to him, ¡°Remember the oath, you can not act on this information. I know that is your and Ryder¡¯s instinct, but you made an oath to her.¡±

    It took a couple minutes but Tristan calmed down and regained full control, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m ok now.¡±

    I had lowered my shirt and resumed my seat on the table while he was working on his self control. I nodded at him, ¡°I understand, the mate bond instills in us a huge drive to defend and sometimes retaliate. I am dumping a lot on all of you. I do not hold your reactions against you.¡±

    ¡°How long¡­?¡± Tristan asked, as if he needed to know but wasn¡¯t sure he really wanted to know.

    ¡°I was sold to the pack when I was eight. I was always treated poorly, like the pack slave. I was 12 when I realized Alpha commands did not affect me. Around 13, when I got Aramyth, and my personality, mouth and temper started to really come through, was when the physical and mental abuse started. I was 14 the first time I was strung up in what they call The Hole and had whips and knives used for days on end. I was 15 the first time they used wolfsbane on me.¡±

    I took a moment to gather my thoughts before continuing, ¡°My last visit to The Hole was 2 weeks ago, because I bumped into Theo trying to escape the kitchen after I finished laying out breakfast. The pack slut took offense to me being in Theo¡¯s bubble when I stood up. I let my mouth get the better of me, popped off at her, albeit with facts not insults, and took a beating from her. Andrew sent me to The Hole for two weeks for disrespecting ranking pack members and refusing to submit. They¡¯ve been trying to break me for 5 years and if it weren¡¯t for Mat and his parents, and Aramyth they very well might have succeeded with that last visit.¡±

    ¡°Andrew is a monster to order and condone this. No one should have to deal with what you have. That explains why you reacted like you did when he showed up earlier in the kitchen. That also explains his comments to Mat.¡± Tristan stated, he hesitated a moment before asking his next question, ¡°And what does a Theo or Vincent situation mean?¡±

    I drew in a sharp breath at Vincent¡¯s name, but tried to mask my reaction. ¡°You are my second chance mate. Theo was my original mate.¡±

    Tristan growled, ¡°Mine!¡±

    ¡°Reign it in, Mr. Growly. I rejected Theo without hesitation. Theo and his younger brother Dean have never been mean to me, but Theo never did anything to stop it either. I could not be true to myself and be with someone who did not protect their people, no matter the reason, no matter from what or who. A leader¡¯s role is to protect their people. I did not expect to have a second chance mate, much less have him walk into the kitchen this morning. I panicked, you put everything I have worked for, worked towards, in jeopardy whether you mean to or not. It took a lot of coaxing from both Mat and Aramyth not to reject you on sight as well. I trust their judgment whole heartedly, without question. Faith and Jake¡¯s as well.¡±

    I paused for another moment letting everything thus far sink, and then I continued, ¡°Mat was there when Theo found me through the mate bond. I had been avoiding everyone all day and Theo tracked me down on my way to Mat¡¯s house for my birthday dinner. He put himself between Theo and me, much like he did between you and I earlier. That is a Theo situation. And before you get your boxers in a bunch and ask, Theo accepted my rejection, rejecting me as well. I had to use my true name for it to work, but he and his wolf, Fjord, have sworn to keep it secret.¡±

    ¡°And a Vincent situation?¡± Daemon asked so Tristan didn¡¯t have to.

    ¡°That one¡­ That one is a little tougher. As I mentioned, my last visit might have successfully broken me, not because of the weapons, or the wolfsbane, but because of Vincent. The Beta Ethan was down there ¡®punishing¡¯ me that day when Vincent showed up. I was too busy running my mouth to piss Ethan off that I didn¡¯t notice his presence.¡±

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    This time I had to stop so that I could get my emotions under control and clear the tears from my eyes at the memories, whispering the last bit of information, ¡°Vincent stripped me of my innocence that day and gave me nightmares and anxiety in exchange. They did not succeed in breaking my spirit but they did leave me broken and defective.¡± Faith was rubbing her hand up and down my back in comfort and support at this point.

    ¡°I will kill him!¡± Tristan exclaimed, half growling.

    ¡°Get in line buddy. I called dibs on that the night I found out about it, when they finally released her 3 days later. She made it to our house before she passed out from it all, but only just.¡± Mat replied, a little growly himself now.

    Tristan stood up and moved towards me, watching for my reactions as he did so. There wasn¡¯t much of one from me as I was zoned out staring at the floor. He stopped in front of me and took my cheeks in his hands gently, waiting for me to acknowledge him. The tingles shooting across my skin were stronger each time he touched me and they drew my eyes to his.

    He spoke softly as he looked at me with anger for what I had endured and awe that I had come out of it with such strength, ¡°You are not broken, you are not defective. You are strong, and brave. Kind, and compassionate. I don¡¯t know anyone who could endure what you have and not break. No one could do what you have and not have scars both emotional and physical. You are amazing and perfect. You are mine.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ You still want me? Knowing everything? Knowing I¡¯m tainted and will likely bring danger to the pack, you still want me?¡± Tears filled my eyes again.

    He didn¡¯t answer me, he just smashed his lips into mine, before easing back a little. I fumbled a little, kissing him back. I hadn¡¯t ever kissed anyone before. I didn¡¯t count Vincent¡¯s since I had refused to return it. He pulled away, leaving my lips swollen and me a little out of breath, ¡°I, Tristan Edward Willow, accept you, Faelyn De¡¯Lune, as my mate and future Luna.¡±

    I felt our bond intensify when he officially accepted me, ¡°I have two conditions to this¡­ I know I¡¯m full of them, you¡¯ll get over it. When we leave, Faith, Jake and Mat come with us.¡± I glanced at the three of them, ¡°It¡¯s not open for discussion, I¡¯m not leaving you here.¡± I turned my attention back to Tristan, ¡°And two¡­ No one here can know who I am. It would put us all in danger if it got back to Silver Moon before I¡¯m ready to deal with them. I¡¯d prefer if no one here knew we were mates, but I know that will be hard to pull off. Maybe just try and save it for a grandiose moment? I¡¯d love to watch their faces in shock and have it be a moment when they literally can do nothing about it.¡±

    ¡°I agree to both of these, though I will not force them to come with us, I will give them the option and support their choice,¡± I nodded and he smiled, ¡°You are Alyce Lilly and all mine.¡±

    I was crying a little at this point, tears rolling down my cheeks, he wiped them away with his thumbs. I took a deep breath, ¡°I, Faelyn De¡¯Lune accept you, Tristan Edward Willow, as my mate and future Alpha.'''' The bond intensified again as I felt our mind-link form and snap into place. Aramyth was howling in my head which made me wince a little. The others broke out in cheer.

 Chapter 22 ?

    Mat looked pointedly at Tristan, ¡°Alpha or not, if you hurt her, I will hurt you¡­¡± he growled, ¡°And I¡¯ll know, cause I¡¯m going with you all.¡± Faith and Jake were nodding their agreement as well. I smiled at them.

    ¡°If I hurt her, I will let you.¡± Tristan responded, not taking his eyes off me, ¡°Also, if it makes you feel any better, my sister kicked Vincent¡¯s ass in a training spar earlier this morning. You can thank Aramyth for giving us the name.¡±

    I laughed, I couldn¡¯t help it. I doubled over, leaning against Tristan a little as I laughed, picturing Kami kicking his ass and Vincent tucking tail to go sulk, ¡°Oh, oh my. Thank you. I needed that. I¡¯m glad someone was able to put him in his place. He¡¯s always been creepy, looks at me like I¡¯m something to eat.¡± I shuddered a bit, ¡°Ugh.¡±

    ¡°Aramyth knew what she was doing, giving Ryder his name.¡± He stroked my hair gently as I leaned against him.

    ¡°She used to show me images of her tearing him apart to make me feel better. She¡¯s always looked out for me.¡±

    ¡°Can.. Can we see her?¡± Tristan asked quietly.

    ¡°Um, I can try. I¡¯ve only shifted once. I didn¡¯t shift until last night, the first full moon after my eighteenth birthday.¡± I blushed a little, suddenly a little self conscious.

    ¡°You got this Aly, you¡¯ll do great. But we¡¯re going to want to give her space. Help me clear the chairs.¡± Mat spoke up and Faith hopped up to help him, as did the others.

    ¡°Everyone along the wall, except you Tristan. Back up and give her space, but your presence may actually help her.¡± Jake said as he waved the others over to him.

    Tristan kissed my forehead and then backed up about 10 feet or so. I moved off the table and let Aramyth guide me through shifting back at will. She came forward, taking the reins as I felt my bones crack and shift. It still took me a good 60 seconds to fully shift and it still hurt some, but it was a lot better than an hour.

    I shook out my fur and sat on my haunches, looking at them all. Tristan came back over to me and ran his hands through my fur. Aramyth let out a rumbling purr in her chest. I never would have believed that wolves could purr, it was more like a growl in their chest, but we called it a purr nonetheless.

    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful Aramyth, just like Alyce.¡± Tristan murmured. He stepped back a ways and shifted, letting Ryder out.

    Ryder was huge too, bigger than your normal Alpha and his fur was darker than a moonless night in the woods. His eyes were a dark, dark green. Ryder rubbed against Aramyth and she nuzzled him back. He then sat beside me and the others came over to greet Aramyth.

    ¡°You¡¯re both huge, she¡¯s nearly as big as an Alpha male and you¡¯re bigger than any Alpha I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± Mat commented as he came over and rubbed Aramyth¡¯s ear. She swatted him with her tail.

    Faith smiled and grabbed my bag off the table, handing it to Daemon, ¡°Y''all better hold on to this. It was her go bag for her escape tonight. Holds everything she owns that¡¯s important to her. It also holds paperwork to prove her identity. It¡¯s a top of the line forgery, but it¡¯s the truth nonetheless.¡±

    Aramyth huffed at Faith, giving her a look of disapproval. Faith narrowed her eyes at her and scowled, ¡°Don¡¯t you look at me in that tone of Aramyth young lady! You might need them at some point and if your originals still exist, which I highly doubt, how exactly will you get them from Silver Moon hmm?¡±

    The room went silent, waiting for Aramyth¡¯s reaction to being scolded by Faith. Aramyth whimpered and laid down, covering her ears with her paws. Everyone else laughed.

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    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen anyone get away with yelling at an alpha like that.¡± Victor chuckled.

    ¡°If I were yelling at her as anything other than a mother, I probably wouldn¡¯t, but she¡¯s been the daughter I never got and always wanted since she came here.¡±

    ¡°We need to wrap this up and head back. Alyce, you need to start prepping in an hour and it¡¯s going to take us half that to get back.¡± Mat said, glancing at his watch. We had been out here all day.

    Tristan shifted back and Mat handed him a pair of shorts he''d pulled out of a cubby in the corner. As wolves we usually had clothes hidden all over for shifting purposes. Tristan slipped them on and looked at me. I used the same technique I had last night and returned to my human form, which Tristan instantly blocked from view with his own body and a growl, he had at least turned his back to me.

    I rolled my eyes at him a bit and smiled. Mat reached around him, holding out a pair of leggings and a black tank top, which thankfully had a built-in bra since there were no undergarments available. I slipped the clothes on and patted Tristan¡¯s back so he knew I was decent. I secretly appreciated his not looking at me while keeping the others from looking as well.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go. Mat you¡¯re going to help me prep and serve tonight. I don¡¯t trust anyone from the pack after this morning and I can¡¯t be around Tristan all night without raising suspicion or getting in serious trouble. You on the other hand, I can. It¡¯s normal. So you¡¯re my personal bubble guard/waiter tonight. Thanks for volunteering.¡±

    Mat groaned like he actually minded, but we both knew he didn¡¯t. Faith and Jake would be expected to present with the Alpha as his Delta¡¯s, or they would help to.

    ¡°All of you will want to keep an eye out for Jewel, Vincent, Ethan and Levi. They are all bad news. The younger wolves are dramatic and entitled little brats. Jewel is the pack slut, and well y''all know what Vincent is. Ethan and Levi do Andrew¡¯s dirty work and absolutely cannot be trusted. I am ok with you telling Kami and Titus as little or as much as you see fit. I know you only sent them away to spare Kami the details until you knew exactly what you were dealing with.¡±

    ¡°I will relay the information they need to know. No sense in making Tristan go through all the details again. I will likely tell Titus everything so he is fully aware of the situation. Kami will get the basics, but will likely seek you out in the future to fill her in. Do not feel obligated to share more than you¡¯re comfortable with. She will understand.¡± Daemon replied.

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders as we left The Fort and made our way back to the pack house to do the final preparations for the banquet tonight. Tristan held my hand the entire way, only letting go when we were close enough that someone might see us. I think he was taking the ¡®making a spectacular scene¡¯ announcement to heart.

    Our group went their separate ways as we neared the houses and pack buildings. Faith, Jake and Mat headed for their home to get ready, the Moonlight members headed for the pack manor, as did I, but I headed for the basement and they headed for the stairs. I saw Tristan and Daemon give me a curious look, to which I simply shrugged and gave a small smile before darting down the stairs.

 Chapter 23

    I showered and changed, slipping on a pair of panties and a sports bra followed by my best pair of black leggings, a black pleated skirt that came to the bottom of my thighs and a white button up shirt. I brushed my hair out with my fingers and braided it, but didn¡¯t wrap it today. I let it hang down my back for the event. Finally I slipped on a pair of black ballet flats and darted up the stairs and out the back door. I jogged to the pack house and slipped through the kitchen door. Mat was already there waiting for me and I smiled.

    ¡°Ovens are preheating and I¡¯ve pulled out several pre-made dishes. What can I do to help other than that?¡±

    ¡°We need to get out the veggies we sliced and diced yesterday, we¡¯ll start putting together the salad bar. I need to get ice down to keep the serving bins cold and I need to warm the hot bar buffet as well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ice the bar, you warm the buffet, cause I have no idea how to work that thing, and then we can start putting out salad bar items together?¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan. We can start putting dishes into the ovens to warm as well. Most of them will only take 30 minutes to an hour to warm and then we can move them to the hot bar.¡±

    We set about our assigned tasks, getting the bars prepped and putting lettuce and various veggies into individual containers. We rotated hot dishes through the ovens, getting them out to the hot bar as they came out of the ovens.

    Near the start of the banquet I turned two of the four ovens in the pack house kitchen to the warming setting and used them as holding ovens so I could easily and quickly replace items on the hot bar as needed.

    I didn¡¯t worry about the salad bar too much, most wolves preferred meat and potatoes type dishes to salad. The hot bar had pasta, potatoes, gravy, burgers, various breads, and some various hot veggies as well. The head pack house chef was going to man the indoor grill, which would be steak, chicken and a few types of fish.

    I left instructions with the rest of the Omegas that were going to be in charge of rotating and refilling dishes. Then I grabbed a serving tray and loaded it with glasses of champagne, wine, and beer. Hard liquor would be served at the bar. I took a deep breath and left the kitchen, weaving my way through the crowd to serve drinks and attempt to keep a low profile. Mat stuck near me, serving hor¡¯s derves to the crowd as well.

    ~Tristan~

    Most of our pack members as well as the other visiting pack¡¯s members were already at the pack house. It was just us ranked members that were starting to wander in, all a little late. It was kind of a tradition. The ranked members coming a little later gave the regular members some time to interact and be themselves without their leaders looking over their shoulders.

    I picked Kami up in the hall on our way, she was beautiful in her full length sky blue gown, it had a slit up one side and was sleeveless with a high collar. I appreciated the modesty of it. It would mean chasing off less men, hopefully.

    Our father met us at the bottom of the stairs, Titus and Victor were with him. Father was in a pair of black slacks and a dark blue button down shirt. Titus and Victor were dressed much the same, but their shirts were red and gray respectively. I had donned a pair of black slacks and a royal purple button down shirt. None of us were looking to impress as we were either mated, too young, or not interested.

    *Let¡¯s get this over with. I would ask that we all keep our eyes and ears open. Nothing about Red Moon screams trustworthy, or even moral. Dark Forest we know and trust. Cold Moon has a tough reputation, but other than that, we know little about them. They tend to keep to themselves. Titus, Victor, I would like one of you near Kami at all times. No need to smother her, just keep her safe.* I spoke through the mind-link to the group, not wanting to risk anyone over hearing my comments about the packs. Kami scoffed at me a bit but didn¡¯t argue.

    With a nod from all of them we headed out of the pack manor and to the pack house. We met up with Dark Forest¡¯s ranked members along the way, greeting our allies politely as we headed into the pack house.

    ~Andrew~

    I was mingling with the crowd, making small talk with the ranking members of the visiting packs. Always on the lookout for someone that may be willing to take Alyce off my hands and be able to keep her in line.

    Currently I was conversing with Alpha Shane from Cold Moon, ¡°I¡¯m glad you were able to make it with no issues. I hope you¡¯re hungry. I¡¯ve had our best cook preparing everything from scratch the last couple weeks.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure his food will be grand.¡±

    ¡°Her, one of our Omegas actually. She¡¯s a troubled girl, but she really is amazing in the kitchen. I had to put her in the Pack Manor because our Pack House Chef couldn¡¯t handle her. It¡¯s been a curse and a blessing.¡±

    ¡°Strict rules and hard discipline will whip any wolf into shape.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried, but thus far I haven¡¯t been able to break her. She¡¯s very stubborn. I¡¯ve thought about maybe sending her off to one of the workhouses, but I¡¯m not sure they could handle her either. I¡¯m worried I may have to banish her from the pack if she keeps acting up, she¡¯s awfully young to be branded a rogue though. She has no family. We took her in as an orphan when she was just 8.¡±

    ¡°Which wolf is she?¡±

    I looked around the crowd a bit and spotted Alyce working her way around some of the Dark Forest pack with drinks. I pointed her out, ¡°That¡¯s her, the short one with red hair. She¡¯s hard to miss, her features are quite unique.¡±

    Shane followed where I was pointing and I could see the sudden look of interest enter his eyes. Bingo. I knew he had employed some of the same tactics I had in the past. I suspected he was even worse, but had no solid proof of it. I¡¯d been to his pack two or three times on business and saw enough to have my suspicions though.

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    ¡°Hmmmm, unmated?¡±

    ¡°She just turned 18 last week, and I have not heard anyone claim her, and she is still unmarked, so I would think so.¡±

    ¡°I could use a fresh face around my pack manor. I might be willing to take her back with me to Cold Moon.¡±

    ¡°I might be willing to let you, perhaps in exchange for an alliance?¡±

    ¡°I think that could be arranged. She won¡¯t be missed around here?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, no friends, no family. Just a bad attitude and a mouth she doesn¡¯t know how to shut.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I could find ways to shut it for her, I assure you.¡±

    I chuckled, ¡°I believe you.¡±

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t mind if I distracted her from her work a bit would you? I¡¯d like a closer look, if you will.¡±

    ¡°Not at all, inspect away.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I think this arrangement will work well for the both of us. We will talk later, for now I must visit the rest of my guests.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    I headed into the crowd, making rounds and polite conversations with the others as I mingled.

    ~Tristan~

    I had been passing Andrew and who I assumed to be one of the Cold Pack leaders, as I knew he wasn¡¯t part of Dark Forest, when I heard him speaking of Alyce. The conversation made my blood run cold. He was essentially using her as a bartering chip, like she wasn¡¯t a person, but a piece of property.

    It would be a cold day in hell before my mate went anywhere other than home with me. Ryder was growling in my head, begging to be let to the surface, ¡°Calm down Ryder, causing a scene will not help her right now. We will claim her before the night''s end, but we will wait for the right moment.¡±

    * We¡¯d better, or I will do it for you.*

    * Remember, we are following her wishes, she wanted to be claimed with a bang, so to speak. We¡¯ll make a grand entrance.*

    This seemed to settle him down for now. I let the others know what I had heard and warned them about what would be coming tonight. Then I opened my mind-link to Alyce, *Hello love. I¡¯m sorry to bother you while you¡¯re working, and while we¡¯re in public trying to keep a low profile, but I have news to share and we may have to do a little improv later.*

    I saw her excuse herself from the crowd to refill her tray and step into the kitchen. A moment later she came across our link, *What¡¯s going on Tristan?*

    *I heard Andrew talking with someone, one of the Cold Moon pack, likely the Alpha, if I had to make an educated guess. He¡¯s making plans to trade you off to Cold Moon in exchange for an alliance. I will be claiming you officially as my mate tonight, I¡¯m not sure when, but I will be watching for an opportunity that will make an impact.*

    I could feel her irritation through the bond, *Thank you for letting me know. I will try to act surprised. I¡¯m much better at resting blank face than faked surprise, but I¡¯ll do my best. I have to get back on the floor.*

    *Ok, be careful.*

    *You too.*

 Chapter 24

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I was livid when Tristan shared the information with me. How dare he. That entitled, conceited, self-centered, prick. How dare he think he can control my life like that. To use me as a bargaining chip. I took a moment to calm myself and plaster on a blank face and get my emotions under control. I know Tristan can pick up on things through the bond. Not as well as he would be able to, and vice-a-versa, once our mating was complete, but still. I didn¡¯t want to worry him.

    I reloaded my tray and put a fake smile on my face before heading out to serve the crowd again. Mat gave me a look of concern as I came back out and I sent him a brief mind-link letting him know what was going on and that we would talk later. I was ok for now.

    Tristan came through once more, sending me an image of the man Andrew had been talking to about trading me. I glanced over the crowd and spotted him, making sure I knew where he was at all times and trying to avoid him as best I could.

    I was wandering from one side of the crowd to the other and back again when I felt hands at my waist. I spun, shifting away from the person that was manhandling me. My eyes shifted to the culprit, surprised to see it was the Cold Moon Alpha, his aura gave him away, ¡°Pardon me Alpha, but keep your hands to yourself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s no way to speak to an Alpha. I outrank you Alyce and you will show me respect.¡±

    If only he knew, ¡°And grabbing someone is no way to introduce yourself. Is there something I can help you with? If not, I have a job to do and need to get back to it.¡±

    ¡°Hmph, I can see what Andrew was talking about. You are feisty. Andrew has given me permission to pull you away from work so we can get to know one another.¡± He grabbed my wrist, pulling me towards a secluded table in the corner.

    ¡°No thank you, I¡¯m not interested in getting to know you.¡± I yanked my wrist from his

    grip.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a suggestion. Now come sit with me.¡± He growled at me, grabbing my wrist and pulling me into his chest and wrapping an arm around my waist to keep me there.

    ¡°I said no.¡± I hissed at him, trying not to draw extra attention to us. I once again yanked my wrist from his hold and put my hands on his chest, shoving him backwards. I used enough strength to shock him, catching him off guard enough that I could step out of his grasp, ¡°You need to learn some manners Shane.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s Alpha to you.¡± He hissed once he had recovered, moving towards me and causing me to back towards a wall. The tables in the room made escaping tough, ¡°Like Andrew, I will not tolerate your disrespect either.¡±

    Mat was making his way through the crowd, trying to get to me. I shook my head at him a little, *Get Tristan.* He nodded in understanding and darted off. I opened the link to Tristan in a one way fashion so he could hear what was going on, but couldn¡¯t send anything to me and give away that I was linking to him.

    Alpha Shane growled at me and grabbed me again, shoving me into the wall that he had backed me towards. I didn¡¯t resist, which made the impact a bit softer and gave no notion of my actual strength other than the little I had shown him to escape his grip. My feet were dangling and he was gripping me by the shoulders tightly, holding me so I was eye level with him, ¡°Who do you think you are? To deny an Alpha?¡±

    ¡°Someone not interested in title, rank or power?¡± I smirked at him, his grip tightening. I knew I would have bruises later.

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    ¡°You need to learn your place, little girl. You will do as I say. You will be leaving here with me in a couple days and if you think Andrew is bad. I¡¯m worse.¡± He hissed in my ear.

    ¡°Oh, I do think you have been misinformed. I am legally an adult and I am no one¡¯s property. I would rather be a rogue than leave with some self-entitled prick of an Alpha.¡±

    Alpha Shane released my left shoulder as he drew his right hand back, letting his open palm strike my cheek with a resounding smack. My head jolted with the impact, but it was nothing compared to others I had received. It would leave an imprint, but not likely a bruise. He couldn¡¯t make too much of a scene in public. I heard a deafening growl. It was Tristan, I would recognize his growl anywhere at this point, ¡°You will regret that.¡± I whispered with a grin.

    ¡°LET GO OF MY MATE!¡± Tristan roared as he stalked towards us. Well that was one way to make an entrance. Totally worth the bruises I would be sporting.

    Alpha Shane looked at Tristan and then back at me and let go of me with no concern to the fact that he was holding me a foot and a half off the floor. He took a few steps back, ¡°My apologies Alpha. I was told she had no mate.¡± Even he wouldn¡¯t break the rules concerning mates. No one in their right mind would.

    I had dropped down the wall, landing on my feet in a crouch. Thank Goddess for training. I stood and walked over to Tristan who pulled me to him, tucking me into his side as he growled at Alpha Shane, ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t, that would not give you the right to man handle her in such a fashion.¡±

    About this point Andrew had made it over to the crowd that had gathered to watch the scene, ¡°What is going on over here?¡±

    Then he saw me, ¡°Why aren¡¯t I surprised to find you causing trouble. What did you do now you useless mutt?¡±

    I watched as the whole scene finally registered in his brain and he realized I was tucked into a visiting Alpha¡¯s side. Tristan growled at him too, ¡°You dare insult my mate, call her a mutt? I found this Alpha manhandling her, she did nothing, do not blame her for someone else¡¯s actions.¡±

    ¡°Alpha Tristan, she is just an omega orphan, not fit to be the mate of someone such as yourself. No one would blame you if you were to decide to reject her.¡±

    ¡°I have no intention of throwing away a gift from our Moon Goddess, I will not be rejecting her, and you will not be trading her to Alpha Shane like a piece of property.¡±

    Alpha Shane looked at Andrew, ¡°I thought you said she had no mate. I will not mess with another Alpha¡¯s mate.¡±

    Andrew glared at me, his face reddening in anger. My mate, being an Alpha, tied his hands and ruined his plans. I was completely ok with that. I looked at him and grinned.

    ¡°Shall I tell all your secrets now?¡± I whispered to him.

    His face paled as he realized I was living proof of the things he had done. Things that were illegal by werewolf law. Mainly the use of wolfsbane as punishment on your own pack members. On enemies, rogues, trespassers it was fair game, but your own pack members, not so much.

    There was a lot of murmuring amongst the crowd. I had not intended for this to play out this way, but I also wasn¡¯t about to let his secrets lie. If I did, someone else would become the next victim.

 Chapter 25

    Tristan looked at me, asking if I was ok with revealing Andrew¡¯s actions. I nodded, it was time. He turned to the crowd, using his Alpha voice to get everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°Listen everyone! We have all heard the rumors of the Red Moon pack and how they handle some of their pack members. There is truth in them, but it¡¯s not some of the members, it''s just one. And she happens to be my mate, Alyce Lilly.¡±

    ¡°Alpha Andrew has allowed other pack members to bully her, beat her, and string her up for days, even weeks at a time. They have used whips and knives dipped in wolfsbane on her, as well as silver chains to both repress her wolf and to scar her.¡± He took my hand, leading me to step up onto a table so the crowd could see me. He stood in front of me, staring into my face to distract me. I undid the buttons on my shirt, pulling my braid to the front and slipping the shirt off my shoulders so the crowd could see my scars, at least those visible. Some were hidden by my bra, but I would not be removing that. They could see enough to know the truth.

    I heard gasping in the crowd and Tristan nodded to me. I pulled my shirt back on and redid the buttons. He lifted me off the table, setting me gently on my feet.

    ¡°We cannot let Andrew remain in charge of this pack. He cannot be allowed to continue this abuse.¡± I spoke, my voice firm and confident in the words I chose to relay the horrendous actions of Andrew.

    ¡°His Beta and Gamma were the ones to do the dirty work, but the orders were his. Ethan, his Beta was also complicit in my being sexually assulted by the Gamma¡¯s son. Though I do believe no one other than Ethan and Vincent had knowledge of this.¡±

    I heard Theo growl as he scanned the crowd finding Vincent, who looked amused until I spoke of his actions. He paled and tried to slip into the crowd, ¡°STOP!¡± Theo roared at him, using his own Alpha tone to force Vincent to comply. ¡°Jake, Mat, take him to a holding cell!¡±

    Mat and Jake didn¡¯t hesitate to comply with Theo¡¯s request. Andrew could say nothing without implying he condoned Vincent¡¯s actions.

    I raised a hand to quiet the crowd again, ¡°Theo, the Alpha¡¯s eldest, has never condoned his father¡¯s actions, and he would do what he could to help me when he could. He is by far ready to take his father¡¯s place. The entire pack need not suffer because of their current Alpha¡¯s choices.¡±

    Daemon cleared his throat, speaking next, ¡°We have not had a council in over 100 years, since the time of the last Alpha King. We have not needed one in that time either. This is the first time since our kind disbanded the council that something like this has come to light. Andrew, you can either relinquish your position to your son and renounce your title, or you can face death and your son will inherit your pack by default. There is enough proof to condemn you. The choice is yours.¡± Granted he was speaking of my inability to lie, which only those who knew my lineage were aware of.

    Nora pushed through the crowd, coming to her husband¡¯s side to support him. Andrew looked at her and then across the crowd, his face paling as the crowd was murmuring and nodding with the words spoken against him, ¡°I will willingly relinquish my position and renounce my title, on the condition that Nora and I are not banished.¡±

    Theo thought for a moment, and then nodded, ¡°I will not banish you and mother.¡±

    ¡°I, Alpha Andrew Marshall, step down as Alpha, passing my authority and power to my son, Alpha Theo Marshall.¡±

    Andrew and Theo both sliced their palms, bringing them together to complete the Alpha transfer.

    ¡°I, Alpha Theo Edward Marshall, hereby declare that Andrew Marshall, Nora Marshall, Ethan Charles, Bethany Charles, Jewel Charles, Levi Sanders, Christine Sanders and Vincent Sanders, are demoted to the rank of Omega. None of you will ever be eligible for a rank other than Omega for the rest of your natural lives. Any children you have from here on will be Omegas, unless they do something to prove themselves worthy otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Alpha Shane, I would suggest you learn from this event, given the way you were treating Alyce, and the conversation I overheard between you and Andrew.¡± Tristan narrowed his eyes at the Alpha as he gave him the only warning he would get.

    Shane visibly gulped and nodded, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Theo turned to me, ¡°Alyce, I am sorry that I could not do more to protect you, but I assure you that Vincent will pay for his crime against you.¡±

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    ¡°I know Theo, you couldn¡¯t go against your father, but now you have a chance to reform the pack. I have faith that you will be a great Alpha. Dean will make an amazing Beta. I am sorry to inform you that I am taking Mat and his parents with me when I leave with Tristan, if they desire to come with me that is.¡±

    Theo grinned, ¡°I would expect nothing less Alyce. I don¡¯t expect anything could tear the four of you apart. I will not deny, nor begrudge them if they choose to leave with you.¡±

    ¡°Pfft, like my choice, is even an option.¡± Mat said, trying to lighten the mood as he walked back in with his father.

    ¡°Faith would never let you leave without her Alyce, not when going with you is actually an option, and where she goes, I go.¡±

    ¡°Well then, let¡¯s not let this spoil the evening. Mat, Faith, Jake, will you do me one last favor as Deltas? Will you round up those named earlier and confine them to the Pack Manor? I will have a few trusted warriors guard the Manor. Once that is done, you are free from your duties until you leave.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure.¡± Mat grinned as he and his parents gathered Theo¡¯s parents and the Beta and Gamma families, Jewel showing her ass and whining and protesting the entire time.

    When they returned, the party resumed, though with much more gossiping than before. Tristan smiled at me and kissed my forehead, ¡°We will get your things from your room and you will be moving upstairs with me, or with Kami if you are more comfortable with that. I won¡¯t have you down in the basement anymore.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Theo can give me my own room¡­ I-I suffer from nightmares and I would not want to disturb anyone else¡¯s sleep.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t disturb me, I promise.¡± He murmured in my ear. His closeness made my heart beat faster and my face flush.

    ¡°Are¡­ Are you sure? I can just sleep on your couch.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure, and absolutely not. I will not pressure you into anything. I know you will need time, as much as I want to mark and mate you, we will take things at your pace, but I would like to at least have you in my arms while I sleep.¡±

    *I say we let him. How can you resist him? Just take him upstairs and jump him now.*  Aramyth added her two cents worth.

    *Aramyth! Shut up you filthy wolf!* I replied.

    *Are you really going to deny that you want him naked and on top of you, making you writhe in pleasure? *

    I growled at her, feeling a tug in my core at the thought, moisture pooling between my thighs, *Great, now he¡¯ll smell my arousal. You¡¯re an ass, Aramyth.*

    *You¡¯re welcome.*  She replied in a sing song voice

    I was as red as a tomato as I argued with her. Tristan had buried his nose in my neck, taking in a deep breath, ¡°I¡¯m gonna need you to reign in your thoughts, Love. Or I¡¯m going to need a very cold shower.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my fault,¡± I whispered, ¡°Aramyth is kind of a freak, and decided I needed to know her thoughts on the matter.¡±

    Mat walked over to us, catching a brief whiff of my arousal, wiggling his eyebrows at me. I scowled at him and grabbed a napkin ring off the table next to me, throwing it at him. He laughed and ducked, ¡°No judgment here Aly.¡±

    ¡°Nothing to judge, Mattie.¡± I huffed at him.

 Chapter 26 ?

    ~Tristan~

    I sat down in a chair, pulling Alyce into my lap as I scanned the crowd looking for Kami. I saw her dancing with one of the Dark Forest pack, seemingly enjoying herself now that the drama was over for the night. Titus was chatting with their Beta, keeping an eye on Kami.

    ¡°Mat, now that I have found Alyce, I will be taking over my pack from my father soon. I would like you to consider taking the Beta position. Our current Beta has twin girls, and neither wants to take the role when they know they will leave upon finding their mates.¡±

    Mat¡¯s jaw dropped at my offer, ¡°I would be honored, but I would not want to step on anyone''s toes, especially as an outsider coming to the pack.¡±

    ¡°I promise, you would be stepping on no one¡¯s toes.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going to have to share him¡­ I was planning to make him my Beta when I get my pack back,¡± Alyce murmured so that only Mat and I would hear her.

    ¡°Now, now you two. There¡¯s plenty of me to go around, although I don¡¯t think Tristan swings my way Aly.¡± He laughed and I couldn¡¯t help but laugh when Alyce managed to both pout and scowl at him at the same time.

    Kami walked over and sat down in another chair at the table bringing with her a change of subject, ¡°Welcome to the family Alyce. I¡¯m so excited to have a sister!¡±

    ¡°Looks like you are the one who will have to share, Mat.¡± I chuckled.

    Kami looked at us confused for a moment and then looked at Mat, ¡°Sorry, she gets to be my sister now too.¡± She stuck her tongue out at him.

    Alyce laughed and Mat grinned, ¡°Looks like I have an older sister and a younger sister. Lord help you if my mother adopts you too.¡±

    ¡°Faith wouldn¡¯t step on Kami¡¯s mother¡¯s toes like that. She only adopted me because I had no one, and I¡¯m kind of hard to get rid of.¡± Alyce said as she laid her head on my shoulder, yawning a little.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truest statement ever.¡± Mat snickered, ¡°You¡¯re like gum on the bottom of a shoe.¡±

    ¡°I will stab you in your sleep Mattie¡­¡±

    ¡°Hey I never said I wanted to get rid of you, just agreeing with you! Besides, you said it, not me! You look like you¡¯re the one ready to sleep though.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to call it a night?¡± I asked, ¡°My father or Titus can keep an eye on Kami if you want to leave the party.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to stay?¡± She asked.

    ¡°No, I was only here for you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna ditch, Mattie either.¡±

    ¡°Oh nonsense. I¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll get to know my new little sister.¡± Mat laughed.

    Alyce giggled and stood up, ¡°Ok, then let¡¯s get out of here. I¡¯m peopled out.¡±

    I stood and took her hand, ¡°Let¡¯s go get your stuff and get you settled in then.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t have too much fun you two!¡± Kami teased us, which made Mat laugh even more.

    ¡°Oh I like her,¡± Mat grinned.

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    Alyce rolled her eyes and I led her away from the party and out of the pack house, heading for the pack manor. She hesitated as we reached the stairs, ¡°I can get my stuff, I¡¯ll meet you upstairs.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, I want to help you.¡±

    ¡°Ok¡­¡± She reluctantly led me down into the basement and to what sufficed as her room, ¡°I don¡¯t really have much. Most of it is in the bag Faith gave your father.¡±

    I was appalled at the space she lived in, and the fact that she didn¡¯t even have privacy in her ¡®bathroom¡¯, if you could even call it that. She gathered the clothing she had that was worth taking, I saw most of it was threadbare and barely could be called clothing. Then she gathered up the few books and knick-knacks she had, trinkets she had likely gotten from Mat and his family. I was glad she had them and hadn¡¯t had to endure everything alone.

    ¡°We will go shopping when we get back to our territory. We don¡¯t have anything high end, but we can order online if you want something we don¡¯t have available.¡±

    ¡°Oh, no I¡¯m ok with what I have. No need to get me anything.¡± She smiled back at me.

    ¡°Love, you will freeze in the mountains come deep winter if we don¡¯t get you some proper clothing.¡± I could hear her heart rate increase any time I called her love. It made me smile, ¡°Besides, you deserve anything and everything your heart desires, and I will spend my life making sure you are happy and have everything you need and want.¡± Her cheeks flushed red and I leaned down to kiss her lips softly.

    She was a little hesitant, unsure of herself, but she slowly kissed me back and I pulled away with a smile. I took her things from her, and led her out of the basement and upstairs to my room. I swung the door open and let her go in first, closing the door behind me as I followed her in.

    ¡°Your bag is on the couch. Do you want to shower first?¡± I asked as I set her stuff on the king size bed.

    ¡°I would love a shower. I can¡¯t remember the last time I got a hot one.¡±

    ¡°What? Why wouldn¡¯t you take a hot shower?¡±

    ¡°The basement gets lukewarm water at best, but it¡¯s usually just cold.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unacceptable. You go take a hot shower. Use all the hot water if you want. There¡¯s clean towels in there and you¡¯re welcome to use anything of mine you want. What¡¯s mine is yours now.¡±

    She smiled sheepishly at me and got some clothes from her things and headed into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. I would kill Andrew if I ever got a just reason to do so. The way she had been treated was despicable. I clenched my fist, digging my nails into my palms to keep from going to hunt him down right now. I vowed right then and there that she would never have to live like that again. I would shower her in love and affection.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Once in the bathroom, I hesitated a moment before deciding against locking it. I trusted Tristan not to barge in without good reason and to keep others out. I turned on the shower, letting it come to a decent temperature before I stepped in and adjusted it further. Turns out I prefer water temperatures that would boil a lobster.

    The water beating on my muscles made me groan a little as the heat worked some of the tension out of my body. I was pretty sure I could stay in here for hours. I let myself enjoy the water while my thoughts wandered.

    This could be a good thing right? Finding a mate that protects his people? They hadn¡¯t hesitated to accept me, any of them, even once they knew the full story. The only thing I hadn¡¯t told anyone was who was responsible for the loss of my pack. I would tell them when we got back to their territory. I didn¡¯t want to risk anyone in Red Moon hearing and being able to tip off Silver Moon. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t have to do everything alone, but I wouldn¡¯t ask them to get themselves involved in my troubles. If they wanted to help, I would accept it, but it had to be their choice, not my influence.

    I pulled myself out of my thoughts when I heard a knock on the door. I heard Tristan on the other side, ¡°Are you ok? You¡¯ve been in there awhile now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be out shortly, sorry.¡±

    ¡°Take all the time you want, I just wanted to check on you. I¡¯ll be out here when you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± I smiled at his concern and caring. He truly was amazing. I looked at the bottles in the shower, finding his shampoo and surprisingly conditioner as well. I washed and conditioned my hair and then used his shower gel to scrub up. It smelled a bit like evergreen and fresh, wet soil. It reminded me of the forest and I loved it.

    I stepped out, wrapping my hair in a towel so that it would dry while I used a second one to dry off. I slipped on fresh undergarments and a pair of leggings and a lavender sweater that I had grabbed from my bag. I realized I¡¯d left my brush in my bag so I unwrapped my hair and hung the towels to dry before slipping out of the bathroom.

 Chapter 27

    Tristan was sitting on the bed, one of my books in his hands. I arched my brow at the sight as I walked to my bag and grabbed my brush, ¡°I didn¡¯t take you as the reading type.¡±

    He looked up at me and smiled, setting the book aside, ¡°I¡¯m full of surprises. Secretly, I was a nerd as a teenager.¡±

    ¡°Hmmm, I think I¡¯m going to need proof of this before I believe it.¡± I sat down on the wooden chest at the foot of the bed and started to work on brushing my hair out.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I destroyed the evidence long ago, so you will just have to take me at my word.¡± He scooched down the bed, coming to sit behind me as he took my brush from me, ¡°Let me help.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do that. I have a lot of hair, you might not have the muscles for it.¡± I teased him.

    ¡°Hmm, you think so? I had just wanted to, but now I feel like I¡¯ve been issued a challenge.¡± He kissed the tip of my ear and I blushed at the action.

    ¡°Alright, just don¡¯t come crying to me when you¡¯re sore later.¡±

    He laughed and it was such a rich, deep laugh that it sent shivers down my spine. He worked my brush through my hair with enough skill that I knew he had done this before. ¡°Deal. So tell me, how did you end up a half-pint wolf, hmm? Don¡¯t get me wrong, I love it, I¡¯m just curious.¡±

    ¡°Half-pint, that¡¯s a new one.¡± I lowered my voice, even though these rooms were supposedly sound proof, ¡°I inherited the runt gene from my mother, she was only 5¡¯0¡±. I used to make her measure herself on the wall with me and my brother when I was little, sure that I was going to be taller than her every time.¡±

    ¡°Runt gene, that¡¯s funny. I think I like Half-Pint better though.¡±

    ¡°Aramyth calls me ¡°Little One¡± but I kind of like the way you say Half-Pint myself.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, Half-Pint it is then.¡± He set my brush aside and started to braid my hair into two braids.

    ¡°And you can do hair? You really are full of surprises!¡±

    ¡°You can thank Kami for this one, she went through a stage where she refused to let anyone but me near her hair, so our mother taught me some of the basics.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to spoil me if you keep this up.¡±

    ¡°I plan on it. You deserve a little spoiling.¡±

    When he had finished I pulled a braid forward to inspect it. I was truly impressed, his mother had taught him well, ¡°I¡¯m going to feel a little guilty if you spoil me. I¡¯m not used to having anyone do anything for me. Other than Mat, he can¡¯t braid to save his life. He is however responsible for 90% of my wardrobe so he does have his uses.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, maybe we should take him shopping with us.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d be hard pressed to stop him from going.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it. He¡¯s as protective of you as I am. I¡¯ll be honest, it made me jealous at first, and then he told me he¡¯s gay and you¡¯re basically his sister and I felt better.¡±

    ¡°He is probably the only male I¡¯ve ever let near me voluntarily, other than you now. He and Faith have stitched me up more times than I care to count. Faith is a nurse and Mat has learned a lot from her over the last few years. I feel guilty about how much they¡¯ve had to take care of me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m grateful that they did. If they hadn¡¯t been there for you, I may never have found you. I¡¯ve been waiting a long time for you.¡± He nuzzled my shoulder and then pulled me back onto the bed with him, settling us under the blankets and curling himself around me in a protective manner.

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    ¡°How old are you anyway? In all the chaos I never asked.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m 21, does that bother you?¡±

    ¡°No, not at all. It¡¯s only a 3 year difference. I was just curious.¡± I yawned and snuggled into him.

    ¡°Good, let¡¯s get some sleep, we¡¯ll be setting out early tomorrow. It takes 2 days to get to our territory in human form. Normally we would run, but I know we have to be careful with you shifting, at least until we¡¯re back home.¡±

    ¡°I could get Mat to give me a ride. He wouldn¡¯t mind. He used to take me on runs that way when I couldn¡¯t shift.¡±

    He growled a little, ¡°Hmph, no way. If you¡¯re going to ride on a wolf, it will be Ryder.¡±

    I laughed a little, ¡°Only if Mr. Growly doesn¡¯t mind. Why don¡¯t you let him to the surface and I¡¯ll ask him myself.¡±

    ¡°You''re never going to let that die are you?¡±

    ¡°No way, if I¡¯m Half-Pint you and Ryder are forever Mr. Growly.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯ll let Ryder surface, but only for a few minutes, wolves are much more primal and he has less self control than I do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±

    Tristan closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them again, his smokey blue-gray eyes had been replaced with Ryder¡¯s green ones, ¡°Hello my little Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°Hello Mr. Growly.¡±

    He leaned forward, sticking his nose into the curve of my neck to draw in my scent, ¡°You smell like us. I like it.¡±

    ¡°Well I did use Tristan¡¯s shower stuff.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, now I understand you have something you want from me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I want to make sure you don¡¯t mind giving me a lift when we leave? I know a lot of Alpha¡¯s find it indignant to have someone ride on their back. If that¡¯s the case, I can get a ride on Xavier, Mat¡¯s wolf. That way I¡¯m not slowing us down.¡±

    Ryder growled a little and nipped my shoulder, ¡°No ma¡¯am. I will give you a ride. Having anyone else on my back would be insulting, but you are my mate and your safety is most important. Which means both speed and you not shifting until we have you safely on our territory. I would be honored to give you a lift.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Ryder.¡± I leaned forward to give him a soft, brief kiss, unsure of myself in doing so.

    He followed me when I pulled away and captured my lips in his in a much more passionate one, but he did keep it relatively brief as well, ¡°You¡¯re welcome Half-Pint. I will let Tristan back now. You¡¯re too tempting for me to stay longer.¡±

    ~Tristan~

    ¡°O-Okay.¡± she blushed and nodded, averting her gaze to hide her flushed cheeks from me. I laughed softly at her as Ryder slipped into the back of my mind and I came back to the front, she was adorable.

    ¡°He¡¯s right, you really have no idea how appealing you are, to both of us.¡± I confirmed Ryder¡¯s opinion.

    ¡°That¡¯s just the bond, I¡¯m really nothing special. I look nothing like a typical she-wolf.¡±

    ¡°No it¡¯s not, you listen to me and you listen well, Faelyn.¡± she gasped a little when I used her actual name. I know I wasn¡¯t supposed to, not yet anyway, but I wanted her to realize that I meant everything I was saying to her, ¡°You¡¯re right, you look nothing like typical she-wolves, but that is not a bad thing. That makes you more unique, more beautiful, more appealing. You are strong, brave, kind, resourceful and tough. You will be amazing by my side as Luna. I love everything about you, from your tiny size to the freckles across your nose to the almost imperceivable point of your ears. I love it all.¡± I loved her, but I didn¡¯t want to scare her off by telling her that yet.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have freckles, do I?¡±

    A whole mini-speech and that¡¯s what she focuses on? ¡°You do, right across your cheeks and nose. They¡¯re adorable, just like you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡± Her voice was soft when she spoke. I knew she was new to all this, so was I, but I hadn¡¯t been beaten down and degraded for years. She didn¡¯t need kid gloves, not by any means, but she needed to be in control and leading the relationship, and that I would happily let her have and do.

    I kissed her forehead and pulled her into me further, ¡°Now it¡¯s really time for sleep. You¡¯re safe here, nothing and no one will get to you while I¡¯m here.¡±

    She nodded against my chest and I stayed awake until I felt her breathing even out and heard her quiet, cute little snore. Only when I knew she was sleeping did I let myself sleep as well.

 Chapter 28

    We couldn¡¯t have been asleep for more than a few hours when I woke to her whimpering and tossing in her sleep. I lifted myself up on my arm, watching her for a moment, ¡°Alyce, wake up love, you¡¯re ok. You¡¯re safe.¡±

    She didn¡¯t seem to hear me as she growled and thrashed in her sleep. I reached over and grabbed her, wrapping her in my arms so she wouldn¡¯t hurt herself, ¡°Alyce, come on, wake up. It¡¯s just a nightmare.¡± I shook her a little bit and pulled her head into the crook of my shoulder so she would catch my scent.

    She let out a stifled scream, her as flying open, ¡°No, no, no!¡± she wiggled against my arms and I let her go, not wanting her to think she was being forced into something again. She rolled away from me, sliding off the bed to her feet, and I could hear her heart beating rapidly against her chest. Her eyes darted around and finally settled on me as she seemed to grasp her situation, ¡°Tristan! I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    She scrambled back onto the bed and back into my lap, clinging to me like she had done something wrong, ¡°Shhhh, it¡¯s ok love. You were having a nightmare, but you¡¯re safe. I¡¯m here, everything¡¯s ok.¡± I wrapped my arms around her, rubbing her back and letting her calm down in my lap.

    ¡°It¡¯s been awhile since I¡¯ve had one that was so vivid. I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to wake you.¡±

    ¡°Stop apologizing, you¡¯ve nothing to be sorry about. Do you want to talk about it?¡± I murmured soothingly in her ear.

    She shook her head and curled in on herself some more, ¡°No, not really. Will¡­ Will you just hold me until I fall back asleep? You make it easier to sleep¡­¡±

    ¡°Of course, I will hold you whenever, wherever, and however long you want me to.¡± I laid back on the bed with her, settling on my back and letting her lay sprawled across my chest, her head in the crook of my shoulder. Once again I waited until I knew she was back to sleep before I slept myself, keeping my arms tightly around her.

    ?

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I slept peacefully the rest of the night, no nightmares, no dreams at all in fact. I stirred as the first rays of light penetrated through the blinds in the room. I had a little drool at the corner of my mouth and as I reached up to wipe it away I realized I was literally laying on Tristan like he was my own personal mattress. Which meant I had drooled on him. ¡°How embarrassing!¡± I whispered to myself. I lifted my head a little more and wiped my drool off his chest, hoping he wouldn¡¯t notice. No such luck, I realized he was staring at me with an amused look on his face.

    ¡°Sorry.¡± I mumbled and went to roll off of him so he could move.

    He rolled with me so that I was pinned under him, his body laying between my legs, ¡°Nothing to apologize for. What¡¯s a little drool between mates?¡± He leaned down and kissed me softly, ¡°Besides, if you slept deep enough to drool, then you slept well. At least for a few hours and that is worth it.¡±

    I blushed at our compromising position and kissed him back before pushing him off me, which he let me do, ¡°I did sleep really well, and now I need to pee before you take over the bathroom. You didn¡¯t shower last night, so I¡¯m assuming you will this morning.¡±

    He let me up and I crawled out of the bed and darted towards the bathroom. I closed the door and did what I needed to do as well as brushed my teeth and washed my face. There was a mirror over the dresser in the closet that I could use to do my hair for the trip, so I could let him get into the bathroom. I knew they wanted to head out sooner rather than later.

    I slipped out of the bathroom with my toothbrush in hand so that I wouldn¡¯t forget to pack it.

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    Tristan looked over at me and gave me a curious look, ¡°What are you going to do with that? Scrub the drool away?¡± He was teasing me and I stuck my tongue out at him like a child.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m going to pack it with the rest of my stuff.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, that thing has seen better days, we¡¯ll get you a new one when we get home.¡±

    I looked at my worn toothbrush, some of the bristles were sticking out and no longer straight, he was right, I was overdue for a new one, ¡°I can¡¯t even argue with that.¡± I tossed it in a nearby trashcan and smiled at him, ¡°Bathroom is all yours. I¡¯ll change and pack while you¡¯re in there, then I¡¯ll pop down to the kitchen and make us all a quick breakfast.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get Victor to go down with you. I don¡¯t want to risk any trouble before we leave. Theo seems to be a good guy with the right ideas now that he¡¯s in the position to change things, but still.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably not a bad idea. Better safe than sorry, and I¡¯m just an Omega after all. Can¡¯t take on the bigger, badder wolves.¡± I winked and gave him a playful, knowing smile.

    He laughed as he gathered some clothes from his pack, mind-linking Victor, I assume, before disappearing into the bathroom, ¡°Victor will pick you up from here shortly!¡± I heard him call before I heard the shower turn on.

    *Okay.* I replied via mind-linked, rather than shouting. Then I mind-linked Mat, Faith and Jake, *Hey, good morning! Breakfast in the Pack Manor in 45 minutes. We will be leaving shortly after that!*

    I felt more than heard Mat grumble at me through the mind-link, he was not an early riser, and I laughed. Jake and Faith promised they would all be on time for breakfast and ready to go when they arrived.

    I stripped out of my sweater and leggings, shoving them into a secondary pocket in my duffel. I figured my bra and panties would suffice for travel as I had just put them on last night. I dug through the clothes that Faith and Mat had given me for my birthday, settling on a pair of fleece lined, lilac colored leggings and a long sleeve, tunic style, black shirt as well as a black semi baggy sweater. I knew the wind could be cold riding on the back of Ryder, and fall in the mountains was colder as well.

    I gathered up the stuff we had brought from my ¡®room¡¯ last night and packed everything into the one duffle bag. Once everything was packed I set it on the chest and let Tristan know that it was the only bag I had to take with us. He said he would bring it down with him when he was dressed.

    Using the mirror in the room I took my braids out and pulled my hair into pigtails, which I then wrapped into tight buns on either side of my head. My hair was too long and thick to put in one bun and have it stay unless I wanted a headache later.

    I opened the bedroom door and peeked out, looking up and down the hallway. I saw Kami coming out of her room and Victor walking down the hallway, so I stepped out to greet them both, ¡°Good morning Kami, Victor. Want some breakfast before we leave?¡±

    Kami smiled and ran over to me, hooking her arm with mine, ¡°As long as you¡¯re cooking it and there is coffee involved, I¡¯m all over it. Your food is amazing Alyce.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, thank you. Jake actually taught me everything I know in the kitchen. So you¡¯re stealing away not one, but two of the best cooks in this pack. Thank Goddess.¡±

    Victor fell in step behind us as we made our way down the stairs, ¡°What are you going to make this morning? Anything we can do to help?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, how about heart attack burritos? They¡¯re basically breakfast burritos but everything is cooked in one pan so the bacon grease gets absorbed by the eggs and potatoes.¡±

    ¡°And coffee?¡± Kami asked like she might cry if the answer was no.

    ¡°And of course, coffee and some OJ.¡±

    ¡°Sounds amazing.¡± Victor chuckled.

    We wandered into the kitchen and I set to work preparing breakfast with a little help from Kami and Victor.

 Chapter 29

    ¡°Kami, will you peel and slice potatoes please? Try to make the slices the same width so they cook evenly.¡±

    ¡°On it!¡± She hopped right to work.

    I started the coffee pot while giving Victor his instructions, ¡°Victor, I need you to crack 3 dozen eggs, add one cup of half and half, and 2 cups of shredded cheese then mix it all together for an egg scramble.¡±

    ¡°You got it.¡±

    I set about dicing up bacon and putting it in a large nonstick skillet with some ground sausage. When the meat was done I added in the potatoes that Kami had prepared and seasoned it all with some salt, pepper, garlic, onion and basil. Lastly, I added the scrambled egg mix when the potatoes were about done. The grease from the meat sizzled as the eggs made contact and I started mixing everything in the pan, keeping it all moving so it mixed up well and nothing burned.

    About the time I was adding the eggs, the back door opened and Mat walked in with his parents, ¡°Are you¡­ Are you making heart attack burritos? Girl, I could kiss you!¡± he exclaimed.

    Faith smacked the back of his head, ¡°Manners, Matheau!¡±

    ¡°Oh come on Mom, it¡¯s Alyce.¡±

    Faith narrowed her eyes at him and he visibly gulped, ¡°Sorry Alyce, just excited.¡±

    I laughed at the two of them. Mom really was scary when you crossed her, ¡°Why don¡¯t you warm up the tortillas Mattie. The filling will be done in a few minutes.¡±

    ¡°Jake, will you please see about setting up the coffee station, and Faith, will you see if Tristan needs any help getting things downstairs? Victor, go with Faith please. Kami, set the table? Jake can show you where plates and such are. I¡¯d set out a knife and fork, sometimes these are easier to eat that way than like a burrito.¡±

    Jake nodded, heading over to set out mugs, creamer, sweetener and other coffee supplies. He also pointed Kami in the direction of plates, silverware and napkins to set the table with.

    Faith and Victor headed out towards the stairs and I heard them heading up and someone coming down not long after. Theo and Dean were soon standing in the kitchen doorway, with hopeful looks on their faces, ¡°Pleeeease tell me you made enough for us to have one of your breakfasts before you leave us for good,¡± Dean whined.

    I laughed, ¡°Kami set two more places please. Dean will drive us all nuts if we don¡¯t shove food in his mouth.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the best Alyce, and I¡¯m sorry about everything, we both are.¡± Dean mumbled.

    ¡°Dean, you¡¯re 15 and not next in line for Alpha, what could you have done when your brother couldn¡¯t even stop it. Water under the bridge.¡± I smiled at him and then narrowed my eyes, ¡°Unless y''all fuck up and then I¡¯ll be back to beat your asses.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ll help her.¡± Tristan said from the doorway, Mat and Faith behind him, with Titus and Daemon bringing up the rear.

    ¡°We won¡¯t! Right Theo!?¡± Dean looked at the group and then at his brother.

    ¡°Right Dean, we will learn from Dad¡¯s mistakes.¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡± I started rolling burritos as Mat brought me warmed tortillas. I stacked them on a plate, making sure everyone had one, and I wrapped more in tinfoil to take for the trip. They were better warm, but not horrible cold either. The wrapped ones I set aside to cool and I would put them in ziplocs for travel before we left.

    ¡°Alright, get your drinks and grab a seat everyone, breakfast is ready.¡± I carried the plate of burritos to the table and set it down.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    I was turning to go get my own drink when Tristan stopped me and kissed my head, ¡°Sit down, I¡¯ll get your drink, what would you like?¡±

    I grinned up at him, ¡°Orange juice please.¡±

    Theo growled a little and then held his hands up as Tristan narrowed his eyes at him, ¡°Sorry, the bond isn¡¯t completely gone on my end as you two haven¡¯t marked each other. Natural reaction.¡±

    I gave Theo a sympathetic look. I did feel a little bad about rejecting him, but stood firm in my decision to do so. I could be happy with Tristan and I could trust him.

    Tristan pulled out a chair closest to the wall and I sat down. He wandered over to the drink area and made himself some coffee and an orange juice for each of us before returning to sit next to me, keeping himself between me and everyone else, except Mat who sat across from me.

    Once everyone was seated we all started to dig into our food, ¡°These really are amazing Alyce!¡± Titus complimented between bites.

    ¡°I understand why they¡¯re called heart attack burritos though, the grease is real, but the flavor is astounding.¡± Kami added.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad y''all like them, I don¡¯t make them too often, but I wanted to make something that would travel well so we¡¯d have a quick meal later if needed, and these aren¡¯t bad cold if necessary.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you can teach our cook to make these¡­¡± Daemon mused.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to, Jake can make them too. As I said earlier, he¡¯s the one who taught me to cook.¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re getting two amazing cooks? I feel bad for you Theo.¡± Victor chuckled.

    ¡°Me too. Pack Manor food will never be the same.¡± Dean mumbled.

    ¡°Just don¡¯t let Savannah anywhere near the kitchen and y¡¯all will be fine,¡± I advised.

    ¡°Why not? She¡¯s always eager to help.¡± Dean asked

    ¡°Eager to help does not a good cook make¡­ Last time she helped me, I had to toss an entire batch of eggs because she got shells in it. The time before that she nearly started a fire by burning a pan of water. Just trust me on this one.¡±

    Theo gave me a wide eyed look, ¡°Noted, I will not let her near the kitchen.¡±

    We continued small talk while we ate and Dean volunteered to do dishes when we finished. I gave him a brief run down of using the industrial dish washer and our group gathered at the front entry.

    ¡°Are we ready?¡± Daemon asked. Each of us standing there, holding our bag.

    ¡°I think so.¡± I looked at Theo, ¡°We will be severing the pack bonds once we reach Moonlight, that way we¡¯re not traveling as rogues before we can officially join Moonlight. Take care of everyone, and yourself.¡±

    Theo nodded and moved to hug me, then thought better of it and offered his hand instead. I shook Theo¡¯s hand and hugged Dean.

    Kami and I stepped outside where Mat, Titus, Victor, Faith and Jake were waiting. I looked back at the door, waiting on Daemon and Tristan.

    ¡°Feel free to reach out to us if you need advice on running the pack, or just to bounce ideas around. I believe Alyce is right to put her faith in you as an Alpha for this pack. You have potential, but a long road ahead of you.¡± Tristan said, shaking Theo¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Thank you. Maybe in a few months time, when I¡¯ve had time to prove I will do things differently, we can form an alliance. Please, take care of her, I will never forgive myself for not doing so myself. I had to learn that lesson the hard way.¡±

    ¡°I will, and no offense, but I¡¯m kind of glad that was a lesson you had to learn. It worked out in my favor.¡±

    Theo chuckled, but it was a bit forced. He couldn¡¯t blame Tristan for his view point, nor could he argue it. Tristan and Daemon came out to join the rest of us, ¡°Let¡¯s get shifted and on the road. We can be home by nightfall if we get moving.¡± Tristan instructed.

    Kami and Faith stepped behind some trees to strip, putting their clothes in their bags before shifting and picking up their bags in their mouths and returning to the group. I moved to stand with them, all of us turning our backs to the men while they stripped and shifted. Ryder nudged me with his nose when it was safe to turn around.

    I laughed and ran my hand along his fur before taking his bag and mine, connecting them with a wide, flat strap. Ryder laid down and I situated the bags over his back like saddle bags and climbed onto his back. It took me a moment to get situated in a fashion that I was comfortable and would not fall off, and where I wouldn¡¯t impede his movements or be digging into his sides.

    Once I was set I reached up to tap his shoulder and he stood. The others circled around us like guards and Tristan let out a howl to signal to the rest of his pack that was awaiting us at the edge of our village that we were on our way. We all took off towards the mountains, towards home.

 Chapter 30

    ~Tristan~

    We stopped for lunch at the halfway point, Alyce being kind enough to get clothes out for each of us as we all slipped behind trees to shift back. She had pulled out the extra burritos from one of the packs and looked at me, ¡°Do we have time to start a fire and warm them, or are we eating a cold lunch?¡±

    I glanced at the sky, ¡°If we can be moving again in an hour then we should be fine.¡±

    ¡°That should be doable, these won¡¯t take long.¡± She set to work collecting some kindling and wood, finding a suitable place to make a fire. In less than 10 minutes she had a decent one going. She lined half the burritos up along the edge of the fire, using stones to keep them off the ground, ¡°Is there a river nearby? I¡¯d like to get some water to put this out before we leave.¡±

    ¡°Maybe half a mile east. I will send Titus to get some. He usually carries some basic supplies, including a collapsible bucket and shovel.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± She smiled at me and it lit up my world.

    ¡°Anything for you. You didn¡¯t have to feed us again, you know. We could have hunted in wolf form, that¡¯s what we usually do.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to. No sense exerting more energy than necessary when we¡¯re traveling.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re amazing, you know that?¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± She blushed and turned the burritos over to warm the other side. After a few minutes she was handing the first round out to the younger pack members, who thanked her and settled down to eat, and then she was setting up the remaining burritos to warm for the rest of us.

    I noticed many of my pack members watching her, or staring at her. By now my entire pack knew what had happened to her, news travels fast. They seemed in awe of her, as was I. I don¡¯t think any of us would have expected someone who had gone through what she had to be as selfless as she was. She truly cared about those she deemed her people. She took care of everyone else before worrying about herself and it made me wonder how many times she took punishments that should have been doled out to someone else.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to check on everyone if you¡¯re ok here, Half-Pint?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, go on. These will be ready in about 10 minutes.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± I leaned down and kissed her before leaving her to do her thing and walking over to where my father was sitting with Mat, Titus, Jake and Faith. Kami and Victor were off talking with some of the pack members. I sat down next to my father, looking over my pack before watching my mate.

    ¡°She really is something isn¡¯t she?¡± My father asked.

    ¡°She leaves me in awe every time I talk to her.¡± I agreed with him, ¡°I was actually just wondering how many times she took the fall to protect others. She worries about everyone else and never herself.¡±

    ¡°More times than you really want to know,¡± Mat provided answers to my questions and then some, ¡°Not once did she ever speak up for herself, or speak out against someone else. I¡¯ve watched her intentionally draw attention to herself to protect a young teen who was learning the kitchen and accidentally broke a dish. Alyce is the only pack member who ever saw the inside of the hole for punishment, she made sure of it. I don¡¯t think any of the Omegas would have survived it. I don¡¯t think she would have either if she were actually an Omega.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve stitched her up at least a dozen times over the last four years. They were usually sure to reopen the old scars. Sometimes they would wound her so she didn¡¯t need stitches and would just build up the scars. I know they bother her, make her self conscious, but she never lets it show. It took me a while, but I¡¯ve gotten her to the point that she will let it all out and not hold it in, but only when she¡¯s with us and she feels safe will she let herself be vulnerable. I¡¯ve tried to teach her that everything she goes through can be turned to her favor. It can be turned into a strength without letting it turn her cold. I did my best to teach her to compartmentalize so she could get through the torture and still know who she is.¡± Faith added.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t offer her much other a safe haven in our home and a skill as a distraction. That was originally why I taught her to cook, to distract her when she was younger. Then we discovered she had a natural and amazing skill in it and that would save her sometimes, because Andrew would want her presentable to cook and tend to dinners, both big and small. We¡¯re all proud of the woman she is becoming. Despite everything, she has never lost herself.¡± Jake spoke up, he was often a man of few words, so I listened when he spoke, because it was usually important, or meaningful.

    ¡°I can¡¯t thank you all enough for looking out for her. Without you all I may not have found her, at least not in any form of herself that wasn¡¯t a shadow. I¡¯m also thankful you came with us. She will make an amazing Luna, but I think the transition to a normal pack life will be easier for her with you guys around.¡± I looked at the three of them, ¡°I owe you more than I could ever repay.¡±

    ¡°You just take care of her and keep her safe, help her find the answers she seeks, the truth she needs, no matter how bad, and that will be payment enough,¡± Jake said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t treat her like glass either. I tried that approach once¡­¡± Mat rubbed his jaw, ¡°It doesn¡¯t end well. She doesn¡¯t need protection in the form of keeping her in the dark. Include her, give her all of the details, trust me, she¡¯ll appreciate it and respect you more for it.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t pity her. She will shut you out in an instant. She can¡¯t stand pity. Empathy, sympathy, those are ok, but never pity.¡± Faith spoke quickly as Alyce was making the rounds with the last round of burritos, and she was nearly to us.

    ¡°That¡¯s sound advice from those who know her son, I suggest you remember it and when in doubt or unsure, seek their counsel. They know her best.¡±

    Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°I will. Thank you all again.¡±

    ¡°Well y¡¯all look far too serious over here. Everything ok?¡± Alyce asked as she handed us each a burrito.

    ¡°Just giving Tristan some insight on how to best avoid a punch to the jaw from you.¡± Mat laughed.

    Alyce squeezed herself in between myself and Mat, ¡°Scooch your big butt over Mattie, or I¡¯ll punch the other side and make them even.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one with a big butt. Mine¡¯s perfect.¡± He scoffed at her, but scooted down a bit.

    ¡°Yeah, perfectly flat!¡± She stuck her tongue out at him.

    ¡°Still looks better in spandex than yours. Don¡¯t be jealous.¡±

    ¡°You wish.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ Spandex?¡± I looked at them both questioningly as I worked on eating my burrito.

    ¡°It was part of a costume for a party that Andrew threw.¡± Alyce shuddered a bit, ¡°It was traumatizing, let¡¯s just leave it at that.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s probably right on that one¡­ Some things can never be unseen.¡± Mat shuddered right along with her and I decided to drop it.

    ¡°Fair enough. So, I¡¯m pretty sure these are even better when they¡¯ve been sitting and the flavors have soaked in.¡± I changed the subject.

    Titus and Father were quietly observing our group with some amusement as they ate. Kami wandered over and joined us as well.

    ¡°Alyce, will you still cook for us sometimes, even after you become Luna?¡± Kami asked, I swear she had no shame.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to, but only if you¡¯re going to get your hands dirty and help.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    ¡°Alyce, you don¡¯t have to. Don¡¯t let her sucker you in.¡± I gave Kami a hard look.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I really do enjoy cooking. I find it therapeutic.¡±

    ¡°Alright, but don¡¯t feel obligated. You can tell her no if you need or want to.¡±

    ¡°I will, I promise. Now finish up, we need to start getting everyone shifted so I can get their clothes back in their packs.¡±

    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± I laughed and tucked her into my side, kissing her softly

    I heard my father whispering to Titus, ¡°She¡¯s good for him, keeps him in line.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, whipped¡­¡± Titus replied.

    ¡°I can hear you.¡± I looked over at them with a glare.

    ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about my boy. Come on Titus, let¡¯s round up those who are done, we can help Alyce by taking care of those that are done eating.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll put out the fire and be right there to help you Daemon.¡±

    The two of them jumped to their feet and wandered off quickly. Alyce was giggling. I loved the sound of it, ¡°Why don¡¯t you rest for a few more minutes and I¡¯ll go help Father prepare the other wolves.¡±

    ¡°Kami, Faith and I can help too,¡± Jake volunteered and I didn¡¯t argue. Alyce had done enough and deserved a short rest too, plus she would likely be getting us all clothes when we got home. Wolves by nature were not bothered by nudity, but she insisted and no one wanted to deny her, so we let her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep Alyce company,¡± Mat offered, ¡°Keep an eye on her.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡± I nodded at him, giving him a look of thanks.

    ¡°Hey! I can take care of myself, you know!¡±

    ¡°We know, but you also can¡¯t shift out here, it doesn''t hurt to be on the safe side.¡± Mat rebutted.

    She pouted and gave in, he had a point and she knew she couldn¡¯t argue with the logic of it, ¡°Fine.¡±

    Ten minutes later everyone but Mat and myself were shifted and ready to go. I walked over to where I had left Mat and Alyce and she turned while we stripped and shifted. I nudged her to let her know it was safe to turn around. She did so and ran a hand through each of our fur before she tucked our clothes into our bags and held Mat¡¯s up so he could grab it easier.

    ¡°Alright Mr. Growly, our bags next. You sure they¡¯re not bothering you the way I have them positioned over your back with the strap?¡±

    I huffed and nodded at her. She¡¯d asked me multiple times throughout our trip, *I¡¯m sure, Love.* I grumbled through the mind-link at her, *Now get on and let¡¯s get you home.* I crouched down and she climbed on, getting herself settled. I waited for her tap on my shoulder and then I howled, bringing everyone into formation and we were off again.

 Chapter 31

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    It was about an hour after sunset when we reached the borders of the Moonlight territory, and even in my long sleeve shirt and sweater I was shivering a bit. There was a thin layer of frost covering the ground and the plants in the area. I suspected winter came early this far north. I laid myself down along Tristan¡¯s back and snuggled into his thick fur.

    *Are you cold, Half-Pint?* His voice came across our mind-link.

    *A little, but I¡¯ll be ok. How much further is it?*

    *Maybe a 20 minute run, we just crossed the border.*

    *Ah. Mat, Faith, Jake and myself need to renounce Red Moon then.*

    *We can deal with that a little later. For now just relax. We¡¯ll be there soon.*

    *Mmm, ok.* I laid my head between his shoulder blades and held onto him, letting his warmth envelope me. I wished I could let Aramyth out, but I couldn¡¯t just yet. Tristan wanted to make sure everyone knew who I was first, just to err on the side of caution.

    The ride was a little bumpy, but I wasn¡¯t going to complain, I was warm and Tristan¡¯s scent enveloped me, making the nerves I was starting to experience at meeting his pack, ease up.

    As we neared the village I sat up, which made me visible to those that were gathering to meet our group. I was small enough that laying on Ryder had kept me relatively invisible. Mat, Faith and Jake came to line up behind Tristan. Normally this would have been where Titus, Victor, Kami and Daemon would have been, but they had let my wolves take the center spots and then flanked them.

    Our group came to a halt, and I could hear whispers amongst Tristan¡¯s pack. They were speculating over whether or not I was the wolf they had heard about.

    ¡°She must be, no one else would be allowed to ride on Ryder like that!¡± One girl whispered, almost as though she were jealous.

    ¡°I heard she¡¯s covered in scars and rather disfigured, but she¡¯s pretty, if a little weird looking for a wolf.¡± Whispered another.

    I could feel Tristan starting to get agitated at the gossip, and I laid a hand on his back as he started to growl, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not what they were expecting, now they¡¯re curious, trying to figure out how to categorize me. I don¡¯t think they mean any harm by it.¡± I whispered in his ear before swinging myself down off him. I landed gracefully on my feet and Ryder lowered himself down, letting me take the bags off him. I dug him out a pair of sweats and a shirt, handing them to him before he moved off to the trees to shift and dress.

    Mat, Jake and Faith came to encompass me, Jake and Mat to each side of me and Faith at my back. I held my head high, stroking Jake and Mat as I stared down the crowd, not letting on how nervous I was to face them. It really was all for show, and I could hear Layla, Faith¡¯s wolf, snickering discreetly behind me. To an outsider it would look like I was some human who kept giant wolves as pets.

    Tristan joined us a moment later, shaking his head at us in amusement as he stepped into the circle of wolves. Daemon, Titus, Kami and Victor then decided to join in our antics, flanking us with the others. Tristan whispered to me and Mat, ¡°You guys are a bad influence.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. I had nothing to do with this.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±

    ¡°Really, they did it on their own. I just improvised.¡± I grinned at him.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Alright love. Are you ready?¡± He kissed my forehead and I nodded. He turned to face his pack, lifting a hand to quiet the murmuring.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you have already realized who this woman is, but let me formally introduce you to your future Luna. Her name is Faelyn De¡¯Lune, but she is to be referred to only as Alyce Lilly, this is an order not a request. No one outside of this pack and the wolves who came with her know her true name, and for good reason. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    There was a large group murmuring, ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±

    I stepped forward to address them, ¡°I understand that it is odd to have that rule be the first impression of me, and I promise that it is to keep all of you safe from those that would come after me. I made sure that Tristan and all your leaders were aware of my whole story, and the risks that came with accepting me into this pack. They chose to do so anyway. I will do my best to keep this pack safe, as will those that came with me. I will answer any and all questions you have so long as it will not endanger the pack to do so.¡± The crowd seemed satisfied that I would give them answers in time

    Tristan smiled at me and squeezed my hand before pulling me to him and kissing me passionately on the lips, which caused the pack to cheer in celebration and my face to become beat red. I pulled back from him and smiled, ¡°I need to introduce my wolves now, if you¡¯re done staking your claim?¡± I gave him a questioning but knowing look and grinned at him.

    ¡°Mmm, almost,¡± He kissed me again and then let me loose.

    I turned and got some clothes out of the bags for Mat, Faith and Jake. Titus, Kami, Daemon and Victor created a barrier for them and they quickly shifted and dressed. Once again I address the crowd, ¡°With me came Jake and Faith Williams. Jake is a warrior and Faith is a nurse. Their son, Matheau Williams, is also my best friend and adopted brother.¡± They stepped forward as I introduced them. Then I let my aura leak, just a little, ¡°I will not tolerate any disrespect towards my family, and this is the only form of warning you will get about it.¡± I was small and easily underestimated. I needed them to know that I was not a pushover. I saw several of them gasp as they felt my aura and knew that my message was clear.

    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough for this evening. Everyone go home. We will be having a Pack Ceremony in two days to officially bring Alyce, and her family into our pack. I will send out more details first thing in the morning!¡± Tristan declared. The group started to scatter and some of the wolves that had been with us wandered off as well, a few stayed and waited for me to get their clothes out for them. Those that had stayed and shifted came up to congratulate me and welcome us to the pack.

    I felt a cold nose on the back of my neck and turned to see Kami¡¯s wolf Scarlett holding her bag. I laughed and took it. I got her out a pair of leggings and a tank top, handing them to her and she disappeared to change. She returned quickly and hugged me excitedly, ¡°I¡¯m so happy you¡¯re here!¡±

    I laughed a little, ¡°Me too Kami, me too.¡±

    ¡°Let her be Kami.¡± Tristan pulled me into his arms and motioned for the others to head into the village, ¡°Come on Alyce, let¡¯s go get some food and then some rest. Kami is already plotting a shopping trip tomorrow, I can see that look in her eyes. I also need to introduce you and the others to my mother or she¡¯ll have my head.¡±

    ¡°I at least need a shower before I meet your mother. I¡¯m surprised she wasn¡¯t out here with the others to meet you father.¡±

    ¡°They have both kind of taken a back seat in the leadership roles, letting me run the pack. I¡¯m sure Father is already with her. We¡¯re a little more laid back than most packs, unless there¡¯s a reason for the song and dance.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed. It¡¯s rather refreshing, actually.¡± He led us into the village and to the pack house. Apparently Pack Manors weren¡¯t a typical thing these days.

