Ch. 631..640

Chapter 631 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (2)

Damon and Talia came to the living room, and they found Yasmin there with Meg.

"Is the room to your liking?", Meg asked. "If you need anything, let us know."

"It's wonderful.", Talia responded.

"Don't treat her like a guest.", Yasmin reminded Meg. "This is her house."

"I don't treat her like a guest.", Meg snapped back. "I treat her like Alpha. Since Talia was not here for a while, I don't want her to feel awkward."

Talia smiled at this banter between Yasmin and Meg. It showed that they are getting along well.

"Where is Axel?", Talia asked. She wanted to talk about giving him the Alpha position.

"He is dealing with some urgent matters. Axel will join us soon.", Yasmin responded and gestured toward several plates on the low table that had snacks on them. "Please, help yourself. I hope you can feel at home and I don't need to urge you to eat. I can show you where the kitchen is and other amenities."

Talia smiled at Yasmin who was acting as a wonderful Luna. "We can do the tour later when others join us."

Damon and Talia sat on the sofa, and Damon was quick to start picking snacks and feeding Talia.

Talia wondered when would be a good time to give baby-related presents to Yasmin, and then James and Cornelia entered.

Yasmin was also busy putting snacks on her plate.

"Do you have any food restrictions because of pregnancy?", Cornelia asked Yasmin, and then she looked at James who had a palm-sized plate in his hand, filling it with snacks from the table, and Cornelia knew that was for her. Silly werewolf.

Yasmin rubbed her perfectly flat belly. "They are doing fine. I can eat whatever I want."

Talia paused. While getting pregnancy-related information from Doctor Travis, he told her a few things. Pregnancy for werewolves lasts five months, even when the female is human. Considering that Talia discovered Yasmin's pregnancy three days ago in the human realm, shouldn't that be three months for Yasmin? Yasmin should be more than halfway along, so… why didn't she have a big belly? Or was it different for witches?

"Did you see a doctor?", Talia asked Yasmin.

"Healers are checking on me every few days.", Yasmin responded with a smile, and she noticed Talia's puzzled expression. "Is something the matter?"

Talia cursed internally for allowing her confusion to show. Doctor Travis said that pregnant women are emotional and they should avoid stress. Wouldn't hinting that something was wrong, be stressful for Yasmin? But Yasmin was already looking at her, so she couldn't brush it off.

"I was just wondering, how far along you are."

Yasmin was not sure how to respond to this. She caressed her belly. "The healers said that everything is fine with my babies, and they are growing well."

Talia facepalmed. How did she forget that they don't have ultrasound machines here? In order to avoid more confusion, Talia decided to explain, "The time here passes thirty times faster than in the human realm. Considering that three days passed for us, that would be at least three months into your pregnancy. You are carrying twins so your belly should show. That's all."

Yasmin never gave much thought related to the time difference between realms, but... "Are you saying that my babies are growing slower than they should?"

Cornelia spoke, "Maybe the time passes thirty times the speed, but the energies here are not matching it."

"What does that mean?", James asked. Did that mean he had less time with Cornelia than he thought?

"Energies make everything move. They affect the flow of a river, the strength of the wind, the speed at which we age, as well as our perception of time.", Cornelia started explaining. "The flow of energies here is almost the same as in my realm, but it's not thirty times faster than in the realm of humans."

Everyone was processing this in silence, and James summarized, "You are saying that even though the day and night here pass thirty times faster compared to the human's realm, creatures are not aging at the same rate."

"Correct.", Cornelia confirmed. "Time is relative. Think of it as a movement. The faster we move, the slower we age. In theory, if we could move at the speed of light, we would stop aging." Cornelia smirked, obviously proud of herself. "I read that on the internet."

She spent hours cooped up in the room with a tablet in her hand, researching history, humans, and anything else she found there.

Several books in the library of the Silver Flame Coven describe humans as creatures without any specific abilities. However, from the information she found online, Cornelia realized that humans are perceptive, curious, and ingenious.

Humans can't feel the energies, how witches can, but they see the things happening around them and they developed technology that helps them accomplish things they couldn't with their bodies. In a way, Cornelia was fascinated by humans, and she hoped for a chance to find out more about them.

