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CHAPTER 5 Meeting With The Elders

Selene

Shopping with Blake is not what I was expecting. I thought he'd take me to the mall and let me run wild. But no, he seriously surprised me. His idea of shopping is taking me to choose elegant and beautiful fabrics and getting tailored. We sat in an elegant room, with Scott, his tailor, and after countless books and getting sized, he had me booked for ten dresses, he wanted them done a.s.a.p. because as he said, I am to go with him on a business trip in a month from now. Is he seriously giving this old werewolf ten dresses to make me in just four weeks? It's insane... seriously, completely insane and irrational.

He is seriously very demanding in everything he does. He is very particular about his taste and ordered Scott to be precise in what he and I had asked for.

He is very protective of our pack and has managed to expand our land in such a short time. He has really surprised me with all he's accomplished here. Our pack now has their own schools, we have our own hospitals, emergency personnel in first responders, our own mall, cinema, and much more. Needles to say, we do not need to leave our pack's premises.

I was not expecting him to be like this. While we were growing up, I always thought he was going to be one of those stupid bachelor boys who slept with every skirt that came before him, why? Because regardless of how arrogant I thought he'd become, he was still hot as hell. But even our women in our pack are very much respectful towards him. I have not had any girl hit on him in my presence. I mean, it's more than obvious they drool over him, hell, I drool over him too, but.... they somehow have this strong respect for him. I really admire him for that.

After we were done speaking with Scott, we got back into his SUV. his driver Chester, who is also one of the warriors, took us directly to the mall so I can do as I wanted, piss him off by running around like a little girl shopping. I wonder if he gets mad if I spend over a thousand? Guess we'll find out...

We arrived at the mall, and immediately I got out without waiting for him to get out. The mall had everything. Wow, not bad Mr.Landon.... not bad! I made my way into papayas, shopped there, then I went to forever twenty-one and shopped there, went to Lane Bryant's, Windsor's, and ten other nice-looking stores. The more annoyed he got, the more I shopped. Then I thought, he's being a good sport, he deserves something nice... so I went to Victoria's secret and tried on a few nice pieces for him to pick for me. I modeled the pieces before his eyes, let him touch a bit, and gave him a few teases here and there. He maintained composed for the most part, which was good... didn't want to end up doing it here in the dressing room for our pack to hear.

It was fun to see him trying to act composed. I got a lot of cute bras he liked, thongs, and laced underwear he picked out himself. And my favorite, a beautiful nightgown in silk fabric to wear tonight. For a girl who hated all this crap, I was beginning to like wearing them. Especially if it was to wear for him. It's just something about the mate bond that makes you just want to please your man all the time. Fuck Selene, you are way head over heels for this man.

We went around, walking from one place to the other. He'd sit and wait for me to decide. He was really trying to keep patience. I'd take ten shirts in at a time to the fitting room to try on, showing him a piece at a time. Put all the pieces back in their rightful spot, bring back ten more pieces, and tried them on. I can sense the irritation in his being.

I wanted to burst out laughing the whole time but, I kept composed. When it was time we usually have lunch together he took me to a nice bistro inside the territory, about a five-minute walk from the mall. We headed out, I ordered a shit load of food telling him I could not decide and wanted to try it all. I got us a nice bottle of rose, that cost him two hundred and fifty, and drank a glass from it. It was pretty decent. Sweet and savory. I had our waitress pack everything to go and told Mrs.Tally to place them in the fridge or give it away since nothing was touched by my hands.

After all the shopping we did and all the food I made him buy, I was really exhausted. I headed into our room, collapse on the bed, and passed out. Goddess that was fun.


Blake

I stood by my desk, pinching my nose, and had my eyes glued shut. I grabbed the glass bottle of bourbon and poured myself a drink to calm myself down. How in the actual fuck can a girl spend more than ten fucking thousand dollars in clothes, makeup, and shoes? She's unbelievable. The only thing in here I didn't mind one bit for her to actually buy was the lingerie. Other than that... I feel like burning it all already. She bought a whole fucking wardrobe full of clothes.