    ¡°We have the whole 5th floor. Mother, Father, Kami and Titus and his family are on the 4th floor. Bruce, who you may or may not meet later, but tomorrow for sure, and his family are on the 3rd floor. Victor stays on the 3rd floor as well. The 2nd and 1st floors are for single pack members. Like Red Moon, most families have their own houses within the village.¡±

    ¡°We also have a school, hospital, training grounds, daycare and shopping plaza. We¡¯re pretty self-sufficient up here.¡± Kami added.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. I¡¯m sure Faith will be excited to make herself useful at the hospital.¡± We reached the pack house and headed inside.

    ¡°I¡¯m always excited to be working.¡± Faith chuckled, ¡°As long as it doesn¡¯t involve Alyce.¡±

    ¡°I assure you, you will not be seeing her for any more stitches.¡± Tristan spoke in a matter of fact tone, then he looked at Kami, ¡°Will you let Mother and Father know we¡¯ll meet with them in the office in an hour?¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll see you there!¡± Kami skipped off to find her parents and Tristan led the rest of us to an elevator.

    ¡°We¡¯ll show you to the guest rooms on our floor. We¡¯ll get you more permanently set up in a few days.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. We appreciate it,¡± Mat said as we all got on the elevator, riding up to the 5th floor.

    When we got off the elevator Tristan led us to the right and to two rooms across from each other, ¡°Jake and Faith, yours is on the left, Mat you¡¯re on the right. Our room is the one at the end of the hall with the double doors. Your stuff should already be in there. We¡¯ll meet you back here in 45 minutes.¡± They nodded and headed to their respective rooms.

 Chapter 32

    Tristan and I continued down the hall to our room. When he opened the doors and I stepped in, getting a full view of the room I was in awe. There was a king size bed on the right hand wall and a balcony with french doors directly across from the bedroom door. The wall to the left had three doors. I assumed one was the closet and one the ensuite bathroom. I wasn''t sure about the third one though. There was a large seating area that was in a recessed area on the left hand side of the room. A 55¡± TV hung on the wall between the closet and the bathroom. The whole room was done in forest green with dark brown accents. The carpet was green and plush.

    ¡°Wow, this is like its own apartment. All it¡¯s missing is a kitchen.¡± I giggled and looked back at him with a smile.

    ¡°Actually¡­¡± He pointed to the mysterious third door. ¡°There¡¯s a small kitchen through there. Nothing fancy, but it¡¯s fully functional.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, is it stocked?¡±

    He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. ¡°We¡¯ll get supplies when we¡¯re out tomorrow?¡±

    I laughed and stood on my tiptoes to kiss his cheek, ¡°Ok.¡±

    ¡°Come on, we need to shower.¡± He took my hand and headed for the bathroom.

    ¡°Wait, we? As in, at the same time?¡±

    He opened the bathroom door and let it swing open wide. The bathroom was all tile floor with a walk in shower that took up an entire wall. It had three shower heads, one on each end and one in the middle. It had a double sink and a vanity that looked like it hadn¡¯t been used in a long time. There was a tub on the wall across from the shower and of course a toilet. It was done in the same forest green as the bedroom, but with soft white accents instead of dark brown.

    ¡°I will stay on my side of the shower and I won¡¯t peek. I promise.¡±

    *I wouldn¡¯t mind if he peeked. We¡¯re going to have to complete the mating process eventually.*  Aramyth purred in my head.

    *When did you become such a perv?* I asked her, half scoffing.

    *When our god of a mate walked into our lives?*

    *Shut it!* She wasn¡¯t wrong though, Tristan was a walking, breathing god of a man.

    He was looking at me curiously, ¡°Aramyth?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she¡¯s become quite perverted lately.¡± I blushed a bit.

    ¡°Ryder¡¯s just as bad, but I promised we would take this at your pace and I meant it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, the pack will expect us to be marked and mated sooner rather than later though.¡±

    ¡°Well they¡¯ll just have to be disappointed then.¡±

    I smiled at him and stepped over to the shower, messing with the knobs until I got one of the shower heads on, and to a temperature that would leave me looking like a lobster when I finally got out, ¡°I appreciate that, but I think I agree with Aramyth this time. I wouldn¡¯t mind if you peeked a little. Besides, if I let the events in my life hold me back, then they win, and that sure as hell won¡¯t be happening.¡±

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    Tristan grinned and turned on his shower head, setting the temperature before pulling his shirt off, dropping it on the floor. My eyes raked over him, following the chiseled lines of his chest and abdomen, down to the v-line that disappeared into his sweats and then back up to his face. My own face felt like it was on fire; I was blushing so much.

    ¡°Look all you like, Half-Pint, it¡¯s all yours and only yours.¡± He tucked a strand of my hair that had come loose from my buns, behind my ear and then removed his sweatpants. I averted my gaze after catching a glimpse of him naked including his dick, I was instantly flooded with the urge to jump his bones, arousal pooling in my panties.

    I felt his eyes on me as I slipped my sweater and shirt off, followed by my sports bra, next I slipped off my leggings and now wet panties and stepped into the shower.

    I heard him step in behind me, running his fingers over my scars as he whispered in my ear, ¡°You are perfect. Everything about you is gorgeous and I can¡¯t wait until you are mine completely.¡± He kissed along my shoulder, running the tip of his tongue over the spot where his mark would lay eventually. My whole body shuddered under his touch.

    I turned and caught his mouth with mine, biting his bottom lip gently. He growled and backed me up until I was pinned against the wall. He lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist on instinct, a moan coming from me as our bodies pressed together. When neither of us could breath any longer he pulled away, his chest rising and falling quickly, much like my own.

    ¡°I need to step away, or I will not be able to keep control.¡± He whispered, kissing me again softly.

    I nodded and he set me down, making sure I had my footing before backing away to the other side of the shower. His desire was quite evident by how firm his dick was between his legs. I blushed and turned, pushing my own dirty thoughts away and focusing on scrubbing the dirt and grime from traveling away. Once again I used his products, leaving me smelling of him.

    In 10 minutes we were both clean and stepping out of the shower. I wrapped myself in a towel and smiled over at him. He had wrapped a towel around his waist as well and had managed to get his visible desire under control.

    ¡°Sorry about that. I did not do a good job of behaving after promising I would,¡± He grinned at me.

    ¡°It¡¯s not all on you. I did, kind of, start it.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, I suppose that¡¯s true. Let¡¯s get dressed, we¡¯re already running a little late.¡±

    I nodded and went to my bag pulling out a pair of gray leggings and a black t-shirt, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything appropriate to wear for meeting your mother..¡± I turned and looked at him with a small frown.

    ¡°Whatever you¡¯re comfortable with will be fine. No one is going to hold you to ceremony here.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Positive.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡± I smiled again and slipped on a fresh pair of panties and a sports bra followed by my leggins and t-shirt. I looked down at my feet, wiggling my bare toes, deciding once again to forgo shoes. When I turned to him again, he had slipped on a pair of black sweats and a white t-shirt.

    ¡°No shoes?¡± I asked him.

    ¡°I think we both feel the same way about shoes. They¡¯re evil.¡±

    I laughed and nodded, placing my hand in his when he held his out.

    We left the room and headed down the hall. Mat was just coming out of his room, dressed in a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top. Faith had put on some slacks and a blue blouse, Jake was in jeans and a t-shirt.

    ¡°Do none of y''all know how to dress when meeting a Luna?¡± Faith sighed at us all and shook her head at us like a disapproving mother.

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we brought a whole lot with us Mom. Besides, even Tristan is dressed like a bum.¡±

    ¡°Mat! Manners!¡± Faith scolded.

    I giggled, Tristan was chuckling, ¡°It¡¯s fine Faith, really.¡± he said, ¡°We¡¯re heading to the 4th floor. Follow me.¡±

    Our group followed Tristan, heading down to the 4th floor. The Alpha office was about half way down the hall on the left. Tristan opened the door, letting us all in. Jake and Faith entered first, followed by Mat and then Tristan and I.

 Chapter 33

    I took a moment to look around the office. The east and west walls were lined with built-in shelves, the entrance was on the north wall and the south wall was the exterior wall. It had a large picture window that the desk sat in front of. Instead of blinds there were curtains in here, which allowed some more flexibility for how much light was let in and from what angle.

    ¡°Good evening everyone,¡± Daemon stood from where he was sitting behind the desk when we entered. There was a tall woman standing with him, I assumed she was Tristan¡¯s mother. She was taller than most she-wolves, about 6¡¯5¡± with dark, dark red hair. It nearly looked like it was black it was so dark a red. Her eyes were a piercing sky blue and judging by her muscle structure she was a fighter. Daemon took her hand and came around the desk with her, ¡°Let me introduce my mate and wife to you, her name is Ivy.¡±

    Tristan moved over to his mother, kissing her cheek, ¡°Hello mother, this is Jake, his mate Faith, and their son Matheau. Jake is a warrior, Faith a nurse, and Mat has accepted the role as my Beta.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you Luna Ivy,¡± Jake bowed a little.

    ¡°I look forward to making myself useful in the pack hospital, Luna.¡± Faith smiled at her.

    Mat just nodded politely to her and smiled, he was still partially blocking me. I was pretty sure his natural stance anymore was in front of me defensively, even when it wasn¡¯t necessary.

    ¡°The pleasure is all mine, Daemon has kept me up to speed on everything. I¡¯m happy to have you in the Moonlight Pack. Though I must admit, the one I¡¯m most curious about is that tiny little thing behind you Matheau. Are you always so defensive of her?¡±

    Mat blinked at her, ¡°I don¡¯t even notice I¡¯m doing it anymore Luna, but yes. Yes I am. She is my best friend and my sister.¡± He stepped to the side as Tristan came over and took my hand, bringing me to the front of the group. I did not bow or submit like the others had. I met her gaze and gave her a friendly smile.

    ¡°Mother, this is my mate and Luna, Alyce.¡± Tristan introduced me, his gaze never leaving my face as he smiled at me.

    ¡°Oh! You look like her, but I bet you have his temperament.¡± Ivy mused.

    My confidence faltered and I looked at her in disbelief, ¡°You knew my parents?¡±

    ¡°Yes I did. You mother was my best friend growing up. Her clan made an alliance with this pack when I was just a child. Gwydia and I were instantly inseparable. Last time I saw you, you weren¡¯t talking yet, and your brother wasn¡¯t even a gleam in your parents eyes. Oh Faelyn, I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry I wasn¡¯t there to protect you. I thought you had disappeared with them¡­¡±

    My eyes widened when she called me Faelyn, ¡°Who¡­ Who are you?¡± Mat and Jake, picking up on my anxiety, were instantly on the defensive at my sides. Tristan was looking confused.

    ¡°Mother, I never told you her name¡­¡± He murmured.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to, silly boy. I¡¯m her godmother. I¡¯d know her anywhere. I know who and what she is, I just never knew she was still alive. She should have come to us, not to Red Moon. I¡¯ll kill Lucian myself for what he¡¯s done.¡± Ivy was growling.

    I was suddenly overwhelmed, hearing his name, getting all this new information. I hadn¡¯t said his name in nine years. I hadn¡¯t told anyone he was responsible for everything, not even Mat and them. My knees buckled and I felt Tristan scoop me up before I hit the floor, ¡°Alyce!¡± he called my name in worry.

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    Mat was growling, though I¡¯m not sure even he knew why. He just knew I had collapsed and his instinct kicked in. Jake put a hand on his shoulder to calm him,

    ¡°I¡¯m, I¡¯m ok. Mat, it¡¯s fine. It¡¯s a lot to take in.¡± I curled into Tristan, laying my head on his shoulder. I took a minute to gather my thoughts before having Tristan set me back on my feet.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry my dear. I didn¡¯t realize you weren¡¯t aware of me.¡± Ivy smiled softly at me.

    ¡°I may have been, but if I was at one point, I had forgotten. If I¡¯m your Goddaughter, why didn¡¯t Daemon recognize me?¡±

    ¡°Because he never met you. He knew of you, but he never came to visit with me, he had his hands full with everything here.¡±

    I nodded a little. ¡°No one can know who I really am. I need to remain vanished. It¡¯s the only chance I have of getting Silver Moon away from him.¡±

    ¡°Why do you speak like you¡¯re in this alone? You¡¯re not. You have us, this pack.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask anyone to get involved in my fight Ivy. Lucian is dangerous.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fight too. He took my best friend, my goddaughter. He is the reason you went through everything that you did. No arguments.¡±

    I nodded, smiling at her a little, her logic was sound and I doubted that anyone would change her mind on the subject. ¡°Okay. If you¡¯re sure. All I ask is that anyone that helps do so by choice, no one forced.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure, and that¡¯s fair. Though I¡¯m sure the entire pack will want to aid their future Luna.¡± She came over to me and wrapped me into a hug that was both warm and familiar. Her scent hit my nose, she smelt of snow and cherry blossom. I knew I had smelled her scent before, even if I couldn¡¯t remember her. I hugged her back and felt a familiar sense of home. It was different from the feeling of home I had with Tristan. Tristan was safe, and warm, like he was where I belonged. Ivy was more childhood memories and a safe haven of childhood ignorance type home. I was glad for both.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad Tristan found you, even more glad the Goddess paired you with him.¡± She stepped back letting me go and I gave her a sheepish smile. Did she know he was my second chance mate, not my first? Probably, but I wasn¡¯t going to bring that up now.

    ¡°Jake, Faith, Mat, thank you. Thank you for taking care of her, for being the family she needed while she was there.¡±

    ¡°Nothing to thank us for. She¡¯s the daughter I always wanted and never got. Mat has more to do with us becoming her family. He would constantly bring her home to play, or be running off to beat up someone who had been mean to her when they were little. She was his sister from the start as far as we were concerned. I simply took care of her as best I could.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll still beat up anyone who¡¯s mean to her.¡± Mat gave a nonchalant shrug and we all laughed.

    ¡°Love you too, Mattie.¡± I reached over and hugged him tightly. He hugged me back and kissed the top of my head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get some rest everyone. It¡¯s been a long day and in some ways a longer evening. Training starts at 6:00a if you want to join, you¡¯re welcome to. Victor is our head warrior so he leads our training. Breakfast is at 8:00a.¡± Tristan informed us.

    Mat looked over at me and arched an eyebrow at me. I simply grinned at him and he groaned. We had an entire conversation without a word in under 30 seconds. I laughed at him and Tristan was looking at us like we¡¯d grown extra heads.

    Jake laughed at Tristan, ¡°Alyce is going to training, which means Mat will go too, even if he doesn¡¯t want to. His instinct is to protect her. I highly suspect he was born to be her Beta, so I¡¯m glad you¡¯re putting him in that role. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll eventually learn to read their unspoken conversations. We¡¯ve just had 10 years of practice.¡±

    ¡°And don¡¯t bother trying to talk her out of it. She actually likes training.¡± Faith snickered at us. I shrugged with a grin. With that we all left the office, bidding Daemon and Ivy a goodnight.

 Chapter 34

    ~Tristan~

    We bid the others goodnight in the hall on the 5th floor and Alyce and I headed into our room. I loved the sound of everything being ours. I scooped her up into my arms and kissed her softly, ¡°Do you actually enjoy training?¡±

    ¡°I do, I also enjoy torturing Mat, so it¡¯s a win-win for me.¡± She giggled and I shook my head at her in amusement.

    ¡°You seem happier since we left Red Moon¡¯s territory, I¡¯m glad. I want to see you happy all the time.¡±

    ¡°I am happy. I still have a very long road ahead of me. One that entails some danger, but with you, everything seems possible, and it¡¯s easy to be happy.¡±

    I laid her in the bed inhaling her scent, ¡°Good I¡¯m glad. Do you want one of my shirts to sleep in? They¡¯d be like a nightgown on you.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Really, I just wanted her wrapped in my scent and we both knew it. I went to get one from the closet for her. By the time I came back she had already stripped out of her leggings and t-shirt. I could see them in a pile on the floor with her bra. I held the shirt out for her and she took it, slipping it on. I averted my gaze out of respect for her.

    She snickered at me a little, ¡°It¡¯s not like you didn¡¯t see everything earlier.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point. I¡¯m trying to behave and keep Ryder under control.¡±

    I felt her grab the waist of my sweatpants and use it to pull me to her as she knelt on the edge of our bed in my shirt, ¡°And if I don¡¯t want you to behave anymore?¡±

    I grinned and smashed my lips into hers, kissing her like I would eat her from the mouth down. She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her body into mine, coaxing a growl out of my throat. My fingers curled over her hips, slipping under the t-shirt she was wearing until I had my arms wrapped around her.

    I lifted her up, crawling on the bed, moving her to the middle of it as she wrapped her legs around my waist. Pulling away from the kiss I trailed kisses along her jaw and down her neck. Soft moans were echoing off the walls of the room and with every sound she made, I grew harder, wanting her more. Ryder was growling in my head, begging me to mark her.

    She was pulling at my sweats and grinding herself against me, I could smell her arousal as my hands roamed her skin under her t-shirt. I came to the edge of her panties and ripped them off without hesitation. She gasped at the sudden action and I captured her lips with mine again, my tongue snaking into her mouth, exploring it. My fingers brushing against her lower lips, she was soaking wet. I slid one of my fingers along the length of her slit, getting another moan from her for my efforts. She pressed her hips against my hand and I slid one finger into her, curling it upward to run along her inner wall, running over her g-spot as I thrust my finger in and out of her.

    I had her moaning and writhing beneath me and I was enjoying every moment of it, watching the emotions cross her face as I worked to build her up to a climax. She was riding my hand, and I slipped another finger into her. I slid down her body, trailing kisses from her shoulder, down her chest, between her breasts and down to her navel. I nipped at the inside of her thigh and ran my tongue over the bundle of nerves between her lower lips.

    Her fingers gripped the sheets and she was panting. I could feel her muscles starting to clench around my fingers as I rolled the tip of my tongue around her clit.

    ¡°Oh my Goddess¡­ Tristan¡­ I¡¯m going to cum¡­¡± She was struggling to get her words out through her moans and I ran my tongue flat over her clit repeatedly until I felt her juices coat my fingers. I slowed down, keeping her orgasm going for a minute.

    She relaxed and I pulled my fingers out, licking them clean, ¡°Mmm, delicious¡­ I could eat you for dessert every night.¡± I grinned at her and she was blushing, moving her hands to cover her face.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I covered my face with my hands to hide my tomato red cheeks. I don¡¯t know where that came from, but I certainly didn¡¯t regret it. I was way out of my comfort zone at this point and had no idea what I was doing.

    ¡°Nuh-uh,¡± I heard Tristan say and then felt him gripping my wrists pulling my hands away from my face, ¡°Don¡¯t hide from me. I love that I make you blush.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing, not knowing what I¡¯m doing when you clearly do.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be embarrassed. I don¡¯t really know what I¡¯m doing either. I¡¯ve never been with anyone, until now, until you. What little I do know I learned from watching porn like most teenage boys do.¡± I could see a little pink in his cheeks and that made me feel better. I giggled a little.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really. Scout¡¯s honor.¡±

    ¡°That only counts if you were actually a scout!¡±

    He laughed, ¡°Ok, Alpha¡¯s honor?¡±

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s acceptable.¡± I sat up and kissed him, tasting myself faintly on his lips. He returned my kiss, locking his fingers in my hair to keep me from pulling back.

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    I pushed him back onto the bed, straddling his hips as we continued kissing. His hand leaving my hair to join the other one running up my legs. He gripped my hips, rolling his up into mine and I could feel myself getting wet all over again, and I¡¯m quite sure he could feel it through his sweats. I groaned and pressed my hips down to meet his and pulled away from the kiss so I could take my shirt off. I knew what his fingers could do, now I wanted to know what he could do with his dick.

    ¡°You¡¯re wearing too much clothing¡­¡± I whispered in his ear before lightly biting his collar bone.

    ¡°Alyce, we don¡¯t have to, I¡¯m not expecting anything tonight. You¡¯ve already let me do more than I thought I would get to.¡±

    ¡°Shut up and strip.¡±

    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± He grinned and raised his hips with me still sitting on him, like I weighed nothing, and slid his sweats down, kicking them off.

    I giggled and blushed again when I realized I was positioned to be resting perfectly along his hardened length. His size was impressive both in length and girth. I knew he would easily fill me and the thought made me even wetter.

    Tristan sat up a bit, wrapping an arm around my back to bring me down against him, kissing me as he rolled us over effortlessly, trapping me between him and the bed. He propped himself up on one arm, the other hand resting on my hip as he stared at me, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure, I¡¯m sure that I¡¯ve never wanted anything more than I¡¯ve wanted you, all of you.¡± I ran my finger tips down his chest lightly and smiled up at him.

    He nodded and reached down to line himself up with my entrance, working himself into me slowly. I was wet, but we were both inexperienced and it took a minute or two to get things rolling smoothly.

    He grunted and groaned as he sheathed himself inside me fully, ¡°You feel amazing¡­¡±

    I wrapped my legs around his hips, raising my hips to meet his thrusts as we joined together for the first time. Amazing didn¡¯t even begin to cover the emotions and feelings of pleasure coursing through me. My nails were digging into his back, but that only seemed to encourage him, ¡°Oh fuck, yes!¡±

    I was starting to lose my rhythm as my orgasm built. I was starting to see stars. The pleasure was so intense, ¡°Faster, Tristan.¡±

    He needed no further enticing as he slammed in and out of me with a feverous pace, his body over mine as he held me against him. I could feel his canines brushing against my marking spot, but I wasn¡¯t quite ready for that. I turned my head and kissed him softly, passionately. I moaned into it as I came undone around him and he reached his own orgasm with another couple of thrusts. Both of us were covered in sweat and breathing heavily with the exertion. He rolled to the side, collapsing on the bed so he didn¡¯t crush me, ¡°Holy shit. If it¡¯s that amazing with no experience, wait until we explore and practice more.¡±

    I rolled my eyes and reached over to slap his chest, but there was no oomph behind it. I was exhausted, ¡°Now I need another shower¡­¡±

    ¡°Can I join you?¡±

    ¡°Only if you can behave. I have training in the morning.¡± Tristan laughed at me a little.

    Tristan rolled off the bed, heading into the bathroom laughing. I heard him start the shower and then he returned with a warm washcloth. He cleaned me up a bit and helped me get to my feet, ¡°My legs are like jello,¡± I mumbled, ¡°And it¡¯s all your fault.¡±

    ¡°Are you complaining?¡± He pretended to be offended as we headed for the bathroom, dropping the washcloth in the laundry on the way.

    ¡°No, yes, maybe?¡± I grinned at him and I shook my head. I stepped into the shower and into the hot water, letting it relax muscles that I didn¡¯t even realize were tense. Tristan came up behind me, working some of the tension out of my shoulders with his hands, ¡°Mmm, that feels amazing¡­¡±

    ¡°Now, what were you complaining about?¡± He kissed my temple and whispered in my ear.

    ¡°Complaining? I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t.¡± He reached past me, grabbing his shampoo and putting a generous amount in his hands before working it into my hair. He followed it with the conditioner after I rinsed out the shampoo.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to spoil me.¡± I murmured.

    ¡°We¡¯ve had this conversation, you deserve it, and I¡¯m going to make sure it happens.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t know what to do with it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out.¡±

    I let the conditioner sit in my hair while I scrubbed up. He didn¡¯t trust himself to be able to behave if he started soaping me up. I had laughed at him and soaped him up after soaping myself up, ¡°I can help you get clean at least.¡±

    ¡°Nope, you¡¯ve ruined me. Unless you can scrub my brain out, I will never be clean again.¡± He kissed the tip of my nose before I stepped back into the water laughing. I rinsed my hair and my body before I stepped out and wrapped in a towel with a yawn. It was soon forgotten when I saw the large hickey on my neck where Tristan¡¯s mark would eventually go.

    ¡°Well shit¡­ I will never live this down. Was this necessary Tristan?¡± I looked at Tristan as he emerged behind me from the shower.

    ¡°I had to mark you somehow.¡± He gave me a sheepish grin.

    I rolled my eyes at him and giggled as I ran a brush through my hair before throwing it in a braid. I smiled over at him, ¡°Ready to get some sleep?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡±

    We walked out of the bathroom and I pulled out a clean pair of panties, slipping them on while Tristan got some boxers for himself and located the previously discarded t-shirt for me. I slipped it on and we climbed into the bed. I settled in against his side, resting my head on his chest as he wrapped me up in his arms snuggly.

    I was already drifting off when I felt him kiss my head and whisper, ¡°I love you Faelyn De¡¯Lune, forever and always.¡±

    ¡°I love you too,¡± I mumbled, before slipping the rest of the way into sleep.

 Chapter 35

    ~Tristan~

    I woke to the sound of the alarm that Alyce had set. With a groan I stretched and reached out for her, only to find her side of the bed empty and cold. I sat up in a bit of a panic. I looked toward the closet and the bathroom, finding both empty and the lights off.

    I jumped out of the bed, throwing on a pair of boxers and sweatpants on my way to fling my bedroom door open, looking up and down the hallway. No sign of her.

    I heard a door open ahead of me and turned to see Mat coming out of his room. I ran over to him, ¡°Have you seen Alyce this morning?¡±

    ¡°No, she¡¯s not with you?¡±

    ¡°No, her side of the bed was cold when I woke up, no sign of her in our room.¡±

    ¡°Then she¡¯s likely in the kitchen. It¡¯s her ¡®go-to¡¯ place this early in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Of course she is. She¡¯s going to give me a heart attack one of these days.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we should share the love and give her one.¡± He laughed and we headed for the stairs.

    ¡°Sounds like a plan to me.¡± I grinned as we reached the stairs, both of us barreling down them and into the kitchen like something was wrong.

    I knew we had scared half the kitchen staff senseless as we exploded through the kitchen doorway, our gazes shifting around the kitchen before we both settled on Alyce. She turned on us, like she had eyes in the back of her head.

    ¡°What are you two doing? Barging in here like that? What is wrong with you? Are you 12? You scared half the wolves in here to death.¡± She bombarded us, a scowl on her face as she stomped towards us.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you this morning, you weren¡¯t with Tristan. You can¡¯t just not tell us where you are, Aly!¡± Mat scolded her.

    ¡°I woke up and you were just gone, you can¡¯t scare me like that!¡± I added.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been in the kitchen all morning, you could have just asked..¡± Her eyes narrowed at us.

    ¡°You know males lose all their common sense when it comes to their mate.¡± Mat offered.

    ¡°I am a grown-ass woman. I do not need to give anyone a play-by-play of my movements.¡± She growled, stalking towards us.

    Mat gulped, looking for a way to make a break for it. I reached out and grabbed his shirt, ¡°Oh no¡­ This was your idea, you¡¯re not leaving me here to take the heat alone.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I forgot how scary she is when she¡¯s mad¡­. You¡¯re her mate, she won¡¯t kill you.¡±

    ¡°She is kinda hot when she¡¯s fired up.¡±

    ¡°Ew, Tristan, just ew. Wrong gender, one, two, my sister. Ugh.¡±

    Alyce reached us and reached up, grabbing Mat by his ear and shoved a finger into my chest, much like she had the day I first found her, ¡°You, what¡¯s the big idea?¡±

    ¡°Half-Pint, you scared the life out of me this morning. I woke up, you were gone, I didn¡¯t know where you were. I might have overreacted.¡±

    ¡°Ow, Alyce! Let go of my ear!¡± Mat whined.

    ¡°Shut it Mattie, or I¡¯ll get your mother.¡±

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    ¡°Shutting it.¡± Mat instantly shut up and took whatever he was dealt from Alyce.

    Once again her attention shifted to me, and I reached out to wrap my arms around her. She stepped back and glared at me, ¡°Might have overreacted? Might have? You came barreling in here like the woods were on fire, or there were rouges invading! Although I¡¯ll admit I didn¡¯t think about how you might react to wake up and find me not in the room. So I apologize for that. However; that does not justify such a dramatic reaction.¡±

    ¡°I will endeavor to locate you before flipping out from now on.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d better.¡± She looked at Mat, letting go of his ear, ¡°And you! You get to train an extra hour today and I won¡¯t mention any of this to Faith.¡±

    Mat started to protest and then thought better of it, nodding at her. ¡°Alright. Will you at least feed us afterwards? What did you cook?¡± He was trying to peek around her to see what she had been cooking.

    ¡°You¡¯ll just have to wait and find out after training.¡± She turned to one of the other Omegas in the kitchen, Sara, I think her name was, ¡°Please make sure there is food set aside for Mat and I at breakfast, we will be late returning from training this morning.¡±

    ¡°Yes Luna Alyce.¡± The Omega replied

    ¡°Just Alyce is fine. No need for titles with me.¡±

    The Omega nodded and smiled, heading off to get back to work. I scooped Alyce into my arms while she wasn¡¯t looking and nuzzled her neck, ¡°You¡¯re sexy when you¡¯re fired up.¡± I whispered in her ear. She blushed and I chuckled, ¡°Are you ready for training? We need to get moving or we¡¯ll be late. Kami is likely already there.¡±

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I smiled at Tristan, finding it hard to stay mad at him and Mat, and gave him a nod, reaching up to gather my hair that was hanging loose in a wild fashion. I braided it and wrapped it around my head before pinning it in place with some large bobby pins I pulled out of my pocket.

    I heard Mat gasp and squeal in delight. I looked at him, raising a brow at him. He grabbed my wrists and inhaled my scent before his eyes zeroed in on my neck, ¡°Someone has been keeping things from her bestie.¡±

    Tristan had started to growl and move to intervene until he realized Mat was checking to see if our scents had mixed and was looking at my mark.

    I rolled my eyes at him, but I could feel my cheeks heating up as well, ¡°What did you want me to do? Sneak into your room at 2 am for popcorn and gossip?¡±

    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s exactly what you should have done. It¡¯s what I would do.¡±

    ¡°No, and if you ever sneak into my room at 2am for gossip, for anything other than an emergency I will kill you myself.¡±

    Mat pouted at me and I shook my head at him. ¡°I will gossip with you later. It¡¯s bad enough I¡¯m being dragged out to shop later, we both know I¡¯ll end up your personal fashion doll, so you can just wait. Now let¡¯s get moving.¡±

    Mat seemed to perk up when I mentioned shopping. He always did. I grabbed his hand and Tristan¡¯s dragging them out the back kitchen door and towards the training ground. I was excited to be able to train against more than just Faith, Jake and Mat, and to not have to hide that I was training to begin with.

    We reached the grounds in no time, Kami running over to meet us, ¡°Good Mor- ooooo, what a pretty mark you have.¡± She snickered as she reached us. I groaned, ¡°Not you too, I¡¯ve already had to deal with Mat this morning. I just wanna train.¡±

    ¡°Ok, ok. There will be plenty of time to talk while we shop.¡±

    ¡°You have no idea¡­¡± I sighed, glancing at Mat who was grinning.

    Kami looked at him and grinned with him. They were two peas in a pod really, both seemed to enjoy teasing and tormenting me to no end.

    ¡°Are you two secretly twins, separated at birth?¡± I face palmed and shook my head.

    Tristan was laughing at us and I scowled at him, which just made him laugh more, ¡°Alright you guys, leave Half-Pint alone. Let¡¯s get over to the group before Victor makes examples out of us. Alyce is already making Mat and I train an extra hour today due to his antics.¡±

    ¡°Oh, your antics too Mister, not all on him,¡± I smiled at him a little and we all jogged over to the rest of the group. Tristan just gave me an innocent look and turned his attention to the pack members that were gathering around us a little. Most of the pack hadn¡¯t really met me and they were curious.

    ¡°Good morning everyone,¡± I greeted the group with a smile.

    I heard some scattered, ¡°Good Morning Luna¡¯s¡± throughout the crowd and one very distinct scoff of distaste and irritation. I was letting my eyes scan the crowd looking for the source while speaking with the pack members, ¡°Please, just call me Alyce. There¡¯s no need for titles outside of some stifling, official event.¡±

    ¡°You think making nice is going to get you accepted here?¡± A tall blonde scoffed. Ah, source located, ¡°Your own pack didn¡¯t want you, Red Moon didn¡¯t want you, what makes you think you¡¯re wanted here? You¡¯re a stray mutt looking for an easy out, seducing our Alpha into making you Luna. Not even anything pretty to look at, just a scarred up Omega.¡± A couple of other girls behind her murmured their support of her statement. Likely her lackeys. Every wolf like her has at least a couple.

    Tristan and Mat were both bristling. If looks could kill, the look Kami was giving her would have dropped her dead in 15 seconds. I put a hand on both Mat and Tristan, ¡°I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

 Chapter 36

    I narrowed my gaze on the she-wolf, I knew the type. Pretty, popular, easy. She was likely used to getting what she wanted, and if I had to make an educated guess, she had likely gone after Tristan at one point and failed and now she was jealous and pissy that I was in the position she wanted.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that you were not present for my arrival to this pack. So, let me fill you in and correct a few of your misunderstandings.¡± I slowly let my Alpha Aura out, a little at a time as the crowd parted, letting me move through unhindered towards her, ¡°My pack was taken from me. I was not kicked out, I did not leave by choice. I was sold off as a - child-. ¡± I could feel Aramyth surfacing a little and I let her. Sharing space with her so we were both present on the surface, ¡°You¡¯re right about Red Moon, they didn¡¯t want me, and that is fine. I didn¡¯t want them either. The only use they had for me was as a whipping girl. I took punishments for those weaker than me. I took punishments for those who didn¡¯t deserve to be punished. I took punishments for those who absolutely  deserved  to be punished.¡±

    The look on the blonde¡¯s face told me she might be regretting her recent comment, ¡°- Nothing-  about my path in life has been easy. I have been beaten, whipped, sliced up, raped, and probably have a ridiculous tolerance for wolfsbane these days. If you think I am looking for a hand out, or some easy out, you clearly weren¡¯t blessed with much intelligence. I have asked for nothing. I have given those in charge every detail so they could make informed choices. What¡¯s a little shame, humility and embarrassment in comparison to what has already happened to me or been taken from me.¡±

    The rest of the crowd was murmuring, but they quickly silenced when Tristan gave a warning growl, eyeing the group. The she-wolf who had run her mouth was staring at me in both fear and awe. Most of the group had submitted from the weight of my aura. Mat was even in a submissive position, unable to fight my aura at this point. Tristan was straining to fight it, I could feel it in through our bond, I tried to pull it back from him a little while I finished addressing the she-wolf.

    ¡°Your Alpha knew everything before he accepted our mate bond. I had already rejected one mate, I was prepared to reject a second one, or be rejected to keep innocent people safe. I was prepared to go rogue, live as a lone wolf until I could reclaim my pack. I am scarred up, this is a fact. I¡¯ve never thought of myself as much to look at, my scars only made that opinion stronger. However, I am not an Omega. I am your future Luna, but I am also an Alpha. I will not tolerate disrespect, not towards me, not towards the wolves I brought with me, not towards anyone in this pack or any other, no matter their rank. Am I clear?¡±

    The she-wolf nodded, and I instantly reigned in my aura, looking at the rest of the group sheepishly, ¡°Sorry, I uh, didn¡¯t know how strong my aura was. I¡¯m not 100% sure how to direct it at individuals yet.¡±

    I looked at Tristan, who was beaming at me with both love and pride. He walked over to me, what he did next shocked not only me, but those pack members present. I gasped a little as he voluntarily took a knee and bared his neck to me. It was unheard of for an Alpha to submit to anyone voluntarily, much less their mate, and publicly in front of their entire pack at that. I blushed and shook my head at him a little.

    He stood and turned to the crowd, ¡°Your Luna is correct, disrespect will not be tolerated, and Joy, if you ever disrespect her again, I will either kill you, or banish you. Jealousy is an ugly thing and it looks good on no one. Alyce is my equal, but I am secure enough in myself, my power, and my position to know that there are times when she will take the lead, as there are times when I will. Her orders are my orders and vice-a-versa. You would all do well to remember this in the future.¡±

    The pack members were starting to recover, most of them looking at me in awe and I kept my head held high. In truth I wanted to tuck myself into Tristan¡¯s side and avoid the scrutiny, but I had just declared myself an Alpha and their Luna so now I had to own my role.

    ~Tristan~

    ¡°Alright everyone, the show is over, back to your regularly scheduled programming.¡± I bellowed, the crowd dispersing back to warming up while they waited for Victor to arrive.

    ¡°Mat it might be your lucky day, I think I¡¯m over training this morning.¡± Alyce said, laughing a little as Victor entered the training area, looking around at the scene curiously. She glanced at Mat, who jerked his head in question. I knew they were up to something. Alyce nodded, he took off running and she joined him, jumping on his back when she caught up to him, laughing like an idiot.

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    Victor looked like he had a lot of questions about what just happened. I looked at the two making a break for it and then at Victor, and back at them making their escape, ¡°Hey! Not cool you two!¡±

    Alyce blew me a kiss over her shoulder and Kami was laughing at all of us. She started running after Mat and Alyce, ¡°Come on Tristan, we have shopping to do! Unless you¡¯re going to let us go alone?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re all psychotic..¡± I mumbled, I looked at Victor again, shaking my head, ¡°I will fill you in later if one of the warriors doesn¡¯t do so before then. I have a crazy Luna to keep up with today.¡±

    He laughed, ¡°Let her have some fun, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s ever really gotten to have fun without worry of repercussions. It¡¯ll be good for her, hell it¡¯d be good for you to loosen up and have some fun too. I¡¯ll get the details later.¡±

    I grinned and ran after the others, not taking long to catch up to them, ¡°You were gonna leave me high and dry back there? You evil, psychotic little shits!¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about Tristan.¡± Alyce gave me an innocent look as we reached the pack house and she dropped to her feet, smiling up at me.

    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re so cute, Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Mat put an arm on Alyce¡¯s shoulders and pouted a bit, ¡°Aren¡¯t I cute too?¡± She reached up and patted his arm, ¡°Of course Alpha thinks you¡¯re cute too Mattie, who could resist you?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I believe you Alyce.¡± Mat let his lip quiver.

    ¡°Alpha, I think you¡¯re going to have to tell him he¡¯s cute too, or we¡¯ll never hear the end of it,¡± Kami sniggered, taking mine and Mat¡¯s side.

    ¡°I¡¯m not, what? No. Did you all wake up and decide it was a mess with Tristan day?¡± I looked at the three of them exasperated.

    ¡°Of course not Alpha. If I remember correctly you and Mat started the day trying to mess with me,¡± Alyce purred at me, getting an instant reaction out of me. I was putty in the woman¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Come on Alpha, you can¡¯t steal my sister and not include me in things. Tell me I¡¯m pretty¡­¡± Mat was laying it on thick.

    I sighed and slapped my palm to my forehead, shaking my head a bit. I gave in, lifting my head and looking at the three of them, settling my gaze on Mat, ¡°Alright, alright. Mat you¡¯re pretty too.¡±

    ¡°Thanks!¡± Mat instantly perked up like we hadn¡¯t all just been messing with one of the strongest Alpha¡¯s around, ¡°Now, let¡¯s get some breakfast and go shopping! You still have your wallet and cards from Mom and Dad right Aly?¡±

    ¡°Nope, not happening. I will use my card for Alyce¡¯s stuff. She can save her money.¡± I spit out.

    ¡°Wanna pay for mine to Trist?¡± Kami snickered.

    ¡°No, you have Father¡¯s card, use it.¡±

    ¡°So biased, you¡¯d think Aly is his favorite.¡± Mat snickered.

    ¡°She is.¡± I said, about the same time Alyce said, ¡°I am.¡±

    She giggled and slipped her arm into mine, Mat offering Kami his arm as we all headed into breakfast like the big happy family we were becoming. Even if the other three were a tad crazy. Alyce was laughing and having fun, and that was all that mattered to me.

 Chapter 37

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    ¡°Soooo, what¡¯s for breakfast love?¡± Tristan asked as we entered the pack house kitchen.

    ¡°I made homemade crepes with various fruit compotes and some vanilla creme filling.¡±

    Sara, the Omega I spoke to earlier, walked over to us, ¡°Alpha, Beta, Lu- Alyce, Lady Kami. I thought you were going to be late? I don¡¯t have anything set aside yet.¡±

    ¡°There was a slight hiccup with plans, and that¡¯s alright. No need to worry about it, we can serve ourselves. You go ahead and worry about your work, not us.¡± I smiled at her.

    ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re sure?¡± She spoke softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    She nodded and headed back to her tasks. I looked at the others, ¡°Let¡¯s eat shall we?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Kami was always so excited about food. It made me laugh.

    We made our plates and sat down at a table, ¡°So, we need to plan the ceremony for bringing you all into the pack, and your Luna ceremony Alyce.¡± Tristan said as he shoved a bite of crepe into his mouth, ¡°Alyce, you really are a Goddess in the kitchen.¡±

    I blushed a little, ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it. Keep an eye on Mattie, he¡¯ll steal crepes right off your plate.¡± I eyed Mat a little, threatening him with a look.

    ¡°Not if he wants to keep his hand he won¡¯t.¡± Tristan growled a little.

    ¡°I would never!¡± Mat looked appalled that I would even suggest such a thing.

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± I murmured.

    ¡°So, I¡¯m familiar with the pack joining ceremony, but what does the Luna ceremony entail?¡± I asked, curious about it.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot like the pack joining ceremony, but it links you to the pack as Luna. Mother and Father will also step down, passing on their titles to us.¡± Tristan explained.

    ¡°You get to wear a fancy dress and I¡¯ll do your hair and make up!¡± Kami added, clearly excited at the prospect of having someone to do girl stuff with.

    ¡°That sounds like fun. Please tell me I don¡¯t have to wear heels though¡­ I will end up flat on my face¡­¡±

    ¡°We can find you a longer dress and put you in some flats.¡± Kami offered.

    ¡°That sounds much better than heels.¡± If I got a long enough dress I could ditch the shoes all together and no one would know.

    ¡°And we¡¯re doing this when?¡± Mat asked.

    ¡°Tomorrow.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°Is that enough time to plan it? Seems awfully soon.¡± I was a bit surprised.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mother could whip one out in half a day if she wanted to.¡± Tristan chuckled.

    ¡°It won¡¯t bother her?¡±

    ¡°No, I promise it won¡¯t. She likes stuff like this, and I suspect the fact that it¡¯s for you will just make it better.¡± Kami chuckled.

    ¡°Oh, ok. Well, let¡¯s do it then.¡± I grinned at them, finishing off my breakfast.

    ¡°You say that, but you haven¡¯t been shopping with Kami yet, you may yet decide you¡¯re not so thrilled about it.¡± Tristan teased. Kami glared at him and threw a blueberry off her plate at him. He caught it and ate it.

    I laughed, ¡°And y¡¯all haven¡¯t been at the mercy of Mat in fashion mode.¡± I leaned over to Tristan and whispered loudly, ¡°We can decide which one is worse after we survive the excursion.

    He nodded at me, ¡°That might be the best plan.¡± He eyed the two as if studying them, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll break you out if it gets too bad.¡±

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    ¡°You say that, but if I had my way we¡¯d never make it to the first shop. I hate shopping¡­¡±

    ¡°What girl hates shopping?¡± Kami exclaimed loudly, drawing attention to our group and horrified that it was even a possibility.

    ¡°Me, I¡¯m that girl.¡±

    ¡°I will make it my mission to change your opinion!¡±

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Mat snickered.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get moving then. I¡¯ll have someone pull the SUV around.¡± Tristan finished his food and mind-linked one of the pack members to bring the vehicle around to the front of the pack house.

    The rest of us finished up our food, and I gathered our dishes, taking them to the sink for the staff to clean. I rejoined the others and we headed for the door, ¡°Oh, I do need to go get my wallet before we leave though. Go ahead, I¡¯ll meet you at the vehicle.¡±

    ¡°I told you I¡¯d be paying for your stuff today Alyce.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°I know, I know, but I¡¯d still like to have it.¡±

    ¡°Ok, we¡¯ll meet you there then.¡± He kissed me softly and I darted up the stairs while they headed for the truck. It took me a hot minute to get up five flights of stairs, but I made it and headed to the bedroom. I grabbed my wallet out of my bag, along with the envelope of cash, I pulled some of the cash out and put it in my wallet.

    I headed out of the bedroom and down the stairs to the SUV, hopping into the front seat with Tristan. Kami and Mat were in the back and there were two warriors in the back as well. I gave Tristan a curious look, ¡°Why the warriors?¡±

    ¡°Just a precaution. None of the ranked members ever leave the main area without at least one warrior.¡±

    I nodded, thinking nothing else of it, ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s get this over with.¡± I set my wallet in the center console and leaned against Tristan as he put the truck in drive and headed for the shopping plaza.

    Kami leaned forward into the front seat, ¡°What do you want to shop for first? Your ceremony dress or everything else?¡±

    I laughed, ¡° I need an outfit with pockets so I can carry my wallet, but other than that I have no preference.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ Something not leggings? Who are you and what have you done with my Aly?¡± Mat gasped dramatically.

    ¡°Hey, maybe I can find leggings with pockets¡­?¡± I grinned back at him.

    ¡°You shut your barbaric mouth! Absolutely not. We¡¯re getting you a real wardrobe today! Skirts, jeans, slacks, blouses, t-shirts, crop tops, sweaters, lingerie, sexy things, all of it!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need all that Mat, especially when Tristan insists on paying.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her Mat, she absolutely needs it all, don¡¯t forget things she can layer and winter clothing too, but lingerie and sexy things are super important too!¡± Tristan took Mat¡¯s side and I was blushing intensely.

    ¡°You¡¯re supposed to be on my side, Tristan.¡± I looked at Kami for some back-up.

    ¡°No ma¡¯am, I¡¯m with the boys on this one. You need all the things.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, fiiiine, I give. Y¡¯all win, but no heels and some modesty!¡±

    ¡°Except for the sexy things.¡± Mat agreed.

    I slapped my forehead and groaned, knowing I would not win that particular battle. We rode along the mountain roads for about 35 minutes, chatting and teasing each other. Tristan pulled into the plaza, finding a spot to park. The warriors stepped out of the vehicle, holding the doors for Mat and Kami to climb out. Tristan hopped out and came around to get mine.

    I slid out of the truck, ¡°Thank you.¡± I looked at the warriors as the group gathered on the sidewalk, ¡°What are your names?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m Thomas, and that¡¯s Will. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Luna Alyce.¡±

    ¡°Please, just Alyce is fine. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you both. Thank you for accompanying us today.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s our pleasure.¡± Will said.

    ¡°Where to first?¡± Mat asked, looking at Kami as our guide. She probably knew this place better than any of us.

    ¡°This way, there¡¯s a general clothing store just up the block, good place to start for the basics.¡± She grabbed my hand, and I grabbed Mat¡¯s as she drug us along the street. Tristan, Will and Thomas followed along behind us, all three looking far more amused than should be allowed.

    We rounded a corner and she led us to a large two story building, taking us in the front door. A couple of the clerks greeted us, smiling when they recognized Kami and gasping a little when Tristan walked in behind us.

    One of the sales clerks smiled flirtatiously at Tristan and I felt myself bristle a little, ¡°Alpha Tristan, how nice of you to grace our store with your presence today. Is there anything I can help you find?¡± She purred at him.

    He looked at her with no acknowledgement of her flirtation, ¡°I¡¯m here for our Luna,¡± He motioned to me, ¡°It¡¯s her we are shopping for today, and Kami will help her find what she needs. Thank you.¡±

    The clerk looked both surprised and jealous as she turned to appraise me. I felt her eyes raking up and down my form as she tried to hide her distaste, ¡°I see. She¡¯s awfully small, perhaps we have something in the Juniors section for her.¡±

    ¡°And perhaps you should learn your place and your job before offering your opinion or help.¡± I glared at her.

    ¡°Do not insult my mate, or you will find yourself looking for a new job and likely without any luck.¡± Tristan growled at her.

    She paled, gulping a bit, and blatantly ignoring my comment. ¡°Of course Alpha. I meant no harm.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you should take an extended break,¡± Mat suggested.

 Chapter 38

    The store manager approached us, catching the tail end of the interaction. She sent the clerk away to do busy work in the back, ¡°My apologies Alpha, I will keep her busy while your group is here.¡±

    The manager turned to me and gave me a once over, ¡°Let¡¯s get the tape measure and figure out exactly what we¡¯re looking for. Lady Kami, let¡¯s get her upstairs.¡±

    ¡°You got it, Miss Martha.¡± Kami giggled and grabbed my hand, dragging me toward the stairs with Martha following behind us. Kami looked back at the boys, ¡°Come on Mat, aren¡¯t you the wardrobe expert?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m right behind you!¡± Mat jogged to catch up to us, laughing at Kami.

    ¡°What about Tristan?¡± I asked.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be fine. He and the warriors will wait in the lobby area. Miss Martha keeps snacks and drinks down there for those that are stuck waiting on shoppers.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll get him once we have some stuff to get his opinion on.¡± Mat added.

    ¡°Or, oooor, we could leave him in the dark and she can have tons of fun watching the look on his face each time she puts something new on for the first time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an even better idea. So, we¡¯ll get him when we need another opinion to decide whether or not to get her something?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    ¡°Do I get a say in this?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Nope, you leave this to us.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I figured.¡± I sighed and let Miss Marth do her thing. I spent 15 minutes being moved into various positions while she took various measurements, scribbling them down into a notepad she kept on her hip.

    ¡°Alright, I think our best bet is going to be the misses section. We¡¯ll likely have to hem pants for you, but should be able to find the right fit otherwise.¡± Martha said as she clapped her hands together in triumph.

    We followed Martha and Kami, who seemed to know this store like the back of her hand. When we reached the section, Mat, Kami and Martha set to work pulling various clothing items off the racks and talking amongst each other. I found a chair and plopped into it to wait.

    After 20 minutes and much discussion amongst themselves, Mat and Kami came over, holding an armful of clothing each. I eyed them warily, ¡°So that¡¯s multiple colors in the same styles right? That way I just try on a few?¡± I knew it was wishful thinking. Kami just grinned at me and Mat grabbed my hand, pulling me out of the chair and into a large dressing room.

    The dressing room had to be for their VIP shoppers. It had racks along one wall and seating in the center area with a couple of end tables and a small center coffee table. There were drinks and snacks on the center table, ¡°Wow. This is fancy¡­¡± I murmured.

    Kami and Mat laughed at me, ¡°It is for our little territory, but it has nothing on some of the bigger city stores.¡± Kami informed me.

    Mat and Kami began organizing the clothing that they had brought in. They organized them by type and style. Just looking at them made me tired, ¡°Why do you hate me?¡± I whimpered at them.

    ¡°We don¡¯t, we love you. That¡¯s why we¡¯re making sure you have everything you need.¡± Mat scoffed at me.

    ¡°Is torturing me really a necessary part of the process though?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. Consider it an initiation of sorts.¡± Kami laughed.

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    ¡°Come on, time to get to work.¡± Mat was excited. He almost never got to go shopping with me up until now. He grabbed my hand and pulled me out of the chair, ¡°Into the changing room with you. We¡¯ll need to see each outfit and we¡¯ll rotate them through to you. It will help make it go quicker.¡±

    ¡°I wish that were reassuring, but this is only the first stop.¡± I rolled my eyes at him and smiled despite my torture. I knew they were only trying to help. I stepped into the changing room, taking an outfit from Kami as I went in. It was a pair of dark wash jeans and a black, bell sleeved, semi-low cut top.

    I changed into the outfit, looking at myself in the mirrors in the changing room. It wasn¡¯t bad. The top did show a little skin, but it wasn¡¯t horrible. I stepped out of the dressing room, looking at them, ¡°I actually kind of like this one..¡±

    ¡°Give us a twirl,¡± Mat spun his finger in a circle and I spun around slowly so they could see the outfit from all angles.

    ¡°I agree.¡± Kami said

    ¡°Absolutely, this one stays.¡± Mat nodded and he grabbed the next outfit, handing it to me, ¡°This one next.¡±

    ¡°Ok, but I kinda wanna wear this one out of here. Think Tristan will like it?¡± I half whispered the question, blushing a little.

    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t he¡¯s either blind or needs his ass kicked.¡± Kami laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to give him said ass kicking if necessary.¡± Mat offered and pushed me toward the changing room, ¡°He¡¯ll love it and I will set it aside for you to wear when we leave.¡±

    The fashion show went on for about an hour and between the three of us, we had vetoed about half of what had come in with us. What we weren¡¯t taking we had hung on a separate rack, and everything else we had folded into a couple of neat piles, aside from the outfit I was leaving in which I had put back on, shoving my old clothes into a shopping bag. I loved the way it made me feel, even though some of my scars were visible in it, I no longer felt the need to hide them as much.

    Martha came in to check on us, ¡°How is it going in here?¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯re about done, Miss Martha.¡± I smiled at her, ¡°We hung up what we decided against, and the folded stuff is going with us. I would like to wear this one out though, if that¡¯s ok?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely my dear, it looks stunning on you.¡± Her eyes lit up and she smiled, raising a finger to tell us to wait a moment. She disappeared for a couple minutes and came back in with a pair of black wedges. There were low wedge heels, which I was thankful for, because I knew I was going to have to put them on. ¡°Try them my dear,¡± She handed them to me.

    I sat down and looked them over. They had a zipper on the inside as well as black lace style laces. I slipped my feet into them, zipping the sides up and adjusting the laces so they fit comfortably. I stood and shifted a little, admiring the shoes. I looked in the mirror and even I had to admit, they made the outfit that much better. I smiled a bit to myself.

    ¡°We¡¯ll take those too,¡± Kami said, ¡°She¡¯ll wear them out.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll take the rest of your purchases down and settle the bill with the Alpha.¡± Martha smiled at us.

    ¡°Yes, thank you Miss Martha.¡± Kami said, handing her the sales tags from the outfit I had on so they would be paid for as well.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head down and make sure everything gets sorted. Wait a couple minutes and bring her down, Kami. That way we can all see his face.¡± Mat was laughing.

    Kami grinned and nodded, ¡°You got it. We¡¯re headed to the lingerie store next to get the rest of the basic clothing necessities and of course some sexy things.¡±

    ¡°You two are terrible. Monsters, you¡¯re monsters who encourage each other¡¯s terrible behavior.¡± I laughed at them and Mat just smiled and waved as he headed out the door.

    Kami turned on me, pulling my hair down out of the braid I had it in. She ran her fingers through it working some of the curls from the braid into loose waves, then she pulled it half up, securing it with a silver colored clip in the shape of a leaf, emerald green stones set into the metal to form the leaf. Where she pulled that from I¡¯ll never know. She moved to face me and pulled a couple strands of hair down to frame my face and smiled at me, ¡°Ready?¡±

    I nodded and took in a deep breath, ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be. Why do I feel this nervous about going downstairs all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°Because you put this on for him, and you¡¯re hoping he likes you in it. Trust me, he will.¡±

    I smiled at her and we linked arms, heading for the stairs together, ¡°Thanks, Kami. You¡¯re the best.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell Mat you said that,¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the best too. You¡¯re both the best, terrible, monsters ever.¡± I laughed as we reached the landing halfway down the stairs and turned to finish descending.

    Mat was handing the bags to Thomas, asking him to take them to the truck and meet us at the next store. Thomas took them and nodded before catching a glimpse of me. Even he did a brief double take before regaining his composure and heading out with the bags.

    Will nudged Tristan, who was looking a little perplexed by Thomas¡¯ reaction, ¡°Uh, boss, you should take a look at the stairs. You¡¯ll understand in a moment.¡± Will was mated, and thus not susceptible to a reaction like Thomas had been.

 Chapter 39

    ~Tristan~

    I watched Thomas¡¯ eyes widen as he took the bags from Mat, and watched him do a double take. Odd. Thomas was usually a very stoic guy when on duty. He left to put the bags away and Will elbowed me, ¡°Uh, Boss, you should take a look at the stairs. You¡¯ll understand in a moment.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± I turned, looking at Will with my brows furrowed. He pointed and I let my gaze continue to where he was pointing. My jaw dropped. Alyce and Kami were coming down the stairs. Alyce was laughing with Kami and she looked amazing. Her hair was loose, half pulled up from her face, save for a couple strands used to frame it. Her pale skin stood out against the dark fabric of her shirt, her cleavage visible, but not hanging out on display. The shirt was designed to let a small strip of skin on her stomach show. The dark wash jeans hugged her curves and somehow they had gotten her into a pair of shoes that gave her just a little lift. She was the most beautiful creature I¡¯d ever seen, and I was lucky she was mine.

    Kami and Alyce stopped at the landing of the stairs, turning their bodies to continue down the stairs. I stepped away from the counter and made my way to the stairs, waiting for them to get to the bottom.

    Alyce¡¯s eyes fell on me and she was blushing. I held my hand out for her, helping her down the last two or three stairs once she took it, ¡°You look amazing Alyce.¡± I pulled her into me, inhaling her scent and kissing her softly, ¡°Most beautiful creature I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± I murmured against her lips.

    ¡°Your opinion is rather biased there, Alpha.¡± She grinned at me and stepped back a bit, ¡°You like it then?¡± She looked down at herself and then looked back up at me.

    ¡°Yes, I do. I like it very much.¡± I¡¯d also like to take her home, strip her down and show her just how much I like everything about her, but now was not the time.

    ¡°Me too,¡± She smiled and slipped her hand into mine. Kami finished descending the stairs after giving us our moment together, ¡°Looks like Thomas is back from putting the bags away, shall we head to the next store?¡±

    ¡°Sure, which one are we going to next?¡± I asked, tucking Alyce into my side, feeling an intense desire to keep her next to me and away from everyone else¡¯s eyes as we exited the clothing store, Kami leading the way for the group.

    ¡°The lingerie store.¡± Kami waggled her eyebrows at us and laughed. Alyce was blushing, Mat was sniggering behind us and Will and Thomas were on their best behavior trying to have zero reaction.

    ¡°Are you all trying to kill me or get me to kill someone else? Why did I agree to this torture?¡± I muttered to myself, of course they all heard me and even Alyce had started laughing.

    ¡°I mean, it seems fair that if I have to be tortured, so do you love.¡± She teased, leaning up to kiss my cheek.

    ¡°Oh someone is gonna get tortured all right, and it¡¯s gonna be the next guy that eyes you up and down while we¡¯re out.¡± I growled a little, glaring at some teenager who was sitting across the street, blatantly staring at Alyce. He caught my gaze and quickly averted his attention elsewhere.

    ¡°Jealousy looks good on no one, remember love?¡± She threw my words from this morning back at me and I laughed.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, thank you for the reminder.¡± I kissed her head and Kami stopped in front of a store, looking back at us all.

    ¡°Ready Alyce?¡±

    ¡°No, but do I have a choice?¡±

    ¡°Nope. Not even a little.¡± Mat chuckled, ¡°And neither does Tristan. Who gets to stay outside so he can¡¯t peek.¡±

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    ¡°Hey, no way you¡¯re going to check out my mate in lingerie.¡±

    ¡°First of all, I¡¯m not going to check her out. Second of all, eeww, no offense Alyce.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not actually going to be putting anything on here. We have her size, so it makes this stop easier, you just can¡¯t see what she¡¯s getting.¡± Kami added.

    ¡°Why not?¡± I did want to see what kinds of things she was buying.

    ¡°Because, us girls need to keep some things a surprise sir, now why don¡¯t you, Will and Thomas go over to the diner and order everyone some lunch. We won¡¯t be here too long.¡±

    ¡°Fine, but only because we can see the entrance from the diner will I take them both with me.¡± I grumbled. I pulled my card out and handed it to Mat. I didn¡¯t trust Kami not to use it for her stuff, and I knew Alyce would never get what she needed and/or wanted if she knew the cost.

    Mat took the card, tucking it away, ¡°We¡¯ll see y''all in 45 minutes, an hour at most.¡± he said and I kissed Alyce, then left with Thomas and Will to the diner.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I let Mat and Kami drag me inside, after kissing Tristan and watching him walk off with Will and Thomas. Kami and Mat found the section that had my sizes in it and then they went to town. Getting the basic bras and panties wasn¡¯t hard and it didn¡¯t take long. Kami helped make sure I had various styles to accommodate various outfit types.

    The lingerie on the other hand. That was an entirely different story. I was trying not to let my embarrassment cause me to say no to all of them. It might be nice to have some lingerie to surprise him with from time to time, like after the Luna Ceremony.

    After about 30 minutes we had a decent selection of everything, and I leaned over to Kami, ¡°Can you come back here after we find my dress for the Luna Ceremony? Find something that will work with the dress?¡± I was beet red, but grinning at her nonetheless as I whispered to her.

    It took a moment for what I was asking to register in her head and then she nodded, giggling, ¡°Sure can.¡±

    Mat walked back to us after settling the bill, they¡¯d gotten everything into just two bags, ¡°Do I even want to know what the damage was?¡±

    ¡°Just know, you¡¯re worth every bit of it.¡± Mat said with a grin.

    ¡°And then some.¡± Kami added. ¡°Now, let¡¯s go get some lunch.¡±

    ¡°Yes! Feeeed meee!¡± I groaned at her.

    Mat rolled his eyes at us both, ¡°Let¡¯s go, y''all act like you never eat.¡±

    We left the lingerie store and headed for the diner. The three of us were laughing and joking the whole way there. We got across the street safely and then I was laying it on thick, hanging off Mat like I was too weak to go any further on my own. Kami soon joined in, hanging on his other side.

    ¡°Come on girls, you¡¯re being ridiculous and dramatic.¡± Mat groaned, dragging us both along.

    ¡°Too weak¡­¡± Kami mumbled

    ¡°Can¡¯t walk¡­¡± I added.

    He got the diner door open and scanned the crowd before his eyes landed on Tristan, ¡°You¡¯re right, they¡¯re psychotic. I have no other explanation for them.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm, you were included in that comment this morning, not just them.¡± Tristan laughed as he stood and came to get me from Mat, ¡°Although, if they¡¯re too weak, we will have to eat their share of food, it should be here in a few minutes.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like an amazing plan.¡± Mat concluded.

    I was snickering, Kami gave up the ploy, straightening right up, ¡°No, no. I can eat my food, you jerks. How did I end up with such jerks for brothers?¡±

    ¡°At least you got an awesome sister out of it?¡± I suggested.

    ¡°Truth!¡± She laughed and so did I as we sat at the booth with the boys. I curled into Tristan¡¯s side happily.

 Chapter 40

    A waitress came over to get our drink orders, Kami got an iced coffee, and I ordered a banana milkshake.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back with those drinks.¡± She said before heading back to the kitchen with our drink orders.

    ¡°What are our plans after lunch?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Your Luna dress and maybe 3 or 4 others to have on hand for various occasions.¡± Kami answered

    ¡°Well at least that should be a fairly quick stop.¡±

    Mat laughed a little, and Kami gave me a look that said I was crazy.

    ¡°Maybe not?¡± I retracted my statement.

    ¡°No, you will have to try the dresses on. There¡¯s no way to know how they fit just by looking at them dear.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°Well at least we only have to find a few.¡±

    ¡°Traditionally a dress for a Luna ceremony is white, but I don¡¯t think that will work with your complexion.¡± Kami said, pondering an alternative option.

    ¡°What about a green or even a lavender shade?¡± Tristan offered up a suggestion.

    ¡°Either of those would work well with her red hair and pale skin.¡± Mat agreed.

    ¡°Will it be ok to go against tradition?¡± I asked, a little worried about ruffling feathers.

    ¡°Absolutely. If anyone has an issue with it they can deal with me.¡± Kami said.

    ¡°With us,¡± Mat corrected, Tristan nodding in agreement.

    I smiled at them, ¡°I¡¯m so glad to have you all in my life. I don¡¯t know where I¡¯d be without you all.¡± Probably with Alpha Shane, the thought made me shudder and I pushed it away.

    ¡°You ok love?¡± Tristan looked down at me when I shuddered.

    ¡°Yes, sorry, the thought of being forced to go with Alpha Shane popped into my head. That¡¯s enough to make anyone shudder.¡±

    ¡°I would have gotten you out before that happened.¡± Mat said with a low growl.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t have been worth you risking your own safety and pack status, Mattie. Besides, Tristan found me and it is now irrelevant. Let¡¯s just forget it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll forget it, but you¡¯re wrong. It would have been worth the risk, and much more.¡±

    I smiled at him, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Food¡¯s coming.¡± Kami said and I looked up to see a couple of waitresses bringing over a couple trays, filled with plates of food for our table.

    ¡°Holy crap, that¡¯s a lot of food.¡± My eyes widened at the sight. There were only six of us. Of course we did have four adult male wolves in the group.

    ¡°Here we are folks, thank you very much for your patience.¡± The waitress who had taken mine and Kami¡¯s drink orders smiled at the group, setting our drinks on the table. She set the large tray of plates on a fold out holder.

    ¡°No problem. It wasn¡¯t exactly a small order.¡± Mat said with a chuckle. She nodded and left the other waitress to hand out our food.

    The other waitress started setting the food on the table, purposely leaning over to show her cleavage while eyeing Tristan. I glared at her, but she seemed completely oblivious to my presence. I knew he felt my irritation through our bond, and he lowered his arm to put his hand on my hip, pulling me closer to him. His touch calmed me a little and also drew the waitress¡¯ attention to me and she did not look impressed or pleased to see me there. She gave me a dirty look and I just narrowed my eyes at her.

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    Kami¡¯s hand shot forward, snapping her fingers in front of the waitress¡¯ face, ¡°Hey, if you¡¯re quite done oogling my brother and glaring at his wife, you can make yourself scarce, and I don¡¯t want to see you anywhere near our table after this.¡±

    It took everything I had not to react when she referred to me as his wife, though it wasn¡¯t far off from the truth in the wolf world. However there were Humans in this diner and so we had to be aware of that when speaking. The flirty waitress was a wolf though, but not from our pack. I wondered if the shopping plaza was neutral ground for the various packs in the mountains.

    The waitress glared at Kami and finished handing out the food, but not without ¡®accidentally¡¯ knocking over a glass of water with a plate, right into my lap of course. I let out a startled scream, ¡°What the actual hell¡­ What is your problem?¡± I tried to escape the water, Tristan pulling me into his lap and stopping the water from spreading with some napkins. Now he was glaring at the woman.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Miss, it was an accident.¡± She feigned innocence and tried to clean it up. The waitress that had brought our drinks came back out at the commotion.

    ¡°Jennifer, what is going on?¡± She looked at the scene, and instantly looked beyond pissed.

    ¡°It was an accident, Krista. I knocked over some water with a plate.¡±

    ¡°It was no accident.¡± Mat scoffed, ¡°She purposely spilled water on my sister while oogling her husband.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s it Jennifer, this is the third time you¡¯ve tried to pull something like this. You¡¯re fired.¡± Krista said. I assumed she was the manager, and by her scent she was human, ¡°Turn in your uniform and get out.¡±

    Jennifer glared at Mat, Kami and myself. Thomas and Will were a bit stiff, watching everything quietly, and ready to intervene if necessary. Jennifer scoffed, and started to protest, but Krista held her hand up to silence her, ¡°You heard me. Now go.¡±

    Jennifer stormed off, pissed as hell. Krista turned to us, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m happy to move your group to a dry table and your meal is on the house.¡±

    ¡°No, we¡¯ll pay for our food, it¡¯s not your fault she was a jerk,¡± I protested, ¡°But a dry table would be lovely.¡± I smiled at her, trying to dry my pants with some extra napkins.

    ¡°Of course. The round table in the corner is open if that is ok?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, thank you.¡± Mat said.

    We vacated the booth and Krista grabbed the second large tray that hadn¡¯t been emptied yet, taking it to the other table. I grabbed up the first large tray and filled it back up with our plates to help Krista, balancing it on my hand and shoulder I carried it to the new table, unloading it onto the table. Kami and the boys were grabbing drinks and bringing them over.

    ¡°Thank you, but you guys didn¡¯t have to move stuff.¡± Krista said with a smile.

    ¡°No problem at all, I have experience with extensive amounts of food so it¡¯s second nature to me.¡± I grinned at her.

    ¡°Haha, you want a job?¡± She chuckled.

    ¡°Thanks, but no, not in the market for a new one.¡± I laughed with her.

    ¡°Let me get you guys some fresh napkins and silverware. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± She headed off to the counter area.

    We settled into the new booth, picking at our food, which thankfully was mostly fries, burgers and wings, no silverware needed. Though there was nothing I could do about my pants being wet I was glad it was just water. They would dry eventually. Tristan looked at me and lifted my chin with his finger and I let my gaze settle on him, ¡°Are you ok?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, it was just water. Haters gonna hate.¡± I giggled and smiled at him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find out which pack she was from and contact their Alpha. Her behavior is completely unacceptable. She knew you were there, she knew you¡¯re my mate, there is no excuse.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Is the plaza neutral ground?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Unofficially yes. Officially it¡¯s in our territory, but given that it¡¯s the only shopping and outing option in the area we treat it as a neutral ground out of consideration for Dark Forest and Snow Moon. Humans occasionally wander into the plaza as a main pass through road for the mountains is nearby. Most of the Human employees know of our world in one way or another, but the patrons do not.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense. Have to be pretty ballsy to pull a stunt like that anywhere other than neutral ground.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°A few other adjectives come to mind other than ballsy.¡± Kami snickered.

    ¡°Crazy, desperate, has a death wish, or just plain stupid?¡± I laughed

    ¡°I was thinking psychotic, lunatic or slutty, but yours are great options too.¡± Kami grinned at me.

    Krista came back over to our table with napkins and silverware and set everything on the table, ¡°Y''all let me know what you want for dessert, the least I can do is comp that since you won¡¯t let me comp your meal.¡±

    ¡°Maybe just some chocolate cake and brownies to go?¡± Tristan asked, ¡°We still have some shopping to do, so we need something that will travel well.¡±

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll bring it out with your check when you¡¯re done. No rush of course.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Krista, you¡¯ve been great.¡± I smiled at her and she left us to eat our lunch. We were now a little behind schedule so we all ate, keeping the idle chat to a minimum.

 Chapter 41

    An hour later we were settling our bill, I insisted on paying for lunch and left Krista a large tip. I grabbed my bags of clothing from the lingerie shop and Tristan carried the bags of dessert. We headed for the truck. Apparently the dress shop was on the other side of the plaza, about a mile from the diner.

    We loaded into the vehicle, making sure our dessert bags wouldn¡¯t tip over on the ride. I tucked my lingerie bags under my seat after folding them closed so nothing would slide out and no one could peek. It was a short trip across the shopping area and Tristan pulled into a parking spot just down from the shop.

    Kami was out the door before Tristan even shut it off. Thomas and Will were scrambling to get out before Kami could run off without anyone. Thankfully she was waiting on me. I took my time getting out, giving the others a chance to get out as well.

    ¡°Hurry up, ya slow poke!¡± Kami laughed at me.

    ¡°Listen here Speedy McSpeedster, you¡¯re far too excited for this.¡± I rolled my eyes at her.

    ¡°You should be too! It¡¯s your dress shopping spree.¡±

    ¡°Did I mention, I hate shopping?¡± Now it was her turn to roll her eyes at me, linking her arm with mine as she dragged me toward the shop. Mat was on our heels. Tristan locked the SUV and he, Will and Thomas brought up the rear.

    We entered the store and I stopped, Tristan nearly running into me because the stop was so sudden. I was looking over the store in awe, so many styles and colors. All of it looked far too expensive, I looked back at Tristan, ¡°These dresses are gonna cost an arm and a leg, I can¡¯t let you pay for them for me.¡±

    ¡°You can, and you will. You are my mate, my love. It¡¯s my job to take care of you, no matter how big or how small a thing it is. You wouldn¡¯t deny me the chance to take care of you, would you?¡± He murmured in my ear and kissed my temple with a grin.

    I frowned, ¡°That¡¯s cheating and not fair.¡± I grumbled at him and he knew he had won. He chuckled and gently pushed me towards Mat and Kami.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna toss me to the wolves, just like that?¡± I scoffed at him, trying not to laugh at my corny joke, as Mat and Kami each took hold of one of my elbows and drug me towards the right hand wall, which held a large selection of various ball gowns.

    ¡°Of course, they promised not to eat you. Besides, I wanna see you in a fancy dress too.¡± He grinned at me.

    ¡°Traitor.¡± I hissed at him like I was actually upset. He just laughed more. I let Kami and Mat lead me to the dresses. One of the sales women approached us, ¡°Can I help you find anything?¡±

    ¡°No, but if you can set up your VIP dressing room for us, that would be great.¡± Kami said from behind a rack, while Mat was holding a dress up to me.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but the VIP room is for VIPs only.¡± The woman said. She couldn¡¯t see Kami clearly and she didn¡¯t know who Mat and I were.

    Tristan cleared his throat, catching the woman¡¯s attention, ¡°Are you implying that my wife is not a VIP?¡± his eyebrow arched at her in question.

    ¡°Mr. Willow, no of course not. I didn¡¯t know you had a wife. My apologies sir. I will get the room ready immediately.¡± She looked back to Mat and I as Kami joined us, with another dress in hand.

    I looked at the sales woman, ¡°No harm no foul, thank you.¡± She nodded and scurried off to ready the dressing room. I looked back at Kami and the dress she¡¯d found, ¡°So do all the stores here have a VIP dressing room?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the pack owns most of the buildings and businesses in this town so we built them in when we renovated since we so often go out in groups, it makes security and shopping easier.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense. Hand me that dress you have.¡±

    She handed it over to me and I held it up, inspecting it. It was gorgeous. It was form fitting with a wide, single shoulder strap. There was a thigh high slit on the two outer front edges. It also had a wrap around, satin skirt with sequins on the upper and lower hem. The skirt was detachable and so it could go from a ball gown to a sequined, floor length, evening gown in 30 seconds flat. It was a beautiful sage green color. I loved it.

    ¡°By the look on her face, I¡¯d say we might have a winner for her Luna gown.¡± Mat said to Kami.

    ¡°I¡¯d say you¡¯re right.¡± She agreed, ¡°Now let''s see about getting her in it and a few others.

    Mat took the dress from me with a smile and I smiled back at him, following them through the store as they picked a few from various sections, getting a handful of styles that would cover official dinners, alpha meetings, conferences and general events that would require formal wear.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head to the VIP room. Trist, you stay out here. We¡¯ll be out when we¡¯re done.¡± Kami said sternly.

    Tristan pouted, ¡°But I wanna see her all dressed up too.¡±

    ¡°You will, tomorrow. At the ceremony.¡± Mat chuckled.

    ¡°Fine, but I don¡¯t have to like it.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough.¡±

    I giggled at the three of them and we headed to the VIP dressing room. Once again, Kami and Mat set up the dresses on a rack. The one I loved they set apart from the others, ¡°We¡¯ll save the best for last, or we¡¯ll never get her through all of these.¡± Mat said.

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    I stuck my tongue out at him, but he was right. I wasn¡¯t a huge fan of dresses, ¡°Unfortunately, he¡¯s right.¡± I sighed a bit.

    Kami handed me a shorter, elegant, black dress with an open back and smaller bell sleeves. It was another modest cut dress, showing some cleavage but not displaying it. I took it and stepped into the changing room to put on the dress.

    Once it was on I turned, looking at it from different angles. It was a little shorter than I liked, so I took it off and put it back on the hanger. I took it back out to them, ¡°It¡¯s a little shorter than I¡¯d like.¡± I handed it to Mat and he set it on another rack.

    ¡°Ok, then maybe this one?¡± Kami handed me another black dress with an open back and loose, flowing, half sleeves. It had a square cut neckline, it was tighter in the chest and flowed out from just under the bust line with an asymmetrical hem-line.

    I took it from her and headed back into the changing room. I slipped that one on and looked at myself in the mirrors. This one wasn¡¯t bad, it came down to my mid thighs in the front which was better than the previous one, and to my knees in the back. I came out of the changing room and turned for them with a smile, ¡°I like this one.¡±

    ¡°Perfect, every girl needs a little black dress, or three.¡± Kami said.

    We spent about two hours rotating through dresses until we had three LBDs and about six others in various styles and colors. Finally Mat handed me the Luna dress. I really hoped it looked good, as I hadn¡¯t picked out any others. I went back into the changing room and slipped on the evening gown part of it, checking myself out in the mirrors. It fit like a glove, like it was made just for me. I took the detachable skirt and wrapped it around my waist, securing it with little hook and loops before tying the ribbons into a bow at my waist, just a bit off center so one of the slits in the evening gown was visible. It was perfect, it was everything I could want in a dress, ¡°This is it! This is perfect!¡± I hollered through the door.

    ¡°Well come out and let us see!¡± Kami exclaimed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t keep us waiting!¡± Mat added.

    I laughed and stepped out, looking at them with hopeful eyes. I turned on my toes, laughing some more. The skirt twirled around me as I did so.

    ¡°You¡¯re right! It¡¯s perfect!¡± Kami agreed.

    ¡°Absolutely. We don¡¯t even need to tailor it at all.¡± Mat grinned.

    ¡°And the best part¡­ It¡¯s a double function dress¡­¡± I undid the skirt, taking it off so they could see it as just an evening gown.

    Kami gasped and Mat nodded, ¡°Absolutely perfect. Tristan will love it.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± I beamed.

    ¡°I know so.¡± Kami agreed.

    ¡°I certainly hope so.¡±

    I was smiling from ear to ear as I went and changed out of the dress and back into the outfit I¡¯d been in, thankfully the jeans were dry from the incident at lunch. When I came back out, with the dress in hand, we called one of the sales women to take the dresses we had picked out and put them in protective covers and take them to the register for us to pick up when we were done.

    ¡°Now shoes and accessories.¡± Kami said.

