Ch. 401..410
Chapter 401 – Visiting The Shaman (1)
Mindy and Talia sat in the back of the car that was going toward the house where Shaman Gideon lives.
Damon picked two warriors to take Talia and Mindy there and to ensure Talia's safety.
"So, what's the deal with this Shaman?", Mindy asked. Considering the urgency and the timing, Mindy knew it was important.
"Later…", Talia said while gesturing with her eyes toward the warriors and Mindy nodded in understanding.
The two warriors were stern and unapproachable, and when Talia asked them about their names, they opened the doors of the car for Talia and Mindy with, "Alpha told us to hurry up." Well, they were in a hurry.
Shaman's house is isolated in the forest, and they will need to cross the last stretch on foot, so Talia and Mindy had a silent agreement to use that walk to discuss why they were heading there and maybe come up with some plan.
Talia and Mindy chatted about the party and random stuff to fill the time.
Unfortunately, after they came out of the car, the two warriors were sticking to them.
Mindy turned back and spoke impatiently, "Can you give us more space? We need to talk in private."
Both soldiers frowned, showing that they were not willing. One of them spoke, "Even if we are a hundred steps away, we can still hear you."
Mindy rolled her eyes. "Then, be a hundred and one steps away. Girls need privacy."
Seeing the stern faces of two men, Talia tried a different approach. "What should I call you?"
"Alpha said that we should focus on the mission and not on pleasantries.", one of the soldiers responded.
Talia couldn't believe this. Did Damon forbid them from introducing themselves? It looked like it. Was it possible that Damon was so jealous and insecure? Silly Alpha. She gave up on finding out their names.
"Alpha Damon is not here, so there is no need to be so stiff.", Talia said. "We are not asking you to go against Damon's orders, but we are in the territory of the Dark Howlers pack. What can happen? Keep the distance so that you can see us and do your best not to listen. How does that sound?"
With this, two warriors nodded reluctantly, and they pointed them in the right direction before waiting for Talia and Mindy to proceed forward.
Talia was at Gideon's house once, but at that time she wandered into his garden accidentally, so now she needed guidance.
A warrior saying 'that way' didn't help much, so Talia took her phone to orient herself on the map via GPS. Maya pinned the coordinates where Shaman's house was, so it was easy to follow.
"So? Why are we looking for the old guy?", Mindy asked Talia in a hushed voice when she assessed that they put enough distance between them and the two warriors.
"Old guy?", Talia asked with confusion obvious in her voice.
"The Shaman.", Mindy explained.
"Do you know him?"
"No. A few times I visited, it was in the packhouse, and it's not a secret that Alpha Damon is not getting along with his Shaman."
Talia agreed with this. Damon and Shaman were not getting along, and not trying to conceal it. But Talia still had to ask, "Why do you think he is old?"
Talia wouldn't call him old, at least not by appearance. Alpha Edward looked older than Gideon.
"Come on, Lia…", Mindy said. "You should know that it takes decades of studying and apprenticeship to become a Shaman. I didn't meet one that's younger than a hundred years old."
Werewolves age similar to humans until they reach maturity, which is normally in their early twenties. After that, their aging reflects the strength of their wolf. The stronger one's wolf is, the slower they will age, and the longer their natural lifespan will be.
That's also one of the reasons why most of the werewolves wish to be mated to high-ranking members. The marking bite comes with the DNA of the stronger one, acting like a tonic that prolongs life.
Mindy was aware of cases where some Alphas were captured and drained of blood for others to drink in an attempt to strengthen themselves. There were no records if that actually worked. The practice is strongly condemned, but there are always some willing to take risks. Who doesn't want to live forever? OK. Not really forever, but three hundred years sounds much better than one hundred.
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Talia told Mindy about the current situation, and how the guests will probably expect Damon to show up with Marcy. "Shaman can help us convince people that mate bond is sacred, and they will accept me as Damon's Luna. At least that's the plan."
"It all depends on Shaman's reputation in the pack. The fact that Alpha Damon ostracized him for a decade won't help.", Mindy said.
"But if we convince him to come and speak for Damon, that can be seen as a sign that mate bond is so important they were willing to improve their relationship."
Mindy shrugged. "If you say so."
Talia pouted. "You don't sound convinced."
Mindy didn't deny it. "It's not me you need to convince."
Talia agreed with this point. "Our goal is to assure he will come to the party. We are already here, so let's do our best."
Mindy looked around as the trees stopped and they found themselves in a meadow. "By the way, where are we?"
Talia smiled mysteriously and kept her phone back in her purse. It was not needed anymore.
Mindy took a deep breath and her lips stretched into a dreamy smile.
Talia noticed. "It smells good. Right? It's his garden."
"Where?"
Talia giggled. "Here. We are in it."
Mindy looked around. "There is no fence." And no house in sight.
Talia noticed the lack of a fence last time, that's how she ended up wandering into Gideon's garden.
"This is away from the town, so there are no trespassers. His house is over there." Talia pointed toward a row of trees. She saw Mindy leaning to sniff the lavender. Did she forget that they were short on time? How can she stop to smell the flowers? "What are you doing?"
"I love lavender, but I never smelled anything so good. Go ahead without me. I will join you in a minute. You can start thawing the grumpy Shaman, and I will come to deliver the final blow."
Talia looked at Mindy helplessly and then she decided to leave her behind.
Mindy sniffed the lavender and she spotted the vibrantly pink echinacea. The whole area looked like a meadow full of wildflowers, yet there was order in chaos, and Mindy thought that it was fantastic.
With the corner of her eye, Mindy saw two soldiers following after Talia.
Mindy put her hands akimbo and made a face. Did they just ignore her like she was not important, and the only one worth protecting was Talia? She knew that Damon was focused on Talia, but this was too much.
After a moment of hesitation, Mindy decided to go after them. No matter how rude Damon was, she came here to help Talia and she won't help by lingering in the garden.
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Chapter 402 – Visiting The Shaman (2)
While approaching the cabin that was nestled between the trees and high bushes, Talia noticed that the front door was open.
She looked around and called, "Hello! Shaman Gideon! It's me, Talia. I came to visit you…"
No one responded, and Talia moved closer to the cabin. "Hello?"
The door was visibly newer compared to the rest of the cabin, obviously because Gideon replaced the one that Damon destroyed. Talia hoped that Gideon won't blame her for that incident.
After a slight hesitation, Talia pushed the door open and called from there, "Shaman Gideon? Hellooo…"
Talia wondered if something happened to him. Maybe that's why he didn't show up at the party or respond to the invitation. What if he was attacked by rogues? He lives alone, maybe it happened days ago!
The more Talia thought about it, the more she was unsettled.
"I'm coming in!", she called and stepped inside.
The place was just as she remembered it. Kitchen, dining area, sitting area with a sofa and two chairs. The doors on the left were closed, and the whole cabin smelled of lavender, basil, mint, and something else that was sweet and soothing.
"Hello!"
Talia jumped in fright when Gideon emerged from the first room on the left.
"I didn't expect visitors, Talia.", he said.
Talia patted her chest to calm down. "I apologize for not calling ahead." Actually, the man doesn't have a phone, and both Maya and Caden said that his mind-link was shut down, but Talia didn't want to point out those technicalities. "Sorry for entering your home without permission, but I was calling and…"
"And I didn't think of answering from the restroom. Don't worry about it. How can I help you? I assume your presence here is not a casual visit."