I thought she had enough with the dresses Scott was making her, which it's beside the ten grand I spent at the mall. But then she had to pull her shit with her puppy eyes saying she wanted to go to the damn mall. I wanted to strangle myself from the second we arrived. Besides having to wait for her to go into almost every damn store she saw, I had to constantly get interrupted by one of our pack members. Maybe building that damn mall was not such a good idea after all. Then to have our table completely covered in food, I couldn't even savor my food peacefully, she just kept talking nonsense the whole fucking time. She knows I like to eat quietly.... why the hell is this happening? I thought I was gonna pull my head off.

I desperately grabbed the whole bottle of wine she ordered and downed the whole damn thing myself. Fuck, I'm glad it's done and over.

Knock knock

"Come in" I answered.

"Alpha, dinner is almost ready. I checked on Luna, but I'm afraid she has fallen asleep. Do I wake her for you sir, so she can freshen up and get ready?" She asks in a calm motherly voice.

I made her a promise, and I was bound to keep it. I have to start treating her better.

"No Mrs.Tally, that's not necessary. Plate our food on a tray, we'll have dinner inside our room tonight. Call me when you have the tray ready. I will take it up myself. I'll be here working till then. After you're done, you can all turn in for the night." I inform her.

She turns on her heel, nodding in agreement.

"Yes Alpha, as you wish."

I worked in my office for a while. I had to make sure I left my pack completely protected and unharmed for the days I was leaving with my wife in a few weeks.

I went over the map of our perimeters, encircling where I wanted guards, runners, trackers, and warriors. I then went over the schedule, revising when and where they each would be. I was blessed to have so many loyal pack members I could count on. A lot of our women gave newborn pups, I needed to make sure they were being protected the most. Just the thought of me having my own pup sends me to protective mode....just to think of those pups getting hurt makes me so fucking pissed. If anyone dares touch a hair on any of my packs, I will rip their head off personally.

It was taking me a while to finish, I paused when I heard the link Mrs.Tally send me, informing me our food was plated. I make my way out as calm as possible. I have been on edge lately, and all the veins in my arms, neck, and face are visible. I don't mean to look scary, but all the younger pups always seem to scare away from me every time this happens. A lot is happening lately, things I need answers to.

I make my way, trying to compose myself so my veins can diminish in size. I grab my tray with one hand, holding the wine and glasses on the other, and make my way upstairs. I place the wine and glasses down by a table with some stupid decorations Selene placed by our door, while I get the door open and make my way in. I slowly lean down and set the tray down by my side of the bed.

My beautiful wife was still fast asleep. I go back out, get the glasses and wine and enter my room again, closing the door behind me.

The bit of light peeking in, kissing the side of my wife's body reminds me of that night I found I was her mate. The moonlight caressed her beautiful curves perfectly.

She is making me lose my damn mind.

I grab a quick shower to cool off, when I'm done, I turn off the water, wrap my towel around my waist and walk out of the restroom.

My dear wife is already awake, awaiting with a bright smile. A smile that can melt me inside.

"Blake!" She calls my name, with the sweetest voice I've ever heard.

I make my way, holding onto her as if it was for dear life... I can never get tired of hearing her say my name.

Two weeks before going to meet the allied packs.

Blake

I woke up earlier than usual today. I need to meet with the pack elders today. I needed their opinion on something that has been bothering me lately. As alpha of my pack, it's my duty to maintain everything and everyone safe. I have been going through our archives lately, and there is something I just find so fascinating about learning about our own pack history... Who they were, and what they did, everything just seems so surreal and tantalizing to know about our own history. But..... The more I read, the more I realize that something isn't adding up.

According to the archives, five years ago we had dozens of our women named warriors, but as I began counting the members we have lost and the ones still alive, we still have two women missing. They were never recorded, no name, no description.... nothing but a number count, and their gift bestowed upon them by our goddess, or, at least part of their gift... I have a feeling there's more than these puzzles missing here.