    I groaned. ¡°Do I have to?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°This is the last of it though.¡± Kami offered to placate me.

    ¡°If I must.¡±

    ¡°You must.¡± They said together.

    We headed out of the VIP room and over to the shoes, where we spent a good hour with the two of them finding shoes to match every dress and a few of the outfits I had gotten earlier in the day. I had agreed to a couple pairs of wedge style heels but mostly made them find low or no heel shoes. Next was jewelry and handbags or clutches for the outfits. They proceeded to ignore my protests on the more expensive pieces. I really didn¡¯t need any of it, but they insisted that as Luna, I would need them for certain events and functions so I stopped arguing and let them do what they were going to do with a roll of my eyes.

    Finally we were done, ¡°Time to go home? Please say yes. I am so shopped out¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, time to go home.¡± Kami said with a smile.

    ¡°Woohoo! Not that I don¡¯t love and appreciate you two, but I am so not a shopper.¡±

    ¡°We know, we get it Aly. Let¡¯s go settle this bill and get Tristan and the boys.¡±

    I didn¡¯t have to be told twice. I helped them carry the rest of the stuff we had picked out and carried it to the counter where the rest of my stuff was. I left it to Mat and Kami to settle the bill. I did not want to know. I wandered over to Tristan and dropped down into his lap with a sigh.

    ¡°Tired baby?¡± He asked.

    ¡°Very. I¡¯m just glad to be done with it.¡± I smiled up at him and laid my head on his shoulder.

    About ten minutes later Kami and Mat came back over to us with several garment bags and about 6 regular bags filled with shoes and accessories. Mat returned Tristan¡¯s card to him and he put it back in his wallet.

    ¡°I think they thoroughly enjoyed torturing me.¡± I glared at the two in jest.

    ¡°You make it so easy though,¡± Mat grinned at me.

    ¡°I will kick your butt later, when I¡¯m not exhausted.¡± I told him and he laughed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get home.¡± Kami chuckled.

    ¡°Yes please!¡± I jumped up from Tristan¡¯s lap, offering to help with the bags, but Will and Thomas would not have it. The boys all divided up the bags, refusing to let Kami and I carry anything, they barely left Mat with anything to carry.

    I rolled my eyes at them, ¡°I¡¯m tired, not broken.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine love, you three did all the work today anyway.¡±

    ¡°No, those two did. I was just a dress up doll.¡± I giggled and we all headed for the vehicle. We stored the bags and climbed in. Tristan started it up and headed for home. I curled up on the seat and laid my head on his leg. I fell asleep to him stroking my hair.

 Chapter 42

    I didn¡¯t wake until we were pulling into the drive and the crunching of the gravel reached my ears. Tristan was still stroking my hair. I sat up and stretched a little, ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to fall asleep.¡± I murmured, not quite awake yet.

    ¡°No worries love, you really were tired.¡± Tristan smiled at me.

    ¡°Your snoring didn¡¯t bother us too much.¡± Mat teased.

    I glared at him, ¡°You really do have a death wish don¡¯t you, Mattie?¡±

    ¡°Only with you Aly.¡±

    I rolled my eyes at him and opened my door as Tristan shut the SUV off. I started gathering bags while the others got out. Kami, Mat and Tristan got the rest of the bags. I looked at Thomas and Will, ¡°Thanks again for accompanying us.¡±

    ¡°It was no problem at all Luna.¡± Will smiled.

    ¡°Our pleasure, really.¡± Thomas added.

    ¡°If one of you will put the vehicle away you can both enjoy the rest of the day off.¡± Tristan nodded at them and they gave a wave as we headed off.

    Our group of four headed inside, taking the bags up to mine and Tristan¡¯s room. We dropped everything on the bed and I smacked Tristan¡¯s hand for trying to peek in the lingerie bags, ¡°Don¡¯t be nosey.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t blame a man for trying.¡±

    ¡°Sure she can.¡± Kami laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna go shower and check in with Mom and Dad, make sure they don¡¯t need anything.¡± Mat said, ¡°It was nice to see you laughing and smiling again, Aly.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Mattie.¡± I hugged him and he headed off.

    ¡°Trist, why don¡¯t you go check in with Mom and see if there¡¯s anything we need to help with for tomorrow, and I¡¯ll help Alyce put this stuff away.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just trying to get rid of me so I can¡¯t see anything.¡±

    ¡°True, but we should also see if there¡¯s anything we can do to help.¡± I giggled at him and kissed him softly.

    ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯m going.¡± He kissed me back and headed for the door, taking his sweet time.

    Kami gave him an encouraging shove out the door, locking it behind him, ¡°Bye!¡±

    I laughed and she and I walked to the closet with the bags. My side was practically bare, having only the sparse clothing I had brought with me from Red Moon.

    ¡°Let¡¯s fill this space shall we?¡± Kami grinned at me.

    I laughed, ¡°Well, we already spent the money, so might as well put it all away.¡±

    She handed me the lingerie and I started sorting it and putting it into drawers, or hanging it on a back rack so the other clothing would conceal it. She started putting away shoes and accessories. I was surprised to find my side had a built-in, swing open jewelry box.

    ¡°Well that¡¯s convenient.¡± I commented.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it though? Mother had it put in when she became Luna and her and father lived on this floor.¡±

    ¡°Smart lady.¡± I laughed a bit and moved to hanging my tops and pants, organizing by material and style.

    Kami started hanging my dresses, putting them on the rack in front of the hanging lingerie. Less chance of Tristan seeing it since the dresses wouldn¡¯t be pulled out too terribly often, or so I hoped. She kept my dress for the ceremony out, ¡°Mom will need to see it to coordinate decor for the ceremony, and I¡¯ll store it so Tristan can¡¯t peek.¡±

    ¡°Another smart lady.¡±

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    When we finished we headed out of the closet, putting the bags in a trash can in the hall on our way out to find Tristan and their parents.

    ¡°Where are you, love?¡± I mind-linked him.

    ¡°Alpha office.¡±

    ¡°On our way.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re in the office.¡± I told Kami and we made our way there, knocking as I opened the door and the two of us walked in to find Daemon, Tristan and Ivy.

    ¡°Good evening everyone.¡± I smiled at them as Ivy came to meet me in a tight hug.

    ¡°Hello darling, I hear you had an eventful day.¡±

    ¡°Oh, every day is eventful when Mattie is involved, Kami just kicks it up a notch or four.¡± I laughed a bit and Kami stuck her tongue out at me, ¡°It was a good day though.¡±

    I stepped over to Tristan, tucking myself into his side as he slipped an arm around me.

    ¡°Kami certainly keeps things interesting. She takes after her mother in that fashion.¡± Daemon chuckled.

    ¡°I can¡¯t even argue that.¡± Kami sighed and smiled.

    ¡°How is the ceremony coming along? Is there anything I can do to help?¡± I asked Ivy.

    ¡°Did you find your dress today?¡± She asked in return.

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Then no, everything is on track and there is nothing you need to do, other than show it to me later.¡±

    ¡°Can I at least help out in the kitchen? I feel bad with everyone rushing around on my account¡­¡±

    Tristan kissed the top of my head and smiled, ¡°Always so concerned about everyone else, it¡¯s ok to take a break for yourself, Love.¡±

    ¡°Tristan is right, we have everything under control.¡± Ivy confirmed.

    ¡°And I will get Matheau in on this if I have to.¡± Kami threatened.

    ¡°You do know I can take Mattie, right?¡± I lifted a brow at her in question.

    ¡°Oh I have no doubt, I have no doubt you can take 90% of the wolves in this pack. You¡¯d give Trist a run for his money. However; I also know you won¡¯t. Not without just cause, so just relax and let someone do something for you for once.¡±

    I pouted and sighed with a nod, ¡°Alright¡­ I¡¯ll try. I make no promises. Let me know if there¡¯s anything I can do though.¡±

    ¡°I will, I promise.¡± Ivy smiled sweetly at me.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get some dinner, you didn¡¯t eat much at lunch. Not that I can blame you after the antics of that woman.¡± Tristan growled a little. I linked my arm with his, resting my hand on his forearm gently to help calm him.

    Daemon gave us a questioning look and Ivy tilted her head at us in curiosity, ¡°What antics? What woman?¡±

    Kami filled her parents in on the events at the diner.

    ¡°I will find out which pack she belongs to. A last name would help, but we will find her nonetheless, it just might take a day or two longer.¡± Daemon assured Tristan.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand she-wolves like that.¡± Ivy growled.

    ¡°Me either. They¡¯re the worst type of pack members, and unfortunately 90% of the time their behavior can¡¯t be changed.¡± I agreed.

    ¡°You all should go get some food and some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, well worth it, but long.¡± Daemon diverted the conversation before Ivy could get too worked up.

    ¡°We will see you at the ceremony tomorrow, if not sooner.¡± Tristan nodded to his parents, tugging me towards the door. Presumably to take me off to get some food. I was actually rather hungry, I hadn¡¯t eaten much of my lunch between the chaos of the waitress¡¯ antics and the exhaustion from shopping.

    I reached over and grabbed Kami¡¯s hand, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get some dinner. I¡¯m sure Mattie is already there. He never misses food.¡± Kami and I were giggling as we made our way down the stairs, with Tristan having taken up the rear, shaking his head at us with a grin. He seemed to bring up the rear quite often. I¡¯m not convinced it¡¯s not just so he can look at my rear.

    We wandered into the dining area, several heads turning our way as we were not even bothering to try and keep our noise down. Some of the older wolves were grinning, happy to see their future Luna and the Alpha¡¯s daughter having fun and being happy. Some of the females were glaring at me, though it was low key and I felt it more than I saw it, so I just ignored it. Haters gonna hate.

    Mat was already at a table, with a pile of food and he waved at us. I waved back with a smile and Kami waved as well. We got in line for food and I turned to Tristan, slinking my arm through his, ¡°Any recommendations on what¡¯s good?¡± I asked, smiling up at him.

    ¡°All of it is good, but the roast beef is usually the best.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try that then.¡± I loaded my own plate with roast beef, brussel sprouts, squash, zucchini and a bit of teriyaki chicken as well and some mashed potatoes with gravy.

    Female wolves could eat their weight in food though the males usually ate twice their weight in food. Tristan¡¯s plate had twice as much as mine did and it was mostly meat with a bit of potatoes and veggies. I rolled my eyes at him and he grinned at me. We headed to the table Mat was at, Kami joining us a couple minutes later.

 Chapter 43

    ¡°Are you ready for tomorrow?¡± Kami asked Mat and I, ¡°And your parents too, Mat?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow is easy for us, we¡¯re just joining a new pack. Aly¡¯s the one who has to go through all the hoopla.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Mat, I can feel the love. Am I ready for all the hoopla, as Mattie put it, no. I dislike hoopla. However; I am 100% ready to join this pack.¡±

    ¡°And to become Luna,¡± Tristan added with a grin.

    ¡°Is anyone ever truly ready to take on that role? Sure we do it, but Luna¡¯s usually aren¡¯t trained their entire life for the role like Alpha¡¯s are. We know who the next Alpha¡¯s will be, Luna¡¯s are a surprise. I¡¯m happy to be in the role by your side, but I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m ready for it yet.¡± I answered honestly.

    ¡°I promise, you will be amazing. Mother will help you until you¡¯re more confident in what you¡¯re doing and she will always be there for advice if you need it. As will Father and myself.¡± He leaned over and kissed me softly, earning a few catcalls and ¡®ooohs¡¯ and ¡®aaahhs¡¯ from the crowd. I returned his kiss, once again feeling glares on me, but I didn¡¯t care.

    ¡°Thank you. It means a lot to have your faith in me. I love you.¡± I whispered as I pulled away from our kiss.

    ¡°I love you too, and I know you will be amazing at everything you do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to need you two to get a room, your sweetness is making me lose my appetite.¡± Kami teased.

    ¡°We have one.¡± I pointed out, with a shrug at her. Tristan growled appreciatively at me, pulling me into his side. The tingles his touch caused, caused a shiver to course through my body and his growl was suddenly much more seductive, I sent him a mind-link, ¡°Down boy¡­ Later. I promise.¡±

    ¡°Keep it up and you guys won¡¯t make it to your room.¡± Mat snickered at us.

    ¡°Jealous much?¡± I asked him.

    ¡°Bitch, yes I am. I can¡¯t wait to meet my mate.¡± He gave me some sass and I laughed at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find him soon.¡±

    ¡°The entire pack will be at Alyce¡¯s ceremony tomorrow and we have invited both Dark Forest and Snow Moon, so some of them may show up as well, but if your mate is in Moonlight, you will likely know tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡­ If they¡¯re in another pack, how will that work? Will he join this one or will Mat have to leave?¡± There was a little worry in my voice, I didn¡¯t want Mat to leave, he was Tristan¡¯s Beta, and would be mine as well. Truth was it was likely we would combine the packs when I got Silver Moon back, but we would deal with that later.

    ¡°In a same sex mating, usually whoever has the lower rank would be the one to move, but with Mat essentially being Beta twice over, they would be hard pressed to take him from us anyway.¡±

    ¡°Mate or not, I¡¯m not leaving Aly.¡±

    I smiled at Mat, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect you to stay here if you needed to leave with your mate Mattie, I do actually have a heart, despite Red Moon¡¯s opinion.¡±

    ¡°I know, but you¡¯re family.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it will all work out and no one will have to choose between anyone.¡± Tristan said.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, besides, I¡¯ll kick him out myself if I have to to keep him from making a stupid choice.¡±

    Mat scoffed at me, Kami was laughing and Tristan was rolling his eyes while I stared Mat down until he gave in without another word and went back to eating.

    ¡°You really are a damn Alpha,¡± Kami was laughing.

    I shrugged a bit and tore into my food with a grin. ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about Kami.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. Sure you don¡¯t.¡± She mumbled through a mouthful of chicken.

    We laughed and chatted while we ate, Kami excusing herself when she finished as she needed her ¡®beauty sleep¡¯ for tomorrow. Mat also excused himself when he finished, making some excuse about training early in the morning. I gave him a suspicious look as he left the dining area in a hurry.

    ¡°Those two are up to something¡­ At least Mat is¡­¡± I murmured.

    ¡°Eh, let them think they¡¯re sneaky.¡± He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his lap. He kissed my neck, just below my ear, ¡°We have better things to focus on tonight.¡± He whispered in my ear.

    I blushed, the tone and depth of his voice seeping straight to my core, my arousal pooling in my panties in an instant. I blushed, hiding my face against him. We were in the middle of the dining room and I knew everyone else would be able to smell it as well.

    He laughed at me, ¡°Come on you.¡± Next thing I knew I was thrown over his shoulder with a squeal.

    He was laughing harder and I was smacking his back, ¡°Put me down you brute!¡± I was laughing as I yelled at him, so he wasn¡¯t even remotely taking me seriously.

    ¡°I will, when we get to the bedroom.¡± His laughter filled the dining hall, the rest of the pack was laughing at us as well. The Alpha and Luna set the tone for the rest of the pack. If we were happy and having a good time, so was the rest of the pack. I put my elbow on his back, propping my chin on my hand as I glared at the rest of the pack, ¡°Whose side are y¡¯all on anyway?¡± I yelled at them with a laugh as Tristan carried me out the dining hall before they could answer, headed for the stairs.

    He took the stairs two at a time and I wiggled my ass at him, basically right in his face. He growled and smacked my ass. Instantly my arousal peaked again, so I returned the favor, reaching down and smacking his ass right back with a playful growl. We were up the stairs faster than I thought possible and he was practically running down the hall to our room, flinging the door open and shutting it behind us.

    He threw me on the bed, coming down with me and settling himself between my legs. His lips smashed against mine and I kissed him back with a fevered passion. I buried my fingers in his hair, gripping it tight. One of his hands was under my neck, holding me to him, the other was running up and down one of my thighs.

    I moaned a little and pressed myself into him, I could feel his hardened length pressing against me. I bit his bottom lip, coaxing a moan mixed with a growl from him. His hand left my thigh, undoing my jeans and tugging them down. At least he didn¡¯t rip them off, we had just bought them after all. I brought my hands from his hair, trailing them down his chest to the hem of his shirt, pulling it off his body so I could trail my fingers along the lines of his muscles, leaving sparks in their wake. His body lowered on mine and I felt his lips trailing kisses along my thighs, heard him draw in a deep breath, scenting me and my arousal. He let out a primal growl, pulling my panties to the side, burying his nose in my sex. His tongue darted out, running along my skin lightly, teasing me. I let out a mewling moan, squirming under him a bit. I wanted more, needed more.

    He tore my panties off my legs, apparently they were in his way and he had no patience left. His tongue dove into my folds, tasting me in a slow teasing fashion. When he found my bundle of nerves he focused his attention on it, once again causing me to squirm and moan. His arm came up, holding me still as he licked and sucked, causing pleasure to build in me. He slid a finger into me and that nearly made me come undone. My hips were moving in rhythm with his hand as he pumped his finger in and out of me, curling it to hit my g-spot. It didn¡¯t take but a couple minutes before I was over the edge screaming in pleasure I flew into the clouds, riding the high of my orgasm.

    He slowed his motions, but didn¡¯t stop, drawing it out and then letting me come down from it. His finger slid out of me and licked up my juices like they were the best thing on earth. Eventually he kissed up my body, ridding me of the rest of my clothing as he did so. His lips found mine and I could still taste faint traces of myself on his lips. My hands were busy trying to get him out of his jeans as fast as I could, a bit of a frustrated growl coming from me before I finally managed to get them undone, sliding them down his hips and legs along with his boxers.

    I could tell he was trying not to be too amused by my needy frustration. He came back down, caging me with his arms as he kissed me again, trailing kisses from my lips to the hickey he had left on my neck, teasing it with the tip of his tongue. My head rolled back involuntarily at the sensation sent through my body from his tongue on my marking spot. He kissed back up to my lips, capturing them in his as he lined himself up with my entrance, sheathing himself in me fully. I rolled my hips with his, both of us a hot mess of grunts, moans and pleasure.

    His arms wrapped around me, holding me to him as he rolled us both, putting me on the top and holding my hips. I let him guide my movements, my hands coming to rest on his chest as I supported myself. He kept hold of my hips, slamming himself in and out of me. It felt like he was going deeper in this position, hitting parts of me I didn¡¯t think possible. We were both sweating, but neither of us cared. I grinned and slid myself up, nearly off of him, teasing him a little before I slammed back down onto him. I earned a pleasure-filled moan from him and I did it a few more times before my own pleasure once again started to build and I couldn¡¯t focus enough to keep teasing him.

    He pulled me down onto him, holding me there so that he was buried in me and one of his hands slid to the front, his thumb finding that bundle of nerves and teasing it in a circular motion. That was it, that was all it took for me to come undone. He pulled me forward so I was laying on his chest and kissed me, exploring my mouth with his tongue. I moaned, convulsing against him as my orgasm shook me. He thrust roughly into me once or twice more before releasing his seed deep inside me with a loud roar of pleasure.

 Chapter 44

    We collapsed together on the bed, worn out and very happily satisfied. I slid off him, curling into his side. His arms wrapped around me, holding me close to him, ¡°That was amazing, you are amazing. I love you.¡± I heard him whisper to me.

    ¡°So are you. I love you with everything I am.¡± I murmured back to him. We snuggled for a few minutes before he rolled out of the bed. I sat up a bit and watched him as he walked to the bathroom. I heard the shower start before he came back out and scooped me out of the bed.

    ¡°I could walk ya know?¡± I giggled at him.

    ¡°I know, but I want to take care of you.¡± He grinned at me and carried me into the bathroom. He stepped into the shower with me and set me gently on my feet.

    I stepped into the water, relishing in the feeling of the heat of it on my muscles. I really did love a hot shower, ¡°Mmmm, so good.¡±

    ¡°Should I be worried about being replaced with that hot shower?¡± Tristan chuckled at me and I stuck my tongue out at him.

    ¡°Not at all.¡± I giggled.

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡±

    I flashed him a smile and tilted my head back into the water. I felt Tristan spin me around so my back was to him. After amoment his hands were in my hair, washing it. My hair was such a chore it took a good five minutes to work my mint kiwi shampoo through all of it, ¡°Maybe I should get a haircut. It¡¯s beginning to get out of control.¡± I contemplated out loud.

    ¡°I love your hair the way it is, but I can also see how it would be a lot of work to care for it properly. Just promise you won¡¯t cut it super short?¡±

    ¡°I promise. I like having long hair, but maybe not this long.¡± I smiled at him as I rinsed the shampoo out while he was getting the conditioner ready.

    I turned around again so he could work conditioner through my hair once the shampoo was out. I knew there was going to be a stylist coming tomorrow to help prep Kami, Ivy and I for the event. I reached out to Mat with the mind-link, cause I couldn¡¯t mind-link Kami until I was officially a pack member, *Hey, are you around Kami right now?*

    *No, but I can track her down if you need me to.* Mat replied.

    *Can you find her and ask her to have the stylist come a couple hours earlier if possible?*

    *Yes, why?*

    *I think it¡¯s time for a haircut.*

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    I heard him gasp through the link, *I will, but only on the condition that I get to consult on it. No way I¡¯m going to let someone loose on your hair without supervision the day of your ceremony.*

    I giggled a little, *Deal. Make arrangements with Kami and let me know in the morning.* I closed the link and then rinsed the conditioner out of my hair.

    Tristan gave me a curious look, ¡°Asked Mat to find Kami and arrange for the stylist to come early tomorrow, but he would only do so if I let him supervise the stylist. Something about letting someone loose on my hair the day of my ceremony.¡± I shrugged at him and he laughed.

    ¡°At least I know if I¡¯m not around for whatever reason you¡¯re well looked after.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s like a mother hen sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Personally, I¡¯m thankful for it. It means I can worry just a little bit less about you.¡±

    I opened my mouth to respond but he cut me off as he tapped the tip of my nose playfully, ¡°I know, I know. You can take care of yourself and I have no doubt that you can, but I still worry.¡±

    I smiled and let it go as I turned and grabbed my honey oatmeal body wash and put some on my loofah, scrubbing myself off with it. Then I scrubbed Tristan down with it too, ¡°Now you¡¯ll smell like me.¡± I giggled.

    ¡°I already smell like you, at least a bit, all snuggled up to me at night.¡± He grinned.

    ¡°Well, now you will smell more like me.¡±

    ¡°I certainly won¡¯t complain.¡±

    ¡°I would hope not.¡±

    We rinsed off and he shut the water off. I stepped out of the shower, wrapping my hair in a towel before drying myself with a second one. I could feel Tristan watching me and I shifted my gaze to him, ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, just enjoying the view.¡± He dried himself off and wrapped the towel around his waist. Now I was the one staring at his god-like body and the few drops of water his towel missed, rolling down the lines of his muscles.

    ¡°Pretty sure I have the best view in the house.¡± I mumbled as I wrapped myself in the second towel.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    ¡°I know so.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯re wrong and I have the best view.¡±

    ¡°We might have to agree to disagree, Love.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    We left the bathroom and he grabbed our dirty clothes, putting them in the laundry. I disappeared into the closet, grabbing one of his t-shirts and a fresh pair of panties to sleep in. I grabbed him a pair of boxers as well. He had stripped the bed down and made quick work of putting fresh sheets on it. I tossed him his boxers and put on my panties and t-shirt before fetching a fresh comforter from the closet and coming back out with it. That was an amusing sight in and of itself. The King size comforter nearly swallowed me whole. I heard Tristan laugh as he took the comforter from me. His efforts were rewarded with a dazzling smile as I helped him spread it on the bed and then crawled under the blankets. He slipped in behind me and pulled me to him.

    He kissed the tip of my nose, ¡°Get some sleep. We have a big day tomorrow, Love.¡± He didn¡¯t have to tell me twice, I let sleep take me, a smile on my face as I snuggled into him some more.

 Chapter 45

    ~Tristan~

    We woke to someone banging on our bedroom door. I heard Alyce groan and roll away from the sound, snuggling into my chest. ¡°Make it go away¡­¡± she grumbled.

    I wrapped my arms around her, ignoring the door but whoever was out there wasn¡¯t giving up, they banged again. Now I was grumbling, rolling out of the bed with a growl. Alyce burrowed into the blankets, trying to hide from the door and the morning. I cracked the door open, Kami standing there impatiently. I growled softly, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t growl at me, Mister. Beauty is a long process and I need our Luna. It¡¯s already ten, not my fault if you all stayed up all night.¡±

    She shoved in past me and ran, jumping on the bed, right onto Alyce, ¡°Time to rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty!¡±

    ¡°Noooo, go away. One more hour¡­¡± Alyce whined, trying to shove her off her, but she was tangled in blankets, ¡°Go bug Mattie.¡±

    ¡°Speak of the Devil.¡± I said, the annoyance of being woken up evident in my voice.

    ¡°Well good morning to you too, Tristan.¡± Mat laughed as he walked into the room, ¡°Aly, get your grouchy ass out of that bed or I¡¯m climbing in it too!¡±

    ¡°Fuck off Mattie..¡±

    ¡°You have an awfully foul mouth for someone who is used to getting up at 4:30 in the morning.¡± Mat laughed, ¡°Last chance¡­¡± He motioned at Kami to move and she did.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare, Mattie!¡± Alyce growled.

    Part of me wanted to step in when Alyce growled, my protective nature kicking in, but part of me knew Mat would never hurt her. Annoy her, motivate her, pick on her, treat her like a little sister, yes, but never would he hurt her. So I let my curiosity win and waited to see what he would do next.

    ¡°You were given fair warning!¡± He ran and dove on the bed, quickly disappearing into the blankets. It wasn¡¯t ten seconds later Alyce was kicking and fighting, laughing. The blankets were thrown off and Mat continued to assault her, tickling her ribs and knees.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fucking kill you, you asshole!¡± She was trying to breathe, scream at him and laugh all at the same time.

    Alyce got her left hand free and swung on him, but he was prepared, ducking her fist and going for her left ribs, causing her to draw her arm in to try and protect her ribs from him. I was trying desperately not to laugh at them. Alyce growled and flung her right hip up, throwing him off balance and she rolled on the follow through, bringing her right knee into Mat¡¯s ribs successfully. She was tiny, but fierce and pissed off.

    Mat took the hit like a champ, he grabbed her knee and shoved it up and backward, throwing her off balance. He took the opening to jump off the bed, laughing at her, ¡°Come on Red! You can do better than that!¡± He was purposely taunting her, which given that she could take him, I found even more amusing.

    ¡°Call me Red one more time Mattie. I fucking dare you.¡± She shot off the bed like a javelin, her arms wrapping around his waist as she took him to the floor. She pinned him down and growled. Her Alpha aura was starting to leak out.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake now Aly, come on. I¡¯ll make you french toast.¡± Mat laughed.

    She instantly let him go, ¡°With extra cinnamon and vanilla?¡± Her eyes got big, like a kid in a candy store.

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± She hopped up and offered him a hand, helping him to his feet.

    ¡°You two really are like siblings, hard to believe she¡¯s the older one though.¡± Kami laughed.

    ¡°He¡¯s always taken care of me, I was never in a position to be the older sibling and protect him, other than by drawing attention to myself and off of him and others. Besides, I¡¯m only six months older than him. We¡¯re practically twins.¡± Alyce explained.

    ¡°It shows.¡± I walked over and wrapped my arms around Alyce, discreetly making sure she wasn¡¯t hurt. Mat was shaking his head at me in amusement as I continued, ¡°I¡¯m glad you were there to look after her. As I¡¯ve said before, I will never be able to thank you enough for everything you and your family has done to protect her.¡± I kissed the top of her head and knew that I would have to make sure Mat stayed with our pack if it ever came to it.

    ¡°Alright, time for the boys to leave.¡± Kami tossed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt at me and made a shoo-ing motion with her hands, ¡°We are taking over the room for the day. Stylist will be here in a couple hours.¡±

    I glared at her and pulled the jeans and t-shirt on, ¡°Are you seriously kicking me out of my own room?¡±

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    ¡°Yes I am, you can¡¯t see her until the ceremony. Go help mom and dad or something. Bruce, Victor and Titus will be collecting you later to get ready. Off with you!¡±

    I growled a bit and gave Alyce a long, sweet kiss before grumbling and leaving my room, ¡°Come on Mat.¡±

    ¡°Nope, I¡¯m one of the girls today.¡± Mat grinned.

    ¡°Perhaps, but you promised Alyce french toast, and I don¡¯t want my mate spending the day irritable because you didn¡¯t pay up. So let¡¯s go. You can return when her breakfast is ready.¡±

    ¡°Fair point. Ladies, I will be back shortly. Kami, you want french toast too?¡± Mat asked.

    ¡°No thank you. I ate earlier.¡±

    ¡°I want whipped cream on mine too!¡± Alyce grinned.

    ¡°If I make whipped cream, will you wear heels?¡± Mat tried to bribe her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± Mat laughed and he and I headed out the door, closing it behind us as we headed down the hall towards the stairs.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to teach me to make this magical french toast of yours.¡± I told him.

    ¡°It¡¯s really, really easy. I¡¯d be happy to teach you.¡±

    ¡°Maybe not today, but soon.¡±

    ¡°You can give me a hand today, and we¡¯ll have an actual lesson or two sometime in the near future.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡± We headed down the stairs and into the kitchen which was currently pretty empty. Breakfast was over and the kitchen omega¡¯s had already cleaned up.

    We had a couple hours before they would swarm the kitchen to prepare for the ceremony tonight. Most of the main course options would come from a company in town. Mother had likely already made the cake itself and would personally decorate it later today. The omegas would mostly be making sides to go with them.

    I pulled out the griddle and a shallow bowl for him while he gathered eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and milk. I turned on the stove top, setting the griddle on it to heat up while I observed what he was doing, taking it in as he worked, mixing his ingredients together, with extra cinnamon and vanilla like Alyce wanted.

    ¡°This doesn¡¯t look too hard.¡± My eyebrows furrowed slightly in confusion.

    ¡°It¡¯s not, that¡¯s why I can do it. I have no business in the kitchen other than as an extra set of hands for easy tasks, but I can manage this, and fortunately, it¡¯s one of Alyce¡¯s favorites. The first time I tried to make french toast I over did the vanilla and the cinnamon and she¡¯s been making me add extra ever since.¡±

    I laughed, ¡°As long as she¡¯s happy I¡¯d keep doing it too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad you found her and got her out of there. She would have died fighting against going with Shane. I don¡¯t even want to try and imagine what she would have endured under his command. He¡¯s known for being heartless, soulless.¡± He shuddered and started dipping bread in the batter he mixed up, putting it on the griddle to cook up.

    ¡°Me too, I might never have found her if she had been taken there. We don¡¯t interact with them, other than the annual alpha meetings.¡±

    ¡°I would have gotten her out, even if it cost me my rank, my life, whatever it cost I would not have let her be traded off like a piece of property. Neither would my parents, honestly.¡± He flipped the french toast slices and I prepped the next round of slices to go on.

    ¡°I know, there¡¯s a reason Ryder and I no longer view you as a threat, aside from the fact that you like guys. Tonight I will not only be taking you on as my Beta, you will be Alyce¡¯s personal bodyguard.¡±

    ¡°We might want to find another word to use. I¡¯m not sure she¡¯ll take kindly to having a baby sitter. Which is exactly how she¡¯ll see it.¡±

    ¡°I will think about it since Kami won¡¯t let me see her to talk to her about it and I can¡¯t mind-link her without anyone looking at her knowing.¡±

    ¡°Actually¡­ Her eyes are so pale and translucent most can¡¯t tell the difference when she¡¯s linking someone. I¡¯ve just been around her so long I can tell the difference between Alyce, Aramyth and mind-linking.¡± He pulled the first batch off and put the second batch on, I set the plate he put them on in the oven to keep them warm.

    ¡°Aramyth has red flecks in her eyes, I noticed that¡¯s the only difference in their eye color, and even then it¡¯s very subtle. Someone would have to be very close up to her to be able to tell.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s even crazier when they¡¯re both present at the same time.¡±

    ¡°I believe it. They don¡¯t do that often do they? That¡¯s an Alpha trait, it would be a dead give away if someone happened to notice.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve only seen it once or twice since she got her wolf, and it was early on in Alyce¡¯s punishments. I think Aramyth did it to protect Alyce until she was able to protect herself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never met someone as strong and determined as that pair. It¡¯s amazing.¡±

    ¡°The first time she showed up at our door after they used wolfsbane on her¡­ I threw up. I don¡¯t know how she¡¯s done it, but I suspect Aramyth had a lot to do with it.¡± He flipped the second batch and I got one of the serving trays down that we use for parties.

    I put butter, syrup, powdered sugar, milk and OJ on it, along with a couple of plates and silverware. I was going to at least have breakfast with my mate before they completely kicked me out for the day. Mat put the last of the french toast on the plate and then set the plate on the tray.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try and buy you a little time for breakfast, but Kami is as bad as I am.¡± Mat laughed as we headed back up to the Alpha wing, using the elevator to go up this time.

    ¡°Ain¡¯t that the truth.¡± I grinned as we exited the elevator and walked down to mine and Alyce¡¯s room. Mat opened the door, I was carrying the tray.

 Chapter 46

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    The door to the room opened and Tristan slipped in with the tray of breakfast, Mat right behind him, lingering in the doorway.

    ¡°No, Sir! Out!¡± Kami screeched at Tristan.

    ¡°Kami, let them enjoy breakfast, we can set up everything across the hall while they eat, and then Tristan promises to leave and be a good Alpha-to-be until the ceremony.¡± Mat coaxed, giving me a narrow eyed look at Tristan when he spoke about his promise.

    ¡°Absolutely, I promise.¡± He looked determined to stay for breakfast, regardless of Kami¡¯s answer, but she seemed to think about it for a moment, eyeing him sideways.

    ¡°Alright, then I don¡¯t wanna see you on this floor until after the ceremony.¡± Kami conceded as she left with Mat to go prepare the other room.

    He sat the tray down on the coffee table and came over to me, kissing me softly as he grabbed my hand. I let him lead me to the sitting area and we sat down to breakfast together.

    Tristan left after breakfast, or rather after Kami came in and made him leave. Apparently we were drawing it out too much. I laughed at his pouting and Kami¡¯s demanding that he leave. Then she rounded on me and my eyes went wide. She was a damn pistol, ¡°Into the shower with you. The stylist will be here in an hour.¡± Kami ordered me and frankly I had no desire to set her off today.

    I jumped up and disappeared into the bathroom. I drew out the shower as long as I dared, enjoying the hot water running over my muscles before quickly scrubbing myself off and stepping out to dry off. I left my hair unwashed, as I wasn¡¯t sure whether the stylist preferred to work with wet or dry hair and I had just washed it recently. I tried not to wash it more than once or twice a week unless necessary.

    I left the bathroom, wrapped only in a towel and headed for my closet, getting a pair of panties and my dressing gown. I had no idea what Kami and Mat had planned for the day, so I would try to make this easier on all of us. Stepping back into the room I saw that Mat had rejoined us.

    ¡°How¡¯re your ribs?¡± I grinned at him.

    ¡°A little sore, but fine. I always know the risks when I drag you out of bed.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm, you do know better.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. The stylist is in the room across the hall waiting, she brought reinforcements as Kami and I have to get ready as well. You and I are going over there. Kami will be gathering your outfit and joining us shortly.¡±

    I nodded, ¡°Ok. Let¡¯s do this.¡± I looked at Kami, ¡°Were you able to fulfill that request I made?¡±

    She held up a small bag with a smile and a nod, ¡°I sure was.¡±

    I gave her an excited smile, ¡°Good. Thank you so much.¡±

    ¡°Anytime. Now get going.¡±

    Mat and I left the bedroom, heading across the hall. I had no idea what I was in for as we entered the room. The stylist had brought two others with her and they had set up traveling salon stations, which was actually kind of neat.

    ¡°Ah, Luna Alyce. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Sophia, these are my assistants, Danielle and Mya. We also brought Derek and Jordan with us, but they will be down with the men.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you all, thank you for coming to help us prepare for tonight. Please, just call me Alyce. I dislike titles unless absolutely necessary. I wasn¡¯t sure what you preferred when working with hair, so I left mine dry. Easier to wet it than dry it with as thick and long as it is.¡±

    ¡°Of course Alyce, come have a seat. We¡¯ll start with your hair and then move onto makeup and wardrobe last. I understand Lady Kami will be joining us with your outfit shortly?¡±

    ¡°Yes, she will.¡± I sat down in the chair she indicated to and she wasted no time putting a cape on me and brushing out my hair to see what she was working with, ¡°So, what did you want to do with it?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking of cutting it off a bit, maybe bringing it up to about my mid back?¡±

    ¡°We can do that. If you¡¯re just wanting to take off what¡¯s unhealthy, we only need to take off four to six inches though.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just ready for less time consuming hair management.¡±

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    ¡°I understand. Any particular style you want or just an even, basic cut?¡±

    ¡°Maybe a little texture at the ends? Otherwise just a basic, even cut.¡±

    ¡°You got it.¡± She set up a small table next to the chair, organizing her supplies for the job before getting to work. I closed my eyes, not wanting to watch as she cut off about 12 inches of my hair in one go.

    I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I was holding, both at the act being done and the relief of having half as much hair to care for. I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror, watching as Sophia set to work on the smaller details of the cut. She partitioned my hair, using clips to hold the sections as she textured the ends and made sure everything was even and laid properly. When she finished with that she set about styling my hair for the ceremony.

    Three smaller braids were done on either side of my head and brought around the sides to come together in the back. The braids were held in place with a celtic infinity knot clip. The clip was silver colored and accented with sage green jewels that matched my dress perfectly. She added some definition into my natural waves by curling the ends of my hair loosely. With a smile she handed me a mirror and spun the chair so that I could see my hair from all sides with the mirror.

    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful Sophia. Thank you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been my pleasure, really.¡±

    About this point Kami came into the room, carrying the garment bag that held my dress, a smaller day bag that I assumed held my surprise for Tristan, and another two garment bags. I assumed those were her and Mat¡¯s attire for the evening. ¡°Wow, Aly you look amazing!¡± She squealed with delight.

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Makeup next. Let me hang these up and I¡¯ll be right with you Sophia.¡± Kami went behind the dressing screens that had been set up to get ready and hung the bags behind the appropriate screens before planting herself in Sophia¡¯s chair while I relocated to Mya¡¯s chair to get my makeup done.

    ¡°Light and natural please, I¡¯m not big on makeup.¡± I smiled at Mya.

    ¡°No problem Alyce, maybe just a little eyeliner, shadow and mascara? Your skin is great, no foundation is needed with you at all. I¡¯m not sure we¡¯d even have anything light enough for you to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Sounds great.¡±

    Mya set to work on my makeup while Sophia started in on Kami¡¯s hair. Who knew getting ready could take so long? It took hours just to get everyone through hair and makeup, except Mat, he was relatively quick through the hair stylist¡¯s chair and no makeup needed for him of course. The only break we took was an hour for lunch.

    ¡°Alright, time to get dressed, the ceremony starts in an hour.¡± Kami sang out excitedly.

    ¡°Wow, is it that time already?¡± I looked at Kami, nerves finally hitting me a bit as I chewed my bottom lip nervously.

    ¡°Breath Aly, everything will be fine.¡± Mat gave me a hug and then slipped behind his dressing screen.

    ¡°Yes, now go get dressed.¡± She gave me a reassuring smile and I returned it as we all slipped behind our dressing screens.

    I slipped into the lingerie set that Kami had gone back to pick up for me and then slid on the evening gown portion of my dress. Next came the skirt, which I tied offset to the left, leaving the left side slit exposed in the dress, ¡°Mat? Shoes?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a few options on the bench in your area.¡± He responded.

    I walked over and looked at the three pairs of shoes they had brought over, ¡°These are all heels!¡±

    ¡°Kami picked them out, don¡¯t take it out on me.¡± Mat snickered.

    ¡°Kami¡­ Are you trying to kill me?¡± I whined at her.

    ¡°No, just following Tristan¡¯s suggestion. I did make sure they are all wide heels and not anything too high though.¡± She giggled.

    ¡°I hate you all¡­¡± I grumbled as I looked at my options. A black, strappy, peep toe style that would wind up my calves with a wide heel, a pair of white wedges and a matching sage green pair of chunky heeled pumps. I grabbed the black pair and put them on, hoping that I¡¯d be less likely to make a fool of myself in them.

    ¡°Are y''all ready?¡± I asked from behind the screen, peeking out at them. Mat and Kami were standing by the door, waiting on me.

    ¡°Aly, get out here so we can see!¡± Mat was more excited than I was. Kami was bouncing on the balls of her feet, motioning for me to come out from behind the screen.

    I stepped out, looking at my feet, as I waited for their appraisal. Kami squealed, ¡°You look amazing! Oh, I can¡¯t wait to see Tristan¡¯s face when he sees you!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to turn everyone¡¯s head Aly. You¡¯re beautiful.¡± Mat smiled at me, holding a hand out for me.

    I blushed and placed my hand in his before stepping to his side, linking my arm through his, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Kami grinned, opening the door.

    I took a deep breath and nodded. I didn¡¯t know why this made me nervous. With everything I had been through in my life, this made me nervous. Made me question myself. Whether I was good enough for this, deserved this. Mat gave my hand on his arm a knowing pat, reassuring me, ¡°The answer is yes. Stop getting in your own head.¡± He whispered.

    I smiled at him and we followed Kami out of the room. It was time to meet our new path head on and confidently. We had a new home and a new family and I had a renewed hope in the ability to achieve my goals and find the answers I needed.

 Chapter 47

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I could hear the chatter and laughter coming from the crowd downstairs as we exited the elevator. I scanned the crowd, knowing damn well that Tristan was outside. Kami had insisted that he was not allowed to see me before the ceremony. A mating ceremony for us wolves is a lot like a wedding for the Humans, and since our mating ceremony was being rolled into the Luna Ceremony as well as the joining ceremony for Mat, Jake and Faith - well, Kami is putting her foot down about certain things, and only Tristan has tried to argue with her about it, and only Mat has successfully swayed her, even if it was just breakfast.

    I grinned and giggled to myself thinking over the events of the last two days. Mat gave me a sideway look and I just smiled at him, shaking my head a little.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to go check on everyone else, and check in with Mother. I¡¯ll be back in a few minutes.¡± Kami informed us before slipping into the crowd.

    Mat stuck to my side as we talked with the crowd that was inside. Kami had forbidden me to leave the house until the ceremony and thus Mat was stuck too since he was to be the one to escort me to Tristan. By now, most of the pack knew who I was just by my physical description and they also knew of Mat and that he was my brother for all intents and purposes.

    So now the she-wolves were trying to catch his eye with flirty glances and body language. Apparently word had not gotten around that Mat was gay and it made me snicker to watch them act like wanton woman with no intelligence or self-respect in some cases, ¡°You have fans.¡± I murmured so that I knew only he would hear.

    He glanced around the room in a nonchalant manner, surveying the crowd while taking note of the she-wolves trying to get his attention before returning his attention back to me, ¡°Too bad they lack the proper equipment.¡± He murmured back to me.

    I laughed, slapping his shoulder, ¡°Matheau David Williams, behave yourself.¡± I managed to pretend like I was actually scolding him with a straight face before he started laughing and I joined him. The she-wolves were now giving me death glares, never mind that I was happily mated or that he was my brother, I was apparently the competition in their eyes. Idiots.

    ¡°Well it¡¯s the truth, not my fault.¡± He grinned at me and we continued to circulate the crowd.

    Faith and Jake made their way through the crowd to join Mat and I, ¡°Hello my darlings.¡± Faith kissed both our cheeks and I kissed hers in return and hugged Jake.

    ¡°Hello, you guys look great. Are you ready?¡± I asked and smiled at them. Faith was wearing a simple blue dress in a halter style that flowed down to her ankles. Jake wore black slacks and a button down shirt that was the same shade of blue as Faith¡¯s dress.

    ¡°I¡¯m very much looking forward to renouncing Red Moon and joining Moonlight.¡± Faith smiled, Jake nodding in agreement beside her.

    ¡°Me too.¡± Mat added and I drew them all in for a hug.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad you guys decided to come with me. I don¡¯t know what I would do without you all. I love you all.¡± I stepped back and smiled.

    ¡°We love you too.¡± Mat kissed the top of my head and Faith kissed my forehead. Jake just took another hug.

    I laughed a bit and turned as Kami called our names, making her way through the crowd to us, ¡°It¡¯s time. Everything is ready. We will do the Luna Ceremony first, then Alyce and Tristan will bring you guys into the pack as a pair rather than just Tristan doing it.¡±

    ¡°Sounds wonderful. Thank you Kami, we will see you out there.¡± I hugged her briefly before she headed back out to take her place with the others. The crowd was also heading out to join the rest of the pack in the seating area. Mat and I took our place at the doors, Faith and Jake behind us.

    ¡°Everyone ready?¡± Mat asked, peeking through the curtains on the door. He was watching for Kami¡¯s signal.

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    ¡°Yes.¡± Jake answered.

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Faith smiled at us.

    ¡°Time to become part of home. Let¡¯s do this.¡± I nodded, with a determined smile.

    Mat grinned as Kami signaled and he threw open the doors before linking my arm in his, ¡°Show time.¡±

    The crowd turned to look at us as we made our way down the path between the chairs. I smiled at the people who would become my pack. My head held high in confidence. I let my gaze wander to Tristan and my heart was suddenly pounding, my breath caught in my throat. He was always the most gorgeous man in my eyes, but seeing him dressed up paled in comparison now. He was dressed in a white suit, the sleeves rolled up past his elbows, his shirt the same shade of green as my dress. I assume Kami had helped him pick the color. He had his hair slicked back and tied into a ponytail. His eyes found mine and it was like the world around us disappeared.

    ~Tristan~

    I turned as I heard the doors open, my world coming to a halt as my gaze landed on Alyce. She was always gorgeous, but tonight, tonight she had outdone herself. The way her dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the heels. I couldn¡¯t believe they¡¯d gotten her in heels. Her eyes met mine and I felt my chest rumble in pride and wanting. She was mine and I still couldn¡¯t believe it. I was the luckiest male alive. Her eyes met mine and the rest of the world melted away. I vaguely registered Mat walking with her and his parents behind them.

    The group reached the end of the aisle and Mat took Alyce¡¯s hand from his arm, placing it in mine as he kissed her cheek. He stepped to the side with his parents and I smiled at her as we turned towards my parents. She tore her gaze from mine and we turned our attention to my Father.

    ¡°Welcome. Tonight is a night of celebration as we welcome your future Luna and my son¡¯s mate. Most of you know her as Alyce, as that is her preference. For official purposes we will use her given name, but this knowledge must stay within our pack for now.¡± My father spoke to the crowd. Alyce was shifting on her feet a little, so I took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

    My father continued, ¡°Tonight we accept Faelyn De¡¯Lune as your future Luna. We will also be bringing her family into the pack as members. Luna Ivy and I will also be handing the reins over to Tristan and Faelyn tonight as well. It is a big evening, with lots of celebrating to be done!¡±

    There was cheering amongst the pack members, they were all excited to have their Luna and for me to have found my mate. Alyce was giggling a little and I gave her hand another squeeze. My father brought out our pack¡¯s ceremonial dagger and turned his attention to us as he handed the dagger to me, but he spoke to Alyce, ¡°Faelyn De¡¯Lune, do you accept the position of Luna of the Moonlight pack. Swearing an oath to protect the pack and be there for the members of this pack to the best of your abilities, to follow the path the Moon Goddess has given you, to uphold the laws of the werewolf world, upon accepting the position?¡±

    ¡°I, Faelyn De¡¯Lune, do hereby renounce my place within the Red Moon pack and all ties to the pack. I accept the role and responsibilities of Luna of the Moonlight Pack.¡± Alyce answered, and I used the dagger to cut both her palm and mine, combining our blood. She shuddered a bit at the snapping of the link to Red Moon and then with the pack link for Moonlight taking its place. I felt the pack mind-link snap into place as well as her joining of the pack became full and official. I placed a hand on her back to steady her.

    ¡°Welcome to the pack Luna Faelyn.¡± My mother announced excitedly, the rest of the pack cheering loudly.

    ¡°Thank you, everyone. I promise I will be the best Luna I can be for all of you. I am happy to be accepted by all of you. I am proud to be the mate of Alpha Tristan and Luna of Moonlight Pack!¡±

    My mother and father stepped forward, ¡°I, Alpha Daemon Willow, step down as active Alpha, passing on the title, responsibility and power to my son, Alpha Tristan Willow.¡± Like with Alyce, my father and I sliced our palms, combining our blood by gripping hands.

    Then it was my mother and Alyce¡¯s turn, ¡°I, Luna Ivy Willow, step down as active Luna of Moonlight, passing on the title, responsibility and power to Luna Faelyn De¡¯Lune.¡± They sliced their palms, gripping hands and combining blood as well.

    The waves of power being transferred rippled through the area, bringing the pack involuntarily to their knees with a gasp. I realized it was coming from Alyce, the power that rippled from her was enough to make me submit but she quickly pulled it in and I turned with her to the pack, ¡°Tonight is the start of a new generation of leadership, but also a new time of prosperity. We are proud to be your Alpha and Luna!¡± I announced..

    I motioned to Mat and his parents and they stepped forward, ¡°Today we also welcome three new pack members. Jake and Faith, please step forward.¡±

    Jake and Faith came to stand before Alyce and I, each renouncing Red Moon and combining blood with myself as they swore their allegiance to Moonlight, Alyce and I. Mat stepped forward next.

    ¡°I, Matheau Williams, renounce Red Moon, and hereby swear to protect you Alpha Tristan Willow, and you, Luna Faelyn De¡¯Lune, as well as the rest of Moonlight Pack to my dying breath.'''' Mat spoke with honesty and determination.

    ¡°I, Alpha Tristan Willow, give you Matheau Williams, the position and rank of my Beta. You and any children you may have in the future will bear the rank of Beta unless you or they do something to show otherwise.¡±

    We all shuddered a bit as links and power snapped into place, the rest of the pack cheering as well, ¡°Well, now that all the formalities are taken care of, let¡¯s enjoy the food, drinks and party!¡± I bellowed over the crowd, receiving another cheer as the formal atmosphere melted, giving way to a relaxed and happy party.

 Chapter 48

    I snagged Alyce and spun her into my arms, kissing her softly, ¡°I love you, and am proud and honored to have you as my Luna.¡± I whispered against her lips with a grin.

    She smiled at me and kissed me again, ¡°I love you too, I will do my best to live up to the expectations of being your Luna. I am lucky to have you as my mate and Alpha.¡±

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s dance.¡± I tugged her towards the dance floor.

    ¡°Ok, hold on a minute though.¡± She said, and I stopped and gave her a quizzical look as she untied the bow at her hip, the skirt of her dress coming away with it. My jaw just about dropped when I saw the full extent of the evening gown. A soft growl coming from my throat.

    She giggled at me and handed the skirt off to one of the Omegas, asking her to put it up in our room safely. I tugged her to me, inhaling her scent, ¡°Are you trying to kill me love? This gown is both amazing and tortuous.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it, I promise the dress has nothing on what you¡¯re getting later.¡± She whispered in my ear.

    I looked down at her and nearly threw her over my shoulder right then and there. She was going to be the death of me, and I would enjoy every minute of it, ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me love. I¡¯m already struggling to maintain control and composure.¡±

    ¡°It will be worth the wait, I promise.¡±

    ¡°You always have been and will always be worth the wait, worth the world. You¡¯re my beginning, my future, my everything.¡± I kissed her again, a soft brief kiss as we danced amongst the crowd of people on the dance floor.

    ¡°As you are mine, my love.¡± She gave me her dazzling smile and I couldn¡¯t help but smile back at her.

    We danced a couple songs and then started to work through the crowd as everyone wanted their chance to congratulate us. Mat and Kami soon found us and Alyce grinned, ¡°Beta Mattie.¡± She teased him and giggled.

    ¡°Luna Alyce.¡± He bowed before her with a teasing smile.

    ¡°Nope, still not a fan of titles.¡± She laughed.

    ¡°Some things will never change Aly. I¡¯m just glad you¡¯re happy.¡± Mat hugged her, and she hugged him back.

    ¡°I am, I still have goals to achieve; however, I am more hopeful that I will succeed than I have been in a long time, or ever really.¡±

    ¡°We will be here to help you, every step of the way. Congrats you two.¡± Kami smiled and hugged us both.

    We hugged her back and soon Mother and Father were joining in the group hug. Alyce and Kami were laughing, stuck in the middle of the group. Everyone stepped back a bit and my mother was soon hugging Alyce again, ¡°We¡¯re so glad you are here, where you belong.¡± My mother had tears in her eyes as she spoke.

    ¡°I am too, Ivy. I haven¡¯t been this happy since, well¡­ Since shortly before that night.¡± Alyce smiled, but it didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes and I wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, kissing the top of her head, ¡°We will find out what happened, and we will get your pack back. I promise.¡± I said softly to her.

    She looked back at me with a nod, ¡°I know love. Thank you. Let¡¯s not worry about all this tonight. Tonight is a happy night.¡±

    ¡°Indeed it is.¡± I smiled at her, getting lost in her eyes, ¡°And the best part is still to come.¡± I gave her a mischievous grin and watched as the confusion in her eyes at my statement soon became a knowing look of surprise and her cheeks turned pink as it all clicked. I laughed a bit and stole another kiss from her before we continued to work the crowd.

    ~ Alyce/Faelyn~

    *Maybe we can get a run in before he drags you to the bedroom and ravishes you.*  Aramyth was laughing at me and my reaction to Tristan¡¯s statement.

    *You just want to be ravished by Ryder.*

    *So? What¡¯s wrong with that?*  She sent me some mental images as if to encourage the idea.

    *Absolutely nothing you perverted wolf!* I shoved her laughing self into the back of my mind and giggled a bit myself. Tristan gave me a sideways look as we moved further into the crowd and closer to our escape.

    ¡°Do I even want to know?¡± He asked.

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    ¡°Aramyth wants to get a run in tonight before, and I quote, ¡®you drag me to the bedroom and ravish me¡¯. I have a perverted wolf¡­ She shared - never mind¡­ Ask Ryder if you want to know, I¡¯m quite sure she shared them with him too.¡± I blushed and grinned at him a bit.

    ¡°Well that explains those bits of randomness and his sudden excitement. I think a run would be a good idea. Aramyth hasn¡¯t gotten out since your first shift. She deserves to run now that it¡¯s safe for her to do so. I know they are both anxious, but perhaps tomorrow would be amicable for her? Call me selfish, but my human side wants to see what¡¯s under this dress of yours first.¡±

    ¡°Alright, selfish. Although I agree, she¡¯s put up with a lot, being paired with me. She¡¯s also the reason I got through most of it without losing my sanity or who I am. I owe her so much.¡±

    ¡°And I owe her everything. I would be nothing without you. I would never have taken a chosen mate. I would sooner have let Kami take over the pack and lose myself then give up on finding my gift from the Goddess.¡±

    ¡°This pack is lucky to have you as their Alpha. Your family as their leaders. My pack will be lucky to join yours.¡±

    ¡°We are all lucky to have you for our Alpha-Luna. Your pack will be lucky and grateful, I¡¯m sure, to have you back in control of the pack.¡±

    ¡°I still think your opinion is biased. Alpha-Luna huh? That¡¯s an interesting way to put it.¡±

    ¡°I rather like that title for you¡­ I wonder if we could find a way to make it permanent when your pack joins ours. I will have to ask Father about it.¡±

    I laughed a bit, smiling at him, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m ok with Luna, I don¡¯t like titles anyway, remember?¡±

    ¡°I know, but you are rightfully an Alpha-Luna. That should be acknowledged.¡±

    ¡°We can worry about it later. It¡¯s still a ways off. We can speak of this tomorrow and start planning. For tonight let¡¯s just enjoy the evening.¡±

    ¡°As you wish, my love. Come on, time for you to meet the rest of the ranked brood.¡± He hooked my arm in his as we wandered over to a group of people that up until now I was fairly certain he had been trying to put off until last, though I wasn¡¯t sure why. As we got closer I realized they were our age.

    There were three women and a male. Two of the women were identical twins. The other woman and the male looked a lot alike, but were clearly a few years apart, likely siblings.

    ¡°Janelle, Vivian, Brandon, Celeste, I¡¯d like to officially introduce you to Alyce, my mate and Luna.¡± He started, and I waved at the group with a smile as he continued, ¡°Janelle and Vivian are Bruce and Hannah¡¯s daughters. Brandon and Celeste are Titus and Lillian¡¯s children.¡± Each one of them gave me a wave and a smile as he introduced them. I was studying the twins, trying to see if there was a way I could tell the two apart but there wasn¡¯t, at least not at first glance.

    ¡°It¡¯s lovely to meet you all.¡± I smiled and nodded to each of them.

    ¡°Alpha Tristan, Luna Alyce.¡± They said in unison, bearing their necks to us in respect.

    ¡°Please, just call me Alyce. I rather dislike titles.¡±

    ¡°Alyce, welcome to Moonlight. We¡¯re all happy that this idiot finally found you.¡± Brandon chuckled a bit.

    ¡°Says the Idiot Ringleader.¡± Janelle scoffed. Or was it Vivian? I wasn¡¯t sure.

    I laughed a bit at the group, ¡°I¡¯m happy to be here.¡±

    Celeste smacked her brother¡¯s shoulder and rolled her eyes, ¡°Ignore him, he¡¯ll grow up eventually. Hard to believe he¡¯s technically an adult.¡±

    ¡°19 going on 12 is more accurate.¡± Vivian, I think, snickered.

    ¡°Hey, hey, this is not how you treat your Gamma.¡± Brandon feigned offense.

    ¡°Clearly you haven¡¯t met Mat yet¡­¡± Tristan chuckled, and I laughed harder than I probably should have.

    ¡°The new Beta?¡± Vivan flashed a smile.

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡± Tristan nodded.

    ¡°Is he mated? He¡¯s awfully cute.¡±

    ¡°No, he hasn¡¯t found his mate yet.¡± I giggled a bit and Janelle gave me a funny look.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Janelle asked.

    ¡°Nothing in particular really. Mattie likes guys. I fear there will be a lot of heart-broken she-wolves given the looks many of them have been giving him.¡±

    ¡°Damn. Well that will be amusing to watch, in some cases at least.¡± Vivian sighed a bit and then grinned.

    ¡°And Mat has what to do with them mistreating their Gamma?¡± Brandon gave us a quizzical look, still pretending to be insulted.

    ¡°Mattie gets a lot more shit from me than these ladies have given you. Rank has a purpose and a place in pack business, but not really any business in friendship.¡±

    He seemed to mull that over a moment and then grinned, ¡°I agree with you there.¡±

    Our conversation was interrupted by some commotion and I turned to see what was going on, my brows furrowed. Tristan smiled at me, ¡°Shift change. We adjusted the schedule so that all the warriors could attend the party at some point in time. The ones who were just relieved are arriving, as are some of Dark Forest, who were unable to arrive in time for the ceremony as they had a meeting with another pack, but still wanted to come celebrate with us.¡±

    I smiled back and nodded, though my smile soon fell when I heard a very familiar growl ring out through the crowd, ¡°That¡¯s Mattie¡­¡± I didn¡¯t wait, I ran towards the source of the growl, with Tristan hot on my heels, along with the others.

 Chapter 49

    ~Matheau~

    I was hanging out with Kami, keeping an eye on Alyce and Tristan as they worked the crowd. I wasn¡¯t terribly worried about the group present tonight. Tristan would never put Alyce in danger. Newcomers were starting to file in. I knew the shift change was happening and that some of our guests were arriving late due to other duties, so I was keeping an eye on the movement of people as well.

    Xavier was bouncing around in my head, excited about something but I couldn¡¯t get him calm enough to tell me what was going on, and then I smelt it¡­ The exotic scent of cinnamon, bergamont, and cedar,  *Mate! Mate! Mate!*  Xavier chanted excitedly in my head.

    I followed the scent, letting out a growl as my eyes fell on the source. I didn¡¯t recognize him, maybe someone from Dark Forest or Snow Moon. He was exquisite. About 6¡¯0 with bronzed skin and the greyest eyes I had ever seen. He had black hair that fell to his shoulders. I could see the lines of his muscular form under the black t-shirt and jeans he wore. He turned towards me and our eyes locked. I growled, ¡°Mate, mine.¡±

    I briefly registered Alyce pushing through the crowd, her hand coming to rest on my arm, ¡°Mattie, are you ok?¡±

    My mate growled, beelining for us and Alyce¡¯s eyes widened as she realized what was going on. Tristan stepped in between her and my mate, giving a warning growl. Alyce quickly drug me past Tristan, ¡°It¡¯s fine love, he¡¯s Mattie¡¯s mate.¡± She whispered to him as we came to a halt in front of my mate.

    ¡°MINE!¡± My mate bellowed, growling at her. Tristan growling back at him for growling at his mate.

    ¡°Yes, yes, yours. However, growling at me will get you nowhere with him buddy, so simmer down. He¡¯s my brother and my best friend. If you think I was just gonna not make sure he was ok when he let out a growl like that you have another thing coming.¡± Alyce growled right back, standing her ground and staring him down.

    He seemed briefly taken aback that a tiny she-wolf would stand her ground against him. Especially when she was between him and his mate. I laughed. This drew both their attention to me, ¡°Thank you Alyce, but it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m fine. Seems a tad familiar, even if the roles are reversed.¡±

    She grinned at me with a nod and I took her hand off my arm and hugged her, drawing another small growl from my mate, which made my stomach do flips. I let go of her and closed the distance between myself and my mate, ¡°I¡¯m Matheau, people call me Mat.¡±

    ¡°And your sister calls you Mattie.¡± He grinned and drew in my scent as he wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into him, ¡°I¡¯m Cedric, I call you mine.¡±

    I grinned, ¡°You can call me whatever you like. What pack are you from?¡±

    ¡°Dark Forest, I¡¯m the head warrior.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the new Beta of Moonlight pack, you¡¯ve already met the new Luna, kind of anyway.¡±

    ¡°Your sister is the Luna.. And I just growled at her¡­ Fuck..¡± He gulped, his eyes widening as realization set in. He looked at Alyce, ¡°Luna, please forgive my barbaric behavior.¡± He bowed his head.

    Alyce laughed, linking her arm with Tristan¡¯s, ¡°Forgive you for being true to who you are and how we all act where our mate is concerned? Done. You¡¯ll find I¡¯m rather easy to get along with and don¡¯t fret over small stuff.¡± she lowered her voice so that only Tristan, Cedric, and myself could hear her, ¡°However, if you hurt Mattie¡­ I will personally carve your heart out and no one will find your body.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not kidding is she?¡± Cedric murmured to me.

    ¡°Not even a little.¡±

    ¡°I would never hurt him Luna Alyce, I¡¯d sooner kill myself than hurt him.¡±

    ¡°I believe you. Please, just call me Alyce.¡± She flashed us one of her dazzling smiles and Tristan tucked her into his side, ¡°This is Tristan, my mate and the Alpha of Moonlight. Though if you¡¯re from Dark Forest I suspect you already know who he is.¡±

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    ¡°I know of him, I¡¯ve never been to visit your pack before today though. I¡¯m usually busy with duties at home. It¡¯s an honor to meet both of you. Do you mind terribly, if I borrow my mate for a while?¡± Cedric gave a sheepish grin.

    ¡°Not at all. I expect to see you both at breakfast in the morning. Until then, Mattie, enjoy your evening.¡± She waggled her eyebrows at us suggestively and I felt my ears turning red.

    ¡°Half-Pint, you can torture him later, let him be for now.¡± Tristan laughed, kissing the top of her head.

    I grinned at both of them, hugging Alyce, ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll fill you in later. 2am gossip?¡± I whispered to her.

    She growled and smacked the back of my head, ¡°Seriously¡­ I will kill you¡­¡± She hissed back at me and I left with Cedric, laughing at her as we went.

    I took Cedric out into the gardens, it was usually quiet out here. I figured it was as good a place as any to talk. We sat on a bench in an alcove and I grinned at him, feeling shy. I¡¯d never been shy in my life.

    ¡°So, how did you come to be the new Beta of Moonlight?¡± Cedric smiled at me, seeming almost as shy as I was feeling at the moment.

    ¡°My parents and I came with Alyce from Red Moon, and since Tristan didn¡¯t have a Beta he appointed me. My parents were the Delta¡¯s for Red Moon. While they won¡¯t necessarily hold rank in Moonlight, my father is a fierce fighter and my mother is a hell of a nurse and Tristan and his family have welcomed us with open arms.¡±

    ¡°Red Moon? I¡¯ve heard rumors from the banquet they hosted. Wait. Your sister? Is she...? - That-  Alyce?¡±

    I nodded, ¡°She is. I¡¯m sure most of the rumors you heard are at least partially true. I can guarantee that Alyce will answer any questions and fill you in on the details. Being my mate will mean you will become an intricate part of her inner circle. She will insist you know what that means.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s kind of funny, I wasn¡¯t originally planning on coming to this event. I usually don¡¯t leave the pack grounds much. Our pack is small and despite the safety of this area I dislike leaving my post when others are away.¡±

    ¡°Will¡­ Will you not be coming here with me then?¡± I felt a lump form in my throat as I continued, ¡°Even if I hadn¡¯t just been named Beta tonight. Leaving is not an option for me. I cannot leave Alyce. It¡¯s never been an option. Despite her threatening to throw me out of a pack for my own good.¡± I looked at him, searching his face for emotions, expressions, anything that would clue me into what he was thinking and feeling.

    ¡°Oh! Oh, no, no, no. That¡¯s not what I meant to imply. I will happily join you here in Moonlight. The others will be returning tomorrow. Including the warriors we brought with us. Logically I know they¡¯re fine when I¡¯m not there. I¡¯ve just always focused on my duties as Head Warrior. I¡¯ve never had anything else to prioritize before tonight.¡± He smiled and his eyes lit up as he looked at me.

    I let out a breath I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d been holding and smiled, placing my hand in his shivering a little at the tingling where our skin touched, ¡°You¡¯ve no idea how happy I am to hear that. The only thing I¡¯ve ever dreaded about finding my mate, was whether or not they would join me, regardless of what was expected.¡±

    He placed a finger under my chin, tingles coursing through my face, ¡°I meant it when I told your sister I¡¯d never do anything to hurt you. If my joining Moonlight keeps me from hurting you in any way, I¡¯d do it ten times over.¡± He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine tentatively, testing the waters.

    I raised a hand to his neck, pulling him in further as I pressed my lips firmly against his. I kissed him like I would eat him from the mouth down. His hands came to my waist, pulling me into him even more. I let out a soft moan as our bodies pressed against one another. I was nearly in his lap. I broke away, looking into his eyes with a smile, ¡°I¡¯m so glad I found you. So glad duties didn¡¯t keep you away this time.¡±

    ¡°Alpha Killian insisted I get out of the territory and live a little this time. He might regret that when he realizes I¡¯m not coming back, but I regret nothing.¡±

    ¡°Good. I have no remorse about stealing you away.¡±

    He laughed and kissed me again, pulling me into his lap fully as I straddled him. My pants were getting uncomfortably tight as my hardened length strained against the zipper. I could feel him pressed against me, so I knew he was not in any better condition than I was. I pressed against him, rubbing my hardness against his, coaxing a moan out of him for my efforts and I grinned into the kiss.

    Breaking away I stood, taking his hand and drawing him to his feet, ¡°Come with me. I¡¯ll show you around real quick.¡± I gave him a sly grin.

    ¡°Oh? And where will this little tour end?¡±

    ¡°My room. I would say ours, but it¡¯s a temporary room until we can all get settled into the appropriate locations.

    ¡°What a perfect ending to the tour. Though I must warn you, I¡¯m already struggling not to claim you right here and now. If we end there, I will claim you in every way possible before the morning and you¡¯ll be wearing my mark down to breakfast.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re wearing mine too, I¡¯m ok with that.¡± I laughed and drug him back inside, leading him up to my room. I locked the door and sent Alyce a brief mind-link, letting her know I would be unavailable until breakfast, unless it was an emergency.

 Chapter 50

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Tristan and I were finishing up with the last of the guests, making sure those that were staying had rooms and that the Omegas knew where to place everyone as the evening was wearing down.

    ¡°We need to find the Alpha and Luna for Dark Forest before we leave, and make sure they¡¯re aware of the situation.¡± I scanned the crowd as I spoke to Tristan. He pointed to the couple and we made our way over.

    ¡°Alpha Killian, Luna Morgan. How lovely to see you again.¡± Tristan spoke as we approached.

    ¡°Alpha Tristan, Luna Alyce! Congratulations!¡± Killian shook mine and Tristan¡¯s hands, Morgan giving us a smile.

    ¡°Thank you, though that is not what brought us to see you. It¡¯s merely a bonus.¡± I said with a smile.

    ¡°Oh? Is something wrong?¡± Morgan asked.

    ¡°No, not at all. Our Beta found his mate tonight, and his mate happens to be your Head Warrior.¡± Tristan answered.

    ¡°Cedric? Oh how wonderful!¡± Morgan laughed, clapping her hands together.

    ¡°Cedric deserves it. He¡¯s been waiting a long time for his mate. Where are they? We can congratulate them as well!¡± Killian looked around a bit.

    ¡°Killian! They are likely where most newly mated pairs are after they find one another.¡± Morgan scolded him.

    ¡°Uh, I fear my brother has said they are unavailable until breakfast..¡± I said softly, giggling a little.

    ¡°Ah, yes¡­ Well tomorrow will be soon enough for congratulations then.¡±

    ¡°They have promised to join us for breakfast, or I will drag them downstairs myself.¡± I kept a straight face, despite the look of shock on Killian and Morgan¡¯s faces.

    ¡°I have no doubt you would do just that, Luna Alyce. I was at the banquet. I have no doubt you are true to your word and can hold your own no matter the task.¡± Killian complimented me, ¡°I am glad Tristan has found such a well suited mate. I am also glad to be an ally and not an enemy.¡±

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    I felt my cheeks tinge pink and laughed, ¡°Thank you, though I think you give me a bit more credit than is fair.¡±

    ¡°Oh no my dear, if anything I think he gives you too little.¡± Morgan spoke and I blushed deeper.

    ¡°Ah, well thank you. Thank you for making the trip out to join our celebration as well.¡±

    ¡°It has most certainly been our pleasure. You impressed me at Red Moon, but you continue to do so. Watching the way you bring a room together is fascinating. Everyone seems to naturally gravitate towards you.¡± Killian commented, scrutinizing me in a curious manner.

    ¡°You will make a wonderful Luna. Truly Alyce, you¡¯re a natural. I struggled with it for many months, and I was raised around it. My mother was also a Luna.¡±

    ¡°That is very kind of you Luna Morgan and quite the compliment considering.¡± I smiled at the pair, happy to try and turn Killian¡¯s attention from me and to the flow of conversation. Last thing we needed were others asking questions before we were ready and able to answer them.

    ¡°We just wanted to touch base and make sure you were aware of the situation, we were about to take our leave. We will see you at breakfast tomorrow?¡± Tristan interrupted as he took my hand, coming to my rescue.

    ¡°Of course, of course. It¡¯s been a long day for you both. I¡¯m sure you would like some time to yourselves as well. We will see you in the morning.¡± Morgan graciously caught on and released us before her mate could keep the conversation going.

    Tristan gave her a thankful smile, ¡°Be sure to let the Omegas know if you need anything.¡± With that he swept me up and over his shoulder as he carried me away from the ballroom. This was becoming a habit.

    Those that still remained were laughing, murmuring amongst themselves about Tristan¡¯s antics. Many were giving us knowing looks. Alpha nature was well known among our kind. It was quite natural to see public displays of affection amongst mates in general and Alpha¡¯s were the worst of us. I just gave them all a smile and a wave like this was totally normal. Although, I guess it really was for wolves, ¡°Goodnight everyone! Thanks for coming!¡±

    I was laughing as Tristan carried me through the doorway, the ballroom and its inhabitants disappearing from my view. I could hear some of them still chuckling at us though.

    As Tristan hauled me up the stairs, both of us laughing, I reached out to Aramyth, *I promise you and Ryder will get to run tomorrow. Maybe even tonight, though I make no promises on that one.*

    *I understand, Little Luna, but I don¡¯t have to like waiting.*  She huffed at me.

    *That¡¯s fair. You have already done a lot of waiting for my sake. I am lucky to have such an amazing wolf counterpart. Thank you for everything*

    *Flattery will get you only so far, Faelyn. I will not speak to you for a week if you don¡¯t come through tomorrow.*

    *You would miss me if you didn¡¯t talk to me for a week.*

    *That¡¯s not the point here!*  She was laughing at me.  *Enjoy your night, Little Luna.*  With that she closed the link.

 Chapter 51

    ~Tristan~

    I awoke early, earlier than I normally would, with Alyce wrapped around me like a snake. I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the sight of her, my smile growing at the sight of my mark on her neck. She was now officially mine in every way and I couldn¡¯t be happier. She stirred a little as I ran my fingertips over the mark and I pulled my hand away, not wanting to wake her, and reached up to touch her mark on my neck. It had been an amazing evening.

    Alyce hadn¡¯t been lying at the party when she told me the wait would be worth it, she had slipped on an open lace baby doll teddy with a garter belt that had matched her Luna gown and the site of her in just that and her stockings and heels when I finally got her gown off was worth every excruciating minute of the party. It had been a long night, and one that neither of us would ever forget. Just thinking about the evening was making my dick stand at attention, but I also knew that she would be beyond sore after some of the things we did and the number of times I sent her over the edge.

    I slipped out of the bed, tucking my pillow into Alyce¡¯s arms and making sure she was going to remain sleeping before I headed into the bathroom. A cold shower was what I needed, but I didn¡¯t have the motivation to deal with that this morning, so I settled on a luke-warm one and stepped in. I made the shower a quick one and after stepping out I put on a pair of basketball shorts and a tank top. I was up, so I would go to training this morning.

    Walking back out to the bed Alyce had shifted and was sprawled across the entire bed. How a tiny thing like her managed to take over the entire King size bed I will never understand, but she did. I crawled onto the bed, kissing her forehead, her cheeks, the tip of her nose, her chin, and finally her lips as her eyelids started to flutter.

    ¡°Mmm, what a nice way to wake up.¡± She murmured against my lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to training this morning and I wanted to see your gorgeous eyes and radiant smile before I left.¡±

    ¡°Suck up.¡± She laughed a bit and smiled at me as she reached up and ran a finger over her mark on my neck, ¡°If you give me ten minutes I¡¯ll join you. I¡¯d drag Mattie out of bed, but I think I¡¯ll give him a pass this morning considering.¡±

    ¡°You can drag him out of bed if they don¡¯t show up for breakfast like they¡¯re supposed to. We also have a lunch meeting this afternoon to start assessing the situation with Silver Moon. Father sent out a few scouts when we first got back. They should be arriving back to report by 0900 this morning. Meeting is scheduled for noon.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan. Let me get dressed and we¡¯ll go down to training before breakfast.¡± Alyce stretched from head to toe arching her back up off the mattress before she rolled out of the bed headed into the closet.

    When she emerged she had piled her hair into a messy bun on the top of her head and donned a pair of black leggings and dark purple tank top over a black sports bra. She slipped on a pair of flats and walked back over to my side, ¡°Ok, let¡¯s go.¡±

    I grinned, with her hair up her mark was clearly visible to everyone, ¡°My mark looks fantastic on you. Best looking mark I¡¯ve ever seen.¡± I opened our bedroom door and led her out.

    ¡°I dare say your opinion is biased my dear Alpha.¡± She laughed at me as we headed down the hall toward the stairs.

    ¡°Perhaps, but I dare you to argue with me, my lovely little Alpha-Luna.¡±

    ¡°I would never.¡± She looked taken aback and managed to keep a straight face for all of thirty seconds before she was laughing again.

    ¡°Mmhmm, I don¡¯t believe that for one moment. We both know damn well you¡¯d argue until you were blue in the face if you thought the situation warranted it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s very true, but I never argue unless I can win.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡± I chuckled at her as we headed down the stairs and through the house to the back door. We headed across the large yard toward the training grounds on the other side. Victor and every pack warrior that wasn¡¯t on duty were already there and some of the other pack members were starting to trickle in.

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    ¡°Alpha, Luna, good to see you this morning. I¡¯ve been looking forward to Alyce actually training with us.¡± Victor greeted us as he approached.

    ¡°Good morning Victor, I do apologize for not sticking around the other day. My patience for such dramatics is limited.¡±

    ¡°Nothing to apologize for Alyce. You handled that better than most would have. Where is your shadow?¡±

    Alyce gave him a funny look and I grinned, ¡°He means Mat.¡± I whispered to her.

    She grinned and laughed, ¡°I guess he is kind of my shadow, or I his depending on how you look at it. I assume he is still in his room. He found his mate last night and that is the only reason I didn¡¯t drag his ass to training this morning.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, yes that makes sense.¡± Victor grinned.

    A large crowd had gathered now and after many scattered greetings to Alyce and I, Victor signaled for everyone to get in formation and warm up. I took a spot in the back and Alyce stayed off to the side but still went through the warm up with everyone.

    *I would like to observe the training for just a short bit before I join in.* She used the mind-link to alert both Victor and myself. Both of us gave minuscule nods in acknowledgement.

