Ch. 1031..1040

Chapter 1031 Young Alpha Violet (5)

Violet was walking to the house where Cornelia and James were; her pace was much slower than she wanted it to be because three kids followed her. Molly, David, and Mia, aged 7, 5, and 4 years, respectively.

If Violet could shift, everything would be much faster, but the youngsters didn't have their first shift yet, so she was stuck to a snail's pace. The little ones would stop on every few steps to look at the butterfly, a bug, or a rock. Everything was interesting.

"Hurry up, or I will leave you behind," Violet grumbled.

The trio was excited to play with Cornelia and James' kids, so they hurried after Violet obediently. As they approached their destination, they heard noise from there…

"Wait! Wait!" Violet shouted after the youngsters, but it was in vain. The three kids heard squeals and giggles from their friends, and they dashed away.

Violet couldn't believe how quickly they ran. "Why did you drag your feet so far?"

Violet wanted to use her ability to bring them back and teach them a lesson, but the reality was that she didn't get the hang of her power, and she hated it.

"Figures," Violet grumbled. Her younger brothers were also mischievous. Jacob was almost bearable, but Logan, Zeke, and Gabriel gave her a headache.

"Violet!" Cornelia called when she noticed the newcomer. She was tending to the herbs in her garden, and six kids were running around on the playground a bit further away.

James made it with some help from Cornelia's magic. It had a twisting slide, monkey bars, swings, and a massive sand pit.

"Did you bring Molly, David, and Mia here?" Cornelia asked.

"Yes, Aunt Cora. I was on my way here, and Petra and Zack said it would be OK. Is it OK?"

"Of course," Cornelia assured Violet. "What brings you here?"

"I would like to talk to you."

"Sounds serious."

"It is. To me."

Cornelia left the pruning shears in the basket by her side and walked to meet Violet.

"Is Uncle James around?"

"He is inside on a video call with Alpha William. They are arguing for more than half an hour. The old guy is still refusing our terms on trade, but he wants the benefits. My James won't let that slide."

Violet wanted to ask, how can Cornelia call a guy in his fifties as old if she lived for more than three centuries? But Cornelia looked like a female in her early twenties, and by looks alone, she could be Alpha William's daughter.

Violet saw pictures from ten years ago, and then James looked like a boy next to Cornelia, yet now he matched her in maturity while Cornelia didn't change, not even a little bit. Actually, James looked like he was a few years older when compared to Cornelia.

The rumors are that James' biological father had an Alpha bloodline as a recessive gene, and when James and Cornelia mated, her magic activated that gene in James.

Violet was good at studies, and she would call that theory nonsense because no one EVER activated a recessive gene in a grown specimen. Still, the fact was that James was bigger, stronger, and faster than any regular werewolf, and his aging was slower than expected which meant that his wolf was special. Also, Violet could swear that she sensed a strange Alpha aura when Commander George sparred with James. Violet was familiar with George's aura, and that burst was not his. The only logical conclusion was that it belonged to James, who was equally matched with George, who didn't conceal he had an Alpha bloodline.

However, it was obvious that James was perfectly content to live as Gamma James in the two-story house with Cornelia and their three kids. If he acknowledged his Alpha heritage, he would end up with people following him, and he would have much more work, just like Commander George is stuck managing a town. If not for Erik and Owen helping out, Dawn and their two kids would barely see George between training, military duties, and managing the town where ex-members of the Frostcrest pack lived.

And just as James was living an unusually quiet life for a werewolf of his status, Cornelia was the same, but by witches' standards. Cornelia acted as Alpha Natalia's Gamma, and she worked closely with Amelia as a point of contact for all witches who now lived in this realm.

Over the years, Cornelia showed wisdom and skill that left many in awe, and people wondered who would win if Evanora and Cornelia clashed for real. Regretfully for the masses, Cornelia and Evanora were not interested in a showdown to determine their power levels.

Evanora was busy with Edgar and their grandkids. God knows they had their hands full with ten kids (five sets of twins) that Axel and Yasmin produced in the last thirteen years. It didn't look like Axel and Yasmin were ready to stop.

Yasmin said that during pregnancy, she could tap into a mystical realm and gain a better understanding of her powers. For her, getting pregnant was for research purposes, and Axel had no objections. If not for the breastfeeding period and sleepless nights with twin infants, Axel and Yasmin would have babies at least once per year! Miles and Daisy were now two years old, which meant that news of another Yasmin's pregnancy could come any day.

Violet loved her cousins, but other than Valeria and Edgar, others were a noisy bunch that was good only for making a ruckus.

More than once, Violet heard Damon teasing Axel, "Are you creating a pack of your own by making so many pups?" Axel would counter that with a shrug and, "It's not my fault you can make only one pup at a time." Damon would blow a fuse, and Talia would interfere because she feared Damon's obsession with impregnating her would spark again.

That whole group was made of Alphas and powerful creatures that carried the bloodline of Gods, and the fact that Cornelia was among them as an equal, spoke about her power more than any other test in existence.

"How about we sit?" Cornelia asked Violet while gesturing toward big stones arranged in a circle. That area was made by James, for him and Cornelia to snuggle after they put their kids to sleep. Cornelia would use magic to warm up the stones, and they would sometimes light up the fire in the middle. Cornelia had many good memories of that place. Many carnal memories. Ah, only if those stones could talk.

Violet was ready for this. She sat where Cornelia offered and immediately went to the topic that brought her here.

"You are interested in the ceremony," Cornelia concluded.

"Yes. I want to sense my mate."

"That's not a good idea, Vi."

"Why? Does it have negative effects? I'm sure you can make it safe. You are the best witch in this realm."

Cornelia smiled. "I will take the compliment, but this is not about my skill."

Violet frowned. "Then? Are you also going to tell me that it's best to wait? Five years, Aunt Cora. Five. Long. Years."

"That will pass in a flash if you focus on what you have instead of on what you are missing."

 

Chapter 1032 Young Alpha Violet (6)

Violet's frown deepened. "Why are you not willing to help me, Aunt Cora?"

"Because if I do, you will find out why they call your father Black Demon."

Violet heard about that. She thought it was a play on her father's name, Damon Blake - Black Demon, and she assumed it was because people said he was the most powerful Alpha of their generation. But maybe there was more to it. It didn't matter. Her father was brooding and overbearing, but he would never harm her. "Why won't you help me? I need to understand."

Cora pursed her lips while thinking about how to answer this. She decided to go straight to the point. Violet was stubborn and reckless like her parents, and only a shock factor would help this.

"Do you know what mates do, Vi?"

Violet nodded eagerly. "They cherish each other and put each other first, and…" Her voice trailed when she saw Cornelia shaking her head. "What?"

"When mates recognize each other, they rip each other's clothes and have sex. Lots of it."

Violet's eyes widened. "You are kidding."

"Why would I joke about that? When I met Jay, I knew he was my mate, but he didn't. I don't remember if it was a few days or a few years, but it felt like an eternity until he confirmed the bond. After we accelerated maturing of his wolf, he carried me over his shoulder to the bedroom, and we didn't come out of it for days. Do you know what we did? Sex. Unless we were sleeping or eating, we had sex. All the time. It was dirty and sweaty with the sound of flesh slapping against flesh. Are you ready for that, Vi?"

Violet's icy-blue eyes were wide to the point of hurting. Did Cornelia need to be so graphic?

Was Violet ready for sex? She knew all body parts and watched educational videos (and some not-so-educational ones sneakily). She was curious, but she was only thirteen years old, and the thought of doing those obscene things was scary and repulsing.

Part of Violet hoped that Ethan was her mate. She loved spending time with him. He was handsome and funny, and she loved when they had sleepovers and would snuggle while sharing a blanket and watching movies late, but sex? Just thinking about it made her super-anxious.

"I'm not interested in…" She couldn't say it. "…that thing. I just want to know who my mate is."