Every time one of our pack members receives their calling, it gets recorded, whether it's to work for the pack as a warrior, a guard, a nurse, or a simple life of an omega. We even record when a person undergoes their first shifting, or when a new Luna is named, ....Everything must be recorded...

I know a lot of packs treat their omega's like shit because they are the least important. But not in my pack, they are the most essential workers, because they are the ones that keep our living environment going. They do the essential jobs, like running the restaurants to cleaning, waitressing, etc. They deserve the same respect as the professionals in my eyes.

I said goodbye to my wife this morning before I had to leave. Of course, I never bother telling her where I am going, because honestly, I don't like to bother her with my countless duties. I just don't think she'd be interested in the things I do.

I arrived about ten minutes before the time of the meeting, all fifty of our elders were already present when I got there.

I made my declarations and showed them the archives. Each one looked and questioned as they narrowed their gaze on the endless piles of documents before them. They seemed to be questioning everything among themselves, which was making me become nervous, thinking about what could be happening within my pack.

My dad and father-in-law are now part of the elder council. I was not expecting what they were about to tell us when my dad took a stand. It seemed that no one in the council of our elders knew about the declarations he was confessing to us, and none had any idea what they had just declared.

After they reviewed everything, and they heard my arguments, demanding answers for the two women missing; my mind went to complete shock, I was right about my suspicion all along. Why would they keep something so delicate from me? I was completely outraged.

My dad and Chansey had never seen the darker side of me. I have always looked at them with full respect, regardless of me now being their alpha, but they were unprepared for my outburst.

" Why didn't I know about this? As the present alpha of this pack, I had the right to know about these matters. Why would you keep this from me?" I yelled at them, I was so pissed off that they would keep matters so delicate from my knowledge.

"Blake son, try to understand. This was a drastic decision that had to be taken at the last minute. We never meant any harm. If we had known that she was your mate we would have tried to figure a way for her to stay. We would have figured out a way to have sent someone else in her place." father said.

"And why didn't you? Did you not see how hard it was for me to not have her here with me? She could have been killed." Dad took a step forward, trying to console me, "But she didn't get killed, son. She is back home safe...and-"

"And that makes things better? It just makes things worse, if you ask me... Did you know she hasn't told me anything about this? She has kept it a secret all this time. Do...You...Have any idea how I feel about this? She's keeping secrets from me. She was in danger all along....gone for five years!" I paced around, angry. "I could have protected her!"

"Alpha, please.... it is not her fault. She was ordered by us to do so. She loves you, my dear son. You have to understand that this is just as difficult for you as it is for her." My mind was a complete whirl of frustration and misunderstanding. My wife, the lead warrior of my pack? And I did not get acknowledge for this. How could I have not seen this coming? She is much braver than I'd seen, much braver... I have taken her for granted.

"Alpha, we apologize for keeping this from you. We did not just keep this secret from you, but up to now from the day of her return, she has been kept away from her rightful duties. It is fair to say that we should speak with her and reevaluate her status with our goddess. We must find, if she is to stay as our lead warrior, or find someone to take over, her main priority now is to stand by your side. Until then, we ask that you please try and remain calm. We must not worry her more than she already is, we are aware she might be struggling to tell you the truth about her calling to our pack in terms of not hurting you. She must be devastated in her own mind of what she must do, please.....give us time to figure this out, we beg of you alpha?" I furrowed my eyebrows. This was too much for me to bear. My dear wife, a warrior? I can not allow it. I can not bear the thought of her getting hurt.

But I know that she is strong. I sense it in her. I am at loss here either way. I just got her back after so many years away from her, to think she will be a warrior and may get hurt makes my heartache at an inexplicable rate inside, all the way inside my soul.

"Very well.... even if I do not like the idea of our Luna being our lead warrior, I know I must not go against what our goddess has chosen for her. I will give you until the day of my return from my meeting with our allied packs in a few weeks. Until then, she is to stay out of training and continue to live ONLY as our Luna. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Alpha," They all reply in unison.