    We spent a good 20 minutes stretching before we paired off and started working through the basic positions. My attention was divided between Alyce and training. I was thankful that I could go through this part of training with my eyes closed.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I wandered through the edges of the group, watching the placement of their bodies in the movements. Making my way over to Victor and speaking quietly, motioning discretely to the members I was referring to, ¡°That one needs to shift her weight onto her back foot more, she¡¯s leaving herself off balance and easily open. And he needs to protect his left, it¡¯s his weak side and he keeps leaving it open. Third position would be stronger if they pivot on their toes rather than moving their whole foot.¡±

    Victor was nodding, looking at what I was pointing out, ¡°You¡¯re right, good observations.¡±

    I raised my voice as I realized Tristan wasn¡¯t actually paying attention to the training, ¡°And our Alpha needs to pay attention to his training and not his Luna.¡± I grinned a bit as Tristan sheepishly grinned, his partner taking the opening and laying him flat on his back. I laughed as did several other pack members. Tristan jumped up and I turned my attention back to Victor.

    ¡°Who have you trained with?¡± Victor asked.

    ¡°Mattie, Jake and Faith. They¡¯ve taught me everything I know. Jake is fierce, he would make a good asset to your training. Faith is fast, hard to catch and she could bring in fresh agility training.¡±

    ¡°And Mat?¡±

    ¡°Mat is deceptively tough, he doesn¡¯t know the meaning of staying down. He¡¯s the perfect blend of his parents.¡±

    ¡°I will reach out to them, they usually come to training during the week. We have a bigger crowd this morning than I expected to have given the party last night.¡±

    ¡°It is a pretty decent group, but I shall let you get back to leading training. I just wanted to get a feel for things before I joined.¡± I grinned, and he nodded as I moved back to the group. I kept my distance from Tristan, only because I didn¡¯t want to pair with him and for a couple of reasons; a) as my mate it was likely he would go easily and b) there was a good chance I could take him, or at least draw and I didn¡¯t want that to be the first impression of the pack to be that I took down their Alpha. There was still some unease amongst the pack members about me.

    ¡°Alright, our Luna needs a training partner. Any volunteers? NOT our Alpha.¡± Victor called out. I could see Tristan visibly pout when he was not an option, but he quickly smiled at me and I grinned.

    One of the warriors stepped up, ¡°I would be glad to help our Luna train.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Kevin, thank you. I think that pairing will work well.¡± Victor nodded in approval.

    I stepped over to the pair, Kevin bowed his head in respect, ¡°Luna Alyce.¡±

    ¡°Please, just Alyce. On the field I¡¯m just another pack member trying to be prepared to protect this pack if ever necessary, just like the rest of you.¡±

    ¡°As you like, Alyce.¡±

 Chapter 52

    I grinned with a nod and the rest of the group paired off again. We started sparing, it was light sparing and we did so for about an hour. Kevin tried to get the upper hand on me for the entire time, to no avail. When Victor called the light sparring to a halt I was laughing a little.

    ¡°You might need to pair off with Victor, Alyce. I don¡¯t think any of our warriors could take you. You are fast and strong, I am happy to have you as our Luna.¡± Kevin complimented with a grin.

    ¡°Thank you Kevin, I will do my best to live up to the title.¡± I turned to Victor, ¡°How about it? Wanna put your skills to the test?¡±

    ¡°No ma¡¯am. I know you can take me. I¡¯ve felt your aura. If you want a challenge you would have to take on Tristan or Daemon.¡±

    ¡°Daemon would be an interesting spar, he absolutely has an advantage with his height and reach. Too bad he¡¯s not out here this morning.¡±

    ¡°What? You don¡¯t want to spar with me?¡± Tristan scoffed, ¡°Worried I¡¯ll kick your butt?¡±

    I arched an eyebrow at him with a smirk, ¡°Not at all. More likely I¡¯ll embarrass you in front of your pack by kicking your ass.¡±

    There was an echo of ¡®ooooooos¡¯ throughout the crowd when I said I could kick his ass rather than him mine.

    Victor¡¯s eyes glazed over, *Spar at the training grounds! Alpha versus Luna! Start time, five minutes! My money¡¯s on the Luna!* he sent out a pack wide link with a laugh, ¡°It¡¯ll be a show now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re on Ma¡¯am.¡± Tristan smirked as the crowd shifted and formed a circle around the sparring ring, ¡°And Victor! How could you?! You really think Alyce can take me?¡±

    Victor laughed, ¡°I sure do. You forget where I¡¯m from already? I know the blood coursing through her. My money is absolutely on her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not too late to back out Alpha, no one would blame you.¡± I grinned at him, tauntingly. The crowd was beginning to grow, more and more pack members coming to watch the event.

    ¡°Oh no Ma¡¯am. This is happening.¡± Tristan chuckled.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let her innocent look fool you! She¡¯s fierce!¡± I heard Jake yell through the crowd and I laughed.

    ¡°Tooting your own horn Jake? I did learn it from you.¡± I cackled.

    ¡°No Ma¡¯am, that¡¯s all you. We just taught you how to use it!¡± Faith retorted as she joined her mate.

    Mat and Cedric shoved through the crowd, ¡°Kick his ass, Red!¡± Mat hooted and hollered.

    Cedric was looking a little unsure beside him, ¡°I¡¯ve heard of Tristan¡¯s skills. You really think Alyce will beat him? She¡¯s a tiny thing.¡± he whispered to Mat

    ¡°Call me Red again and I¡¯ll kick your ass next!¡±

    Mat just laughed and Tristan was even snickering, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate her based on her size. I¡¯ve trained with her and my parents our whole lives.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, she may be small, but she is fiery and fierce.¡± Tristan added as his parents and Kami joined the crowd.

    ¡°This ought to be interesting.¡± Ivy murmured.

    ¡°At the very least it¡¯s entertaining.¡± Kami snickered, giving me a thumbs up.

    ¡°Alright, time to start. Alpha, Luna, to the ring!¡± Victor bellowed.

    Tristan and I came to the center of the ring and I flashed him a sweet smile, ¡°May the best wolf win.¡±

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    ¡°This will be a human form only fight, submission, forfeit, or mock killing blows will determine the winner. Jake and I will oversee the fight.¡± Victor spoke, waving Jake down to join him. Jake made his way down to the ring, coming to stand with Victor.

    ~Third Person~

    Alyce grinned and kicked her shoes off to the side leaving her in her bare feet which caused some of the crowd to murmur curiously. It was not common to see someone train or spar in bare feet, but she always felt more grounded when she could feel the earth beneath her feet. She was the same way about all of her senses honestly.

    Tristan grinned back and got into his ready stance. She followed suit as they prepared to spar. Victor and Jake took opposite sides of the ring so they could have a wider perspective between the two.

    ¡°Are you two ready?¡± Jake asked.

    ¡°I am.¡± Their answers were in unison and Jake nodded.

    ¡°Begin!¡± Victor declared as he and Jake moved to the edge of the ring.

    Alyce and Tristan circled each other, neither one of them making a move as they studied each other. After a moment or two of this Tristan lunged for Alyce, trying to grab her and use his size to his advantage, but Alyce was prepared for this, it was a common tactic against her. She jumped at the last moment, putting her feet squarely in Tristan¡¯s chest. This move sent her to the ground as he staggered backward, but she rolled with the landing and was back on her feet while he was focused on keeping his balance.

    She didn¡¯t give him a chance to recover, she ran toward him, dropping down and kicking her leg out to sweep his legs out from under him. He jumped back over her leg and she popped up, bringing her knee up into his abdomen. He grunted and doubled over, grabbing her ankle in the process. He shoved her backwards from her ankle and she stumbled, falling backward.

    She landed on her back and used the momentum of the shove to carry her lower half back over her head, rolling to her feet and rushing him again. She feigned another kick and when he went to catch her leg again she dropped her leg and swung her left fist into his kidney. He groaned and wrapped his arms around her, flinging her horizontally across his body and sending her rolling across the ground.

    Alyce landed with a thud, the air momentarily knocked out of her. She rolled away as he came towards her, getting to her feet with a little less enthusiasm than she had the first time. Tristan was circling her. She held her ribs like they were injured, waiting to see if he would fall for it. He stalked towards her, a grin on his lips, and when in range he swung his foot out toward her ribs.

    Sucker! Alyce caught his foot, which caused him to stumble, and she flung him to the ground, going down with him and straddling his thighs as she shoved his hands under his butt, effectively pinning them with both their weight as she scooched upwards, sitting on hips. She let her fists fly into his sides, going for the soft flesh surrounding his organs rather than the tougher region of his ribs. She knew he would get free of the pin rather quickly so she jumped away after a few hits. She took a moment to glance around while he was curled up on the ground trying to get his bearings as he got to his feet.

    She didn¡¯t wait, she let out a feral growl and jumped on his back when he was about half-way up. Her arm went around his neck, choking him, her legs wrapping around his waist. She was like a little spider-monkey, refusing to release her grip, even as he launched himself backward, driving her into the ground with force.

    They were both panting and groaning, trying to catch their breath. Tristan more so than Alyce as she had him in a choke hold. She was tougher than he had given her credit for. He rolled again, trying to get to his feet as he struggled to pry her arm from her neck.

    Suddenly she let go, using the momentum of him pulling on her arm to swing herself around his frame like he was some kind of pole. Suddenly her face was in front of his and she grinned, kissing him swiftly.

    Tristan blinked, a little confused as to why she was kissing him in the middle of a spar, but his instincts took over and he lowered his guard to enjoy the kiss. Only it ended as soon as he lost his focus and she was falling backward from his chest, but keeping her legs around his waist. This pulled him forward and she used her legs to fling him forward over her form as her hands hit the ground.

    ¡°That¡¯s cheating!¡± Tristan yelled as he saw the ground rising to meet him quickly. After some tumbling the two came to rest with Alyce once again on top, but she had her fangs at his neck, mouth wide as though she were going to tear his throat out.

    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Jake yelled, while Victor was also bellowing, ¡°Final blow!¡±

    ¡°Everything is fair in war!¡± Alyce laughed as she got to her feet, offering a hand to Tristan. Tristan took it, getting to his feet as he pulled her into his arms, kissing her deeply. He was proud that she had won.

    ¡°Your winner! Luna Alyce!¡± Jake announced as he walked over to the couple with Victor.

    The crowd erupted into a mix of cheers and heckling. Tristan laughed and grabbed one of Alyce¡¯s wrists, raising it up in victory, ¡°I am proud to know that my mate, your Luna can go toe to toe with the best of them! We are a lucky pack to have such an amazing, strong leader in our pack!¡±

    Alyce blushed a bit, ¡°I have no doubt that this battle could have gone either way! Tristan is as tough as his reputation says he is, I am the lucky one to have him, and all of you!¡±

    More cheering, less heckling in the crowd which was quickly silenced by Victor letting out a high pitched whistle, ¡°Alright, training is over for the day, go get yourselves some breakfast, I will see some of you later for the evening training session.¡±

    The crowd started to disperse, many of the pack members patting Tristan on the shoulder as they passed, either giving him crap or congratulating him on having such a strong mate. Many of the women were asking Alyce about training them herself.

    Alyce smiled, ¡°It¡¯s something we can discuss further another time. There are some matters that need to be attended to before I can set anything in stone, but I am flattered that you would ask and we will revisit this once the pressing matters are taken care of. In the interim, maybe you can get together a list of those interested and find some times and days that will accommodate everyone.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Luna.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Luna!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll work on that straight away!¡±

    ¡°Oh, no rush. We have time!¡± Alyce laughed a bit as the women wandered off towards the pack house for breakfast.

 Chapter 53

    Kami and Mat wandered over with Cedric. Faith was following just a bit behind them, a curious glance given at Mat and Cedric as she joined Jake.

    ¡°Well, well, look what the cat dragged in. I didn¡¯t expect to see you two out and about before breakfast.¡± Alyce grinned, wiggling her eyebrows at Mat.

    ¡°Yes well, I couldn¡¯t pass up the chance to see you hand Tristan his ass. Better someone else than me for once.¡± Mat laughed and turned to his parents as he saw their questioning looks, ¡°Mom, Dad, I¡¯d like you to meet Cedric, my mate.¡±

    Faith grinned and squealed in delight for a moment before she composed herself, though she was still grinning as she hugged Mat tightly, ¡°Oh Matheau, I¡¯m so happy for you!¡± When she was done squeezing the breath out of her son she hugged Cedric just as hard, ¡°Welcome to the family, Cedric!¡±

    ¡°Mom¡­ can¡¯t¡­ breath¡­¡± Mat gasped dramatically before Faith moved from him to Cedric.

    Jake smiled, ¡°Congratulations son.¡± He also hugged Mat, and shook Cedric¡¯s hand, ¡°You will be joining us here at Moonlight then?¡± He asked Cedric.

    ¡°Yes sir. I am the soon to be former Head Warrior for Dark Forest.¡±

    Jake nodded, giving Cedric an assessing look after hearing he was the head warrior for his pack.

    Cedric said nothing, letting out a breath he didn¡¯t realize he was holding once Jake gave another nod of approval. Mat grinned at him whispering softly, ¡°Don¡¯t mind my dad, he¡¯s never been one for words and he assesses all fighters like that. He¡¯s a damn good fighter himself. It¡¯s second nature. Honestly, if you have Mom and Alyce¡¯s approval, then my Dad is sure to follow suit.¡±

    Alyce grinned as she walked over to Mattie, gripping his chin and turning his head to inspect his mark, ¡°His mark looks good on you.¡±

    ¡°Oof!¡± Mat grunted as Alyce man-handled his chin. He laughed and turned her head, ¡°I could say the same about you, Aly. Why was there no 2am gossip?¡±

    ¡°Because you value your life and I value sleep?¡±

    ¡°That is not a valid excuse!¡±

    ¡°Sure it is. Come on, let''s go get some food. I¡¯m starving.¡±

    ¡°You eat more than a full size, male warrior.¡± Mat teased, earning a death glare from Alyce.

    Tristan stifled a laugh and looked at Mat, ¡°Come on, be a good Beta and leave Half-Pint alone.¡±

    ¡°She may be a Half-Pint, but her appetite is more like a keg.¡± Mat spit out before he took off running towards the pack house like his life depended on it.

    Judging from the look on Alyce¡¯s face, it just might and she tore off after him, ¡°I will torture you slowly before I kill you, Matheau!¡± she growled as she chased him.

    Tristan, Kami, Faith and Jake held their breath until the two were out of ear shot and then they broke out laughing. Poor Cedric just looked a bit confused as he strolled along with them.

    ¡°You will get used to it, Cedric.¡± Faith patted his arm lightly, ¡°Those two are closer than any siblings born of blood. They will have entire conversations without using the mind-link or uttering a single word.¡±

    ¡°She will seek Mat¡¯s advice on anything and everything before she seeks anyone else¡¯s. Including Tristan¡¯s in many cases, though that may change in time.¡± Jake said.

    ¡°Expect her to show up anytime of the night if she needs to speak to him, and expect him to come running to her if she calls for him, without hesitation.¡± Tristan offered.

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    ¡°He would give her life for her, and she for him.¡± Kami added.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t blood related?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°No, Jake and I kind of adopted Alyce when she came to our pack. They grew up together, and Alyce often refers to themselves as twins. They¡¯re only about 6 months apart in age.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard gossip of events at the banquet, including bits and pieces of her story. Is it really as bad as they say?¡±

    ¡°Probably, but if you want to know the truth, best to ask Alyce. She won¡¯t be offended and she¡¯ll likely feel like you have a right to know given that you are Mat¡¯s mate. In her opinion if someone is going to be around her or even merely associated with her, they should know her full story, know what they are getting into.¡±

    ¡°She was prepared to reject me, or have me reject her, but she refused to even consider our mate bond or coming to Moonlight until we knew her full story.¡± Tristan murmured, the thought of what she had been through and that she thought herself broken and unworthy of a mate hurt him to his core.

    ¡°It all worked out in the end though, and more of her true self is starting to shine through the longer she is here. You¡¯ve helped put her back together and given her the safety and security she needed to start doing it herself as well.¡± Jake gave Tristan an appreciative pat on the shoulder.

    The group neared the packhouse, a ruckus coming from the side yard, followed by two very familiar voices. They glanced at each other and then made a dash across the backyard to the side to see what was going on. The sight stopped them dead in their tracks.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Mat and I were currently rolling around on the ground, he was squirmy and I was having a hard time pinning him down, ¡°Take it back Mattie!¡±

    Mat was laughing and trying to throw me off of him, ¡°Come on Red, I was just teasing. Besides, you know it¡¯s true!¡±

    ¡°I swear to the Goddess you have a death wish!¡± We were both covered in sweat and dirt. I got my knees on either side of him, digging them into his ribs with my feet hooked over his legs to give me more leverage.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t kill me, you love me!¡± Mat was trying to block my hands while I was trying to get ahold of both his wrists in one hand.

    ¡°That may be true, but that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t make you eat your words!¡± A crowd was starting to gather and I heard our family running across the yard at the sound of our voices. I finally caught his wrists and pinned them against his stomach with my left hand. I used the right to repeatedly tap the tip of my index finger right against the center of his collar bone.

    It seemed harmless enough but after a dozen or so taps it would really start to hurt, ¡°Now take it back Mattie!¡±

    ¡°Never!¡±

    The crowd was starting to pick sides, not even knowing what was going on. There were random hoots for me and some for Mat as well.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not the worst thing she''s done to him when he¡¯s teased her too much.¡± Faith said with a sigh.

    ¡°At least it¡¯s not a black eye this time.¡± Jake mused.

    ¡°I think he¡¯s just a glutton for punishment at this point.¡± I heard Kami snicker.

    ¡°Do¡­ do we help him? Do we just watch?¡± Cedric was unsure how to react. I was the Luna, but Mat was his mate and he was watching me torture his mate.

    Mat was starting to squirm in earnest, trying to get me off of him, but I easily kept him pinned, tap, tap, tapping away, ¡°Say Uncle!¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± he grunted, trying to buck me off, ¡°Will never¡­¡± he rolled his hips trying to throw me off balance, ¡°say it!¡±

    Cedric was starting to get antsy, growling softly, and watching me torture his mate, even if it was harmless. Every fiber of his being was screaming for him to intervene, but he also knew better than to lay hands on a Luna, especially when said Luna was his future Luna and essentially his sister-in-law.

    Tristan saw Cedric¡¯s discomfort and took pity on him, he strode over to Mat and I and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me off of Mat with ease as he wrapped me up in his arms, ¡°Alright Half-Pint, you¡¯re now torturing poor Cedric by proxy. I think Mat has learned his lesson.¡±

    I growled, squirming to get free from Tristan, ¡°He most certainly has not learned his lesson. He never does until I get him to admit defeat. Lemme go!¡±

    Mat took in a deep breath and then laughed as he got to his feet, ¡°Alright, alright. I take it back, if only for the sake of not torturing my dear mate with our antics before he¡¯s accustomed to them.¡±

    I huffed and stopped fighting against Tristan¡¯s grip. I glanced at Cedric, ¡°Sorry, you¡¯ll get used to us eventually. We¡¯ll try to break you in easily.¡± I turned my attention to Mat, ¡°This isn''t over. I¡¯ll grant a temporary truce for the sake of Cedric, but it has only just begun, sleep with one eye open.¡±

 Chapter 54

    Cedric ran to Mat, pulling him into his arms and nuzzling his nose into his neck, his scent calming both him and his wolf down. Tristan set me down on my feet and I walked over to Mat and Cedric, pulling them both into a hug, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to set your wolf or you off Cedric. Mat just has this nasty habit of intentionally setting me off.¡±

    Cedric seemed a bit startled and Mat was laughing but they both hugged me back, ¡°It¡¯s my job as your brother to pick on you.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°It¡¯s ok Alyce, it will just take some time for Atlas and I to adjust and remember that it¡¯s normal behavior for siblings. I¡¯m an only child so it¡¯s not something we¡¯re used to.¡±

    I smiled up at Cedric, and threw a glare at Mat, ¡°And it¡¯s my job as your sister to beat you to a bloody pulp until you regret your decision to pick on me.¡± I pinched the back of his upper arm, causing him to yelp. Satisfied for now I walk back to Tristan, tucking myself into his side while Jake and Faith were just shaking their heads at us.

    ¡°Alright you two, that¡¯s enough.¡± Faith said firmly.

    ¡°Yes Mom.¡±, ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am¡± Mat and I said quickly, and in unison. Faith was probably the only person that scared both of us when she was mad. Neither of us wanted to get on her bad side.

    We all headed inside, the crowd that had gathered dispersing as we went in to get some food. Mat and I washed up in the bathrooms as best we could before getting our food and joining the others at the table to eat.

    ¡°Alyce, I have heard about the events at the banquet, but when you have some free time I would like to know the truth from you, or at least what of it you are willing to share.¡± Cedric mentioned as we ate.

    ¡°Yes, actually I¡¯m glad you mentioned it. If you¡¯re going to be part of the inner circle, for lack of a better phrase, then you need to know what that entails. Being associated with me comes with its own risks at the moment, and the others all know my story and what risks the future holds. We have a meeting in a couple hours, join us. Mat has to be there anyway, and after the meeting I will fill you in and answer any questions you have.¡±

    ¡°Ok, thank you.¡± Cedric nodded and Mat leaned into him a bit as he finished the food on his plate. Cedric smiled and tugged Mat closer to him.

    ¡°Jake, Faith, you need to be there too. It¡¯s time to start forging a plan.¡± I gave them a pointed look and they nodded, knowing exactly what I was talking about.

    ¡°Kami, will you let your parents know about the meeting and ask them to join us? As well as Titus, Victor and Bruce and Brandon if they¡¯re willing.¡±

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll drag them myself if I have to.¡±

    ¡°No ma¡¯am, this mission is strictly volunteer only. I will not force anyone to help that isn¡¯t willing. Once we have a plan set we can address the pack and fill in those willing to help.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°We will regroup in my office at 11:30, lunch will be served there. Alyce has even volunteered to make it.¡± Tristan grinned at me as he dismissed the impromptu group. We all acknowledged the time and location before going our separate ways.

    ¡°I need a shower, I¡¯m a mess.¡± I laughed at myself as Tristan and I stepped into the elevator and headed for the 5th floor.

    ¡°Mmm, who knew rolling around on the ground would get you dirty. I can help you clean up if you like.¡± A flirty smile crossed his lips as the elevator dinged and the doors opened, letting us out into the hall near our room.

    ¡°No Sir, that will only end in dirtier activities and I have lunch to make for¡­¡± I thought about the group for a moment, ¡°For 12 or so adult wolves. You can help me with that though!¡±

    ¡°I will help you with anything you like, love.¡± We stepped into our room and Tristan closed the door behind us quickly. I was stripping clothing off before the door even shut, beelining for the bathroom and only in my panties by the time I closed the door behind me.

    Tristan was staring at me the whole way, I could feel his gaze boring into my backside and I grinned a bit. I loved the feeling of his eyes on me, but that would have to wait until later. We had duties to attend.

    *Let¡¯s go for a run after the meeting?* I asked him as I set the temperature on the shower, stripped my panties off and got in.

    *That sounds like a wonderful idea.*

    *I thought so too. Aramyth is starting to get a bit antsy, I need to let her out.*

    *Ryder is anxious to run with her too.*

    I took my time in the shower, letting the hot water wash the dirt off my skin, watching it circle the drain as my mind wandered to the upcoming meeting. I was anxious and excited at the same time. I was going to get my pack back, find out what happened to my family, Goddess willing.

    Thirty minutes later I was scrubbed clean, my hair washed, and wrapped in a fluffy lavender towel. I ran a brush through my hair after drying it with a towel. I worked some curl cream through it and let it hang free to dry.

    Stepping out of the bathroom I glanced around the bedroom, not seeing Tristan. Maybe he had gone down to prepare his office for the meeting. I walked into the closet, grabbing a pair of black leggings, a lilac tunic shirt and a set of undergarments. I got dressed and walked out of the closet I reached out to Tristan, *I¡¯m headed down to the kitchen to start working on lunch, where are you?*

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    *With Mat and Cedric in the rec room. I¡¯ll meet you in the kitchen and give you a hand.*

    *Thanks, bring Mat and Cedric with you, I have a job for them too.*

    *Alright, we¡¯ll see you down there.*

    Opening the bedroom door I headed out into the hall and down the stairs, greeting a few of the pack members as I passed them. As I neared the kitchen I could hear the boys talking and laughing. I smiled, glad to know that Mat was welcomed in Moonlight and that Cedric was feeling comfortable in our group.

    ¡°Sounds like y''all are having far too much fun in here, and without me.¡± I pouted at them a bit.

    Cedric started to stutter, trying to figure out what to say and Tristan looked like he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Neither sure of what to do with a pouting and potentially insulted Luna. Mat looked at me, looked at the other two and then back at me. We both started laughing at them. They were confused.

    ¡°Y¡¯all should have seen your faces.¡± Mat said laughing. I was still giggling.

    ¡°You two are going to be the death of me. I swear.¡± Tristan rolled his eyes at us.

    ¡°Your mother was right, you two might as well be twins. I think I¡¯m with Alpha Tristan on this one¡­¡± Cedric laughed a bit.

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± I flashed them all a sweet smile and proceeded further into the kitchen like nothing had happened.

    ¡°Mat, Cedric I need you two to set up a couple of folding tables along one wall in the conference room adjoined to the office for food. The conference table should suffice for seating, maybe find a couple folding chairs and stash them in a corner in case we need them.¡±

    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± Cedric acknowledged without hesitation.

    ¡°How come I don¡¯t get to help in the kitchen? I always help in the kitchen.¡± Mat pouted.

    Turning on my heel I looked at him, arching an eyebrow at him, ¡°You act like moving a couple of tables and chairs is going to take you an hour and a half. Get it done and then you can come down and help in the kitchen.¡±

    Mat visibly gulped when I gave him the ¡®What did you say to me look¡¯. ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡± He quickly echoed Cedric¡¯s sentiment and they both scurried off.

    Tristan wrapped an arm around me and kissed my temple, ¡°You know, you¡¯re sexy when you¡¯re all fired up.¡±

    I smacked his arm and grinned, looking up at him, ¡°Hush you. There¡¯s time for that later.¡±

    He let out a growl as the imagery that flashed through his mind, ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am.¡±

    I laughed at him, ¡°You just wanted an excuse to call me Ma¡¯am. Are you feeling left out? Do you want me to give you that look too?¡±

    ¡°Nope, I want you to give me a task that will help you in the kitchen. Unlike Mat, I can actually cook, decently enough anyway.¡±

    ¡°I see. Well we¡¯re not doing much cooking. I was just going to put together a sandwich bar essentially.¡±

    ¡°That sounds good. How can I help?¡±

    ¡°There are loaves of french bread in the pantry, can you get them and start slicing them in half lengthwise, and then in half widthwise?¡±

    ¡°I sure can.¡± He set about his task with a smile, coming out with roughly 25 loaves of french bread he set to work, slicing each one before slipping them back into their packaging to keep them from drying out.

    I set myself to working on toppings. I washed and dried romaine lettuce before cutting the ends of the stalks off, separating the leaves. Smaller ones I set aside to be put back in the fridge, they could be used for salad in the next couple days, larger ones I stacked on a tray. About the time I started working on slicing pickles, lengthwise so they would fit the bread nicely, Mat and Cedric returned to the kitchen.

    ¡°Tables are set, chairs are stashed, Ma¡¯am!¡± Mat reported, saluting like a soldier.

    I rolled my eyes at him, ¡°Thank you guys. Cedric, how are your kitchen skills?¡± Cedric blushed a bit, like I had stumbled on some secret inadvertently. I took that to mean he had none, ¡°They can¡¯t be worse than Matties.¡±

    ¡°Uh, no, no they¡¯re not. My mother was a Human, and a 5 star chef, so my kitchen skills are pretty on point.¡±

    ¡°Thank Goddess, I could use another skilled set of hands around the kitchen sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Tristan and Mat protested at the same time.

    I just grinned at them both while addressing Cedric, ¡°Can you slice about 10 tomatoes, maybe an  ? ¡±  or so thick? ¡±  I motioned to the tomatoes sitting on the counter awaiting attention.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to.¡± He washed his hands and then set himself up at the counter to slice the tomatoes.

    ¡°Thank you. Mattie, can you slice the onions?¡±

    ¡°Certainly.¡±

    We all worked hard to finish the task of preparing sandwich bar stuff. I sent Tristan and Mat upstairs to set up shallow pans and ice which the trays of veggies, meat and cheese would fit into perfectly to keep them cold. While they did that Cedric and I finished getting everything onto trays and the trays onto a rolling cart. I made one more ice pan and stuck condiments into it.

    I let Cedric take that up while I loaded a cooler onto a smaller cart, and then loaded it with various drinks and ice. I also loaded the second shelf of the cart with bags of popcorn and chips as well. As an afterthought I grabbed 2 containers of cupcakes out of the fridge and put them on the cart too.

    Finally I headed up to the office to help the guys get everything set up. By the time we finished, it was almost time for the others to arrive. The plan was to eat and discuss basic brainstorming ideas and share whatever information we all had about Silver Moon while eating and then start hashing out a plan when we were done.

 Chapter 55

    We had finished lunch an hour ago. I was sitting quietly, listening to the others comments and ideas while thinking over my own.

    ¡°Lucian is not someone to underestimate.¡± Ivy said, ¡°He is heartless, calculated, and will not hesitate to sacrifice those around him to save himself.¡±

    ¡°The scout report does leave it looking like we have the advantage though.¡± Cedric offered. I personally had digested the most important information from the reports and tried not to think about the smaller details. Half the pack was gone. I couldn¡¯t dwell on it at the moment. I would not be able to focus on the meeting if I did. I would deal with that later.

    ¡°We would have to insert someone into the pack, someone he wouldn¡¯t recognize, someone we can trust. It would be the best way to scout with the least risk of being caught.¡± Titus added.

    ¡°That, or we use bait¡­¡± I said quietly.

    Tristan turned on me, eyes wide, ¡°Absolutely not. You are not putting yourself out there like that.¡±

    ¡°Hear me out. I wouldn¡¯t be leaving Moonlight to become bait.¡± I started, now everyone was looking at me.

    Mat and Tristan looked like they would tie me to a chair before they let me become bait. Both starting to protest, I held my hand up to silence them and stood, addressing the group, ¡°Titus and Cedric are right, we need inside information to pull this off with the least amount of casualties, and if the Goddess is with us they will not be our casualties. Victor is originally from Silver Moon, it would not be unheard of for a wolf to return to their original pack for various reasons. If he is willing, he would be my suggestion for insertion.¡±

    ¡°I would be honored to help you bring Lucian down, however and wherever you need me.¡± Victor grinned.

    ¡°As for the bait and how to initiate the insertion; I would be the bait, but as I said I would not be leaving Moonlight. What if we invited Lucian here? Maybe under the guise of Victor looking for a chosen or second chance mate. Of course I would not expect Victor to actually take one, but it would be a valid excuse to invite Lucian here, to discuss Victor returning to his original pack even if only for a short bit. Again, only if Victor is willing and up to the role. He would have to get in good with Lucian.¡± I paused, looking at the group and then at Victor, who looked like he was in thought, his brows furrowed.

    ¡°Lucian will likely recognize me the second he laid eyes on me. I¡¯m sure he figures I¡¯m dead, or has no idea who I actually am. I was young when he sold me off. I¡¯ve been playing the ignorant Omega for years, I can step back into that role like a second skin. I¡¯ll just be an ignorant Luna this time, meek and submissive to my Alpha. He will need to see me as non-threatening or he may act rashly rather than taking his time like he did when he overthrew my parents.¡±

    ¡°And your thought process is to have Victor go back with him? He would not be suspected of spying if he returned with Lucian, less suspicious than just showing up randomly.¡± Kami mused, ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°It means it will take time before we can get Silver Moon back.¡± Tristan pulled me into his lap and held me close as we continued our discussion.

    ¡°Not necessarily. It depends on what we¡¯re facing. If he thought he was safe all this time, he likely would be ill prepared for an attack. Silver Moon is almost as secluded as Moonlight, there¡¯s not much threat to them from outside packs and people like Lucian are often paranoid about others doing to them what they would do or have done, so he may not keep many warriors either. It¡¯s really hard to say what he has done with the pack over the years.¡± I sighed, worried for my pack members. I hoped some of them would remember Victor and that may work in our favor.

    Victor finally seemed to come to a conclusion and he looked at us with determination on his face, ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    ¡°There is one more thing you would have to do Victor. Tristan, Mat you aren¡¯t going to like it, but I need you to not react to it when it happens.¡± I murmured.

    All three looked at me, their faces showing both worry and curiosity, ¡°What is it?¡± Tristan¡¯s voice had a low growl to it as he asked.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Yes, tell us.¡± Mat narrowed his eyes at me while Victor kept quiet, waiting.

    ¡°Victor would need to corner me, while Lucian is nearby. We will argue and he will need to slap me, and make it look like he means it.¡±

    Tristan and Mat both growled. ¡°NO.¡± Tristan roared while Mat was growling, ¡°Not happening!¡±

    Victor visibly gulped, ¡°Is that really necessary?¡±

    ¡°It seems a bit extreme.¡± Faith finally spoke up.

    ¡°I think I know where she¡¯s going with this.¡± Jake said, ¡°If Lucian sees that Victor has no love for his Luna, and isn¡¯t afraid to raise a hand to her, he is more likely to think of him as someone he can use. It may help him get in better with Lucian. And if none of us react, at least the ranked males, then he may think we are more like Red Moon, or even like him. It could work in our favor.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡± I nodded, backing up Jake¡¯s statement.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡± Tristan grumbled, but he couldn¡¯t argue with the logic.

    ¡°Me either.¡± Mat was glaring at me and even Victor. Cedric pulled him into his arms, calming him down with his touch.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t have to be hard enough to leave a mark, it just has to look like it is. The rest we can fake with some good makeup. I can make Alyce look like she¡¯s beaten on a regular basis if necessary to sell it.¡± Kami spoke up, ¡°I¡¯d just need to go into the shopping plaza and get some supplies.¡±

    ¡°Faking it sounds like a much better plan.¡± Tristan huffed, still annoyed.

    ¡°Victor would still have to slap me, but only once and if makeup can do the rest, then he doesn¡¯t have to slap me as hard as I was thinking he would. I mean, it¡¯s just acting, and nothing compared to some of the things I¡¯ve endured.¡± I pointed out quietly.

    ¡°That¡¯s not really the point, Love. I promised you that you would never have to endure anything like that ever again.¡± Tristan reminded me.

    I smiled at him, ¡°I know, but I¡¯m volunteering for this one. It¡¯s necessary to get my pack back, besides I¡¯m tougher than Victor. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Victor scoffed and pretended to be wounded, ¡°Ouch Alyce, ouch. Way to go straight for a man¡¯s pride.¡± I giggled and grinned at him.

    ¡°What about the rest of the pack? We would need to decide how to keep them from letting anything slip.¡± Bruce said.

    ¡°I hate to say it, but the only way to be sure would be an Alpha order.¡± Dameon spoke hesitantly. A good Alpha never used an Alpha order to make their pack comply with something like this, but in this instance it was really the only way.

    ¡°I agree. And if Tristan isn¡¯t comfortable doing it, I will. Though I think if we call a pack meeting and explain why we¡¯re doing it, the pack is likely to understand and not resent us for it.¡±

    ¡°No, I will do it, but you¡¯re right. They don¡¯t need all the details, but a simple explanation would likely go a long way.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°Then I think we have the starting point. We will meet again when we have more information from Victor and start more in depth planning. Thank you everyone, for being willing to help me in this. I appreciate every one of you and if at any point you change your mind and wish to bow out, I will not hold it against you, nor will I think any less of you for it.¡± I smiled at the group.

    ¡°We¡¯re happy to do it Alyce, you¡¯re our Luna, and an amazing one at that. It truly is an honor to help you take back what is yours and take down an asshole like Lucian.¡± Titus said, everyone murmuring in agreement with him.

    ¡°Besides that, I have a bone to pick with him anyway. Take away my Goddaughter for 9 years and see what happens.¡± Ivy was fired up and murmuring to herself in irritation of Lucian¡¯s acts.

    I couldn¡¯t help but laugh at her antics and stood heading over to hug her. ¡°Thank you, Ivy, but I did get Faith, Jake and Mattie out of the ordeal so I can¡¯t complain too much.¡±

    Ivy hugged me back and soon Mat, Jake and Faith were hugging us too. Then Daemon, Kami and Tristan joined in. I was laughing as they all squeezed me tight, ¡°Ok, ok. I love you all too! Can¡¯t¡­ Breath!¡± I gasped dramatically.

    They let me go and most left to go about their daily business for now. They took the leftovers from lunch and the folding tables and chairs out with them, ¡°Thank you!¡± I hollered down the hall after them as they left.

 Chapter 56

    Tristan, Mat, Cedric and I myself remained. I had promised to answer Cedric¡¯s questions and fill him in. We moved to the office, and I stretched out on the bigger couch, my feet resting in Tristan¡¯s lap. Mat and Cedric settled on the smaller one.

    ¡°Alright Cedric, where would you like to start?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Well, according to rumors about the banquet, you¡¯re responsible for the usurping and demotion of Alpha Andrew.¡±

    ¡°That is kind of true. I called Andrew out on his bullshit and filled everyone in on the things he had allowed other pack members to do, or in many cases ordered other pack members to do. Daemon offered him the choice of stepping down, or death. His son, Theo demoted him and the rest of his ranked members.¡±

    ¡°And his actions warranted that extreme of an outcome?¡±

    ¡°Yes. How about I start from the beginning and once you have the whole story you can make your own informed decision.¡±

    ¡°That would be fantastic, if it won¡¯t bother you to share.¡±

    ¡°It will always bother me to recount what I¡¯ve been through, but I won¡¯t let it define me or keep me from informing those who need to know the truth.¡±

    Cedric nodded and waited patiently for me to start. I took a deep breath, Tristan¡¯s hands on my legs helping to ground me. Mat moved his chair closer to me to hold my hand. I smiled softly at both of them, but then opted to sit up, moving over so Mat could sit on the other side of me. I held both their hands and looked at Cedric, ready to fill him in.

    ¡°As you¡¯ve likely gathered, I am originally from Silver Moon. My mother and father were Liam and Gwydia De¡¯Lune. My actual name is Faelyn De¡¯Lune. This is currently something that is being kept under wraps. I cannot have my actual identity getting out before we deal with Lucian. Can you keep this to yourself, or do you need an Alpha order?¡±

    ¡°I swear on my life, your secret is safe with me.¡±

    I nodded and continued, ¡°When I was seven or so, Lucian, who was my father¡¯s Beta, overthrew my parents and took over Silver Moon. My parents and my younger brother Edwin, vanished the night he took over. I assume they are dead, their bodies were never found and I don¡¯t know what happened to them. My parents ordered me and Edwin to run and hide. I remember hiding him, I don¡¯t remember where. I don¡¯t remember much of that night after that point. I know the next morning my entire family was gone and Lucian was taking over as Alpha. My best guess is that my brother was disposed of with my parents because he was assumed to be the next in line for Alpha because he was the first male. However if he was an Alpha, he was not the first born Alpha. That is me. I am a natural born Alpha female, both by blood and in power. My mother was not a wolf, but a Fae. My father was a wolf of course. They were fated mates. My father was also a Crimson Wolf. I inherited that from him. Aramyth, my wolf, is also a Crimson Wolf. We don¡¯t know exactly what that entails. Little is known about them and with my mother being a Fae and I having inherited much from her right down to her runt gene and exotic features, I have been told that I may eventually begin to show traits that are more Fae than wolf. Again, I¡¯m not sure what exactly that entails. Our best bet of finding information is to hope that the records in Silver Moon are still intact somewhere. I don¡¯t know why I didn¡¯t disappear with my family, and I don¡¯t know why Lucian left me alive.¡±

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    ¡°That¡¯s the basic history of where I come from, now the hard part. When I was eight, I was sold to Red Moon. Lucian sold me to a traveling peddler and I suspect he had a certain sort of trade that he did and that I am likely not the only child he had been sold and then sold off elsewhere. I was sold to Alpha Andrew and Luna Nora as an orphaned Omega with the name of Alyce Lilly. That¡¯s what all of my paperwork states. Hence why I maintain that identity for now. Whether it was Lucian or the peddler that forged the paperwork and assigned me the name and rank I do not know. Anyway, Andrew bought me at Nora¡¯s request. She thought that with my exotic looks I would make a good breeder when I came of age. I was over worked and treated like the pack slave until I was about 13. At 12 I realized the Alpha command had no effect on me. Then Aramyth came to me. After that my personality started to come through. My attitude, mouth and temper got me in a lot of trouble. Like most teenagers I got kind of rebellious. I was soon subject to abuse at the hands of other pack members in Red Moon. The first time I saw the inside of what they called The Hole, I was 14. I was subjected to torture that involved whips and knives. I was 15 the first time they used wolfsbane on me, this was also the first time Faith had to stitch me up. I didn¡¯t shift at 16 like most wolves. I actually had my first shift the night before the banquet, but Aramyth was there with me nonetheless and she gave me the strength to get through when I was younger. Faith, Jake and Mat became my family. I lost count of the number of times I¡¯ve been sent to The Hole. That last time was a few weeks before the banquet, I was there for two weeks. They spent 5 years trying to break me, and it nearly happened on that last trip there.¡± I was squeezing both Mat and Tristan¡¯s hands at this point.

    Mat picked up there for me, ¡°A Red Moon member, named Vincent, raped Alyce a few days before they released her. He stole her innocence. They released her 3 days later and she barely made it to our place before she passed out. I was the one who discovered what they¡¯d done to her. The wounds numbered more than they ever had, but Andrew had made Ethan and Levi reign in the severity because he wanted her to work the banquet and she needed to be able to heal the wolfsbane wounds which would take longer. Between her release and the evening of the banquet she discovered Theo was her mate.¡±

    Tristan growled, both when Mat mentioned that he had discovered the evidence of the rape and when he mentioned Theo being my initial mate. I squeezed his hand and leaned into him a little, calming him by letting him lift me up and slide into my seat, setting me back in his lap as he wrapped his arms around me tightly.

    ¡°Theo? Andrew¡¯s son? Then how did she become the Luna of Moonlight.¡± Cedric asked curiously.

    ¡°We¡¯re getting there. Patience.¡± Mat smiled at him and then continued with the story of my past, ¡°Theo found her on her 18th birthday, on her way to my house for dinner with the family. She rejected him on site. Tristan is her second chance mate. He found her the day before the banquet, as his pack arrived a bit early.¡±

    I squeezed Mat¡¯s hand letting him know I was ok now and could continue, ¡°Tristan found me the morning of the banquet. I was making breakfast for the ranked members and guests staying in the Pack Manor. I wasn¡¯t supposed to be because Andrew wanted all my focus on the banquet, but I was at work stoppage for the banquet until it was time to start heating the pre-prepped dishes for the actual dinner. After Mat put himself between me and my mate for the second time, and after some consulting with Mat and Aramyth I decided that Tristan and his ranked pack members needed to know everything before any decisions were made that would affect Moonlight by my being here. We spent the morning and most of the afternoon explaining all of this to the Moonlight members. I was prepared to be rejected, thinking myself too broken and defective for a mate after what was done to me. Thankfully, and surprisingly, to me anyway, Tristan still wanted me and didn¡¯t hesitate to accept me. At the banquet, Tristan overheard Andrew talking to Alpha Shane from Cold Moon about trading me off to him in exchange for an alliance between their packs. A little later Shane cornered me, was manhandling me and threatening to do worse to me than I had endured in Red Moon. Red Moon still doesn¡¯t know who or what I am, so I couldn¡¯t exactly reveal myself. Mat got Tristan and Tristan declared me his mate which caused Shane to back down instantly. I outed Andrew and his lackeys, as well as Vincent. Showing them all the proof they needed to know the truth. As someone with Fae blood, it is impossible for me to lie. I can manipulate my words, but I cannot outright lie. So Daemon and the other Moonlight members who were with us in the fort knew I was being truthful¡±

 Chapter 57

    ¡°How do you get away with going by Alyce and not Faelyn then?¡± Cedric¡¯s head tilted a little as he processed all the information he was getting.

    ¡°Legally, according to my paperwork, I am Alyce Lilly, so I¡¯m not technically lying.¡±

    Cedric chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s a valid point.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also partially why I have to rely on others to do some of the lying in this plan of ours for me.¡±

    ¡°What proof did you use to condemn Andrew and the others?¡±

    I stood and turned my back to him, raising the back of my shirt up, making sure the front remained covering my chest, revealing the scars that littered my back and sides, ¡°These, I had never left Red Moon at any point for any reason since arriving and I did not arrive with them, so they had to happen while I was in Red Moon, at the hands of pack members.¡±

    Cedric gasped and frowned. I lowered my shirt and sat back down in Tristan¡¯s lap. Cedric was still frowning when he looked at me, ¡°Thank you, for sharing all that with me. I will help you with your plan to get Silver Moon back, but I also need to return to Dark Forest to get my things.¡±

    ¡°Is there any chance we could send for them instead of going to get them? I don¡¯t want you to go back alone, but I also don¡¯t want to abandon Alyce.¡± Mat frowned, looking truly torn.

    ¡°Mattie, I will be fine. You¡¯re not abandoning me and I¡¯m not here alone. I have Tristan, Mom, Dad, Ivy, the pack. You won¡¯t be gone long.¡±

    ¡°But¨C¡± I held a hand up, silencing him.

    ¡°I will call ahead and ask some of the Omegas to pack everything in advance. It¡¯s a day to the pack if we run, and a 12 hour drive back with my belongings. We can be back within 3, maybe 4 days.¡± Cedric offered a compromise.

    ¡°That will give us time to arrange you and Cedric permanent living quarters. Normally we would put you on the 4th floor as the Beta, but if you and Alyce prefer we can make arrangements to have you on the 5th floor with us. We will be moving your parents to the 4th floor as well.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°I would feel better being on the same floor if it is not inconvenient to you two, and Cedric is alright with it. It is my job to protect you two after all.¡± Mat replied, looking at Cedric for his opinion.

    ¡°I can compromise on the 5th floor for you, if you can compromise on coming to Dark Forest for a brief time for me.¡± Cedric reached out and took Mat¡¯s hand, smiling at him with love and adoration on his face.

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    ¡°I will make arrangements back home then and we will head out once they have everything ready on their end then.¡± Cedric looked at Tristan and I, ¡°When are we planning to host Lucien?¡±

    ¡°It will likely be a couple weeks before we reach out and set a date. You have plenty of time to get your things and return. We will also bring you into Moonlight officially.¡± Tristan answered.

    ¡°I would like to make you co-head warrior and co-beta if you¡¯re willing? Victor is our head warrior and at such a time as he is ready to retire then you would be head warrior full time. In the interim you would share duties with him and with Mattie.¡± I said, surprising all of them.

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    ¡°I would be honored.¡± Cedric smiled.

    I grinned, ¡°Good, cause Mattie was supposed to be my Beta for Silver Moon, so when we get the pack back and join the packs we might actually need two Betas.¡±

    ¡°I already told you there is enough of me to go around.¡± Mat rolled his eyes at me and grinned playfully.

    I rolled my eyes right back at him and reached over, flicking his nose. ¡°Stop making yourself sound like a manwhore, especially in front of your mate.¡± I looked at Cedric, ¡°Did we answer all of your questions?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you did. Thank you for sharing with me. I appreciate that you¡¯ve made this whole thing voluntary and with full information for informed decisions. I will stand with you and the others in this.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Cedric. Let me know if you want to know anything else later. I will certainly provide information if I can.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s all, we owe Aramyth and Ryder a run.¡± Tristan smiled at me, a sly glint in his eyes.

    ¡°Of course. We will see you later.¡± Mat stood, pulling Cedric to his feet as well before leaving with him.

    Tristan and I left not long after them, heading downstairs and out the back door. We stripped and shifted, taking off into the woods.

    ~Third Person POV~

    Aramyth and Ryder were bounding through the forest, neither of them able to outrun the other. Ryder¡¯s black fur combined with his speed made him look like a solid shadow as he darted in between the forest trees. Aramyth on the other hand, looked like an intense blur of fire sweeping through the woods. Smoke and fire, they were quite the pair.

    They ran the perimeter of the territory, Ryder feeling it was important for Aramyth to know where they were, granted every wolf of the pack could feel it if they crossed the border, but if Aramyth knew where it was she would have a better idea of how much area she had available to run when she needed to without the worry of someone seeing her from the border edge. Of course there were warriors that patrolled and the pair yipped at them in greeting as they passed.

    As they ran they took turns nipping at one another and generally being playful. Aramyth would get up beside Ryder and nudge him with her maw in the side and then bolt forward. Ryder would of course give chase and occasionally take her down to the ground.

    Eventually they ended at the lake in the territory, Aramyth not bothering to slow down or stop, she jumped right in with a large, loud ¡®Sploosh!¡¯ as she hit the water. She surfaced, looking at Ryder who was shaking his head at her, a humored look in his eyes. He soon joined her, jumping in with her.

    They splashed and played in the water for a bit before Aramyth made her way out, shaking the water from her fur before laying down to rest on the edge of the lake. Ryder followed her out and shook his fur out as well before laying beside Aramyth, resting his head on her. The pair were a sight to behold. Like thick smoke rising from an intense blaze.

    #x200e *I¡¯m worried about Alyce. I dislike her and you being the bait, even passingly on our territory.* Ryder said.

    *Me too, any plan we go with will have its risks, but I¡¯m with you on Faelyn and I being bait. However, other than being the bait it is a solid plan with the least amount of risk otherwise.*

    *Indeed, it potentially gets us eyes and ears into the pack by invitation or at least without suspicion.*

    *Makes it hard to argue.* Aramyth huffed a bit in displeasure.

    *It will be alright. Tristan and I won¡¯t let anything happen to you so long as we are alive. Or anyone else if it¡¯s in our power to stop it.*

    *We know.* Aramyth flashed a wolfish smile and stood, stretching her form out. *It¡¯s almost dinner time, we should head back.*

    *If we must.*

    *We must. As much as I enjoy the alone time with you, Mat and Kami are likely to send a search party if we aren¡¯t present for dinner.*

    Ryder let out a huff and stood, stretching as well. *You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s go.*

    The pair took off into the woods, heading for the pack house, once again looking like a blur of fire and smoke. Though they didn¡¯t rush, they moved at a decent pace. Both were a bit out of breath by the time they reached the pack house.

 Chapter 58

    They gathered their previously discarded clothing and stepped behind a large tree to shift back and dress before heading in the back door of the pack house, hand in hand.

    ¡°We need to do that more often. It felt great to get out and run.¡± Alyce grinned over at Tristan, tucking herself into his side as she often did.

    ¡°We can go out as often as you like so long as it is safe to do so.¡± Tristan wrapped an arm around her, holding her close to him.

    ¡°Sounds great.¡±

    Mat, Kami, and Cedric were already sitting at their table and Alyce and Tristan made quick work of getting their food and joining them. Brandon, the Gamma, soon joined them.

    ¡°Well, well, look who decided to grace us with his presence.¡± Kami snickered.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you all to suffer withdrawal by staying away.¡± Brandon retorted.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone would suffer withdrawal at the absence of your ugly mug.¡±

    ¡°Listen here pip-squeak, my mug is quite attractive.¡±

    ¡°Your ego is showing again.¡±

    ¡°Hey-!¡±

    ¡°Alright you two, that¡¯s enough.¡± Tristan cut Brandon off, laughing at the two.

    ¡°They¡¯re as bad as Alyce and I.¡± Mat snickered before shoveling some of his food into his mouth.

    ¡°Brandon even eats like you.¡± Kami grinned.

    Alyce laughed, ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that¡¯s typical of most male wolves.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, it is.¡± Cedric chuckled and proceeded to dig into his own food.

    Kami and Alyce both rolled their eyes at the guys as they ate, ¡°Hey, where is your sister?¡± Kami asked Brandon.

    Brandon stopped stuffing his face long enough to point at another table, ¡°Over with her friends as usual.¡±

    Kami nodded in acknowledgement and returned her attention to her food. Celeste used to sit with them, she and Kami had been pretty close when they were younger, and they were still friends, but they had drifted apart a little bit over the last couple of years as Kami had started to learn Luna duties from her mother on the off chance that she ended up mated to an Alpha. It was a high possibility as she was the daughter of an Alpha.

    Alyce sensed a change in Kami¡¯s demeanor though she didn¡¯t know the reason. She nudged her and grinned as she spoke in a low voice, ¡°When this whole Lucian fiasco is over, we¡¯ll have a girls night. We can invite Celeste and the twins too.¡±

    ¡°Hey! What about me?¡± Mat pouted and Cedric grinned, leaning over to kiss his cheek.

    Mat grinned and Alyce laughed, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re still one of the girls, Mattie?¡±

    ¡°We can have a guys night while they have their girls night.¡± Brandon suggested, ¡°Beer, pizza and video games. What more could we want?¡±

    Mat glared at Alyce and playfully stuck his tongue out at her. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll be one of the guys this time. I never turn down video games and pizza.¡±

    Tristan was just shaking his head at the group. What a mish-mash of personalities. All tied together through Alyce for the most part, and he couldn¡¯t be happier about it.

    ¡°Cedric, have you gotten in contact with Alpha Killian yet?¡± Tristan inquired.

    ¡°Yes, I spoke to him while you and Alyce were on your run. He has promised that everything will be ready for our arrival in a couple days. So we will leave the day after tomorrow.¡±

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    ¡°Do you want me to send a couple warriors back with you, just in case?¡±

    ¡°No, I think we will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let me know if you change your mind.¡±

    ¡°We will, thank you.¡±

    Tristan turned his attention to Brandon, ¡°Any luck tracking down which pack Jennifer is from?¡±

    Alyce frowned a little at the mention of the she-wolf that had purposely dumped water on her when they were shopping. She had nearly forgotten about her.

    ¡°Yes, she is a member of Snow Moon. She¡¯s the Beta¡¯s niece, and apparently not a particularly pleasant she-wolf, but her standing has gotten her a lot of leniency.¡±

    ¡°I see. I will reach out to Alpha Noah tomorrow and see what can be done. If nothing else I will inform him of her blatant disrespect to our Luna and demand something be done.¡±

    ¡°I mean, technically, she attacked our Luna and that is punishable by death.¡±

    Alyce shook her head, ¡°No, that¡¯s too extreme for her having simply dumped water on me. Although I wouldn¡¯t complain if she were forced to apologize to both Tristan and myself.¡±

    ¡°That can be arranged.¡± Tristan smiled at Alyce, thankful to have a merciful mate.

    ¡°I¡¯d still like to beat her face in.¡± Kami muttered.

    ¡°I¡¯m with you on that one.¡± Mat murmured his agreement.

    Cedric looked utterly confused, giving us a quizzical look, ¡°Someone care to fill me in? If we¡¯re going to hate someone, I¡¯d like to know why we¡¯re hating them at least.¡±

    Alyce laughed softly, ¡°A waitress at the diner in the shopping plaza purposely spilled water on me and gave me dirty looks because I was with Tristan and he was not interested in her. Kami told her to get lost in no uncertain terms. Apparently she had done it before. Got herself fired. It¡¯s a rather anticlimactic story.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, but I¡¯m definitely down for hating her. She should have known better, and to pull such an act in public. Disgraceful.¡± Cedric scowled. He was fast becoming part of the group and was beginning to understand why everyone rallied around Alyce the way they did. She had this natural appeal that drew others to her and you couldn¡¯t help but want to protect her from everything no matter how small a thing it was. She was truly the epitome of what a Luna should be, and to think she was actually an Alpha.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to hate her, we don¡¯t have to particularly like her, but hate and jealousy do not breed any values or morals worth having.¡±

    ¡°You have yourself a wise mate there, Tristan.¡± Brandon was grinning a bit.

    ¡°Yes, yes I do. I¡¯m a lucky man.¡±

    Alyce was blushing, her empty plate suddenly very interesting. Mat grinned, ¡°She has her moments, just wait until someone riles her up or messes with someone she holds dear.¡±

    Alyce shifted her gaze to Mat in an instant, her eyes narrowing at him, ¡°That truce I gave you earlier? Yeah¡­ I can end that sooner rather than later¡­¡± She glared at him.

    ¡°Easy Half-Pint, you promised to break poor Cedric in easily.¡± Tristan chuckled, pulling her into his side.

    ¡°See what I mean.¡± Mat snickered, ¡°Ouch!¡± Kami deftly kicked Mat under the table all while maintaining an innocent air about herself.

    Brandon was laughing and Cedric was even grinning a bit. ¡°It¡¯s ok Tristan, I¡¯m starting to understand their dynamic a bit. I realize they would never truly hurt each other.¡± Cedric chuckled a bit.

    Mat was eyeing Kami like he was planning his retaliation. Cedric took hold of his hand under the table and gave it a squeeze. Kami just smiled sweetly, ¡°What are the plans for tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about all of you, but I could use a boring hang out day after everything that¡¯s happened recently.¡± Alyce suggested.

    ¡°That sounds wonderful. We could run into town and get the supplies we¡¯ll need for Lucian¡¯s visit too, maybe a little shopp¨C¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Alyce and Brandon cut her off.

    Kami laughed, ¡°Alright, alright no shopping, we can do it while Cedric and Mat are at Dark Forest.¡±

    ¡°Movie and snack day?¡± Tristan offered as an alternative.

    There was a resounding group agreement, ¡°Absolutely.¡±, ¡°Sounds great!¡±, ¡°Let¡¯s do it!¡±

    ¡°Sounds like we have a winner.¡± Alyce giggled.

    ¡°Alright. Then we will be bums all day.¡± Tristan laughed.

    ¡°Does this mean I can sleep in?¡± Alyce¡¯s eyes got as big as saucers at the idea.

    ¡°Absolutely my love.¡±

    Alyce cheered and laughed.

    With their plans made, the group went their separate ways for the evening. Brandon and Kami bickered between the two of them about what kind of snacks to have. Cedric and Mat headed for the rec room and Alyce and Tristan headed for their room.

 Chapter 59

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Tristan and I woke up early the next day. I was eager to spend some time with Mat before he and Cedric left the next morning. Tristan was just happy to see me happy and would do whatever it took to make sure I stayed happy.

    I stretched on the bed, as if I thought I could gain an inch or two in height with a stretch, then I rolled off the bed, running to the closet to get dressed. I dug out a pair of black, fleece lined leggings, and a long sleeved olive green shirt that was a little big for me, making it super comfortable. Lastly I grabbed a pair of panties and a sports bra.

    I could hear Tristan chuckling at me as I got dressed in a hurry and scurried out of the closet, jumping onto the bed, where he was still stretched out like a bum, ¡°Come on, get up. We have plans to do nothing today!¡±

    ¡°You are awfully excited about it too.¡± He wrapped me in his arms and rolled on the bed, curling around me as he nuzzled my neck and pressed a firm kiss against my mark, ¡°We could just stay in bed a little longer¡­¡± He murmured into my ear.

    I was a puddle of goo in his arms the moment he kissed my mark and coaxed a small moan from my lips. The feel of his breath against my ear wasn¡¯t helping either, ¡°You are an insatiable, naughty, Alpha.¡± I shifted in his arms, turning to face him so I could kiss him.

    ¡°What can I say? I have an irresistible mate.¡± He grinned at me, returning my kiss as he rolled us again, pinning me beneath him, pressing his hips into mine so I could feel how hard and ready to go he was.

    ¡°You know, I am wearing comfy clothes¡­ Easily removed, easily put on¡­¡± I was panting softly as he continued to pepper my face and neck in soft kisses, holding me against his body. This man would be the death of me.

    ¡°Mmm, that¡¯s a very good point. Let me help you with that.¡± It didn¡¯t take him long to have us both naked, his boxers and my clothing in a pile on the floor.

    He ran his hands along my body, sliding one down until he found the bundle of nerves between my legs, caressing and fondling it until I was soaking wet and writhing beneath him from the waves of pleasure he sent coursing through my body.

    ¡°Oh my Goddess¡­ Yes¡­¡± I moaned as he slid a finger into me, working it in and out as he brought me to the edge, holding me there for a few minutes. It was torture that he wouldn¡¯t let me have my release. I was ready to beg. Almost.

    I whimpered when he withdrew his finger, my body on fire with pleasure and desire, ¡°Please¡­ I need it, I need you..¡± And there it was, the man had made me beg.

    He slid up my body, his tongue circling one of my nipples, momentarily distracting me from my desperate need. Next thing I knew he was filling me up, his dick sliding into me with such a suddenness that I was sent catapulting over the edge. My loud moans and cries of pleasure filling the room. I was glad it was sound proof.

    ¡°That¡¯s it baby. Cum all over my dick.¡± Tristan was thrusting in and out of me slowly, savoring the warm wetness of my pussy and letting me ride out the orgasm. His lips soon found mine, swallowing the moans he was causing to escape my mouth.

    I wrapped my legs around his waist, raising my hips to meet his with every thrust as we enjoyed each other to the fullest. I tore my lips from his, trailing kisses along his jaw as he caged me with his arms, our bodies entwined to the point it was hard to tell where one of us ended and the other began. I ended my kiss trail at his mark, running the tip of my tongue over it lightly before I bit down on it, not puncturing it, but drawing a moan from him nonetheless.

    I thrust one of my hips upwards, rolling us on the bed once again so that I was on top when we came to a stop. I planted my hands on his chest, riding him like our lives depended on it. He raised his hips to meet mine as his hands came to my breasts, rolling my nipples between his fingers, adding just a little bit of pain to the pleasure, which had my next orgasm building, my walls clenching around his dick.

    One of his hands left my breast, traveling down my side and across my hip to my clit. He pressed his thumb onto moving it in a circular motion. My cries of pleasure became louder and more intense. It didn¡¯t take but a minute or so for him to bring me to my second orgasm.

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    When I came down from that one he firmly planted his hands on my hips, pulling me onto him as he thrust up into me, chasing his own orgasm in a pleasure filled frenzy. His own loud groan filled the room as he found the high he was chasing, his thick cum coating the walls of my pussy.

    We took a moment to catch our breath and I slid off him, rolling to the side and tucked myself against him, resting my head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around me, lightly trailing his fingers over my hip.

    ¡°I could do that everyday for the rest of our lives¡­ Multiple times a day even. I love you Alyce.¡±

    I giggled and smiled up at him. ¡°I love you too Tristan.¡±

    We laid there for a few minutes, basking in the aftermath of our lovemaking. Finally I gave a sigh and sat up, sliding off the bed, ¡°Come on, we need a shower so we can go be bums with everyone.¡± I grabbed his hand, tugging him playfully.

    He laughed and let me tug him out of the bed, ¡°Alright, quick shower and then we can go binge some movies and junk food.¡±

    I grabbed my clothes off the floor and headed into the bathroom, getting the shower started while he headed into the closet, getting himself some clothes before joining me in the bathroom.

    We took a semi-quick shower, scrubbing ourselves and each other clean of the sweat and smell of sex from our morning romp. After getting dressed, me in my original outfit and Tristan in a pair of gray sweatpants and a plain black t-shirt, we headed out of our room and down the hall.

    I stopped in front of Mat and Cedric¡¯s room, banging on the door and yelling. ¡°Rise and shine Mattie! Don¡¯t make me come in there!¡±

    I heard a loud ¡®THUD¡¯ followed by a string of curses and some laughing. Cedric was laughing I¡¯m pretty sure cause Mat soon yelled back at me, ¡°Aly, what is wrong with you?! Scared the crap outta me, banging and yelling like that!¡±

    ¡°Payback boy-o! Come on. Downstairs in 10 minutes or I¡¯m coming back up and I¡¯m bringing Kami with me!¡±

    ¡°Fine! We¡¯ll be down shortly!¡±

    I laughed, Tristan was trying not to chuckle as I pulled him towards the elevator, my legs still sore enough that I didn¡¯t want to take the stairs. We also collected Kami and Brandon along the way.

    Fifteen minutes later we were all down stairs. Brandon and Kami arguing over snacks and seating while Cedric and Mat were trying to decide on the first movie. Tristan was sitting in one of the oversized recliners waiting on me and I was in the kitchen. I was making a giant snack cart of popcorn, drinks, chips and candy. I whipped up some scrambled eggs with cheese, fried potatoes, sausage patties and english muffins for breakfast.

    All the others ceased their arguing and conversation, following their noses into the kitchen as the smell of breakfast wafted from the kitchen, ¡°Is that Alyce¡¯s cooking I smell?¡± I heard Kami ask excitedly.

    ¡°It sure smells like it!¡± Mat echoed her excitement.

    ¡°Why are they so excited?¡± Brandon asked.

    ¡°Clearly you¡¯ve never had Alyce¡¯s cooking.¡± Tristan chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only had her sandwiches and if something as simple as sandwiches are any indication¡­ We¡¯re in for a treat.¡± Cedric grinned.

    They came into the kitchen talking amongst themselves, though the sight of the food soon caused everyone to fall silent. Mainly because their mouths were full.

    After breakfast we lounged in our chairs for a few minutes.

    ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m so full¡­¡± Mat groaned.

    ¡°Me too. So good though¡­¡± Cedric laughed.

    ¡°Man Tristan, you¡¯re lucky she¡¯s your mate or I might try and steal her just for her cooking skills.¡± Brandon complimented.

    I was blushing, Tristan was glaring at Brandon and Kami was laughing at the two, ¡°Alright you two, come on. Let¡¯s get the movie day started!¡±

    Now I was laughing. We cleaned up quickly and I grabbed the snack cart, taking it into the movie room with us. We settled in for a day of doing absolutely nothing.

 Chapter 60

    Tristan settled into one of the oversized recliners, waiting on me to join him. Kami and Brandon took over one of the couches, sitting on opposite ends. Mat and Cedric stretched out together on the other couch. Mat had the remote, pulling up the streaming services, ¡°Alright, the current options are ¡°IT¡±, both parts or ¡°Spirited Away¡± from Studio Ghibli.¡± Mat said, looking at the rest of us.

    A chorus of voices rang out, everyone but me giving an opinion. I hadn¡¯t really ever seen many movies given the circumstances I grew up in, the few I had seen Mat had picked out, or Faith had insisted I watch.

    ¡°Aly, you don¡¯t have an opinion?¡± Kami asked, looking at me curiously.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sheltered when it comes to movies, I¡¯ve only ever seen a few and I don¡¯t know what most of them are.¡± I gave a small, sheepish smile.

    ¡°Animated or Horror.¡± Mat asked, making it simpler for me.

    ¡°Oh, animated.¡± I grinned at him.

    ¡°Spirited Away it is. This studio¡¯s movies are amazing. The best ones.¡± Cedric grabbed the remote from Mat, starting the movie before he could argue about it.

    I grabbed a couple drinks from the snack cart as well as some red vines and plopped into the chair with Tristan, curling up against him, my head on his shoulder as I handed him one of the drinks and glued my eyes to the TV, excited to see the movie.

    As the movie progressed a few other pack members wandered into the room, grabbing spots on the bean bag chairs in the room. By the time we were halfway through the movie, there were almost no spots to be had. Apparently we weren¡¯t the only ones who were feeling a lazy day and that was fine so long as they didn¡¯t cause a ruckus or talk through the movie.

    The Omegas were kind enough to keep our snack cart restocked as more people started to pilfer items from it. I was content to munch on my red vines, occasionally sharing with Tristan, who had wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me close as we watched the movie.

    ¡°I love the soot sprites, they¡¯re so cute!¡± I whispered to him in excitement. I was like a little kid, experiencing things for the first time that most had experienced in childhood.

    He grinned at me and kissed the top of my head, ¡°Not as cute as you.¡± He murmured in my ear, causing me to blush a little.

    The morning was spent going through several movies, all of which were new and fascinating to me. The others all seemed to get a kick out of my reactions.

    ¡°For someone so tough and well versed in certain aspects of life, she¡¯s like a child with the simpler stuff.¡± Kami snickered as we chatted a bit after the last movie.

    ¡°My sheltering in life was a bit backwards and reversed from most people¡¯s I suppose.¡± I grinned sheepishly at her, ¡°Jake and Faith did their best to make sure my childhood was as normal as possible given the restrictions placed upon me by Andrew and my past, but there were some things that were priority over movies and just hanging out. It was a luxury I was seldom afforded.¡±

    ¡°We were a little more focused on making sure you could take care of yourself when we couldn¡¯t, than exposing you to movies and parties.¡± Mat gave me a sad smile.

    ¡°I know, and I¡¯ll be eternally grateful for that. I truly doubt I would have come out the other side of all this with any semblance of myself without the skills that you all taught me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a harsh group of lessons to have to start learning so young though.¡± Tristan murmured softly, pulling me further into his side.

    ¡°Yes, however, if I managed to keep even one other person from having to learn such things by learning them myself early in life, then it was worth it.¡± My voice softened as I spoke, pushing away memories of some of the lessons I learned the hard way, ¡°But enough of this topic. Who gets to pick the next movie?¡±

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    ¡°Meeeeee!¡± Kami hollered, diving for the remote that was currently in Cedric¡¯s hand.

    Cedric, by default, raised the remote up over his head, which ended up with Kami sprawled across Mat and Cedric trying to get it. Cedric was trying to scramble away from the crazy woman and Mat was trying to free himself enough to shove her off, but he was pinned between Cedric and Kami.

    ¡°Kami! Get your boney self off me! Ow! Hey, watch your elbows!¡± Mat was grumbling and Kami was squirming,trying to crawl off or further up the pair. It was hard to say which.

    Brandon was laughing at the scene, as were several of the other wolves that had wandered in over the course of the morning. With a surprised grunt from Tristan, I jumped out of the chair we were curled in and ran over to snag the remote from Cedric, ¡°Not if I have the remote!¡± I snickered at Kami.

    Kami¡¯s eyes narrowed on me as she rolled off the couch, landing on all fours with a determined look in her eye, ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±

    ¡°Oh shit¡­¡± I didn¡¯t waste any time, taking off running around the room, dodging other wolves, even sometimes jumping over them as Kami chased me for the prize I had in my possession.

    Mat and Cedric instantly sat up, watching the two of us, Mat cheering me on and Cedric rooting for Kami. Brandon was also team Kami at this point.

    ¡°I can feel allllll the love in this room for your Luna! And I won¡¯t forget it!¡± I hollered at them as we made another lap around the room, ¡°Tristan! Get your sister!¡± I laughed as I made a bee-line for the exit.

    ¡°She¡¯s your sister too now! I have faith in you, Aly!¡±

    ¡°At least someone is on my side!¡± I disappeared out of the movie room, running down the hall with Kami on my heels.

    ¡°Give me the remote, Alyce!¡± Kami growled.

    ¡°Ask nicely! Say please!¡± I laughed, running around the island in the kitchen.

    ¡°Remote, now, please!¡±

    ¡°So close, but I don¡¯t feel honesty in that statement!¡± Back down the hall we went, running back into the movie room, wolves clearing the way as they had gathered to watch our antics. I ran straight back in, diving behind Mat on the couch, ¡°Save me!¡±

    Mat laughed, shifting on the couch so he was covering more of me with his body as I curled into a ball behind him. Tristan snickered and stood, coming to join us at the couch, sitting next to Mat, giving me more cover. Kami came to a screeching halt in front of them, ¡°Alright you two, hand over Aly, and no one gets hurt.¡±

    ¡°Sorry sis, no can do. You know my mate is my priority, even in a battle of playful banter.¡±

    ¡°Gotta protect my sister.¡± Mat gave a shrug, refusing to budge.

    ¡°I¡¯m your family too, Mat! Besides, we all know Aly doesn¡¯t need protection. She¡¯s tough.¡±

    ¡°True, but she asked for it, and so she gets it, no matter how silly the cause.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± I popped my head up, ¡°It¡¯s not a silly cause!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s kind of silly.¡± Mat retorted.

    ¡°All I asked her to do was ask nicely and say please.¡±

    Kami made a play to dive between the boys, after me and the remote. I squealed, tossing it to Brandon on the other couch. He caught it out of reflex, eyes widening as Kami turned on him and jumped towards him, ¡°Gimme the remote, Brandon!¡±

    ¡°Okay! Okay! Take it! Psychotic little demon!¡± Brandon shoved it towards her and she took it, jumping up and down in her own little victory dance.

    ¡°Weaksauce Brandon, weaksauce¡­¡± I sighed and leaned into Tristan.

    Kami grinned at us, Brandon hanging his head in dramatic shame. ¡°Next up, ¡®The Princess Bride¡¯.¡± There was a scattering of groans and a lot more cheers as Kami settled back onto the couch and started the movie.

    We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying movies and company, finally winding it all up in time to straighten up and head to the dining area for dinner.

 Chapter 61

    The next morning after breakfast Tristan, Kami and I gathered out front to see Cedric and Mat off on their trip back to Dark Forest.

    ¡°You two be safe, and hurry home.¡± I hugged Cedric and then Mat, squeezing him tighter and hugging him longer than was really necessary, but this would be the first time I would be away from him for any kind of extended period in almost ten years.

    Mat untangled himself from my arms and kissed my forehead, ¡°It¡¯s just a few days Aly, we¡¯ll be back before you even really know we¡¯re gone.¡±

    ¡°I know. It will just be weird not having you around, even just for a few days. Hopefully the preparations for having Lucian here will keep me distracted and time will fly.¡± I felt Tristan take my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

    ¡°You¡¯re tough, it¡¯ll be fine my love.¡± He murmured softly against my temple before kissing it.

    I smiled at him, knowing I would be just fine so long as I had him by my side. Sure, I preferred to have both him and Mat with me, but I would always be ok as long as I had one of them. They were my support network.

    ¡°He¡¯s right, Aly. You are tough and you¡¯ll have Tristan with you so I know you¡¯ll be perfectly safe. Up to no good probably, but safe.¡±

    I laughed and grinned at Mat, ¡°Alright, you two get out of here. The sooner you leave, the sooner you get back. The both of you.¡± I smiled at both Cedric and Mat before stepping back into Tristan¡¯s arms as the pair shifted into their wolves. I gave each of their wolves a brief hug and then they were off, bolting towards Dark Forest, ¡°You best let me know you go there safe!¡± I yelled after them.

    *2am gossip!* Mat came over the mind link.

    *Only if you want to die, Mattie! Come back quickly and be safe!*

    *You said that already, and we will.*

    I grinned and stood there until I could no longer see them before turning to look at Tristan with a smile. He wrapped me in his arms, holding me for a moment before guiding me back inside.

    ¡°I am going to head to the pack library, see what information I can find on Crimson Wolves, Silver Moon, Lucian, the Fae; whatever I can think to look for that might help us in any way.¡±

    ¡°Do you want some help, or even just some company?¡±

    ¡°I would love some company, and maybe some help once I figure out what I¡¯m doing. I don¡¯t expect to find much, but it will help occupy my attention and keep me from worrying over little things.¡±

    ¡°They will be fine, the path between Moonlight and Dark Forest is well patrolled and safe to begin with. It¡¯s the one upside to living away from the majority of the hustle and bustle of Humans and larger cities.¡±

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s just weird not having him around.¡±

    Tristan¡¯s hand wrapped around mine, tugging me into his side and wrapping an arm around my back as he guided me, without any resistance, towards the library on the 5th floor. It was the Luna¡¯s Library and housed the more important books and papers. Things that would not necessarily be left in a place that could be accessed by just anyone.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be more likely to find something useful in this collection than the main library.¡± He smiled down at me as he unlocked the door and swung it open, letting me precede him into the room.

    I could see the dust dancing through the beams of sunlight coming in the windows on the outside wall, the ends illuminating various parts of the carpet beneath the windows. The lights soon flickered on, telling me that Tristan had found the light switch. The soft, unnatural light worked with the sunlight to enhance it rather than drown it out, which I loved. I had always preferred natural light to artificial.

    There were roughly a dozen double sided shelves that stopped about 3 feet from the ceiling. The walls were lined with shelves as well, these ones going all the way to the 12 foot high ceilings. There were a couple of step stools amongst the free standing shelves and two rolling wall ladders to reach the outer shelves. Two windows had been modified into seating areas and there was a table and chairs situated between the other three windows.

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    The ceilings were dark and the lights were inset, making it look a lot like the night sky dotted with stars. The carpets were a lush green speckled with bits of brown and tan throughout, resembling the forest floor. It was easy to forget you were inside between the aesthetics and the wood smell of the shelves and the distinct smell of old paper and bindings of the books.

    ¡°I could never leave this room and be perfectly happy¡­¡± I whispered to myself.

    ¡°I might have an objection to that. I have grown rather fond and accustomed to having you on my chest when we sleep.¡± Tristan grinned at me, clearly amused by my reaction to the room. ¡°It is a wonderful room though. One of my favorites in the pack house.¡±

    ¡°Certainly makes research a bit less stressful when you can do it in a place that is comfortable in multiple ways.¡±

    ¡°Now the question is where to start¡­¡±

    ¡°Pack histories for information on Silver Moon in general. We could try looking for the obvious ¡®Crimson Wolves¡¯, but I find it unlikely we will be that lucky. Myths, Legends, Fables? I doubt it is something widely known by outside packs. It¡¯s likely a trait that was kept close to the vest but there has to be some kind of rumors or speculation somewhere about them. It¡¯s not like you can permanently hide a Crimson Wolf. At least not in times of strife¡­ Back to the era of the Alpha Kings perhaps?¡±

    ¡°All good suggestions. We should look for information regarding Fae as well. Might give us some idea of what we might be facing with you in the future, even if it is broad. At least we won¡¯t be completely broadsided.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually a really good idea. Any idea where to start looking?¡± I glanced around the vast library, not knowing how it was organized. It was a daunting task. Thankfully, Tristan had a trick up his sleeve.