"The ceremony won't make you feel the bond, Vi. It will accelerate maturing of your wolf. You can't turn off parts of your wolf. Once she feels the bond, she will know who her other half is, and she will feel an insatiable need to combine two halves into one, in every way possible. Sex included. And if I have anything to do with the ceremony that will allow you to mature before your time, Alpha Damon will come for my head. There will be no safe space for me across all realms."

"He wouldn't harm you."

Cornelia stifled a laugh. "Your father is a man some admire and many fear. There is a reason for that. I don't know if you are aware of how protective Damon is of your family. Talia, you, and your four brothers, if anyone dares to mess with you, Damon will not stop until they experience the lowest levels of hell."

That was something Violet could believe. A group of warriors snickered when Violet struggled with the flying kick, and Damon sent them to a month-long survival training in the mountains. And any kid that dared to say anything bad to her would end up absent from school for a while, and after that, they would avoid her. Violet had a feeling it was her father's doing, but she didn't have any proof.

"Aunt Cora," Violet called and inched closer to ask in a whisper, "That sex urge… how long does it last?"

"Why?"

"Maybe you could make me feel the bond, and then I will hide somewhere until it passes. Tie me up if needed."

Cornelia's eyes widened. "Years, Vi. It takes years."

"Years? Are you saying that for years people are just… going at it?" Her thirteen-year-old mind had difficulty processing this information.

Cornelia looked dreamily in the direction of the house. "Thirteen years, Vi, and we are still going strong. OK. After a few years, we learned to control our urges and to act properly in public, but attraction didn't dwindle, and I hope this feeling never diminishes." She turned to Violet. "That's what mates are. Inseparable. Insatiable. Once you meet, you can't go back."

Violet's expression fell. "You are telling me that I shouldn't rush this."

"I'm telling you to cherish this time when you are learning about yourself as an individual. Find out what makes Violet Blake unique. Only like that, you will appreciate your other half when you find him. If you want to find him sooner, work on yourself. The Moon Goddess is watching. When she determines you are ready, she will arrange it, so you cross paths and feel the pull."

Violet's brows came together in serious contemplation of Cornelia's words, and Cornelia turned to check on the kids.

The noise was still there, but Cornelia needed to ensure no one was missing.

One, two… five, six. They were all there, moving. Alive. That was enough.

Cornelia's oldest son, Andrew, was Violet's age, but he preferred to stay with little ones who wouldn't look at him weirdly.

Andrew was a thirteen-year-old boy who faced an identity crisis.

He didn't have a wolf, and his sensitivity to energies was high enough to put him among high-ranking witches.

That didn't sound bad to an outsider, but for Andrew, it was horrible.

Without a wolf, Andrew was not a werewolf, and he was not a witch because he was male. Witches were females. He was the odd one. The only one.

As a teen, the only thing he wanted was to blend in and be part of a group, but no matter where he went, he was sticking out as a sore thumb. Violet tried including him, but he said he didn't want her pity, so she backed away, even though she knew exactly how he felt. Violet was also unique, but Andrew said that her uniqueness didn't make her a weirdo and that she couldn't possibly understand what he was going through.

Cornelia hoped that Andrew would snap out of it soon and learn to love himself because his parents and siblings loved him dearly, and he had many friends who accepted him. The only thing Andrew needed was to accept himself.

"You are leaving?" Cornelia asked when Violet stood up.

"Yes. I have guests. It would be rude to neglect them. Thank you, Aunt Cora."

"You are welcome, Vi."

Cornelia waited for Violet to disappear, and then she reached into the pocket of her vest.

"Did you hear that?" Violet spoke into the phone.

"Every word," Talia responded. "Thank you, Cora."

"You are welcome."

Cornelia ended the call and turned to see James approaching her.

He was tall and handsome, and his smile always did something funny to his stomach. But the most impactful was how he looked at her like he was hungry and only she could satiate him.

 

Chapter 1033 Gamma James' family

"Are you done with your meeting?" Cornelia asked James when he reached her.

"Mhm…" He hummed and sat on the rock next to her.

She loved how his arm wrapped around her to pull her on him. He was warm and solid and oozed safety and comfort.

"Did it go well?" Cornelia asked.

"Are you doubting your man?"

"Never."

Cornelia giggled when James reached under her legs and lifted her like she weighed nothing. She always loved how strong he was.

He put her to sit on his lap, and she wiggled to make herself comfortable before putting her head on his shoulder.

Cornelia closed her eyes and smiled while remembering how it all started. She came to this realm out of curiosity to see what was behind the portal, and then she picked up a weak pull and followed it to investigate. She ended up stalking James and three other youngsters for most of the night, and the four of them had so much fun that they didn't notice her. That night, Cornelia was glad James didn't react to any of the girls who shamelessly approached him.

James didn't feel the bond at first, but he was interested and didn't allow Cornelia to leave.

No matter how much he sensed their bond, James was always considerate, to the point of cutting himself after the ceremony so that the pain diminished his lust that swelled with the mate bond he could sense then.

Everyone knew that Gamma James was strong, intelligent, and shouldn't be provoked, but they didn't know how his caring and passionate side. That was only for Cornelia to see.

Every time they made love, James put her needs first, and Cornelia was confident that she would fall in love with him even without their mate bond. He was a true gentleman, even when he was ravishing her. Cornelia was never with any other man, but she was confident that James was gifted down there and that he was a skilled lover. He could make her come with his cock, fingers, lips, and tongue, and just thinking about his muscular form and heated gaze would make her knees go weak.

James cradled Cornelia in his arms, savoring the peace and belonging that came with her proximity.

Thanks to Cornelia, James managed to get out of years of abuse in the Redmayne family. Damon offered James a way out, but James was unsure if he would actually take it if not for Cornelia.

Besides the family of five that James and Cornelia created, James had his mother and biological father.

Over the years, they had met several times, but mainly for Andrew, Zoe, and Jeremy.

Layla and Chester showed interest in getting closer to James, but it didn't happen. Even while living in the packhouse of the Red Moon pack, James was never close to his mother. As for his biological father, Chester (aka the sperm donor, how James called him sometimes), he was not in James' life when he needed him the most. Did James need him now? Not really.

It's not that James held grudges. He was simply not interested.

James never clarified if Chester was aware that he had children who were growing up in an abusive packhouse, and James didn't want to know. It was easier to believe that Chester was ignorant. But where would that put Layla? James remembered his mother's indifference when Alpha Edward would "teach" James how a proper Alpha should act. Layla told James that if she interfered, it wouldn't help James, but it would only enrage Edward, and it's not that James didn't believe that, but he thought that over the years, she could have come up with something, anything, to make his life easier, yet she chose silence.

James grew up studying, training, and enduring harsh punishments for the slightest mistake or when he didn't meet Alpha Edward's expectations while his mother was planning outings and parties and spending her days in a spa with her girlfriends. Somehow, he couldn't evaluate their sufferings as equal.

Rumors about James having an Alpha aura reached Layla, and she called him to say how he should be grateful to his father for it. James didn't see it that way, and he vowed never to use his aura again. He survived and made a good life without it, and he didn't want to feel like he owed anything to Layla or Chester.

On the other hand, James thought that it was ironic. He grew up fearing for his life because he didn't have an Alpha bloodline, and now that it activated, he didn't want it.

The only other blood-related person James acknowledged was Marcy. He would leave flowers on her grave on the anniversary of her death and her birthday. James would stand there for hours without saying a word. He never knew what to say to Marcy, but the fact that they grew up in similar hell created a bond he couldn't ignore. Marcy and James were abused by the same people, albeit in different ways.

Every time James thought about his childhood, a wave of negativity would come over him, and the only thing that calmed his raging emotions was Cornelia, his chocolate-colored Goddess that smelled of wild berries.

Cornelia never rejected him. She was always by his side, encouraging, accepting, and welcoming, and for James, that was everything.

His nostrils flared when he picked up the scent of her arousal.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked.

Cornelia's eyes snapped open. She had no intention of admitting that she was thinking about the night in the Silver Flame Coven, just after the ceremony, when they made love the first time, and he put his mark on her neck. That was almost thirteen years ago, yet it felt like yesterday. Everything about James was fresh and exciting, and he made her giddy like a teenager in love. "Nothing."

