Chapter 25 Rise Up To The Occasion
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I had felt Adeline's breathing slow as she drifted off to sleep; she was so fragile in my arms. The need to protect and nurture her as I saw her break down those walls felt so natural. Disbelief still rampaged inside me that I had finally found my mate. Not only was she my mate, but she was perfect in every sense. I knew I would never be able to get enough of her in only one lifetime. I wished I had known her fears about her family's re-ranking—that was a battle she had faced that I could have eased long ago. Regardless that she was my mate, her family did indeed have a loyal reputation, and it would be beneficial to the pack to keep them in those roles.
Surprising her in her bedroom as I had was not my intention, but I had to see my mate. My wolf hadn't calmed down since Sophia had notified me of Adeline's abrupt departure from pack territory. I would have torn apart the entire pack along with the next five packs over to find her if it hadn't been for Beta Don's immediate action to locate her whereabouts, ensuring she was safe. I was still selfishly disappointed that my plans for dinner with her on her birthday had been ruined. Even with my pure Alpha blood, my date with her meant more than the coronation.
Beverly had been so obsessed with planning the week ahead that, aside from passing by my office in the mornings to say hello, she made herself scarce—and I was thankful for that. Since we had overtaken the Silver Moon Pack, Beverly had become incredibly power hungry, and it was becoming obvious that she wouldn't step down as my mate without a fight. But I had a glimmer of hope she would after I admitted that Adeline was my mate.
The mate bond was prized among all shifters. Finding your fated mate completed your soul. It took great power to resist the bond; most wolves mated immediately upon learning about each other. The mark was a sign that the wolf was mated and off-limits; wolves were very possessive creatures after all. For various reasons, some wolves took chosen mates—though it was less common and usually done because their fated mate had died. The bond also made both wolves stronger, which was important for the wolf itself but even more so for the packs. Strong wolves resulted in stronger packs.
After two wolves had marked each other and secured their bond by connecting as one intimately through passionate sex, an announcement was made to the pack. I had yet to see an objection as Alpha to a mating bond, but I was aware they could happen by pack law. If a shifter from the pack opposed a mating, they were free to challenge the opponent in a brawl. By primal instinct, one wolf would essentially have their throat ripped apart—thus ensuring the stronger wolf would take the position of mate. As an Alpha, losing a wolf wasn't ideal since it gave the pack one less wolf.
I was wide awake and still anxious from Adeline's confession that she had planned to reject me as her mate. I would not allow that to happen. I could feel that our bond was getting stronger, and little did she know, she completely owned me already.
Before making my way back to the pack house, I gave in to my wolf and let him run free in the forest. We did our usual run along the territory lines, ensuring to stop at each post, analyzing reports of any strange activity. When we felt satisfied that our wolves would sleep peacefully tonight, we took the long way back to the pack house. The scent of earth took over our senses as the night's cool breeze ran through our midnight-black fur. Feeling the moon's presence tonight fueled us unusually with power as 5,000 more wolves were about to be added to our pack.
I approached the brightly lit pack house and noticed the wolves were already awake and setting up for the coronation. Excitement loomed in the air. I jumped over the stairs, two by two, leading to the front door and noticed a frantic Beta Don standing in the doorway as if awaiting my arrival. "Alpha, Alpha Blake is requesting permission to enter pack lands. They have arrived earlier than expected. Alpha Jacob and Alpha Christian are about a couple of hours away," he said, bowing his head in submission.
"Permission is granted for all Alphas and their wolves who will be in attendance for the coronation. I won't have time tonight, but ensure they are well received," I responded and nodded with authority exerting from my voice.
I scurried through the entrance and up the white marble staircase until I reached my quarters. I opened the double doors and threw my clothes in a pile on the floor while I took a shower. My thoughts engulfed me once again—Adeline, and how frantic she had been with the mention of Beverly. I had known Beverly for a long time, but I was sure if she had even an ounce of love for me, she would want me to be happy above all else.
I threw a towel around my waist and continued into my walk-in closet, grabbing the first pair of pajamas I could find. I wasn't tired, but I knew I needed at least some sleep before the long day ahead. As I walked into my bedroom, I noticed Beverly asleep. She had been so invested in all the planning for my coronation, the mating ceremony, and then her coronation as Luna, that I barely noticed we hadn't slept in the same room for over a few weeks. My eyes were fighting to close, but my wolf wasn't having it—threatening to cause havoc if we climbed into that bed with her.
I sighed in defeat and made my way to my office, figuring I would get some outstanding paperwork done before taking refuge on the couch there. I poured myself a glass of whiskey; the burning sensation at the back of my throat always gave me comfort. I rummaged through the papers on my desk, realizing how far behind I had fallen since I met Adeline. If I wasn't staking her out, I was engulfed with thoughts of her. At this rate, I would never get anything done if I didn't mark her soon.
I heard a knock at the door, and with gritted teeth, I lowly growled, "Come in." It was the middle of the night, and I wasn't sure what could have been so important to interrupt me in person.
I looked up and saw red hair peeking through the door, accompanied by what seemed to be a seductive grin on Beverly's face. "Well hello Alpha, I thought I heard you come in."
I was grateful Beverly had stepped in to be Luna when she did, but I couldn't continue this charade any longer, knowing the pain it was causing my mate. "Hey, Bev, come in and have a seat. I really need to talk to you," I said, debating in my mind what my next words would be.
She stalked toward my desk, slowly undoing her silk bathrobe and revealing a set of black lace lingerie that revealed everything underneath. She caught me off guard, and before I could piece together what was happening, she settled herself on my lap. Before I met Adeline, if Beverly had ever tried this, I wouldn't have hesitated to shove my cock deep into her throat. Now, I felt nothing toward her. There wasn't even a hint of attraction. I wouldn't say I ever loved Beverly, but we had a mutual understanding and care for each other, which involved pleasing other needs.
