by Jessica Snow
"The castle has been in the family for five generations, stretching back almost all the way to the founding of the United States," Keith replied. "During the Colonial days, this entire area was granted to my family via Royal Decree. During the Revolution, my great great grandfather was smart enough, or lucky enough, to side with the Colonials, and so the land remained ours. Since then, it's been the home base for Clan Lockwood. We've struggled at times making tax payments, and at one point the estate wasn't exactly in the best of repair, but it's always remained in our hands."
Kimberly swung the Bell helicopter around the manor once, giving Mel a three hundred and sixty-degree view, before setting down on the south lawn. Once the rotors stopped, the trio got out, only to be greeted by a statuesque woman, who looked to be about sixty years old. Mel could quickly see the resemblance, and knew she had met her Mate's mother. "How should I greet her?" Mel asked Keith quietly as they approached.
"Be yourself," Keith laughed. She saw his mother laughing too, and realized that she had heard the entire thing through her psychic connection with her son.
"Failing that, you can give an old werewolf a hug," the woman replied coming within normal conversation range. "The time for formal trappings and titles is days away still. For now, please just call me Valeria, or Val if you like."
"It's a pleasure, Valeria. Please, just call me Mel."
The older woman chuckled. "I'll try, but please excuse me if I might slip in some sweethearts and darlings, and of course, the ever popular 'dears' in there. I'm an old lady, and I've never been good with names."
"You're hardly old, mother," Kimberly said, giving her mother a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "You barely look a day past your one hundredth."
"One... hundred?" Melanie stuttered. She knew that as a born werewolf, the Waldwycks aged slower than normal humans, but one hundred? She didn't even think she'd be around at one hundred.
"Yes, you will," Keith replied to her unspoken thought. "As we are Mated, you share in my life force. From the point we joined, your aging slowed to about that of a werewolf's. You can look forward to at least another eighty or ninety years of active life, at which point you'll look about sixty."
"Wow. Just think, there are millions of people around the world who would pay an arm and a leg for that."
"Enough with the talk of getting old," Valeria said, chuckling. "It's time I got to meet my daughter in blood."
For the rest of the day, Melanie was pleased to explore the grounds with Valeria, while Keith and Kimberly were taken up with preparations for the Gathering. "I'll be honest with you, I was somewhat glad when I didn't have to do this anymore," Valeria confided in her. "When my husband decided to retire and pass on the Alpha status to Keith, I was so relieved."
"I am sure. But I am still unsure what my role in the future will be, Valeria."
They passed the stable, which Mel could see contained various motor vehicles. There was a four-wheel ATV, two dirt bikes, a lawn tractor, and a small truck that looked like it was meant for off-road work. It made sense to keep vehicles in a stable, she thought, considering that horses were probably a poor choice to keep around a pack of werewolves. "I'm sure Keith, Kimberly and yourself will figure it out. Oh, back in my time, you would have been expected to take over the role from Kimberly totally, and she be Mated off to another Clan in the hopes of strengthening political ties. However, my children are not of my generation, thankfully. Unless you wish to press the issue, I am quite sure that Kimberly would like to stay within our Clan, and if possible her status as Alpha Female."
"That’s my wish as well," Mel stated, as the pair reached the riverside cliff, and gazed out at the sunset. "She is a very talented woman, and you must be proud of her. I could never replace all of her skills. I think I’ll be happy being First Mate, and perhaps helping both of them as best I can."
Valeria glowed at the compliment to her daughter and patted Melanie on her upper arm gently. "Well then, a word of advice. While the Gathering itself is supposed to be a friendly event, like all lycanthrope Clan events, there is a fair amount of political bickering, backstabbing, and alliance making going on. Be very wary about what you say to those not of Clan Lockwood, but also don’t be afraid to appear strong. Your presence will cause scandal, that is for certain. The other Clans have been made aware of your presence, and for you, this will be the equivalent of a débutante event, except you will be the only deb at the ball."