He didn't buy it. "Reeeeaaaally?"

"I was just wondering if I should prepare a snack for the kids or let them enjoy a bit longer."

"A snack." James chuckled. He could snack on Cornelia, anytime. And it would be enjoyable, as always. He tightened his hold on her. "Did you have a good talk with Vi?"

"You saw her? Why didn't you come to say hi?"

"And interrupt your girly chatter? It's not often you get to educate someone on sex. It would be awkward if I joined you."

Cornelia couldn't believe this. "You heard us?"

"What was that about controlling urges after a few years?"

"I don't remember saying anything like that."

"Let me remind you," James said, and he squeezed her ass. "You said that after a few years, you learned to control your urges in public."

"Jay," Cornelia called, her voice coming a bit breathy. "Kids are right there."

"I don't see any kids, Cora. I see only my Goddess, and I fear I can't control my urges to claim my mate."

Even without sensing James' rising sexual energy, Cornelia felt his erection poking her behind, and she knew that her handsome devil wouldn't stop until he got his fill of her. She nervously glanced over James' shoulder and started counting kids. One, two, three…

"Ahh…" A lustful sound escaped her lips when James licked his mark on her neck.

"Did you say something?" He asked, his deep voice increased her arousal.

She wanted to respond, but he was back to his mark, licking, kissing, and sucking. His every move sent electric charges straight to her core.

His hand ventured under her skirt, and he extended his claw just enough to rip her panties like they were nothing.

"Jay…" Cornelia called as he got down on his knees with her in his arms, and then he put her down on the grass. "The kids are right there."

"So?"

"They will hear us."

"Then… you should keep the noise down, my dear."

Cornelia knew that this was not the time or place. At least they should go inside the house!

But James was on top of her, with his pants pulled down, and she could feel his hard cock pressing on her, and she ended up spreading her legs wider to welcome him.

Damn the kids and everything.

Cornelia waved her index finger, and all noises around them stopped.

James looked at her and smiled in approval. "Does this mean kids won't hear us?"

"Just a bit of magic for privacy. We can't hear them, and they can't hear us. If they look this way, they will see us sitting on the rock."

A deep growl bubbled in Jame's chest, and then he felt the resistance that was charged with the sparks of their bond as her wet heat enveloped his cock.

"Fuck, Cora," James cursed under his breath as he got sheathed fully inside her. She was tight and hot, just like the first time. "You are mine."

"Yours."

She threw her head back and rocked her body at the pace he set, knowing that he would make it good for both of them, as always.

 

Chapter 1034 Young Alpha Violet (7)

Violet returned to the packhouse sneakily. She knew which way to take to avoid curious eyes. Violet was confident that her parents could pick up her presence, but her parents mostly respected her need for privacy. She wanted to void kids who would follow her everywhere (her brothers included).

Even without her enhanced hearing, Violet could hear giggles and screams from far away.

Aunt Dawn told her about the time when the packhouse was quiet and empty, but that was not how Violet remembered. From her earliest memories, there were always a bunch of babies crying and then kids causing a ruckus, and Violet loved going deep into the forest and just sitting in silence.

Aunt Zina said that for many years, other than Alpha Damon, only a handful of grownups had access to the packhouse.

Violet was familiar with all names from the stories except for two, Stephanie and Lisa.

The chatty duo of aunts told Violet that Stephanie betrayed the pack and was banished. The last thing they heard was that she was living in the snowy wilderness of Canada and that her wolf was feral. That was more than eight years ago, and they suspected she was dead. As for Lisa, she was mated with an Omega from a small pack somewhere South, and she never attempted to contact them.

Violet was curious about the details, but all that was sealed in confidential files she will get access to when she turns sixteen years old.

Violet reached the third floor without anyone calling her out and she exhaled in relief when she closed the door behind her.

Today was not about the guests and the noise. This was about Ethan and facing him after that fiasco in the forest. Did she embarrass herself? Probably.

Violet pushed herself off the door and went to her closet. There was no time for idling because she needed to pick something to wear. They had guests today staying for dinner (nothing unusual), so it shouldn't be too casual, but not too fancy either. She didn't want to overthink it, but they had guests from the outside which meant she should carry herself as the future Alpha.

No matter how powerful Violet was, grownups treated her like she was a child. She wouldn't mind so much if other young Alphas were not treated differently, and that stung. Was it because she was a female, or because she was on the skinny side? Violet wondered, how did her mom manage to make everyone respect her? Alpha Natalia was half the size when compared to other Alphas, yet they all bowed to her. Her mom was awesome.

Violet picked a dark blue floral dress with straps. It was one of her favorites. She liked the light fabric, and the way the two-layered skirt swayed as she moved.

She noticed that the skirt ended at half of her thighs, it was longer than when she wore it last time. Did she grow again? Will she be tall like her father?

Violet put a black leather belt around her waist and tightened it. Like this, it looked like she had a waist. But the waist was not a problem. The issue was that her hips didn't show, and she had no boobs! All girls her age had at least something in the chest area. What was the point of being the future Alpha with godly powers when she couldn't control those powers, and if she tucked in her hair, she was no different than a teenage boy?

Violet stood in front of a full-length mirror and stared at herself. Her perfectly straight raven-black hair reached half of her back, and her slightly tanned skin emphasized her icy-blue eyes. The striking features she got from her father were softened by the small perky nose and curved eyebrows from her mother.

Her parents said that she got the best of them, but Violet couldn't see it. And she was growing! At this rate, she will be an odd flat-chested giant!

Commotion from the bedroom got Violet's attention. Were her brothers invading her privacy?

Three figures appeared at the door and Violet cocked an eyebrow at her three friends. Scarlet, Robin, and Page. Identical triplets, daughters of Beta Caden and Beta Maya.

They were the same age, but Violet had much more responsibilities and she envied the carefree air that the triplets carried with them.

The three girls had the same chestnut-colored hair, the same curious brown eyes, matching smiles… well, they were identical. They even wore the same clothes. Violet knew that Scarlet, Robin, and Page were jokesters who enjoyed it when people mixed them up. Sometimes, the triplets would take turns in doing chores, and Violet was confident that Page did math exams for all three of them, Scarlet did painting, and Robin music. When one of them did mischief, they would point fingers at each other, and no one could determine which one was the real culprit.

To Violet's dismay, all three girls in front of her had B-cup assets.

"I should have known it was you. Why are you here?" Violet asked.

"The guests are asking for you, and your mom said you are here, and we should check on you," Scarlet responded.

"Should we help you get ready?" Page asked.

"I am ready," Violet said.

"No make-up? You should put at least some lip gloss." Robin puckered her lips. "Boys like that. They will use it as an excuse to ask about the taste."

Page snickered. "When that happens, don't reach for your lip gloss because he wants a kiss."

Violet rolled her eyes. "I'm not interested in boys."

"Mhm," Scarlet hummed teasingly. "I guess you won't mind if we take Ethan…" She stopped talking when Violet's aura pressed on her. "OK… OK…" Scarlet spoke with difficulty. "I was kidding…" She took a deep breath when she realized she could breathe again.

"I'm sorry," Violet said in a small voice. "I didn't mean to."

"It's OK. We know you can't control it well," Page said.

Scarlet was patting her chest dramatically. "I've made my point. You can pretend you don't care about Ethan, but we all see what's going on."

"What's the point of you seeing things when Ethan doesn't?"

"Boys are dense," Robin said. "You should tell everyone today that you are claiming Ethan and…"

"NOT happening!" Violet squeaked.

"Why not?" Scarlet asked. "As the top-ranking Alpha of our generation, you have the right to claim what's yours."

"I don't know if he is mine."

"Pft!" Page burst into giggles. "You are funny. Your rank gives you the right to claim things and people. If you want him as yours, he will be yours. And I bet he will like it."

Violet knew that, but Ethan wouldn't like it if they were not mates, and she wouldn't like it either. Besides, Cornelia's talk about mating and sex was making Violet uneasy. She wanted someone who will hold her and support her and treat her right. Lots of cuddles, handholding, and kisses, and… that should be enough. Right?