"Wait, wait", Talia said. "You are saying that even though three months passed, Yasmin is not three months pregnant?" It didn't make sense.

"If she is in the human realm, it would be three months into her pregnancy.", Cornelia said. "But Yasmin spent that time here, where energies flow differently, and you can't apply your measure of time to this realm."

"You seem disappointed.", Damon said to Talia.

Was she disappointed? "I'm just trying to wrap my head around this information."

"Maybe the creator didn't intend for us to pass through portals and spend time in different realms.", Yasmin said.

"Or maybe he did.", Cornelia chimed in. "Every realm has its advantages."

Damon frowned at this. "This validates that we need to be cautious when revealing to the world existence of other realms. For us, the difference in time and aging doesn't mean much, but short-lived humans would definitely not stay in their realm if they can come here and extend their lifespans. With their technology and numbers, it would be a matter of time until they find the entrance to this place." He shook his head. "Imagine the fortune one would make if they can monopolize access to the portal and control who gets in or out."

Talia puffed her cheeks in frustration. Her wish was to get everyone together, but with every next step, she found more reasons to back down.

"I get it.", Talia said grumpily. "People are greedy and vicious, and they won't hold back from harming others in their quest for power. But…" Her expression stiffened. "Is that the reason for everyone else to suffer? Hundreds of members from the Midnight Guardians pack are withering here without their mates because they fear what awaits them on the other side of the portal. Don't tell me that everyone is evil. I'm confident that most of our pack members are not power-hungry villains. They want to find their mates, and live with their families, without looking over their shoulder if they will be hunted. That's not too much to ask. How can we make it happen?"

Talia noticed that Axel was standing at the door with a small smile of approval of Talia's words.

"That's easy.", James said, getting everyone's attention. "We live in a world where power rules. Do you want to change things? Get to the top. Be the most powerful one and suppress everyone who opposes you."

 

Chapter 632 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (3)

Talia made a face. That was James' solution?

He wanted Talia to become power-hungry and to suppress everyone who opposes her? Should she become a monster in order to fight other monsters?

At this time, Keith, Sandy, and Liam entered the living room, to see that James raised his hand, palm toward Talia, indicating to her that she should be patient and hear him out.

The newly arrived trio wondered what they missed because this seemed important. Meg waved at them to come and get some snacks.

"I know what you are going to say." James smiled at Talia meaningfully. "Do you think I would speak those words if I don't believe you can do it? This is not about you doing everything on your own. Start by looking at yourself and then look around you. You are the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack. I saw you healing your guard and dispelling dark magic in a mystical ritual that caused a tornado. On top of that, you lived right under my father's nose, and it's not that he didn't realize you are an Alpha, but he was not aware of you presence at all. I can see that you don't think much about yourself, however, you can't deny that you are the catalyst of many changes in our society. People gather around you and want to follow you out of their own will, and that speaks about you as a natural leader."

James gestured toward Damon while continuing to talk to Talia, "Your mate is the strongest Alpha of the current generation. Look at people you call friends and see how many of them are Alphas, high-ranking members, exceptional warriors, and let's not forget the witches." His arm tightened around Cornelia's waist. "On top of all that, you have the most brilliant mind to help you." James cockily pointed at himself. "It won't be straightforward, but if there is a way, we will find it and we will succeed without spilling unnecessary blood."

Talia's eyebrows were so high that they nearly reached her hairline. "You will help?"

"Of course.", James confirmed. "I am personally vested because I want to live with my mate in any of our realms without worry that someone will try to snatch Cora from me because she is beautiful, smart, magical, and perfect in every way possible."

Cornelia was visibly flustered, and she was confident that James could hear the way her heart thundered wildly against her ribcage.

That was not the first compliment James gave her, but now it was in front of people, and she didn't know how to respond. Should she thank him? Hug him? Kiss him? Or pretend like everything was normal?

James smirked in satisfaction when Cornelia leaned on him and he extended his hand toward Talia, waiting for a handshake.

"What do you say, Alpha Talia? Will you accept me as your ally in weeding out the power-hungry individuals who are threatening our peace so that everyone can enjoy with their mates?"

Without a delay, Talia put her hand in James' and gave it a shake, formally sealing the alliance.