Talia realized that Gideon was not as pleasant as the last time and she wondered if that was because Damon broke his door, or because she barged in. Probably both.
She knew that beating around the bush will only make him angry, so she went straight to the point.
"I believe you know about the event at the packhouse.", she said.
"The one where Elders are invited?"
"You are invited also."
"Is that why you are here?"
Talia nodded in response.
"Did Alpha Damon send you?"
"No. It was my idea."
"Why?", he questioned.
"I think you know why." Talia really had a feeling that this man knew everything better than anyone, even though he was stuck in the middle of the forest.
Gideon was visibly amused. "Maybe I want to hear you say it."
"We need your help.", Talia said.
"You sound like that will be enough for me to do something. And who is that 'we' you spoke about?"
"Damon and I."
He looked around. "I see only you."
Talia realized that Gideon expected Damon to come in person. Well, she couldn't blame him, but… "Guests are already at the packhouse. It would be inconvenient for Damon to come."
"Well then, it's inconvenient for me to go there."
Talia looked at the man whose stubbornness was comparable to Damon's. Ah, this will be a problem. It was obvious that Gideon didn't have a good opinion of Damon, so she wanted to ask him to help her, but then… who was she to ask favors? However, there was something that topped it all, and that was why she was there.
"Do you believe that the mate bond is sacred?", Talia asked.
Gideon paused. "What does it have to do with that brat destroying my house? And he did it more than once. If he is not the Alpha, I would spank him into obedience. You want me to help him? Do you really expect me to move a finger for a person who didn't even come to apologize?"
"Will you help us if he apologizes?"
"That will depend on his sincerity, but it will be a start."
Talia had a feeling that she hit a wall.
Gideon wanted Damon to lower himself and apologize, and it's not that Gideon was wrong but… they were out of time, and she needed to come up with something effective or give up on the idea of Gideon helping them.
Can they handle those Elders without Gideon?
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Talia's brows came together in confusion when she saw that Gideon was staring behind her, with an expression of disbelief like he was seeing a ghost.
She turned around to see… Mindy.
Mindy was at the door, staring back at Gideon, and Talia had a feeling of déjà vu. Where did she see something like this before?
Talia moved to the side and observed the duo that stood there without moving a muscle.
After a few exceedingly long seconds, Mindy stepped into the cabin and walked straight toward Gideon, the two of them never broke eye contact.
Mindy stopped one step away from Gideon and extended her hand to touch his face.
Talia clearly saw Mindy's arm jerking a bit the moment the tips of Mindy's fingers came in contact with Gideon's cheek, dispelling any doubts Talia had so far.
Mates.
This was unbelievable! What bad timing! And who said nonsense how seeing mates recognize each other was rare!?
Mindy and Gideon stared at each other without blinking and Talia felt like the third wheel.
"Uhm… so…", Talia really didn't know what to say. Should she congratulate them? Will Gideon come to help them now? Probably not.
Gideon's lips stretched into a smile, and he lifted Mindy like she weighs nothing and walked toward the dining area with Mindy in his arms, and then he put her to sit on the table.
"Congratu…", Talia's word was cut halfway when she saw that Mindy and Gideon were making out like there was no tomorrow. They ignored her completely.
That confirmed it. Gideon will not help them, but not because he was pissy at Damon, but because he will have sex. With Mindy.
Great!
Ah, they were tugging at each other's clothes already!
Talia swiftly walked toward the exit and stepped out while closing the door behind her.
She looked at two warriors who waited for her.
"Let's go back to the packhouse."
Two warriors exchanged confused gazes, and Talia answered the questions they didn't ask, "Mindy is not coming, and neither is Shaman. It's just us. Let's go." She thought of something else. "Don't tell Alpha about this. I will tell him when we get back."
Talia shook her head while walking back to the car. She couldn't believe it. Mindy and Gideon! What a pairing!
Mindy was always talking about her charities, goals, and traveling with pride, but in that cabin, Talia saw a woman who was willing to tend to the herbs in the garden.
Talia didn't know how Damon will react to the news that Gideon was not coming, or how Maddox will react when he hears that his sister's mate is the Shaman of the Dark Howlers pack… and she had no idea how they will deal with the Elders at the party, but she was happy for her friend.
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Chapter 403 – Mindy And Gideon (1) [Bonus Chapter]
When Mindy approached the cabin, she picked up the scent of lavender that was even better than the one in the garden.
Mindy always loved lavender, but this was so good that it was nearly addictive. She hoped that this is the scent that the Shaman can pack into a scented pouch or some other container so that she takes it with her. She was ready to pay!
Mindy made her way into the cabin through the door that was wide open, and she saw Talia's back, but what really got her attention was the most exquisite man she ever laid her eyes on.
Was that the Shaman? That man was not old. He was a dreamboat!
Did Talia say that his name is Gideon? It didn't matter because Mindy already decided to call him Daddy in the bedroom.
Gideon's mature appearance complimented his muscular physique, but above all, she was attracted to his eyes. His light brown eyes reminded her of sugar cookies, that were warm and melting in the mouth with just the right amount of sweetness, but below that yumminess, she heard whispers of wisdom and passion and Mindy could imagine him pillaging her insides.
Was she getting aroused because he was looking at her? Unbelievable!
But then something even more unbelievable happened and Mindy heard a voice in her head, "Mate".
Her breath hitched. Did she hear that right?
Mindy's legs moved on autopilot, her every step created an illusion of the world disappearing, leaving only the man in front of her and the path to reach him. He was a stranger, yet there was an air of familiarity around him. It was fantastic.
In the back of her mind, Mindy was aware that she came here with a purpose, and that there was someone else present. Was it important? It felt like it… almost. But the closer she got to Gideon, the more she was confident that her goal in life was the man in front of her, and that if she thinks about anything else, it would be a mistake.
Mindy touched his cheek, just above his neatly trimmed beard, and jerked upon contact. Sparks. Sparks of their bond.
Mindy couldn't believe it. She finally found him. Her mate.
Gideon's hands landed on her waist, and she thought that he will kiss her, but he lifted her up and the next thing Mindy knew… she was sitting on the dining table with Gideon standing between her legs.
That was hot!
Gideon closed his eyes and took a deep breath and his smile told her that he approved. Mindy heard how mates recognize each other by the specific scent that only mates can sense, and she knew that Gideon's scent for her was lavender. Mindy wondered, how does she smell to him?
Gideon glanced at Mindy's lips, silently asking for permission to kiss her, and she smiled in response.
Gideon couldn't believe that this was happening. He was waiting for his mate for so long, and he wondered if the Moon Goddess decided to leave him mateless.
And then Mindy walked in.
His mate.
Gideon believed that the Moon Goddess knew what she was doing, and this girl with chestnut-colored hair was just what he needed, but… he wished that she was older.
It was more than fifty years how a girl in her twenties aroused his interest, but then he picked up her crisp scent of pumpkin, and the pants in his crotch area tightened. Incredible!
Yes, as a Shaman, he knew very well that pumpkin is an aphrodisiac, but this girl in front of him was an aphrodisiac that was made exclusively for him.
Gideon leaned closer and hummed when their lips connected.
The sparks were there, confirming that he didn't get it wrong. She was his mate.
Mindy kissed him back shyly, and he wondered if she was inexperienced. In the next moment, he could feel her emotions through the mate bond, and he understood that she wanted him to take charge.