"Thank you for your wisdom, Valeria. I’ll do my best to make my Mate proud."
"Of that, I have no doubt, Melanie. Don’t be afraid, however, for I get to be right by your side. If you have any questions, I will help you."
Chapter 15
For the next two days, Clan groups arrived at the Lockwood Estate. While none were as numerous as Clan Lockwood, who had over a quarter of its members there to act as hosts, Melanie soon found herself swimming in a sea of werewolves. Each Clan was entitled by Gathering rules to bring the Alpha Male and Female, their children, and up to one bodyguard for each member. As some families had three or sometimes four children, this mean finding quarters for up to a dozen different werewolves for each Clan. Thankfully, the estate manor had seven different guest bedrooms, in addition to the quarters that served Clan Lockwood, as well as servant's quarters, guest houses, and the like. While some of the lower ranked members of Clan Lockwood would have to sleep in hastily built bunks down in the wine cellar, there was room for all.
Even more disconcerting for Melanie was the almost impossible levels of handsomeness and beauty surrounding her. Every Alpha male was tall and muscular, with broad, sweeping chests and commanding presences, while the Alpha females were rivaled only by the goddesses themselves in terms of beauty. Even the minor assistants were attractive. While Melanie was certainly attractive herself, it made her self-conscious.
"Don't worry," she felt Keith think to her, causing her to smile. Even while he was busy with final preparations on the far side of the Estate, he still was able to give some attention to her thoughts, and they often had communicated by their link.
"I'm here, Sister," Kimberly also replied. "While these Alphas may have a commanding presence, I know that none match your inner strength and will."
"You are too kind, Sister," Mel thought back. "Still, I am getting tired of having to literally look up to everyone here."
"We could get you some platform boots. Maybe some stilts?" Keith joked back, causing her to laugh under her breath.
Valeria, who was walking with her, noticed the chuckle. "Did they say something funny?"
"Of course. Your son is quite the joker for a man who seems so serious the times I've seen him working."
"He gets that from his Father," Valeria replied wistfully. "Oh, I wish you could have met him. He was an Alpha among Alphas."
"Would he have approved of me, do you think, Lady Valeria?" Melanie asked, invoking her title for the first time. Tomorrow night was the first night of the Gathering, and she wanted to make sure to keep to protocols. Although she wasn't sure what her title actually was, she decided to err on the side of caution.
"Two things, dear. First, as First Mate, you are subsidiary to no one. You owe no one a title, but if you wish, my title at these formal events would be Dame Valeria. Those outside our Clan can be referred to as Sir or Madam and the Clan name. Get used to it, you're going to be one of two Madam Lockwoods tomorrow, although some may refer to Kimberly as Mistress Lockwood as she has no Mate."
"Secondly, my husband would have found you very endearing. While some clans may be xenophobic towards normal humans, considering my own mother was a first generation wolf, Clan Lockwood can be seen as... progressive."
"Your mother was born human? So you are...."
"Second generation. In some of the European and Asian clans, I would never have ascended past Clan member, perhaps to Mate a third or fourth tier member if I was lucky or had shown great skill. Ah, but Bardulf was different. We were in love almost from the first time we met.
I guess what I'm saying is, you are as equal to any werewolf that will be here tomorrow night. Do not let any of them make you feel otherwise."
"Thank you, Valeria. I am glad to see your son is as wise as your husband was."
"Either that, or both are just lucky in choosing beautiful women," Valeria joked, causing Melanie to laugh. For the rest of the afternoon, the two walked the grounds again, Melanie enjoying the tales of Valeria's travels while able to get out and enjoy the air. Winter was giving way to spring, and while the highlands were still frosted with snow at times, the daytime breezes carried with it the hint of warmth and new life.
Just as the sun set, Melanie was heading towards the main house to find Keith for some dinner when Kimberly met her on the back steps.