    ¡°No, but I know who would.¡± He gave me a lopsided grin, ¡°Mother knows this place inside and out.¡±

    *Mother, will you come to the Luna¡¯s Library please? Alyce and I could use your assistance.*

    *I shall be right there.*

    I watched his eyes glaze over briefly as he spoke with Ivy through the mind link. I wandered through the aisles, letting my eyes skim over the books while we waited. It was only a few minutes before Ivy came through the door to the library, joining Tristan as I made my way back over to the pair.

    ¡°Hello Ivy.¡± I smiled as she drew me into a tight hug.

    ¡°Alyce, darling. What are we up to here and how can I help?¡± She asked as I stepped back from the hug to stand by Tristan.

    ¡°Research mostly. Trying to locate whatever tidbits I can find on Silver Moon and Crimson Wolves as well as the Fae. I just don¡¯t know where to start. This place is massive.¡±

    ¡°I thought you might be able to send us to the right locations, as you have spent a lot of time here.¡± Tristan filled in his mother.

    ¡°I may, or may not have reorganized it while no one was looking a few years ago.¡± Ivy said nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal.

    ¡°Oh, we knew¡­ We just pretended to not be looking. You were happy and it worked out in our favor to have someone with intimate knowledge of how this library is sorted.¡± He smiled at his mother who was laughing at this point.

    ¡°Ok, let¡¯s get started then. Pack information is going to be the left hand wall. Organized alphabetically by pack name including those that no longer exist. Compilations of information on multiple packs will be at the beginning. Crimson Wolves, if we have anything, will likely be in the archives. All the way in the back, away from the windows. Last two shelves, we don¡¯t have much that is that old. You may find information on the Fae there as well. We do have more information on the Fae, but given the nature of their race we keep it locked away for safekeeping. I can show you where later.¡±

    I listened intently, taking in the information and locations of where we might find what we were looking for. Both Tristan and I expressed a bit of shock to find out that there was information on the Fae locked away when the archives were housed here with everything else. Ivy just gave us a knowing smile.

    ¡°I will start perusing information on Silver Moon if you and mother want to hunt for information on Crimson Wolves and the Fae in the Archival section.¡± Tristan offered, smiling at me as he kissed my temple lightly.

    ¡°That sounds like as good a plan as any my love.¡± I looked at Ivy, ¡°Shall we?¡±

    ¡°We shall! Any excuse to spend some time with my God-Daughter-In-Law-To-Be.¡± She seemed the most excited of us all.

    Tristan was stunned at her title for me and I stumbled, nearly tripping over my own two feet in astonishment. Yes, we had mated and marked each other which was essentially marriage in the wolf world, but few wolves ever went through the human legality of marriage. We rarely saw the need for it. I glanced over my shoulder at him briefly and he gave me a small shrug and his amazing smile in response. I couldn¡¯t help but grin back with a shake of my head. We both knew Ivy would be Ivy and she had likely not even thought twice about the words coming out of her mouth with us.

    Ivy and I spent three hours searching through the archive section, pulling out everything that mentioned Crimson Wolves or Fae even just in passing. Unfortunately it was not much, maybe a dozen documents. We had set them on the end table and drew the curtains to keep them out of direct sunlight. Tristan was steadily adding books to the table, causing my eyebrow to raise a bit. I wasn¡¯t expecting to find so much that referenced Silver Moon, but then we hadn¡¯t looked at anything yet so how much was original information and not just the same stuff in various content was yet to be seen.

 Chapter 62

    By the time we had gathered everything on one table and scoured the other sections for anything we might have missed I was dead on my feet and my stomach was growling. We hadn¡¯t even stopped for lunch. I was a touch wobbly on my feet at this point.

    ¡°Alyce dear, are you ok? You look awfully pale.¡± Ivy frowned, concern plain on her face and in her voice, which drew Tristan¡¯s attention to me. His brows furrowed and he was at my side in an instant, tucking me into his side for support.

    ¡°My love? What¡¯s wrong?¡± He questioned softly.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine you two. I just need to get some food. We haven¡¯t stopped all day. I should also check in with Mattie. They should be getting pretty close to Dark Forest by now.¡±

    ¡°We can stop here for now. We can start going through all this tomorrow. Let¡¯s get you some food and I still need to reach out to Alpha Noah about Jennifer as well.¡± Tristan started leading me towards the door, his mother ahead of us as he then spoke to her, ¡°Mother, would you be so kind as to arrange some Omegas to ready the 4th floor for Jake and Faith? They will be residing there permanently and Cedric and Mat will be remaining on the 5th floor if other Omega¡¯s can prepare the front apartment area for permanent residency so the Beta¡¯s can vacate the guest rooms and get permanently settled.¡±

    ¡°Of course dear. Let me worry about that, you worry about our Luna. I will be checking on you later Alyce and I will not hesitate to summon Dr. Jacobs if you¡¯re not looking and feeling better.¡±

    I smiled and giggled, ¡°I promise, I just need a break and some food. I will be fine Ivy. I do appreciate the concern though.

    We stopped outside the door to the Luna¡¯s Library and Ivy removed a key from her pocket, using it to lock the library before handing it to me, ¡°This is yours now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Ivy, but what about you? You may have stepped down, but you¡¯re still a Luna and entitled to access the library as well.¡± I held the small silver key in my palm, observing it as though it held some fantastical secrets I could only discern through unwavering study.

    ¡°I have a spare, don¡¯t fret over that. I had this one made shortly after you arrived.¡±

    I smiled at her and slipped the key into my pocket, patting it to make sure it was there before Ivy headed off to round up Omega¡¯s and Tristan escorted me down to the kitchen for some food. It was almost dinner time.

    Down in the kitchen, Tristan continued to fuss over me, ¡°You just have a seat and I¡¯ll make you a plate.¡±

    ¡°Really Tristan, I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Some of the other wolves that were starting to wander in looked at us curiously, whispering amongst themselves, ¡°Is the Luna ok?¡±, ¡°Is she sick?¡±, ¡°Does she look paler than usual?¡±

    I huffed a sigh and gave in about the time Kami walked over to us, eyeing me closely, ¡°You do look a little wobbly and rather pale.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I just need to eat and take a break. Pushed myself too hard without taking care of myself today.¡±

    ¡°Kami, take her to our table please.¡± Tristan directed as he passed me off to Kami, who didn¡¯t hesitate to lead me to the table.

    ¡°Ya¡¯ll are impossible¡­ I swear.¡± I gave in, heading to the table with Kami and sitting down with a bit of a huff as we reached it.

    ¡°What do you want to drink?¡± Kami gave me a questioning look.

    ¡°Water is fine. Thank you.¡±

    With a nod she turned and headed to gather her plate and drinks for the both of us while Tristan piled plates of food for him and myself. My stomach grumbled again and I flushed a little when some of the nearby wolves chuckled at me. I stared at the table, missing Mattie right about now. He would have been teasing me at this point and the thought made me smile a bit to myself.

    Brandon soon approached the table, plopping into a chair on the opposite side of where I sat, ¡°Your stomach is as demanding as mine is at dinner.¡±

    I laughed, ¡°Not normally, but I got caught up doing some research and missed lunch. Now I¡¯m stuck waiting on a fussy Alpha.¡±

    ¡°More like a fussy mate. It has nothing to do with being Alpha. You see it all the time among mated wolves, when one of them isn¡¯t feeling 100%.¡±

    ¡°I suppose that is a more accurate way to put it.¡±

    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Tristan and Kami soon returned. Kami handed me my water and then sat next to Brandon. Tristan took a seat next to me, placing both our plates on the table as he planted a kiss on my head, ¡°Here, eat something love.¡±

    I smiled at him and kissed his cheek. ¡°Thank you.¡± Pulling my plate over the conversation almost immediately stopped as the four of us focused on eating. I felt better within minutes of getting some water and nourishment into my system.

    *You need to take better care of yourself, Faelyn. Especially with the events coming up in the very near future.*  Aramyth griped at me.

    *I know, I have been! I just got distracted by the potential to learn more about you and myself and where we come from.*

    *I understand that, but it¡¯s not an excuse. You must lead by example as Luna.*

    *Just whose side are you on here? We both know I¡¯m fine. Why are you acting like I have some weird condition or something?*

    *I¡¯m on the side of making sure you don¡¯t develop bad habits in the pursuit of knowledge; and I¡¯m not. I¡¯m just looking out for you.*

    *Uh-huh¡­ Weird ass wolf¡­ Lucky I¡¯m so attached to you. Might ask the Moon Goddess for a new one¡­*

    *You would not! You love me and I¡¯m the bestest wolf ever!*

    I giggled. *You¡¯re right. Now, back to eating.*

    *Indeed, take better care of yourself!*

    I shook my head a bit, my vision clearing as I focused on three sets of eyes watching me curiously, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You kinda zoned out there, you ok¡­?* Brandon questioned while stuffing a roll in his mouth.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Just getting scolded by Aramyth.¡±

    Tristan let out a breath that I don¡¯t think even he knew he was holding, ¡°That makes me feel better. I still can¡¯t always tell when you¡¯re mind linking.¡±

    ¡°How would you even tell? You can¡¯t tell when her eyes glaze over they¡¯re already so pale.¡± Kami spoke in disbelief.

    I laughed and smiled, ¡°It has worked in my favor on numerous occasions. As has the fact that telling the difference between Aramyth¡¯s presence and mine is also very minute that most won¡¯t notice the difference when she¡¯s in the driver¡¯s seat instead of me.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? What color are her eyes?¡± Brandon asked, now more interested in the conversation than his food.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you.¡± I grinned and closed my eyes as I called Aramyth forth, sharing my human form with her. Once we were settled I opened my eyes and looked at the group.

    ¡°Amazing, it really is very subtle isn¡¯t it?¡± Tristan smiled and kissed the tip of my nose, ¡°Hello Aramyth, lovely to see you again, even if only briefly.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about Tristan?¡± Kami asked as she leaned across the table to get right up close to my face.

    I turned my gaze from Tristan to her and just stared at her with a smirk, waiting on her to figure it out.

    ¡°Oh shit! I see it! How both a bit creepy and very cool! Hi Aramyth!¡± Kami grinned, still inspecting the difference in my eyes.

    Brandon reached forward to pull Kami back into her seat, ¡°Move your ass, I wanna see what¡¯s so cool too!¡±

    Kami squealed as she was forced back into her seat and now Brandon was in the spot she just was, staring at me. I laughed, Aramyth snickering in my head as well. She was enjoying this. It took Brandon a couple minutes, ¡°No way! You can share your Human form with your wolf? Even most Alpha¡¯s can¡¯t do that! Aramyth has the red flecks doesn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°Yes I can, and yes she does. She and I have been able to cohabitate since I was about 15. We¡¯ve become quite adept at it.¡±

    ¡°How long can you maintain it?¡± Tristan asked.

    ¡°Mmm, about 12 hours before it starts to get uncomfortable. 18 is the longest we¡¯ve done it, but that was only once and under extreme conditions.¡±

    ¡°Tw-Twelve hours?¡± Kami stuttered in shock.

    ¡°That¡¯s unheard of.¡± Brandon stared at me, looking like he wasn¡¯t sure he believed it.

    ¡°Other Alpha¡¯s can body share, how long can they do it for?¡± I asked.

    ¡°The longest known time is Ryder and I at 4 hours. Most only manage an hour or two.¡± Tristan ran his fingers along my shoulders in a loving manner as he answered me.

    ¡°Maybe it has something to do with being a Crimson Wolf, or perhaps from the extreme bond Aramyth and I share from everything we¡¯ve been through together.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, we can look into it to get answers, but as long as it¡¯s not uncomfortable for you then I¡¯m not sure the reason behind it matters. Though it¡¯s probably something best kept amongst ourselves.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, you¡¯re probably right. At least for now. It does give me an ace in the hole should I ever need it while we handle things.¡± I smiled at him and Aramyth retreated into the back of my mind, curling up to observe from the back seat.

 Chapter 63

    All of us were about done eating, and I was already feeling a lot better. ¡°Do you want more love?¡± Tristan asked, motioning to my nearly empty plate.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine, thank you.¡± I pushed my plate back a bit and leaned into Tristan, snuggling into his side a bit. He, Kami and Brandon were discussing new ideas for training sessions and while normally I would be inserting myself into the conversation, I left them to it this time.

    I closed my eyes and focused on reaching out to Mattie. It was not nearly as focus intensive as I had expected it to be given the distance between us, *Mattie, how are you two? Almost there?*

    *Aly! Yes, we¡¯re about 2 hours from the pack border and we¡¯re doing just fine.*

    *Good. I miss you tons! I¡¯m having to find ways to distract myself while you¡¯re gone so I don¡¯t worry about you.*

    *Haha. Isn¡¯t that usually my role?*

    *Very funny, just be safe and hurry home. Do NOT make me come after you.*

    *We¡¯ll be back in a couple days, I promise.*

    *You better be.* I closed the link and opened my eyes, grinning a bit after talking to Mattie. I felt better hearing his voice in my head and knowing he and Cedric were ok.

    Tristan wrapped an arm around my shoulders and gave me a light squeeze, ¡°Mat and Cedric ok?¡±

    I laughed, he knew me well in such a short time. ¡°Yes, they¡¯re about 2 hours from the pack border and they¡¯re just fine. He promised to be home in a couple days or I¡¯ll be going to retrieve his ass.¡±

    Kami snickered, ¡°You would too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I sure would. Drag him outta there by his ear nonetheless, Cedric too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it won¡¯t come to that.¡± Brandon chuckled.

    ¡°I hope not. I don¡¯t want to have to explain to Alpha Killian why Half-Pint is suddenly tearing into his territory like a whirlwind tornado. As amusing a sight as that would be.¡± Tristan smirked, trying not to laugh at the image in his head.

    ¡°Oh come on¡­ I¡¯m not  that  bad. I do have manners. I would let him and Luna Morgan know why I was tearing in like that. Then they could blame Mat and Cedric instead of me.¡± I gave an innocent, sheepish smile to the group.

    We were all laughing now. I took a moment to calm myself and stood, gathering everyone¡¯s empty plates and cups, despite protests from Tristan and Kami. Taking them over to the dirty bins, I put them into the proper bins for the Omega¡¯s to wash and put away. Brandon was right behind me with more cups and the silverware from our group.

    ¡°I know, I know. You¡¯re fine, but looking after our Luna makes us all feel better. Especially your fussy Alpha.¡±

    ¡°I know. He assigned Mattie to guard me. He thinks I don¡¯t know, but Mattie¡¯s been doing that for 10 years anyway and it makes Tristan and Mat feel better. I guess you get to be the stand in while he¡¯s out of town?¡±

    ¡°I guess so. I¡¯ll try to not overdo it.¡±

    Laughing a bit I replied, ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m well aware that Tristan¡¯s natural need to protect me will not calm down until the matter with Silver Moon is settled once and for all.¡±

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°I always thought he was bad about it when it came to Kami, and then you came along and all I can say is wow¡­¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm. The warriors are well trained, but I always know when they¡¯re lurking in the area. My observational skills are ridiculously honed though, more than the average wolf¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Given your past, that makes sense. You¡¯re a good mate to humor him without giving him grief about it.¡±

    ¡°Well, chances are he¡¯s heard this whole conversation so now he¡¯ll know that I am well aware of his precautions, but as his mate all I want is for him to be happy, which means worrying about me as little as possible. If this helps, and doesn¡¯t interfere with what I need to do then it¡¯s no big deal to me.¡± I glanced over at Tristan, a smile on his face as he gave me a knowing look.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get back over there before he accuses me of trying to steal you away for your cooking skills, despite his listening in on our entire conversation.¡±

    From the corner of my eye I could see Kami snickering, knowing full well she had heard the conversation as well. Wolves have excellent hearing to begin with and we weren¡¯t particularly far from the table, nor were we trying to keep our voices down. A brief glance around showed several wolves trying to keep a straight face, half the dining hall had heard our conversation.

    ¡°I think all of you give my cooking skills far too much credit, but perhaps you are right. We should get back over to our nosy Alpha.¡± We were both laughing as we turned from the bins and headed towards the table where Tristan and Kami were waiting for us.

    ~Tristan~

    I was indeed listening in on the conversation between Brandon and Alyce. I found myself honestly surprised in finding that she was well aware of the detail that kept an eye on her and that Mat had essentially been assigned as her bodyguard. I thought we were all being rather discrete, but then again Alyce was deceptively observant. It was part of how she had survived everything life has thrown at her.

    I felt my heart clench in my chest when she spoke of knowing about my security implementations, worried she might raise hell about it. I let out a breath I didn¡¯t realize I was holding when I heard her speaking of recognizing that it was something to make me feel better when I wasn¡¯t with her. Especially given the fact that she could best me, the detail would just be a distraction and/or an obstacle if anyone ever came after her.

    As she and Brandon returned to the table my arm snaked around her waist and pulled her into my lap while simultaneously peppering her face with soft kisses, ¡°You truly are amazing, you know that? Thank you. Thank you for humoring my unfounded worries and thank you for being so kind, caring, wonderful and selfless.¡± I whispered to her. Then as an afterthought I murmured, ¡°Although it wouldn¡¯t hurt you to be just a little selfish every once in a while.¡±

    ¡°I am who I am, Love. though I will try to remember to look after myself a little better and to maybe not be so stubborn about letting you take care of me¡­ Maybe.¡±

    ¡°And I absolutely love who you are. I will also take whatever compromise I can get out of you on this matter.¡±

    ¡°So, did Mat say when he would be back? Cause if I have to soak in much more of you two and your sickly sweetness alone I might puke.¡± Kami interrupted us, Brandon¡¯s eyes bulging at her comment.

    ¡°Do you think he and Cedric are going to be any better?¡± I asked, turning my gaze to her as Alyce nuzzled her head into my shoulder.

    ¡°Right¡­ Did not think that one through¡­¡±

    ¡°Guess it¡¯s just you and me, Kami..¡± Brandon smirked.

    ¡°You¡¯re 19 now Brandon, I¡¯m sure the Goddess will cross you and your mate¡¯s path before long, and then it will just be me. Decaying away from all the sugary sweetness around here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be 18 before long Kami, and I¡¯m sure your mate will be coming along not long after.¡± Alyce smiled over at her.

    ¡°Who knows. Tristan didn¡¯t find you until he was 21, the twins are 20 and still no mates. The Cold Moon Alpha is in his late twenties and still has no mate. We never know what the Goddess has planned.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true, though in my opinion, based solely on my brief, singular interaction with Shane, is that he doesn¡¯t deserve a mate.¡± Alyce shuddered a bit at the mention of the Cold Moon Alpha. I held her tighter in response and nuzzled the top of her head lightly.

    ¡°Absolutely agree with that. Even if my opinion might also be slightly biased given he had you pinned to a wall and smacked you.¡±

    ¡°He did - what -?¡± Brandon growled, a few growls echoing from others around us as their instinctual need to protect their Luna kicked it.

    ¡°Calm yourself. I¡¯m fine. His actions were nothing compared to others. He couldn¡¯t hit me too hard without fear of causing a scene. I mean, that happened anyway, but that is neither here nor there.¡± Alyce smiled, touched by the care and concern from some of our pack members.

    ¡°Tristan swooped in and claimed her officially, saved her from being traded off to Shane for a pack alliance by Andrew.¡± Kami mentioned nonchalantly, a few more growls echoing in the dining area. Seemed like more wolves were paying attention to the conversation now.

 Chapter 64

    "Alright, new topic.¡± I suggested, hiding my grin at my pack¡¯s reaction, in Alyce¡¯s hair. ¡°We need to relocate Faith and Jake to their permanent room on the 3rd floor. I would suggest putting them into their own home in the village, but I don¡¯t suspect that it would be their preference at this time.¡±

    Alyce chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re likely right on that one. Ironically, I¡¯d bet Jake would be the one to protest. Faith is like a mother to me, but Jake is definitely the more protective of the two.¡±

    ¡°I believe it. It¡¯s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for.¡± Kami snickered. ¡°Although there is that small house right next to the pack house.¡± She suggested idly, clearly thinking.

    ¡°The one no one has wanted because of its size?¡± I raised an eyebrow at her.

    ¡°Yes, but mostly because they are all starting families and it is too small for a growing family. However; it would be perfect for a couple that is done having children and wants to be close at hand to them.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a valid point. It¡¯s bigger than the room on the 3rd floor I¡¯m sure, and would keep them close to Mat and I.¡± Alyce noted.

    ¡°We also need to prepare Mat and Cedric¡¯s permanent rooms on the 5th floor.¡± I shifted Alyce in my lap a bit so that I could lean back against the wall and stretch my legs out.

    ¡°So, cozy house for Jake and Faith, the other suite of rooms on the 5th floor for Mattie and Cedric. Tristan and I can tackle Mattie and Cedric¡¯s rooms. I know Mattie¡¯s style well enough so if we just get the basics done, then he and Cedric can make it theirs when they return.¡± Alyce lifted her head, a bit excited now.

    ¡°Brandon and I can help Jake and Faith while you guys work on that then. ¡± Kami volunteered, without even asking Brandon if he wanted to help.

    ¡°And we can get Omegas to help if needed as well.¡± Alyce yawned, ¡°I think the last few days are starting to catch up with me. I might just take myself up to bed early tonight. Get a jump start on Mattie and Cedric¡¯s space first thing in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to come up with you?¡± I asked, enjoy the last few moments of having her snuggled into me before releasing my hold on her so she could get up.

    ¡°Always, but honestly, you should spend time with your friends and pack members. I¡¯ve been hogging you for days now.¡± She gave me that brilliant smile and I couldn''t help but return it.

    ¡°I can keep Aly company. We can have a girl¡¯s night.¡± Kami hopped up, moving around to Alyce¡¯s side.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to Kami. I really am just going to take a hot bath and crash. I wouldn¡¯t be any fun this evening. I would love a raincheck for a girl¡¯s night though!¡±

    Kami was pouting a bit, ¡°Aww, alright. But you definitely have to cash in that rain check, and soon!¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡± Alyce waved at us and headed out of the dining hall for the stairs.

    I watched as she interacted with various pack members along the way, even stopping for a couple minutes to crouch down and listen to one of the younger pups in the pack. It made me realize how natural she was with children, and how much I was looking forward to starting a family with her in the future.

    Brandon and I got up from the table. ¡°Well, looks like we¡¯re having a guys'' evening, video games in the theater room?¡± I asked.

    ¡°That sounds like a plan. I¡¯ll round up the boys and meet you there?¡±

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    I nodded and he headed out to round up others to join us. I turned to look at Kami, ¡°You¡¯re welcome to join us, you know.¡±

    ¡°No thanks. I¡¯m going to see about rounding up Celeste and some of the girls, see what we can come up with. Worst case scenario I¡¯ll go for a run before enjoying a bath. Go have fun.¡± She smiled at me, kissed my cheek and headed off to do her thing and I headed for the theater room.

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I took a detour on the way to our room, peeking in all the rooms on our floor before deciding which one would best suit Mat and Cedric. The first room on the left of the hall was the largest, and it wasn¡¯t so close to the stairs that the tactical advantage would be lost if it was ever necessary to have. I would put them here, so long as Tristan was ok with it. With that pretty much decided I headed into our room.

    Once in our room the commotion and events of the past few days really settled in. I was exhausted. The next few days, hell the next few weeks, were looking like they were going to be just as busy and far more chaotic. So, I was going to enjoy the brief lull while I had it. I drew a hot bath and shed my clothing like a second skin before slipping into the tub and letting the hot water soothe my muscles and relax them.

    My mind wandered, replaying recent events for a brief time before trekking off to thoughts of the room preparations that we had two days to complete. Our kitchen still needed to be stocked as well, we never had gotten to it. That could be done later though. There was no rush for it. We had the dining hall after all.

    Thinking back to the room for Mat and Cedric I started preparing a mental list for what we would need to get. The room was currently set up as a guest room with only a full size bed and minimal furnishings. The walls were a plain off-white color, but thankfully the carpet was a soft blue and I could work with that. We would need to upgrade the bed, paint the walls and put in new nightstands, a large desk and maybe a set or two of shelves. I was pretty sure Tristan and I could get it done the 2 or so days we had. Especially if we could get a few Omegas to help us with some of the bigger tasks.

    *Tristan, love?* I opened our mind-link.

    *Alyce, is everything ok?*

    *Yes, I¡¯ve just been thinking things over while relaxing in the tub. I would like to put Cedric and Mattie in that first set of suites on the left if that is ok with you?*

    *I see no reason why not.*

    *Good. I also have a list of things we will need to either upgrade or add to the room. I will need to head into the shopping plaza bright and early tomorrow to get the things needed. I also need to go to the store to stock our kitchen.*

    *Ok. I will make sure not to stay up too late so that I can come with you. We can take two of the larger vehicles so we can get everything as well.*

    *Erm¡­ Tristan¡­ I have a confession.*

    *What is it?*

    *I uh¡­ I never learned to drive. Maybe one of the warriors can bring the second vehicle?* I was a bit embarrassed by this admittance, but it was a ¡®privilege¡¯ I was never afforded in Red Moon.

    I could hear Tristan¡¯s amusement through our link. *That¡¯s fine love. I will teach you when everything calms down if you like. We can also take Kami with us. She needs to get supplies for when we invite Luc¨C Oh, shit!*

    *Tristan? Are you ok?!*

    *Yes, yes. I¡¯m fine. Brandon just handed me my ass in our game. I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.*

    Now I was the amused one. *I see. Go enjoy your game love. I can share details with you in the morning.*

    *Alright. Are you sure you don¡¯t want me to come keep you company?*

    *I always want your company my dear Alpha, but I¡¯m just going to be going to sleep here in a short bit. Enjoy your games.* I closed the link before he could find some excuse to abandon his friends.

    With that all settled I closed my eyes and enjoyed my bath until I felt the water starting to cool. After draining the tub and drying off I headed to bed, falling asleep almost as soon as my head hit the pillow, Tristan¡¯s scent engulfing me as I shifted over to his side of the bed.

    I vaguely felt Tristan moving me when he eventually came to bed after hanging out with the guys. I rolled into him, wrapping around him like a snake. His scent filling my nose and his arms encircling me with warmth lulled me back into a restful sleep for the rest of the night.

 Chapter 65

    The next morning I awoke, laying on Tristan¡¯s chest, his arms around me like he was some kind of restraint I might try and escape without. I blinked a few times, trying to get the sleep out of my eyes and get them to focus.

    Gingerly I shifted, trying not to wake Tristan just yet. I wasn¡¯t sure what time he came to bed, so I figured I would let him sleep a little longer. His arms loosened their grip just enough that I was able to slide down his body and slip out of his grip. I had just made it to the edge of the bed, thinking myself successful in not waking him, when his arms encompassed my waist, pulling me back to him.

    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, Half-Pint?¡± His voice was still gruff with sleep.

    ¡°I was trying not to wake you yet, I was just going to use the bathroom and check in with Kami, get ready to leave for the shopping plaza.¡± I giggled and looked back at him, craning my neck to kiss his jaw softly, ¡°I was trying not to wake you just yet.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm, and why wouldn¡¯t you wake me so I could get ready too? Weren¡¯t thinking of trying to leave without me were you?¡± His voice was stern, but the look on his face was a playful one.

    ¡°Why, Alpha, I would never. Besides, you would just hunt me down if I did.¡±

    ¡°Very true, and then I would be forced to punish you for running off without me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, well that sounds tempting. Why don¡¯t you go back to sleep for a while? I¡¯ll plot my escape.¡±

    He laughed and pulled me tighter against his body, peppering me with kisses. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think so. As much as we would both enjoy your punishment¡­¡± He pressed his hips into me, letting me feel just how awake he was this morning, ¡°...I¡¯m awake now, so I¡¯ll just get up and get ready with you. I¡¯ll also get the warriors going with us moving and have them pull a couple trucks around.¡±

    I purred a bit at the feel of him against me, but forced myself to pull away from him, distracting him with a kiss as I slipped away, ¡°Mmm, maybe I¡¯ll find another way to get punished later. For now, I need to pee and talk to Kami.¡±

    I darted off the bed and into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. After doing my business, washing my hands and face I came back out, feeling much better. Tristan swapped me places, heading into the bathroom himself while I headed for the closet.

    I opened a link to Kami, *Good morning! Are you up and moving yet?*

    *You are faaaar too chipper in the morning, Aly, but yes. I¡¯m awake and dragging myself out of bed now.*

    *I know. It¡¯s a side effect of starting my days at 0430 for half my life. Is Brandon coming with us for the actual shopping?*

    *Of course. Someone needs to carry the bags¡­*

    I broke out laughing while looking through my clothes in the closet. *Touche. See you at the trucks shortly then.*

    *Sounds good. Can you have Tristan get Brandon moving too please?*

    *Will do.* I closed the link as I grabbed a pair of boot cut jeans and a heather gray, v-neck t-shirt as well as socks and my undergarments. I got dressed and slipped on a pair of black ankle boots with a very low heel.

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    Tristan was just coming out of the bathroom as I exited the closet, his eyes instantly glued to me as he let out a whistle, ¡°Who knew jeans and a t-shirt could look so good.¡±

    I rolled my eyes and gave him a grin. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. It¡¯s just a comfortable outfit for a torturous shopping day. Also, can you make sure Brandon is up and ready to go with us? Kami says we need someone to carry the bags.¡±

    A giggle bubbled past my lips and even Tristan was chuckling. ¡°Sure thing my love, and I¡¯m not being silly. You look amazing no matter what you¡¯re wearing. My favorite is when you¡¯re wearing nothing.¡± He pressed his lips against mine softly and smiled.

    I swatted at him, despite the blush on my cheeks. ¡°Go on, get ready. I¡¯ll go see about snagging us something for breakfast on the go.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll meet you downstairs shortly.¡± He gave me another kiss before heading into our closet and I slipped out the door before he could distract either of us again.

    Once down the stairs I headed into the kitchen, humming to myself as I set about looking for something that would make an easy grab and go breakfast. Finding nothing pre-made, I decided I¡¯d whip up some breakfast burritos. It wouldn¡¯t take long and there were some left over items from breakfast prep the day before.

    Coffee was prepped and started, brewing while I put a pan on the stove to heat and turned the oven on the warm setting. Next I scrambled up some eggs with cheese, chives, diced ham, bacon crumbles and mushrooms. Then I put some tortillas in the oven and poured the egg scramble into the waiting pan, mixing it as it cooked.

    By the time Tristan came downstairs, followed by Kami and Brandon I was filling tortillas with the egg mixture, rolling them into burritos. The trio followed their noses, walking into the kitchen as I was pouring coffee into travel mugs for everyone, including the two warriors that were traveling with us today. I added flavored creamer and sugar-free flavored syrup to mine and Kami¡¯s, but left the other¡¯s black.

    ¡°Have I mentioned that you are an angel, Aly.¡± Kami gushed as she wrapped her hands around the travel mug I handed to her.

    I laughed, ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic.¡± I handed the three of them a couple of burritos and the guys their coffee mugs before wrapping the remaining burritos in tin foil to keep them warm.

    ¡°Come on, this is designed to travel with us. Let¡¯s get moving. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get back and I can pretend I didn¡¯t have to go shopping all day again.¡±

    Kami rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at me. ¡°I will turn you into a shopper yet.¡±

    I just laughed and rolled my eyes right back at her, ¡°Good luck with that.¡±

    The four of us made our way out to where Ian and Kiernan, the warriors traveling with us today, were waiting by two large crew cab trucks. I offered them both a pleasant smile, ¡°Good morning boys, coffee and breakfast?¡± I handed them both a mug of coffee and a couple burritos.

    ¡°Good morning, Luna Alyce. Yes, please. Thank you. Very thoughtful of you.¡± Ian happily took the offered items, as did Kiernan as he spoke, ¡°You are amazing Luna Alyce, thank you, and good morning.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re very welcome. No one wants to deal with a day of shopping hungry and caffeine deprived from the start. The coffee is black, I hope that¡¯s ok.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, coffee is coffee and always appreciated.¡± Kiernan said, enjoying his already.

    ¡°And your food, from what I understand, is 5-Star quality no matter what it is.¡± Ian grinned, excited to try it.

    ¡°I really think the quality of my cooking skills is exaggerated some-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her boys!¡± Brandon cut me off, ¡°Her food is a-maz-ing!¡±

    I rolled my eyes at her and shook my head with a grin, ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s get moving, we can eat on the way.¡±

    Tristan was chuckling at the interactions between the group, ¡°He¡¯s right, my love, but yes, let¡¯s get on the road.¡±

    Tristan, Kiernan and I loaded into one truck, Kami, Brandon and Ian were in the other. Once everyone was settled we were off. The trip to town was filled with idle conversation between eating our breakfast and getting our coffee into our systems.

 Chapter 66

    Once again I found myself in town, albeit for slightly different shopping reasons. Which I found made it less awful. If only by a minute amount. Tristan had set aside a private home near the pack house for Jake and Faith, so we were going to furnish that but leave the decor to Faith, and present it to them when Mat and Cedric got back. Excitement was an understatement for what I was feeling about the opportunity to pay them back for everything they had done for me over the years, even if it was just providing them with a move-in ready home.

    ¡°We should start with the big stuff I think. It will be easier to pack the smaller stuff in around it. So we need household furniture for Jake and Faith and more, basic necessity furniture for Cedric and Mat.¡± I glanced up from my lists as Tristan pulled the truck into the parking lot of a small strip mall, which housed the only furniture store in the plaza. Options would be limited, but I was certain I could find things the two couples would like.

    We parked and the group poured out of the trucks, stretching their arms and legs. I looked at my lists again, and then at the trucks, gnawing on my lower lip a bit.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong Aly?¡± Kami asked, her brows furrowing at me.

    This drew Tristan¡¯s attention to me and a look of concern crossed his face, ¡°Half-Pint?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, really. I was just thinking we should have brought a moving truck with the amount of furniture we need to get.¡±

    ¡°We can likely have a lot of it delivered.¡± Tristan smiled, trying to ease my worry.

    ¡°Today? Mat and Cedric are supposed to be back the day after tomorrow. We don¡¯t have much time.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, that¡¯s a good point. We¡¯ll just have to rent a moving truck then I guess.¡± Tristan grinned down at me and then looked over to Brandon, ¡°Can you make the arrangements and bring it over here? Contact Bruce and see if he is willing to run out so we have a driver without having to split the groups.¡±

    Brandon nodded, listening to Tristan¡¯s instructions. ¡°I¡¯m on it Boss. It¡¯ll take him a couple hours to get here by running.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, we¡¯re going to be in town awhile. Tell him lunch is on me if he¡¯s willing to make the run.¡±

    ¡°Will do. I¡¯ll catch up with you guys in a few minutes.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Tristan, Brandon.¡± I beamed a smile at them as we left Brandon to make arrangements and the rest of us headed for the furniture store. Tristan, Kami and I in the middle with Ian and Kiernan flanking us.

    As we walked along the walkway of the strip mall, wolves would bow their heads discreetly in respect. They could feel Tristan¡¯s aura. I kept mine reigned in by default. To Humans we just looked like three ¡®important¡¯ people with a couple of bodyguards. It was weird to have that kind of recognition after years of being considered lower than an Omega. I giggled a little at my own thoughts.

    Tristan gave me a funny look and I shook my head at him as we entered the furniture store. The staff instantly recognized Tristan and Kami, as was par for the course with the businesses here in the plaza.

    ¡°Alpha Tristan, Lady Kami, Miss.¡± They greeted the three of us, unsure of just how to address me, despite being tucked into Tristan¡¯s side, ¡°How can we help you today?¡±

    ¡°We need to get some new furniture. A lot of it.¡± Tristan answered.

    ¡°Of course. What exactly are you looking for?¡± One of the salesmen asked.

    ¡°Luna Alyce has the lists. She and Lady Kami can give you the details. I¡¯m just here as a laborer today.¡±

    We all chuckled a little. I was always grateful that Tristan was relatively relaxed with the wolves in his pack as well as the ones from other packs that worked in the plaza, unless otherwise necessary, ¡°I¡¯d like to start with bedroom furniture and desks. That will let us knock some things off both lists at once.¡±

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    ¡°That¡¯s a smart way to do it. I¡¯ll go and pick out some sheets and pillows then?¡± Kami asked, just as Brandon was rejoining the group.

    ¡°Moving truck is secured. Victor will be joining us in a couple hours.¡± Brandon confirmed.

    I looked at Kami and nodded. ¡°Good idea. Grays and blues for Mattie and Cedric. Faith and Jake I¡¯d stick with natural shades of greens and browns.¡± My attention shifted to Brandon, ¡°Thank you. I appreciate that.¡±

    ¡°Got it. Come on Brandon, Ian. You boys can help me. Tristan and Kiernan can help Aly.¡± Kami replied, tugging Brandon along with her before he could protest.

    ¡°You¡¯ll find the accessories in the back sections to the left. Do not hesitate to let any of us know if you need assistance, Lady Kami.¡± The salesman pointed towards the section Kami would be looking for.

    ¡°We will, thank you.¡± Their group split off, heading for accessories while Tristan, Kiernan and I headed for the bedroom furniture displays.

    ¡°Faith likes natural wood in lighter tones, Tristan if you want to find some sturdy, king size, frames in that tone? I¡¯ll look for the ashy tones that Mattie generally prefers.¡±

    ¡°Of course, simpler styles or more decorative ones?¡±

    ¡°Simple, taller headboard, she likes to lean against it when she reads. Otherwise, she¡¯s not particular about furniture. She¡¯s replaced too much of it in her lifetime from Mat and I roughhousing to stress about it anymore.¡± I laughed a bit thinking of the time I put Mat through a coffee table when we were about 14.

    Tristan arched a brow at me, giving me a look that said he would expect me to elaborate on that later. I simply grinned and waved him off as I glanced around, my eye catching a couple of sets that looked like they might work for Mat and Cedric.

    ¡°Kiernan, please stay with Aly, no matter what she tries to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Of course Alpha.¡±

    I rolled my eyes at his comment and didn¡¯t wait for either of them as I moved through the furniture towards the sets I had seen. I could hear Kiernan jogging behind me to catch up, ¡°Luna Alyce! Please wait for me. For someone so small you are awfully quick.¡±

    ¡°When you¡¯re as tiny as I am in our world Kiernan, you have to be quick or you¡¯ll never survive. Never judge someone on their size.¡± I grinned over my shoulder at him and then turned my attention to the furniture I was looking at.

    It didn¡¯t take me long to settle on a set. The frame was a four-post canopy style, the wood was oak, heavy and sturdy with thick supports and posts, stained in a weathered ash color. There were matching nightstands and a large chest that went at the foot of the bed. I turned, looking for the salesman that had been helping us.

    He was nearby, eager to make the large commission while trying not to hover at the same time. A wave of my hand got his attention and he came right over, ¡°Yes, Luna? What can I help you with?¡±

    ¡°I would like this set, bedframe, chest and two nightstands. I will find mattresses later. Do you have desks and shelves in ashen colors as well?¡±

    ¡°We do, not that exact shade, but ones that would compliment these ones. Would you like me to show you?¡± He answered while taking notes on a hand held device, tracking my orders as I rattled them off.

    ¡°Yes, but not just yet. One furniture category at a time I think.¡± I smiled and bounced my way over to Tristan, who was standing between two bedroom sets. One had a sleigh bed style frame and one a platform style frame. Both made of walnut and sealed with a clear coat rather than a stain or varnish of some type. He looked like he was torn between the two.

    I slipped my arm into his as the salesman and Kiernan finally caught up, ¡°That one.¡± I pointed to the sleigh bed frame set. I looked at the salesman, ¡°Bed frame, nightstands, both dressers and the chest.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Luna.¡± He once again tapped rapidly at his device

    I turned my attention to Tristan with a smile and leaned on my tiptoes, pulling him down to meet me as I kissed his cheek. ¡°Thanks for helping.¡±

    ¡°Anytime Half-Pint. I¡¯m always happy to help you. Where to next?¡±

    ¡°Desks and shelves!¡± I was actually kind of enjoying this shopping, but I suspected it had to do with the fact that I was doing it to surprise people I cared about rather than for myself.

    Tristan looked at the salesman, ¡°Lead the way please.¡±

    The salesman nodded and took the lead, heading for the back section of furniture on the floor. Tristan put his hand on my back, letting me go first with Kiernan bringing up the rear.

 Chapter 67

    It was easy enough to find a large oak ¡®L¡¯ shaped desk in a light ash stain for the guys¡¯ room. It even had a built-in, two drawer filing cabinet. A couple of smaller ones made of walnut in the same natural color were selected for Jake and Faith¡¯s home. These were all added to the device in the salesman¡¯s hand.

    Moving onto living room furniture we selected a microfiber couch, loveseat and recliner set in a forest green color for Jake and Faith, as well as a dark brown coffee table made of maple. Then we selected a nice oak dining room table that would seat four to eight people depending on the number of leaves used.

    For Mat and Cedric we found a breakfast nook style table and chairs that would comfortably fit the two of them for those days they wanted to have a quieter meal alone. I also found a smaller couch and a reclining chair for their seating area.

    A couple sets of tall shelves in matching color schemes were also located and added for each couple. It was about this time that Kami, Brandon and Ian rejoined us, with a couple carts of bed sheets, towels, basic kitchen supplies for Faith and Jake, pillows, etc. to cover both locations.

    ¡°I think we have all the basics.¡± Kami grinned, proud of herself and her shopping skills.

    ¡°Thanks Kami. I appreciate not having to stress about the smaller details and worrying I forgot something. My knowledge of what is considered basic is a bit skewed after all.¡±

    ¡°Anytime, Alyce. I¡¯m always happy to help. Especially if it involves shopping.¡±

    ¡°All that¡¯s left then is mattresses and paint for Mattie and Cedric¡¯s room.¡± I said, looking at my lists.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to get paint elsewhere, they won¡¯t have it here. Mattresses are on the right hand side of the store.¡± Tristan informed me as he peeked over my shoulder at my lists.

    I looked at the salesman, ¡°I need two of your best mattresses in a king added to our items. As well as the items Lady Kami has retrieved.¡±

    ¡°Of course, Luna. Straight away.¡± A few more taps on his device and then some scanning of the items Kami had gotten and he had everything ready to be purchased.

    Tristan pulled his card out of his wallet and handed it to me. ¡°You settle up, the boys and I will start loading everything into the truck.¡±

    I took the card knowing that what I had available in my accounts wouldn¡¯t even put a dent in the bill. I would have to suck it up and let him cover it this time, ¡°Will do. Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°Of course, My Love. Anything for you.¡± He kissed me softly and then he and the boys, other than Kiernan, left with a couple of store associates to load things.

    I put on my resting blank face when the salesman gave me the total, swiping Tristan¡¯s card like this was something I did regularly. Inside my stomach was churning at the amount of money Tristan had just spent for me without even batting an eye about it.

    Kiernan and I took the bags of smaller items and headed out to join the others at the truck. I slipped Tristan¡¯s card into his pocket as soon as I had the chance to do so without getting in their way. Then I loaded the bags into the open back seat of one of the trucks.

    It took about an hour to get all the furniture loaded into the moving truck and secured in place. I spent most of that time leaning against one of the pickups, my mind lost in thought as Kami came over to join me, ¡°Alyce, what¡¯s wrong? And don¡¯t tell me ¡®nothing¡¯. You¡¯ve been super quiet and staring at the ground for the last half hour.¡±

    ¡°Not- I¡¯m fine. I¡¯m just not used to someone taking care of me like that. Dropping that kind of money without hesitation or batting an eye. It¡¯s weird and I feel guilty not being able to pay for things like this myself, or even the wardrobe and accessories from our first shopping trip. I don¡¯t even want to know what that trip cost him. I wouldn¡¯t want anyone to think I¡¯m taking advantage.¡±

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    ¡°Aly, don¡¯t be silly. You¡¯re the Luna, you have just as much right to those funds as anyone else in the pack. There are pack funds precisely for things like this. Taking care of pack members'' basic needs and helping them get established within the pack. You¡¯re not taking advantage. If it makes it better, Tristan paid for your stuff out of his own money, because he wanted to. He wants to take care of you. It¡¯s his duty and honor as your mate. But getting your family setup, it comes from the pack fund.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. That does help. This is all new to me and sometimes I feel so out of my depth it¡¯s not even funny. I don¡¯t have the knowledge most basic pack members have, much less someone of rank twice over. It causes me to doubt myself sometimes. I appreciate you checking on me, making me feel better.¡± I hugged her tightly for a brief moment.

    ¡°Anytime, that¡¯s what family is for.¡± We separated and were both laughing a little.

    Tristan came over, giving his sister an appreciative look. She skipped off to see if the boys needed anything and Tristan drew me into his arms, holding me against him firmly. I looked up at him suspiciously, ¡°Kami ratted me out, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    He laughed and kissed my forehead, ¡°She might have, but she¡¯s just looking out for you. Everything she said is true though. I enjoy taking care of you, and our pack members. You can be accused of many things, Half-Pint, but taking advantage is not one of them. You are far too selfless to be guilty of such things.¡±

    I giggled and smiled, leaning up to kiss him softly. ¡°Thank you. I needed to hear that.¡±

    Suddenly I stilled, the hair on the nape of my neck raising, the feeling of being watched coming over me. I turned, looking into the treeline along the edge of the parking lot. Tristan was instantly on alert at my reaction and body language, coming to stand beside me, his stance defensive, ¡°What is it, Alyce?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Feels like someone is watching us.¡± I inhaled deeply, trying to catch a scent on the wind as I made my way towards the edge of the parking lot, Tristan right there with me. As I got closer I caught the scent and realized I recognized it, ¡°It¡¯s Victor.¡±

    We both relaxed and Tristan jogged back to the trucks, pulling a pair of shorts and a t-shirt out of the back seat. He went over to meet Victor, heading deeper into the forest before passing him the clothing. When they emerged, Victor was in his Human form and dressed.

    I flashed him a smile as he and Tristan reached me, ¡°You¡¯re almost sneaky Victor. Almost¡­ Thank you for coming though.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t expect to slip past your senses, but I did slip past the others. They need to train harder. Don¡¯t mention it. I¡¯m always happy to help, plus someone promised me lunch.¡± Victor laughed, Tristan and I laughed with him.

    ¡°Absolutely. I will feed everyone lunch today. It¡¯s on me. No arguments!¡± I looked pointedly at Tristan, narrowing my eyes at him before he opened his mouth.

    Tristan just grinned at me and raised his hands in surrender and said nothing, though the look on his face suggested he wanted to do otherwise, ¡°Whatever you say, Half-Pint.¡±

    Victor was laughing harder now. ¡°Oh my. Daemon was right. She¡¯s good for you.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t trade her for the world.¡± Tristan agreed.

    I flashed Victor and Tristan a grin and headed back over to the others. They were just finishing loading the last of the furniture into the moving truck.

    ¡°Shall we get some lunch before the next store?¡± I took a moment to look around the strip mall, and the buildings along it and across the way. The options were somewhat limited in this section of the plaza, but none of them sounded bad.

    ¡°Yes please!¡± Ian piped up.

    ¡°I can always eat.¡± Kiernan agreed.

    ¡°Did someone say food?¡± Brandon came out of the truck, hopping down and closing it up. ¡°I¡¯m in!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d kill for some french fries right about now.¡± Kami added.

    ¡°Ok, well where shall we go?¡± I asked, looking at the group I added, ¡°Preferably somewhere nearby we can walk to.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a burger joint at the end of the strip mall that¡¯s usually pretty good.¡± Victor suggested.

    ¡°Sounds good to me. Anyone object?¡± Tristan asked.

    With no objections from anyone the group headed for the burger joint, Victor leading the way. Tristan and I fell in behind him, then Kami and Brandon. Ian and Kiernan brought up the rear.

 Chapter 68

    The group entered the burger joint, stepping to the side as we all looked over the menu. It took us a few minutes for everyone to decide what they wanted. When we had decided we approached the counter. One by one we gave our orders, I made sure to go last, handing the man at the register my debit card once everything was put in and confirmed.

    Tristan waited while I completed the transactions. The others had gone and secured a couple of large tables in the back so that we could spread out a bit and have room for the copious amount of food we had just purchased.

    With my card and my receipt in hand I turned with Tristan and we headed to join the others at the table, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize how hungry I was until we got in here and I smelled the food.¡± I chuckled a bit as I sat down.

    ¡°I know that feeling.¡± Kami grinned.

    Victor, Ian and Kiernan had positioned themselves so that they were between the rest of us and the entrances. It made me wonder if they did it naturally at this point or if they still actively thought about it sometimes. Tristan had started to follow suit and then seemed to think better of it, placing himself at my side rather than in front of me. This earned him a smile and a kiss on his cheek from me. Brandon had joined the others, placing himself between Kami and the others. She didn¡¯t seem to mind too much.

    I laid my head on Tristan¡¯s shoulder, opening our link while we waited for our order, *I¡¯m beginning to suspect that Kami and Brandon might have a thing for each other.*

    *Noticed that too, did you?*

    *I¡¯ve been paying a bit more attention since our movie day. When does she turn 17?*

    *In a couple months. You think they might be mates?*

    *I think the draw between the two may indicate such. It¡¯s so natural to them, I bet they don¡¯t even notice it.*

    *Brandon is awfully protective of her, but in a lowkey manner.*

    *Like, putting himself between her and everyone and everything else?*

    *Exactly. Or the fact that Kami either doesn¡¯t notice or doesn¡¯t seem to mind him taking that role with her.*

    *50.00 says we find out they¡¯re mates on her birthday.*

    *I¡¯d take that bet, but I happen to agree with you.*

    I felt Tristan cut the link and kiss the top of my head. I grinned up at him as our order number was called. Victor and Tristan got up to retrieve it while I got up to get everyone¡¯s drinks, Kiernan escorting me of course. We regrouped at the table and sorted out drinks and food.

    ¡°So, from here, Victor, you can head back with the truck at any point. Everything we have left to get will go in the trucks easily enough. We still need to get the paint, Kami is going to get supplies for Lucian¡¯s visit, and I need to hit the grocery store.¡±

    ¡°Alyce, if you can show me the paint color you want, then I can grab that on my way back to the pack. It would save you a stop and I can easily put it in the moving truck.¡± Victor volunteered.

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    ¡°Are you sure? You¡¯ve already done a lot just coming out here to drive the truck back.¡± I tilted my head a bit while muttering to myself, ¡°I really need to learn to drive¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡± Victor arched a brow at me, indicating he had heard me, but said nothing.

    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯ll look up some colors online while we eat!¡± I shoved a fry into my mouth, pointedly ignoring his look, as I reached into Tristan¡¯s pocket for his phone. I didn¡¯t have one of my own. I wasn¡¯t sure I wanted one, but maybe I should consider it as often as I was borrowing Tristan¡¯s.

    I unlocked it with my fingerprint and continued to munch on my fries and chicken strips while scrolling through paint colors available at the local home renovation store. It didn¡¯t take me long to settle on a soft blue-gray that would tie in the furniture and the carpet in the room.

    I turned the phone around, holding it out towards Victor, ¡°Can you get this one? And some primer as well?¡±

    Victor jotted the color down in a note on his own phone and nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll get everything you¡¯ll need to paint the room, supplies and all.¡±

    I smiled and closed out the app on the phone, tucking it back into Tristan¡¯s pocket. ¡°I appreciate all your help, Victor. Everyone¡¯s help really.¡±

    Ian laughed, ¡°Hey, if there¡¯s food involved I¡¯m always down.¡±

    Kiernan was laughing and nodding in agreement, ¡°Most of us warriors can be bribed with coffee and grub, but in all reality, we¡¯re happy to lend a hand to you Luna. You¡¯ll find most of this pack is drawn to you, to your aura.¡±

    I gave him a perplexed look, not entirely sure what he was talking about, ¡°My Alpha aura?¡± I asked so quietly they had to strain to hear it. It was not something we wanted to broadcast at this point.

    ¡°No, no, your natural aura.¡± Ian answered.

    Again I looked at them confused.

    Victor was now the one chuckling, ¡°Oh. Oh she has no idea¡­ That¡¯s amusing.¡±

    ¡°No idea about what?¡± Now I was starting to get a little irritated with not knowing what they were talking about.

    ¡°Alyce, your aura is so unlike any other that even us older wolves have never experienced anything quite like it.¡± Victor started to explain, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s a combination of your natural and other aura, or if it¡¯s something else; however, your aura draws wolves to you. Makes us want to both let our guard down and go on the defensive at the same time. I noticed it that first day at Red Moon, when I came across you in the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Mm, I remember. You were ridiculously curious and I found myself telling you more than I had intended to.¡±

    ¡°Yes, well¡­ When you think you are alone and allow yourself to be vulnerable and dare I say, Human, for a moment your natural aura leaks out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that happening a bit more often as I become more comfortable here at Moonlight with all of you and the rest of the pack.¡±

    Tristan grinned and tugged me into his side, kissing the top of my head. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re comfortable with us, Half-Pint.¡±

    Ian and Kiernan were trying not to laugh, even Victor was choking back a chuckle. I glared at them. ¡°Really? He¡¯s been calling me Half-Pint all day and y''all are just now catching it? Go on¡­ Get it out of your systems¡­¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be so funny if it weren¡¯t so true!¡± Brandon had joined in on the fun. Ian was laughing so hard he was crying and Kiernan was holding his ribs.

    Victor was the only one remaining even a shred of decorum in his laughing fit. Kami and I finished our food while the boys got it out of their system. There were plenty of people looking in our direction, some annoyed, but mostly curious about the ruckus coming from the boys.

    After a few minutes they managed to reign themselves in. ¡°Do we feel better now?¡± I arched an eyebrow at them. Each one nodded with a grin in response.

    ¡°Good, let¡¯s get moving. Still plenty to do today.¡± Kami chimed in as she and I stood from our seats. Neither of us bothered to wait for the boys, we cleaned up our mess, tossing our trash and headed for the door. We were now the ones laughing as they scrambled to clean up their mess and catch up with us.

 Chapter 69

    ~Matheau~

    Upon arriving in Dark Forest territory, Cedric and I were met by a welcome party of Dark Forest members, sent to see us back to the village area. Cedric let out a happy howl, seeing his pack members. They were happy to howl in response and then to eye me curiously.

    Cedric¡¯s pace slowed a little and I was sure that he was mindlinking his pack, letting them know who I was and why I was with him. My suspicions were confirmed when a series of howls was let out by his pack members.

    I let out a huff of laughter and nuzzled him briefly as we headed further into the territory. He gave me a wolfish grin as we neared the edge of the village, the group stopping to shift back and put on some shorts.

    Cedric¡¯s hand found mine and I gave him a smile as I squeezed his hand gently, ¡°Ready?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Ready.¡±

    He led me over to the group that had met us, introducing me to some of his warriors, ¡°As I¡¯m sure the entire pack knows by now, I found my mate while over in Moonlight. This is Mat, I expect you all to show him the same respect you show me. Now come on, I¡¯m sure Alpha Killian is waiting for us at this point.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you all.¡± I said briefly before Cedric was ushering his warriors toward the center of the village. I walked alongside him, letting him take the lead as I had never been to Dark Forest and did not know exactly where I was going.

    There were plenty of curious eyes on us as we walked. It seemed the news of Cedric bringing his mate to Dark Forest had spread like wildfire and now everyone was trying to catch a glimpse of us. I grinned at him as we reached the center square. Alpha Killian and Luna Morgan were waiting for us.

    ¡°Ah! Cedric, Mat! It¡¯s nice to have you here, even if it is only briefly and I¡¯ll be losing my head warrior in the end.¡± Killian shook my hand and then Cedric¡¯s, ¡°Congratulations, Cedric. You deserve it. You both do.¡±

    Luna Morgan gave us both hugs and smiled, ¡°You two make a lovely pair. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen Cedric look so happy as he does with you at his side Mat. Please take care of him.¡±

    ¡°I have every intention of doing just that, Luna Morgan, thank you. He makes me very happy as well.¡± I was blushing a bit and I could see Cedric was as well.

    ¡°Let¡¯s address those gathered before they die out of curiosity as to what¡¯s going on.¡± Morgan suggested, giving us another smile before nudging her mate gently.

    Alpha Killian chuckled and turned towards the gathered crowd, ¡°Good evening everyone! As I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve already heard, Cedric has returned from Moonlight and has brought his mate, Mat, with him. However, Mat is Moonlight¡¯s new Beta so they are only here for a day or two to get Cedric¡¯s affairs in order before they will be returning to Moonlight permanently. We will hold a cookout for them tomorrow at noon! Now, let me turn your attention over to Cedric, as I¡¯m sure he can answer some of your lingering questions before you even ask them!¡± He chuckled and gave Cedric a pat on the back as he stepped back and let Cedric and I have the center stage so to speak.

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    Cedric chuckled and stepped forward to address the crowd. I joined him at his side, confidently taking his hand in mine. He took a deep breath and addressed the crowd, ¡°Good Evening Dark Forest! As you¡¯ve heard I did indeed find my mate while at Moonlight, and he is their new Beta. He is originally from Red Moon where his parents were the Deltas. His sister is the new Luna of Moonlight and he and his parent¡¯s left Red Moon to join her in Moonlight. We will be returning to Moonlight the day after tomorrow, bright and early.¡±

    There was plenty of cheering amongst the crowd. There was also some murmuring as those who had been at Red Moon to witness the events of the banquet filled in those around them. Several pairs of eyes fell on me, eyeing me up and down as they assessed whether I was like the others from Red Moon.

    I gave the crowd a reassuring smile and stepped forward, just a touch to get their attention and draw it to me, ¡°First, let me say I can read your expressions and I can hear your murmured concerns. Let me assure you that I am nothing like some of the other members of Red Moon, those of you that were there, including your own Alpha and Luna, can attest to my reputation. Second, let me preemptively answer some of your questions. Yes, my sister is indeed the same woman who endured Red Moon¡¯s atrocious behavior at Andrew¡¯s orders while he was Alpha. Yes, she had a major role in bringing him down and handing the pack to his son for reformation. Yes, Cedric is aware of everything that happened there. No, I will not say anything more, it is not my story to tell. I can only promise to look out for Cedric with every fiber of my being, just as he would for me, and as any good mates would do for each other. We all know Alpha Tristan would not have allowed me into Moonlight if he didn¡¯t trust my character and he sure as hell wouldn¡¯t have made me his Beta.¡±

    Silence fell over the crowd, like a blanket, cocooning them while everything sank in. After a moment or two they once again erupted in cheers, and I let out a breath I didn¡¯t realize I was holding. Granted, we wouldn¡¯t be staying here and thus reassuring Cedric¡¯s pack was not as impactful to us as if we were going to be staying in Dark Forest, but I still felt it important to reassure his pack members, his family that he would be happy and cared for with me in Moonlight.

    Cedric pulled me into his arms and kissed me briefly in front of the crowd, whispering against my lips, ¡°Thank you. Thank you for trying to ease their minds.¡±

    I grinned at him and nodded a little, ¡°Of course.¡±

    We headed down into the crowd, Cedric introducing me to some of the pack members as they came up to congratulate us. This went on for an hour before the crowd started to disperse and we were able to relax a little.

    The trip from Moonlight had taken its toll on both of us and we were a bit exhausted at this point, ¡°I need to speak with Alpha Killian briefly and then I will show you to my place.¡± Cedric said as we worked our way over to where Killian and Morgan were seated.

    ¡°Alpha Killian, I just wanted to touch base briefly on my recommendation for a new Head Warrior, if you¡¯re interested?¡± Cedric asked as we approached the pair.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m interested, Cedric! Your opinion on such matters is invaluable.¡±

    ¡°I was hoping you would say that. I honestly think Arya would be the best candidate. She¡¯s tough, determined and knows our training procedures inside and out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a really solid recommendation. I¡¯ll admit I haven¡¯t had the time I would have liked to consider who would succeed you as Head Warrior, given that your leaving was unexpected.¡±

    ¡°I would apologize, but I¡¯d be lying if I did.¡± I grinned at Killian and Morgan.

    Morgan laughed, ¡°I have no doubt my dear. It¡¯s quite alright. It¡¯s the way things go among wolves sometimes.¡±

    ¡°My lovely mate is quite right. We will appoint Arya, at least as interim head warrior and likely permanently. Cedric¡¯s recommendation does not come on a whim I¡¯m sure. We can announce it at the cookout tomorrow. For now, you two go get some rest and we will see you for breakfast.¡±

    ¡°We did get your things packed and pre-loaded into your SUV, Cedric, so your house is sparse. You are welcome to anything in the pack house that you might need.¡± Morgan added.

    ¡°Thank you Alpha Killian, Luna Morgan.¡± Cedric bowed his head and then we headed off to his place to get some rest.

 Chapter 70

    ~Cedric~

    Waking up with Mat and I entangled in each other and the sheets was truly the best feeling in the world. I had never dreamed I would find my mate, it was part of how I ended up as Head Warrior for Dark Forest. I threw myself into training, using it as a distraction from the emptiness I had started to feel about a year after coming of age.

    Now he was here, in my bed, in my arms, hogging said bed. I smiled and rolled onto my side, drawing him against my body as I curled around him. He stirred and snuggled into me further. He was adorable when he slept. It was the only time I had ever seen him without the weight of some worry or concern on his shoulders, in his eyes.

    I enjoyed just holding him for a few more moments before I kissed his shoulder softly, ¡°Hey you. We need to get up. We¡¯ve already missed breakfast.¡±

    He stirred and rolled onto his back, stretching his arms above his head. I couldn¡¯t help but let my gaze drift down the lines of his chest and abdomen until they disappeared under the sheets, and back up to his face, smiling as his eyes opened, ¡°Can¡¯t we just spend the day in bed instead? Sounds so much more appealing at the moment.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that, it really does, but no. We only have a couple hours until the cookout and unfortunately, we have to be responsible adults today.¡± I leaned down and kissed him softly, my hand trailing down his chest to his waist, curling my fingers over his hip as I pulled him into me.

    His arms came around me and drew me down into him as my kiss was returned with vigor, his fingers tangling in my hair and tugging gently. A low, soft moan escaped my throat and reverberated into the kiss we shared.

    I pulled away slowly, ¡°Mmm, as much as I would love to take you right here, right now, we don¡¯t have time for all the things I want to do to you.¡±

    ¡°I need a cold shower then.¡± He pressed his hips into mine, and I could feel his hardened length pressing against my thigh.

    ¡°That makes two of us.¡± I pressed my own erection into him before forcing myself to separate from him and get out of the bed, trudging towards the bathroom in disappointment.

    Once the shower was started I returned to the bedroom to find him curled back up around my pillow. I laughed, ¡°Come on, you can shower first.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, but the bed is comfy and smells like you.¡± He flashed me a lazy smile, half hidden by the pillow his face was partially buried into.

    ¡°I know. Maybe we can slip away early tonight and have some time to ourselves before the trip back home tomorrow.¡±

    Home. I rolled the word around on my tongue, trying to adjust to the oddness of referring to someplace other than Dark Forest as home. Truth was, Mat was home. The physical location was truly irrelevant at this point.

    ¡°Promise?¡± He lifted his head to stare at me, his eyes raking down my naked form and sending delicious shivers down my spine.

    ¡°Absolutely. Especially if you keep looking at me like that.¡±

    He grinned and unabashedly looked me up and down again before rolling off the bed and heading for the bathroom. Now I was the one checking him out as he crossed the room.

    ¡°You could always join me.¡± He gave a teasing smile as he peered out the bathroom door at me.

    ¡°We both know where that will lead and then we would be late to our own cookout. It is so, so tempting though.¡± I shook my head, trying to clear out the ideas and visuals flooding it, ¡°Go on. I¡¯ll find you some clothing.¡±

    He pouted a bit and blew me a kiss with a wink before closing the door. I heard him get into the shower and smiled to myself as I went into the closet, looking to see what they might have left out clothing wise.

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    It looked like they had packed all my personal clothing and put some basic jeans, basketball shorts and t-shirts in the drawers. The typical stuff we kept around for shifting purposes. Thankfully, Mat was about my size, so I grabbed a pair of jeans and a gray t-shirt. I looked in the other drawers for boxers, but found none so we would just have to go without for a couple days.

    I grabbed a second set of jeans and a black t-shirt before exiting the closet and walking into the bathroom. I set both stacks of clothing on the counter, ¡°They packed up all my personal clothing and left some general stuff for shifting in the drawers, unfortunately I couldn¡¯t find any boxers so we will have to make due for now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, I¡¯ve never minded going commando.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, as if I needed more images of you in my head when I can¡¯t act on them. Thank you for that.¡±

    ¡°Always happy to help. It¡¯ll just give us something to look forward to tonight.¡±

    ¡°Tease.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re the one being all responsible. I was more than happy to be a little late.¡± He laughed and I shuddered, the sound of his voice enough to get me going.

    ¡°Someone has to be.¡± I laughed as well and poked my head through the shower curtain just long enough to steal a kiss. The sight of him with water trailing down his muscles was torture, but worth it to taste his lips, even if briefly.

    ¡°Mmhmm, says the man who couldn¡¯t resist peeking.¡± He looked me dead in the eye as he ran soap all over his form.

    ¡°Glorious, pleasurable, torture.¡± I closed the curtain with a grin and stepped out of the bathroom to wait for him to finish.

    When the door finally opened again, Mat stepped out clad in the jeans that he hadn¡¯t bothered to button up yet, and he was in the process of pulling the t-shirt over his head, leaving his v-line peeking out and his abs on full display.

    ¡°Are you trying to torture me further?¡± I stood and walked over, kissing him as his head cleared the shirt.

    ¡°Mmm, maybe. Is it working?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± He grabbed the back of my neck and kissed me hard, his lips devouring mine.

    I enjoyed it for a few moments before stepping back, ¡°Alright, my turn for a cold shower¡­ Ice cold.¡± Slipping past him, with a swat on his ass as I went, I went into the bathroom, closing the door behind me.

    Adjusting the temperature on the shower I stepped into the cold water, letting it jolt my system. My mate was going to be the death of me. At least it would be a delicious, sweet death.

    The cold water helped me power through the shower quicker than I normally would. After drying I pulled on my own jeans and t-shirt, stepping out of the bathroom to join Mat. He was sprawled lazily in a chair, looking like a god.

    ¡°How is it you can be doing absolutely nothing and still be a tease?¡±

    ¡°Natural talent?¡±

    ¡°Uh huh. Likely story.¡± I took his hand and pulled him up to his feet and into me, ¡°Ready to go?¡±

    ¡°With you? Always.¡± He pressed his hips into mine to prove his point and I groaned.

    ¡°Not what I meant. Come on, before they come looking for us.¡±

    We headed out of the house, hand in hand. I looked over at him, ¡°Be prepared, we¡¯re likely to be bombarded when we get there. Not everyone was present last night when we arrived.¡±

    ¡°I figured as much. Anyone I need to be aware of?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I¡¯d be more worried that some of the she-wolves would be eyeing you like candy.¡±

    ¡°Ew. No.¡±

    I laughed and squeezed his hand as I pulled him into my side, wrapping warm around him and slipping my hand into his back pocket, ¡°You¡¯re adorable.¡±

    We headed down the path to the Pack House, which is where Dark Forest, like most packs, held their events, in comfortable silence. It was easy to just enjoy the peaceful company of one another, especially knowing chaos was about to ensue.

 Chapter 71

    We reached the Pack House, the commotion of a large group of wolves gathered in one place hard to miss as we walked around to the large open area in the back. The sounds of laughter, conversation, and general good fun drifted on the breeze entangled with the smells of the meats on the grills. It was almost tangible, if summer had a sound, a scent, this would be it.

    As we emerged from the shelter of the Pack House we were greeted by several pack members and even some of the pups.

    ¡°Ceddy! Ceddy!¡± A young pup, by the name of Grant, and about the age of four came running up, wrapping his arms around my legs.

    ¡°Well hello to you too, Grant.¡± I scooped him up into my arms, ¡°Have you been behaving while I was gone?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I protected Mama from da monsters!¡±

    ¡°Monsters? What kind of monsters?¡±

    ¡°Dust Bwundies.¡±

    ¡°Oh my. Did you have to venture into the dark shadow lands of Underus Bedius?¡±

    ¡°Not dis time. We opened da windows and let da winds blow dem out, and den I captured dem and put dem in da bag of no wetuwn!¡±

    ¡°So brave. I¡¯m sure your mama was very proud of your defense.¡±

    ¡°She was! Now I can join wawwior training right?¡±

    Mat laughed and I grinned over at him, Grant¡¯s attention also turning to him. ¡°Who is dis, Ceddy?¡±

    ¡°This is Mat, he¡¯s my mate.¡± I shifted a little so Grant could see Mat a bit better, ¡°And Mat this is Grant. Slayer of Dust Bunnies and Dryer Goblins.¡±

    Mat grinned and held his hand out to Grant, ¡°Such an honor to meet you.¡±

    Grant eyed him up and down, taking a moment to assess him before shaking his hand. This kid really would make an amazing warrior one day. He shook Mat¡¯s hand but not without issuing a warning, ¡°Yous better be nice ta Ceddy, or I¡¯ll come beats you up like da Dust Bwundies!¡±

    Mat tried very hard to keep a straight face, and I was biting my cheek in order not to laugh. Mat schooled his face and gave a firm nod, ¡°I promise I will be. I love him very much, and if I¡¯m ever mean to him I will take my punishment without argument.¡±

    ¡°Otay!¡± Grant grinned, apparently having decided that Mat was ok with him.

    ¡°Grant! How many times have I told you not to pester poor Cedric?¡± A young woman, looking to be in her mid twenties came up to the group, scolding Grant as she was within reach of him. While Grant had dark hair, this woman had golden blonde hair. However the pair both had the same eyes, a brown so light it was almost an amber. She must be his mother.

    ¡°But Mama, I wasn¡¯t pwestering him. Wight Ceddy?¡± Grant looked at me to help him out here.

    ¡°Truly he wasn¡¯t being a pest Cindy. He was filling me in on his Dust Bunny adventures with you while I was gone.¡± I handed Grant over to her and put my arm around Mat.

    Cindy smiled at us and turned to Mat, ¡°You must be his mate, Mat is it? News travels fast in packs. I¡¯m Cindy, my mate is Charlie, the Beta. And you¡¯ve met Grant of course.¡±

    Mat smiled and shook her hand as well, ¡°It¡¯s very nice to meet you Cindy. You have a wonderful pup.¡±

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    ¡°Thank you. He¡¯s a handful, very opinionated and headstrong. Like his father.¡± She laughed a bit and Mat I joined in.

    ¡°You¡¯re right about that, the first thing he did was threaten to beat Mat up if he wasn¡¯t nice to me.¡±

    Cindy paled slightly and turned a stern gaze on Grant, starting to scold him again, ¡°Grant Elijah, that is not how we greet new people-¡±

    Mat swooped in, cutting her off gently, ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on him. He¡¯s just following his instincts. Those are things he will need later in life. Mold them, don¡¯t squash them.¡±

    ¡°Mat¡¯s right. Grant will be an amazing Beta and/or warrior someday with proper guidance.¡±

    Cindy smiled at us and turned back to Grant, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t threaten someone before you know for sure that it¡¯s warranted.¡±

    ¡°Yes Mama.¡± Grant peeked around at Mat and I, ¡°Sowwy Mattie. Sowwy Ceddy.¡±

    Mat reached over and ruffled his hair, ¡°It¡¯s all good little man. I appreciate you looking out for Cedric.¡±

    Grant beamed and wiggled out of his mother¡¯s arms. Once she set him down he ran over to Mat and grabbed his hand, tugging him towards where some of the other pups were playing, ¡°Come on, I wants you to meet my fwiends!¡±

    Mat laughed and let Grant drag him away. Cindy was shaking her head with a smile as she and I headed towards the main group.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to see you go, Cedric. Many of the pups look up to you. You will be missed.¡±

    ¡°I will miss everyone here as well, but I think Alpha Killian is going to appoint Arya in my place and she will be every bit as good as I am in training the pack. Moonlight isn¡¯t far from here. I will come to visit as often as I can.¡±

    ¡°What will you be doing over in Moonlight? Anything?¡±

    ¡°I will be sharing Beta duties with Mat and Head Warrior duties with Victor, at least until he steps down and at that point I¡¯ll take over full time most likely.¡±

    Several pack members came up to greet me, asking questions about Mat and where he was at. I was happy to point him out as Grant drug him around while they played with the pups, ¡°He¡¯s the big kid over with the pups.¡±

    Mat was currently acting as a jungle gym, a pup hanging off each arm and one wrapped around each leg as he chased some of the others. I had no idea exactly what game they were doing, but they were all laughing and having a good time and that was what mattered at the moment. I couldn¡¯t help but grin in adoration of him. He was great with the pups.

    Alpha Killian and Luna Morgan soon joined the crowd, ¡°I see Grant has roped him into playing.¡±

    ¡°Drug off without any options is more like it.¡± I laughed.

    ¡°That sounds about right.¡± Cindy laughed as well, her mate Jerome joining us.

    ¡°I almost feel sorry for him, almost.¡± Jerome grinned watching his son.

    ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t. Best sight in the world.¡± I murmured with a grin.

    The pups finally brought Mat down to the ground, successfully winning whatever game they were playing. Mat put on a good charade of dying, lying perfectly motionless. Eventually the kids started to gather around him, curious about his extended lack of movement. When most of them had gathered around him he popped up suddenly, letting out a loud ¡®rawr¡¯ and scaring the kids.

    He was laughing as he got to his feet, the kids were soon laughing with him, as were many of the adults who had witnessed it. Mat looked around briefly, spotting me amongst the crowd before excusing himself from the kids and jogging over to my side.

    I wrapped an arm around his waist as he got to me and smiled, ¡°Taken down by a group of pups, what kind of Beta are you?¡± I teased.

    ¡°One who knows when to pick my battles?¡±

    ¡°Touche.¡± I kissed his cheek and turned to introduce him to some of the pack members, ¡°You¡¯ve met Alpha Killian, Luna Morgan and Cindy already. Behind Cindy is her mate, Beta Jerome. Then there¡¯s Arya, she¡¯s our Gamma, Felix, Darius, Samantha, Zane and Rowan. All warriors for the pack. Everyone, this is my mate, Mat. He¡¯s Moonlight¡¯s Beta.¡±

    Mat flashed everyone a smile and a wave, ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you all.¡±

    Pleasantries were exchanged briefly before Alpha Killian spoke up, ¡°Let¡¯s get this barbeque started shall we?¡± He grinned as he and Luna Morgan headed for the small stage in the middle of the field.

 Chapter 72

    Killian and Morgan took the stage, one of the pack members handing him a wireless microphone, ¡°Can I have everyone¡¯s attention please!¡± Killian waited a moment while the chatter died down and attention focused on him, ¡°Thank you. Good afternoon everyone! We are at this impromptu gathering to both celebrate and say goodbye.¡±

    There was some murmuring among the wolves. By now everyone knew that I had found my mate, even if they hadn¡¯t met him or even seen him yet, but my plans to relocate to Moonlight had been so quickly thrown together that not everyone may know I was leaving rather than Mat joining Dark Forest. Killian motioned for Mat and I to join him. Grabbing his hand we moved through the crowd until we reached the stage, stepping up to stand by Killian and Morgan.

    Killian continued, ¡°As you all know, Cedric has found his mate. His name is Mat, and he is the Beta for Moonlight under Alpha Tristan and Luna Alyce. He is also Luna Alyce¡¯s brother, This all means that Cedric will be stepping down as Head Warrior here in Dark Forest and joining Mat in Moonlight.¡±

    There were resounding cheers followed soon by a few scattered sad groans. It made me smile a little, knowing I would truly be missed by my pack. Mat squeezed my hand gently, just letting me know he was there for me. Changing packs had not been nearly as bittersweet for him as it was for me. It was sweet that he recognized and silently acknowledged it.

    Morgan spoke next, ¡°You have been an amazing asset to Dark Forest, and we will miss you dearly. You and Mat will always be welcomed here, always have a home here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Alpha Killian, Luna Morgan. I was born and raised here and though I start a new journey tomorrow morning and it is one I look forward to, Dark Forest will always be home and all of you are my family.¡±

    Another round of cheers rang out among the crowd. Killian gave it a moment before raising his hand to quiet everyone down again, ¡°With Cedric leaving we find ourselves in need of a new Head Warrior, and at Cedric¡¯s suggestion I will be appointing Gamma Arya to the role in the interim, potentially permanently.¡±

    The warriors of the pack let out a loud ¡®whoop¡¯ in support of this announcement, myself included. I looked at Killian, ¡°I think you¡¯ll find she really is suited for the position.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt if you¡¯re recommending her. Now that all the official things are out of the way, let¡¯s eat and enjoy the day!¡± Killian hollered, causing the gathered wolves to disperse to various areas of the yard.

    Those manning the grills were just finishing setting out the first rounds of meat, others having set out various drinks and sides and snack type foods. The smell was starting to draw plenty of the pack to the area the food was set up at.