"I won't be claiming anyone unless that someone is my mate," Violet said. "If I can't sense him, it means I haven't met him or I'm not ready. I don't need lip-gloss. I'm fine."

"Fine, fine," Scarlet said. "Whatever you say."

Page eyed Violet's chest. "Do you want a bra with paddings? Or maybe put some tissues in it? It would help…" She ducked when a shoe flew at her. "Hey! I was just trying to be helpful!"

"No guy likes violent girls," Page said. "If you want Ethan to notice you, you should be fragile and gentle and bat your eyelids like this..."

Violet grimaced. Page was ridiculous. She knew that triplets were jokesters, but sometimes their jokes went too far. "If I hear people talking about me and Ethan, lip gloss, or that bra padding nonsense, I will arrange so you have extra duties."

"What if someone talks about those and it's not related to us?" Robin asked.

"Well, I guess that gives you a task for today. If someone is spreading rumors that will damage the reputation of your future Alpha, you need to stop it."

The triplets exchanged gazes. They were not happy about this task, but Violet pullet her rank as the future Alpha, and refusing would be disrespectful.

Violet walked out of the closet with, "Are you coming, or will you continue admiring my wardrobe?"

 

Chapter 1035 Young Alpha Violet (8)

Violet entered the living room which was full of grownups.

Her parents were there, and so were Alpha Maddox and Luna Tatiana, Shaman Gideon and Beta Mindy, Beta Maya and Beta Caden, Commander George and Dawn, General Owen and Zina, General Keith and General Arya, Lieutenant Liam and Amelia, and Lieutenant Pierce and Daria. It was noisy but harmonious.

Talia was sitting on the sofa with Mindy, Dawn, Zina, Arya, and Amelia. Those were Alpha Natalia's trustworthy helpers. Talia also had Yasmin, Axel, Sandy, Tyler, Meg, and Kai, but those people were making sure everything was running smoothly in the Midnight Guardians pack.

Mindy and Cornelia were the only females in the Dark Howlers pack who accepted official titles from Talia (Beta Mindy and Gamma Cornelia). Others said they were happy to be advisors as they were all juggling their families and careers, and they couldn't commit full-time, even though they would always gather whenever Talia summoned them.

Alpha Natalia was Damon's equal in the Dark Howlers pack, the Midnight Guardians pack depended on her leadership, and the whole coalition of werewolves that was established about a decade ago was relying on Alpha Natalia to guide them and settle any disputes.

It was a lot of work. Luckily, Talia had many helpers among werewolves and witches.

Violet knew that her mother had a lot on her hands, but she made it look so easy. Violet was set to inherit her mother's position, but she was unsure if she will ever be able to compare.

On the other side, there was Alpha Damon Blake, a tall and muscular man who stood with Alpha Maddox, Commander George, Beta Caden, Shaman Gideon, General Owen, and General Keith around him. They were talking and laughing, and the mood was good.

Violet knew Damon as her dad, but everyone else knew him as a fierce leader people admired and respected; or feared. In any case, no one dared to stand up to him.

Damon was officially the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack, but he was also managing the training and deployment of military units in the Midnight Guardians pack and in all allied territories.

Alpha Damon and Alpha Natalia technically ruled over werewolves and witches in North America and Violet knew that they were able to accomplish all that due to the help from their trustworthy friends, but most importantly, Damon and Talia supported each other, as equals.

Will Violet be able to create such an environment when she takes over her duties officially? The more Violet learned about what was needed, she understood it was much more than just powers and abilities.

"Vi?" Talia called. "Your friends are in the back."

"I know," Violet responded. "I just came to say, hi."

"How nice of you," Tatiana said from the side. She was on the sofa chair with her big belly sticking out. "Come here. Let me see you."

Tatiana spread her arms and Violet leaned into the hug.

They were not related, but Violet treated Tanya as her aunt and Maddox as her uncle. Two families were close because they were all Alphas, and with children of similar ages.

Violet and Ethan were both thirteen years old, Jacob and Aster were both eleven, Logan and Zeke's birthday was only one month off from Kerry's, and Gabriel and Gwen were both five years old.

Tanya was only days away from her due date, and once the baby was born, both families will have five youngsters each.

Violet hoped that the baby in Tanya's belly was also a girl because Tanya promised she will be called Bree, per Violet's suggestion. If it's a boy, he will be Lupin, per Ethan's request. Violet thought that Lupin was a stupid name for a werewolf. Alpha Lupin; it sounded like an old guy's name.

"My dear!" A dramatic call from the door got everyone's attention when Mario and Neil arrived.

Mario was a human who came to the territory of werewolves to help Tatiana get ready for her wedding as her assistant, unaware that he was surrounded by creatures, and that one of them will claim him as his mate.

Neil was a junior doctor in the pack hospital of the Dark Howlers pack, and Mario was helping out as a nurse practitioner when the "Dama T" business didn't need him.

In less than a second, Maddox was standing next to his mate protectively.

"How many times have I told you not to call her that?" Maddox growled at Mario. "She is not your dear or your anything. She is Luna Tatiana, and she is MY mate!"

Mario and Neil both lowered their heads, and Mario responded, "I respect you, Alpha Maddox, but Tatiana is my boss and I know her longer than you do and…" He groaned when Maddox's aura pressed on him.

Before Neil marked him, Mario was not affected by Alpha's aura. However, the mark came with the bond and sharing emotions, heightened senses, and even a prolonged lifespan. Unfortunately, Mario didn't get a wolf.

However, the downside of marking was that Maddox could make him kneel with a thought, which Maddox liked to do often. It's not that Mario was complaining. Kneeling in front of a handsome male specimen like Maddox would be an honor. Mario was torn. He was faithful to Neil and he felt guilty for having such lustful thoughts about someone else but there was nothing Mario could do to prevent it.

Thinking of Maddox in leather underwear, snapping a whip, dominating... turned on Mario in more than one way. He really wished that Maddox punishes him personally. In private. Maybe Neil could join them?

Tatiana held Maddox's hand. "Let them go, Max. You know he won't learn no matter how much you punish him. We are visiting our friends. Don't spoil the mood."

Maddox's eyes flashed in outrage. "I'm spoiling the mood!? How many times do I need to remind him you are mine?"

Tatiana shook her head helplessly. She never understood why Mario couldn't keep his distance, at least when Maddox was around. Was it possible that Mario was enjoying the torture? And what about Neil?

Even with all the hostility and Maddox lashing at them, Mario and Neil would come to visit them often. Their kids were crazy for uncle Mario and uncle Neil who always came with a heap of presents. Mario and Neil were good with kids, and they would often play with the girls dress up, and tea parties, and let them paint their nails, so Tatiana was not complaining.

Alpha Cristian and Luna Michelle entered the room and Maddox released Mario and Neil with a warning they shouldn't touch Tatiana.

"Is Ashton with you?" Talia asked Michelle.

Michelle shook her head. "Ash got delayed. He promised to come as soon as he can."

Ashton was now nineteen years old, an unmated Alpha. That put him on the radar of many unmated she met ages ago when he hid in the bushes and asked her to help hide him from the girls. Talia stifled a giggle at that mental image which didn't change much, other than Ashton being much taller she-wolves and Talia felt guilty for the boy because she still saw him as that innocent six-year-old she met ages ago when he hid in the bushes and asked her to help hide him from the girls. Talia stifled a giggle at that mental image which didn't change much, other than Ashton being much taller and more difficult to hide.

Chapter 1036 Young Alpha Violet (9)

Violet entered the second living area, which was occupied by teens and other youngsters.

It was a big open room with a pool table, a dartboard, pinball machines, a VR area, and a big TV secured to the wall with a bunch of beanbags spread on the floor for the viewers. A table for card games was on the right, and there were several sofas to accommodate kids of school age and above.

The wet bar had two Omegas ready to serve youngsters with drinks and snacks and to clean any accidental messes.