"You look hungry," Kim said, leading her inside. They stood just inside the entrance foyer, Melanie taking off her jacket to hand it to one of the Lockwood members who was serving as a coat-check person. "I hope you don't mind, but I was hoping to have dinner with you and Keith together unless you two have other plans. I know you haven't had much private time over the past two days."
Mel blushed at Kimberly's unasked question. "Kim, your brother and I are in love, and yes, we enjoy our private time. But he's a wolf, not a rabbit. We don't need to breed every few hours."
Kim blushed in return and dropped her gaze. "I apologize if I offended you, Sister."
Mel cupped the brunette beauty's chin and lifted her eyes until they were staring at each other. "Kim, you are my Sister. You have been a dear friend. Never, ever, feel ashamed for asking or saying anything to me. You're not going to embarrass me."
Kimberly's eyes softened, before flicking to the side, a sharp expression forming on her perfect features. Mel glanced over her shoulder, to see a group of six new werewolves making their way into the great entryway. At the front was an Alpha easily equal to Keith's in size and stature, with a full head of bright red hair, braided and stretching almost halfway down his back. With him was a woman who Mel assumed was his Mate, as she walked beside him while sporting raven black hair and Asiatic features. Behind him was a wolf that Mel thought was his bodyguard, and next to him two younger wolves, maybe about Melanie's age. One of them, a female wolf who stood as tall as Kim but maybe even more beautiful, carried herself like a princess until her eyes glanced around and saw Mel. Then, the auburn haired beauty's green eyes turned to fire, and Mel could see her teeth lengthen as she almost literally growled at Mel before the other young wolf bumped her in the shoulder, breaking her gaze. Melanie looked back at Kim, whose own face was written with worry.
"Who was that?"
"That was Clan Thornblood. Let's just say that the daughter will not be your best friend tomorrow night."
"Why?"
"Let's hope I don't have to explain. Come, we're both starving, and you've seen how I eat when I get hungry," Kimberly said, her smile returning.
"All right, but you should tell me about the Thornbloods," Mel cautioned, letting herself be led towards the kitchen.
"That should be Keith's duty, Sister."
Chapter 16
Unfortunately for Mel, Keith was called away from their dinner, and by the time he was able to get away from his duties as host Alpha, she had already fallen asleep. When she woke up in the morning, with her bladder painfully full, she saw that Keith had left a note on his pillow. Grabbing it as she half walked, half ran to the toilet, she opened it as she made it to the warmed seat. Inside, written in Keith's bold, flowing script was a message.
My dearest Mate,
I apologize I did not have a chance to talk to you about the Thornbloods last night. Unfortunately, there is some political bad blood between our two clans, and I will strive my best during this morning to bridge that gap and save you the difficulty of having to dive into the deep end of werewolf politics your first night. I would give you the details, but I doubt you have the next four hours to read a tome. Let me just say that there is a situation of promises my Father made that I broke and that there may be some, hopefully minor, repercussions. I love you, Melanie, and I look forward to standing next to you at tonight's cocktail party as your proud Mate.
With all my love,
K.
Mel read the note twice, then shrugged. She knew there would be political intrigue at this event, Kim and Keith had told her as such. Might as well learn as she went.
At the party, Melanie was having a wonderful time. Besides Keith's considerate act of making sure that there was food and drink that was safe for her and the baby at the informal cocktail event, most of the other Alphas she met were quite friendly and polite. Kimberly served as primary hostess, greeting each and every party with her adroit interpersonal skills, always polite regardless of how the others spoke to her.
Meanwhile, Keith was able to rotate through the crowd, shaking hands and being what Mel could best describe as political. After a while, Keith was called away by one of the staff, but Valeria stayed next to her, guiding her. Melanie was talking with one Alpha female, of a small Canadian Clan called the Loup Blanc, when suddenly she felt a cold presence behind her. Turning around, she found herself face to face with the redheaded young Thornblood woman. Her eyes still burned bright green with what could only be seen as pure hatred. "Ah, hello, we haven't had the pleasure," Melanie began, trying to at least be civil. "I'm Melan..."