    Mat and I made our way off the stage only to be met by Arya, ¡°Thank you, Cedric, for the recommendation. I promise to make you proud. Also, congratulations, to both of you.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt, Arya. I would not have suggested it if I didn¡¯t think you could handle it and thrive.¡±

    Mat smiled, ¡°Thank you. Seeing Cedric here in his element is almost enough to make me feel guilty for stealing him away. Almost¡­¡±

    I laughed a bit. Arya was snickering as she spoke, ¡°No one ever truly feels guilty about stealing their mate from their pack. We will be sad to see him go, but we¡¯re all happy he finally found you. And to think it only took Alpha Killian brow beating him into leaving the territory for once.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t - that - bad. I left the territory occasionally.¡± I scratched the back of my head, giving the others a sheepish look.

    ¡°Bodyguard duty does not count as leaving the territory Cedric!¡± Felix cackled as he and Darius joined the group.

    ¡°Neither do supply runs, training seminars, or anything that was done in an official capacity.¡± Darius added.

    Mat was laughing along with Arya and Felix now, ¡°You guys are awful. Make me sound like some crotchety hermit or something.¡±

    ¡°No one said anything about crotchety.¡± Arya was laughing so hard she had tears forming now.

    ¡°You said it, not us.¡± Darius shrugged through his laughter.

    ¡°I mean¡­ You¡¯re not wrong though.¡± Felix grinned and made sure he was out of my reach.

    ¡°Oh my, they¡¯d fit right in with Aly, Kami and I.¡± Mat was trying not to laugh too much, and failing as a stupid grin crossed his face.

    ¡°Goddess help us all if you all end up in one location at the same time. The world might end as we know it.¡±

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    ¡°Hey! That¡¯s insulting¡­ It only takes Aly and I to end the world as we know it. Ask my parents, they¡¯ll agree.¡±

    I shook my head as the others were doubled over in laughter now, ¡°You¡¯re all incorrigible.¡±

    ¡°We learned it from you!¡± Darius defended.

    ¡°Yeah! You¡¯re the eldest of us!¡± Arya gave a feigned look of indignance.

    ¡°Led by example!¡± Felix said.

    ¡°They make valid points.¡± Mat took their side.

    ¡°Now you¡¯ve turned my mate against me!¡± I was laughing too at this point, ¡°Come on you heathens, we best get some food before the rest of the warriors leave us none.¡±

    We headed for the area they had set the food up at, lines already starting to form in length as others had the same thoughts as we did. We stepped into line, thankfully the lines were moving pretty quickly, the only hold up happening on occasion when the next round of food wasn¡¯t quite ready to be served when the previous round was gone.

    My pack members were playing a one sided, odd version of twenty questions with Mat as we waited.

    ¡°Is Moonlight your original pack?¡±

    ¡°No. I came from Red Moon with Alyce. My parents came with us as well.¡±

    ¡°Are the rumors about Red Moon true!?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure most of them are. There are so many it¡¯s hard to generalize that question and answer.¡±

    ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°17, I¡¯ll be eighteen in a few months.¡±

    ¡°Wow. You were lucky to find your mate so soon.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes I was.¡±

    ¡°Did Alpha Andrew really get stripped down to Omega?¡±

    ¡°Yes. His son stripped him and several others of their rank once he took over as Alpha.¡±

    ¡°What did you do before becoming Beta for Moonlight?¡±

    ¡°My parents were the Deltas, so I mostly trained and protected Alyce as best I could.¡±

    ¡°Is she really your sister?¡±

    ¡°Not by blood, but yes, she is.¡±

    ¡°Alpha Tristan will eventually tire of her. I hear she¡¯s rather disfigured after Red Moon finished with her.¡± This came from someone else in the pack that had clearly been listening to our conversation.

    Mat growled loudly. The question instantly put him on the defensive. He spun around, looking for the source of the rude and ridiculous question. Even my defensive instincts were raised as I too looked for who had asked, the others looking as well.

    ¡°Who said that?¡± Mat growled, his eyes flickering between his normal blue and the amber of his wolf¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°What? It¡¯s a simple truth, it happens all the time.¡± It came from one of the females in my pack, Grace. She was known to be willing to spread her legs if it would help her get status and power. ¡°It¡¯s not like everyone doesn¡¯t wonder about it. They¡¯re just too cowardly to say anything, and frankly I want to know when her mate will tire of her and a decent male wolf will be back on the market.¡±

    Others around her were backing away, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire of a Beta¡¯s anger, especially when that Beta is defending his loved ones.

    ¡°How dare you. How dare you insult my sister like that! How dare you insinuate that she would be tossed aside like trash! You¡¯re lucky her mate isn¡¯t here, he would rip you to shreds before I could!¡±

    Mat stalked towards her before I even realized he was moving. Felix, Arya and I moved to intercept him while I shouted orders, ¡°Darius! Get Alpha Killian. Felix, clear the others!¡±

    Darius sent a quick mindlink to Alpha Killian I assumed, and then ran off to get him. Felix rushed forward to usher the wolves around Grace away from the area and keep them from trying to defend a fellow pack member, while keeping Grace from scurrying off with her tail tucked as well.

    Arya and I dug our heels in, keeping Mat from pouncing on her for the moment, but he was incredibly strong and very determined. I placed my hands on his chest, resting my forehead against his, ¡°Hey, now.. Mat, my love. I need you to calm down. Look at me.¡±

    Mat¡¯s focus shifted to me, but his eyes were still flickering and I knew he and his wolf were still battling for control and he would occasionally shift his focus back to Grace briefly before looking at me again, ¡°I¡¯m gonna tear her limb from limb.¡± He spoke through clenched teeth.

    ¡°She will be dealt with, but not like this. Alpha Killian is on his way. Please, calm down.¡± I slid my arms around him, trying to get as much contact with him as I could in the hopes of using the mate bond to calm him some.

    Unfortunately Grace didn¡¯t seem to have an off switch, or a brain, ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s your mate, Cedric? Judging by his reaction you would think he wanted a turn with her like her last pack.¡±

 Chapter 73

    Mat let out a deafening roar and nearly broke loose from Arya and I. Thankfully I heard commotion coming from the other direction as a path was cleared for Killian and Morgan as they came running, Darius leading them to where we were. When they were close enough to see the situation I felt Killian¡¯s Alpha aura wash over the group, ¡°Enough! Tell me what is going on here!¡±

    I fought the aura, at least until I knew for sure that Mat was going to submit to it as well. Then we both hit our knees together, Arya as well. The rest of the wolves in the immediate vicinity submitted as well.

    Killian pulled his aura back slowly, making sure Mat was in control again before pulling it back completely. Arya and the others all stood, I stayed where I was with Mat, keeping his focus on me for the moment.

    Darius went and swapped spots with Felix, keeping a grip on Grace, while Felix turned to Alpha Killian to give a full report on the event that just unfolded. ¡°Grace insulted Luna Alyce, directly implying that Alpha Tristan would toss her aside like trash due to her ¡®disfigurement¡¯ as she put it. She also implied that Mat might not be Cedric¡¯s mate and that he may want a turn with her the way her last pack had.¡±

    Killian and Morgan rounded on Grace with a united front, ¡°By all rights we should let Mat pummel you. You not only insulted his sister, but his Luna as well.¡± Killian growled at her.

    ¡°Luna Alyce is not disfigured and you would know more about being a pack toy than she would, I assure you. Alpha Tristan adores her and you have forgotten your place.¡± Morgan hissed at her.

    ¡°Darius, take her to her room, she will remain there, under guard, until we can deal with her later. Arrange guards for her door and windows.¡± Killian ordered.

    ¡°Right away Alpha.¡± Darius drug Grace off. She wore an indignant look on her face the entire time but kept her mouth shut, knowing better than to argue with the Alpha and Luna at least.

    Once Grace was out of the area, it only took a few minutes to finish calming Mat down. We stood once he was ready and he turned to Killian and Morgan, giving a bow. ¡°My apologies for my lack of manners and control while in your territory, Alpha Killian, Luna Morgan.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense Mat, if anyone owes an apology it is us to you for the blatant disrespect from one of our pack members.¡± Morgan retorted.

    ¡°Unfortunately there is usually one in every pack and there is often little to be done about them until they¡¯ve crossed multiple lines.¡±

    I wrapped an arm around Mat and tugged him into my side gently. At this point I wasn¡¯t sure if it was for his comfort or mine. ¡°Do you still want to get some food? I can get us both a plate if you wanna find a quiet spot to sit rather than get back in line?¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. What¡¯s the point of being Alpha if you can¡¯t cheat every now and then.¡± Killian grinned and called over one of the Omega¡¯s, instructing him to get food for Morgan, Mat, Felix, Arya, Darius, himself and I from behind the tables and grills and bring it over.

    Mat laughed as the Omega nodded, grabbed a couple others to help him and headed off, ¡°That truly wasn¡¯t necessary, but thank you.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps, but I think all of you could use some food after that exhausting commotion.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go grab drinks for everyone then.¡± Arya gave a mock salute and spun on her heel, heading in the direction of the coolers.

    Mat pointed out an empty table tucked into the shade of some trees, ¡°That looks big enough to hold us all. Unless you guys want to find a closer spot to sit?¡±

    ¡°I think that table looks perfect.¡± I kissed the top of his head as our group headed for it, the Alpha and Luna leading the way.

    Felix waved at someone, drawing my attention to the direction he was waving. It was Darius who had returned from securing Grace under house arrest, essentially. Darius came and joined us, ¡°Did we decide we¡¯re not hungry?¡±

    Mat laughed, ¡°Right, cause adult wolves are ever not hungry.¡±

    ¡°Point taken. What¡¯s going on then?¡±

    ¡°Alpha Killian sent some Omegas to get food for everyone, skipping the lines. Arya went to get drinks.¡± Felix filled him in.

    ¡°Although I¡¯m pretty sure that just means she¡¯s going to pick a cooler and take it.¡± I added.

    ¡°What¡­? Arya? She would never!¡± Darius said in feigned shock.

    The rest of us responded with laughter, ¡°Right. Like the time she would never have absconded with an entire tray of desserts.¡± Felix said.

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    ¡°Or when she swore she didn¡¯t order like 10,000 orbz from the internet?¡± I questioned

    ¡°That later showed up in the pool that we¡¯d set up for the kids at the summer barbeque.¡± Morgan said, giggling.

    ¡°The kids loved it at least.¡±

    ¡°Oh my Goddess, remind me to make sure Alyce and Arya are never left unattended together. Better add Kami to that list while we¡¯re at it. None of us would survive their hijinks.¡± Mat was laughing so much he was holding his ribs.

    ¡°Oh.. Oh no. I hadn¡¯t even thought of that. You¡¯re right.¡± I paled at the thought and then laughed. ¡°It would be Death by Pranks.¡±

    ¡°Or Death by Laughter. Depending on where you were in relation to the situation.¡±

    Darius pointed, drawing our attention towards the main area of the event. ¡°Cedric called it!¡±

    We saw Arya coming our way with one of the larger coolers in her hands. We all busted up, even Morgan and Killian, ¡°Well no one can say she isn¡¯t resourceful.¡± Killian snickered.

    Arya gave us all a funny look as she drew near us, setting the cooler near the end of the table, ¡°What so funny?¡±

    ¡°Oh nothing, just recalling some of your antics after Cedric suggested your idea of getting drinks would be taking an entire cooler.¡± Darius grinned.

    ¡°Well, I mean¡­ It¡¯s just easier that way when there are so many of us.¡± She flashed a sassy, shit-eating grin, ¡°You guys are going to give Mat a horrible impression of me.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s already decided that you, Alyce and Kami should never be left together, much less unsupervised.¡± I chuckled.

    ¡°Ooooh, is that so? I guess I¡¯ll have to come visit Moonlight. Give my congratulations to the new Alpha and Luna. Only proper after all.¡± A thoughtful expression crossed Arya¡¯s face as she grinned. The wheels clearly turning in her brain.

    ¡°Oh Goddess¡­ You best give them time to prepare for your shenanigans before you just waltz in there and create mayhem.¡± Felix shook his head at her.

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about Felix.¡± Arya put on an innocent expression.

    Morgan started laughing, ¡°Oh Arya, even I¡¯m not buying that innocent ploy.¡±

    Killian chuckled beside her and Arya dropped the look laughing with them.

    ¡°Maybe I should give Aly some warning when we get back¡­ Although knowing her, that might backfire and speed along the timeline.¡± Mat muttered with a grin.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I could see that being a 50/50 shot with Alyce.¡± I nodded.

    Darius shifted gears on the conversation as the Omega¡¯s that Killian had sent off arrived with trays of food for everyone, ¡°So, how is it you get away with calling her Alyce instead of Luna Alyce, especially when you¡¯re not part of Moonlight yet?¡±

    From any other wolf a question like that would either insinuate something or be meant to stir the pot, but Darius was genuinely curious. About - everything -. It drove us all mad sometimes. I waited while the Omegas set the food out, all of us giving them a thank you before they left.

    ¡°Well, first she insists on everyone calling her Alyce unless it¡¯s a situation where her title is absolutely necessary. She treats everyone like a friend or family, no matter pack status, unless someone gives her a reason not to.¡± I answered.

    ¡°And trust me, on her bad side is not where anyone wants to end up, especially over something that she won¡¯t forgive or forget for. I¡¯ve ended up with my share of black eyes and bruises. Thankfully she couldn¡¯t get rid of me if she tried.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ I wanna know more details about this¡­¡± Arya plopped down, drink in hand.

    ¡°For real¡­ Your Luna gave you a black eye?¡± Darius leaned forward, interested now.

    ¡°More than once?¡± Killian asked, in this setting it was easy to forget he was actually an Alpha and not just one of the group.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you earned it. I can¡¯t imagine Luna Alyce doing so otherwise.¡± Morgan said thoughtfully.

    ¡°Spill. The. Beans.¡± Felix said.

    ¡°Guess we¡¯ll have to tell them about mine and Alyce¡¯s first meeting, and maybe the second one too.

    They¡¯ll get a kick out of it.¡±

    ¡°Alright ladies and gents, settle in and I will tell you all the tales you want to hear. At least until I run out of them.¡± Mat laughed as we all got comfortable, eating, drinking and listening in anticipation to Mat¡¯s adventures with Alyce.

 Chapter 74

    ¡°So, when Alyce met her first mate, Alpha Tristan of Red Moon. I put myself between them, refusing to let Tristan near her while she processed the information and got her wits about her. She is generally very well put together and quick on her feet, but every once in a while something throws her for a loop and she needs a minute to process it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a brave soul to get between a male and his mate, especially an Alpha.¡± Darius whispered, eyes wide in disbelief.

    ¡°Yeah, well when it comes to Aly, there¡¯s nothing I wouldn¡¯t do to protect her. I went so far as to threaten Tristan the same day I met him over her. She¡¯s been my best friend and my sister since we were about 8, when she came to our pack as an Omega.¡±

    ¡°Brave soul is right.¡± Felix echoed Darius¡¯ statement, ¡°Alpha Tristan is one of the most powerful Alphas alive. The most powerful of our generation.¡±

    ¡°So, about these black eyes?¡± Arya prodded.

    ¡°Many of you have heard the rumors of Red Moon. Many of them are true, but Alyce was the only one to suffer the ones that are true. When we were about 15 they used wolfsbane on her for the first time. I reacted with pity, rather than sympathy and she clocked me. Hard enough I had a black eye for a day.¡±

    They were stunned silent for a moment, then cracked up laughing about Mat¡¯s black eye, ¡°Ok, that¡¯s funny. You¡¯re trying to be nice to her and you get a black eye for your trouble.¡± Arya snickered.

    ¡°How many black eyes has she given you in total?¡± Killian asked, chuckling and now curious.

    ¡°Mmm, two for sure. Maybe three.¡± Mat answered.

    ¡°Maybe three?¡± Morgan quirked an eyebrow at him.

    ¡°The third happened during a training session, so while we¡¯re pretty sure it was her, it could have been my father also.¡± Mat grinned.

    ¡°Ah, that makes sense.¡±

    ¡°So how did you end up with the second one?¡± Felix asked.

    ¡°I called her Red. She hated it. I refused to stop. She clocked me again, broke my nose and gave me a black eye. I really did earn that one.¡±

    Arya was holding her sides, she was laughing so hard. ¡°You¡¯re right. You absolutely earned that one.¡±

    ¡°I still call her Red to get her riled up. She still hates it. I know where the line is these days though. Most of the time anyway.¡± Mat gave a sheepish grin and a shrug.

    ¡°In fact, his calling her Red was what led to the pair inadvertently torturing me briefly.¡± I smirked.

    ¡°Oooh yeah! After Aly kicked Tristan¡¯s ass in the spar!¡± Mat laughed, ¡°I had nearly forgotten about that!¡±

    ¡°Wait, wait, wait¡­ Alyce, tiny little Alyce, beat Tristan in a spar?¡± Killian asked, blinking in disbelief.

    ¡°She sure did. In about 10 minutes at that.¡± I laughed.

    ¡°Alyce is not someone who should ever be underestimated. She is wicked fast, agile and can assess an opponent in under 30 seconds in most cases. Her observation skills are better than most wolves. She also knows most people are going to assume she¡¯s an easy opponent based on her size, and she uses that to her advantage.¡± Mat added.

    ¡°Well then¡­ Consider me schooled and remind me to never get on her bad side.¡± Killian murmured, the others echoing his sentiments.

    Mat and I were laughing at them now. ¡°So, after the spar I might have riled her up and run off before she could react, but as I mentioned she is fast and agile. She caught up to me near the pack house and by the time the others, Mom, Dad, Cedric, Tristan and Kami, caught up to the two of us we were scuffling on the ground and she was winning. She was tapping on the center of my collar bone repeatedly, which really does start to hurt after awhile, trying to get me to give in and say ¡®Uncle¡¯. Which of course, I was not going to do.¡±

    ¡°I was torn by my instinct to protect Mat, and the common sense of not messing with your future Luna. I was antsy and Tristan saw it. Thankfully he showed some mercy and scooped Alyce off Mat. It took me a little while to adjust to their antics without Atlas wanting to act.¡± I finished the brief story.

    ¡°Sounds like you and your sister are quite the pair.¡± Morgan giggled.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how my parents haven¡¯t gone gray having to deal with the both of us, honestly.¡± Mat laughed.

    ¡°Good genes I¡¯m sure.¡± Killian smirked.

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    ¡°Let¡¯s hope we¡¯re all so lucky.¡± Arya snickered.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll all look fabulous when we¡¯re old¡­er.¡± Darius laughed.

    ¡°Who are you calling old?¡± Morgan raised an eyebrow, shooting him a stern look.

    ¡°Not you Luna, of course. I was referring to Alpha Killian.¡± Darius responded quickly.

    ¡°Mmm, I thought so.¡± She grinned.

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not that old!¡± Killian huffed, pretending to be insulted.

    Morgan leaned over and kissed his cheek, ¡°Of course not my love. Just old..er.¡±

    Killian chuckled, the rest of us joining in. ¡°I can feel the love in this group, thanks so much.¡± He grumbled, but we all knew it was just some good fun.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry Alpha Killian, it¡¯s not just you. Tristan gets the same crap from his circle at home too.¡± Mat snickered.

    ¡°Well that does make me feel a little better.¡±

    I grinned and stretched a bit. We had been here for several hours at this point and things were starting to wind down, which I was secretly grateful for. Some of the younger wolves would likely keep the fun going into the early hours of the morning, but most of us would be looking to head home soon.

    ¡°Well ladies and gents, I think it is time Mat and I get back. We leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow and it¡¯s a 12 hour drive back to Moonlight. We should probably get some rest.¡±

    The group stood and handshakes and hugs were passed around the group.

    ¡°You both are always welcome here. Mat, it was wonderful to meet you.¡± Morgan said as she hugged us both tightly.

    ¡°Thank you Luna Morgan.¡± Mat grinned.

    ¡°We¡¯ll visit when we can. Maybe bring Alyce and Tristan along, or perhaps Kami.¡± I smiled.

    ¡°Of course, they¡¯re always welcome here as well.¡± Killian chuckled.

    ¡°Thank you all, for everything. For the pre-packing and the pack get together. It was wonderful.¡± I shook Killian¡¯s hand as did Mat before we waved at them and headed back towards my place together.

    ¡°I told you I¡¯d get us out of there at a reasonable hour.¡± I grinned at Mat who laughed in response.

    ¡°Yes, yes you did.¡±

    ¡°We really should try and get some sleep tonight though.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, probably, but we don¡¯t have to go straight to sleep.¡±

    ¡°This is true, we don¡¯t.¡± I leaned over to him and nipped his ear playfully as we approached the house. ¡°Do you want to go for a run before we head inside?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that might be a good idea, let Xavier and Atlas out before we shove ourselves into a tin can for 12 hours tomorrow.¡±

    I grinned with a nod and grabbed his hand, pulling him to the edge of the woods near the house. We stripped down, leaving our clothes in a pile on a stump. I gave him an appreciative once over before we shifted. His wolf was gorgeous, with his thick, sandy blonde fur that had some wave to it, just like his own hair did in human form.

    I rubbed against him, my own wolf, Atlas, was slightly larger than Xavier. Atlas¡¯ fur was thick and silver in color, his eyes were a cool steel gray. I nuzzled into Xavier before nipping him playfully, sending him running into the woods.

    I took off after him, chasing him through the trees. We were pretty evenly matched in speed and I had to really work my muscles to catch up to him. When I did I nipped at his back leg, and he turned on me, tugging my ear playfully. The sudden direction change and the momentum of the tugging sent us tumbling into a clearing.

    We came to a stop, a tangle of limbs and fur. With some wolfish laughing we untangled and laid down in the meadow that filled the clearing. It was filled with various wildflowers and the sunlight streamed down through the treetops. It looked like something out of a movie scene.

    *Wow, it¡¯s beautiful here.* Mat opened our link and I grinned at him.

    *It¡¯s one of my favorite places to come when I need some quiet time.*

    *How did you find it?*

    *Aimless running after the death of my parents.*

    *Oh. I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to bring up sad memories.*

    *It¡¯s ok. It was several years ago. I was sixteen when they died.*

    *Can I ask what happened?*

    *Yes, but not now. We can have this conversation when we get back to Moonlight. Let¡¯s just enjoy our time together for now.*

    *Alright. That sounds like a good plan.*

    I laid my head over his as he tucked his head into my chest, resting it on my front paws. We rested like this, just enjoying each other''s company for a little while before we got up and headed back towards the house.

 Chapter 75

    We shifted at the edge of the woods, donning our jeans before finishing the short trip into the house. Once inside, I looked at Mat with a coy smile. ¡°I¡¯m going to go take a shower. Wash all this dirt away.¡±

    Mat chuckled, ¡°Is that so? Maybe I should come give you a hand with that, get myself clean at the same time.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, perhaps you should.¡± I wrapped my arm around his waist, pulling his body against mine as I pressed my lips against his, our lips battling for dominance.

    Mat nipped my bottom lip and I growled softly, pressing him backwards until his back was pressed against the wall, my body against his keeping him in place. I trailed kisses along his jaw and down his neck, a soft gasp escaping his lips as I continued to trail kisses across his skin. I ran the tip of my tongue over his mark lightly, coaxing a moan out of him.

    He thrust his hips into mine at an angle, using the momentum to roll us along the wall until he had me pinned against the wall. His hand grabbed my wrists, pinning them to my sides, as he took his turn to trail kisses along my jaw and neck. He moved his kisses along my collar bone, the sensation of his lips on my skin and his breath rolling across it sent shivers along my spine and small moans escaping my lips.

    He continued to trail kisses down my chest, flicking his tongue over each of my nipples as he continued lower. Eventually he ended on his knees, nipping and kissing along one of my hips. He released my wrists to grip the waist of my jeans, his hands sliding towards the front.

    I slid my hands into his hair, gripping it at the back of his head gently. Arching his head back I leaned down and kissed him passionately before purring in his ear, ¡°Not here in the hall. Let¡¯s go to the room.¡±

    He nipped at my jaw, purring right back at me, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get moving then. These jeans are getting rather uncomfortable.¡±

    There was a mischievous glint in his eyes as he stood slowly, running his body along mine as he came to his feet. Both of us were panting and more than ready to spend some time alone. I grinned at him and in one swift movement, scooped him up, throwing him over my shoulder, and making a beeline for the bedroom, swinging the door shut behind us.

    I deposited him on the bed and made no secret of letting my eyes wander over his body from top to bottom and back up again. I taunted him, letting my fingers trail down my chest slowly, his eyes following my fingers, moving ever closer to the front of my jeans.

    Lust darkened his eyes as he watched my movements, his tongue darting out to lick his lips. I undid the button on my jeans, slowly lowering the zipper, letting him take the scene in before I came down on top of him on the bed.

    I was certain lust had darkened my eyes as much as it had his as I slid my hand to the front of his jeans, undoing them as I had undone mine. It wasn¡¯t long before we were both stripped of our clothing and entwined with one another in the throws of passion.

    <hr>

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Mat and Cedric were due back tomorrow afternoon and we were hustling to get everything finished. With the help of a handful of Omegas, Titus, Bruce, their mates and Victor we had finished Faith and Jake''s house in just a few hours. We had asked them to clear out and paint Mat and Cedric¡¯s new room to keep them distracted while we made up their new place.

    We had called it a day after finishing their house and had been working in Mat and Cedric¡¯s room all day. Once the last coat of paint had dried we started putting the furniture that we had assembled between coats into place. It was almost dinner time by the time we finished and I was once again light headed and dizzy on my feet, even though I had made sure to eat breakfast and lunch and snacks. Tristan and Victor had made sure of it after the library incident.

    I opened a mind link to Tristan. *I need you to come over here please.*

    *Is everything ok?* Tristan turned towards me, giving me a once over.

    *Yes, I need to eat, I¡¯m a little dizzy. I just want to thank everyone, without anyone fussing at me about this, before we part ways.*

    *Shall we have a night in tonight? I¡¯ll cook something for us.*

    *That sounds lovely, now please come help me keep steady please.* I cut the mind link and smiled at the group.

    Tristan walked over to me, not letting on that I was having dizzy spells. His arm snaked around my waist and he held me close, kissing the top of my head. ¡°This place looks great, Half-Pint. You really made it look amazing in a short time.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Thank all of you.¡± I turned my attention to those in the room. ¡°I really appreciate everyone¡¯s help the last couple of days. I could not have pulled any of this off without all of your guys¡¯ help.¡±

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    ¡°It was our pleasure Alyce, really.¡± Victor grinned.

    ¡°I had a lot more fun than I expected to, getting everything pulled together, and ya know, shopping.¡± Kami giggled.

    ¡°You always have fun if shopping is involved.¡± Brandon laughed.

    The rest of us chuckled and no one could argue. ¡°Why don¡¯t you all take off and enjoy the rest of your evening. I would love it if all of you were there when we present Jake and Faith with their new place. Which I plan on doing after Mat and Cedric get here tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. I¡¯ll be there!¡± Kami quickly confirmed.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s safe to say we¡¯ll all be there. We¡¯re invested in this now.¡± Victor laughed.

    ¡°See you both at dinner?¡± Titus asked.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll have a quiet night in, now that the work is done and our kitchen is stocked, but we will see you all at breakfast.¡± Tristan answered.

    ¡°Sounds good. Enjoy your evening.¡± Bruce said as they all headed out.

    Tristan and I followed behind them, but while they headed for the stairs, we headed for our apartment. Tristan kept an arm around me, just in case, until we were inside and I was seated on the couch in the seating area.

    Tristan kissed my forehead and then the tip of my nose, ¡°What would you like for dinner my love?¡±

    ¡°Mmm, you know what sounds delicious at the moment?¡± I asked thoughtfully.

    ¡°Besides you, you mean?¡±

    ¡°Yes, besides me.¡± I giggled at him.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Anything you feel like making.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so helpful Half-Pint.¡± He rolled his eyes at me, but did so with a grin before stealing another kiss.

    ¡°I try. Is it working?¡±

    He laughed, ¡°Always. I¡¯ll go see what inspiration strikes. You just rest until dinner.¡±

    ¡°I think I can manage that.¡± I grinned and kissed him once more before he headed into the kitchen.

    I grabbed a remote off the coffee table and turned on the stereo, putting on some quiet music before stretching out on the couch, resting my head on the arm of it and stretching out after kicking my shoes off. My muscles were a bit sore with all the added work to pull off the two new living quarters and it felt great to just relax and do nothing for the moment.

    ~Tristan~

    In the kitchen I took a few moments to see what we had readily available. I settled on something simple that wouldn¡¯t take too terribly long to make. I didn¡¯t want Alyce to have to wait too long to eat.

    I settled on some steaks that hadn¡¯t been put in the freezer yet, mashed potatoes with gravy and steamed broccoli. I started a pan with a little bit of water in it and a colander over the water, cutting up the broccoli and putting it in the colander with a lid over it. The potatoes went into a large pot of boiling water once it was ready, gravy on low in a small pot. Once the steaks were seasoned, they went into a heated skillet with some butter.

    It didn¡¯t take long for everything to come together and finish about the same time. Once everything was ready, I plated everything on two plates and brought them out to the small table by the window.

    I turned to Alyce and smiled, ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready Half-Pint.¡±

    She sat up and turned to look at me, taking in the scent of the food. She got to her feet, waited a moment to make sure she wasn¡¯t going to get dizzy and then joined me at the table.

    ¡°It smells amazing, Tristan. Thank you for cooking.¡±

    ¡°Anything for you my love. Let¡¯s eat while it¡¯s hot.¡±

    We sat down and enjoyed dinner and small talk the rest of the evening.

 Chapter 76

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I awoke the next morning to the light coming through our curtains. I was sprawled across Tristan¡¯s chest, which had quickly become the norm for us. I realized I had slept through my alarm and missed training, but I wasn¡¯t particularly upset by it this morning. Mat and Cedric would be home this afternoon and I couldn¡¯t wait.

    I slid off of Tristan and rolled off the bed, just in time too. As my feet hit the floor he was shifting, arms reaching for me. With a giggle I stepped out of his reach. I wanted time to make sure that everything was ready and that nothing had been missed or left undone.

    Tristan whined a bit, ¡°Come back to bed Half-Pint. We have hours before they¡¯ll be here. It wouldn¡¯t be so bad to sleep in a little.¡±

    I laughed softly. ¡°Sorry my dear Alpha, we already missed training, that is sleeping in for me.¡±

    I grabbed his wrists, pinning them in place as I leaned over and kissed him. ¡°Besides, I want to go over both places once more, to make sure I didn¡¯t miss anything.¡±

    I let go of his wrists and darted away as he made a sudden grab for me. He was only slightly predictable when it came to trying to stay in bed. I was giggling, and that became full on laughter as he missed me and ended up in a heap of bedding on the floor with a loud thud and an ¡°Oof!¡±

    ¡°You think that¡¯s funny do you Half-Pint?¡± His muffled voice came from the middle of the pile and I wasn¡¯t going to just stand there like a deer in the headlights while he untangled himself.

    ¡°It¡¯s hilarious, actually.¡± With that statement I ran off to the bathroom and locked myself in. Sure I would have to face him eventually, but at least I could do so freshly showered and ready for the day!

    I turned the shower on and turned the temperature of the water up to scalding. Tristan¡¯s footsteps caught my attention. He must have gotten free of the pile. My eyes darted to the door handle as he tried it, jiggling it when he found it locked.

    ¡°Let me in, Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°No sir. I¡¯m going to take a shower!¡±

    ¡°I will catch you eventually.¡±

    ¡°I know, but at least I¡¯ll smell pretty when you do!¡±

    I heard him chuckle, ¡°You always smell pretty. Intoxicating even.¡±

    ¡°Your opinion is biased my dear Alpha.¡±

    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯m sure I can¡¯t be the only one who thinks you smell nice.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who thinks I smell nice all the time.¡±

    ¡°I doubt that.¡±

    ¡°After training? When I¡¯m sweaty and gross? Definitely only you my dear.¡±

    I stepped into the shower as he laughed on the other side of the door, ¡°You might have me there.¡±

    ¡°Oh I know I have you there. Now, if you want to be helpful while you wait for your turn in the shower, you could go make some coffee. I¡¯ll cook us some breakfast when I¡¯m done.¡±

    ¡°Bribery with food will get you everywhere my dear Luna.¡±

    I laughed and heard him head off towards the kitchen. I enjoyed the hot water for a few minutes before washing my hair and scrubbing up. Stepping out I wrapped my hair in a towel and used a second one to dry off before wrapping it around my body. Quietly I cracked the bathroom door, listening just long enough to hear Tristan moving about the kitchen still. Fridge opening and closing, same with the cabinets.

    Sounded like he was getting mugs and coffee fixings together. With a smile I slipped out of the bathroom and beelined for the closet. I dropped my body towel in the hamper and pulled out a bra and panties, slipping those on before grabbing a pair of boot cut jeans and dark, forest green, off the shoulders top that was tight in the chest and flowed loosely the rest of the way down to my hips. The sleeves were cuffed style, going from just below my shoulder to just above my bicep.

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    I stepped out of the closet, fully dressed, only to be snatched up by Tristan. I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck as he scooped me up bridal style. ¡°Well hello there.¡± I pecked his lip and gave him my sweetest, most innocent smile.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bat those gorgeous eyes at me Half-Pint. It won¡¯t save you.¡±

    ¡°No? How about the fact that you still need a shower and I still need to tame this tangled mess of hair on my head?¡±

    ¡°Mmmm¡­ Maybe¡­ I do know how your hair gets if you don¡¯t deal with it while it¡¯s still damp. I also know how much you hate it when that happens.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, I do hate when it happens.¡± I peered up at him from beneath my eyelashes, looking at him cutely, letting him think he was coming to this decision on his own.

    ¡°Fine, but only because I want you to be as happy as possible, at all times. I will get you back though.¡±

    ¡°Of course you will, my dear Alpha.¡± I kissed him again as he set me gently on my feet, smiling as we parted. ¡°Now, go shower. I¡¯ll do my hair real quick and make some breakfast. Do you want anything in particular?¡±

    I pulled my towel from my hair, tossing it into a second hamper in the bathroom as I walked in, Tristan right behind me. He started the shower while I went to the vanity, grabbing a bottle of frizz taming serum that Kami had insisted I try, and my brush.

    ¡°Mmm, how about omelets? Quick, easy and tasty?¡± He started the shower, adjusting the temperature before stripping his boxers off and stepping in.

    I ran some of the serum through my hair, using my fingers to work it in before brushing it through and washing the serum residue from my brush and hands. I pulled my hair up into a french braid and tied it off with a looper.

    ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± I poked my head in the shower, whistling at him before stealing a brief kiss and heading out to the kitchen while he continued his shower and morning routine.

    I opened a mind link to Mat as I started working about the kitchen. *Good morning sleepy head! I know you¡¯ve forgotten all about us back here at home, but I just wanted to touch base and make sure you got started this morning and are going to be back around 1500 as originally planned?*

    I started cracking eggs into a large bowl, a dozen in total. Tristan¡¯s omelets were usually 8 eggs and mine were usually about 4 so it worked out nicely. When Mat still hadn¡¯t responded by the time I was done cracking eggs and tossing the shells I nudged the link to try and get his attention.

    A couple minutes later he finally responded. *Hey Aly, sorry. I was driving when you linked*

    *You¡¯re not now right?*

    *No ma¡¯am, that¡¯s what took a minute. Had to find a spot to pull over and swap seats with Cedric.*

    *Good. So you two will be here about 1500 then?*

    *Well, no.*

    *No?*

    *No.*

    *Don¡¯t mess with me, Mattie. What do you mean no?*

    I heard him laughing over the link. *We¡¯re making better time than we thought we would with this load, so we will actually be back closer to 1230-1300.*

    *You asshole. You¡¯re lucky you¡¯ve been gone so long and that I¡¯ve missed you or I¡¯d kick your ass on sight and hug you after.*

    *I have no doubt that you would do exactly that.*

    *How is Cedric doing? Holding up ok, what with leaving his home and all?*

    *He¡¯s good. Excited even. Dark Forest isn¡¯t far and we can visit and his friends can visit us at Moonlight. I think that is making the transition easier.*

    *That¡¯s true. I imagine that helps, but then neither of us really has a reference point for a normal pack change. Ours have been anything but normal.*

    *Girl, preach!*

    Now I was laughing through the link. *Alright, let me know when you¡¯re about an hour out. Drive safe. I can¡¯t wait to see you two! For now though, I have an Alpha to feed.*

    *See you in a few hours Aly. I¡¯ll reach out when we¡¯re close.* He closed the link and I set my full focus on making breakfast.

    I whipped some half & half into the beaten eggs and seasoned them with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, listening to the voices of my ancestors to tell me when enough seasoning was in.

    I proceeded to prepare and add shredded cheese, diced ham, sliced mushrooms, and some sun dried tomatoes while the pan heated. Once everything was well mixed together I poured the mixture into the pan, letting it cook slowly. I flipped it about half way through the cooking process, and was plating the final product just as Tristan was coming into the kitchen.

 Chapter 77

    ¡°Perfect timing. Care to take these to the table while I get us some coffee?¡± I grinned at him as I turned to him with the plates, handing them over to him.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy too.¡± He took the plates and headed for the same small table we¡¯d eaten at the evening before. I rinsed the dishes I had used to cook, planning to wash them after breakfast. I poured two mugs of coffee, adding vanilla creamer and flavored syrup to mine. To Tristan¡¯s I added only flavored syrup, but his was english toffee.

    I took the coffee out to the table and set his mug in front of him before taking a seat across from him and sipping mine. ¡°Mmmm, the sustenance that keeps me from murdering people on a daily basis.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit much don¡¯t you think? You¡¯re far too kind and caring to kill people on a daily basis. Weekly maybe, but not daily.¡±

    I pretended to think about his statement for a moment while sipping at my coffee some more. ¡°That may be a fair assessment.¡± I grinned playfully at him.

    He laughed and enjoyed some of his own coffee before starting in on his omelet. ¡°We both know being one of us means that sometimes killing is necessary, but in all honesty I can''t see you - murdering-  someone. I have a hard time even picturing you killing someone, despite the fact that I have no doubt that you are 100% capable of doing so.¡±

    ¡°As much as I love the picturesque bubble you¡¯ve built around me, I fear I must burst it. I absolutely can and will kill someone, without hesitation or remorse, given the proper reasons and/or situations.¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t even let me have the bubble for 5 minutes?¡± He smirked, shoving a forkful of food into his mouth.

    ¡°No Sir. I wouldn¡¯t want you to get attached to an image of me that will disappear just as soon as I can get my claws into Lucian with as little collateral damage and injury as possible.¡± I started on my omelet, eating as we spoke.

    His eyes softened a little as he watched me. I easily slid back into my emotionless mask, without even realizing it. It was as natural to me as breathing these days.

    I shoved some of my own breakfast into my mouth as he spoke. ¡°No Aly. Don¡¯t do that. Not with me.¡±

    I gave him a slightly perplexed look. ¡°Do what?¡±

    ¡°Put that mask on. Pretend like nothing gets to you, like you¡¯re some robot with no emotions rather than the complex, beautiful soul that you are.¡±

    I blushed at him and smiled softly. He was nearly to the point that he could read me like a book. ¡°I don¡¯t even know I¡¯m doing it half the time. I¡¯m sorry. I would never intentionally shut you out.¡±

    He reached across the table and held my hand, squeezing it gently. ¡°I know.¡± He stood and pulled me out of my seat and into his arms, holding me close and saying nothing as he rested his head on mine.

    I nuzzled my head into his chest and smiled, enjoying the moment. He truly was one of the sweetest people I had ever met, not that I had met too many people in general, but he was nothing like any Alpha I had ever heard or read about.

    Eventually I pulled away from him, lifting onto my toes to kiss him softly, ¡°I¡¯m going to go check over Mat and Cedric¡¯s suite and then I¡¯m going out to Jake and Faith¡¯s to give it a once over as well.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, I have some Alpha duties I need to attend to. As much as Father enjoys the busy work, I should actually do some of it myself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll come find you when I finish. Oh! And before I forget, Mat and Cedric are making better time than anticipated. They will be home between noon and one. He¡¯s going to mind link me when they¡¯re about an hour out.¡±

    ¡°Perfect, let me know when you hear from him so we can greet them together when they arrive.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

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    We headed for the door and as I reached to pull it open, he held it shut, leaning down to steal a few more kisses before letting me open it. I giggled and slipped out the door with him. We headed down the hall, hand in hand, only parting ways as I headed into Mat and Cedric¡¯s suite while he continued to head down to his office.

    ~Tristan~

    It was easier said than done to part ways with Alyce. My Alpha genes wanted nothing more than to have her tucked into my side 24/7. I moved slowly, watching her enter Mat and Cedric¡¯s suites, not getting my own ass moving until she had shut the door behind her and I couldn¡¯t see her anymore. Then I booked it down to the fourth floor, heading to my office. Since Mat was away, Brandon met me there.

    The plan for the morning was to go over the pack financials. Thankfully my mother had been very good at staying on top of them and at this point it was little more than going over the bank statements for the last couple of months and comparing them to our records of items going in and out.

    ¡°Thanks for stepping in while Mat is on his way back, Brandon. I really appreciate the help.¡±

    ¡°No thanks needed Tristan. You¡¯re my Alpha and my buddy. I¡¯m always happy to help.¡±

    ¡°Alright, so I went ahead and organized all the charges in one spreadsheet by date, and deposits on another. I think this will make it easier and faster to compare to the bank statements. I can just read down the bank statements and we can tick off corresponding items on the spreadsheet and bank statement so that if anything is out of place or unaccounted for we¡¯ll know pretty quickly.¡±

    ¡°I see you inherited your mother¡¯s organizational gene.¡± Brandon chuckled at me.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. More like my desire to spend as much time with Aly as I can is motivation to find the most efficient way to get my responsibilities done.¡±

    ¡°Where is she anyway? I would have thought you¡¯d ask her to help you with this.¡±

    ¡°I was going to, but she has been busy with getting the two new residences ready, and putting us to work while she was at it. She¡¯s doing a final check through of them both before Mat and Cedric get back. They¡¯re arriving between noon and one by the way.¡±

    ¡°Of course she is.¡± He laughed a bit, ¡°She¡¯s going to make an amazing Luna.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s an amazing person. I really got lucky with her.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, I hope my future mate is as amazing as yours. I¡¯m a little jealous, man. I know you waited longer than I have been thus far, but I can¡¯t wait to find her.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure she will be.¡± I grinned over at him. I was pretty sure it was Kami. The way the two were drawn to each other and interacted with one another. It was like the bond was bringing them closer before it was even fully active.

    ¡°Great, now I¡¯m imagining my future mate and it¡¯s making it hard to focus.¡± He rolled his eyes and smirked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna hear about your fantasies, dude.¡±

    ¡°Not like that you jerk!¡±

    ¡°Who knows, maybe she¡¯s closer than you think.¡± Now I was the one smirking.

    He looked at me sideways, an eyebrow quirked at me in question. Then it dawned on him, his eyes widening. ¡°You think you know who she is!?¡±

    ¡°I do think I know who she is. Alyce pointed it out the other day.¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you tell me then?¡±

    ¡°A couple reasons. One, I don¡¯t want to jinx it, not that you can jinx a mate bond but you know what I mean. Two, I don¡¯t want to tell you and end up being wrong, and three, she¡¯s not of age for another couple months.¡±

    ¡°The person you¡¯re thinking of is from this pack then?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Well shit, now I¡¯m gonna be making a list of she-wolves that come of age in the next 2-3 months. Asshole.¡±

    I laughed, ¡°How am I an asshole?¡±

    ¡°You said something to begin with.¡±

    ¡°Eh, technically I didn¡¯t. You drew your own conclusions and I simply responded to your questions.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah.¡± He glanced at the clock on the wall. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get this done so we can greet the boys on time. Or Alyce will have both our heads.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s get started.¡± We organized our stacks of paperwork and started working through the lists over the next couple of hours.

 Chapter 78

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    I stepped into Mat and Cedric¡¯s rooms, going through my mental checklist as I surveyed the main room, their king sized bed with matching nightstands, and the chest at the foot of the bed. The bed had been made up and ready to go with fresh sheets, comforter and pillows. I checked the chest, where extra sheets, blankets and pillows were stored.

    I checked their closet, all of Mat¡¯s stuff had been moved from the room he was in previously and put away. Plenty of room for Cedric¡¯s stuff and more of Mat¡¯s. I knew he would be needing to get more essentials, he had packed the bare minimums when we left Red Moon, or he would just steal Cedric¡¯s. Likely both.

    From there I moved to the sitting area, where the couch and chair had gone. I¡¯d also put a small table between the two on the shared corner side and I¡¯d scavenged a small coffee table from one of the storage rooms and added it to their seating area as well. A set of shelves and a lamp completed the main area.

    I poked my head into one of the two side rooms, which housed the desk, some shelves, and a filing cabinet. The rooms were too small for much else other than an office storage or perhaps a nursery/child''s room. So we had made one into the office and left the other for the guys to decide what they wanted to do with it.

    I moved into their small kitchenette which consisted of a sink, small fridge, a single long counter and a couple wall cabinets. We had added a small double burner hot plate and a toaster oven so they could make simpler stuff for themselves if they wanted.

    I double checked the drawers and cabinets, making sure they had basic utensils, dishes, and basic but quality cookware. When I was satisfied there I went to the bathroom, making sure they had towels, and supplies there. I hadn¡¯t gotten soap or anything like that, but Mat¡¯s had been moved over and I was sure Cedric would be bringing his own.

    I was content that everything here was covered and we hadn¡¯t forgotten anything, so I left and made my way down the hall to the stairs. I made a pit stop on the fourth floor to poke my head into Tristan¡¯s office.

    I cracked the door open, literally just poking my head in. I waited for him to look up and flashed him a smile, ¡°Hey. I¡¯m done upstairs, I¡¯m heading to Jake and Faith¡¯s now.¡±

    Tristan grinned at me, ¡°Alright love. We should be finished here in the next hour or so.¡±

    I nodded and then looked at Brandon and gave him a wave. ¡°Hi Brandon, I see you¡¯re being put to work without Mattie here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, our Alpha¡¯s a regular task master. No rest for the wicked I suppose.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re a drama queen, so it works.¡± I laughed and ducked out before anyone could retaliate and continued my way down the stairs.

    From there I headed out the back door of the kitchen taking the short path over the house. I let myself in and looked around. We hadn¡¯t done nearly as much with their place, but I knew Faith would want to make it her own on her own.

    The loveseat, couch and recliner had found their home in the living room, along with the shelves and the coffee table. We had put the small desks and both the larger and smaller filing cabinets into the smaller of the two bedrooms.

    The master bedroom was not particularly large and it didn¡¯t have the walk-in closets that most pack house rooms and the larger family homes had; however, it fit the king size bed, nightstands, chest, and two dressers in the room with a decent amount of space left over to maneuver around the room.

    Next up was the bathroom, again like with Mat and Cedric I simply made sure that the towels, bath mats, shower curtain, shelving, etc. had been put in place. Nothing they had brought with them had been moved over yet, as it would be impossible to do without raising their suspicions and I did not want to ruin the surprise.

    It was much the same in the kitchen. Checking that utensils, dishes, cookware and supplies had all been stocked. I also checked the freezer and fridge to make sure it had been stocked. Jake and Faith tended to prefer to cook for themselves for breakfast and lunch rather than eat at the pack house, and dinner was hit or miss on that as well.

    With one final walk through I confirmed that everything was ready for this afternoon and slipped out of the house, taking the same path back towards the pack house as I linked Tristan. *I¡¯m just leaving Jake and Faith¡¯s house. I¡¯ll be up there shortly.*

    *Ok, see you shortly Half-Pint.*

    I stopped half way there, side tracked watching a group of younger pups from roughly 2-4 years old were playing out in one of the fields where some playground equipment had been set up and fenced off for the daycare¡¯s use.

    I grinned, listening to their laughter echo across the breeze as they played. One of them caught me watching and waved. I waved back, which then drew the other children¡¯s attention as they all rushed the fence to wave. I laughed softly as some of them yelled at me to come play. I glanced at my watch, it was only 10:00a, so I walked across the grass, heading for the play area.

    ~Tristan~

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    ¡°We can probably start doing thi-¡± I stopped mid sentence as Alyce came across our mindlink.

    *I¡¯m just leaving Jake and Faith¡¯s house. I¡¯ll be up there shortly.*

    *Ok, see you shortly Half-Pint.*

    Once the link was closed, Brandon was waiting patiently for me to finish my previous though, chuckling at my dropping everything to speak with Alyce, ¡°What I was saying was if we do this at the beginning of each month, for the month previous this will be a short task timewise and we will catch any discrepancies early on.¡±

    ¡°I agree. Aly on her way I take it?¡±

    ¡°She said she was just leaving Faith and Jake¡¯s house.¡± I glanced at the clock, ¡°It¡¯s only 10:00a, perhaps we can find something for her to help us with when she arrives.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯ll bring us a snack.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? It¡¯s not like she¡¯s going to stop at the kitchen and cook something randomly.¡± I laughed at him.

    ¡°I mean¡­ Can you blame a guy for hoping the best cook around brings snacks?¡±

    ¡°I suppose not, but I wouldn''t hold your breath.¡±

    ¡°Alright, the finances are done. What else can we do in a couple hour time frame?¡±

    ¡°Pack email inbox?¡±

    ¡°If we can¡¯t finish it, we can at least put a dent in it.¡±

    I opened the inbox for the general pack email, usually this held emails that consisted of event invites, transfer inquiries, anything that wasn¡¯t urgent or confidential in nature. I started working my way through them, printing them out so that we could sort them into piles by priority.

    About the time we had printed and sorted all 50 or so emails, I realized it had been half an hour and Alyce still had not arrived. I set the stack of emails aside and glanced at the clock.

    Brandon gave me an odd look. ¡°What¡¯s up Alpha?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been 30 minutes and Alyce still isn¡¯t here.¡±

    ¡°Snacks?¡± His voice was hopeful, and playful, trying to lighten my mood as I was quickly settling into worry.

    ¡°Unlikely. Reach out to the kitchen Omegas, see if she is there.¡±

    He nodded and his eyes glazed over. I stood and went to the french doors that led to the office balcony, looking out across the path between the pack house and Jake and Faith¡¯s house. Nothing seemed out of place, and no alarms had been sounded.

    I took a deep breath to keep myself calm and reached out to her. *Aly? Where are you? Are you ok? It¡¯s been 30 minutes.*

    I looked across the fields, trying to give her time to respond in case she was down in the kitchen cooking or something. I needed a distraction, even if only for a short time. I spotted some of the day care kids out in the play area as Brandon came up to stand beside me, ¡°She¡¯s not in the kitchen, Alpha. No one has seen her since she left for Jake and Faith¡¯s this morning. Shall I send out people to look for her?¡±

    I opened my mouth to answer yes since she still hadn¡¯t responded, but a familiar figure caught my attention in the play area. ¡°Ye- Wait a minute¡­¡± I opened the doors, walking out onto the balcony, I glanced at Brandon and pointed towards the play group. ¡°Do you see what I see?¡±

    He came to stand beside me, ¡°Is that Aly? I nearly mistook her for one of the teens that helps out there.¡±

    I nodded and laughed. ¡°It is. That hair is hard to miss, even at this distance.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the only way I knew it might be her and not actually one of the helpers.¡± Brandon snickered.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t we finish these emails later. I have a Luna to fetch. We¡¯ll see you later to welcome Mat and Cedric home.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. See you then, Alpha.¡±

    We both headed out of the office, him heading off in one direction, while I headed down stairs and out the back.

 Chapter 79

    I headed around the edge of the fields, keeping to the tree line and staying silent. I stopped closer to the play area, watching her interact with the children. It was a heartwarming sight and I could understand how she was so distracted she missed the mind link.

    Currently she was sitting in the grass of the fence with four children crawling all over her and she was randomly pulling them into her lap to tickle them before they would escape and run behind her to climb on her again while she grabbed the next one. It was so simple and so pure it made my heart melt.

    It also made me wonder about pups of our own. Did she want pups? Did she want them sooner or later if she did? Did I want pups? Yes, yes I did. Watching her with the daycare pups made me more sure than I had ever been that I did. I wanted pups with her.

    One of the pups caught sight of me, eyes going wide and I put a finger to my lips before he could give me away. He nodded and went to take his turn climbing all over Alyce. I stepped away from the tree line, making sure to signal anyone who saw me to keep quiet.

    Approaching the fence I leapt over it in one smooth motion, landing on my feet in a crouch. I crept towards Alyce as the kids continued to distract her. Even the breeze was working in my favor, blowing her scent to me, but not bringing mine to her. Or so I thought anyway.

    Her muscles tensed almost imperceptibly and she sent the kids off to get the snacks the staff had brought out for them. She stood, laughing as she watched the kids scramble to get their snacks. I came up behind her, snaking my arms around her, only to find myself pulled over her shoulder and flat on back on the ground as she used the momentum to throw me to the ground.

    The pups all gasped, eyes going wide at us. There was a chorus of ¡®oooooooos¡¯ as they realized that their Luna had just ¡®attacked¡¯ their Alpha. They were too young to fully grasp the concept of what had just occurred, they just knew that you didn¡¯t mess with an Alpha, or a ranked member outside of the training grounds.

    I blinked up at her, ¡°Is that anyway to greet your Alpha, Half-Pint?¡±

    She crouched down and grinned at me. ¡°Is sneaking up on your Luna anyway to greet her, hmm? I heard you jump the fence. Your stealth needs improvement.¡±

    ¡°Touche.¡±

    I got to my feet as she stood back up and I wrapped her in my arms, kissing her head. ¡°You scared me when you didn¡¯t show up after a half hour or so. I was ready to send out a search party until I saw you out here from my office balcony.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry my love, I should have let you know I was taking a detour. How could I resist those cute little faces?¡± She motioned to the pups who were watching us intently while eating their meat, cheese and crackers.

    ¡°I know I certainly couldn¡¯t. They certainly have a way of sucking you in with their cute innocent faces, don¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm.¡± She slipped out of my arms and headed over to the kids. ¡°Do you guys have enough snacks for me too?¡± She plopped down on the grass with them as one of the staff offered her a plate of snacks and one of the boys crawled into her lap.

    The boy looked to be about 4 with curly, strawberry blonde hair and dark green eyes. He snuggled into her. I thought I knew all the pups in the pack, but I was having a hard time placing which family he belonged to. I recognized the kid, his name was Rian (Ree-an), but try as I might I couldn¡¯t remember who his parents were.

    I opened a mind link to my mother, she would know. *Mother, who are Rian¡¯s parents? I can¡¯t for the life of me place where he belongs. Why?*

    It took a moment but eventually she answered back. *That¡¯s because he¡¯s the pup whose parents disappeared when he was just a few months old. You were only 17 at the time. I¡¯m not surprised you don¡¯t remember. We never did find them. We felt the pack link snap a couple months after they disappeared. We assumed their death was the cause of the pack link snapping, but no one knows for sure. Why?*

    *He seems to have taken a shine to Alyce and not being able to place him was bugging me, but I vaguely remember that whole incident. Thank you. Who does he live with though?*

    *I¡¯d be surprised if he didn¡¯t. His mother was half fae. It¡¯s likely their fae blood sings to one another. Plus, who doesn¡¯t love Alyce. He stays with one of the older Omega women, Maggie. She works in the kitchen and helps with the laundry as well.*

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    *Interesting. Thanks again Mother.*

    I closed the link and walked over to join Alyce and the kids, sitting down next to her. She was snuggling Rian with one arm and munching on her food with the other. When I joined them, Rian snuggled closer into her and glared at me.

    His reaction kind of took me by surprise and I tilted my head at him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not going to make you move. I like to snuggle her too.¡±

    I grinned at him while he seemed to mull over what I had said and then gave a curt nod, like this was an acceptable response to his glaring at his Alpha.

    Alyce giggled at us and popped the last of her food into her mouth before scooping Rian into her arms and cuddling him tightly while tickling his sides. He giggled in response and wiggled in her arms.

    I reached over and pulled them both into my lap, cuddling Alyce while she cuddled him. ¡°You¡¯re amazing with the pups, Aly.¡± I whispered in her ear.

    I watched the tips of her ears turn red and knew the blush had spread across her cheeks and nose. She was adorable.

    ¡°Oh, erm, thanks. I used to entertain some of the pups back in Red Moon when I could. I would let them help me in the kitchen.¡± She smiled at me over her shoulder and I took the opening, kissing the tip of her still pink nose.

    ¡°They all seem to love you, but Rian here seems to have taken quite a shine to you. Even glared at me when I sat down.¡±

    Alyce blinked and looked at Rian, ¡°That¡¯s not very nice Rian. Alpha Tristan is my mate and your Alpha. You should treat him with kindness and respect, just as you should everyone else unless you have a valid reason not to. You want people to be friendly and kind to you, right?¡±

    He took a moment to think over what she had said and then nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then you have to do the same for them. You get back what you put out into the world.¡± She kissed his forehead and looked down at him, ¡°What should you say to Alpha Tristan?¡±

    Again he thought about this and then peeked at me from her arms. ¡°I¡¯m sorry Alpha Twistan.¡±

    ¡°I forgive you buddy. Wanna know a secret?¡± I whispered the question to him like it was some big secret I was going to share with him.

    His eyes went wide and he nodded. ¡°I¡¯m good at keeping secwets.¡±

    ¡°Ok, well¡­ My secret is¡­¡± I looked side to side, as if to make sure no one was listening to us before continuing, ¡°I¡¯ve glared at people over her too. I even yelled at one!¡±

    Rian giggled and then covered his mouth like he shouldn¡¯t have, ¡°Did you apowogize too?¡±

    ¡°No, he was being mean to her, so I refused to apologize, because I had a good reason for my actions.¡±

    ¡°Who was mean to Awy? I¡¯ll beat them up!¡± He whisper-yelled, causing Alyce to stifle a giggle and smile softly at him.

    ¡°He¡¯s long gone, from another pack. I took care of it though, promise.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Rian had a serious and stern look on his face.

    I had to swallow some laughter at his reactions now. Such a serious child. I reached over and ruffled his hair. ¡°I¡¯m glad to know you were looking out for Aly while I wasn¡¯t here. You¡¯re a tough guy too I bet. I wouldn¡¯t want to meet you in a training session. I wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±

    Rian giggled, ¡°I am tough! I¡¯m not training yet though. I¡¯m not owd enough yet.¡±

    ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m four.¡±

    ¡°When is your birthday?¡±

    ¡°Ummm, it¡¯s in Apwil, but I don¡¯t remember the day.¡±

    ¡°Really? Aly¡¯s birthday is in April too!¡±

    ¡°Weally?!¡± He looked super excited to have the same birthday month as Alyce.

    ¡°Really, really.¡±

    He giggled and so did Alyce and I smiled at the sight. Yup, I would definitely be having a discussion about pups with her in the near future. It was a beautiful sight.

 Chapter 80

    I watched as Alyce¡¯s eyes glazed over as she got a mind link. Rian and I waited patiently until she was done, though he took the opportunity to get right up close to her face, inspecting her eyes. I was quite certain he had never seen eyes as pale and translucent as hers. He was an old soul in a pup¡¯s body.

    As she started to come out of it, he plopped back down in her lap and laid his head on her shoulder. I rested my chin on her other shoulder lightly, ¡°Mat?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re about an hour away.¡±

    ¡°We should go and get ready then.¡± I sent a quick mind link out to Kami and Brandon to let them know to meet us in about 45 minutes at the front.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± She nodded and looked at Rian. ¡°Alright little man, I¡¯m gonna need you to let me up. It¡¯s time for me to go.¡±

    Rian¡¯s eyes instantly filled with tears and he clung to her. ¡°No! You can¡¯t go!¡±

    Alyce blinked, clearly surprised by his reaction. She scooped him into her arms and I helped her get to her feet while she held him, ¡°Rian honey, I have to go greet my brother and his mate. They¡¯re returning from a trip today.¡± She said in a soothing voice, her hand petting his hair gently.

    One of the Omega workers, Sally I think her name was, came towards us, as if to take Rian from Alyce, and when Rian saw her, he clung tighter to her neck. I held up a hand to the worker, signaling her to wait. She stopped and dropped back a bit, and Rian calmed down some.

    Alyce continued to soothe him and I opened a mind link while she did so. *He¡¯s part Fae, and an orphan. Mother said your Fae blood and his are likely singing to each other. That may be why his reaction is so extreme.*

    *That actually makes a lot of sense. Fae are naturally super close and generally consider every other Fae as family even if there¡¯s no legitimate familial connection. What happened to his parents?*

    *Disappeared when he was a few months old. No one really knows. The pack link snapped a couple months after they disappeared. His mother was half Fae. So he¡¯s only about a quarter. Is that enough for his blood to recognize yours?*

    *Possibly. What I was reading a few days ago said that some Fae family blood will recognize even the most minuscule traces of Fae in others. I don¡¯t know enough about the Fae to know whether he or I might have that trait or if it''s something else.*

    *Why don¡¯t I reach out to the Omega he stays with, and see if she minds if he comes with us for a little while? I hate to leave a screaming pup with these Omegas. They have their hands full already.*

    *You wouldn¡¯t mind? I have to admit, even I feel drawn to him, but I¡¯m an adult and he¡¯s just a child who probably doesn¡¯t fully understand what he¡¯s feeling.*

    *No, I don''t mind. I¡¯ll reach out to Maggie, if you want to talk to the ladies here.*

    *It¡¯s a deal.* She closed the link and smiled softly at me, love and adoration in her eyes.

    I opened a pack link to Maggie, explaining the situation and asking if she would be ok with us taking him out of the daycare until she was off her shift, which would be around the beginning of dinner.

    While I spoke with Maggie, Alyce went over to the worker, after assuring Rian that she wasn¡¯t going to force him to go with her. She explained that I was getting permission from Miss Maggie for him to hang out with us for a while. Once he was settled she explained the same thing to the Omega, and looked over at me, waiting for me to let her know what was going on.

    I headed over to them and nodded as I approached. ¡°Miss Maggie says it¡¯s ok for Rian to come with us.¡± I looked at the Omega worker, Sally, ¡°She should be contacting one of you any moment to let you know and then we will head out.¡±

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    Rian was bouncing up and down in Alyce¡¯s arms, cheering that he got to come with us. Sally¡¯s eyes glazed over briefly and when they cleared she smiled, ¡°That was Miss Maggie, you guys are all set. Thanks for waiting for us to confirm, despite your ranks.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Safety and security policies apply, no matter who you are.¡± Alyce grinned and we waved to the other kids, before heading out with Rian snuggled into Alyce¡¯s arms.

    We entered the pack house through the kitchen, many of the kitchen staff on shift waving or greeting both Alyce and I as well as Rian. He waved back to many of them but stayed cuddled into Alyce, even when Miss Maggie came out from the laundry area. He still preferred Alyce to Miss Maggie, and she was a sweet older woman, very grandmotherly.

    The more I watched the two, the more I began to wonder if Rian would even go back with Maggie after feeling the connection with Alyce. I was beginning to think it might be a fight when the time came, but we would deal with it then.

    ¡°I hope he¡¯s not troubling you too much Luna Alyce.¡± Miss Maggie looked a bit worried about inconveniencing us.

    ¡°Oh not at all Miss Maggie. He¡¯s a sweetheart.¡± Alyce assured her, smiling at her as she spoke. ¡°Thank you for letting him hang out with us today.¡±

    ¡°No problem at all, Luna. The pack interaction is good for him. He¡¯s such a quiet, solitary type of child.¡±

    ¡°Ah, well he¡¯s going with us to greet my brother and his mate when they return from Dark Forest and Mattie is far too much fun to worry about being quiet and solitary. We¡¯ll shake this place up a bit. How does that sound Rian? Shall we cause a bit of ruckus?¡± Alyce shifted him in her arms so she could see his face as she spoke to him.

    Rian¡¯s eyes went wide and he grinned, nodding eagerly at her. ¡°Caaaan weeee has a pizza party for lunch, annnnd ice cream for dessert?¡±

    I glanced over at Miss Maggie, who gave me a discrete nod. I laughed softly, ¡°Sure buddy. I can order some pizza.¡±

    ¡°Or! Oooooooor we can make it from scratch!¡± Alyce grinned. ¡°Want to learn how to make the best pizza ever Rian?¡±

    ¡°Yaaaayyyy! Yes!¡±

    I laughed at the pair and kissed the top of Alyce¡¯s head. ¡°Alright you two, we have a half hour before Mat and Cedric get here. Let¡¯s let these lovely ladies get back to work and go get ourselves ready.¡±

    ¡°I definitely need to change into something with less grass and dirt stains.¡± Alyce giggled and we left the kitchen heading for the stairs.

    I scooped Rian out of Alyce¡¯s arms and held him by the thighs, letting him essentially sit on my arm. ¡°Wanna race up the stairs? We¡¯re going alllllll the way to the top floor. I think I¡¯ll win though.¡±

    ¡°No way! I¡¯ll win. I¡¯m the fastest kid in my class!¡±

    ¡°Really? Faster than me, you think?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Let¡¯s race!¡±

    I laughed and set him down beside me as we reached the stairs, briefly reaching out to Miss Maggie, asking her to send one of the Omegas with a fresh set of clothes for Rian. ¡°Count us down, Half-Pint.¡±

    She laughed and looked at us, ¡°Alright. On your mark. Get set. Aaaannnnd GO!¡± She watched as we took off up the stairs. She brought up the rear, watching as Rian and I ran up the stairs. He was pretty quick, which made it easier for me to keep my pace neck and neck with him. Of course I planned to let him win.

    Ten minutes and a couple of brief slow downs later, we reached the top of the stairs. Rian won by a couple steps as I had fallen behind him, threatening to tickle him if I caught him. Alyce reached the top right behind us, laughing at our antics. ¡°You two are super silly, but you did it Rian! You won!¡±

    We walked down the hallway, Rian jumping and cheering in excitement as we made our way towards our rooms. The Omega that Miss Maggie had sent was waiting there for us, a stack of clothes in his hands. He bowed his head as we approached, ¡°Alpha, Luna. Miss Maggie said you requested these for Rian?¡±

    Alyce looked a little perplexed as the Omega held the clothes out. I nodded and took the stack, ¡°Yes I did. Thank you, Neal.¡±

    ¡°Of course Alpha. I¡¯ll be on my way then.¡± He bowed again and slipped past us, heading back to his duties.

    Alyce looked at me, tilting her head at me in question. I shrugged at her a bit, ¡°What, you¡¯re not the only one covered in dirt and grass stains.¡±

    She looked down at Rian, who was looking at us, dirt on his shirt, grass stains on the knees of his pants. She laughed a bit. ¡°Rian, I think you need a quick bath before we meet Cedric and Mattie.¡± She opened our door and the three of us headed in to get ready for Mat and Cedric''s arrival.

 Chapter 81

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Tristan shut the door behind us and I took Rian to our bathroom, thankful that there was a tub in our bathroom, many alpha suites didn¡¯t have them. Ours had a large garden tub with jets, perfect for soaking in, though not what it was going to be used for this time.

    I turned the water on, adjusted the temperature and plugged the drain so it would fill with water. I turned to Rian, who was standing by the sink watching me.

    ¡°Alright Rian, we¡¯re going to get you cleaned up and into some fresh clothes. Do you want me or Tristan to give you your bath?¡± I was pretty sure I knew the answer, but I also wanted to give him the option.

    He seemed to think about it for a moment before pointing at me, ¡°You, Awy. Please.¡±

    ¡°Of course. Let¡¯s get you in the tub then.¡± I turned the water off now that there was enough and helped him get undressed and into the tub.

    It didn¡¯t take long to get him cleaned up and out of the tub, drying him off with one towel. I sent a brief mind link to Tristan. *I¡¯m going to send Rian to you to get dressed. I need a quick shower myself.*

    I then wrapped him in a fresh second one. ¡°Can you go see Tristan, he has your clothes. I need to get cleaned up too. Can he help you get dressed?¡±

    ¡°Okay!¡± He gave me a big smile and headed out of the bathroom to where Tristan was waiting on him.

    I made sure there was no dirt in my hair in the mirror and then took a quick shower myself, just washing my body off. I dried off and wrapped in a towel, before peeking out the bathroom door.

    I hadn¡¯t thought to grab clothes to change into, not used to having a child in our room. Thankfully Tristan had him at one of the windows held in his arms as they were focused on something outside. I took the opportunity to quickly, but quietly make a dash into the closet so I could get clean clothes.

    I slipped on a clean set of underclothes, black jeans that hugged my hips and thighs but were boot cut in the legs, and a sage green blouse. Once dressed I exited the closest, hanging the towel on a hook in the bathroom as I made my way to Tristan and Rian.

    ¡°Are we all set boys? Mattie and Cedric should be pulling up in a few minutes.¡± I smiled as Tristan turned towards me as I spoke and Rian leaned forward to get to me from Tristan¡¯s hold. I kissed Tristan softly as Rian passed from his arms to mine.

    ¡°I think so. Brandon and Kami should be meeting us down there, so we should get moving.¡±

    ¡°Alright then, let¡¯s go.¡± I adjusted Rian a bit, sitting him on my hip as we left the room and headed down the stairs.

    ~Matheau~

    We had just turned onto the well hidden forest road that would lead us to Moonlight. We had crossed into the territory a few hours ago but we were still a few minutes away from the main village area. We were in Cedric¡¯s old pickup truck, which had been restored and was gorgeous.

    We were fully loaded down with boxes of his belongings and a large antique steamer trunk that had been in his family for generations. It was slow going once we left the pavement road for the dirt one, despite the dirt road being well maintained by the pack, there were still some uneven areas where a vehicle would jostle.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to be a bit cramped in that room for a bit while we get everything organized and settled in. Would you be ok with me asking Aly and Tristan to store your family trunk in their room until we are a bit more settled so it doesn¡¯t get damaged or anything in the chaos?¡± I looked over at Cedric, placing my hand on his thigh and giving it a gentle squeeze.

    ¡°That should be fine. I appreciate you considering how to keep it safe and how much it means to me.¡± He took my hand in his, squeezing it before pulling me across the bench seat to snuggle into his side.

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    ¡°Of course. Even if it didn¡¯t hold such sentimental value it¡¯s a beautiful piece of craftsmanship and would need to be stored safely anyway.¡±

    He grinned, glancing at me from the corner of his eye briefly as we rounded the last bend in the road to the village. ¡°And that just makes me love you even more.¡±

    I laughed softly. ¡°Does it now?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it does. Too many people these days see something old and just toss it as junk. It¡¯s sad. Things aren¡¯t crafted and built like they used to be. Too many disposable things these days. Personally, I like the idea of repairing something if it¡¯s broken instead of tossing it aside.¡±

    I thought about this for a moment. I had a sneaking suspicion he wasn¡¯t just talking about ¡®things¡¯, but everything in life. ¡°It¡¯s definitely a good philosophy for life, not just items.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought so.¡±

    I smiled and kissed his cheek before grinning as we came into the main drive of the pack house, ¡°Home, sweet, home! New adventures with new friends and family. I can¡¯t wait to start all this with you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re adorable.¡± He pulled up in front of the pack house, stopping just past the main entrance so we could easily unload in a short bit.

    Waiting out on the front deck for use were my mother and father, Kami, Brandon, Tristan, Alyce and - A small child I didn¡¯t recognize? Weird. I¡¯m sure someone would fill me in. I hopped out of the truck with a quickness as Alyce practically flew down the steps and into my arms. Both of us laughing as I picked her up in a hug, spinning around with her.

    ¡°Goddess Aly, you¡¯d think I¡¯d been gone for a few months rather than a few days!¡± I set her on her feet as Cedric came around the truck to join us. He was also the recipient of an Alyce hug. Which generally entailed her jumping into someone¡¯s arms without warning.

    Cedric stumbled a bit, caught off guard by this, but quickly gained his footing as he hugged her. ¡°Warning next time squirt! You¡¯re a force to be reckoned with, even in just a hug.¡±

    It was nice to see Cedric so comfortable with our group, to the point that he was even giving Alyce flack. I laughed as she half pouted, half glared at his calling her squirt.

    ¡°Just remember, this ¡®squirt¡¯ can still knock you flat on your ass buddy!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I know. You nearly did just now!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant and you know it!¡±

    ¡°Bring it, squirt!¡±

    The rest of the group was laughing and the child that had been standing beside Tristan came running down the stairs towards us. He was quick for his size. Tristan tried to catch him, ¡°Rian!¡±

    Rian was too quick for Tristan by the time he realized what was happening. The child was soon in front of Aly, glaring at Cedric with an expression that was far too old for his young self, ¡°You be nice to Awy!¡±

    Alyce laughed and crouched down to Rian¡¯s height, ¡°It¡¯s ok Rian. That¡¯s Cedric, he¡¯s a dear friend and my brother¡¯s mate. We were just teasing, nothing meant in any seriousness.¡±

    Rian digested this information, eyeing both myself and Cedric before making his judgment and nodding in response to Alyce¡¯s explanation. ¡°Ok, Awy. Sorry Cedwic.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright buddy. I get it.¡± Cedric grinned at the kid, ruffling his hair a bit so he knew there were no hard feelings.

    Alyce stood back up, Rian clinging to her leg. Who was this kid? I looked at Alyce, giving her a questioning look. She gave one back that told me she would explain a bit later. I gave a small nod as the rest of the group came down to join us.

    Hugs and greetings were exchanged between the group. Alyce officially introduced Cedric and I to Rian, simply saying he was her newest friend. No other explanation offered for the moment.

    ¡°Now that you two are back! I have two surprises!¡± Alyce grinned, bouncing excitedly on the ball of her feet.

    ¡°Oh Goddess. What kind of surprises? Are we talking, like my 9th birthday type surprises oooorrr, more normal surprises?¡± I asked

    ¡°Oh my gosh! You¡¯re never going to let me live that down! I was trying to be nice!¡± She pouted at me. Mom and Dad were trying to keep a straight face at this point.

    ¡°Do I even want to know?¡± Kami asked.

    ¡°Later. I¡¯ll tell you later. I promise.¡± I laughed, Alyce glaring daggers at me.

    ¡°It¡¯s not really that amusing, Kami. I swear.¡± Alyce huffed.

    ¡°Mmm, I¡¯ll decide.¡± Kami grinned and giggled.

 Chapter 82

    ¡°Alright, if you all will come with me.¡± Alyce shot me one last glare before scooping Rian up into her arms and leading the group around to the back of the pack house. We paused there for a moment and Tristan pulled out two blindfolds.

    ¡°This first surprise is for Jake and Faith, and Alyce has insisted you two wear these before we go any further.¡±

    ¡°Really Aly?¡± Dad gave her a look that said he was not thrilled, but would do it for her if she insisted.

    ¡°Yes, really. Put them on. Brandon and Kami will guide you so you don¡¯t run into anything.¡±

    Dad sighed, but gave in, putting his on while Mom giggled at him and put her own on. Brandon and Kami took their hands, guiding them down the path towards the house we had prepared for them. Alyce and Tristan had taken the lead, Cedric and I bringing up the rear.

    I grinned when we stopped at the house and Alyce opened the door, headed in and moved off to the side as the rest of us wandered in behind her. Once everyone was settled she set Rian down next to Tristan and walked over to Dad and Mom. She took hold of the blindfolds, loosening them just enough that she could pull them off easily. ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Dad said.

    ¡°Ready!¡± Mom laughed.

    Alyce pulled the blindfolds off simultaneously as she exclaimed, ¡°Ta-Da!¡±

    They took a moment to process what they were seeing. Mom looked over at Alyce, ¡°Is this¡­ Is this for us?¡±

    Alyce grinned and nodded. ¡°Yes ma¡¯am! I know it¡¯s a little sparse, but I also know you prefer to make your space your own, so I didn¡¯t get anything other than the basic necessities. It¡¯s also smaller than what you had-¡±

    Alyce was cut off by Mom pulling her into a hug that caught her off guard, followed by Dad hugging them both. ¡°It¡¯s perfect Alyce, thank you!¡± Mom laughed a bit at Alyce¡¯s worries.

    ¡°Besides, they don¡¯t have to put up with me anymore. At least not in the aspect of living under their roof.¡± I smirked a bit.

    ¡°And it¡¯s still close enough to the pack house that we can get there in no time if necessary.¡± Dad murmured, more to himself than anyone in particular, the strategic side of his mind and his protective nature kicking in.

    I looked at Alyce and rolled my eyes a little, opening a mind link to her. *Do you think they¡¯ll ever treat us like adults?*

    *You? Maybe, in like 5 years. Me? Probably not. Too much time spent looking after me in Red Moon. I¡¯ll be getting ¡®mom¡¯ talks when I¡¯m 118, much less 23 or even 30.*

    *Pfft, we¡¯ll both be getting ¡®mom¡¯ talks until the day she joins the Goddess. It¡¯s gonna be a long, long couple hundred years.* I closed the mind link as she and I broke into laughter, the rest of the group looking at us like we were nuts.

    Mom and Dad shot us both knowing looks, which just caused us to laugh harder.

    ¡°Care to share with the class?¡± Mom gave us that questioning mom look, crossing her arms over her chest.

    ¡°Nope.¡± Alyce and I said in unison, laughing even harder.

