by Tamara White
“Alright, I think he gets it, but I think you need to explain some things, Greg. The last anyone heard, you killed Blair and took off. We thought the Jackson pack was lost,” Tim says solemnly.
Nate and Cam gasp, spinning to stare at me.
“What?!” I glare at them until Dad shakes his head at my attitude.
“Dani, stop being a brat. It’s not their fault they didn’t know who you were. Come sit down. I’ll fill your mates and their alpha in on a few things. We’ll go from there okay?”
I nod, slouching my shoulders, thoroughly chastised. Sure, I know I can be bitchy, but my dad obviously has a plan for how tonight goes, and I don’t want to piss him off.
Once everyone’s seated, I grab drinks from the fridge handing them out, but as I go to take my own seat, I’m faced with a dilemma. There are none. We only have a two-seater couch and four chairs from our dining table.
The only place for me to sit, is on the floor beside Cam, but, after what I’ve learnt, I don’t know if I can. Screw it! I have to learn to deal with it so, may as well start now.
“Okay, Greg, I want some details,” Tim says, leaning forward, placing his elbows on his knees, giving my dad his full attention.
“Jeez, well I don’t really know where to begin so I guess I’ll start when we met. Dani, remember the four mates I said your mother had? Well, it was me, Tim, Luke, and Brendan. Your mother kept her distance between most of us, because she didn’t want to get close to someone she wouldn’t mate with. Very much your mother’s daughter, you are.
Anyway, the first trial was some secret to do with your mother, which she passed, then we were able to move on to the second. It was between the mates and the enforcers from the pack. Your mother wasn’t able to participate. We all did okay, but Brendan lost after the first round. He was sent back to his pack to retain his position as Alpha. You two probably know him,” he says, gesturing at Mitchell and Jonnie.
They nod, adjusting themselves on their seats, enthralled with his story.
“After that we had our next trial, which was to maintain peace. By this time, your mother had started to get closer to Tim and I, though for some reason Luke kept his distance.
Anyway, for our peace trial, we were to be given a variety of challenges to face alone and together, as if we were already the Alpha Pair. Our Elders judged us based on the ways we resolved things and Tim somehow lost. I’ve always wondered if Luke bought off the votes because he wasn’t Alpha material. He was barely able to complete our negotiations without his hot temper getting in the way. It was one of the things Blair found disconcerting about him. Tim, though, was always a smooth talker, able to talk his way out of anything, so it never really sat right that he didn’t make it through.
We continued on with the trials without Tim. Blair thought it was a good idea to get to know Luke a bit more in case I lost, not that I was going to let that happen.
After a week preparing for the final trial, your mother and I were inseparable. We spent every night talking and laughing about the future, what we could do for the wolves, but Luke hated it. He felt it was unfair and demanded no fourth trial be held, instead he requested a challenge between the two of us.”
He looks over at Tim sadly before continuing on, “The thing is, the fourth trial was combat between Blair, Luke, and I. Blair had to prove herself strong enough for her partner, so it seemed stupid to just have a fight between the two of us. Obviously, I won that challenge. However, the next day didn’t go anything like we planned.
We were getting ready for the coronation when Luke summoned us, saying it was urgent and his father needed help.
Stupidly, we thought he was in trouble and rushed straight into a trap. He had eight of his wolves there, threatening to kill Blair and hide her body. Then he was going to shoot me and leave me there for everyone to witness.
He gloated so much that Blair and I were able to fight our way free. When we were finally safe, we tried to call Blair’s parents, but Luke always answered at the house, so we assumed he was hanging around to get our whereabouts. We knew we couldn’t risk it, so we stayed away.
We hid for a year in rogue camps until we heard rumors of what Luke was saying about us. He told the pack I kidnapped Blair, forcing her to come with me instead of facing the pack Elders. Apparently, the Elders were going to give Luke another chance at being Blair’s mate but I don’t know if that’s true or not. That moment was when we regretted hiding. With Luke being Alpha king though, we knew we couldn’t go back.
Then Blair became pregnant. She wanted to call her mother to tell her of the impending birth of her granddaughter, so I allowed it.
What a stupid mistake that was. Somehow, Luke tracked us down shortly after. Dani was only five days old.
Blair was so exhausted from giving birth, that she was nowhere near full fighting capability. I took on a dozen wolves, fought them off as best I could, but they got into the house anyway.
She managed to get Dani into the panic room, but she knew I wouldn’t make it in time, so she stayed out to fight.
When I heard the first gunshot, I lost it. I knew what it was, and I went into a rage, destroying all of them in my way. By the time I got to the house, she was already dying. Luke had shot her four times. Four! With fucking pure silver.
My mate lay there dying, and I had to pick the bullets out, hoping it might give her a chance to heal, but it was too late. Her body was dying.
With her last breath, she begged me to hide Dani until she was old enough to bring her to the packs.
We hid for 16 years. I trained Dani to be able to defend herself from any, and all situations, in case something similar happened with her own mates. I knew one day we’d be back. If Luke tried to hurt her, she would be ten times stronger and prepared for his attack.