The nursery was next door with most of the kids under four years old. They had several Omegas there on childcare duty to ensure no one gets hurt, and whatever else was needed.

When Violet appeared at the door, almost everyone stopped what they were doing, and turned to look at her.

Nine-year-old Benjamin and seven-year-old Samuel approached Violet and saluted her.

"We are here to guard you, Alpha Violet," Benjamin said seriously.

Violet regarded them for a moment. "Just because your parents are guarding my mother, doesn't mean you need to guard me." Ben and Sam were sons of General Keith and General Arya, two personal guards of Alpha Natalia who accompanied her whenever she left the pack territory on official business. They wanted to accompany her all the time, but the word was that Alpha Natalia was skilled in giving her guards a slip.

Seeing that Samuel's expression fell at Violet's rejection, she quickly thought of something to mend the situation, "I know you are ready for duty, but this is a party and everyone is a friend. I give you the rest of the day off. I expect to see you ready for duty tomorrow morning."

Benjamin and Samuel grinned and then they returned to the area where the VR was set up.

Violet counted more than twenty heads present and she rolled her eyes at the sight of two teens locked in a wrestling match among beanbags.

"Lavender," Violet called while making her way there. "That's not very ladylike."

Lavender was on top of Ethan who was lying face-down, and she was holding his arm behind his back in a deadlock. "Ladylike? I'm not a lady. I'm a she-wolf. Ethan was mean and my mom told me to stand up for myself."

"Everyone knows that Beta Mindy is a strong she-wolf, but she doesn't engage in brawls during parties," Violet said diplomatically while trying to defuse the situation. Lavender was known as the hot-headed troublemaker, and no one dared to say anything to her because her mother was a Beta with an Alpha bloodline, while her father was the famous Shaman Gideon.

Lavender raised her head and grinned. "You are right. Mom is more discrete." She looked down at Ethan. "You are lucky that Vi came to save you."

Ethan groaned. "You are lucky to be a girl. As a gentleman, I can't make myself whoop your ass."

about how Mindy never had a filter, and it seemed that Lavender got that from her mother.

"You shouldn't bother with Lavender," Scarlet said to Violet from the side. "Let Alpha Ethan handle "You think you can whoop my ass?"

"I wouldn't dare touch my cousin," Ethan said right away. "People will think I'm a perv."

"Every Alpha is a perv," Lavender retorted. "My mom said so. You are just too young to feel it. Soon, the testosterone will start working and all you can think of will be how to get a woman in bed and stick your..."

"Lavender!" Violet called in outrage. "You can't talk like that in front of kids." Violet heard stories about how Mindy never had a filter, and it seemed that Lavender got that from her mother.

"You shouldn't bother with Lavender," Scarlet said to Violet from the side. "Let Alpha Ethan handle his cousin. Come with us, we prepared your favorite strawberry lemonade."

Violet turned to see that Page was bringing a red-colored drink and a bowl with chips to the coffee table and Robin was chasing from the sofa Logan, Zeke, and Kerry, saying that was Violet's favorite spot and they needed to scram. Well, that was Violet's favorite spot.

Lavender stood up from Ethan and crossed her arms over her chest while glaring at Scarlet. "You think that by serving her she will pick you to be her Beta?"

Scarlet shrugged. "Is there something wrong with wanting to serve my Alpha? You, on the other hand, might want to think if you are a Beta material with getting into trouble all the time."

Lavender's eyes flashed in outrage. "How am I getting into trouble?"

Scarlet pointed where Ethan was lying a second ago. "Fighting." She pointed at Lavender. "Bickering. Talking out of order. If I'm an Alpha, I wouldn't want a loose cannon by my side."

Lavender pointed an angry finger at Scarlet. "Say that again, I dare you!"

Scarlet shook her head. "You are only proving my point, Lavender. Maybe I should tell Shaman Gideon to spend more time educating his eldest daughter, and less time on…"

Scarlet's voice trailed when Lavender's aura pressed on her.

Lavender sneered. "You were saying?"

Violet waved her hand, and Lavender's aura dispersed like someone popped a bubble.

"That's not allowed," Violet said sternly.

"She insulted my father!" Lavender exclaimed.

"That doesn't give you the right to bully her. Apologize!"

Lavender pressed her lips into a line defiantly, but she couldn't refuse. "I'm sorry," she squeezed through her teeth, but the fire in her eyes told Scarlet this was not over. "Wait until Vi is not around."

Scarlet lifted her chin proudly. "I will accept your challenge anytime if you stop using your aura whenever you are at disadvantage. MY father taught me how to fight fairly."

Lavender snorted, turned on her heel, and stormed out.

Violet looked at the door dejectedly.

"Her pride was hurt but she will be alright," Ethan said.

Violet raised her gaze to meet Ethan's. "Why don't you talk to her?"

Ethan raised his hands defensively. "If she won't listen to you, why would she listen to me?"

"Violet!" An excited cry was heard from the door and two twelve-year-olds came in. They were Faith and Hope, daughters of Doctor Travis and Doctor Olivia. "Your mom said we can find you here."

Violet glanced at the door. "Is Mason not here?"

Faith made a face. "We told him that he is five years old now and that means he is a big boy."

Violet didn't get it. "So?"

Hope responded, "That caused a meltdown with a lot of screaming about how he wants to stay a baby, and now he won't let go of mom."

Violet thought how that was funny, but her mood dropped in an instant when Faith and Hope turned to greet Ethan.

Twins were one year younger than Violet, yet they looked more mature, and she would be blind to not see the sparkles in Faith's and Hope's eyes as they talked to Ethan. The exaggerated giggles grated her nerves, and she took deep breaths while telling herself she shouldn't be bothered.

Two preteens entered the room, these were Ryan and Tyler, Commander George's sons. Ryan and Tyler were tall and imposing for their age. Their father never took his spot as the Alpha, but just looking at Ryan and Tyler, it was obvious they had an Alpha bloodline.

Jocelyn, Xandra, and Noah entered the room. Jocelyn was a twelve-year-old future Alpha of the Lightclaw pack, and Xandra and Noah were her siblings. Their arrival meant that Alpha Anthony and Luna Kalina were here, and also that Ethan had two more girls sticking to him.

 

Chapter 1037 Young Alpha Violet (10)

Violet was never able to blend in. Even before her abilities started flaring, kids her age either admired her or feared her because of her lineage. Some bickered who will be her Beta and she was still many years from becoming an Alpha officially. It was exhausting.

Other than Ethan, no one else treated her as an equal and she wondered if that was why she was hoping they were mates.

At events like these, Violet was glad there were many people because the crowd allowed her to slip away.

She didn't dare to go too far in case anyone noticed, which they did eventually, so when the event was in the packhouse, Violet would go next to the fishpond that was tucked in among willows and cherry trees.

Many years ago, Damon and Talia visited Japan. They saw there cherry trees and ponds filled with colorful koi fish, and Talia loved it very much, so Damon transformed this area into a Japanese garden. There was a curved bridge over the narrow area of the pond, and a white gazebo that provided a great view of the water, cherry trees, and the sunset.

Violet had her spot next to the pond where she would sit on the soft grass. For her, this was more than pretty views and colorful fish. It was a testament of true love, what a man would do for his woman, and she hoped that her mate will cherish her the way her father cherished her mother.

Talia told Violet how only when Alpha and Luna love and respect each other, the pack can prosper, and in the case of Talia and Damon, this reflected on the whole werewolf society.

People told fantastic tales around bonfires about Alpha Damon's undying love for Alpha Natalia, which was great material for romance and fairytales, but Violet saw it as another burden she needed to carry. Now it was not just about her ability as an Alpha, but it was about what mate the Moon Goddess will give her. It seemed that if her mate didn't love and respect her, it wouldn't matter how powerful and able she was, and her people would suffer. And what if she didn't like him?

Violet hoped it was Ethan, but what if it was an Omega or a rogue or… human? Will he be able to stand next to her and lead their people without crumbling under pressure? What if he becomes corrupted and gives in to sins? If he is not a werewolf, he won't feel the bond and he might cheat on her.