    Mom shook her head at us and Dad hid a grin. Alyce gave those who had not been in on this surprise a brief tour of the house and explained to us about the pack fund when Mom started to question whether or not she had used her money for all this. Knowing that set Mom at ease and we rejoined the others.

    ¡°Onto surprise number two!¡± Alyce giggled in excitement.

    Tristan picked Rian up and Rian snuggled into him as they joined Alyce at the head of the group. She led us out of the house and into the pack house. Cedric and I were greeted by some of the pack members as we made our way through to the stairs. We stopped there and some familiar blindfolds were produced.

    ¡°Mat and Cedric¡¯s turn!¡± Alyce snickered a bit as she pressed the call button for the elevator. At least she wasn¡¯t going to make us traverse the stairs blindfolded. Cedric and I both gave her a confused and curious look before putting on the blindfolds. Brandon and Kami once again taking on the roles of guides.

    I heard the ding of the elevator''s arrival a moment later and we were guided onto it. Someone, I¡¯m assuming Alyce, pressed the floor button and the doors slid shut and we were off, or rather up. The ride was short and when the doors opened again, we were led out and down a hallway. It was a short walk and then I heard a door open.

    ¡°Almost there.¡± Kami said as once again we were moving, through the door I heard open if I had to guess.

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    I heard everyone shuffling through the door, and I felt Alyce come up behind us as the others spread out a bit. ¡°Ready?¡±

    ¡°I was ready the minute we had to put these things on. You¡¯re torturing me now, Red.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t beat you just because you¡¯ve been gone a few days.¡± Alyce growled at me.

    I heard Cedric snickering beside me and I couldn¡¯t help but laugh too, ¡°Alright, alright. Stop torturing us and show us what the surprise is.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe I¡¯ll torture you a bit longer.¡± She took her time loosening the blindfolds so she could easily remove them at the same time.

    ¡°Ok, on the count of three.¡± Kami giggled a bit before counting. ¡°One¡­. Two¡­¡­ Two and a half¡­..¡±

    I groaned at her, ¡°You¡¯re as bad as Aly!¡±

    The whole group laughed and Kami exclaimed, ¡°Three!!¡±

    Alyce pulled the blindfolds off, revealing the suite of rooms that they had prepared for us. Cedric gasped and I reached over pulling Alyce into a tight hug. ¡°I knew you were planning to put us in a permanent room while we were gone, but this is above and beyond Aly. Thank you.¡±

    She squeezed me tightly, Cedric joining us for a group hug. ¡°Of course. No reason to have you guys crammed into a single room when we could give you a small apartment. It even has a small, but functional kitchenette so long as you don¡¯t need a full size oven.¡±

    She took one of my hands and one of Cedric''s, dragging us through the rooms to show us what they had put together for us. Her last stop was the kitchenette she had mentioned. Cedric¡¯s eyes lit up at the site and I smiled at her, thanking her without a word.

    ¡°Just don¡¯t let Mattie in here unsupervised if there¡¯s any actual cooking involved and you¡¯ll be ok.¡±

    I scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m not - that - bad. I can manage toast, frozen pizza and macaroni and cheese.¡±

    Alyce rolled her eyes at me, ¡°That¡¯s not really cooking Mattie.¡±

    ¡°What about your french toast?¡±

    ¡°Ok, so you can cook french toast, but how many pans did you ruin learning?¡±

    I huffed, not wanting to answer that. ¡°No comment.¡±

    Cedric laughed, patting my arm gently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m sure I can teach you.¡±

    I smiled at him and we headed back out to the others. Mom and Dad were the first to head for us, engulfing us all in one big group hug. The others eventually joining, even Rian who wiggled his way through our legs to reach Alyce.

    ¡°Thank you Alyce, everyone. These were wonderful surprises and very thoughtful.¡± I heard my mother¡¯s muffled voice coming from the center of the group.

    ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do. You all have done so much for me over the last 10 years. Besides, that¡¯s what family is for.¡±

    There were some murmured agreements on that sentiment throughout the group and then we all stepped back, ending the group hug. Cedric pulled me into his side and I laid my head on his shoulder.

    ¡°And what a wonderful family we have.¡± Tristan murmured against Alyce¡¯s head as he kissed the top of it lightly.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t have asked for a better one.¡± She smiled up at him before flashing her dazzling smile at the rest of us. ¡°Best family ever.¡±

    ¡°We need to get Cedric¡¯s truck unloaded. Anyone want to help?¡± I asked, eyeing them all.

    ¡°We will!¡± Kami volunteered herself and Brandon, who rolled his eyes a bit and grinned at her.

    ¡°Why do you think you can always boss me around?¡± He laughed as she dragged him out of the room, heading for the stairs.

    ¡°Oh quit your whining and be useful.¡± We heard her fussing at him as they left.

    ¡°I¡¯m always useful!¡±

    About that point we lost the conversation. We were dying. Alyce and Tristan swapped a knowing look, and I arched a brow at Alyce. She grinned at me with an innocent shrug. My eyes widened when I finally realized their line of thinking. She grinned as I caught on. I laughed, the others looking at me like I lost my mind as I said to Alyce, ¡°Oh, that would make so much sense.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn''t it though?¡± Alyce responded.

    Mom and Dad just chuckled at us as they left to go to their own room. They had their own stuff to move.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send a couple of Omega¡¯s to help you guys. Alyce and I have some things to deal with.¡± Tristan offered as he picked Rian up.

    This drew my attention to Rian and then to Alyce, ¡°Fill me in later?¡±

    Cedric smiled, ¡°Thanks, appreciate the help.¡±

    ¡°Sure will.¡±

    ¡°If not, there will be 2am gossip!¡±

    ¡°If you do, there will be death!¡±

    Cedric and I left the room laughing as we headed down to help the others unload our stuff. Tristan and Alyce headed the opposite direction, heading for their room.

 Chapter 83

    ~Alyce~

    By the time we reached our room Rian¡¯s demeanor had changed some, he was quiet, and sullen, leaning into Tristan¡¯s chest like he was in deep thought.

    ¡°Rian? Are you ok?¡± I reached over, scooping him into my arms before settling into one of the chairs in the seating area, cuddling him in my lap.

    He shifted, sitting up in my lap to stare at my face, ¡°Why don¡¯t I have a famiwy?¡±

    The depth of the question hit me like a smack in the face and I blinked, glancing briefly at Tristan, who was as shocked as I was, before looking back to Rian, ¡°You have Miss Maggie. She¡¯s your family.¡±

    ¡°No, she just wooks after me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s part of what a family is, Rian. We look out for one another, whether that is telling someone they¡¯re not acting right, or helping them with whatever they¡¯re doing. It¡¯s unconditional love and speaking truths, even when it¡¯s maybe not what they want to hear.¡± Tristan said as he joined us, sitting on the floor next to my leg so we were all about the same level.

    Once again I could see the wheels turning in his head as he processed everything, ¡°Is not the same.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± I tiled my head at him in question. He was incredibly intelligent, much like I was at his age, and it made me wonder if it was a Fae trait.

    ¡°I wike Ma Maggie, but I don¡¯t feel wike famiwy wif her. Wike I do wif you, Awy. I want to stay wif you and Twistan.¡±

    ¡°We would love that Rian, but it¡¯s not as simple as that. Miss Maggie will be picking you up after dinner this evening.¡±

    ¡°Nuuu! No, no, no! I don¡¯t wanna weave!¡± His eyes filled with tears and he clung to me, crying into my chest. ¡°Pwease don¡¯t make me weave.¡±

    I looked at Tristan, my heart breaking with Rian¡¯s tiny pleas. I could empathize with him to no end on this particular stream of emotions. I rubbed Rian¡¯s back gently. ¡°You have to go with Miss Maggie tonight, but, if it¡¯s ok with her, I¡¯ll come get you from the daycare center once I finish some things I have to do in the morning. How does that sound?¡±

    Rian¡¯s tears and sniffles calmed down and he sat up once more, looking at me through his teary eyes, ¡°Pwomise?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I promise, as long as Miss Maggie agrees.¡±

    ¡°Okies. I¡¯ll go wif Ma Maggie tonight then.¡±

    ¡°That-a boy. Can I put on a movie for you until dinner?¡± Tristan asked. ¡°I need to talk to Alyce for a short bit.¡±

    ¡°Can I pick?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Tristan scooped him up, tickling his sides as he crossed over to the couch, dropping Rian on it like it was a trampoline. Rian was in a giggle fit. Tristan grabbed a remote off the end table and turned on the tv, picking a streaming service and scrolling through the kids movies until Rian stopped him on the most recent movie about the hotel for monsters.

    ¡°That one!¡±

    ¡°Alright. You stay here on the couch and Aly and I will be back in just a short bit ok?¡±

    ¡°Okies!¡±

    Tristan started the movie and I stood as he made his way to me, taking my hand and pulling me towards the kitchen area. From here we could keep an eye on Rian and still be out of his ear shot since he was too young to have his wolf yet.

    I gave him a perplexed look. ¡°What¡¯s going on Tristan? Is everything ok?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and this was not quite how I thought this conversation would happen, but watching you with the pups today had me wondering how you felt about having pups, if you ever wanted them. Then the way Rian reacts to you has me wondering if we should take him in permanently, adopt him officially.¡± He paused, taking a breath and gauging the look on my face, which I was purposely keeping interested, but blank.

    He continued. ¡°I think we, well you specifically, can provide him with something that is essential to him given his bloodlines. There is no one else in this pack with Fae blood. I know it¡¯s a lot, and I know it is sudden, and we certainly do not have to make any decisions now. I just wanted to put the thoughts in your head, get you thinking about them.¡±

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    Now it was his turn to sit quietly, watching me for a reaction, any inkling of how I might be feeling about what he¡¯s just suggested. I took a few moments to get my thoughts together before speaking.

    ¡°I do want pups. I have always wanted them, but I also prepared myself for the chance that I might never have them just depending on how my situation played out. Thankfully it went better than I ever could have imagined for myself.¡± I smiled softly at him and he reached over to hold my hands in his.

    ¡°We are not set up to take him in just like that, but you make some valid points. We will forever have him in our lives now that the bond of Fae blood has formed. We would have to tread lightly, and slowly with this. We still have Lucian and Silver Moon to contend with. We also would need to see how Miss Maggie would feel about this. She has been caring for him for the last few years.¡±

    ¡°I agree. Perhaps we can start with keeping him with us rather than the daycare center when Miss Maggie is at work.¡±

    ¡°It would give us time to make space for him. I¡¯m sure this floor has rooms made to be a nursery and children¡¯s rooms?¡±

    ¡°There are. The nursery room is off our bedroom, through the hidden door at the back of the closet. It doubles as a safe room.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to show me later. It sounds like a brilliant idea, wonder why more packs haven¡¯t thought of it.¡±

    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sure some have, but most Alpha¡¯s are too prideful to admit that a threat could even remotely reach the interior of the Alpha floor.¡±

    I snickered to the point I nearly snorted. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the truth. I¡¯m very lucky that you aren¡¯t that way. The children¡¯s rooms, I¡¯m assuming, are those two rooms to the right of our door?¡±

    ¡°Correct. We have the space. We would just need time to get it ready and to get everything else into place.¡±

    ¡°I am not in any way, shape, or form opposed to this. In fact I rather love the idea, we just have to go about it correctly. I don¡¯t think we should say anything to Rian about it until it¡¯s official and he doesn¡¯t have to leave again.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s probably the best plan. I think our first task should be talking to Miss Maggie about it. I can do that at dinner if you can keep Rian distracted while I talk to her?¡±

    ¡°Sure, I can do that.¡±

    ¡°I will also reach out to Mother and Father and get all the information about his parents and bloodlines that I can. That way we have as much information and history as we can get.¡±

    I sighed softly, wishing I knew more about the Fae or that my mother was still around to teach me. I would have to make time for those library books in the very near future and I also would need to pick Ivy¡¯s brain. She would know more than anyone else in the area. I also found myself wondering if my Grandparents might still be alive, and if Ivy might know how to reach out to them. This led to other questions though. If they were, why didn¡¯t they come for me? Of course maybe they presumed me dead like everyone else. Were they even still in the area, or had they returned to the Fae realm?

    I was lost in deep thought and it took Tristan kneeling in front of me and shaking me by the shoulders gently to bring me out of my own head. ¡°Half-Pint? Alyce! Snap out of it!¡±

    I blinked, my eyes shifting to him as my focus returned to reality. ¡°I¡¯m sorry love. I got lost in my own thoughts. I didn''t mean to scare you.¡±

    He smiled and kissed my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s alright. As long as you¡¯re ok. It was a lot of information to process and quite unexpectedly at that.¡±

    ¡°Yes, but it¡¯s important information and something I feel strongly that we should do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you feel that way. Should we perhaps speak with Aramyth and Ryder as well?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s probably a good idea, but later, after Rian has gone home with Miss Maggie for the evening. I will likely seek out the opinions of Mattie and his parents as well. Extra viewpoints can¡¯t hurt.¡±

    ¡°Good idea. We can relax and have that conversation after dinner and speak to Mat and his parents in the very near future. For now, we should probably get too dinner.¡± Tristan stood and pulled me to my feet, tucking me into his side as we headed out of the kitchen to get Rian.

    ¡°Rian, ready to go to dinner?¡± I held a hand out to him as we reached the couch. Tristan turned off the TV and Rian clambered down off the couch as quickly as he could to take my hand.

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m hungwy!¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± I chuckled softly and the three of us left our suites, heading down the hall. We stopped and picked up Mattie and Cedric along the way. Kami and Brandon were waiting at the base of the stairs for us.  Mat and Cedric used the short walk to the dining room to get to know Rian a little bit and once we were all together, we headed into the dining room as a group.

 Chapter 84

    We all headed over to the food line, Rian walking between Tristan and I. Several pack members cast curious glances our way at the sight of Rian with us. Miss Maggie was working the buffet this evening and Rian waved to her, and she waved back.

    Miss Maggie was an older lady, looking to be in her mid fifties by Human standards, so perhaps in her late 100s for a werewolf. Her long brown hair had wisps of gray throughout it and was pinned back in a bun while she worked. She was taller, perhaps 5¡¯9¡± or so, with a slightly curvy frame and well worn wrinkles on her hands, and laugh lines on her face.

    We made our way through the line, Rian telling us what he wanted on his plate, as he was still a bit short to reach the buffet counters. When everyone had their food we headed to a table. Rian¡¯s eyes were constantly darting around, taking in his surroundings as he kept close to me.

    Cedric leaned over to Mat as we sat down, motioning towards Rian. ¡°Remind you of anyone?¡±

    Mat chuckled, ¡°Sure does. Reminds me a lot of Grant.¡±

    ¡°Who is Grant?¡± Kami asked, starting in on her food.

    ¡°He¡¯s the pup of the Dark Forest Beta. Rian here reminds me quite a bit of him.¡± Cedric chuckled.

    Tristan and I had settled Rian between us and he started to eat. Tristan did as well, he was on a mission tonight. I turned my attention to the conversation the others were having. ¡°Then the Beta there must have their hands full.¡±

    ¡°Oh he does, but it¡¯s usually his mate, Cindy, that ends up chasing Grant around. He¡¯s a strong willed child who is desperate to start his training even though he¡¯s only about 3.¡±

    I chuckled, ¡°Sounds like a Beta child.¡±

    ¡°He is very much his father¡¯s son.¡± Cedric smirked.

    ¡°Did you guys get everything unloaded alright? I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t help. I had my hands full.¡±

    ¡°Yes we did, and don¡¯t worry about it, Aly. It¡¯s fine. Really.¡± Mat smiled and reached over patting my hand.

    ¡°There really wasn¡¯t too terribly much, mostly just boxes. We made short work of it.¡± Cedric grinned.

    ¡°Glad you got it done easily and quickly. Your rooms and furniture acceptable? I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t know your tastes very well Cedric, so I kinda just went with Mattie¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful Alyce, thank you. You didn¡¯t have to do all that though. It¡¯s definitely appreciated nonetheless.¡± Cedric said.

    ¡°You can thank Kami for the smaller essentials. I just picked the furniture.¡±

    ¡°I think I got everything. If not you can either order online, or head into town when you get the chance.¡± Kami spoke between bites of her food. Sometimes she was worse than the guys.

    ¡°Everything ok Tristan? You¡¯re being awfully quiet over there this evening.¡± Brandon asked.

    ¡°Yes, I just have something I need to see to that is a bit time sensitive is all.¡±

    ¡°Alright man, anything we can help with?¡±

    ¡°Not this time, but thank you.¡±

    Brandon nodded as Tristan finished his food and stood. I looked over at him, ¡°Leave your dishes. I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±

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    He smiled and kissed my forehead. ¡°Thanks Half-Pint.¡± He ruffled Rian¡¯s hair, ¡°I¡¯ll see you before you head home for the night.¡±

    Rian smiled up at him, mouth full of food, leaving him looking a bit like a chipmunk with full cheeks. He nodded and Tristan headed off to talk to Miss Maggie.

    Rian turned back to his food, which was almost gone, and I giggled. ¡°It¡¯s not going anywhere Rian, you¡¯re going to choke if you keep stuffing your mouth like that.¡±

    Rian swallowed what was in his mouth and pouted at my words a bit, ¡°But it¡¯s yummies.¡±

    ¡°I know, but smaller bites please.¡±

    ¡°Okies, Awy.¡±

    I smiled at him while he worked on smaller bites and then turned my attention to the others. Mat was once again studying Rian and I. I knew his curiosity was killing him, but it was not a discussion to be had in front of Rian. I looked at Kami and Brandon¡¯s empty plates and then grinned to myself as an idea formed.

    ¡°Maybe when you finish your food Rian, Kami and Brandon will take you through the dessert line.¡± I suggested nonchalantly, then opened a link to the two of them.

    *Mattie is going to kill me if I keep him in suspense about what is going on with Rian much longer. Could you two please maybe get him some ice cream and suggest eating it outside? I promise I will fill you both in after he heads home for the night, but I don¡¯t think Mattie¡¯s curiosity will wait much longer.*

    *Of course!* Kami responded.

    *We¡¯d be happy to help.* Brandon confirmed.

    *Thank you both, I appreciate it.*

    Brandon gathered up his and Kami¡¯s dishes as well as Tristan¡¯s. He took his time doing so, so that Rian was done by the time he had gathered Tristan¡¯s. He gathered Rian¡¯s as well while Kami stood and came around to offer Rian her hand. ¡°Shall we go and see about dessert?¡±

    ¡°Yay! Yes pwease!¡± Rian took her hand and she helped stabilize him as he got down from the table.

    Kami and Rian meandered towards the dessert area while Brandon took care of the dishes and then caught up to them, none of them in too much of a hurry. Once they were out of ear shot Mat pounced on me, ¡°Alright Alyce, spill.¡±

    I kept my voice low, not wanting others around us to over hear. ¡°So I spent some time at the daycare center this morning, and Rian took an instant shine to me. Even glared at Tristan at one point. It was cute and funny at the same time. Anyway, it turns out he is an orphan. His parents disappeared when he was just a few months old. Their pack link snapped a couple months after they disappeared.¡±

    I took a breath and continued, Mat and Cedric listening intently now. ¡°His mother was part Fae, and Rian¡¯s Fae blood recognized my Fae blood and an instant bond formed. It¡¯s a Fae thing, I can explain that more later once I have a better understanding of it. He lives with Maggie, the older Omega lady working the buffet tonight. When I tried to leave the daycare center to get ready to meet you two when you got back he broke down in tears, not wanting to leave me. With me so far? I know I¡¯m talking a mile a minute.¡±

    They both nodded and so I kept talking. ¡°So we got permission from Miss Maggie to have him hang out with us today rather than leave the daycare Omega¡¯s with a tantruming toddler. You know the rest of the story up until we parted ways for you guys to unload. While we were in our room Tristan mentioned that Rian would be heading home after dinner. He broke down in tears again, clinging to me, and saying he wants to live with Tristan and I.¡±

    Once again I stopped to breathe, taking a sip of my water as well. ¡°So, I told him if he goes home tonight I¡¯ll come get him from daycare to hang out tomorrow if Miss Maggie is ok with it. Then Tristan pulled me aside, talking about wanting to adopt him. He¡¯s the only pack member, other than myself, with Fae blood and that bond will only increase as time goes by. That¡¯s what he¡¯s doing right now, talking to Miss Maggie about it.¡±

    ¡°It would be a slow process, there¡¯s a lot to do before he could stay with us permanently and we still have Lucian and Silvermoon to handle, but I¡¯m actually as drawn to Rian as he is to me. So if Miss Maggie is agreeable, we will start putting all our ducks in a row to take him in permanently. I still plan on talking to Jake and Faith, and I had of course been planning to talk to you and get your opinion. I mean, he¡¯d then be your family too.¡±

    I looked at the pair, waiting for them to process everything and say something. I didn¡¯t have to wait too long before Mat spoke up, ¡°Uncle Mattie does have a nice ring to it. I¡¯m always happy to support you in whatever you want to do in life, Aly, you know that.¡±

    I flashed a brilliant smile at him and looked at Cedric, ¡°And how do you feel about it? You¡¯re family now too.¡±

    ¡°I think it is an amazing and admirable thing for you to do. As long as you are sure about it and are prepared for everything it brings. Like Mat, I will always support you, but I also want to make sure you¡¯ve thought this through. It¡¯s not something you can take back.¡±

    ¡°I have. I¡¯ve been thinking about it since Tristan suggested. While I don¡¯t think anyone is ever really prepared for kids, I also know what it¡¯s like to feel like you don¡¯t belong. The feeling of finding a place and people that feel like home is like nothing I could describe. Rian seems to feel that with us, and to be able to provide that for him would be both an honor and amazing.¡±

    ¡°Then I say go for it! We¡¯ll be here to help whenever you need it. That¡¯s what uncles are for right? Spoil them and send them home?¡±

    I laughed and moved around to hug them both tightly. ¡°You guys are amazing. I couldn¡¯t ask for better brothers. Thank you.¡±

    Tristan was just returning from his talk with Miss Maggie, looking around briefly before looking at me with a quizzical expression.

    ¡°He¡¯s with Kami and Brandon, they took him for some dessert so I could fill Mattie in before curiosity killed him.¡± I giggled and he smiled, laughing a bit himself. Now to hear what Miss Maggie had to say.

 Chapter 85

    ~Tristan~

    I had slipped away from the table once I had finished eating. The dinner session was just about over and I wanted to talk to Maggie before she helped clean up. I found her in the back kitchen. ¡°Miss Maggie? Can I have a few moments of your time?¡±

    She turned and looked at me, smiling. ¡°Of course Alpha, let me just dry my hands.¡± She grabbed a paper towel, drying her hands before tossing it and joining me. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±

    I led her over to a table on the far wall and we sat. ¡°As you know, we¡¯ve had Rian with us for the day and he has taken quite a shine to Luna Alyce. Mother said something about his Fae blood recognizing hers. Anyway, let me start with asking if Alyce can pick him up for the day from the daycare center again tomorrow after she finishes some things she needs to take care of?¡±

    ¡°Of course Alpha, I have no problem with you two watching him if it¡¯s not inconvenient to you.¡±

    ¡°No, not at all. We rather enjoy having him around. Which brings me to the main topic I wanted to discuss with you.¡±

    ¡°Is everything alright? He is behaving right? He can be quite a handful sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Of course, he¡¯s been very well behaved. He¡¯s been Alyce¡¯s little bodyguard, quite cute actually. Anyway, when we mentioned him coming home with you after dinner he started to cry again, asking us not to make him leave. It led me to spending some time thinking and talking with Alyce.¡±

    ¡°Poor child, I¡¯m afraid he doesn¡¯t get to be as social as most kids outside the daycare center. I work quite a bit since I train a lot of the younger Omegas coming into household staff positions.¡±

    ¡°Well I may have a solution to that as well. Please, hear me out. We would like to adopt him, take him in permanently, but only if it is something that is ok with you, and it would take some time to prepare everything and make a room ready for him.¡± I glanced at her, trying to gauge her reaction, but other than one of thoughtfulness it was hard to say. She was at least hearing me out, so I continued. ¡°I was also thinking that if you¡¯re ok with this, we might hire you on as his full time nanny. Not that you would have to care for him all the time, just that the position is a paid full-time position and you would be the one we called when neither of us could be with him. It would allow you to still see him regularly, or anytime really even if not technically on duty and allow you some more free time as well. You wouldn¡¯t have to work the kitchens anymore unless you wanted to help out of course.¡±

    I rubbed the back of my head, suddenly feeling a bit nervous and anxious. ¡°Please feel free to say no if you feel that is what¡¯s best. I want this to be a decision made without the influence of rank or title or anything like that.¡±

    I could tell she was processing this information, leaning back in her seat, hands folded on the table. I waited patiently, not wanting to push her, but after a few minutes I was trying not to squirm in my seat.

    Finally she sat back up straight and put me out of my misery, ¡°You said the Luna has Fae blood like he does?¡±

    ¡°She does, though I would ask that you keep that to yourself for the time being. She has not said anything about it for a very valid reason.¡±

    Maggie nodded, ¡°I have heard of Red Moons actions and I know where her true name comes from. Having said that, I heard nothing, I know nothing, I saw nothing.¡± She gave me a wink and a grin that made me think she might have been a handful herself in her younger years.

    I laughed a bit, ¡°And I thank you for all that nothing.¡±

    ¡°I have to agree that I think Rian would thrive better among someone with that particular shared trait, and I can think of no better people to take him in on a permanent scale, but I do have one request. If I may?¡±

    ¡°Of course, what is it?¡±

    ¡°Ok, so maybe two but they go hand in hand. I would ask that you have a back up nanny only so that I can continue to train new recruits. I rather enjoy it, and I would also ask that my time training be paid. Any other help in the kitchen will be volunteer so to speak.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, that¡¯s fine by me and I¡¯m sure Alyce would agree as well.¡±

    ¡°Now then, the funds from that paid training I would like put into a separate account along with some separate savings I have from my training hours. I¡¯ve been setting money aside to do some good with, to help with. I¡¯ve never known what to put it towards until now. I would like that account to be used to help Silvermoon when the time comes.¡± She gave me another mischievous smile.

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    ¡°Miss Maggie, I dare say you are a wise woman. I won¡¯t keep you from your work any longer. I suspect we¡¯re looking at anywhere from 4-8 weeks to get everything in place for this to become official and permanent, but your new position will start as soon as tomorrow if you like?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s start that position in two weeks. That will give me time to finish what I¡¯m already scheduled for and speak to Marie about my semi-retirement.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let me know if we need to adjust that at all. As far as I am concerned you are more Rian¡¯s Granny than his nanny, so feel free to take advantage of those privileges anytime.¡± I smiled at her and even gave her a bit of a hug before letting her get back to work.

    I wanted to run back out to Alyce, shouting for joy at the top of my lungs, but I also didn¡¯t want Rian to catch on to what was happening before we had a chance to tell him ourselves.

    I forced myself to walk back over to the table and join her and the guys. I looked around for Rian. When I didn¡¯t see him I gave Alyce a quizzical look.

    ¡°He¡¯s with Kami and Brandon, they took him for some dessert so I could fill Mattie in before curiosity killed him.¡± Alyce said with a giggle.

    I laughed softly and pulled her into my arms, hugging her tightly. I felt three sets of eyes on me, Mat, Cedric and Alyce all looking at me expectantly.

    ¡°Well! What did she say?¡± Alyce prodded me.

    ¡°Yeah, are we going to be Uncles in the near future?¡± Mat scooched closer as they were speaking so low no one other than those of us at the table would hear.

    ¡°Yes, tell us before the others still here begin to think us conspirators plotting a murder.¡±

    Alyce snickered, we did kind of come across as suspicious, huddled and whispering like that. ¡°How about we go up to Tristan¡¯s office. It¡¯s soundproof.¡±

    ¡°Good idea, Red!¡± Mat jumped up and took off out of the dining hall laughing.

    Alyce growled, ¡°I¡¯m gonna kill you, Mattie!¡± She really hated that name. She jumped out of my arms and took off after Mat.

    Cedric and I looked at each other, sighed with a chuckle and took off after the pair. I¡¯ll give it to Mat. He was great at making odd things or even planned things seem like normal, everyday occurrences. No one assumed we were up to something, just the twins being themselves.

    As we reached the stairs I sent Brandon a quick mindlink, letting him know we had relocated to the office and would let him know we would be back down shortly. Then we darted up the stairs full speed and reached the others as they were coming off the elevator.

    I unlocked the office and we all headed in. I had barely closed and locked the door before all three turned on me, expectant, impatient looks on their faces.

    ¡°And suddenly I feel like the prey and not the hunter.¡± I laughed. ¡°Sit down and I¡¯ll fill you in.¡±

    The others snickered a bit and sprawled out amongst the office furniture. I plopped into an armchair, Alyce making herself comfortable on the couch with Mat and Cedric, her legs draped across the pair.

    ¡°Ok, so what did Miss Maggie say?¡± Alyce prodded once again.

    ¡°So, let me start with this. She knows who you are, and where you come from. She recognized your name at the Luna Ceremony, she is old enough to remember the time of the last Alpha King, so it does not surprise me.¡±

    I watched Alyce stiffen and pale slightly, instant worry on her face. I reached over and took hold of her hand, giving it a squeeze. ¡°Your secret is safe with her, I promise.¡±

    She nodded and let out the breath she had been holding. ¡°Thank you. Now, stop torturing us and tell us what she said already!¡±

    ¡°She agreed! I also made her his full time nanny so that relationship continues. She has asked that the stipulation be that she continues to get paid for when she is training new staff and that we have a back up nanny for times when she is training and unavailable to us. I agreed to these terms. Not that I think we¡¯ll keep her out of the kitchen, but kitchen help will be her own thing.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like someone else we know.¡± Mat snickered.

    ¡°Eh, two someones. I like to sneak into the kitchen to cook too.¡± Cedric laughed.

    Alyce jumped up off the couch and into my lap with a squeal of delighted excitement. I hugged her tightly and kissed her softly.

    ¡°So when does this all happen?¡± Mat asked.

    ¡°It¡¯ll take anywhere from 4-8 weeks to make everything official, and I¡¯m hoping to have everything with Lucian and Silvermoon finished by then as well. She will be changing positions to nanny in a couple weeks. Which should give us time to prepare his room and a small space for her should she ever need to remain at the pack house with him. We might have to put in a door between a couple of rooms though.¡±

    ¡°We can worry about that all tomorrow. Mat and I can help you figure out layouts and spacing options.¡±

    Alyce glanced at the clock, ¡°Oh! We need to get back downstairs! Rian will be heading home with Maggie soon!¡± She hopped out of my lap and we all headed out of the office.

    ¡°We will tell him tomorrow. If we tell him tonight he may not go with Maggie easily. Tomorrow we will have time to really talk to him about it.¡± I said as we headed down the stairs.

    ¡°Agreed.¡± She smiled at me as we reached the base of the stairs, heading for the dining hall enterance.

 Chapter 86

    We headed into the dining hall just as Rian was coming in the back door with Kami and Brandon right behind him.

    ¡°Rian, inside feet!¡± Kami said sternly, Rian instantly slowed from a run to a walk, until he laid eyes on Alyce and then he was tearing across the hall again. ¡°Thank- Rian!¡±

    Brandon stifled a laugh as Kami threw her hands in the air in defeat. Alyce crouched to catch the whirlwind child, scooping him up into her arms to hug him before she narrowed her eyes at him, ¡°What did Miss Kami just say?¡±

    ¡°Inside feets.¡± Rian lowered his gaze a little, knowing he should have listened.

    ¡°Exactly. And why do we use inside feet?¡±

    ¡°So we don¡¯t twip and fall, or wun into someone on assident.¡±

    ¡°Ac-ci-dent.¡±

    ¡°Ac-ci-dent¡±

    ¡°Accident.¡±

    ¡°Assident.¡±

    Mat and Cedric were snickering quietly, as were a handful of the staff finishing the clean up. Kami turned to face Brandon, muffling her laugh in his chest, and he was biting his fist to stifle his own.

    ¡°We¡¯ll work on it. You¡¯ll get there.¡± Alyce smiled at him and glared at the others. I was grateful to be standing just behind her, as I was currently mimicking Brandon¡¯s pose.

    We composed ourselves quickly as Alyce continued speaking to Rian. ¡°Now, what should you do?¡±

    ¡°Use my inside feets?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and?¡±

    ¡°Wisten to the wules.¡±

    ¡°Mmhmm, anything else?¡± She tapped the tip of his nose lightly.

    He thought a moment, before his eyes lit up with the answer and he wiggled out of Alyce¡¯s arms. She let him slide to his feet and then he started to run a couple steps, before correcting himself to a walking pace. He went over to Kami and she crouched down to his height so she could look him in the eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sowwy Miss Kami.¡±

    ¡°I accept and understand. We all get excited and sometimes it¡¯s hard to follow the rules when that happens, but you showed that you learned from it when you corrected yourself coming over to me. Good job kiddo.¡± She was rewarded with a big smile and a hug from him before she stood back up.

    It was then that Miss Maggie came out of the back, hanging her apron on a hook by the door on her way. She walked over to the group of us smiling down at Rian, ¡°Did you have fun today Rian?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I even got ice cweam for dessewt.¡±

    ¡°You must have been well behaved to get a treat like that! I¡¯m glad to hear it.¡± Maggie glanced at me, sending me a brief mindlink. *Does he know yet?*

    *No, we¡¯re going to tell him tomorrow.*

    *Alright, I will say nothing then.*

    I smiled at her and nodded slightly. Kami and Brandon were looking at me curiously. I motioned towards Alyce with a brief nod of my head and then they seemed to understand. Alyce would tell them later.

    Alyce scooped Rian up and hugged him, ¡°I will come get you from the daycare center tomorrow after I have taken care of a few things ok?¡±

    ¡°Okies!¡± He hugged her neck tightly and kissed her cheek before she passed him to me.

    ¡°Don¡¯t give Miss Maggie any trouble ok?¡± I ruffled his hair a bit.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be goods. Pwomise.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± I hugged him and set him back down.

    He and Miss Maggie headed out the back door to head home for the night. Alyce looked at the group, ¡°Junk food and a random movie for background noise in our room, while we fill in Kami and Brandon?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll get the snacks!¡± Kami and Mat said in unison, laughing as they ran off to the pantry.

    I rolled my eyes a bit at the two. ¡°Welcome to the madhouse Cedric, featuring Mayhem,¡± He motioned to me, and then towards the pantry, ¡°Chaos and Destruction. We¡¯ll have you join the pack officially in the next few days.¡±

    Cedric laughed, rolling with it. ¡°Don¡¯t madhouses usually have those lovely jackets that let you hug yourself?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid we¡¯re fresh out. Seems like the shipment is always getting lost.¡± Alyce joined in.

    ¡°May-hem maybe have something to do with that?¡± He asked.

    ¡°More likely Chaos. He¡¯s always up to no good.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, that makes sense.¡±

    We waited for Mat and Kami to return with enough junk food to make someone sick from the sugar. ¡°We heard that.¡± Kami huffed.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she was laughing until she realized she¡¯s Destruction. We can call her Des, for short.¡± Mat cackled, narrowly dodging the back of skittles Kami threw at his head.

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    ¡°See? Destruction.¡± Alyce giggled and picked up the skittles.

    We took the elevator up, heading to our room once we reached the fifth floor. Inside the junk food was put on the coffee table and Cedric found some mini-documentary series to put on in the background.

    Once we were all settled in and munching on various snacks, Alyce filled Kami and Brandon in on what was going on. It was like a highlights, cliff notes version.

    ¡°This is so exciting!¡± Kami squealed, throwing herself at me to pull me into a hug.

    I laughed a bit, Tristan shaking his head a little at her as he spoke, ¡°We¡¯re pretty excited too.¡±

    ¡°I have to admit, with the blood bond and the obvious natural affection between the three of you, it does seem like with you two is the best place for him.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Rian will like shopping with his Auntie and Uncle!¡± Kami¡¯s eyes got wide with excitement. Mat nodding in support of this idea

    ¡°Hey now, let¡¯s not spoil the child.¡± Tristan sighed at Kami.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hold your breath Tristan. She and Mattie are going to be hopeless on that front.¡± I giggled softly, knowing exactly how those two were going to be.

    ¡°We won¡¯t be -that- bad!¡± Mat defended.

    ¡°Sure you won¡¯t, not if the shopping is supervised anyway. It¡¯s the unsupervised shopping I¡¯m worried about at this point.¡± I snickered.

    ¡°I¡¯ve no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Kami gave me an innocent look.

    ¡°Uh-huh. None of us are buying that story Kam.¡± Brandon chuckled.

    Kami pouted at him, ¡°Whose side are you on here?¡±

    ¡°The winning side in this case, duh.¡±

    She scoffed and grabbed one of the cushions off the couch, and thwacked Brandon in the chest with it, knocking him off balance. As he was sitting on the arm of the couch and caught off guard he fell backwards, landing on the floor.

    ¡°OOF!¡± We heard him hit with a thud.

    ¡°Brandon!¡± I exclaimed, laughing as I did so.

    ¡°Sorry, but only kinda!¡± Kami giggled.

    ¡°Are you alright Brandon?¡± Cedric asked.

    I leaned over across Kami¡¯s lap to peek over the arm of the couch, ¡°He¡¯s fine. Is his face supposed to be blue though?¡±

    I could see the amusement on Brandon¡¯s face as he kept perfectly still and quiet, playing into the ruse I had just started.

    ¡°What!?¡± Kami started to panic a little, trying to shove me off of her. I did not make that an easy task and she had to struggle to shove me off her.

    I nearly slid off the couch myself, but Tristan caught me in his arms and pulled me effortlessly into his lap, whispering in my ear, ¡°You¡¯re terrible, Half-Pint.¡±

    I tried desperately not to giggle as Kami scrambled to the arm of the couch to look at Brandon. I failed to not giggle as her hectic momentum carried her over the arm of the couch and right onto Brandon¡¯s chest.

    He caught her and I was instantly in a giggle fit, his own laughter soon sounding out with mine.

    ¡°Worried about me, Kami?¡± He still had his arms wrapped around her, and I don¡¯t think either of them really noticed, or minded for that matter.

    ¡°Of course! Tristan might kill me if I were responsible for something happening to his Gamma. I¡¯m too young and pretty to die! Now let me go you big lug!¡±

    He reluctantly removed his arms from her, ¡°Well I can¡¯t really argue with that statement.¡±

    Kami blushed a little at his implication and climbed off him, taking the hand Cedric offered to help her keep her balance.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I wouldn¡¯t kill you.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°Yeah, we could just promote Cedric, it¡¯d be fine.¡± Mat teased.

    ¡°I can feel the love around here.¡± Brandon laughed as he sat up and then got to his feet.

    ¡°I would make sure we threw one hell of a party in your honor.¡± I snickered.

    ¡°Oh well then, someone push me off the couch again would ya? I¡¯ll fake my death and attend the party.¡±

    ¡°My turn!¡± Tristan volunteered.

    ¡°I dunno, if you do I might actually not get back up.¡± Brandon laughed.

    ¡°Well I could always do it then.¡± I glanced sideways at him with a smirk.

    ¡°That¡¯s even worse. I watched you in that spar.¡±

    ¡°Just what are you implying hmm?¡±

    ¡°That I might not get up again if you did it either.¡±

    I laughed. Cedric was laughing too. ¡°She is a pretty tough cookie.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an understatement.¡± Mat agreed.

    ¡°Who was it that decided cookies are tough? Good cookies are anything but.¡± I pondered, laying my head on Tristan¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°You have a valid point.¡± Kami said.

    ¡°Perhaps a more accurate statement would be, tough coconut?¡± Cedric suggested.

    ¡°Or just a tough nut.¡± Mat shrugged.

    ¡°Tough as nails.¡± Brandon said.

    ¡°That one seems appropriate.¡± Tristan said.

    I rolled my eyes at them a bit. ¡°Now I¡¯m the one feeling the love.¡±

    ¡°We can kick them out and I¡¯ll show you some love alright.¡± Tristan murmured, but not softly enough.

    The others started snickering and my face turned as red as a tomato.

    ¡°Oo-la-la.¡± Kami wiggled her eyebrows at us.

    ¡°Bow chicka wow wow.¡± Mat was right there with her, teasing me.

    I grabbed a couple of the couch pillows and chucked them at the two of them. I hit Kami square in the face and Mat managed to dodge the face hit, but still took it to his shoulder.

    ¡°Assault! Assault!¡± Mat cackled as he threw the pillow back at me.

    I caught it and flew out of Tristan¡¯s lap, tackling Mat to the floor. ¡°I¡¯ll show you assault alright!¡±

    Mat and I started rolling around on the floor, each of us trying to get the upper hand on the other.

 Chapter 87

    Tristan leaned back into the couch, letting Mat and I work it out, ¡°Guess it¡¯s a good thing Rian didn¡¯t stay. He would no doubt be trying to beat Mat up right about now.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Kami asked. Brandon and Cedric dropped onto the couch with her and Tristan, forcing her to squish herself between the arm of the couch and Brandon.

    ¡°He is fiercely protective of her. Did I not mention he glared at me the first time I saw him, simply because I sat by her and he was in her lap.¡±

    ¡°I would say it¡¯s the bond, but it¡¯s more likely a combination of the bond and Aly¡¯s natural aura. Everyone feels the need to protect her.¡± Cedric said, thinking a moment before adding, ¡°And anyone who doesn¡¯t, would be instantly suspicious in my book. Especially if they had spent more than 5 or 10 minutes getting to know her.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, that¡¯s a valid point, but probably not something to live by, so to speak.¡± Tristan nodded in agreement.

    ¡°Speaking of living¡­ Did, uh, you tell mom and dad about Rian yet?¡±

    Tristan stilled and even I kind of paled as I finally got Mat pinned to the floor. ¡°Shit. No.¡± I flicked Mat between the eyes, as hard as I could, grinning when he flinched and winced a little. ¡°I win.¡±

    I stood, letting Mat up and walked to Tristan, sitting in his lap once more. Mat rubbed the bridge of his nose as he got to his feet and rejoined Cedric on the couch, which ultimately forced Kami to shift so she was practically in Brandon¡¯s lap even though she was trying to keep herself more on the arm of the couch.

    ¡°Think it¡¯s too late to tell your parents tonight?¡± I asked Tristan.

    ¡°They might still be awake. If not, we can tell them first thing in the morning.¡± He answered.

    I nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll reach out to Ivy.¡±

    ¡°Afterwards we should go for a run, burn off some energy?¡±

    I heard the group agreeing as I closed my eyes and opened the link to both Daemon and Ivy. *Good evening Ivy, Daemon, are you still awake?*

    I waited, Ivy coming across the link just a moment later. *Yes Alyce. Is everything ok?*

    *Yes, everything is fine, but could you and Daemon join us in our room for a few minutes? We have some news to share.*

    *Of course. We¡¯ll be up shortly.*

    *Thank you.*

    I closed the link and looked at Tristan. ¡°They¡¯ll be up in a few minutes.¡±

    He kissed my forehead and smiled softly at me, ¡°Thank you, my love.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, you¡¯re welcome.¡±

    ¡°Sickeningly sweet¡­¡± Kami whispered to Brandon, who nodded and grinned at her as she giggled.

    Mat and Cedric were laughing a little. Cedric pulling Mat further into his lap, snuggling him. Mat nuzzled Cedric, kissing him softly.

    ¡°Aww not you two also.¡± Kami groaned a bit and Brandon laughed softly and patted her back lightly.

    ¡°They¡¯re only doing it to get a rise out of you.¡± Brandon whispered to her.

    ¡°I know, what¡¯s worse is they succeeded.¡± She pouted at Brandon and I watched his hands twitch. His body language said he wanted to pull her close and console that pout on her face away, but he was keeping himself under control.

    I opened a link to Tristan. *I think Brandon might be into Kami without the mate link, or perhaps he¡¯s picking up on the link forming on a subconscious level.*

    *Let¡¯s hope it¡¯s the latter. I¡¯d rather not have him broken hearted if he¡¯s not her mate when her birthday comes around in a few weeks.*

    *Indeed. They compliment each other well, work well together even. I think I¡¯ll be a little disappointed myself if they turn out not to be mates.*

    *I might be too at this point.*

    Our conversation was interrupted by a knock on the room door, followed by it opening and Ivy and Daemon letting themselves in.

    ¡°Good evening everyone!¡± Ivy greeted, hugging everyone in turn as she reached us, Cedric and I being the receivers of the longest embraces.

    ¡°Hey there. Thanks for coming up on short notice. It¡¯s been a bit of a crazy day.¡± I said, hugging Daemon next.

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    ¡°Oh I¡¯m sure. I hear you two had Rian with you for the day.¡± Ivy smiled.

    ¡°We did. It¡¯s actually him that we want to talk to you about.¡± Tristan replied.

    ¡°Oh? Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°Well, other than the bond starting to form, which I told you about this morning. Rian is going to be coming to stay with us permanently in a few weeks. Once we can get everything officially in order.¡±

    ¡°In order? What do you mean?¡± Daemon asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re adopting Rian. We¡¯ve already discussed it with Miss Maggie, he¡¯ll be staying with her until we can prepare for him, and he does not know any of this yet. We will be telling him tomorrow after I pick him up from the daycare center.¡± I answered.

    Ivy exclaimed in joy, ¡°Oh, that¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Daemon grinned, ¡°That is good news!¡±

    ¡°Can you help us with the paperwork, Mother?¡± Tristan asked.

    ¡°Absolutely! I¡¯d love to!¡±

    ¡°Thank you. It is much appreciated.¡± I smiled at them.

    ¡°Of course my darling.¡±

    ¡°Our family is growing quickly and in some unexpected but happy ways.¡± Daemon chuckled, patting Mat and Cedric¡¯s shoulders.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re happy to be part of it.¡± Mat said.

    ¡°Truly honored.¡± Cedric added.

    ¡°We are a pretty awesome family.¡± Kami giggled.

    ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that.¡± I chuckled at her.

    ¡°All that¡¯s left is for Kami to find her mate, with any luck in a few weeks.¡± Ivy was giddy at her growing family circle.

    ¡°And Brandon to find his.¡± I added.

    ¡°Yeah, he might as well be family.¡± Tristan said.

    ¡°The younger brother Tristan never wanted.¡± Brandon joked.

    ¡°Oh come on, you¡¯re my best friend man. You know that.¡±

    ¡°I do know.¡±

    Mat and I grinned at each other, completely understanding the dynamic between Tristan and Brandon.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s getting late, everyone should go get some rest, which means your own rooms.¡± Ivy said with a stern smile.

    ¡®Yes ma¡¯ams¡¯ and ¡®Yes moms¡¯ resounded throughout the group, causing me to giggle a little. ¡°We¡¯ll see you all tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get the paperwork together tomorrow and we can find some time to go over it together.¡± Ivy said, hugging Tristan and I once more.

    ¡°Sounds good. Thank you again.¡±

    ¡°No thanks needed.¡± Daemon said, hugging me and patting Tristan on the back.

    *We¡¯ll meet in an hour for a run. I don¡¯t think any of us are ready to sleep tonight.* Tristan sent out a group link to Kami, Brandon, Mat and myself. Mat would let Cedric know.

    Everyone shuffled out and I flopped onto our bed as Tristan closed the door behind them. I sighed, both happy and a bit exhausted, or maybe that was the sudden hunger I felt, my stomach growling to announce it.

    ¡°Hungry, Half-Pint?¡±

    ¡°Apparently so.¡± I giggled, hopping off the bed.

    ¡°Well let¡¯s get you fed before the run. What sounds good?¡±

    ¡°Mmm, grilled cheese?¡±

    ¡°You got it gorgeous.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too good to me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re sweet, but that¡¯s not really a factual statement.¡±

    ¡°No?¡±

    He kissed the tip of my nose and smiled, resting his forehead against mine, ¡°No. I¡¯m not good enough. You are amazing and I¡¯m not sure there¡¯s any male alive that deserves you, but I am damn happy that I am the one who was lucky enough to get you.¡±

    ¡°Now who¡¯s the sweet one hmm?¡± I kissed him softly and smiled at him.

    ¡°Both of us. Now, I¡¯ll go make you some food, you relax.¡±

    ¡°Yes Alpha.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you start that Half-Pint, not when we¡¯re supposed to go on a run in 45 minutes.¡±

    I giggled and went and curled up in a chair. ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±

    ¡°Sure you don¡¯t.¡± He headed into the kitchen, shaking his head at me with a grin.

    I smiled at him and relaxed, grabbing a book off one of the end tables. I read the back cover, pretty sure it was once of Tristan¡¯s and not one of mine as I didn¡¯t recognize it. The description read like a run of the mill fantasy. Group of experienced adventurers traveling the lands in an attempt to stop some long trapped evil that was threatening to re-emerge.

    I opened it, reading it without paying too much attention so I didn¡¯t get sucked in. I had lost myself countless tales over the years, using them as an escape in my younger years, avoiding the realities that were starting to take hold in my world.

    I found myself lost in thought and nearly missing it when Tristan brought out a plate, stacked with grilled cheese sandwiches, both traditional and some with ham on them as well. ¡°Come eat, Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for cooking.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    I set the book aside and hopped up. I headed over to join him at the table for a fuel up before our run.

 Chapter 88

    I woke before my alarm the next morning, despite being exhausted from yesterday''s events, followed by the run. I was determined to make it to training this morning. Peeling my eyes open I was sprawled over Tristan¡¯s chest, encompassed in his arms, as per usual. I smiled, waking up this way in the morning was always the best in my opinion.

    Carefully I slipped from his arms, heading for the bathroom for a quick shower followed by a trip into the closet to put on some clothes for training. I heard Tristan coming around as I was pulling on a pair of leggings.

    ¡°Good morning sunshine,¡± I called to him as I slipped on a pair of sneakers.

    ¡°Mmm, good morning gorgeous. Why are you up this early?¡±

    ¡°Training?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t for another hour.¡±

    ¡°Ah, but I have to get Mat¡¯s ass outta bed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair I suppose. I¡¯ll get ready while you get him up and moving then.¡±

    ¡°Ok. If I don¡¯t see you before then I¡¯ll see you on the field.¡±

    I went over and gave him a soft kiss, narrowly dodging his attempt to pull me back into bed. I giggled at him.

    ¡°Nice try. I¡¯ll see you shortly.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t blame a guy for wanting his mate next to him in bed.¡±

    ¡°No, I certainly can¡¯t.¡± I grinned at him and slipped from the room, heading down the hall towards Mat and Cedric¡¯s room.

    Banging on the door loudly I hollered through it. ¡°Good morning Mattie, get your ass up or I¡¯m coming in! This is your only warning! Also, sorry Cedric!¡±

    I waited a moment, heard a pillow hit the other side of the door and Mat growling, ¡°Go away, Aly!¡±

    ¡°Training this morning Mattie. You have 10 seconds! 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5-¡±

    The door swung open, Cedric behind it in a pair of shorts and Mat clearly still in bed. I grinned at Cedric,

    ¡°Good morning. I should have known it would be easy to get a head warrior up for training.¡±

    ¡°I try to never miss it.¡±

    ¡°Mattie on the other hand¡­ Has to be drug by his ear, kicking and screaming sometimes.¡±

    ¡°So I¡¯m learning.¡±

    I laughed a bit, ¡°Tristan will meet us on the field depending on how long it takes to get Mattie up and moving. I can handle that if you want to get ready.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure. Been doing this for a long time.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll leave you to it.¡± He headed into the bathroom.

    I ran over to the bed, jumping on Mat, ¡°Gooooood mooooorning! Time to get up!¡±

    I squealed and laughed as he threw me off onto the empty side of the bed. ¡°Aly, you¡¯re far too chipper in the morning. Go back to bed.¡±

    ¡°Nope. Training this morning. Cedric¡¯s already getting ready.¡± I grabbed a pillow and hit him in the chest with it. ¡°Come on!¡±

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    ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯m up! You¡¯re evil Red.¡±

    ¡°And you have a death wish!¡± I smacked him with the pillow again. ¡°Do you want I should get Mom next time?¡±

    ¡°No! Evil little imp!¡±

    I laughed and rolled off the bed to my feet as he got up, turning away when I realized he was naked. I only turned around again when I heard him shuffle into the closet.

    Cedric emerged from the bathroom and Mat from the closet before the crossed the room, meeting in the middle and sharing a brief kiss before swapping locations. Mat headed for the bathroom and Cedric for the closet.

    ¡°I will see you both on the field in thirty. Do not make me come back up here Matheau!¡± I growled at Mat, then flashed Cedric a smile and a wave.

    Slipping out of their room I headed down the stairs and into the kitchen. I grabbed a protein bar out of the pantry and headed out the back door for the training grounds.

    ~Tristan~

    I was just leaving the bedroom when Mat and Cedric emerged from their¡¯s. Since I didn¡¯t see Alyce with them, I assumed she had already headed down.

    ¡°Well don¡¯t you look bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning, Mat.¡± I smirked.

    ¡°Yes well, my sister is as sweet about getting me out of bed as I am about getting her up, so I suppose it¡¯s fair.¡±

    ¡°Where is she anyway?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°If she¡¯s not with you two, she must be down at the training field already.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get moving then, if I¡¯m late she¡¯ll kick my ass.¡± Mat grumbled.

    Cedric and I chuckled as we headed down the stairs and out to the field with a bit of a hurry in our step.

    As we approached the field I saw other pack members gathering, but I didn¡¯t see Alyce. My eyes were darting along the group, looking for her. Finally I spotted her and made my way over to her, wrapping my arms around her and kissing her temple lightly. ¡°Hello my love.¡±

    ¡°Hey there. Did Mattie make it down?¡±

    ¡°He did, as did Cedric.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t worried about Cedric, he was Dark Forest¡¯s Head Warrior. Training is in his blood.¡±

    I laughed a bit, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    I turned my head and caught Cedric¡¯s eye, waving him over to join us. He and Mat came over, Cedric nodding to Victor. ¡°Good morning Victor.¡±

    ¡°Good morning Cedric, Mat.¡±

    ¡°Morning, I don¡¯t know about good, but morning.¡±

    Alyce rolled her eyes at him, ¡°So grumpy in the morning.¡±

    Mat threw her an annoyed look and she laughed, reaching over to pat him on the head. ¡°Oh stop it. You like training and you know it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. I just hate the ungodly hour that it occurs at.¡±

    I chuckled and turned my attention to Cedric and Victor, ¡°I would like Cedric to work with you today Victor, observing, getting a feel for the way we train so that he can help out and it will be essentially a seamless transition.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a good plan. I wouldn¡¯t wish to hinder training and who knows, maybe I can bring something useful to the table as well. I¡¯ll simply observe this morning''s training if that¡¯s ok with you?¡± Cedric asked.

    Victor nodded, ¡°Absolutely, but do feel free to speak up if you see the need too, otherwise we can compare notes after training, so to speak.¡±

    ¡°I will, thank you.¡±

    ¡°I will also be calling an impromptu, brief meeting after breakfast. It¡¯s about time we sent Lucian an invite to visit, and I¡¯m thinking that a celebration of Cedric joining the pack might be the perfect excuse, but we can discuss all that later this morning.¡± I threw the information out there for them to mull over in the meantime.

    ¡°We will get Rian after the meeting then, no need for him to be privy to all of this going on.¡± Alyce said.

    ¡°I agree. He¡¯s much too young to overhear any of this. He¡¯ll grow up soon enough.¡±

    ¡°We all do, some faster than others.¡± Mat said softly.

    Alyce nodded a bit, seemingly lost in thought for a moment.¡°Let¡¯s try and keep his childhood a childhood.¡±

    I smiled and squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Of course. We can show him the room that will be his and start planning it. It¡¯ll be a nice distraction for a short bit.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely. Alright, enough procrastinating. Let¡¯s get this training started already!¡±

    Mat and Alyce headed off to join the rest of the pack that was waiting on training to begin. I stayed up with Victor and Cedric for the moment.

    Victor let out a loud, sharp whistle, getting everyone¡¯s attention and I stepped forward to officially introduce Cedric. ¡°Good morning everyone! Before we begin today¡¯s training I have a brief introduction to make.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s attention was now on me, ¡°Many of you know that Mat, our Beta, found his mate at the Luna Ceremony. They have been gone for a few days, back in Dark Forest where Cedric is from, getting his things so that he can join us permanently.¡±

    There was a scattering of cheers and whistles. It was always a celebration when someone found their mate. I raised a hand quieting them down. Cedric stepped forward as I continued. ¡°Cedric was Dark Forest¡¯s Head Warrior. He will be joining us and stepping into a multi-purpose role for the time being. He will assist Mat with Beta duties when needed and he will also assist Victor as Head Warrior. Today he will simply be observing. I expect respect from all of you and know you will show him a warm Moonlight welcome!¡±

    Another round of cheering and applause, Cedric clearing his throat as it died down a bit, ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m not really one for long monologues. So let me just say that I appreciate the enthusiasm and I am happy to be part of Moonlight with Mat and all of you. I hope to bring useful skills to the table and improve upon what I¡¯m sure are already fantastic training skills. A second set of eyes on the field never hurts though and there is always room for improvement. That being said, let¡¯s get to work!¡±

    I went and joined the others as Victor started the training for the morning, Cedric watching, eyes always darting and observing. He would wander through the crowd at times, saying nothing, hands folded behind his back. He observed Mat from afar, but kept his distance so as not to distract him. This was how training went the rest of the morning.

 Chapter 89

    After training and breakfast Alyce and I headed up to my office. Once there we started to prepare for the meeting we were about to call. Alyce had snagged some snacks and was setting up a table with snacks and drinks. Nevermind that we had just had breakfast.

    ¡°You¡¯re adorable Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± She turned, looking at me a bit confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°We literally just came from breakfast, and you¡¯re still covering all the bases of a dutiful Luna hostess. It¡¯s adorable and I love you for it.¡±

    She blushed and smiled at me, ¡°Yes well, I know this is supposed to be a quick meeting, but they seldom are and every last one of you, other than maybe Ivy, are going to be hungry in the next 30 minutes. You¡¯re all, always munching on something.¡±

    I pulled her into my arms and kissed her forehead, ¡°I can¡¯t argue with that. Thank you for always being on top of everything. I appreciate you. Are we ready to call everyone in?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I think we are. If something else pops up I¡¯ll either slip out or get an Omega depending on what the need is.¡±

    I nodded and opened a mindlink to the group I needed to be present, which consisted of Kami, Victor, Mat, my parents, Mat¡¯s parents, Brandon, Bruce and Titus. *Good morning everyone. If you could come join Alyce and I in the office. We need to finalize inviting Lucian to the pack. Mat, please let Cedric know.*

    *Of course. I¡¯ll let him know and we¡¯ll be down shortly.* Mat responded.

    *We¡¯ll head that way now.* My father answered.

    *On my way.* Titus came through, followed by Bruce, *As am I.*

    *I¡¯m just wrapping up some patrol schedules with Jake. We¡¯ll be there just as soon as we finish.* Victor informed us.

    *I¡¯m doing rounds at the hospital. I will get the cliff notes from Jake.* Faith said.

    Brandon and Kami didn¡¯t respond on the link, but they walked through the door of the office almost as soon as everyone else had finished responding.

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Kami said.

    It wasn¡¯t long before the rest of the group trickled in. Other than Victor and Jake.

    ¡°I brought snacks and drinks if anyone wants something while we wait for Victor and Jake to arrive.¡± Alyce mentioned.

    ¡°Kami, you got all the supplies you needed last time we were in town, correct?¡± I asked.

    ¡°Sure did. We¡¯ll be able to make Alyce¡¯s bruises believable without an issue.¡±

    ¡°Good. I¡¯m not thrilled with the initial part of this plan, but we haven¡¯t any other option at this point.¡± I growled softly, Alyce came to lay her hand on my arm, her head against my chest. I wrapped her into my arms and buried my nose in her hair, taking in her scent.

    It was this point in the conversation that Jake and Victor walked in. He took in the scene briefly and gave the room a pondering look. ¡°Must be talking about the initial part of the plan. That¡¯s the only thing that would get both Tristan and Mat bristling.¡±

    Mat blinked, realizing he had his fists clenched so tight he had nail marks in his palms. ¡°Didn¡¯t even realize I was doing it¡­¡± He huffed and leaned into Cedric, who in turn wrapped an arm around him, tugging him into his side.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I know it¡¯s not an ideal option, but it is the best one we have and it only has to happen once for real. Any other time just has to be believable from afar, makeup will do the rest.¡± Alyce frowned at us.

    ¡°We know Alyce dear. We know and we understand, but you can¡¯t change a males defensive temperament.¡± My mother soothed her.

    ¡°The biggest test will be Tristan¡¯s. He has to pretend like he doesn¡¯t care, like he finds you a nuisance and even a bit pathetic and distasteful.¡± My father spoke, his tone tentative, knowing I wouldn¡¯t like what he had to say, true or not.

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    Every muscle in my body stiffened, my wolf¡¯s nature making me want to lash out at my father for even suggesting such a thing. He was right, it was going to take a lot of self control to keep my control and make my part believable. My only consolation was the fact that it was only an act and did not have to be maintained in private, only for the few days Lucian would be here.

    Alyce¡¯s arms slipped around my waist and she held me tightly, tilting her head a little as I buried my nose in her neck, listening to the words she was whispering in my ear, ¡°Shh, my love. It will be fine. I will be ok, you will be ok, we will be ok. It¡¯s for the pack¡¯s safety, Rian¡¯s safety, for the safety of any future pups we have.¡±

    The last sentence was all it took for my resolve to harden and steel myself to do what was necessary for the safety of my family, of my pack. ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not happy about it, but I can do it.¡± I stood up straight and sighed.

    ¡°I have faith in you son. We all do.¡± My mother smiled softly at me.

    ¡°Thank you. I appreciate that.¡±

    ¡°So what is the plan at this point then?¡± Titus asked.

    ¡°I am going to reach out to Lucian, under the guise of Victor searching for a mate. Invite him here, perhaps with a few of his unmated she-wolves and as well as a screening process for Victor to potentially, and hopefully, return to Silver Moon with Lucian temporarily.¡±

    Alyce spoke up. ¡°That will give us inside information, and seeing me will hopefully put Lucian on edge enough that he will want to have Victor on his side. Victor will get in with him and feed him false information. There will be limited or no training while he is here, we want him to think we are unguarded and even clumsy in our defenses.¡±

    ¡°We will still run patrols, but even the most peaceful and passive of packs does that so it will not add to one opinion or another on our ways. I will be inviting him to come out in two weeks time. This will give Cedric and Jake time to learn what needs to be learned to cover for Victor while he is gone.¡±

    ¡°What about Rian? His room remodel will be happening through this. It might draw questions.¡± Ivy mentioned

    ¡°He will be staying with Maggie through all of this. If Lucian bothers to notice or ask about the room preparations we will simply tell him that the room is being prepared in case the Beta¡¯s ever decide to have children in the future since they reside on the same floor. If that is alright with you two?¡± Alyce looked over at Mat and Cedric, both blushing ever so faintly.

    ¡°Uh sure, if you think that cover will work if necessary.¡± Cedric agreed, hastily trying to shift the conversation to another topic while Mat for once, was at a loss for words. ¡°Ok, so back to training. Could we do a training run rather than regular training, keep active for the few days he¡¯ll be here or do you really want to have zero training while he¡¯s here?¡±

    ¡°A run would be a good alternative, and not suspicious either given our nature.¡± Alyce nodded.

    ¡°Alright we will do that then. Unless anyone objects or has a better alternative?¡± Cedric looked pointedly at Victor and Jake, expecting that if there were any it would come from them.

    ¡°No, I agree with Alyce,¡± Jake said.

    ¡°Same, it¡¯s a really creative and low profile alternative to traditional training. I¡¯m impressed.¡± Victor agreed

    ¡°Alright.¡± I looked at Bruce, Brandon and Kami, all of whom had been quiet thus far. ¡°Anything else we need to address before we get the ball rolling on this?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. I think we have everything covered.¡± Bruce said.

    ¡°Actually-¡± Brandon started, ¡°We should probably join Cedric to the pack sooner rather than later so that we can communicate.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, that¡¯s a valid point.¡± I agreed.

    ¡°I will put together a small ceremony.¡± Ivy volunteered.

    ¡°Small¡­ You promise?¡± Kami looked at her mother.

    ¡°Perhaps, simple would be a better word.¡± Ivy smiled sweetly.

    ¡°It would also be a good time to lay out the Alpha orders in regards to these events. All pack members, from infants to elders needs to be present.¡±

    ¡°Ok, so how about we do a private, small joining ceremony and we can call a pack dinner later the same day for the briefing and relay of the alpha order?¡± Alyce suggested.

    ¡°Oh, I think I prefer that plan of action.¡± Cedric said. ¡°I¡¯m not one for large parties most of the time.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s settled. I¡¯ll plan the dinner, perhaps Alyce could try her hand at the small ceremony? Good practice for Luna duties.¡± Ivy suggested.

    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to!¡± Alyce smiled.

    ¡°With that all settled then, we should go get Rian.¡± I reminded Alyce.

    ¡°Oh yes, we should.¡± She grinned, her excitement almost tangible. ¡°Mat, Cedric, would you mind taking care of the clean up here for me?¡±

    ¡°Of course Aly.¡± Cedric said.

    ¡°You know we¡¯re always here for you. Go on, go hang out with your kid. Wow- That is still weird to say¡­¡± Mat grinned.

    Alyce let out a cackling laugh and moved to hug her brother. ¡°You¡¯re such a dork Mattie.¡±

    ¡°Come on Half-Pint, let¡¯s go get Rian.¡±

    The group filed out, other than Mat and Cedric who stayed to clean up, disbanding and headed out in our own directions.

 Chapter 90

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Tristan and I were headed for the daycare, my arm linked with his, ¡°Are you ready for this?¡±

    ¡°Getting Rian or dealing with Lucian?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking of the Lucian business when I asked, but now I¡¯m curious about both.¡±

    He stopped, forcing me to stop with him, and turned toward me. He removed his arm from mine and took hold of my face in his hands, staring me in the eye. ¡°I am absolutely ready to start a family with you. I am also absolutely ready to do whatever it takes to secure your safety and return your pack to you. Don¡¯t ever doubt any of that, Faelyn, ever.¡±

    I blushed and smiled softly at him. The sound of my true name on his lips always seemed to caress my skin and send chills down my spine while my heart fluttered. ¡°Yes, Alpha.¡±

    I could see his breath catch in his throat and his adams apple bob as he swallowed hard. ¡°You are going to be the death of me, Half-Pint. You know damn well what hearing that from you does to me.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about Alpha.¡± I smiled sweetly at him, giving him an innocent look.

    ¡°Mmhmm, I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t. Let¡¯s get moving before I decide to take you back to our room before we pick him up.¡±

    I giggled peeking up at him through my lashes as I hooked my arm with his again as we continued on towards the daycare center. One of the workers greeted us as we entered the front area, ¡°Alpha, Luna. Good morning. Are you here for Rian? Miss Maggie has left permission for you two to pick him up as you like.¡±

    ¡°Good morning Sally. Yes, we¡¯re going to take him for the day.¡± Tristan answered.

    I was looking over Sally¡¯s shoulder, watching as Rian heard Tristan¡¯s voice and instantly perked up. He looked towards the front where we were and as soon as he saw me he was on his feet and walking as quickly as he could without running.I was glad to see our talk about inside feet had stuck.

    ¡°Awy! Are you picking me up?¡± He was excited and I could tell he wanted to get out from behind the counter that separated the kids area from the front lobby of the building.

    ¡°Yes, yes we are, you¡¯re going to spend the day with us until Miss Maggie is done with work tonight.¡±

    ¡°Yay!¡± He exclaimed, and Sally opened the swinging gate in the counter, letting Rian out.

    I crouched down as he forgot himself and ran through the gate into my arms. ¡°I¡¯m happy to see you too, but inside feet.¡± I reminded him gently.

    He nodded and looked at Sally, ¡°Sowwy Miss Sawwy.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing much better with inside feet, Rian, we all forget sometimes.¡± She smiled at him and Tristan signed the log saying we took Rian out of the center.

    ¡°We have a surprise for you today, Rian.¡± Tristan ruffled his hair a bit as he spoke.

    ¡°Oooo, what is it?¡± Rian bounced in my arms a bit and I laughed.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to wait and see. It won¡¯t be too long before we get to show you, but we need to have a talk first, ok?¡±

    ¡°Okie!¡± He settled into my arms and Tristan and I headed back into the pack house and up to our rooms.

    I set Rian down inside as Tristan shut the door behind us, ¡°Do you want some lunch Rian?¡±

    ¡°Yes pwease!¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡± Tristan chimed in and I grinned at him.

    ¡°Alright, what do my two favorite guys want?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m happy with whatever you want to make, Half-Pint.¡± Tristan kissed the top of my head.

    ¡°Ok, and how about you Rian?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, can I has a sammich?¡±

    ¡°Sure, turkey, ham, PB&J?¡±

    ¡°Tuwkey pwease!¡±

    ¡°You got it buddy.¡± I headed into the kitchenette and put some water on to boil figuring I would make some macaroni and cheese to go with the sandwiches. I made each of us a turkey sandwich, Tristan¡¯s and mine had all the fixings, Rian¡¯s I put the toppings on the side so he could pick and choose.

    I added the noodles and some salt to the now boiling water, and set to slicing up some watermelon and washing some blueberries as well.

    It didn¡¯t take but about 20 minutes to pull lunch together. I poked my head out of the kitchen, looking at Tristan, ¡°Can you get Rian settled at the table? Lunch is ready.¡±

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    ¡°Of course.¡± Tristan smiled at me and then took Rian¡¯s hand, ¡°Come on kiddo, let¡¯s eat and then we¡¯ll talk.¡±

    ¡°And then my suwpwise?!¡±

    ¡°And then your surprise.¡±

    ¡°Yay!¡± He hopped off the couch, letting Tristan lead him by the hand to the table by the window. We would have to upgrade that table in the semi-near future, but for now it would be fine.

    I grabbed the plates off the counter, balancing two in one hand and one in the other as I used my hip to swing the door open and head out to the table with the boys. I set the plates down and then scooped Rian up, sitting him in the chair and scooching it into the table so he could eat.

    ¡°This looks delicious Half-Pint.¡± Tristan smiled and pulled the other chair out, ¡°You sit, I can stand, it¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll see about getting another chair or a different setup when we get everything else for the room remodel.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? I can put Rian on my lap.¡±

    ¡°Trying to eat around him won¡¯t be easy. I¡¯m sure.¡±

    I sat down, giving him a smile and he stood beside me. Rian looked at his plate and the sandwich fixings on it, ¡°What is this?¡±

    I looked over to see exactly what he was asking about, ¡°It¡¯s stuff that can go on your sandwich, like mine and Trisan¡¯s. I wasn¡¯t sure if you would want it so I put it on the side.¡±

    Rian looked at our sandwiches, and then proceeded to try a small nibble of the lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions on their own before deciding to put them all on his sandwich and take a bite. Tristan was laughing a bit as he ate his own sandwich.

    I started with my macaroni and cheese, ¡°I take it you like them?¡± I asked Rian.

    ¡°These round things -¡±

    ¡°Onions.¡± Tristan provided.

    ¡°Onons, taste a bit funny awone, but dey is good wif evewyting else.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty normal an opinion for everyone. Most people don¡¯t eat onions alone, especially raw ones.¡±

    Rian nodded and continued to eat his food while Tristan and I also ate. Tristan cleared the dishes when we were finished and Rian and I headed into the sitting area, plopping on the couch.

    ¡°Can I has my suwpwise now?¡± Rian asked.

    I smiled, ¡°Talk first, then your surprise. Just as soon as Tristan comes back.¡±

    ¡°Okies!¡±

    We didn¡¯t have to wait long, Tristan came out and joined us on the couch. Rian sat up in my lap, looking at Tristan expectantly.

    ¡°Ready Rian?¡± Tristan asked.

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? We can wait.¡±

    ¡°No!¡±

    I giggled. ¡°Stop teasing him.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright. So I had a talk with Miss Maggie.¡±

    ¡°You did?¡±

    ¡°I did.¡±

    ¡°Whys?¡±

    ¡°Well, because Alyce and I would like to adopt you. Do you know what that means?¡±

    Rian¡¯s eyes got wide as he shook his head no.

    ¡°It means,¡± I started, ¡°It means you would come live with us permanently. We would be your parents.¡±

    ¡°Weally?!¡± He started to bounce in excitement.

    ¡°Really, but we had to make sure Miss Maggie was ok with it, she has raised you since you were born after all.¡± Tristan nodded.

    ¡°What did Miss Maggie say?¡±

    ¡°She agreed to let us adopt you, but it will take some time, and you will have to stay with her until everything is done and your room is ready.¡±

    Rian hopped out of my lap to his feet, jumping up and down in excitement, ¡°YAY!¡±

    Tristan was chuckling and I was giggling at his excitement. ¡°Calm down Rian, before you accidentally hurt yourself.¡± I said.

    He climbed back into my lap and calmed himself, ¡°How long is ¡®some time¡¯?¡±

    ¡°A few weeks for it to become permanent, and Miss Maggie is going to be your nanny. Which means instead of the daycare center, you will be with Tristan, myself, or Miss Maggie, most of the time. Maybe your Uncles or Auntie Kami, but always family or Miss Maggie.¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯ll have a Mommy and Daddy? Like the west of the pups in the pack?¡± His eyes brightened and got wide once again.

    ¡°Yes, buddy, you will.¡± Tristan smiled.

    ¡°Can I call you Mommy and Daddy?¡±

    ¡°If you like, but that is up to you.¡± I kissed his head.

    ¡°Do I has to wait until it¡¯s officwal?¡±

    ¡°No, but we haven¡¯t told the whole pack yet, just the family and Miss Maggie.¡± Tristan answered.

    ¡°Can we tell dem now?¡±

    I laughed, ¡°Not -right- now, but soon.¡±

    ¡°Okies! Can I has my suwpwise now?¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Tristan stood and scooped Rian into his arms from my lap.

    I stood as well and sent a mindlink to Kami and Mat, *Can you meet us at Rian¡¯s room. We¡¯re going to show it to him and find out how he wants it decorated.*

    *Yes! Be right there!* Kami responded instantly, decorating meant she got to shop.

    *On my way. Cedric is meeting with Victor right now anyway. So it gives me something to do, plus shopping!* Mat answered next.

    ¡°Kami and Mat will meet us there.¡± I told Tristan, and the three of us headed out and just down the hall to what would be Rian¡¯s room.

 Chapter 91

    Kami and Mat were waiting for us at Rian¡¯s room. Before we went in though and crouched by Rian, ¡°So this is your surprise. This is going to be your room.¡±

    He gave me a big grin and his eyes twinkled in excitement, ¡°Weally?¡±

    ¡°Yes, right now it¡¯s kind of messy, so you will have to use your imagination. You also get to decide how to decorate it. Uncle Mat and Auntie Kami are going to help you pick stuff out and take you shopping to get everything.¡±

    He nodded and I smiled, taking his hand as I stood back up. Tristan opened the door and flipped on the light as he entered, the rest of us coming in behind him. The room was a bit dusty and had some boxes and miscellaneous furniture pieces stored in the corners.

    I let go of Rian¡¯s hand and crossed the room to open the curtains over the windows and then the windows to air it out a bit. The room was rather large, measuring roughly 10x15 if I had to estimate.

    The floors were wood, which would be nice as children were often messy, but we could put a large rug down too. The walls were painted in a typical off white color. There were two windows and a large closet.

    Rian ran around the room giggling, clearly excited about his new space. He stopped in front of me and tugged my pants, ¡°Mommy, this whole woom is for me?¡±

    ¡°Yes Rian, it is.¡± I smiled down at him, ignoring the ¡®aww¡¯ sounds coming from Mat and Kami at Rian calling me ¡®mommy¡¯.  ¡°Do you know how you want to decorate it?¡±

    ¡°We can decorate it any way you want to bud.¡± Tristan added. ¡°We can do a theme, or we can make a list and go to town and pick out whatever you see that you like and just do some mixing and matching.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a theme?¡± Rian looked at Tristan, unsure.

    ¡°A theme is where everything matches. Like doing everything in a forest style, or dinosaurs, or sports.¡±

    ¡°Ooooh, ummm¡­¡± Rian¡¯s eyebrows knitted together, as he started to think of the possibilities, ¡°Space, or ocean maybe?¡±

    ¡°Both good options.¡± I smiled down at him.

    Kami came over and crouched in front of Rian, ¡°We can go into town and see what we can find for those ideas and you can decide which you like more. We can also use the computer to look online for things too.¡±

    ¡°Today?¡± Rian asked, eyes filling with excitement.

    ¡°We sure can. Mat and I can take you into town if it¡¯s ok with your parents.¡± Kami grinned at him and shifted her gaze to look at us.

    I looked over at Tristan, he nodded a bit and I in turn nodded to Kami, ¡°I don¡¯t see any problem with that. Just window shopping today though. We need to clear out and clean up the room before we start buying things we need to complete the room.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go with them Half-Pint? I¡¯ll get some Omega¡¯s to clear the room and start the cleaning process. Maybe you guys can bring home paint and wall decor if you find any. That will have to be done before furniture is moved in any way.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need me here with your Beta gone?¡± I asked, not wanting to leave him short handed.