When Dani turned sixteen and she still hadn’t shifted, I pondered the thought of bringing her back to the pack sooner, fearing too little exposure from wolves was why she hadn’t shifted. I left it alone, hoping she was just a late bloomer. Then her 17th birthday arrived and still no shift. I knew it was time. So, I started doing some digging.
I heard from a human, who your pack had helped a while back, that you had eligible males and thought maybe one of them could have been Dani’s mate. I figured maybe once she met a mate, she might shift but nothing so far. Now she has six mates, still hasn’t shifted and will have to face the trials.”
There’s a minute of silence before Tim sits up, preparing to speak.
“You know what this means, don’t you? She’s going to have to come to the pack and train. How old is she exactly? How long until the trials can start? We need to do this as quickly as possible,” Tim says, rambling off extremely fast.
“Four months until the trials can start. Dani turned seventeen, two months ago. I’ve spent most of my time training her to defend herself from attack, but she has little to no knowledge on pack politics. She’s going to need all the help she can get before she faces the peace trials,” my father says with a grin.
Tim and my father share looks of equal mischief.
“Well, looks like you and Dani will have to move into my house then. I hope you like sharing with boys.”
Chapter 7
I can’t believe I’m moving into a house with boys. Worse yet, my father’s here. Even worse, it’s the Alpha’s house.
Well, when I say house, I mean a huge, housing complex that’s centered around a giant mansion. This house has four wings alone! Four!
Dad said this would be the best option for us but staring around at the vastness of this house, I’m not sure. Isn’t it too soon to be living with my mates?
I’m skipping school today for this. Dad called in sick to help move our crap here, on Tim’s insistence. He wants to protect me and my mother’s legacy, though I don’t see why we should have to stay here. I could’ve just come out each day after school, but Dad put his foot down. I think it helped that Tim’s the Principal at school.
“So,
this is the east wing. My mate and I have this one to ourselves, but you’re more than welcome to a room here, Greg,” Tim says, pointing to a room on his left.
“No, it’s okay. I’ll take a guest room. I don’t want to impose on your space.”
“Alright, follow me and I’ll show you to a guest room before we take Dani to her room. My mate just finished decorating it for you,” he says with a soft smile.
I smile back then his words sink in. My father and I won’t be together. My chest constricts at the thought of being separated. We’ve never been apart like this. Sure, I was in care with the neighbours when I was younger and dad was at work, but this is different. We’ve always lived together, no further apart than in the next room. By the looks of this place, I’m going to walk twenty minutes just to get to his room.
“Here you go, Greg.”
Tim opens the door and my mouth drops in shock. The room is more of a suite but it’s amazing! Different shades of blue and green are splashed around to make a stunning room.
“Wow, this is amazing,” my dad whispers, taking his bags and throwing them on the turquoise bed cover.
“I’m done gawking now,” he says laughing, joy clear on his face.
“I’m glad you like it. Laura loves having guests. It gives her a reason to dress up the rooms. The boys will be relieved she’ll have new toys to play with. I’d be careful Dani. If you don’t like shopping, hide whenever my mate is around or you’ll be shopping your life away,” Tim laughs.
“I’m not sure. Maybe one day of shopping could be good,” I grin back at him.
“Ha! Say that when you come back carrying a hundred bags. Come on, let’s go see your room. I really hope you like it. Laura stayed up all night trying to make it the best she could. If you don’t like it, I’m sure she’ll change it for you. She wants you to be happy here,” he says sincerely.
“Oh, I feel it fair to warn you that I’ve put you in the south wing with the boys. I know you may not be okay with that, but your father and I agreed that you need to get to know your mates. I have a feeling you’ll need them more than you know, though for safety’s sake, we put you in a room with a panic button.
All you have to do is press it, and my enforcers will be alerted. They’ll come running. Seems strange, but we have to tell Luke about you soon. He’s going to be visiting his son, and there’s no hiding your father or who your mother was. You look too much like her,” he says sadly.
I walk behind them, thinking over what he said, wondering how I’m going to handle meeting Luke. Or better yet, what do I do about Cam? His father killed my mother and who’s to say once his father finds out I’m his mate, he won’t want Cam to do the same thing to me, that he did to my mother.
“Here we are.”
The room is absolutely magnificent. Nowhere near as big as Dad’s, but it’s still stunning. So many shades of orange, pink and purple help give it the appearance of a sunset, which is so beautiful.
I doubt I’ll ever change this room. I explore after setting my stuff down, shocked to find a bathroom, attached to the room, with a built-in shower and massive bath tub. I know what I’ll be doing later.
“This is amazing. Thank you so much. Please tell your mate I love it. It’s absolutely stunning,” I smile widely. It’s been a long time since I’ve had things as nice as this. I kept it to a minimum once I knew Dad was struggling to provide for us.
“I’m glad,” a soft voice says from the door.
I spin, staring at the vision of beauty that’s standing in my doorway. Now I understand how Nate looks so handsome. His father’s good looks and his mother’s phenomenal beauty, would make any child they had beautiful.
She’s shorter than me at 5’2’, with long flowing black hair. A soft heart shaped face highlight her sparkling blue eyes. Nate has his mother eyes, that’s for sure.