Gideon's hand landed at the back of her head, trapping Mindy between his palm and his lips and he deepened the kiss, her flavors of pumpkin made him crave for more, and her arousal told him that she liked it.
Mindy was dizzy. Yes, it was just a kiss, but it came with lavender and addictive sparks, and she ended up tugging on his shirt, wanting to undress him so that she can explore freely his muscular body that was not concealed by his clothes.
Just when she got to the good part of getting her hands under his shirt, Gideon grabbed her wrists, preventing her from proceeding to feel him out.
"What?", Mindy asked breathily.
"Your name."
His deep voice reverberated in her body, sending a wave of heat at the cradle of her thighs.
Mindy couldn't believe it. Even his voice was sexy!
"Mindy."
Gideon narrowed his eyes slightly. He knew everyone from the Dark Howlers pack, and he definitely knew who the guests were in the packhouse. Considering that Mindy came with Talia, it was not difficult to guess… "From the Blue River pack?"
Mindy confirmed. "Is that a problem?"
"No.", he said right away. "No matter who you are, to me, you are Mindy, my mate."
Normally, Mindy hated guys who would claim their mate like claiming possessions, but at that moment she was aroused, and he was right there, and he smelled great, and somehow… it sounded right, so she didn't complain.
He kissed the inside of her palms and then he kept her hands down before saying, "Mindy, I am…"
"Gideon.", she said impatiently. "The Shaman of the Dark Howlers pack. I know. Now, can we continue?"
"Why are you in a hurry?"
Mindy glanced at his crotch area. "Look who is talking."
"I am talking.", Gideon said with amusement in his voice. "That guy down there has a mind on his own." He pinched her chin with his index finger and the thumb and lifted her head so that she looks into his face. "As my mate, you should learn some patience."
Mindy pressed her lips into a line and looked at him defiantly. She knew that Shamans are wise men who think before they act, but is he really going to give her behavioral lessons instead of mind-blowing sex?
"If you want me to listen to you, you will need to prove that the guy down there is for more than just stretching your pants."
"If you think that I will please my mate just with my cock, you are in for a surprise, princess."
Mindy's insides shook. Did he think that his words will make her calm down? It was the opposite!
"Show me.", Mindy demanded.
Gideon ran his thumb over her lower lip. "What did I say?"
Mindy swallowed hard. What did he say? Oh, yes… "Patience." She let out a long breath. "Are you really going to take this slow?"
"I waited for you for a long time, Mindy.", Gideon said and this time she could feel the anguish and loneliness seeping into her through their mate bond.
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Chapter 404 – Mindy And Gideon (2)
Mindy's heart cracked when the heaviness of Gideon's emotions hit her hard, and she realized that her joy of finding a mate doesn't compare to his.
Mindy knew that Shamans are spiritual guides. Werewolves come to them to hear stories and advice related to anything and everything, mates included. She could feel Gideon's pain that accumulated over a long time as he devoted his life to helping many, while he was all alone.
Why was he living in isolation, here in the forest, instead of in the middle of Darkbourne?
No one chooses loneliness; it happens when a person is disappointed with the society.
Gideon saw a lot in his life, and Mindy wished to be one of the people who won't let him down; maybe he could even rely on her.
Mindy gingerly wrapped her arms around Gideon and leaned into him until her face was stuck to his chest.
She took a deep breath that filled her system with his scent of lavender, and she thought how it's silly that a free spirit like herself who loves travel, gets dazzled by shiny stuff, and thrives among people, was actually feeling at home in this modest cabin and in the arms of a man she just met. She had an impression that this is all she will ever need to be happy.
Other than his name, occupation, and facts that he was outrageously handsome and smelled great, she didn't know anything about Gideon, but every cell in her body screamed for his proximity. She never felt anything like it.
"I am here to stay", she said. "Slow is fine. We will do as you say."
"I'm not taking it slow. This is a special moment for me, Mindy. And I hope it's for you as well."
Mindy nodded in response. Of course, it's special. Finding a mate is once in a lifetime. The only difference was that he waited longer compared to her.
He leaned to murmur close to her ear, "I want to enjoy every inch of your body."
Mindy sucked in a sharp breath. She thought that they were going for an emotional approach first, and that he will brew them tea so they can chat deep into the night and get to know each other before they move onto carnal pleasures, but then he turned on the heat again.
She looked at him apprehensively. "Just to make things clear. Are we going to have sex now?"
Gideon chuckled, amused by her bluntness. "Yes. That's what mates do when they meet, Mindy. We are going to have sex, and I am going to mark you. Unless you object."
"No objections!", Mindy said with urgency, hoping that he won't change his mind again. Not about the marking, that could wait, but the sex part was important. She really wanted to feel him inside her.
Her eyes darted from his face to the buttons of his shirt, silently asking for permission to undo them. She didn't want him to hold her hands again. Any type of disapproval from Gideon was creating knots in Mindy's chest, and she didn't want to disappoint him.
Seeing that Gideon didn't react to her nonverbal signs, Mindy's hands moved slowly to unbutton his shirt, one button at a time.
Mindy's eyes widened more as she revealed his firm pecs that were blanketed with a layer of dark brown chest hair. Very manly. She couldn't stop herself from putting her hand in there and touching the soft hair that coiled around her fingers. There was plenty of it, yet it was not thick enough to look like fur. It was perfect.
When all the buttons were undone, and she could see his whole torso, Mindy leaned closer to rub her cheek on his chest. It was ticklish and infused with lavender, and she loved it very much.
"Mine…", she said and at that moment she decided to use that part of Gideon's body as her personal love blanket.
Gideon enjoyed the plethora of Mindy's emotions that seeped into him through the mate bond.
Mindy was like a young branch of a tree, vibrant with blooms, unspoiled, beautiful, and brittle, and he was determined to envelop her with his knowledge and protect her from the elements so that she can grow and bear fruits… fruits… that would be his pups. There were times when he thought about his mate, but he never thought about offspring.
Gideon took a mental note of wonders the mate brings into one's life. It just took one brunette to enter his life and he already saw himself as a family man, with his pups running around while Mindy and he tend to the garden. It was surreal.
Little by little, they undressed each other, and Gideon's eyes darkened when his eyes fell on Mindy's exposed breasts.
Mindy was leaning backward with her elbows resting on the table, giving him a full view of her full and round breasts with a perfectly hardened nipple on each peak.
Mindy thought how all this was new. She hooked up with a guy more than once, but they would at least have a drink first, or dance, or talk… something. This was much more than a hookup, this was for life, yet they went to undressing right away.
Her promiscuous brother had breakfast with Tanya before they went upstairs. Sure, it all collapsed, and it took them a near-drowning experience to get it right, but the point was that they didn't immediately go for the sex part, yet here she was, nearly naked on the dining table of a man she met only minutes ago.
Mindy wondered, is this sex at first sight?
She was down to her panties, and he was only in his boxer shorts, and they were definitely going to have sex.
Mindy watched with anticipation as Gideon licked his lips and moved toward her breasts. She thought that he will lick, kiss, suck, or anything… but he just stood there and took a deep breath.
"How do I smell to you?", she asked.
"Pumpkin."
Mindy was not sure what to think about this. Pumpkin? It was not a sexy fruit. She hoped she will be something sexy to her mate, and not a round orange thing.
Gideon observed her with all the seriousness in the world. "You don't seem happy."
"Well…", Mindy paused while choosing her words. "Pumpkins are so… plain."