"I know who you are, Richter," the redhead spat. All conversation around them died off. Addressing another Clan member by their last name only was a grave insult, and to not even acknowledge that Melanie was a member of Clan Lockwood was an even greater one.
"Gather round, everyone, and see the puny wench that stole my betrothed!"
"Mind your tongue, Morrigan Thornblood!" Valeria warned her, voice dropping into a dangerous growl. "You are addressing the First Mate of my son."
"Ah, Dame Lockwood!" Morrigan replied with a sarcastic bow, "My apologies. I didn't realize that in Clan Lockwood, you permitted the intermarriage of the nobility and the pets!"
Thornblood's voice carried over the crowd, and the entire hall grew so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Melanie could feel her anger rising in her cheeks. She knew that physically she couldn't dare to stand against a full blooded future Alpha wolf, but that didn't mean she had to take this level of hatred. Just as Valeria stepped forward to deliver a retort, Melanie held her hand up.
"Excuse me, Valeria, I thank you for your words, but I would wish to address our guest."
Valeria stopped herself and nodded to Mel, whose eyes blazed in anger as she looked the few inches upwards to the redhead. "Morrigan, is it? You know, I admit I'm pretty new to this whole Clan politics thing," she said, gesturing for effect. "I mean, I did grow up in a world where we kind of lost the use of old-fashioned words such as 'wench.' So I will be the first to admit I've probably let a few insults slide, or given the unintentional insult myself over the past few hours. For that, I have already apologized in advance to every person I've met today that I've shared more than three words with."
"But," she continued, her anger seeping through, "there's unintentional slight, and then there's just flat-out rude. You crossed that line about two minutes ago. So, while I would personally love to throw your little bitch-wolf ass into the river, I won't. I'm going to retain at least a little bit of the pride of my Clan and my Mate and end this conversation here. I suggest that you and I stay on opposite ends of this estate for the rest of this Gathering."
The sound of Morrigan's slap on Melanie's cheek rang out across the entire hallway like a rifle shot. Mel could feel her head being rocked by the blow, and knew that even though it was hardly more than a werewolf tap, she was lucky to still be conscious. Pushing and shoving broke out between the two clans, while Melanie shook her head, trying to clear the cobwebs. Valeria was almost ready to tear the girl's head off, when suddenly Keith's booming voice cut through the crowd, causing everyone to stop all movement.
"Enough!" he yelled, parting the sea of bodies like a knife. "What
is the meaning of this?"
"Young Thornblood here has struck your First Mate, my son," Valeria replied, as Melanie could only stand there holding her cheek. She could feel blood on her tongue, and wondered if any of her teeth were loose. "I was about to teach our young guest some manners."
"We will have none of that, Mother," Keith replied, his eyes looking concernedly at Mel. Turning his attention to Morrigan, his amber eyes flared. "Morrigan, whatever thoughts you may have had of a union between you and I are pointless. Melanie is my First Mate, and it is only out of respect for your Father that I do not ask you to leave this Gathering in dishonor. But I do advise you to find another area of this dining hall to entertain yourself for tonight, lest you find both myself and my Mother desiring to teach you a lesson in manners."
"As you wish, oh highly discerning Alpha of the Lockwoods," Morrigan said with another sarcastic bow, turning and leaving. As soon as she was out of sight, Keith turned his attention to Melanie, who finally felt recovered from the blow.
"You. Me. Private. Now," she said, turning and heading upstairs to their quarters. Keith nodded, giving a few words to Valeria before following. Mel could hear the echoed whisper of his psychic words to Kimberly, who tautly agreed to take over as host for the cocktail party. Everyone was here already, so she didn't have to worry about greetings anymore, at least. Melanie stormed into their quarters, keeping her silence until Keith had closed the door to the master bedchambers. "What the fuck was that?"