James already had a few ideas. "When we go to the Silver Flame Coven, we should discuss this with the high priestess. I don't recommend that witches join us openly and expose themselves this early in the process but they could definitely provide insights and magical tools that can give us an edge…" Cornelia told him about scrolls and items imbued with magic that non-witches can use.

James was confident in his fighting abilities, and not many things scared him. However, it was undeniable that he was helpless in the face of the Alpha aura, and it would be fantastic if Cornelia could help him get his hands on an item that will make him immune to such things. He would love to stand tall when his father tries to punish him and show how he can't be controlled. Soon.

Damon looked at Talia with sparkles in his eyes. Talia's genuine surprise was cute, but her most impressive feature was that she was not aware of how amazing she was.

Even before Damon became the Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack, numerous eyes were on him, waiting for the opportunity to strike and take him down, and now that he revealed Talia was his fated mate, the amount of dangers increased several folds. Damon was painfully aware that he will need a good strategist, and he was trying to come up with a solid plan to reel in James to his side, yet Talia got James to volunteer his services; just like that. And the best part was that it all sounded like it was James' idea.

Damon realized that none of this would happen without Talia. They wouldn't be here, because the Midnight Guardians pack doesn't welcome outsiders. They wouldn't be aware of witches without Talia opening the portal, and that meant that James wouldn't find his mate, nor become their ally.

…

Before dinner, per Talia's request, Axel and Talia went to the study.

They entered the study that Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia used. It was spacious to accommodate a sitting area and two massive desks.

Talia sat on the sofa and Axel realized that Talia didn't consider this study as her own. Well, she never used it, and since Talia was absent, Axel claimed one of the desks, and the other one was used sporadically by Yasmin, Meg, Kai, and Tyler.

Axel scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"We should talk about this office. Do you want us to share an office, or should I arrange a separate space for you?" He paused when he realized how that was not right. "Actually, you should keep this office, and I will get another one for me. One desk will be removed..." He stopped talking when he realized that Talia didn't approve. "Or do you want new furniture? Is that it? We can arrange for..."

"Axel", Talia called, interrupting his chatter. "I wanted to talk to you about something else."

Axel moved to sit on the sofa, next to Talia, and he looked at her, silently telling her to go ahead.

"I thought about this a long time, so please, don't interrupt me until I'm done.", Talia started. She took a deep breath. "We had a pack run where Damon announced me to the Dark Howlers pack as his fated mate and as his Luna. I realized that there is a lot of things to do, and I don't think I will be able to give the Midnight Guardians pack the time and attention it deserves. I want you to be the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack."

Axel's expression didn't change. "Are you done?"

"What?"

"You said that I shouldn't interrupt you until you are done, so I'm asking, are you done?"

"Yes. I'm done.", Talia confirmed.

"No."

Talia was lost. Did he say that she was not done? It didn't sound right. "What do you mean, no?"

"I said, no. You can't give your Alpha position to me."

"Why?"

"Because I don't want it.", Axel said with finality.

"But I can't…"

"Being an Alpha is not about the time. It's about the heart."

Talia was totally confused. "What?"

 

Chapter 633 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (4)

"First of all…", Axel's voice trailed and he sucked in a sharp breath as he steeled his resolve to continue talking.

"It's embarrassing to admit, but the truth is that you are stronger than I am. Alpha is the strongest one in the pack for a reason. Other than leading our people, you are also representing our pack in front of others. One needs to earn that honor. If I accept being the Alpha while you are alive and kicking, I won't be able to look people in the eyes. That alone will make me unfit to be an Alpha."

"I don't see myself as stronger than you are, Axel. You can overpower me in a second, and even if I miraculously dodge your first attack, you will defeat me with a polished fighting technique."

Axel shook his head, rejecting Talia's arguments. "You should know that strength is not defined by how heavy a punch is. Just as you are aware that I can overpower you, I know that your abilities can't be measured. You are kind and determined, and you will go above and beyond to improve the livelihood of our people."

Talia was not willing to give up easily. "Why are you making a big deal out of it? How is this different than Alpha Isaac stepping down so that you can take over?"