"Mmm…", Gideon hummed in disapproval. "You say plain, and I say versatile. It all depends on preparation. It can turn into a spice, a beverage, a dessert, or a main dish. I love pumpkins. They are my favorite fruits."
"When you say it that way, it sounds special."
"But you are special, my princess. I could look at your shiny exterior all day and not get bored of it, yet I crave to feast on your scrumptious flesh and delicious seeds that are deep inside you."
Mindy swallowed hard.
He just compared her to a pumpkin and made it sound sexy.
She was not sure if he called her princess because of her background, or because he gave her a pet name. Before she could ask about it, he licked her left nipple, and Mindy's whole body jolted as electric currents ran through her body.
A low growl ripped from Gideon's chest as Mindy's flavors of pumpkin overloaded his system, firing up every nerve in his body and he sucked on her harshly while enjoying the tenderness that filled his mouth. She was perfect. More than perfect.
The scent of her arousal muddled with his brain and for the first time in decades, he allowed his urges to take over as his wolf took over.
He moved down her body with urgency and he bit on the delicate fabric of her panties, using his elongated fangs to tear through it with ease, transforming it into tatters that fell on the floor in slow motion.
Gideon's hands moved to spread her legs, and there was Mindy, lying on the table with her legs spread as far as they go, exposing her private parts for Gideon to see.
He was not sure where to look first… at her flushed face from arousal, her breasts that swayed as she breathed, or at her glistening pussy that was right there for him.
Chapter 405 – Mindy And Gideon (3)
Gideon took half a step back, and he didn't let go of Mindy's legs while observing the pumpkin-infused beauty in front of him.
It was all there, on the table, a mouthwatering feast, and it was all his.
Mindy bit her lower lip in anticipation as Gideon lowered himself at the cradle of her thighs and took a deep breath.
If she knew this would happen, she would tidy up down there. It's not that she was unkempt, but he was her mate, and it was special, and she wanted to leave a good impression. She regretted not getting a Brazilian waxing the last time she went to a spa.
But he didn't seem to mind. Actually, he seemed delighted by the sight in front of him.
Gideon used his right leg to pull a chair closer, and he sat on the chair with his head hovering above Mindy's intimate bush.
The whole scene looked like Gideon sat for a meal, and Mindy was it.
She saw him getting lower, and his breath fanned her moist flesh, and there it was…
"AH!", Mindy inhaled loudly, and her eyes rolled at the back of her head when he licked her clit in a long, mighty stroke. And then he buried his face there and licked and sucked her like there is no tomorrow, releasing low growls that vibrated against her flesh.
Mindy struggled to breathe. She had guys go down on her before, but this was out of this world. Gideon obviously knew what he was doing, and the sensational sparks amplified the experience several folds.
She could see his head stuck between her legs that were spread wide because he was holding onto her thighs. She wanted to reach for his head or hand, but she was leaning on her elbows and if she extended her arm, she would plop completely flat on her back, and she really wanted to see Gideon worshiping her pussy with his tongue.
That was her mate, and she was not sure if her orgasm was building so quickly because he knew how to handle a woman's body, or because they were mates. She chose the latter because the sheer thought of Gideon doing something like this to another woman made Mindy see red. He was hers and she was not willing to share, not now, and not ever!
"What are you thinking about?", he spoke against her flesh.
"What?", she asked breathily.
He tilted his head to see her, and she didn't approve that he stopped his ministrations.
"Your mind is wandering, princess."
She realized that he could feel her emotions and just now she was… jealous.
Mindy's eyes widened when he stood up. Is he going to leave her like that? She really wanted him to get back there. She was close, damnit!
She held back her words of protest when Gideon tugged his boxer shorts down, exposing his erect cock, right there, between her legs. He was so close that she could feel his heat splashing against her body.
Her lips lifted into a smile. "I thought you spoke about patience and how you want to worship every inch of my body."
Gideon smirked and pulled her closer until her ass was at the edge of the table. "I did. But I never said that I will leave your pussy for the end."
Mindy's breath stopped in her throat at the sight of his boyish grin and eyes that were full of passion and fire. Why did she think that Shamans are old and boring?
Gideon put his hand between her legs, and his fingers glided between her drenched folds.
"Lay on your back, princess…", he said, and she saw him using his wet hand to spread her juices on his cock.
Mindy got flat on her back and her hands landed on her breasts.
Gideon's eyes flashed when he saw Mindy twisting her nipples. It was very erotic. He loved that she was free to play with her body in front of him.
"Ah…", a shaky sigh escaped her lips when Gideon's cock pushed between her folds. He was moving up and down, spreading her juices everywhere and rubbing on her clit, and she couldn't wait to feel him stretch her insides.
"In public, you will be my princess.", Gideon said in a sexy low voice. "In private, you are my dirty little girl."
Mindy's lips lifted into a smile. It confirmed that Gideon calling her 'princess' was not because she came from an Alpha family. She liked that. She liked it a lot.
Her whole body hummed when she felt the pressure and the stretch, and the sparks made her feel so good that she feared she will lose her mind.
"By the Moon Goddess!", Gideon hissed when he was all the way sheathed inside Mindy. "You are perfect."
His hips inched away from her, and then he pushed back in.
"MINE!", he growled and started pumping himself into her vigorously.
"SHIT!", Mindy exclaimed and threw her head back, arching her body in sheer pleasure.
She didn't care that she was completely naked, with her legs spread wide on the dining table. The only thing on her mind was the glorious cock that was sliding in and out of her, and the friction and the sparks and she wanted to get her release.
"Ah, ah… Gideon… Ah…", she mumbled, her voice rising in pitch with his every thrust.
Gideon grabbed her upper arm and yanked her up, into a seated position.
Mindy immediately wrapped her arms around his torso and gripped his back, his chest pressed on hers and it was the best feeling ever!
The new angle of his cock thrusting inside her provided a different stimulation and Mindy knew that she was only seconds away from plunging into rapture.
She could feel him moving her hair to expose the left side of her neck and she craned her head to give him better access while admiring the fact that his hips didn't falter in the slightest.
His lips glided over the tender skin of her neck, looking for the perfect spot, and he knew that she was almost there. Both of them were.
"Mmm… ahh…", unintelligible sounds came from Mindy's lips, and she gasped when the orgasm hit her full force. She was grateful that he continued thrusting inside her, prolonging her flight.
Gideon groaned when her insides coiled around his cock, pushing him into overdrive and he felt the bliss of shooting his hot seed deep inside her.
"Ahh… ahh… AHHH!", Mindy's lustful sounds morphed into a shriek when a piercing pain radiated from her neck and she knew that was Gideon marking her, but she didn't expect that will amplify her orgasm to the point of her seeing stars in front of her closed eyes.
She loved it and she feared that she will pass out or maybe lose her mind, all in one.
And when the pain subsided, her body pulsated in the pleasurable rhythm of her heartbeats that matched Gideons, and she enjoyed that his strong arms were holding her gently as he tended to the wound he just created.
Gideon hummed while licking the spot where his mark will form.
With this, the bond was sealed. She was his, and he had his mate… finally.
Mindy felt like floating, and she opened her eyes to see Gideon carrying her to the second door on the left. It was a storage-like room. Shelves lined the walls and were filled with boxes, jars, and other containers. The back wall had stairs that led up.
After a flight of stairs, they emerged on the upper floor whose ceiling was slanted, following the roof, and the whole floor was an open space with a room on the side. Through the open door, Mindy could see that was the bathroom.