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    ¡°No love, I¡¯m just going to reach out to Lucian today and Brandon will be here if I need an extra hand. I promise to fill you in on all the details when you get back.¡±

    ¡°Alright, if you¡¯re sure?¡±

    He kissed my forehead and smiled. ¡°I¡¯m sure. Go on.¡±

    I smiled back at him and nodded before turning to Mat, ¡°Will you go get one of the trucks please? We also need a booster for Rian.¡±

    ¡°Of course I will.¡± Mat turned and headed for the door to go get a truck for us to take into town.

    Then I turned to Kami, ¡°Should we make a list of things we should look for?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a bad idea.¡± Kami said.

    ¡°Come on, you Rian and I can go make a list while Mat gets the truck.¡± I took Rian¡¯s hand and let him swing our hands between us a bit.

    ¡°Sounds good. Later Tristan.¡± Kami headed out.

    Rian and I followed behind her after Tristan kissed me and ruffled Rian¡¯s hair gently, ¡°You be good for Auntie Kami and your mom, ok?¡± He said to Rian as he handed me a card from his wallet. I tucked it into my pocket.

    ¡°I will. I pwomise!¡± Rian giggled and smiled at Tristan, waving as we walked out the door.

    The three of us headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Kami settled Rian onto a stool at the bar in the kitchen and I whipped up some sliced fruit for a quick snack before we left. We all munched on the fruit while Kami and I worked on the list. Mat walked in a few minutes later, helping himself to some fruit and adding to the list.

    Twenty minutes later we had our list complete, our snack eaten and we were on our way out the door to head to town. Will, one of the warriors from our very first trip into town was waiting at the truck for us.

    ¡°Good Morning Will! Are you joining us today?¡± I waved at him as we exited the pack house.

    ¡°Good Morning, nearly afternoon, Luna Alyce, Lady Kami, Beta Mat, Rian. Yes I am and I hear we¡¯re headed out to shop for a very important event today?¡± Will looked down at Rian, who was eyeing him up and down in return, and waved at him.

    ¡°Yes, yes we are. Rian, you know who Will is don¡¯t you?¡±

    Rian nodded and waved back at Will after another moment or two of observing. ¡°He¡¯s one of the wawwiows.¡±

    ¡°Yes he is. Now, let¡¯s load up and head into town then.¡± I climbed into the back seat of the pick up with Rian, getting him into the booster seat and strapped in.

    Kami went around to the other side, climbing in the back with Rian and I. Mat and Will took the front, Mat driving and Will in the passenger seat to keep an eye on things in our travels. Once everyone was settled, Mat started the truck and we headed off town.

    ~Tristan~

    I watched as the girls left with Rian and Mat, finding myself smiling at the sight of Rian and Alyce together. Once they cleared out I reached out to a few of the Omegas to start clearing the room.

    Truth was there wasn¡¯t a whole lot stored in there, and it would likely only take a couple hours to move the boxes and furniture from the bedroom out to a larger shed we had put on the territory a couple years back for this exact purpose.

    Once the Omega¡¯s had arrived and received their instructions, I headed downstairs to my office.

    *Brandon, Titus, meet me in the office if you¡¯re free please. It¡¯s time to invite our unwanted friend here.* I sent them a mindlink as I entered the office, leaving the door open for when they arrived.

    I crossed to the locked cabinet behind my desk, which was actually a bookshelf/filing cabinet setup, and unlocked it. Retrieving a small, navy blue book, which held contact information for every pack, I returned to my desk, sitting down and rifling through the book.

    Titus and Brandon entered my office and Titus¡¯ eyebrow arched at the sight of the book. Having been my father¡¯s Beta he was all too familiar with the book. ¡°It¡¯s time then?¡±

    Brandon looked a bit puzzled, ¡°Time? Time for what? What¡¯s with the book?¡±

    I nodded at Titus, ¡°It¡¯s time.¡± My gaze shifted to Brandon, ¡°It contains contact information for all the packs. It¡¯s time to contact Lucian.¡±

    ¡°I see. Let¡¯s get to it then.¡±

    I found the section of the book that held the information for Silver Moon in it and took a deep breath, steeling my nerves for what would come next. This was the turning point. There would be no backpedaling from this, but it was a necessary evil if we wanted to get what remained of Silver Moon back for Alyce.

    I let out the breath and wrapped my fingers around the receiver for the phone, picking it up out of the cradle before dialing the phone number to Silver Moon¡¯s Alpha line.

 Chapter 92

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Our  shopping trip had been pretty successful. Rian had decided on a split theme, wanting the ceiling and top quarter of his walls to be the night sky and the rest of his walls to look like the forest. So we had picked up all kinds of paint, including some glow in the dark and black light reactive paint to make that happen. We had also found the perfect forest green rug to go on his floor.

    We had ordered furniture made from logs of trees that had, had to come down for one reason or another and were repurposed into furniture rather than trees being harvested just for the sake of furniture. The furniture would take a couple weeks to even come in, much less be delivered, as it was all made to order and ours was a larger order, so it worked out perfectly.

    His mattress was ordered and would be held and delivered with furniture. We had found some wall decor and four sets of sheets. Two in a galaxy theme and two in a forest theme so he could switch them out as he liked and still match his theme.

    Mat and Will had been sure to keep an eye on Kami, Rian and I. More Will than Mat at times, as he just couldn¡¯t help himself when Rian wanted his opinion on something, he had an idea to share, or spotted something he wanted to show Rian.

    ¡°Mommy?¡± Rian was looking up at me, as he held a circular shelf with images of the planets on it, and another single shelf  with hooks on the mounting board under the display shelf.

    Glancing down at the ones he had, I smiled and canted my head at him. ¡°Yes my little Teine*.¡±

    ¡°Tei-Teine? What¡¯s dat mean, Mama? And can I get both of dese?¡± Curiosity was evident by the gleam in his eyes.

    ¡°It means ¡°fire¡±. You¡¯re my little fire.¡± I reached down and tousled his dark strawberry blonde curls, ¡°And yes you may. Let¡¯s get these in the cart.¡± Mat lifted Rian up, before I could, and Rian put his chosen wall accessories in the cart. He was very much about doing things himself, with just a little help.

    *Teine: Tie-ne - (Chen-na)

    ¡°Where to next, Aly?¡± Mat asked as he set a giggling Rian back down on his feet.

    ¡°Maybe some decor if we can find any in town, otherwise we can order some online.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan. What kind of decorations do you want, little man?¡± Mat ruffled Rian¡¯s hair.

    ¡°Mmmm, I want some bean bags, and a tree lamp and some space pitures!¡±

    ¡°We best get to work looking then. A tree lamp might be a bit hard to find around here though. We might have to order that online Teine.¡± I was laughing at his enthusiasm and Mat¡¯s reactions.

    ¡°I saw some bean bags on the back wall. Come on little man!¡± Mat took hold of Rian¡¯s hand and the pair made a bee-line for the area Mat had seen them in.

    Kami and I followed along behind them at a more leisurely pace, Will bringing up the rear as he continued to watch all of us.

    We spent about another hour in the store, making sure we had everything we needed for Rian¡¯s room, at least everything we could get locally. Kami had made a list on her cell phone of the things we would need to get online.

    ¡°All that¡¯s left is to pick up the make-up and supplies for our little covert action plan.¡± Kami grinned at me as the guys loaded our purchases into the truck. She was entirely way too excited about shopping and I found myself rolling my eyes at her while laughing.

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    ¡°I thought you had everything?¡± I questioned, arching a brow at her.

    ¡°I mean, yes, but no. I think the stuff I got is actually too dark for your complexion. I want to get a few things while you¡¯re with me so that I know that it will look realistic.¡± She gave me an innocent shrug. I was pretty sure she was up to something.

    ¡°Some place we can walk to or do we need to load up?¡± I lifted Rian, settling him on my hip as I gave in and asked Kami about where we needed to go. Rian laid his head on my shoulder and gave a barely perceivable yawn. I knew he was getting tired with all the excitement and I was thankful we were about done with this trip.

    ¡°It¡¯s just a couple blocks up. It¡¯s probably easier to walk.¡± She grinned at me, her eyes twinkling.

    ¡°We¡¯ll follow you then.¡±

    I felt a sudden anger rage through me and realized it wasn¡¯t mine. It was Tristans. I took advantage of our brief stop to reach out to him while the guys finished loading things into the truck. It was brief, but Kami questioned me silently when I was done and I just smiled, assuring her that everything was fine.

    Kami led the way once the guys had loaded the last of our previous purchases up. She and I walked side by side, with the guys behind and slightly to either side of us. With the pair of them flanking us it was a rather intimidating site, or at least they were. Rian snuggling into my arms did not do much for my intimidation factor, but that was fine by me. I didn¡¯t have much of one to begin with at first sight.

    We were soon entering the store Kami had spoken of, as usual, the sales people knew who she was on sight and fawned over her, hoping to earn her favor and a decent commission. Kami was polite in telling them that she was fine and knew what and where the things she was looking for were.

    Both the boys tagged along behind us this time as Kami drug me along with her, holding various things up against my face and arms as she matched tones to me. Occasionally she would find herself frustrated as I was paler than anything available.

    ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re getting more than just the stuff for our ploy?¡± I arched a brow at her in suspicion.

    She smiled sweetly at me. ¡°Why Aly, dear¡­ I would never.¡±

    I laughed, ¡°Liar. You know I¡¯m no good at applying any of this right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll teach you, and we¡¯ll keep it simple. I promise.¡± She was laughing right along with me.

    ¡°Fine, fine. I suppose there will be times it may be handy or even necessary for the basics. Only the basics though. Seriously.¡± I gave her a stern look, like I thought I could keep her from going overboard in any way, shape or form.

    With a squeal of delight she grinned at me. Rian looked at her, scrunching his nose up at her squeal. Clearly he didn¡¯t understand where she was coming from; frankly, that made two of us. We continued our trip through the store, Kami leading the way as she continued to check things against my skin tone before she returned them to their place or put them in the basket she was carrying.

    Thankfully she was gracious enough to make it a relatively short trip. By the time we had made it to the check out line she had gotten everything she needed to fake the bruises when Lucian visited as well as eyeliner, mascara, concealer, a handful of various eyeshadow colors and a few lip glosses and lipsticks.

    ¡°That seems like more than just the basics Kami¡­¡± I gave her a side eyed look of suspicion.

    ¡°I covered the bases for all your semi-formal and formal wear that we got. That way when you absolutely must look the traditional part, we have it covered.¡± She insisted as she grinned at me.

    ¡°Uh-huh. Sure.¡± I wasn¡¯t convinced, but I let it go as I slid Tristan¡¯s card in the POS device. I was trying to ignore the total on the digital display that was facing us. I would never spend that kind of money on myself, but Kami had valid points as long as she didn¡¯t get out of hand with it.

    The sales clerk bagged our items and Mat took the bag from her as I put Tristan¡¯s card back in my pocket. We thanked the sales clerks and headed out with our stuff.

    ¡°Home now, yes? I know Rian is tired, and I am so ready to be done shopping.¡± I was pretty sure Rian was half asleep on my shoulder at this point.

    ¡°I am not sweepy¡­¡± Rian protested, yawning again. Less discreetly this time.

    ¡°Yes, home now. Little guy is clearly tuckered.¡± Mat chuckled as Rian continued to fight sleep.

    It didn¡¯t take us long to reach the truck and put our newest bags with the other purchases from today. I settled Rian into his seat and secured him in it before settling in beside him. Kami climbed in on his other side and Mat took the passenger seat, letting Will drive home. We were out of town and on the way home within minutes. Rian was out cold not long after.

 Chapter 93

    ~Tristan~

    We listened to the ring on the other end of the line. Titus, Brandon and I collectively held our breath as we waited. I had put the call on speaker phone after instructing both of them to be quiet and merely listen.

    A gruff voice picked up on the third ring, ¡°Silver Moon, Alpha Lucian speaking. State your business.¡±

    I¡¯m not sure what I was expecting, but that wasn¡¯t it. I quickly recovered from my momentary lapse of speech, ¡°Good evening Alpha Lucian. This is Alpha Tristan of Moonlight Pack.¡±

    ¡°I see. What can I do for you, Alpha Tristan?¡± Lucien was cold and sounded as though he was irritated by the phone call.

    ¡°I have a pack member who is looking to find a chosen mate. His fated mate passed away many years ago. He is originally from Silver Moon and was hoping to perhaps visit his home pack and start his search there. I would, of course, never expect you to invite a virtual stranger, original pack member or not, into your lands without meeting them first. So I was calling to invite you to visit our pack to meet him first.¡±

    I was hoping that sucking up a little would help keep the disdain I felt about inviting him and his people here from coming through in my voice. It seemed to work as his tone and demeanor changed a little with this information.

    ¡°It has been awhile since we¡¯ve been to visit another pack, and I do have a handful or two of members who are unmated. Might I bring them with us as well?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see that being a problem. How many do you think would accompany you? As we are a smaller pack I want to make sure we can comfortably accommodate you and your members.¡±

    ¡°There will be as many as 18 of us. I have about a dozen unmated, of age wolves in my pack and then my family and my Beta and his family. Assuming everyone desires to come.¡±

    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    ¡°Then it would be an honor to visit and meet this person. When would you like us to be there?¡±

    That was a bold face lie. Lucian had no honor, no idea what honor was, but I bit my tongue and responded as though I were none the wiser, ¡°Shall we say in two weeks? That will give us time to make sure we have rooms prepared for everyone?¡±

    I could hear him flipping papers on his end, I assumed he was looking at a calendar of some kind, ¡°Two weeks should be fine.

    ¡°Wonderful, we should be able to accommodate that number pretty easily. We will see you in two weeks, Alpha Lucian.¡± I barely waited for his parting words before I ended the call, unclenching a fist that I hadn¡¯t even realized was clenched.

    ¡°Just the sound of his voice makes my skin crawl.¡± Brandon shuddered, like he couldn¡¯t get rid of the feeling fast enough.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong kid, you¡¯re not wrong. Lucian is a slimy creep. He wasn¡¯t always from what I¡¯ve heard, but the time when he wasn¡¯t was long ago. Probably before you were even a twinkle in your father¡¯s eye.¡± Titus chuckled.

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    ¡°I understand why we¡¯re doing what we¡¯re doing, and I¡¯m happy to continue to help with it, but I¡¯d much rather just rip him to shreds when he shows his face here.¡± I was having a hard time containing my anger at the things he had put Alyce through. It felt like an inferno raging within.

    *Tristan? Are you ok? I can feel your anger from here. What¡¯s wrong?* I heard Alyce¡¯s panicked voice come across our mind link, and felt it shift quickly to anger that someone might be riling me up. It was enough to instantly calm the inferno, maybe not put it out, but calm it down.

    *I¡¯m sorry my love. I am ok. I promise. I just had to deal with some trash and it got me worked up. Are you enjoying your trip?*

    *All things considered, yes. We will be home in a couple hours. Are you sure you¡¯re ok?*

    *Can¡¯t wait, and I¡¯m sure. I just finished up my phone call with Lucian. I would like to pick your memory sometime in the next day or two if you¡¯re willing, but we can discuss that when you get home.*

    *Alright, I can¡¯t wait to see you. I miss having you with me when I go out. Is that weird?*

    I chuckled through the mindlink, and by the looks on the guys¡¯ faces, out loud as well. *If it is, then we¡¯re both a little weird. I miss having you at my side when you¡¯re not there. Be safe, I will see you soon. I love you.*

    *Not soon enough. I love you too.* She closed the link and I couldn¡¯t help but be a little amused.

    I loved that she got angry on my behalf, just as mine had been on her behalf this time. I caught myself grinning at the thought. Titus and Brandon waited for me to close the mind link before giving me questioning looks.

    ¡°Alyce felt my anger from town and was just checking in. They¡¯ll be home in a couple hours. In the meantime, Titus, would you please inform the cleaning crew that we need the old bunk house cleaned up and ready to house 12 visitors, and that we need guest suites prepared for the Alpha and Beta families. Give them the time frame. The bunk house is going to take some extra work, it''s been awhile since we¡¯ve had to use it. I want them to have plenty of time without feeling rushed.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get right on it.¡± Titus nodded curtly in acknowledgement and then excused himself to tend to his tasks.

    I looked at Brandon, ¡°Well Gamma, we have some research to do while we wait on everyone to get home. Let¡¯s head to the conference room. We need to find out everything we can about Lucian and Silver Moon. Grab the file box on Silver Moon, I¡¯ll grab the Alpha files and we can start digging.¡±

    He grinned at me. Clearly eager to dig up dirt that would help us get justice on Lucian, and any Silver Moon members that were willingly on board with him. We grabbed what we needed and headed for the conference room where we could spread out and organize as needed.

    The time passed more quickly than I thought it would and it wasn¡¯t long before Alyce came through my head once more.

    *We¡¯re about to the turn-off for the driveway. Would you mind getting some help to take these supplies upstairs to Rian¡¯s room?*

    *Of course not love. Brandon and I will grab a couple of people on the way down to meet you.*

    *Thank you!*

    Once again the link closed and Brandon looked up as my eyes cleared, ¡°They almost here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s find a few Omega¡¯s to unload the supplies and head down to meet them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab the Omega¡¯s, you get Cedric. I¡¯m sure Mat has already contacted him, but let¡¯s just cover all the bases.¡±

    ¡°Ahh, young love¡­¡± I smirked.

    ¡°Says the man who is just as bad with his mate. Pot, meet Kettle.¡± Brandon snickered.

    ¡°Touche, Brandon, touche.¡±

    ¡°Alpha¡¯s prerogative?¡±

    ¡°Something like that.¡± We left the conference room, both laughing as I went to retrieve Cedric and Brandon headed down to find a few volunteers to help unload things from the town trip.

 Chapter 94

    Mat, Cedric and I were waiting on the front steps as Alyce and the group pulled up to the pack house. We had gathered a handful of Omegas to help with the unloading as well. I could see Will driving, and once he had come to stop, our group descended down the stairs to meet them.

    ¡°Daddy!¡± I could hear Rian¡¯s excited proclamation as I opened the rear door. I chuckled a little and couldn¡¯t help but draw in a breath as I was also greeted with Alyce¡¯s radiant smile as well.

    ¡°Hello my loves. Did you two have fun?¡± I helped Alyce out of the truck before reaching in to undo Rian¡¯s buckles and help him out as well.

    ¡°Yeah! I got two selfs!¡± Rian took my hand pulling me towards the back of the truck where everything was.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the worst shopping trip I¡¯ve ever had to endure.¡± Alyce giggled at Rian¡¯s actions as she spoke.

    ¡°Whoa Rian. Slow down.¡± I scooped him up into my arms, laughing a bit myself. ¡°I know you¡¯re excited, and I am super excited to see what you picked out, but let¡¯s get everything inside where it belongs for now and you can show me everything after dinner tonight ok?¡±

    Kami, Mat and Will had exited the truck and joined the group, ¡°Do you need anything more from me Alpha? Luna?¡± Will asked.

    ¡°Oh, no Will. Thank you very much for accompanying us today. Tell Felicia hello and enjoy the rest of your day.¡± Alyce responded.

    ¡°Tank you, Will!¡± Rian waved at him from my arms.

    ¡°You¡¯re both most welcome. I will tell her. Have a good evening, and Rian, you be good for your parents.¡±

    ¡°I will. I pwomise!¡±

    Will chuckled and said goodbye to the others before excusing himself to continue on with his evening.

    Cedric and Mat were trying to convince the Omegas to let them help unload, without much success.

    ¡°Really, we¡¯re ok. Thank you Beta Mat, Cedric. This is our job.¡± One of them told them and the pair finally gave up and let them alone.

    Kami snickered at them. ¡°It really is their job, they get paid for such tasks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you wouldn¡¯t want to take money out of their pockets now would you?¡± Brandon threw his arm around Kami¡¯s shoulders as he joined her in teasing the pair.

    ¡°Certainly not. There¡¯s just a lot of stuff to carry in.¡± Cedric looked almost insulted at the suggestion. He was getting better at inferring the group''s humor, but sometimes he still missed the mark.

    ¡°They¡¯re just teasing, Cedric.¡± Mat smiled at him and took his hand, giving it a squeeze. ¡°Now, if we¡¯re talking about taking it out of your pocket on the other hand, Brandon¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an entirely different story.¡± Cedric jumped on the chance to take the attention off his faux pas and put it on Brandon.

    ¡°Hey, y''all wanna do my paperwork for me? I¡¯ll let you have at it any day of the week, you just let me know.¡± He laughed, knowing no one wanted to do paperwork.

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    ¡°On second thought, maybe not. I much prefer battle training to paperwork.¡± Cedric changed his mind quickly.

    ¡°Fair. Totally fair.¡±

    ¡°Come on you heathens. Let¡¯s get inside. We don¡¯t have too long before dinner, and I want to know how the phone call went.¡± Alyce ushered us towards the house.

    We headed in, and I broke off from the group to drop Rian off in the play room with the other pups. ¡°You play here with your friends for a bit, and Mommy and I will pick you up for dinner ok?¡±

    ¡°And then I go wif Miss Maggie after dinner?¡± He looked up at me as I set him on the other side of the partition that kept the kids from escaping the room unsupervised.

    ¡°Yes, and then you go with Miss Maggie, but only for the night.¡±

    ¡°Otay!¡±

    One of the women who monitored the playroom walked over, taking Rian¡¯s hand to bring him in to play with the others that were there, ¡°We¡¯ll have lots of fun until you¡¯re back Alpha.¡±

    ¡°Bye Daddy!¡± Rian looked over his shoulder at me and waved with his free hand as they left the entry area.

    ¡°Bye buddy, be good.¡± I waved back and then headed off to meet the group upstairs in the conference room.

    The conference room was still in a state of organized chaos from mine and Brandon¡¯s research earlier that day.

    ¡°Maybe the office is a better option this time.¡± Alyce laughed as she took in the sight of the chaos.

    ¡°You might be right my love, let¡¯s head in there.¡± I tucked her into my side as we all headed into my office. I had missed the feeling of her against me while she was gone.

    We all settled in, Alyce not taking her usual spot in my lap, but sitting on the edge of my desk facing the others instead this time. I leaned against my desk next to her so I could put my arm across her back and hold her hip. Mat and Cedric took the smaller couch in my office and Kami and Brandon took the larger one.

    ¡°So, we will come back to the chaos in the conference room, but first¡­ How did the phone call go to Silver Moon?¡± Alyce asked.

    ¡°Well, it went well. I think. Lucian will be here in two weeks. Unfortunately it won¡¯t be just him.¡± Brandon answered.

    ¡°What? Who else is that asshole bringing?¡± Kami asked.

    ¡°He has a dozen unmated, of age wolves he asked to bring, along with his Beta and both their families.¡±

    ¡°He did mention that they may not all choose to come.¡± I added.

    ¡°Hmm. I mean¡­ I¡¯m not thrilled about that. I was hoping it would just be him and maybe his Beta. I worry about the risk of our she-wolves ending up over there due to the mate bond, before we¡¯ve taken the pack back.¡± Alyce was chewing on her bottom lip, staring at the floor as she let her thoughts flow.

    ¡°It¡¯s a valid concern, Aly.¡± Mat frowned a bit, watching her chew on her lip.

    I pulled her into my side a bit tighter. ¡°Mat¡¯s right. We can¡¯t even find a way to keep our she-wolves separated from them without raising suspicion. We will have to trust in the Moon Goddesses plan on this one.¡±

    ¡°On the upside, most of the normal pack members probably do not voluntarily support Lucian.¡± Cedric looked at Alyce, trying to make her feel better, ¡°Although I am curious as to why you don¡¯t just challenge him for the title of Alpha.¡±

    Alyce lifted her gaze, looking at Cedric as her emotionless mask slipped into place like a second skin, ¡°Because it would be too quick a death for him, and it would just look like I was some power hungry she-wolf taking over a weakened pack. It would also likely force me to reveal my wolf, which I will do when the time is right and I understand more about being a Crimson Wolf. I don¡¯t want to tip my hand to the whole community before I¡¯m prepared to. If I wait, and confront him with the truth once I have the proof to back it up then I can lock him away and he can suffer for the rest of his natural existence. Be even better if I can find a way to break him, give him a taste of the same things I suffered because of his actions.¡±

    ¡°Remind me to never get on your bad side, Alyce. The ease between which you switch from our sweet, caring Luna to beast mode activated is both impressive and maybe a bit intimidating¡­¡± Cedric¡¯s voice was soft, almost like he was worried she would direct her ire at him for speaking his thoughts out loud.

    ¡°You need only ever worry if it¡¯s directed at you Cedric, and the chances of that happening are slim.¡± Mat assured him, squeezing his arm gently.

    Alyce¡¯s aura was felt by all of us as she spoke. It had taken on a chilly feeling. Her eyes showed that both she and Aramyth were in the driver¡¯s seat as she answered Cedric¡¯s question. We all visibly shuddered as a chill ran down our spines.

 Chapter 95

    I pulled her into my arms and wrapped them around her tightly, holding her close. She instantly buried her face against my neck, inhaling my scent. After a few moments her aura receded and she lifted her head, looking up at me. Her eyes had changed, well one had anyway, her left one was now a translucent red instead of her usual translucent pale green. I didn¡¯t try to hide the shock on my face.

    ¡°What is it? What¡¯s wrong?¡± She looked at me, searching my face for the answer.

    ¡°Your eyes Aly¡­ They¡¯re different¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you mean they¡¯re different?¡± She glanced over at the others as if looking for confirmation.

    ¡°Holy shit Aly, one is red!¡± Mat jumped off the couch, walking over to inspect her eyes.

    ¡°What?¡± She jumped out of my arms and ran to the bathroom to look at them in the mirror. ¡°How?¡±

    *Aramyth, do you know anything about this?* She did notice the mind link did not cause her eyes to haze over at all though and she could track both the internal and external going ons. That would be handy.

    *I do. You¡¯re starting to come into your own. It will return to normal shortly, and eventually you will be able to control it. There are likely to be other color shifts along the way as well. They will correlate to your skills and at times your moods.*

    *Will it always just be one?*

    *That I do not know. It may just be because it came on suddenly and we are sharing your body right now.*

    *Thank you.*

    *Of course, Little Luna.*

    Alyce returned, looking at us all as she reentered the room, ¡°Aramyth says it will return to normal shortly and that it¡¯s from my innate abilities awakening. Whatever that means. She also said there will likely be other colors along the way.¡±

    I opened my arms for her and she placed herself back in them. ¡°While it shocked me, I must admit it¡¯s kind of fascinating to see.¡± I kissed the top of her head and held her close.

    ¡°Just one is kinda weird though. Not gonna lie.¡± Brandon shrugged with a grin.

    Alyce laughed. ¡°That¡¯s fair. She¡¯s not sure if that¡¯s just because we¡¯re both in control right now, or if it will always be just one. Oh and uh, I can now communicate via mind link without my eyes showing it or zoning out.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Kami sat up straighter now, clearly a bit surprised by that info.

    Mat looked at Alyce and we all watched his eyes haze over. *Testing, testing, one, two, three.*

    *Very funny Mattie.* Alyce giggled, but we could all see her eyes looked perfectly normal.

    *I thought I was being highly amusing.*

    ¡°How is she doing that?¡± Kami asked.

    *Wanna watch me freak them out?*

    *Oh, absolutely.*

    Cedric stood up and walked over and kind of waved his hand in front of Alyce¡¯s face. Alyce reached out and caught him by the wrist, causing him to jump back a little. ¡°I really don¡¯t know how I¡¯m doing it. I just am.¡±

    We all looked at Mat, eyes still hazy. Alyce grinned. ¡°The mind link is still very much open and active. I can track both internal and external.¡±

    Mats'' eyes cleared up and he laughed a little, pulling Cedric into his side. ¡°Ok, that is both creepy and cool¡­ And maybe more than a tad amusing at my dear mate¡¯s expense.¡±

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    Cedric rolled his eyes and smacked Mat in the shoulder. ¡°Should have known you were in on that little stunt.¡±

    ¡°To be fair, it was my idea.¡± Alyce laughed and leaned into me.

    I held her tighter and shifted us so I was sitting on my desk, with her between my legs. I was content letting the group have some fun despite the serious matters we were dealing with, ¡°It¡¯s nice to have my inner circle complete now.¡±

    ¡°You have a good group, if I do say so myself.¡± One of Alyce¡¯s radiant smiles spread across her lips as she spoke.

    ¡°We have a good group.¡± I corrected her.

    She laughed and turned her head so that she could press her lips into mine. I was more than happy to accommodate this.

    ¡°Yes, we have a good group.¡± She answered breathily as she pulled away from the kiss.

    A crumpled up bit of paper bounced off my shoulder suddenly, ¡°Get a room you two!¡± Mat teased.

    ¡°Are you volunteering yours, Mattie?¡± Alyce asked.

    ¡°Eeewww, no. No hetero sex in my room thanks. Gross.¡± Mat over exaggeratingly gagged at the thought, causing all of us to laugh.

    ¡°Then the peanut gallery should keep his opinions to himself.¡± Alyce stuck her tongue out at him.

    ¡°Does he know how?¡± Cedric asked.

    ¡°Only when it¡¯s important from what I¡¯ve seen.¡± I answered.

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯re not wrong.¡± Mat shrugged his shoulders and owned it.

    ¡°So, who wants to tell us about whatever is happening in the conference room?¡± Cedric asked, shifting the topic back to the matters at hand.

    ¡°Research of course!¡± Brandon¡¯s delivery made it sound like that should just explain everything in and of itself.

    ¡°Research into what dork-face?¡± Kami asked, nudging his thigh with her foot like he was an idiot.

    ¡°Silver Moon and Lucien. We¡¯re trying to dig up all the details that we can on the previous and current status of the pack and everything past and present about Lucian.¡± I filled in the missing info.

    ¡°See, now that makes much more sense than what dork-face said!¡± Mat jumped on the bandwagon with Kami, laughing.

    ¡°Hey! Whose side are you on here Beta?¡± Brandon acted as though he was insulted.

    ¡°Aly¡¯s, always. Otherwise, whoever¡¯s side gets me in the least amount of trouble. In this instance, I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯s Kami¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Wow. No love today.¡±

    ¡°Aww, c¡¯mere Brandon. I¡¯ll give you some love, man!¡± I opened his arms as Alyce hopped out of my lap so I could join in on picking on Brandon. I even stood up and walked towards him.

    ¡°Not what I meant, Tristan!¡± Brandon jumped over towards Kami, causing her to squeal and curl up, thinking he might land on her. He laughed and jumped over her, catching her fist in his side as he did so.

    ¡°Brandon, you jerk! Hug him Tristan!¡± She demanded.

    ¡°You heard her love, now you have to.¡± Encouraged Alyce.

    ¡°Well, who am I to deny either of you. Mat, Cedric¡­ Help me catch him!¡±

    Brandon made a beeline for the door, with the guys hot on his heels, all of them laughing.

    ¡°We¡¯ll meet you at dinner!¡± Kami called after them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pick up Rian, you just worry about accomplishing your task!¡± Alyce laughed.

    As an afterthought Kami added, ¡°I want a video, or it didn¡¯t happen!¡±

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll find out if they found anything useful later.¡± Kami said, laughing as she got off the couch. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you to get Rian.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. 10 bucks says Tristan and the boys have him cornered in the dining room by the time we get there.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that bet, but I say they have him in the rec room.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re on.¡±

    Alyce and Kami headed out of the office, laughing as they took the elevator down to the playroom on the first floor.

    Rian heard his aunt and mother¡¯s laughter as they came down the hallway and jumped up from the blocks he was playing with, ¡°Mommy! Auntie!¡± He started to run for the door and then remembered his inside feet, changing to walking just as fast as his little legs would carry him.

    Alyce and Kami stopped at the gate, Alyce scooping Rian up as one of the attendants joined him at the door. ¡°Hello my little Teine. Were you good while we were away?¡±

    ¡°Yes! I builded da biggest tower ever!¡±

    ¡°Oh my, that sounds very exciting.¡± Kami grinned at him.

    ¡°And did you put your toys away before you came over here?¡± Alyce asked.

    ¡°No, but Ty is still playing wif da blocks.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright Luna, Lady Kami. We will help Ty clean them up when he is done. It was lovely to have Rian with us for a little while. He had a good time with the other pups.¡± The attendant said.

    ¡°Thank you, Gina.¡± Kami smiled at her.

    ¡°Tank you!¡± Rian said as Alyce and Kami headed for the dining room, via the rec room to see where I and the other guys had gotten to.

 Chapter 96

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    Kami and I had checked the rec room, to find it pretty well deserted. No sign of the boys. So we passed through and continued on our way to the dining room, Rian between us, holding both our hands. We would occasionally swing him up off his feet as we walked, eliciting a giggle from him.

    We paused in the doorway to the dining room, both of us looking around, expecting to see the boys. There was no sign of them. There also seemed to be less people than normal in the room.

    ¡°Odd, they¡¯re not here either¡­ So where are they?¡± Kami asked.

    ¡°And everyone else for that matter.¡± I scooped Rian up into my arms and crossed the hall with Kami.

    ¡°Also a good question.¡±

    One of the older kitchen staff caught my eye as we walked through and motioned to the doors to the back lawn with an amused grin on his face. I smiled at him and gave a nod in thanks. We headed to the doors, slipping out them to find a small crowd of pack members watching Tristan, Cedric and Mat dog pile on Brandon. Giving him all the love he never wanted.

    ¡°Well, looks like neither of us is 10 bucks richer.¡± Kami snickered.

    ¡°Oh, but this is so much better.¡±

    ¡°Daddy!¡± Rian wiggled out of my arms and ran through the crowd over to the boys. Tristan laughed and caught him, swinging him up onto the top of the pile.

    ¡°Hey buddy. Uncle Brandon needs some extra love today!¡±

    ¡°Otay!¡± Rian sprawled out on top of the others, giggling.

    ¡°Oh man, that might be the straw that broke the camel¡¯s back¡­ I don¡¯t think I can handle all of Rian¡¯s muscles on top of you three lugs!¡± Brandon dramatically pretended to be squished by the addition of Rian to the dog pile.

    ¡°Excuse me, the only lug here is you sir. I am perfectly proportioned!¡± Mat huffed, managing to keep a straight face.

    ¡°Are you slacking on your training Brandon? Can¡¯t handle a few wolves?¡± Kami teased.

    Brandon, feeling challenged, and I suspect, feeling the need to show off for a reason only Tristan and I suspected thus far, proceeded to get his limbs under him and push off the ground. The guys laughed as they rolled off of him, Tristan careful to make sure that Rian came to land on his feet safely.

    ¡°I¡¯ll show you slacking on my training!¡± He got to his feet and made a beeline for Kami after clearing the guys off him.

    Kami squealed and ran, circling around to try and hide behind her brother. Tristan was kind enough to side step as Brandon neared them, allowing him access to Kami, who ended up tossed over his shoulder like a sack of weightless potatoes.

    Rian ran over and started pummeling Brandon¡¯s legs, ¡°I¡¯ll save you Auntie!¡±

    Kami was laughing and clearly appreciated Rian¡¯s valiant, if vain, attempt to save her. ¡°Rian! My hero! Save me!¡±

    Brandon looked down, trying not to laugh as he waited just a moment for an opening before ¡®escaping¡¯ Rian¡¯s attack and running off with Kami, keeping his pace slow enough for Rian to keep after him, ¡°Never! I have caught the lady fair and square!¡±

    I walked over to Tristan, tucking myself into his side as we watched the three goof off. Cedric and Mat were still on the ground, laughing at the whole charade.

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    ¡°Rian!¡± I called, ¡°Maybe Uncle Cedric and Uncle Mattie can help rescue Auntie Kami!¡±

    He stopped, turning his blue-green eyes to me as though I just had the greatest idea ever. He ran over and tagged both his uncles, ¡°Tum on! We have to help Auntie!¡±

    That was all the encouragement the boys needed and they were on their feet, following Rian as they chased Brandon and Kami around, all of them letting Rian set the pace and acting overly dramatic about the entire thing.

    ¡°Chaaarge!¡± Rian yelled after another 3 minutes of chasing Brandon, throwing his hand forward and pointing at Brandon.

    Mat and Cedric followed his orders, saluting him before taking Brandon to the ground before he could actually start running from them, ¡°Argh! I¡¯ve been foiled! I will get you Lady Kami! Your brave knight won¡¯t stop me next time!¡±

    Kami landed on her feet as Brandon went down with the boy. Rian came running over to grab her hand and pull her back to Tristan and I. ¡°Yay! I saved yous!¡± Rian was jumping up and down in excitement.

    ¡°Kami leaned down and kissed the top of his head, ¡°Yes you did, and as a reward, I¡¯ll give you some of my dessert after dinner.

    The boys were making their way back to us, all three huffing and puffing a bit. It was hard to breathe and laugh at the same time. Rian was even more excited about extra dessert.

    ¡°Speaking of dinner and dessert, we should get back in there before the others eat it all.¡± I shook my head at all of them, laughing softly.

    We headed back in, Rian leading the way with Kami. We all made our way through, loading up our plates, Kami and I helping Rian get his.

    ¡°What should we have for dessert Rian?¡± Kami looked down at him as they reached the table of desserts.

    ¡°Mmmm, cake and pudding!¡± Rian decided after surveying his options.

    ¡°How about we share that big piece of fudge cake? It has pudding in it to make it super moist.¡±

    ¡°Otay!¡±

    I gave her an appreciative smile, for finding a way to not completely overdose him on sugar while still rewarding him. She winked at me and we headed to our usual table, the boys joining us after finishing up their plates.

    After dinner we met up with Miss Maggie, sending Rian off with her for the night after saying goodnight. It would be nice to be able to tuck him in ourselves every night. Ivy already had the pack lawyers working on the paperwork.

    ¡°Goodnight my little Teine. I will see you tomorrow.¡± I kissed his forehead and tapped the tip of his nose.

    Tristan ruffled his hair and kissed his head, ¡°Sleep well little man.¡±

    ¡°Night night Mommy. Night night Daddy.¡± Rian was already tucking himself into Miss Maggie¡¯s arms tuckered out from the evening shenanigans.

    Our little group headed for the elevator, parting on our various floors. Kami and Brandon got off on the 4th floor, the rest of us riding up to the 5th.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about the rest of you, but my muscles are screaming for a shower after the antics of this evening.¡± Cedric grumbled a bit as he stretched his upper body.

    I laughed and hugged both him and Mat, ¡°You¡¯re not the only one. I promise. We should do a family dinner night sometime soon, before Alpha Traitor arrives. I miss Jake¡¯s cooking¡­¡±

    ¡°Your cooking is his cooking, Aly..¡± Mat rolled his eyes at me, ¡°But yes, we should. I¡¯m sure everyone would enjoy getting together.¡±

    ¡°Yes but it tastes so much better when I don¡¯t have to make it.¡± I grinned at him.

    ¡°Totally fair.¡± Mat conceded.

    ¡°It¡¯s a thing.¡± Cedric said about the same time Mat spoke.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you guys at training in the morning.¡± Tristan grinned as Mat groaned.

    ¡°Fiiiiine.¡± Mat scowled. He hated getting up that early.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be a drama llama Mattie, and don¡¯t make me come in and wake you up!¡± I threatened.

    Cedric laughed and Tristan pulled me into his side, wrapping his arm around my shoulders, ¡°Come on Half-Pint. Let him alone for the night.¡±

    ¡°Saved by the Alpha, Mattie.¡± I grinned, Mat making a face at me.

    Tristan just shook his head and led us down the hall towards our suite while Mat and Cedric entered theirs, laughing the whole time.

    ¡°We really do have a good group.¡± I murmured as Tristan swung our door open, letting me walk in ahead of him.

    ¡°Yes we do, and it¡¯s just made better by you.¡± He smiled and pulled my body against his, kissing me softly, but deeply.

    I melted into his body and his kiss. I love this man more than anything in this world. ¡°Mmm, I never tire of that.¡±

    ¡°Me either.¡± He swatted my ass, ¡°Now let¡¯s get a shower and go to bed before I decide to keep you awake all night and we¡¯re both useless at training in the morning.¡±

 Chapter 97

    ~Alyce/Faelyn~

    The alarm went off at 5am, stirring me into a semi-conscious state and eliciting a groan of protest from me. I was currently laying on Tristan¡¯s chest, his arms wrapped around me like he was afraid I might escape in the night. His fingers were playing up and down my spine, his eyes still closed as I snuck a peek up at him from beneath my lashes.

    ¡°Good morning, gorgeous.¡± He murmured softly, still not bothering to open his eyes or make a move to get out of bed.

    ¡°How did you know I¡¯m actually awake? I could have just been shifting in my sleep?¡± I slid up his body enough that I could press my lips against his softly. ¡°Good morning.¡±

    ¡°I could feel your eyes on me. I can always feel your eyes on me when you¡¯re looking at me.¡± A coy smile formed on his lips as he opened his eyes to look at me.

    ¡°Not my fault I can¡¯t keep my eyes off you.¡± I laughed and rolled off his chest, sitting on the bed next to him. I knew without looking that his smile had grown wider at my laugh. Seeing me happy always made him smile and I loved that about him.

    He propped himself up on an elbow, raising to look at me. ¡°That¡¯s fair. I am awfully pretty to look at. Not nearly as pretty as you are though.¡±

    He reached over and wrapped his free arm around my waist, pulling me down to the mattress as he rolled himself on top of me. His lips crashed into mine, pulling a soft moan from my chest. I wrapped my legs around his waist and rested one hand on his chest, the other going to his neck and pulling him into the kiss.

    I only pushed him away from me once the need to come up for air overruled my desire to keep devouring him, ¡°As much as I would love to lay in bed and explore each other all day long, we are supposed to attend training this morning.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, but the privilege of being Alpha lets me over rule training mandates.¡± Tristan grinned, stealing another brief kiss.

    ¡°Believe me, it¡¯s very tempting, on the other hand, that would also come with the risk of Mattie showing up to drag me out of bed.¡±

    ¡°That, my love is a very valid argument.¡± He rolled, pulling me with him, to the edge of the bed. He picked me up as he stood up and I laughed, wrapping my legs around his waist.

    ¡°To the closet?¡± I asked, giggling.

    ¡°To the closet!¡± He laughed with me and carried me into the closet so we could get dressed for training.

    After donning leggings, a sports bra and a pair of flats I headed for our kitchen, making a pre-training snack for us and the boys. Who didn¡¯t love peanut butter and banana sandwiches? Suspicious people, that¡¯s who.

    Tristan came into the kitchen, dressed in a t-shirt, basketball shorts and sneakers, as I was stacking the last sandwich on the stack. He picked up half of the sandwiches leaving the other half for me, and we headed out of our suite.

    Mat and Cedric were just coming out of their apartment as we came down the hall. ¡°Good morning Mattie, Cedric! I made you guys a snack.¡±

    ¡°Hope you like peanut butter and banana, Cedric.¡± Mat smirked as they took their sandwiches.

    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t like peanut butter and banana?¡± The incredulous look on Cedric¡¯s face just made me love him a little bit more.

    ¡°Right!? Only suspicious people don¡¯t like peanut butter and bananas. You¡¯re now my new favorite Ceddy, don¡¯t tell Mat.¡± I whispered loudly to him, putting my hand up between my mouth and Mat¡¯s line of sight like he couldn¡¯t hear me.

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    He shifted his eyes back and forth as if looking for eavesdroppers before he whispered, ¡°Your secret is safe with me.¡±

    ¡°You two know I can hear you right?¡± Mat just rolled his eyes at us.

    ¡°No idea what you¡¯re talking about Mattie. Eat your sandwich.¡±

    ¡°Tristan, help me out here.¡± Mat looked to him for help.

    ¡°Sorry Mat, I haven¡¯t heard a thing.¡± Tristan shrugged, shoving half of a sandwich into his mouth to avoid further involvement.

    ¡°And this is why I love you right now.¡± I smiled at Tristan who winked at me.

    I laughed, it was hard not to imagine him as some rabid, cracked out squirrel right now with his sandwich filled mouth puffing his cheeks out and his wink looking more like a twitchy eye for the same reason.

    Mat looked at me, searching my face for the briefest of moments before he was cackling, picking up on where my thoughts went. ¡°Now that¡¯s funny.¡±

    ¡°I thought so.¡± I snickered.

    Cedric was looking between us confused. He looked like he was about to ask a question when Tristan, who had managed to clear the food from his mouth, spoke up. ¡°It¡¯s the conversations they have without so much as a word or a mindlink. Damnedest thing I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it. Come on, let¡¯s head down to the field. I¡¯ll fill you in on the way down.¡± I gave Cedric a sympathetic smile as I hooked my arm in his and led him towards the stairs with Mat and Tristan bringing up the rear.

    By the time we reached the bottom of the stairs we had finished our snacks and were all laughing.

    Cedric was trying to catch his breath as he wheezed out, ¡°I will never not see the mental image of a rabid, cracked out squirrel when I look at him now. You¡¯ve ruined me, Aly!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± I simply grinned at him, no apologies to be had for that one.

    Some of the other pack members that were wandering through to head to training kind of looked at all of us sideways as they heard Cedric¡¯s description. Another fit of laughter broke out among us as we noticed.

    I hopped up onto Tristan¡¯s back, wrapping my legs around his waist. It took him by surprise, but he caught me and bounced me up a bit higher as he held my legs.

    ¡°On your mark, get set, go!¡± The words came out of my mouth as fast as I could speak them and still have them be coherent enough that Tristan would understand them.

    He didn¡¯t even hesitate. His grip on my legs tightened and he took off through the pack house towards the back exit, ¡°Last one there has to do an extra lap today!¡±

    ¡°Seriously, Red!? That¡¯s cheating!¡± Mat yelled after me, as he and Cedric took off after Tristan and I. Mat was nearly as quick as we were, keeping up pretty well with us despite Tristan¡¯s longer stride. Cedric was just behind Mat, threatening to pass him as we all flew out the back door.

    ¡°That¡¯s it Mattie, you¡¯re sparing with me today!¡± I cackled, having too much fun to be mad at him for using that atrocious nickname.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. I haven¡¯t kicked your ass in awhile.¡± He laughed.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t been able to take me in months, let¡¯s see what that power boost has done for you, Beta Matheau.¡±

    ¡°As you like, Luna Alyce.¡±

    ¡°You two are something else.¡± Cedric shook his head at us, finally starting to get used to our antics.

    ¡°Pretty sure she¡¯s like secretly 12. Feed her, let her take a nap and throw chocolate at her occasionally and she¡¯s happy.¡± Mat glanced over at Cedric, smiling at him.

    ¡°Mattie! Don¡¯t give away all my secrets!¡± I scolded him over my shoulder.

    ¡°Too late! I¡¯m gonna tell Tristan every last one of them, Red!¡± He laughed as I glared at him, clinging to Tristan like a spider monkey as he kicked up his pace in the home stretch.

    We were almost to the training field, the few pack members that had gathered shifted backwards to either side as the four of us came to stuttering step halt. It was rather comical.

    ¡°We win!¡± I proclaimed as I leaned around Tristan¡¯s shoulders to kiss his cheek and then hopped off his back.

    ¡°Only because you used Tristan¡¯s unfair height advantage¡­¡± Mat accused.

    ¡°I would have won anyway, and you know it.¡±

    ¡°Guess that means I¡¯m running an extra lap.¡± Cedric chuckled, his hands on his waist as he slowed his breathing to normal after our little impromptu race.

    ¡°I¡¯d take an extra lap over sparring with Alyce.¡± Jake spoke, he and Faith walked up to join us at the tail end of the conversation.

    ¡°And she¡¯s right Mat, you never could out run her, even with your longer legs.¡± Faith patted his shoulder and laughed.

    ¡°Jake! Faith!¡± I ran up to them both, hugging them tightly. I hadn¡¯t seen much of them the last few days and it made me realize how much I missed seeing them on a daily basis.

 Chapter 98

    ¡°Good morning, Alyce darling.¡± Faith hugged me tightly.

    Jake wrapped me into a hug and lifted me off my feet, causing me to squeal in surprise and laugh. He set me back on my feet, kissing the top of my head. ¡°You look like you¡¯re adjusting well.¡±

    ¡°I am, thank you.¡± I smiled up at him and he mirrored it, ¡°How are you two enjoying your new space? Is everything working out ok?¡± I really wanted them to feel comfortable in their new home and pack.

    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful Alyce, really. Stop fretting.¡± Faith smiled reassuringly.

    ¡°Good. Be sure to let me know if you need anything. Promise me. You two have taken care of me for years. Now I get to take care of you, even if only in some small way by comparison.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense. You¡¯re the daughter we always wanted. We¡¯re family.¡± Jake¡¯s tone implied that was the end of that. I just smiled.

    Tristan pulled me into his side and kissed my temple. ¡°And I couldn¡¯t be more grateful for the wonderful family you have.¡±

    ¡°We have.¡± Faith corrected him. This just made me smile more as it reminded me of Tristan correcting me previously about his inner circle, being our inner circle.

    My thoughts began to wander, thinking about what had led me to this point in my life, to the people in my life. Mat, Faith, Jake, who had become my family when I was just a child. Tristan, Kami, Ivy and Daemon, who were the family I should have had long ago but was happy to have now. Brandon, Vincent, and Cedric, quickly becoming the brothers and uncle that I never knew I needed.

    Finally there was Rian, a truly unexpected addition, but one I could not be happier about. He and Tristan were the best surprises life had ever thrown at me. Of course there was Aramyth as well, not just part of me, but the inner strength I drew on to get through everything. I couldn¡¯t ask for a better group of people to call mine.

    I was drawn out of my inner thoughts by someone shaking my shoulder, ¡°Aly? Aly! Are you ok?¡± Kami, Brandon and Vincent had joined us at some point while I was zoned out in thought.

    Kami was shaking me gently, Tristan and Mat in front of me, trying to snap me out of it. Vincent was there as well, he, Jake and Faith looked very concerned about my lack of awareness. Cedric and Brandon didn¡¯t seem to know what to do, but were there and ready to help if needed.

    I smiled at them all. ¡°Yes, sorry. I was just lost in my thoughts, wandering through my own head for a bit. I didn¡¯t mean to scare you.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re ok, Half-Pint.¡± Tristan cupped my face in his hands, shifting my attention  to him fully as he searched my eyes and face for a moment before seeming to decide that I was ok.

    ¡°I am. I promise.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t scare us like that Aly.¡± Mat scolded.

    ¡°I said I was sorry, Mattie.¡± I scowled at him a little, but I knew he was just worried about me.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get training started. Are you still up for it, Alyce?¡± Victor asked, as he ushered the rest of the group towards the other waiting pack members.

    ¡°Oh absolutely. Mattie owes me a sparring match and Cedric owes me an extra lap this morning.¡± I grinned, quite pleased with myself this morning.

    ¡°Taskmaster.¡± Mat mumbled as he passed me and followed Victor and the others. Cedric just winked at me as he walked with Mat.

    I laughed, flashing Cedric a smile, ¡°Eventually you¡¯ll stop with that ridiculous nickname.¡±

    ¡°Not even if it kills me.¡± Mat smirked.

    ¡°I can arrange that Mattie.¡±

    ¡°I would consider it a personal favor if you didn¡¯t, Alyce.¡± Cedric chuckled, knowing I would never.

    ¡°Well, how can I turn that down?¡±

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    We reached the rest of the pack members waiting for training and Jake, Cedric and Victor headed to the front. The three of them had started leading training together. Jake would take some of the more advanced fighters and pair them with Faith, himself or sometimes me to push them to be even better. Cedric would take the mid level members and rotate through sparring with them to teach them new things with someone they didn¡¯t know as well as their packmates and Victor worked with the younger and newer trainees while supervising it all.

    Training ran later than normal, but we had also gotten a bit of a late start and we waited on Cedric to do his extra lap while Mat and I sparred. As usual, I won, but he made me work for it harder than I had needed to in a long time.

    ¡°That extra power boost is working for you Mattie.¡± We were sitting on the grass, waiting for Cedric. Well, the boys were sitting. I was sprawled out on it catching my breath.

    ¡°Good, it¡¯ll let me push to improve further without feeling like I¡¯m trying to kill myself.¡± Mat grinned knowing he made me work for it.

    ¡°Are you alright Half-Pint?¡± Tristan looked only slightly concerned that I was needing to catch my breath more than usual.

    I smiled over at him, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ok. I promise. Just need some food and some more water. It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve had to push that hard with Mattie. It¡¯s good for both of us.¡±

    ¡°Cedric should be finished any time now, and then we can all go get some food.¡± Mat noted.

    Kami and Brandon walked over, both plopping down with us. Kami sprawled over me dramatically. ¡°Brandon is trying to kill me, Aly. Also, did someone say food?¡±

    I let out an ¡®Oof!¡¯ as she sprawled over me and then laughed, ¡°Well, then you try and kill him right back, and yes. We¡¯re just waiting on Cedric.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he usually one of the first ones done on the run?¡± Brandon asked.

    ¡°Yes, but he had that extra lap to do, remember?¡± Tristan reminded him.

    ¡°Oh, yeah. I was a little more focused and Alyce¡¯s random zone out I guess. It didn¡¯t stick.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡± Mat chuckled.

    ¡°Now, what is this about Brandon trying to kill you, Kami?¡± I lifted my head, looking at her.

    ¡°I am not trying to kill her! I just suggested she move into the advanced training group¡­¡± He was quick to protest.

    ¡°You mean she¡¯s not already?¡± I was a bit shocked, she was a hell of a fighter.

    Kami gave a sheepish grin and shook her head. ¡°See, he¡¯s trying to kill me.¡±

    ¡°I might have to agree with him on this one, Kami. The advanced group would be a better spot for you for training.¡±

    ¡°Aly! You¡¯re supposed to be on my side.¡±

    ¡°I am! If you join the advanced group he¡¯s no longer trying to kill you. Someone else is. Win-win!¡± I knew damn well that wasn¡¯t what either of them ment, but I wanted to see if I could get a rise out of them.

    Brandon stiffened slightly, before catching himself and forcing his muscles to relax. I gave him a brief, knowing look before blanking my face.

    Kami was laughing at my logic, ¡°Aly, that¡¯s not what I meant!¡±

    ¡°I know, but new sparring partners are good for you.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine. I¡¯ll start the advanced group next week.¡± She gave in, and I could see Brandon stiffen up again, but only because I was looking for it.

    ¡°And I can try to kill you instead of Brandon.¡± I laughed at her and grinned inwardly as Brandon once again relaxed.

    I glanced at Tristan as Cedric finally emerged from his extra lap and headed for us. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he had seen Brandon¡¯s reactions as well and knew exactly what I was thinking.

    ¡°Oh man.. That extra lap is killer.¡± Cedric huffed as he reached us.

    ¡°Always is.¡± Tristan grinned.

    Mat stood up to greet Cedric, kissing him softly as the rest of us stood up as well. ¡°Let¡¯s go get some breakfast, you¡¯ll feel better. Aly too.¡±

    ¡°Mat made her work for it today.¡± Tristan chuckled at Cedric¡¯s perplexed expression to Mat¡¯s comment on me.

    ¡°Boys are trying to kill everyone today.¡± Kami rolled her eyes, but you could hear the laughter in her tone.

    ¡°I give up¡­¡± Brandon threw his hands in the air and then grabbed Kami, throwing her over his shoulder. ¡°If I¡¯m going to be accused of it, I might as well do it¡­ Maybe a cold dip in the lake¡­¡±

    ¡°Brandon Devon James!¡± Kami squealed and gasped at the same time, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± She was flailing her legs, and pounding her fists on his back in protest, trying to get away from his grasp. He just tightened his grasp on her, laughing as he ran ahead of us.

    We all laughed, and I wiggled my fingers at her in a goodbye wave. ¡°See you later!¡±

    ¡°Aly!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget a towel!¡± Mat yelled after them.

    We heard Brandon cackling and Kami still protesting as they disappeared. ¡°Do you suppose he¡¯ll actually drop her in the lake?¡± I pondered

    ¡°Oh I doubt it. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll see them at the dining hall when we get there.¡± Tristan smiled and kissed the top of my head.

    ¡°If I had to make an educated guess, I would say those two are likely mates¡­¡± Cedric mused, putting his arm around Mat.

    ¡°Half-Pint said the same thing. I happen to agree.¡± Tristan grinned.

    ¡°Come on, they¡¯ll catch up to us, or vis-a-versa.¡±

    The rest of us headed for the dining hall, stomachs growling and curiosity peaked to see what would become of Brandon and Kami, both in the moment now and later down the road after she came of age.

 Chapter 99

    It was a good 30 minutes before Brandon and Kami made it to the dining hall. Both of them were soaking wet. He had actually dumped her in the lake! And joined her for that matter. Whether or not it was voluntary on his part or she drug him in with her was yet to be known.

    My eyes widened as the two of them came walking in the back doors of the dining hall. Tristan¡¯s brows furrowed at my expression. Mat and Cedric were sitting across from us and thus could not see Brandon and Kami walk in, both looking perplexed at me and Tristan as well.

    It was only a moment or two before whispers and some scattered snickering filled the hall at the sight of the soaking wet pair.

    ¡°He actually did it¡­¡± I pointed towards the two, drawing the boys¡¯ attention to them.

    Mat and Cedric turned, not even trying to hide their amusement at the sight. Kami was trying to maintain a scowl as Brandon was laughing and teasing her. Cedric got up and headed out of the dining room, towards the downstairs shower room.

    ¡°Teach you to accuse me of trying to kill you won¡¯t it? I was just helping you cool down.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll just up the charges¡­ Attempted murder by drowning has a nice ring to it.¡±

    ¡°Kami¡­ You can swim, you¡¯re one of our best swimmers¡­ If you¡¯re going to lie, make it believable.¡±

    ¡°Shut up, Brandon!¡± She glared at him, but our group could tell she wasn¡¯t truly mad at him, just a little annoyed at him at the moment.

    Cedric returned, carrying two of the larger towels. Mat took one as he reached us.

    ¡°You forgot a towel!¡± Mat tsked and shook his head at Brandon, holding up one of the towels Cedric brought back.

    Kami turned her glare on Mat, who had no fear, or no common sense, maybe both. It was certainly debatable at this point in his life.

    I shook my head and took the towel from him, while simultaneously slapping the back of his head. I headed towards Kami, wrapping the towel around her as I reached her. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you changed into dry clothes, and I¡¯ll make you one of my breakfasts up in my suite and we can plot revenge against the boys.¡±

    Kami¡¯s mouth turned up at the corners ever so slightly when I smacked Mat and then grinned at the mention of my cooking. ¡°Deal!¡±

    ¡°Hey! I had nothing to do with this!¡± Tristan pouted at me.

    ¡°Too bad, all boys are banned from the Alpha suite until further notice!¡± I declared and Kami and I took off giggling as we headed for the stairs.

    ¡°Not if we get there first though¡­¡± Mat arched an eyebrow at the boys and without another word all of them took off after Kami and I. Thankfully I was quicker than all of them, except maybe Tristan, but he also was not quicker than me and Kami and I had a head start.

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    Several pack members laughed as Kami and I squealed and picked up the pace. The boys had hit the first set of stairs and we were on the third.

    I grabbed Kami¡¯s hand, tugging her along behind me as we raced up the stairs, laughing as we went.

    ¡°Hurry! We have a head start and none of them are faster than me!¡± I urged Kami. Thankfully she was pretty damn quick herself.

    ¡°I heard that!¡± Tristan bellowed up at me.

    ¡°Good!¡± I yelled back.

    ¡°Gonna catch you, Red!¡± Mat taunted.

    ¡°Gonna pay for that later Mattie!¡±

    For now I was not going to let him goad me into letting them get the upper hand. Kami and I rounded onto the fourth flight and I spared a glance down over the railing into the stairwell. The boys were about halfway up the second flight.

    Kami and I were still laughing. ¡°They¡¯re so full of themselves. Never going to close the distance.¡± Kami spoke, loud enough for them to hear her with ease.

    ¡°Hmph. That¡¯s what you think! Of course you also thought I wouldn¡¯t toss you in the lake and see where that got you?¡± Brandon called back.

    Kami and I were nearly at the final flight, ¡°Hence why I get Aly cooking and you guys don¡¯t!¡± Kami retorted.

    We heard a couple of the boys growl, Tristan and Brandon if I had to make an educated guess. This coaxed more laughter and squealing out of Kami and I as we took the final flight two stairs at a time and raced down the hall to the Alpha Suite, locking ourselves in it just as the boys reached the top of the stairs.

    Male wolves loved a good chase and I knew that I was going to be in for it later when Tristan got ahold of me. Kami was safe at least, for now. Her birthday was only about a month away now.

    I could smell the boys outside the door as one of them rapped on the door. ¡°Let us in, ladies.¡± Tristan assumed a sweet voice, hoping to win us over.

    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Kami answered.

    ¡°Come on, we didn¡¯t do anything to you, just Brandon. Why make the rest of us suffer?¡±

    ¡°Because you three have eaten and I need you to go pick up Rian!¡± I answered.

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t eaten!¡± Brandon protested.

    ¡°Then I suggest you go make yourself something or sweet talk Helga in the kitchen!¡± Kami snapped at him.

    ¡°But¡­ Aly¡¯s the best cook in the pack house!¡± Brandon huffed.

    ¡°You know¡­ We could go ask my dad if he¡¯s not busy¡­ He did teach Aly everything she knows¡­¡± Mat suggested quietly, but not quietly enough¡­

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea.¡± Brandon agreed.

    ¡°I would not suggest it. Or I will be forced to tell Mom and Dad why I am not feeding you!¡± I yelled at the door, only to be met with a satisfying round of grumbling from all of them.

    We heard them shuffle away as Tristan suggested they go pick Rian up and then they could figure out what to do from there.

    I smiled and ushered Kami to go find something to change into. ¡°Go change. I¡¯ll get cooking. Want anything particular?¡±

    ¡°Hmmm, heart attack burrito?¡± She grinned mischievously at me.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re just rubbing it in now¡­¡±

    ¡°Maaaayyybeee¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m in. I¡¯ll get started!¡±

    We both giggled as she disappeared into the closet to find some clothes to wear. Most everyone had a basket of random spare clothing in their rooms. One just never knew when someone might need a set. I headed into the kitchen and set to cooking.

 Chapter 100

    It was roughly half an hour before I had the burritos all made up, including some for the boys when they returned, keeping them warmed in the oven, not that we would necessarily tell them right away.

    It was another half an hour before we heard the boys coming down the hall, ¡°Rian! Walking feet please!¡± Tristan scolded him in a manner that was firm, but gentle as it carried down the hall.

    ¡°Sowwy Daddy.¡± Rian called back. He sounded closer and I assumed he had run ahead of the others in his excitement.

    I heard the door knob wiggle and Kami got up to unlock it and let Rian in. She reached out and scooped him up, shutting and locking the door again just as Brandon got to it, essentially slamming it in his face.

    ¡°Oh come on girls! Let us in!¡±

    Mat sniffed the air. ¡°I smell breakfast¡­ Aly! Did you make what I think you made!?¡± he hollered at the door.

    Kami and I were giggling on the other side of it. She carried Rian to the table and set him up with his own smaller burrito, ¡°There¡¯s a second one for you too if this isn''t enough.¡± She ruffled his hair.

    ¡°If you think I made Heart Attack Burritos then yes, yes I did!¡± I called back, which was promptly met with some gruff mumbled cursing.

    ¡°Heart Attack Burritos?¡± Cedric and Brandon were now questioning Mat.

    ¡°Breakfast burritos¡­ Bacon, eggs, potatoes, cheese, everything is cooked in the grease from the bacon. They¡¯re messy, greasy, and the best damn breakfast on this planet¡­¡± Mat was pouting, I could hear it in his voice.

    Brandon was soon pounding on the door again. ¡°Alllllyyyyy! Come on¡­ Let us in! I¡¯m starving!¡±

    ¡°Ya¡¯ll know that Tristan has the key right?¡± I snickered.

    ¡°WHAT!?¡± Mat and Brandon exclaimed in unison.

    I heard Tristan¡¯s deep chuckle and heard the key slide into the lock. It was mere seconds before the door swung open and I was rushed by Mat and Brandon.

    ¡°Aly, pleeeeeease tell me you made more¡­.¡±

    ¡°I gave Rian the last of it.¡± Kami lied, knowing that I couldn¡¯t. I caught Cedric¡¯s eye and non-chalantly tilted my head towards the kitchen. His mother was a chef, he would know where to look once he was in there.

    ¡°How could you be so cruel! Brandon and Cedric have never had your burritos!¡± Mat whined. ¡°They don¡¯t even understand what they¡¯re missing!¡±

    Tristan walked to me and tucked me into his side, kissing the top of my head before stealing a bite of the burrito I was currently eating. I smacked him away with a glare for his trouble.

    ¡°Sir, we will fight if you come near my food again¡­¡±

    ¡°I just wanted a bite, Half-Pint.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll give the others deadly ideas.¡±

    ¡°Oh no, I know better¡­¡± Mat defended.

    Brandon was eyeing Kami and her burrito now, after seeing Tristan¡¯s brazen actions. Kami arched a brow at him and let her claws extend on one hand, the other holding her burrito protectively.

    I swear you could hear Brandon audibly gulp and rethink whatever idea he had been considering.

    Cedric was watching us all in amusement, having slipped into the kitchen and stolen one from the oven already while the others were distracted with their supposed plight.

    Rian was practically inhaling his. ¡°Mmmm, deese are da best, Mommy!¡± His cheeks were puffed out a bit with the last of his burrito. ¡°Tan, I has more? Pwease?¡±

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    ¡°Rian¡­ Don¡¯t talk with your mouth full and you may, I made a second one for you, but only if you promise to eat more slowly so you don¡¯t choke.¡±

    Rian finished the food in his mouth, ¡°Otay, sowwy, Mommy.¡±

    I smiled at him and retrieved his other burrito, watching the boys¡¯ eyes follow it as I placed it on Rian¡¯s plate.

    ¡°He¡¯s right, these are amazing Aly.¡± Cedric spoke up at the perfect moment, acting as if his having one was perfectly natural and he¡¯d had it the whole time.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they thou¡ª Wait a minute! Where¡¯d you get one!?¡± Mat took a second to realize what was happening.

    ¡°Cedric! Gimmie some!¡± Brandon demanded, looking like he might tackle Cedric to get the burrito. Boys¡­

    ¡°This?¡± Cedric held up the burrito briefly while Mat and Brandon nodded, ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a whole stack in the oven.¡± He grinned at them as he took another bite.

    I squealed as Brandon and Mat nearly took each other and me out trying to get into the kitchen. Tristan pulled me out of the way quickly, laughing at the pair.

    ¡°You two better not wreck my kitchen!¡± I yelled at them. ¡°Or I¡¯ll set Kami on you both!¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t!¡± They responded as I heard the oven door open.

    ¡°Better get in there if you want any love, those two will likely eat them all.¡± I smiled up at Tristan and stood on my tip toes, stretching up to kiss his cheek before shooing him off into the kitchen and sitting down with Rian and Kami at the table.

    Mat and Brandon emerged with the whole plate of burritos as Tristan was about to head in, nearly colliding with him. He grabbed the plate from them and held it up out of harm''s reach as they all avoided the collision, if only just barely.

    ¡°You¡¯d think no one ever fed any of them around here.¡± Kami snickered at the boys who were now divvying up the burritos between the four of them.

    Rian hopped out of his chair and toddled over to Cedric, tugging his pant leg, ¡°I want anudder one pwease, Uncle Ceddy!¡± Rian was laying it on thick, wide puppy dog eyes and all.

    The four stopped their bickering and looked at Rian, no one daring to tell him no. Tristan lowered the plate down to his level and Rian snagged another burrito - two actually, one in each hand! - and then quickly made his way back to me, climbing into my lap with his spoils.

    ¡°Rian, do you think you can actually eat both of those?¡± Kami giggled at him.

    ¡°No, I got one for Mommy too!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re such a sweet boy.¡± I kissed his forehead and snuggled him tight for a moment before helping him unwrap his burrito. I was actually more hungry than usual, so I accepted his stolen plunder and ate with him.

    There was a knock on the door and a brief pause before Damien and Ivy let themselves in, walking over to join our group in the breakfast nook area.

    ¡°Good morning my dears!¡± Ivy greeted cheerfully. She leaned down and kissed the top of Rian¡¯s head, and then my forehead.

    ¡°Good morning, Ivy, Damien.¡± I smiled at them both.

    Rian reached up and hugged Ivy¡¯s neck when she kissed his head. ¡°Morning Nana! Morning Papa!¡± He greeted them both with a bright smile.

    Other greetings were exchanged, before Damien cleared his throat and looked pointedly at the plate of burritos.

    I laughed, ¡°Did you two come here just for my cooking, or did you have other motives?¡±

    Tristan handed them each a burrito, which caused further pouting from Mat and Brandon, but neither dared say a word.

    ¡°I was actually hoping to borrow you for the day, Aly. I thought we could do some more research in the library. See what we can further dig up on the Fae and Crimson Wolves.¡±

    ¡°Tristan and Rian can come with me. We have some work to do today.¡± Damien added, giving zero clue as to what that work might entail.

    ¡°Work? What work?¡± Rian asked, excited at the idea of spending time with his father and grandfather.

    ¡°Yeah, what work?¡± Tristan asked, a perplexed look on his face as he was trying to recall if he had forgotten something.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you worry about that. I need your help and that is all that matters.¡± Damien responded, using a tone that gave no room for argument.

    ¡°Because that¡¯s not suspicious at all.¡± I giggled at them, Tristan looked at me, as if asking if I minded and I waved a hand at him. ¡°Go on, go do your mysterious guy stuff.¡±

    Rian had finished eating so I helped him clean his hands and face before sending him over to Tristan and Damien. ¡°You be good Rian, listen to your Daddy and Papa, ok?¡±

    ¡°Otay, Mommy! Wove you, see you later!¡± He waved at me as Damien took hold of his other hand.

    ¡°I love you too, Rian.¡± I waved back and then turned to kiss Tristan goodbye as well. ¡°Have fun, don¡¯t do anything too crazy, hmm?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you later Half-Pint, and I promise to not do anything too crazy.¡± He grinned and leaned to whisper in my ear, ¡°At least not until after we¡¯re alone.¡±

    I drew in a breath, feeling the tips of my ears starting to burn with a blush, but managed to control myself as I smacked his chest and shoved him towards the other two with a flirty grin.

    Those of us that remained cleaned up from breakfast before we went our separate ways for the time being. I was enjoying the new experience of a semi-normal pack life. Knowing that it was going to be somewhat short lived, even if only temporarily. Lucien was supposed to arrive for his visit in a week.

 Chapter 101

    It seemed like time flew by in the coming days. Ivy and I had spent much of it in the Luna¡¯s Library, scouring records and documents for any bit of information we could find. That was a task in and of itself and produced little concrete information.

    We had found a few mentions of confirmed traits and skills in the previous Crimson Wolves as well as mentions of potential Fae traits as well. We used the information we found and the bits and pieces that Ivy recalled from her time spent with my mother and the Fae that would come into the region to create a list of potential skills I, and even possibly Rian, could end up with.

    I explained to Ivy about the change in my eyes the previous week and we had tried to keep a vigilant eye out for information on that particular oddity, but no luck. We sat down at one of the tables where we had been taking notes and organizing them.

    ¡°So we have a decent list after our days of hard work.¡± Ivy smiled at me as I rested my chin in my hand, worn out from the last few days of being up and down ladders, lugging books around and reading until the words blurred on the pages and papers.

    More than once in the last five days I woke up in my room, sprawled across Tristan, with no memory of how I ended up there. Apparently I kept falling asleep with my nose in a book, literally sometimes.

    ¡°Yes and some of them overlap between the Fae and the Crimson Wolves. Though I would imagine that the control over them may differ as the Fae channel the elemental magics through themselves and other races tend to conjure and manipulate them externally.¡±

    I was eyeing the list we had made as it sat on the table:

    Crimson Wolves:

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fire control</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fire resistance</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fire immunity</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Light Magic</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Shadow Magic</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Water Magic (Extremely rare, only one known person).</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Agility - Check</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Speed - Check</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Strength - Check </li>

    </ul>

    Fae:

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Elemental magics</li>

    <ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Fire</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Water</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Earth</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Air</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Shadow</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Light</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Nature</li>

    </ul>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Healing Magic</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Second Sight</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Glamour</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Lie Detecting</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Invisibility</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Flight (Winged Fae)</li>

    <li style="font-weight: 400">Shapeshifting (non-glamour)</li>

    </ul>

    Clearly I would not be flying, as I had no wings and shapeshifting would have appeared long before I got Aramyth if that were a skill I had inherited from my mother¡¯s genes.

    ¡°Hmph, invisibility would have been handy the last five years.¡± I mused, mostly to myself as memories of my past skittered through my thoughts.

    ¡°Perhaps, but would you have become as strong, determined and ready to lead if you hadn¡¯t gone through all that?¡± Ivy commented passingly.

    I knew she wasn¡¯t expecting an answer, merely putting the thought out there for my mind to process and remind me that I am who I am because of what I had been through. I simply smiled at her.

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    ¡°I do suspect you have healing magic though. Even your scars are not nearly as bad as they should be given everything you went through. Your mother was very talented in healing and nature magic. I would be quite surprised if you didn¡¯t inherit both of them from her.¡±

    ¡°That would help explain how I survived everything and why I enjoy the woods so much, even more than most wolves. I might have to find a space nearby to see what I can explore about myself.¡±

    ¡°Ask Tristan to show you the glade. It¡¯s not far from here, it¡¯s a sacred place to our pack. The energy found there is intense and abundant.¡±

    ¡°I shall, after Lucian¡¯s visit is done. For now I have enough to worry about.¡±

    ¡°You still have a couple days, try to spend them relaxing and enjoying life while you can before our little song and dance with the enemy.¡± Ivy¡¯s voice had a growl to it whenever she spoke of Lucian. She despised him as much as I did, perhaps more, for stealing me away from her after stealing my family from me and her best friend from her.

    ¡°I will if you will. No sense letting him get us all worked up, especially when he isn¡¯t even here yet and we will be riled enough when he is here, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    She took a deep breath and smiled sweetly at me, ¡°My dear Alyce, you are wise beyond your years, and absolutely correct. Come, let¡¯s go find those men of ours. I believe we have scoured every shelf of this library that we can at this point. Time to relax and prepare for our little charade.¡±

    ¡°Want to help me pack Rian¡¯s bags for his trip with Miss Maggie and Kiernan?¡±

    ¡°I would love to. Are you sure you want to send them away though?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Though it¡¯s not so much that I want to as it is that I need to. If Lucian finds out about Rian, then he may figure out that it¡¯s all a ploy. Or worse, he might use him against me or Tristan, or any number of the pack members. I need to know he is safe and remains unknown to Lucian.¡±

    ¡°I understand. I wish I could go with them. I feel bad sending him off without any of us.¡±

    ¡°Me too, but it¡¯s for his safety. He will understand sooner rather than later if he doesn¡¯t already. He is an extremely bright child.¡±

    We were wandering through the halls at this point, leisurely heading for Rian¡¯s room as we chatted. ¡°That he is. You and Tristan will have your hands full with him as he gets older, or when you two decided to have more pups.¡±

    I gave her a small smile, ¡°One chaotic situation at a time. We need to deal with Lucian and get Silver Moon back before more pups are even an option.¡±

    Rian, Tristan and Damien were off continuing to work on whatever mysterious project they had started the day of the burrito madness. They still wouldn¡¯t tell me what they were doing. Ivy and I entered Rian¡¯s room, it was completely set up and had been stocked with everything a 3 year old boy could need and plenty they could want. Rian was still staying with Miss Maggie at night, as his adoption wasn¡¯t yet official and most importantly I felt he was safer there for the time being.

    Ivy set to packing a bag of clothes for him, while I packed a bag of necessities. His favorite blanket number 1, he kept number 2 at Miss Maggie¡¯s, and his stuffed triceratops. I packed his hygiene products and some extra shoes and play clothes. Rian could get messy. I knew Miss Maggie could have done all this as he had plenty of things at her house as well for now, but - a. I wanted to help make this trip preparation easier on her and b. I simply wanted to embrace my role as Rian¡¯s mother and do this for him as well.

    It felt odd to be sending him away. Like I didn¡¯t trust my pack to protect him, but that was not at all the case. I didn¡¯t trust Lucian not to try and make him some kind of pawn in his sick, twisted games. I simply wouldn¡¯t risk it or allow it. My job as his mother was to protect him, no matter what. If that meant sending him off to visit Cedric¡¯s pack, then so be it. Thankful Alpha Killian and Luna Morgan were happy to host Kiernan, Miss Maggie and Rian for as long as was needed.

    ¡°Are you alright Aly? You¡¯re awfully quiet over there.¡± Ivy asked, zipping up the back she had just finished with.

    ¡°Yes, sorry. I was lost in thought. I¡¯m ready for this all to be over. I dislike having to send my son away to protect him, when I should be able to do it myself.¡± I zipped the bag I was working on and lifted it onto my shoulder, taking the other one from Ivy as well.

    ¡°I understand, but you¡¯re right to do so. This really is in his best interest this time.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Ivy put her arm around my shoulder and we headed out to go meet everyone else on the front lawn. We were going to have a little family/inner circle picnic for lunch before Rian and the others left for Dark Forest.