Axel cocked an eyebrow at Talia. "Father would step down because he is tired and because he believes I'm ready, and that means I am stronger than he is. My wolf won't allow me to challenge you, and that means you are better than I am because my wolf is always eager to fight, but he is not stupid to start something he can't win. Your existence is enough to make me unfit to lead."

Talia was not sure how to respond to this. She knew that Alphas were proud creatures who thrived when their people admired them but what was that about his wolf not allowing him to challenge her? There was no need for a challenge when she would step down on her own.

"You said that was the first thing. What's the second one?"

"Let's assume you abdicate, and I become the Alpha. If our pack is in danger, will you sit aside and watch?", Axel asked.

"No.", Talia responded right away.

Axel smirked. "You can't see our pack members suffer, and you will not only help, but you will also do whatever is necessary to protect our people. That's an Alpha."

"I will help anyone who is in trouble.", Talia tried to reason with him.

"It's not the same, Talia. Because these are our people, we share the bond, and you can feel their emotions. I can assure you that even though you have a good heart, you will treat the needs of the Midnight Guardians pack with urgency."

Talia puffed her cheeks in frustration. Why did he have reasonable counterarguments ready? "And? Is there a third thing? A fourth one? Or more?"

Axel reached to hold Talia's hand. "Just one more." He clasped her hand between his and instructed, "Close your eyes, Talia. Open your mind and soul to the pack and tell me what you feel."

Talia closed her eyes and did as instructed.

A few seconds later, Talia was looking at Axel.

"They are happy.", she said.

"Do you know why?"

"Because of the feast.", Talia responded.

Axel shook his head. "They are excited about the feast, but it's not about the food. They are happy because you are here. Our pack worships you. I know that you will say how you barely spent any time here as an Alpha, but you left a lasting impression. You connected with our people, understood what they want and need, and you are working to make it happen, and that's what a good Alpha does. Do you think I would be a better Alpha than you are? They see me as an extension of our parents while you… you are a fresh breeze that brings exciting changes. Previous Alphas believed they were keeping their pack safe, but they created this cage that was beautiful and suffocating. I can assure you that without you as the Alpha, our people will lose hope, and that will make them suffer."

He gave her hand a squeeze. "You feel the bond with the pack, right? The thought of abandoning our people is hurting you and they will be hurt if you go through with it. They believe in you, and you should believe in yourself because I know you can do it."

Axel smirked, feeling that Talia gave up on the idea to step down. "Don't worry about the workload. I will be your proxy, and with Yasmin, Kai, Meg, and Tyler, we won't disturb you unless it's necessary. We can schedule to meet occasionally where we will discuss current issues and plans for the future. We can create instant transportation points between us and the Dark Howlers pack. That will allow our members to mingle, and you can come here in an instant. Of course, we will be visiting as well."

Talia narrowed her eyes at Axel. "You were preparing for this, didn't you?"

Axel chuckled. He had a lot of time to think about things, and also… "If I didn't see this coming, I wouldn't be worthy of being your proxy, Alpha Talia.", Axel said smugly. "Meg told us about what happened at the Council of the Alphas. I hear that you are the most powerful Alpha. I would be stupid to let you go without a fight."

Talia knew what he was talking about. It was about the glowing sphere and the Guardians, and that reminded her… "I want to look into existing records to see if there is a connection between our pack and the Guardians."

"That's not a problem." He stood up and walked to one of the desks and then he got something from the top drawer.

Talia wondered if he had that information handy already, but then Axel handed her a notebook.

Talia opened the first page, and she saw writings organized in bullet points. Names, timestamps, and descriptions.

Axel explained, "The Red Moon pack wants a meeting with the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack, and it seems they are eager to meet with you. Among several emails, Beta Raymond called twice, and Alpha Edward personally called once. They also asked for an address where they can send a package."

"A package?", Talia asked, confusion obvious on her face. What would Alpha Edward send her? A bomb?

Axel shrugged, indicating that he didn't know more than that. "Of course, I didn't give him an address. That's a human thing and it's not like we have a post office handy. I asked them what they want to send, but they said how that's for Alpha Talia to find out."

Talia frowned at this and continued reading things that were written while Axel spoke.