A bed was along the furthest wall, a big armoire served as a closet, and there was a desk with some papers and shelves full of books, and the whole place smelled of lavender. It was Gideon's scent that only Mindy could pick up.
Before Mindy could see more of the space, she was sinking into the mattress with Gideon on top of her.
"How are you feeling, princess?", he asked while nuzzling her nose with his.
"Fantastic.", she responded with a dreamy smile. "You?"
"Never better."
And then he gave her a mind-spinning kiss that was an announcement of another crazy ride.
Mindy gasped when he pushed inside her again, and she embraced him with her arms and legs, hoping that he will never let go of her.
Chapter 406 – The Party At The Packhouse (2) [Bonus Chapter]
Author's note:
Thank you, Cece_Mendoza, for the Magic Castle gifted on March 7, 2022!
Your generous gift prompted me to release this bonus chapter!
– – –
In the packhouse…
James was having fun with Petra, Erik, and Zack. The four of them didn't shout or raise their feet on the table (they would do that if the atmosphere was teenager-friendly). However, they were happily playing with their phones and chatting in a lively mood which stood out because everyone else was visibly older and much more serious.
Petra, Erik, and Zack were in high spirits. When they got their mission to accompany future Alpha James, they were apprehensive about it, but after experiencing the whole day of fun, they realized that they were wrong about it.
First, they had a scrumptious breakfast in the packhouse, which was followed by a whole day of playing in the town with James. All expenses were covered, courtesy of Alpha Damon.
Second, they got to stay in the packhouse for the time being, with each of them getting a room. It was like a vacation!
Third, they were attending this event with big shots from the pack, and James' presence allowed them to be casual about it. It was fantastic!
James was enjoying his time with his new friends, but part of his attention was on his surroundings.
He overheard many talks about Marcy as the future Luna of the Dark Howlers pack, how Damon will announce their union, and they wondered when she will make her appearance. The excitement about Marcy was building up.
Some groups were talking about Talia; how she secured them a tribute from the Steelbite pack and provided a scent concealer for their warriors, but those talks quickly simmered down in favor of Marcy, no matter how much Maya and Caden tried to stir the conversation about Talia. At most, people acknowledged her as Alpha Damon's assistant.
One of the Elders even said, "As a member of our pack, it's normal that she contributes. Every one of us did the same…", and then he asked when Marcy will come.
James also noticed that Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were eyeing his table, and he knew that they were waiting for the right timing to approach him. After two drinks, the duo decided to make their move.
Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were the only Elders who heard that Talia was Damon's mate, so they didn't want to talk in favor of Marcy or Talia. However, no matter what happens to Marcy, disregarding James would be a bad move because he is the future Alpha of the Red Moon pack.
"Future Alpha James", Elder Samson called in his official tone.
James looked up at the Elders and he nodded at each of them while calling out names, "Elder Samson, Elder Charlie, Elder Agatha. Nice to see you.", he ended with a pleasantry.
Elder Samson and Elder Charlie were not aware that at the last minute Elder Agatha attached herself to their group of two.
The duo turned toward Elder Agatha who looked like she was always there, and they cursed internally. Gossip-hungry wench!
Elder Agatha was happy that James called her name. He recognized her! It made her feel important. She didn't know that Alpha Edward got James to memorize Elders from all major packs, including their background and roles.
James was surprised to see so many Elders in the Dark Howlers pack. Other packs would give those titles to retired high-ranking members, but only to the ones with Alpha, Beta, and Gamma bloodlines. Maybe, a retired general who made significant contributions would get this title. The most Elders James counted was four, in the Spring Leaf pack, and this group of fifty-something Elders was more like a circus.
James' tutor explained to the youngster that Alpha Jacob (aka Damon's father) was generous in giving these titles because he believed that dividing power will reduce corruption. How wrong he was. It only made Elders fight for a larger piece of the pie, many resorting to establishing connections with other packs and causing discord from within. That eventually lead to the downfall of Alpha Jacob and Luna Violet. Of course, those were just theories, but it's a fact that the Dark Howlers pack has many Elders, yet neither of them wields any power as Alpha Damon is not even using them as his advisors.
All of them hold empty titles.
If he didn't need to play his role, James would ignore those old geezers.
"We see you are having fun, so we just came to greet you.", Elder Charlie said.
"How nice of you. My father will be pleased." James knew exactly what to say to make those Elders happy, and he hoped they will leave as soon as possible.
"It seems that you made friends with young stars of our pack…", Elder Samson said while gesturing toward Erik, Zack, and Petra to what James nodded in response.
"I am lucky to have them as guides and company. They are telling me about the opportunities you are offering here and I will discuss with my father if we can have something like that in the Red Moon pack."
James hoped that there won't be questions about what they were doing, because he didn't want to lie, but he also didn't want to say how they were playing in the town instead of training.
James wondered if he, Zack, Erik, and Petra can leave. Maybe they could go to the lounge? That should be empty. There they can talk and continue playing games without being interrupted.
Instead of leaving, Elder Agatha asked, "When can we expect your sister to join us?"
Elder Charlie and Elder Samson had matching stiff expressions. It was obvious that Elder Agatha snuck on them with an intention to probe the situation related to Marcy. Did she already forget their warnings to keep her opinions to herself until Alpha Damon makes it official?
The duo wondered if they return to the bar. After exchanging quick glances, they each took a step back, leaving Elder Agatha in front, as a silent signal that the old woman was on her own.
"Why do you think that my sister will join?", James asked.
"Well…", Elder Agatha was confused. "Marcy just came from Europe recently and is visiting our pack for the first time. I heard a lot of good things about her, and I'm eager to meet her."
"You are right.", James responded. "She just came from Europe and seeing a big pack other than ours is novel. My sister visited Darkbourne yesterday and she spent today in the human city. She didn't confirm her presence at this event."
"She didn't?", Elder Agatha said absentmindedly.
James smirked. "It seems that you are confused. Did your invitation say how my sister will be present?"
"No. But this is the event for the Elders and the visiting guests, so I assumed…"
"I am a visiting guest.", James cut her off. "Other than me, there are three more people at this table. They are also visiting. If you look around, you will see people from other packs. My sister's presence is not crucial for this dinner event. At least that's what she told me."
Elder Agatha glanced around helplessly only to see that Elder Charlie and Elder Samson left at some point. She was on her own.
James was looking at her with a mocking grin that told her he was looking down on her, silently reminding her that he is an Alpha and she is not.
"I apologize, future Alpha James. It was my mistake.", she said stiffly.
"It seems you are making mistakes often, Elder Agatha."
The elder woman frowned at James. "What do you mean?"
"Your reputation reached me before you did.", James said stoically. "I thought that it was just an exaggeration, but now I understand why Alpha Damon diminished your importance."
Elder Agatha wondered if her ears malfunctioned. Did this pup just insult her? But he was a son of an Alpha… and not just any Alpha, but Alpha Edward, the Alpha of the Red Moon pack, the second largest pack in North America. She didn't dare show arrogance.
Chapter 407 – The Party At The Packhouse (3)
Elder Agatha gritted her teeth and lowered her head in front of James. "Again, I apologize, future Alpha James. I know what I did wrong."
"Do you?", James asked, his voice full of arrogance. "I hope you do. If this repeats, Alpha Damon and my father will hear about it. You may leave."
Elder Agatha turned around and walked away while sulking.