“Oh, hi! You must be Laura,” I say, stepping forward to greet her. My father stops me, holding a hand out. I look back at him not understanding why he stopped me when Tim laughs out loud.
“Jeez, Greg. You really didn’t teach her anything, did you?”
My father bristles, “I didn’t feel it was necessary at the time. My priority was teaching her to defend herself, not learn politics. I figured it could wait.”
“Can someone explain what’s going on? Did I do something wrong?” I ask the room, feeling foolish.
“Oh, you two, no formalities until we help Dani understand the pack rules and traditions. We can’t judge her for not knowing our ways,” Laura says defending me.
“Sorry, honey, it’s just wolves and humans are different. I’m sure your dad has done a wonderful job raising you, but he’s raised you more human than wolf.” Laura’s soft voice makes me feel safe. I know immediately that I can trust her. She wears her heart on her sleeve, showing her kindness with words.
“I know, sweet pea, but she needs to learn,” Tim says softly berating her, before continuing on. “Dani, you remember last night how the boys greeted your father? Well that’s a type of tradition that means a great deal of respect for our community. As part of the Alpha Pair you won’t need to worry about this. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have to learn these things, because the slightest mistake will lose you points in the Elders’ eyes, until your ascension. Especially as you haven’t grown up with wolves, it will win you more favor if you know more about us. However, we might win more points with the Elders, if we present you as being willing to learn our way when you grew up without our traditions.
So, to explain what went wrong. While you were appreciative of Laura’s gift, you never approach an Alpha’s mate without submitting to the Alpha first. That way he knows you mean no harm, and you can approach any of the pack members.
Once submitting to the Alpha, you then follow his rules. However, it is possible to overrule the Alpha, but that can result in a challenge. For this, you fight the Alpha. The down side to that, though, is if the Alpha is offended, then he can request it be to the death. If the Alpha enjoys the challenge, then he could request only until one of you is unconscious.”
Well, that sucks. Maybe I do need to study up on these rules and traditions.
“Don’t worry about it for now, honey. You get settled in and we’ll give you some privacy to adjust. I can send some of our history books for you to peruse if you like? They have the majority of our society’s rules so you can read through it until the weekend. Then we’ll start your official studies.
Sorry, I’m rambling. We’ll leave now. The boys won’t be home till 5 because they have practice and Jason should be home not long after school. If you need anything, just call out, we’ll hear you,” Laura says, still rambling while Tim drags her out of my new room.
Dad lingers for a moment, smiling before shutting the door behind him.
Sighing, I collapse on the bed and close my eyes. It’s been less than an hour since we got here and I’m already exhausted. I might take a bath and have a quick nap.
I definitely deserve it after the past few days.
Chapter 8
I wake slowly, the sound of whispering annoying my sleep addled brain.
“She’s definitely in there, I can smell her.”
“She can’t be. Why would they put her so close to us?”
“Maybe it’s a test? They want to see how we’ll react and thought putting her next to us would be a temptation?”
I have no idea who’s saying what, but that last comment hurt. It shouldn’t because I already feel plain, but even so, my mates shouldn’t care.
“What? Mom wouldn’t do that.”
Guess that’s confirmation that Nate’s out there listening. Unless one of the others have their parents here?
I hear more hushed whispers, but I can’t make out what they’re saying.
“Guys! I’m a fucking werewolf, so I can hear you out there!” I shout from the bed, holding back a laugh when I hear them curse.
Guess they didn’t quite think through whispering outs
ide a wolf’s bedroom.
“Can we come in?” Cam calls nervously from the other side of the door. Sighing, I get up, straightening myself and running my fingers through my hair.
“Fine, you can come in,” I say, opening the door once I’m sure I look halfway decent.
All six of my mates are standing there with slightly flushed cheeks, obviously embarrassed at being caught outside my door whispering.
I walk away, leaving the door open for them to choose to come in or stay out as they please. I don’t know what they expect, but, apparently, it’s not me walking away.
“Dani, are you okay?” Nate asks, following so close behind me that he bumps into me when I stop.
“Honestly?” I ask, looking at each of them, wanting to know if they are just asking for the sake of asking in this situation, or if they really care about how I’m feeling.
They nod, all in agreement. I gesture for them to sit on the carpeted floor over by the bed. I sit down placing my back against the bed for a sense of safety. Jason joins me, sitting on my left side, while Nate sits on my right. Pete, Jonnie, Mitchell, and Cam all sit opposite us. If I stretched my legs out I’d be touching them.
“I don’t want to upset any of you, but, if I’m being honest, this sucks. I thought my world was straight forward, now, I learn I’m destined to lead our people as part of the Alpha Pair. How? I know nothing about our kind. Then there’s you guys.
Don’t get me wrong, you’re all pretty nice and all, but mates are for life. I’ve only just met you. My wolf likes you but me, I don’t know you. Any of you.
Then there’s the whole if, and I mean a massive if, I get through the trials, then I have to lead a bunch of people and do right by them.
Then you guys also have to get through them, and if more than one of you makes it through, I’ll be forced to choose. How can I do that when you’re all so close? It would be like splitting up some one’s family. I can’t do that.”