All that made Violet eager to find out who her mate was, but then Cornelia spoke about sex and Violet was not ready for that. What a mess.

"Vi?"

Violet turned to see Ethan approaching.

"Can I join you?" He asked.

She glanced behind him.

"No one saw me coming here," he assured her.

Violet gestured to her right and Ethan sat there.

It was still relatively quiet with faint murmurs reaching them from the packhouse, but with Ethan's presence, the tranquility was disturbed.

"Why are you here?" She asked. "Did you get bored of girls swooning over you?"

"It's not like I'm making them do it."

"I don't see you rejecting them either."

"I didn't come here to bicker."

"Why did you come?"

Ethan hid his face in his palms. "Give me a minute."

"Now you are making me nervous."

"Why?"

"Because you are delaying saying what needs to be said," Violet pointed out.

Ethan was a straightforward guy who didn't beat around the bush. His reluctance to speak, even if it was just a few seconds long, it was a few seconds too long. This was important.

"Mom and dad are sending me to a human city for high school," he said.

"So?"

"It's a boarding school up North. I will stay there and…"

Her heart cracked. High school? Isn't that four years? "When will I see you?"

Ethan shrugged. "For the holidays."

"You don't sound certain."

"It's because I don't know."

Violet turned to stare at the pond whose surface was glistening under the moonlight.

"Say something, Vi."

"What do you expect me to say?"

"Say that you will visit me."

Violet shook her head. "I can't promise that. You know that until I learn to control my abilities, I can't leave our territory." Because it will risk exposure. And even without that, her days were filled with classes, training, and more training.

Ethan plucked a handful of grass and started tearing it with his fingers into small pieces. "I don't want to go."

"You should," Violet said. "A good leader learns about his allies and enemies. In order to help our packs and collaborate with humans, you should know about them. Firsthand."

Ethan snorted. "That's what my mom said. She grew up with humans."

"I heard the stories."

"Humans are weak. What can they teach me?"

"They are weak, but they are many. They have tools and weapons to make up for their shortcomings."

"Now you sound like my dad."

Violet stifled a laugh.

"I won't date anyone there. I promise."

Violet's head snapped to look at Ethan. Did he just say that he won't date anyone while in high school? "Why?"

He shrugged. "It won't feel right, Vi."

She hoped there was more to it. "You are saying that now. Wait for a few months." Or weeks. Or days.

"I won't change my mind, Vi. Do you think that human girls are prettier than she-wolves? I mean… look at you."

"What about me?"

Ethan smirked. "You are the prettiest girl I know, and I refuse to settle for less."

Violet was glad it was dark because her face was on fire. She knew he said that only because he didn't go there yet. She heard stories that as they enter their teen years and are growing older, werewolf's libido is increasing, for Alphas in particular. But if it was even for deceiving herself, she wanted to believe him.

"Do you promise to stay in touch?" She asked.

"I wouldn't want it any other way. Emails, texts, and video chats daily. I hope you will find time in your busy schedule for me. I will study hard and make connections, so I can be your right-hand man when you take over as the Alpha."

Violet smiled. He was talking like he won't be the Alpha of the Blue River pack. Silly guy.

Ethan extended his left arm sideways, and Violet looked at him for a second before scooting closer to lean on him. Ethan's arm draped over Violet's back, and he smiled when she leaned her head on his shoulder.

"We used to sit like this often when we were kids," he said.

"We are still kids," Violet reminded him, and she hoped he couldn't hear her thundering heart. "Don't make this awkward."

Ethan chuckled. "OK." He leaned closer and his breath splashed at the top of her head. "But just so you know, you are the only girl with whom I ever sat like this and... Ow! Why did you pinch me?"

"I told you. Don't make this awkward."

"It hurts. Why did you twist it?"

"You taught me that."

"I regret teaching you."

Violet laughed.

…

In the garden…

Damon's hostility was tangible. "I should rip that arm off."

Talia hugged him around the waist. "They are so cute and innocent."

Damon looked at Talia with a frown. "There is nothing innocent about it. That's how it starts."

Talia rolled her eyes. "You would be an expert in that."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Do I really need to explain it to you?"

"Kitten," Damon called and licked his lips nervously. "For more than a decade, I'm proving to you my loyalty." How long will she wave his dirty past in front of him?

"I know you are loyal, Damon," Talia said, and her eyes lit up in silvery light. "If I ever doubted you, you would know."

Damon grinned. The way she showed her power to claim him as hers always turned him on. Memories of a shy girl who was insecure were long gone. Talia was a kickass Alpha-Goddess and he was proud she was his mate. That was his mark on her neck right there!

Talia turned to look in the direction of her Japanese garden where Violet and Ethan were. "Our Vi is having her first crush. Don't spoil this for her."

"Are they mates?"

"Can't you tell?"

"Sapa is not telling me," Damon grumbled. Sapa said it was none of their business and they shouldn't pry into it. Sometimes, Damon wondered what was the point of his wolf talking when he wouldn't say anything useful.

"Regardless of if they are mates or not, it will be a valuable experience for Vi. It's something she needs to figure out."

Thank you for supporting my work!

 

Chapter 1038 Young Alpha Violet (11)

Talia was talking with Tanya, Cornelia, and Maya when she noticed a handsome young man at the door of the room where grownups gathered. It was young Alpha Ashton Pascal.

Ashton's nineteenth birthday was a month away, and his Alpha physique made him look more mature than that. He was wearing a simple white shirt and jeans, but he was undeniably dashing.

Seeing that he was standing at the door, Talia stood up to welcome him. Ever since they met about thirteen years ago, she always had a soft spot for him.

Ashton was not a carefree boy that would run around and provoke scary Alpha Damon by getting cozy with Talia. He was a proud young man with a calm demeanor that made everyone take him seriously.

"I am glad you made it," Talia said.

Ashton smiled. "I couldn't miss this."

"Aren't you going to come in?"

"No," Ashton responded.

"Do you want to join the youngsters? They are in the back."

He refused. "I won't stay long. Do you mind calling Violet?"

Talia felt sorry for him. At the age of nineteen, he was an adult, but he was at least a decade younger than everyone else present. In the back room were many youngsters who belonged to high-ranking families, but the closest in age to him had a five-year age gap which also put him in an odd situation.

In the period where socializing with peers was important, Ashton didn't fit anywhere.

"Do you want to talk to her in private?" Talia asked.

"That would be great."

Talia tilted her head to the left. "Second door. Violet will join you in a minute."

"Thank you," Ashton said with a respectful bow.

Ashton had an Alpha bloodline, but Talia's status didn't allow him to greet her as an equal no matter how close they were. As a kid, he could cling to Talia, but now he was an adult and he had to stick to protocols.

Ashton's eighteenth birthday passed which put him into the category of males that are searching for a mate. If he got touchy with Talia, Damon would see that as a direct threat to his position and could cause war. At the same time, the age gap between Ashton and Talia was not enough for him to see her as a mother figure. Again, it was an awkward situation.

Talia's eyes lost focus for a moment as she was mind-linking Violet.

…

Violet straightened her skirt and entered the room that was filled with the sweet scent.

The light was off and that allowed Ashton's silhouette to stand out in front of the moonlit window.

Ashton had an impressive Alpha physique that was fully developed. He was not like Ethan who was tall with wide shoulders while the rest of his torso still waited to be filled with muscles.

Violet tried not to think about all the girls who were throwing themselves at Ashton. Ashton had a thing where he would sit at the head of the table and give his signature half-smirk, and that would cause female-scented panties to fly his way. Violet thought those females were gross and she would reprimand Ashton for teasing them, but Ashton would always laugh it off.

Ashton was kind and playful, but Violet felt a different atmosphere in that room. It was tense.

"Why are you in the dark?" Violet asked.

Ashton turned to her. "Do you need light?"

"Not really," Violet said. "But my mom says that we should keep the lights on of respect for other creatures who are not blessed with the gifts we have."

"There is no need to accommodate others who are not here."