The truth was that she didn't know why James showed hostility. She only asked when Marcy will come down to the party. But then… Elder Agatha knew that those young Alphas have no respect for Elders, and every next generation was worse than the previous one.
With her peripheral vision, Elder Agatha could see mocking glances directed her way. Of course, these were werewolves, and even though they were not close, they could clearly hear what was said, as long as they were paying attention.
She knew that none of them sympathized with her. Why would they? If she was down, it meant they have one less Elder to compete with. Scoundrels!
At the table with four teenagers, James' eyes moved to the right, and he saw Damon looking back at him.
They spoke before the party, and James agreed to give neutral responses to everyone who asks about Marcy, not confirming her attendance at the party, but not denying her presence in the packhouse either.
James and Damon exchanged barely noticeable nods, and then James gave his attention to his three friends at the table who looked at him with a mix of awe and disbelief.
Zack was first to speak. "Is that how you normally act?"
James waved, indicating that they should move to another topic. "Don't worry about it. If I don't show them who is the boss, they will start lecturing me, and that's not why I'm here."
"Man… that was Elder Agatha.", Erik said in a hushed voice.
James scoffed. "So?"
"She holds grudges.", Petra said and leaned closer, her voice going down to barely above a whisper. "They all do."
James shrugged like it's not a big deal. "As I said, it's no wonder that Alpha Damon diminished their importance."
James looked in the direction where Elder Agatha went. "Do you think that any of them would come here if my father is not an Alpha? They don't know anything about me, yet they are showing fake respect and trying to leave a good impression. They are acting like they are above others because they are Elders. How can one be important when there are so many of them on the same level?"
Petra was gesturing to James to lower his voice, but he didn't care, and he continued talking, "Every person should have the right to show what he or she can do, and the best one gets the prize. However, once they stop performing at a satisfactory level, they should step down. Titles shouldn't be given lightly, and no position should be for life regardless of the bloodline or previous achievements."
Petra, Erik, and Zack looked at James with complicated expressions. They never heard someone with a bloodline that grants him status speak that way.
James knew what his three friends were thinking, and he felt a bit guilty. Would they accept him if they knew that he suspects how Alpha Edward was not his father? James didn't want to go there.
This was the most fun he had in his life, and he didn't want to spoil it. He would rather let them think that he is a righteous young prince than to see him as an impostor.
His eighteenth birthday was still two years away, but whenever he thought about not having his Alpha aura, that birthday felt like it was just around the corner, bringing an uncertain future with it.
The truth will be revealed naturally when the time comes, and James hoped that he can extend that deadline, because right there, at that moment, he felt that he could breathe freely.
…
Maddox and Tatiana entered the event hall and made their way toward Damon who was at the table with Tony and Kalina.
Maddox didn't care about these Elders; he already knew that they were giving a hard time to Damon. If Maddox showed goodwill, they might get an illusion that he disapproves of Damon, and latch onto him. He knew many like that and avoided them like plague. If this was not for Damon and his mate (aka Talia), Maddox wouldn't be here.
Tatiana said that she was not ready to go to the Blue River pack, and Maddox had no problems with that. He was already planning to get them a hotel suite in town, something with a nice view. But Damon extended his welcome to as long as they want, and Maddox took him on that offer. It would be hard to explain to humans all the grunting, moaning, and occasional howling.
"Nice of you to join us.", Kalina said teasingly with a big smile while eyeing her sister who wore a sleeveless black knee-length dress with golden details that fit her perfectly, and matching jewelry. Tatiana always had outfits ready for any social occasion.
Maddox also looked sharp in black trousers and a white shirt.
After exchanging greetings, Maddox pulled a chair for Tatiana to sit and took a seat next to her. His arm rested around Tatiana's shoulders as he looked around and then he asked, "Where are Mindy and Talia?" He tried mind-linking Mindy before they came down, but she was not responding.
"They went out for a bit.", Damon responded and glanced at the time. "Actually, they should be back soon."
With every passing minute, Damon's displeasure was rising.
He could feel Talia's emotions, and he tried to gauge what was going on there. She was not in distress, but she was not truly happy either. It was like she had a lot on her mind. Damon sent her a few texts, and she responded that they will talk when she comes back. Strange.
But his uneasiness was swelling by the minute as he heard whispers related to Marcy.
The good thing was that after James' talk with Elder Agatha, the Elders toned down their chatter about Marcy showing up in a grand way.
Unfortunately, they were talking about Talia as his assistant, and Maya's idea of reminding them of Talia's contributions didn't catch on as expected. They were all focused on Marcy like she was someone important.
Well, objectively, Marcy was important because she is the daughter of Alpha Edward, but that's it.
Damon was irritated. How come none of these people were willing to acknowledge how awesome Talia is?
He wanted to talk to the Elders, but Maya told him how that's not a good idea. "If you talk in Talia's favor, they will assume you are doing it because she seduced you. We know that they see you as an immature and impulsive Alpha. Let's not give them more ammunition. We don't want them to think that the only thing Talia has is her skills in bed…"
Damon knew that Maya was right, but the more he listened, the more his instincts for disaster were tingling. Unless something super-unexpected happened, this evening will be a total failure.
Chapter 408 – The Party At The Packhouse (4)
With his uneasiness increasing, Damon was contemplating to meet Talia in front of the packhouse. They would sit in a car, drive into the night, and never look back.
Even Damon's wolf thought how escaping might be a good idea. The old beast was always advising him to take care of his pack, so this change in priorities confirmed that their current situation was not good.
With Marcy's bad condition worsening, Alpha Edward will definitely use it as leverage against Damon. In addition to that, the power struggle among Elders and many others who were not present at the party was never-ending and it was draining him physically and emotionally.
If Damon followed the well-established practices (which his father abandoned), the only woman with qualifications to be an Elder was Stephanie. She was not a Beta, but her mate was a Beta and she definitely contributed to the pack as Luna Violet's confidant, and as a person Damon could rely on. Ironically, she didn't want it.
When Damon took over as the Alpha, he thought of removing the Elder role completely. However, that would cause outrage and internal conflicts, and he had a lot of crap to deal with from the outside, so the things dragged.
Before Talia entered his life, Damon was focused on securing a good lifestyle for his pack members and protecting them from attackers. He would fight and argue when someone confronted him, and he enjoyed fleeting pleasures of alcohol and women. Damon thought how that was as good as it gets.
But, now he had Talia.
With Talia by his side, Damon experienced what it meant to be relaxed, happy, accepted, and he wanted to be with his mate and leave all the troubles behind.
There was a time when he put the needs of his pack first, but Talia's happiness was becoming more important by the day, and his happiness was tied to hers.
As the danger to Talia's safety increased, Damon was actually considering leaving everything behind.
Yes, he was born and raised as an Alpha, that was in his blood, but what was the point of having a pack, power, and riches, if his most important person gets hurt?
It was a tough choice, and Damon hoped that he won't end up in a position where he needed to choose.
– – –
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– – –
A wave of murmurs swept the event hall when George and Dawn made an appearance.
George was wearing jeans pants and a blue shirt, while Dawn was in a red summer dress that had spaghetti straps and it reached below her knees. They were both casual, yet not offensive, but what stood out was George's arm around Dawn's shoulders.
Damon frowned when he heard whispers.
[I thought that Commander George will accompany Marcy. Isn't he Marcy's guard?]
[Isn't that our Dawn with him?]
[When do you think Marcy will arrive?]