I fixed the hem of my suit jacket, running my fingers through my hair as I exhaled a deep sight filled with turmoil. My heart felt heavy and filled with uncontrollable sadness. What am I to do if something was to happen to her? I have waited all my life for her... I would not be able to withstand ever losing her, I'd rather die than see her gone.

"Alpha, I am as deeply surprised and shocked as you are about all this, hell, here we are...both thinking my sis is off at college and she's in the middle of combat training... fuck, who knew, huh? My little sister Selene kicking ass somewhere..." Ty, my beta smirks nervously.

"Do you hear yourself? You sound just as bad as they do!! I can't believe all this. Do you know how worried I've been for my mate? Just to hear where she's really made matters worse." I paused myself, I needed to calm myself before I started the car and took off at full speed like I tend to when I'm angry.

"Tyler, you have no idea how many thoughts are going through my fucking mind right now... I could have been protecting her all this time. The worst thing is, I have a feeling there is more to this story than meets the eye. And I am bound to find the truth one way or another." We sat in my car, I kept running my hand through my hair and face, frustrated and annoyed.

"So what exactly are you planning on doing?" Ty turned, looking at me with a serious face.

"I don't know, I guess we'll just have to wait and see," I said as I turned the ignition on. I placed it in drive and sped off back to the house. There is no way in hell I was going to keep her out of my sight now.

"So, who was the other woman you found in the archives, Blake? You never mentioned her name. What happened to her? Is she still alive? Do you know of her whereabouts?" Ty asked.

I wasn't sure if he was ready to hear who the other girl was.... he had already lost his first mate. I still remember how he hurt for a long time when she died. He was weak for weeks-long from the separation of his mate. His whole being was crushed. He was weak to a point I thought he was going to die as well. Learning about my suspicions would just anger him more.

I stayed silent, trying to put into words what to say to him. I don't think there is an easy way for him to know the truth without him being mad...first, to lose your mate; then find out your twin was never in college but rather training somewhere..... and the fact they were gone so long makes no sense at all.

Five years is far past the extension of training. I have never sent anyone out for training, out of our facilities for more than six months during my five years as alpha. The whole year thing for me was far too much. They were better trained here under my care anyway.

"Blake.... hey man.... you still there?" Ty snapped his fingers in front of my eyes bringing me back from my trance. I took a big sigh, my left hand on top of the steering wheel, gripping it tightly, my other grasped tightly around the gear shift. So tight I thought the whole damn thing was gonna break off. I closed my eyes and hoped for better days.

"Who is the other girl, Blake?" He asked, deep down inside I can see he already knew the answer. But just like me, he'd hope I was going to say differently.

"Ty, I don't think you need me to mention her name.... you already know who it is. I'm sorry Ty... I really am." I gravelly sighed, closing my eyes but for a moment. I knew he was devastated in his heart, something felt far too sketchy about all this.

"Fucking answer me, Blake!! Who is the other girl?" He yelled in frustration.

"Ty! I mean it, I'm sorry...I-"

"Don't you pull the pity shit card with me. Blake, answer the fucking question.... who is the other warrior that left with my sister." He heaved, his eyes filled with rage and sadness all in one. Tears ran down his eyes, his fists so tight they'd become white around the knuckles. We were worried about Selene, something bigger was happening here, and we needed to get to the bottom of this.

I took a long sigh, if we are righ, and things are being kept hidden from us, we both knew there was more trouble coming our way. I guess we both just hoped..... maybe we were wrong, that it all would be a nice swift ride from this point on, though we knew otherwise.

"It was Jazmin, Ty." I blurted out. Deaf silence went between us the rest of the ride. An uncomfortable and awkward silence between us men. How could we have not seen there was something off on that woman? Being gone for too damn long, and no word of her departure? Something... Was just not right.

We talked after we both calmed down and worked out a plan for the rest of our drive before we got home back to the packhouse, where our 'wives' were waiting for us.


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