"You are invited to the party to celebrate the sixteenth birthday of young Alpha James."

Birthdays of high-ranking pack members were used as a way to strengthen existing and create new connections. She would be invited as Damon's Luna anyway. Will she go? James is a nice guy, and by then Dawn will be there also, so Talia could visit her to ensure that her friend was doing well. However, Alpha Edward made Talia's skin crawl and that packhouse was full of bad memories. What if she bumps into Anna (aka her personal Omega bully) and Anna recognizes her? Will Damon go?

There were too many things to consider and Talia decided to think about James' birthday later.

Talia turned the page of the notebook and paused. "Guardians?"

 

Chapter 634 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (5)

Talia turned the page and paused. "Guardians?"

"Yes.", Axel said. "They also want to meet with you. A person introduced himself as Julian. He said he has information that might interest you."

Talia released a long breath. She wanted to know more about the Guardians, and she would love to meet with them. However, that was before they implied how powerful people would want to get their hands on her and that if she doesn't join them, she will be either corrupted or killed. And weren't the Guardians powerful? Also, they concealed their nature as magic users, and Talia didn't believe that she can join them and swear to neutrality. And there was a problem with her injecting with the memory-erasing potion. What if he remembered, or someone saw it? There could be security cameras they didn't notice. The more Talia thought about it, the more reasons not to meet with the Guardians piled up. What if it's a trap? They could use runes or other items to seal her abilities and she would be a lamb going for slaughter.

"Problem?", Axel's question pulled Talia out of her thoughts.

Talia didn't want to share the gruesome scenarios that her mind conjured, and she decided to stick to the facts. "They want me to join them."

Axel needed a moment to process this. Everyone thought about the Midnight Guardians pack as mysterious, but the even more mysterious were the Guardians.

The Guardians were practically invisible unless there was an important issue that required the involvement of the packs. Axel remembered his parents talking about Guardians with respect and a hint of fear, and that meant the Guardians were dangerous.

It was one thing to meet with them; Talia was a new Alpha of unknown origin, so it would be normal for Guardians to be curious, but to ask her to join them? That was unheard of.

Seeing Axel's confused expression, Talia confirmed. "After the Council of the Alphas was done, they asked me to stay behind. I told Meg that she can head home because Damon was accompanying me. At that time, they invited me to join them as a Guardian." Talia looked at Axel seriously. "They have powers, like witches. When we were in the room where the meeting was held, they used runes to suppress the Alpha aura."

"My advice is not to meet with them.", Axel said solemnly.

Talia gestured to the notebook. "They called twice. Ignoring Alpha Edward is one thing, but I fear that ignoring Guardians will come with consequences."

Axel didn't like this. "Every pack has its strengths. Are you saying that you will obey Guardians because they have abilities?"

Talia was not sure what to do about Guardians inviting her, and the thought of meeting Alpha Edward again was making her skin crawl. The Midnight Guardians pack was known as difficult to approach. Maybe she can use that and just ignore them.

Talia was glad that Damon was there. She will talk to him. It's not that she didn't trust Axel, but Damon came with knowledge and experience, and he was her home.

She decided to see if there was something else in that notebook.

One page after another was filled with information.

"What is this?", she asked.

"Alphas who want to meet with you.", Axel said, like it was obvious.

Well, it was obvious that people wanted to meet with her, but Talia was wondering if that was normal. She met those people at the Council of the Alphas. She was the youngest, and the only female Alpha, and these were not only messages from Alphas, but other high-ranking pack members also, and the WW Magazine.

Talia guessed that people who attended that meeting were curious about her, and they spread the news how the Midnight Guardians pack has a new Alpha but did she really leave such a good impression? Or were they calling her to trap her somehow? Or was this just curiosity and she was overthinking it?

Talia remembered Alphas who were leaving the Council of Alphas and she felt a headache coming. Who knew what was hidden behind those sickly smiles?

She pursed her lips when she saw that Alpha Richard from the Steelbite pack also wanted to meet with her. Can she secure another tribute?, Talia wondered. That was a possibility. Talia saw that his invitation was for Talia to visit the Steelbite pack with her delegation and to stay in their packhouse. Will Cassie be there? Talia couldn't imagine Cassie's reaction if she recognizes Talia (aka Damon's date) as the Alpha. That would probably turn ugly quickly.