[Why is Commander George so close to Dawn? It's one thing what they are doing in private, but this is a public event.]
[Is Commander's appearance a sign that Alpha Damon should go and fetch Marcy?]
Damon facepalmed. Marcy-this, Marcy-that. It was like this crowd drank some Marcy-related drug and can't talk about anything other than her. The only good thing was that no one mentioned the other woman (aka Nora) who was in the dungeon. At least he didn't need to come up with a cover-up to explain her absence.
But this event was now more than just clarifying Damon's availability for marriage. This was about figuring out if George will be an ally, a puppet, or an enemy.
Damon was surrounded by hyenas who were eager for him to mess it up, and this was the situation where he would figure out who will really help him, and who was just talking.
It's easy to be friends in good times. Only when facing challenges, will the true nature of a person be exposed.
So far, James showed himself to be useful. It was George's turn.
Damon stood up and went to meet George and Dawn.
Dawn stiffened when she saw Damon walking toward them.
She thought that attending this event with George will be a blast, but when she saw all those Elders scrutinizing her, she thought how maybe that was not such a good idea.
No one was dancing. People were standing or sitting in small groups and talking in murmurs, creating a stifling atmosphere that made Dawn's hairs stand on ends. How was this a party? And now even Alpha Damon was coming toward them and the only thing preventing Dawn from running away was George's firm arm around her shoulders.
"Commander George", Damon was first to extend his greeting. He glanced at Dawn and gave her a small nod. "Dawn…" His eyes lingered at the left side of her neck and he could see that it was red and some patterns were forming. It was George's mark.
The more Damon saw newly mated couples getting marked, the more he regretted not doing that with Talia. If she wore his mark, no one would doubt her identity. He was so stupid! Damon decided to push the marking up on the list of his priorities. Who cares about Talia's wolf? When the old beast comes around, she will understand, and if she doesn't… well, she will have to accept it.
After exchanging pleasantries, Damon returned his attention to George. "I am happy that you could join us. I know that you would rather be somewhere else."
"We are here on Dawn's insistence.", George responded. "I'm not sure if we will stay until the end. I hope you will forgive us if we leave early."
"As long as you stay for dinner, that will be enough.", Damon said. "By the time you finish with dessert, I will be done with my announcements. I hope you will join us at the table."
Damon really wanted to go to the study and have a long private talk with George, but this was not the time. For tonight, Damon thought of having George nearby and gauging his attitude.
Dawn swallowed a lump of air. Did Alpha Damon say how they should eat with them at the table? Dawn would love to be close to Talia, but everyone else was intimidating. Her ears were buzzing, and she was not sure if George accepted the offer or not.
She was working in the packhouse for years and knew it like the back of her palm, yet now it felt foreign and Dawn wanted to leave.
Dawn was looking left and right, and she spotted Zina at the table with refreshments. She was refilling the plate with cocktail meatballs.
At that moment, Zina looked like a beacon of safety in the middle of a stormy night, and Dawn really needed to see a friendly face.
"Excuse me…", Dawn said in a small voice and looked up at George. "I will be back in a minute." She shimmied out of his hold and headed toward Zina. Dawn was not comfortable talking with Alpha Damon, and George can tell her later what he decided.
As long as she was with George, it will be fine. Hopefully.
—
Chapter 409 – The Party At The Packhouse (5) [Bonus Chapter]
"You should put those closer together…", Dawn said when she approached Zina.
Zina turned to see behind her, to make sure it was not just her imagination. "Dawn."
Zina was really happy to see her friend. They saw each other earlier that afternoon when Zina brought things to Dawn, but that was only briefly with George around. Dawn and Zina were together most of the time, so this day-long separation felt like forever.
"You look stunning."
Dawn smiled. "You think? Thank you for the dress."
If Zina didn't bring her the dress, Dawn wouldn't have anything to wear. And Zina brought her more than just a dress. She brought a carry-on with several changes of clothes and toiletries, and Zina did that by rushing to Dawn's apartment while potatoes were in the oven. Ivy and Lily made sure nothing burned until Zina came back.
Zina shook her head. "It's not about the dress. It's you, D. You are glowing."
Dawn smiled until her cheeks hurt. She was happy.
Zina had so many questions, but she knew that this was not the time to sit and talk about juicy details. However, she was eager to find out some bits.
"So, how is life in high society?", Zina asked Dawn teasingly. She leaned closer and spoke in a whisper, "Or should I ask, how is the life under Commander George?"
Dawn's eyes flashed in outrage, but she couldn't suppress the giggles that burst unexpectedly. Dawn quickly blocked her mouth with her hands while hoping that people were not staring at her. She didn't dare to look around and verify.
"Come on.", Zina urged Dawn to say something. "Did you get what you wanted? Is he a sex machine that provides endless orgasms?"
"Shh…", Dawn waved her hands. It's one thing when they were goofing around in private, but this was a fancy party, and they shouldn't have sex talks.
Zina rolled her eyes. "Don't you shush me. I could smell it in the room sin. Pure sin. Now tell me while I refill this tray… how big is he? Is it just the size, or does he have technique also?"
Dawn could feel her cheeks heating up. "I'm not going to talk about it here. People might hear."
"Yeah, like anyone cares what we will talk about." Zina inched closer and said in a whisper, "They are mostly talking about Marcy."
At the mention of Marcy, Dawn's chest tightened. Other than Marcy being unconscious, she was also George's first mate, and Dawn couldn't stay indifferent while thinking about that woman.
Part of Dawn was angry at Marcy because she rejected and hurt George, and another part feared if George had any lingering feelings toward Marcy. Sure, he was totally focused on Dawn, but what will happen when Marcy wakes up? What if Marcy regrets rejection and asks George to take her back? Dawn didn't want to think about it.
"What are they saying about Marcy?", Dawn asked stiffly.
"You know… things like… when will she make her appearance."
Dawn felt guilty. Her mind was muddled by the fluffy clouds that resembled George, and she forgot that they were in a state of emergency. If people found out that Marcy is in a sorry state and that Alpha Damon is concealing it… who knows what will happen? It was a serious situation, yet Dawn ditched them from the moment she realized that George was her mate.
"What's the status on our side?"
Zina shrugged. "Her condition is unchanged and…" Zina stopped talking when she saw two Elders approaching the table where she was with Dawn.
It was an older man and an older woman, known as Elder Thomas and Elder Patsy. Not the most pleasant ones in the bunch. They all had an inflated sense of self-importance, and their sour expressions told Zina and Dawn that they were coming to cause trouble.
"Should you be lingering here and chatting?", Elder Patsy asked and then her eyes settled on Dawn. "You don't look like you came to work."
Dawn didn't like their attitude, but she didn't want to bicker and stir a commotion.
– – –
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– – –
Zina responded in Dawn's place, "Dawn is not working tonight. She is a guest."
Elder Thomas sneered. They all knew that Dawn was one of the Omegas who worked in the packhouse. "A guest? Do you think that because you have Commander George's favor you can do as you please?" He stiffened when he saw George approaching them in large strides.
George reached Dawn in a flash.
"Are you OK?"
Dawn nodded in confirmation, genuinely touched by his care. She really didn't expect that he will come to her like that, and she could feel his concern for her.
George put his arm around Dawn's shoulders and looked at two Elders. "Dawn is with me. Do you have a problem with that?"
While talking to Damon, George felt that Dawn's mood suddenly dropped, and he told Damon that he needed to check on her. He didn't expect that before he reached them, two Elders will be there. George heard them clearly saying how she was latching onto him.