Violet didn't have an argument against that. "When did you arrive?"

"Just now."

"Did you have dinner? Will you join us in the backroom?"

"No, and no. I have other plans."

Violet was confused. Why was the usually chatty and friendly Ashton distant? Since she was aware of her existence, Ashton was by her side. He was always around, like an older brother who taught her things and prevented her from getting hurt.

"What are you not telling me? If you didn't come here to eat or hang out, why are you here?"

"I came here to give you this," Ashton said, and Violet's eyes widened when she saw the hand which he was hiding behind his back so far. It was a bouquet of carnations. White carnations, her favorites.

"Happy birthday, Vi."

Violet accepted the flowers and took a deep breath. The sweet scent put a smile on her face. That was the one she picked up the moment she stepped into the room.

"My birthday is next week," Violet said.

"I know."

"So, why the flowers now?"

"Because I wanted to give them to you in person."

Violet needed a moment to process that information. "You won't be here next week."

Her heart ached because it would be her first birthday without Ashton's presence. On top of that, Ethan was also leaving. The only two males who didn't look at her like a child, or worship her like a leader will be leaving.

She pressed her lips into a line to hide the fact that her chin was shivering.

"Will you miss me?"

Violet felt like slapping him. "What kind of a question is that?" Of course, she will miss him, but… "Wait! How long will you be gone? Where are you going?"

"I'm of age now and…"

"You are going to find your mate," Violet ended his sentence sourly.

They were not connected at the hips, but Ashton was always available. Once he finds his mate, things will change. What if Ashton's mate doesn't like her? What if his mate says that Ashton shouldn't talk to Violet at all? Where will that put her? Will she lose him? Her heart ached at that thought.

Ashton puffed his cheeks. He would tease her more, but her dejection was obvious, and he didn't want to allow this to go too far.

"I'm going to train."

Violet's head snapped up to look at him. "Train? Aren't you the strongest one out of our generation? You can wipe the floor with everyone."

"That's because I am older, stronger, and I had more practice. In a few years, you guys will catch up to me unless I step up. If Ethan or Jacob win in a match against me, I will need to give up on my pack out of shame."

Violet admired Ethan a lot, and her brother was a skilled warrior, but she couldn't see them winning against Ashton. The difference was too much. However, she also understood what Ashton was talking about. Wasn't she set on training hard and improving?

"Where are you going? Do you think I could join you when I get a break?" She liked training with Ashton.

"I will start with the mountains and head wherever my paws take me. I will be gone for at least a few months, years maybe."

Her eyes widened to the point of hurting. "Years?" Wasn't that the same as Ethan?

"Don't worry. I will schedule a flower delivery for your birthdays, so you don't miss me. What do you want me to send you for Christmas?"

Violet felt like crying. She lunged at Ashton and gave him a tight hug.

"Stupid. I don't need flowers and presents. I want you here," she mumbled into his chest.

"Vi," Ashton called stiffly. "You should let go."

Violet looked up at him and blinked. "Why? Is me hugging you a problem? We did that so many times before." And they had much more bodily contact when Ashton pinned her to the mat when they exercised.

Ashton groaned and pried her hands away from him. "I am not a child anymore. You can't jump like that on me or on any other male. Why don't you think about consequences?"

He pinched her chin and made her look at him. "Or are you willing to give yourself to me?"

Ashton's breath splashed on Violet's face, and she wondered if he always smelled of carnations, or if it was just now because the flowers were right there.

Violet became aware of their position, and she felt the heat climbing rapidly up her neck. She wanted to move away, but her body refused to cooperate, and she couldn't budge.

 

 

Chapter 1039 Young Alpha Violet (12)

Violet's brain stuttered. Ashton was impossibly close and she could see his eyes flashing dangerously.

Did he ask if she would give herself to him?

Ashton's proximity would always put her at ease, but now the anxiety was tying her stomach into knots. Ashton's aura was sharp and volatile, threatening to consume her.

"Whaaaat?" Violet squeaked.

Ashton took a step back and shook his head. "You are not of age, but you should know that not everyone is easygoing. Keep doing that, and someone will take advantage of you."

"But you won't," she said with all the confidence she could muster while trying to conceal how flustered she was.

Ashton could see she was faking her courage, but he didn't want to call her on it. Did he overdo it? He released a long breath and decided to switch gears.

"Do you hate me that much? If you don't want me near me, just say so, and I…"

"Woah! Woah!" Violet exclaimed. "Where did that come from? I don't hate you. You are one of my favorite males."

Ashton smirked. "Really? I find that difficult to believe."

"Why?"

"If your father saw us with you sticking to me, I would be a goner." He knew very well what overprotective Damon would do, and the dark Alpha was guarding Violet as much as he guarded Talia. "How can you call me your favorite, when your acts will bring me a slow and painful death."

Violet opened her mouth and closed it. She couldn't deny it because Ashton was right. If scary Damon Blake saw his only daughter clinging onto Ashton, her father wouldn't ask any questions before inflicting heavy injuries on the said boy. But Ashton was not a boy anymore. He was a man, the one who was searching for his mate, and that meant sex and other outrageous things Cornelia mentioned. Did Ashton have sex already? Violet tried not to think about it.

"When are you leaving?" Violet asked.

"Tonight."

Her stomach dropped. "Why so soon? Why not later?"

"Later? What should I wait for?"

"My birthday is next week."

He nodded in acknowledgment. "If I stick around for every birthday and celebration, I will never leave."

"Do you need to leave?" Violet realized her question was ridiculous. Of course, he had to leave. Just as Ethan was leaving. "Sorry. I didn't mean to be selfish. I just…" She exhaled sharply. "I wish you good luck, Ash. Train hard and return victorious."

Ashton smirked. "You are talking like a true Alpha."

"It takes one to recognize one." She raised her fist and punched his shoulder weakly. "Don't do anything reckless. Return in one piece. Safety first."

"Don't worry about me and focus on yourself. I won't be here to keep an eye on you, so I will leave you with one advice."

Violet's eyes were open wide. "Which one?"

"Don't do anything you will regret later."

Violet nodded earnestly.

"Train hard, Vi. When I return, I will check on your progress with studies and we will spar."

'If your mate allows it', Violet thought but she didn't say it aloud because she didn't want to spoil the mood.

Somehow, she had a feeling that when she sees Ashton the next time, things will be different. Will he be with his mate?

Violet couldn't picture it properly. Would his mate be tall or short? Blonde, brunette, or a redhead? Will she have freckles or dimples when she smiles? No matter what, Ashton will worship her, and Violet will be a friend, or maybe just a fellow Alpha he seeks when there are pack-related matters.

She knew that she shouldn't obsess about it, but she couldn't help it. When a werewolf finds a mate, everything changes, and they were close to the age when that will happen. The uncertainty was unnerving.

Her heart ached at the thought that things will never be the same.

"Ash?"

"Yes, Vi?"

"Can I get a goodbye hug?"

He opened his arms and she stepped into his embrace.

"I will miss you, Ash," she said while fisting his shirt.

He patted her back. "I will miss you too, Vi."

…

Violet didn't feel like partying anymore. Her two favorite males were leaving, and things were changing, and she didn't like it.

She went to the garden and found a bench hidden between rose bushes. She would go into the forest, but they had guests and she knew that she would end up in trouble if she just disappeared now. A few more hours and the guest will leave, and then she can go and be sad on her own.

"Vi? Why are you here?"

Violet cursed internally because she thought she was being sneaky. She wanted to be alone, but Lavender found her.

"I just wanted some air," Violet said.

"Can I join you?" Lavender asked, but she was already sitting on the bench. "Why are you sulking?"

"I'm not…" Violet stopped talking when she saw Lavender's who-are-you-kidding expression. "I just have a lot on my mind. That's all."

"Why are you so secretive? Is that some Alpha stuff I won't understand?"

"Not really." Violet slid down and stared at the star-speckled sky. "Aren't you worried about what the future will bring? Things are changing and everything is uncertain, and I have no idea how to deal with it. People expect of me to be the leader and fix everyone's problems and I don't know how to fix mine."