George saw this type of disrespect many times in the Red Moon pack, but he didn't expect it here where Omegas are treated fairly; at least that's what the reports about the Dark Howlers pack say.
Dawn was flabbergasted. The truth was that no one spoke to her like this before, and this was at a party, in front of George, and even Alpha Damon was there. Why did he come after George?
Damon narrowed his eyes at two Elders. "Thomas, Patsy…", he called without using their titles, which rubbed the duo the wrong way, but they didn't dare to object.
Damon might be several times their junior, but he was the Alpha, and he could make them submit and spill their secrets with a sheer thought. That would be a disaster.
"Didn't I ask you to show hospitality to our guests? Is this the impression we want to leave?"
Elder Patsy smiled stiffly. "Alpha Damon. We were talking with two Omegas…"
"I heard what you said.", Damon cut her off. "Even Commander George heard the insult you threw at his mate."
Both Elder Patsy and Elder Thomas visibly paled and their eyes moved to Dawn's neck. They didn't pay attention so far, but now that Damon mentioned it, Dawn clearly had some marks on the left side of her neck.
Two Elders cursed internally. Why didn't Dawn say anything?
Dawn leaned closer into George because she didn't like how they were looking at her.
"Do I need to remind you that Commander George is the highest-ranking Commander in the Red Moon pack?", Damon spoke sternly. "Do you know that by offending his mate you are offending him? Are you aware of how this might escalate if he decides to raise it as an issue with Alpha Edward? Or should I just offer your heads and hope it will be enough to avoid war?"
The more Damon spoke, the more Elder Patsy and Elder Thomas shrunk.
Chapter 410 – The Party At The Packhouse (6)
Elder Patsy and Elder Thomas were irritated that Damon invited them to a party without any set agenda, and then he left them to their own devices to guess the reason why they were here, and no one confirmed or denied the relevance of Marcy.
Alpha Damon was sitting at the table leisurely and ignoring his guests.
Dawn showing up here all dressed up was the trigger to make them go and vent some of their frustration. How can a plain Omega join a party with Elders and act like she belongs there?
But now that Damon revealed she was Commander George's mate, Dawn was not just an Omega. This was serious.
Elder Patsy and Elder Thomas were not sure what to do.
"Will you apologize? Or are you expecting me to do it in your place?", Damon asked two Elders stiffly. "If Commander George doesn't feel your sincerity, I will need to ask you to leave. As a host, I can't allow my guests to be uncomfortable, and tomorrow he will decide on how to deal with this. I believe that we all agree on the point of how jeopardizing our relationship with the Red Moon pack is not a good idea."
Elder Patsy and Elder Thomas exchanged quick glances.
'What should we do?', Elder Patsy asked Elder Thomas through the mind-link.
'Do you think we have a choice?', the other one responded.
'It's either you apologize, or I put you in the dungeon for colluding to start a war.', Damon's stern voice was heard by both Elders who looked at Damon in horror. Somehow, they forgot that Alpha can effortlessly get into any mind-link communication between his pack members. Nothing is private. That's the power of an Alpha.
Elder Patsy was first to bow to George. "I apologize. It was my mistake for acting without thinking."
George scoffed. "It's not me you need to apologize to."
Elder Patsy's face paled. Was she supposed to apologize to an Omega? But what were her options?
"I hope you will be magnanimous and forgive this old woman for her shortsightedness.", Elder Patsy said to Dawn.
"Please accept my apologies as well.", Elder Thomas was quick to add.
Dawn blinked once, twice, and then she looked up at George who was smiling at her.
"It's on you to figure out if they are sincere enough.", George said to Dawn.
Dawn glanced at two Elders who still had their heads lowered. Were they sincere? Absolutely not! She knew very well that if not for George's identity, and Alpha Damon being there, those two wouldn't spare her a single glance. But they were making a spectacle, so Dawn decided to be the bigger person. However, she needed to vent some of her frustration.
"Elder Parker.", Dawn called. "You hurt my feelings. You know my grandma well, and you watched me grow up. How can you assume that I will come to this kind of a party because I seduced a man? I forgive you, but I am disappointed."
She looked at the other Elder. "Elder Thomas, you and my grandpa go fishing together every Sunday. I will tell him what you said, and how you embarrassed me and our pack in front of my mate."
"Thank you, dear.", Elder Parker said, and she tugged Elder Thomas to move backward with her, and after bowing to George and Damon, the duo swiftly walked to the other side of the event hall.
"Thank you.", George said to Damon.
"No need to thank me.", Damon said. "This gave you firsthand experience into what I'm dealing with. There are not many in my pack who would look down on Omegas, but I can guarantee that most of them are right now in this room."
George understood that Damon was not telling him this without a reason. "How can I help?"
Damon shook his head. "This is my mess, and you shouldn't dirty your hands with it. Tomorrow morning, let's meet in my study and discuss opportunities for future collaborations. As for tonight, I hope that you won't contribute to the recoil after I make my announcement. That's all."
Damon walked away, and George looked after him with a complex expression.
"George?", Dawn called. "Do you want to eat something? Or…"
"I want to feed you.", George interrupted her and went to fetch two plates. He returned by Dawn's side and eyed the table that was full of various food items. Every table had one plate with bite-sized appetizers, but this table was full of all kinds of delicacies, and George was not sure from where to start.
"What's good here?"
"Everything is good.", Dawn said and glanced at Zina who was still there, but a few steps away, to give them privacy. "My best friend made these so they must be delicious."
George glanced at Zina and gave her a small nod before starting to pile up food on plates.
Dawn looked at Zina and the two friends exchanged smiles. Zina waved and left the event hall, happy for Dawn, but feeling a bit lonely.
Normally, this would be Zina and Dawn together, excitedly chattering about hot guys they spotted or some gossip they overheard while refilling serving trays, but now it was just Zina, and there was no one to talk to.
Zina wondered when will she find her mate. Dawn was twenty years old, and Zina turned twenty-five already. If they followed some order, Zina should be first, but it seemed that the Moon Goddess had other plans for her.
"What took you so long?", Ivy asked when Zina appeared in the kitchen. Ivy and Lily were finalizing preparations for the dinner.
"I saw Dawn and we spoke a bit.", Zina responded.
"Is the mark forming on her neck already?", Lily asked excitedly.
Zina confirmed and decided to change the topic. "Is there anything else to take there?", she asked Stephanie.
"No. Dinner will be served in fifteen minutes.", Stephanie said. "Pour soup in serving bowls. Zina, you will be in charge of ensuring that everyone is served in a timely manner. Ivy, you take care of breadsticks, Lily, you are on beverages…" Stephanie started issuing orders and she summoned Rose and a few more Omegas to help them with serving. Dinner was the busiest part of the evening and it needed to be perfect.
…
Dawn continued looking at the side door for some time after Zina's figure disappeared through there. She guessed what her friend was feeling, and she wished for the power to help Zina find that special someone who will make her happy.
Dawn looked at George and her eyes widened when she saw that he was holding two plates heaping with food, and he was still putting food on there!
"That's enough.", Dawn spoke with urgency. "This is before dinner."
George gave her a lopsided smile. "It's fine. We will need it." He winked. "The night is long, and I plan to use every minute of it."
Dawn could feel her cheeks heating. The way he looked at her made her feel naked, but she didn't hate it. That was her mate, her other half. It was supposed to be that way.