"That's some deep transcendental shit that belongs to another dimension."

Violet frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"No one is expecting you to fix anything. Look at you. You are not even thirteen. I, for one, have no intention of letting you anywhere near my problems. As for the future, you just need to take it one day at a time."

"Easy for you to say."

"It should be easy for you also. I have no idea why you are stressing about things that are not here and that might not happen. I don't know what you are imagining, but I can tell you that from this exact point in time, there are endless possibilities and there is no way we can be ready for each of them, so we might as well relax and enjoy the ride. We will deal with things as they come."

"Those are some wise words. Did your dad tell you that?"

Lavender smiled. "It was my mom."

"She did?" Violet always thought of Mindy as her mother's noisy friend.

"You know that my mom is from an Alpha family, right?" Lavender asked and she waited for Violet to confirm before continuing. "My mom grew up as Mindy River, the Alpha female who was handling multiple charities and had a bright future ahead of her. That's how others saw her. My mother was not so optimistic. She feared her future as a Luna, entangled in politics and packhouse drama, and trying to keep her Alpha mate from sleeping around. But then she met my dad. He was older, without a rank, and it was nothing like she was imagining it, yet it all fell into place perfectly. She realized that all her anxiety about the future was because it was not right. With my dad, she managed to maintain her identity, work on her charities, finish school, and don't give up on anything that was important. She is happy."

Lavender turned to Violet and looked at her seriously. "Your options are to stress about things or to enjoy the present while making the most of it. In the end, it doesn't matter which path you choose, because your fate will make sure that things happen in the way they should. That's how the Moon Goddess works. Trust her and things will be alright."

Lavender smirked proudly. "What do you think?"

"I think you sound like an old woman."

Lavender was outraged. "An old woman? Do you hear yourself? Worrying about anything and everything like the world will collapse if you don't stress about it!"

"Doesn't that make us a good team?"

Lavender's hostility sizzled away. "I guess it does."

Violet looked up at the moon. Lavender said that the Moon Goddess will make things right. Violet

knew that werewolves believed in that, but Violet was not a regular werewolf. She had the blood of Violet looked up at the moon. Lavender said that the Moon Goddess will make things right. Violet knew that werewolves believed in that, but Violet was not a regular werewolf. She had the blood of Gods in her veins, and it came with powers she was yet to understand. Did that mean the Moon Goddess' rules didn't apply to her? Could she make her own destiny?

 

 

Chapter 1040 Alpha Violet (1)

Five years passed…

Violet was checking herself in the mirror. Her long black hair cascaded down her back, and her icy-blue eyes stood out on her objectively attractive face that was a mix of the best parts her parents gave her (per her father).

Violet loved how soft her ceremonial clothes felt against her body. It was a simple dark-brown leather two-piece outfit that covered her chest and a skirt, but the intricate embroidery of silver thread made it look stylish.

She spent the last five years training and studying, and both Midnight Guardians and Dark Howlers pack accepted her as the next Alpha. She also had a good relationship with witches and other packs that were allied in the so-called Werewolf Coalition of North America.

Violet was working closely with her parents and she was a capable warrior, skilled in wielding her God-like powers, and familiar with the pack management. The only thing pending for her to step into her role of leading the packs was the ceremony to make it official, but Talia and Damon agreed it shouldn't be rushed. They wanted Violet to enjoy her youth and hopefully find her mate before taking in the role that will consume her completely. After all, this was more than managing two packs; the stability of the relationship between creatures would be depending on Violet's leadership.

Violet glanced out the window to see the Moon rising. It was the first full Moon in the calendar year, known as the Wolf Moon. Shaman Gideon recommended that Violet takes the lead of this pack run, as it's her first Wolf Moon since she turned of age. It was important.

Every full moon Damon and Talia would lead a pack run for their packs that were joined, yet still kept their independence. This included the branch of the Frostcrest pack that lived in the territory of the Dark Howlers pack and was following Commander George and Dawn as their Alpha and Luna, and they all submitted to Damon and Talia.

Each pack run was a massive event where wolves that came of age would participate in. Some wanted to prove themselves and rise in the ranks, some were looking for mates, and some came for the party filled with carnal pleasures that would usually happen after the run. The last part was a hit for unmated wolves.

"Don't be nervous. You will do great," Talia said. She was standing on the side in a matching outfit and admiring her daughter. Talia had around her neck a necklace made of teeth, it was a necklace Damon made out of creatures he hunted, and he gave it to Talia as a symbol that everything he has was hers.

"I'm not nervous about the run," Violet said. She was back to looking outside. Her room was facing the garden where the crowd started gathering more than an hour ago.

The chatter was getting louder and there were two big bonfires.

"Are you nervous about finding your mate?"

Violet snapped to look at Talia. "Will I meet him tonight?"

Talia smiled and bobbed her head. "It's up to the Moon Goddess."

Violet made a face. She didn't like the Moon Goddess nonsense or that Talia knew who Violet's mate was, yet she kept mum about it.

Violet's eighteenth birthday was five months ago, yet she didn't find him. But if Talia knew about him, that meant Violet met him, right? RIGHT!?

"If he is down there now, should I feel him?" Violet asked.

"That depends on the strength of your bond. If you are not ready, even if he is right in front of you, you won't sense him."

"And if I am ready?"

Talia smiled. "Then you can sense him from a great distance. Your wolf will help you."

"She will?"

"It will be like an invisible pull to the place you need to be. His scent will draw you in, and the touch will come with sparks that will confirm he is your mate."

Violet thought how that was romantic.

Who could be her mate?

Violet still had hopes that it might be Ethan. After all, they grew up together and were close.

Their interaction dwindled once he started high school in the human city, and instead of returning home last year and focusing on his upcoming Alpha role, he decided to go to college.

Alpha Maddox was against it, but Luna Tatiana said that a few years won't make a difference.

Ethan was proud to get a sports scholarship. He was the best football player in his school, and it was a big prestigious school that only rich kids could attend. Violet told him it was cheating, but Ethan said he was using what mother nature gave him and there was nothing wrong with that.

Due to Ethan's classes and practice, he didn't visit for prolonged periods of time, and when he was not busy with school, his parents would send him for training because he was not paying attention to his future-Alpha duties.

Violet and Ethan kept in touch with messages and video calls, but the last time they saw each other in person was nearly a year ago.

Violet had a chance to visit him, but she chickened out. Seeing him after she came of age would mean confirming if they were mates. If they were, everything would change forever, and if they weren't… what then?

And what if her mate was out there, right now, in that crowd?

The noise from the door burst Violet's bubble and she turned to see triplets coming in, wearing matching ceremonial clothes. Those were Scarlet, Page, and Robin, Beta's daughters. Those three were now stunning brunettes, skilled in work that required managing the pack and tracking individuals by scent and by electronic means. Three sisters spent one year in a high-tech camp where they learned ins and outs of anything electronic-related that's connected to the internet or cellular network.

Scarlet, Page, and Robin didn't know if Violet will pick them as her Betas when the time comes for Violet to take over her role as the Alpha officially, but they were confident that their skills secured them indispensable high-ranking roles in the pack.

Violet looked at the triplets who were visibly excited.

"Ready?" Violet asked.

Three sisters nodded at the same time.

Scarlet glanced at Talia. "Do you think that we will find out mates tonight?" Their mom told them about Malia (aka Talia's mating service). What started as a rumor became an unconfirmed fact because every unmated person of age would find their mate as long as they stuck close to Alpha Natalia.

Violet turned eighteen years old five moons ago, but this was the first pack run for the triplets whose eighteenth birthday was just one week ago.

Talia smiled at the triplets who looked at her eagerly. "I will leave you girls to chat. You have ten minutes."

"Mom!" Violet called. "If the pack doesn't follow me…"

"They will," Talia interrupted Violet. "Have confidence. You are not an official Alpha, but they all accept you as the next in line. Focus on leading the way after the ceremony is over. If any pack member doubts you, they will change their minds once they see your family supporting you."