…

Kai and Meg were giving a tour of the place to Damon, Keith, Liam, and Sandy.

After going through the few common areas of the main building, they went to the garden and Kai was telling them how that was the place where Talia became the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack.

Kai and Meg were visibly excited as they don't get visitors often, and these people were associated with Talia, their Alpha, so Kai and Meg tried to leave the best impression.

Damon listened about the ceremony with great interest, and he felt sorry for missing it. His emotions changed into guilt and self-loathing when he realized how all that happened while he was under the influence of the dark magic, unaware of Talia as his mate. At that time, he thought of her as an enemy, someone who tried to seduce him and manipulate him, and the only thing she wanted to do was to help him. His shy kitten even accepted this Alpha position and she stood on her own in front of the crowd and went to a different realm and... he was not there to protect her and to provide support.

Damon wondered if he will ever be able to make it up to Talia. Well, it was not really making it up to her, because Talia obviously put all that behind them and she was happily planning for their future, but Damon couldn't forget how he mistreated her, and he wished to scrape those memories out of his mind so that he could breathe freely again.

He craved Talia's proximity, to press herself against him, look at him with her doe eyes colored with honey, and tell him that things are fine between them while allowing him to feel her love. Unfortunately, Talia went to the study with Axel, obviously wanting to talk to her brother in private and Damon forced himself not to go after them.

It was the first time that she asked him to stay behind, and he felt neglected.

Damon didn't approve. What did Talia want to say that Axel could hear and not Damon? Damon never left her behind. He wanted her to know everything he was up to.

Talia was his mate, but in this place, Talia was the Alpha and he needed to show her the respect she deserved.

Damon frowned. If Talia was the Alpha, as her mate, wasn't he the Luna of the Midnight Guardians pack?

Male Luna. That was unheard of!

He was not just any Mike or Joe. He was Alpha Damon Blake, the most powerful Alpha of their generation, yet now he wondered if anyone would be brazen enough to address him as Luna Damon. Whoever does that, will get a taste of Damon's fist.

 

Chapter 635 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (6)

Sandy took the opportunity to ask Meg, "Where are the people?" Somehow, she expected a bustling scenery of desirable virgins, yet they didn't see a single werewolf other than their hosts and Omegas that were moving silently through the main building.

Where are the hot untouched guys!?

Meg missed the hint of lust in Sandy's words, and she responded innocently. "In this pack, most of the things are happening underground."

Meg also thought that living underground was strange when she arrived at the Midnight Guardians pack.

Sandy wondered if she heard Meg right, and Keith and Liam also perked up their ears to listen.

Werewolves were free spirits, craving open space without walls and restrictions, always looking up at the moon and the stars, and how can any of that be possible unless one was outside? Underground was only for storage and dungeons.

"Underground?", Sandy asked, obviously wanting more information.

Meg confirmed. "It's our way of living without disturbing nature. Think of it as a system of interconnected burrows. We have our personal quarters and common areas. Exits are made in such a way that you could pass by them and not notice unless you knew what you were looking for."

"Don't you feel suffocated?", Sandy asked.

Meg stifled a giggle. "I had the same concerns when I came here because I was imagining cramped dark caves. However, the inside is well-lit and spacious, and we can come out anytime to stretch our paws. When I run through the forest that doesn't have any marks of us living here, it's all worth it. You will see."

Sandy shook those thoughts away. Who cares if living underground was suffocating or not? It's not like she was going to live here. Her question was more related to… "So, where are the warriors?" The unmated ones. "You must have training grounds of some sort."

Sandy hoped that she sounded like a warrior who was eager to train and expand her horizons, and it was not like that was completely false. If she could spar with a half-naked muscular guy who never experienced pleasures of the flesh, that would be great.

Kai responded to Sandy, "If you think about training grounds how the Dark Howlers pack has, you will be disappointed. We are not a militaristic pack. The number of our warriors is small, as we mostly have scouts and people with other skills."

"You mean, people with abilities.", Keith chimed in and when he saw Kai and Meg giving him puzzled looks, Keith quickly said, "Luna Talia told us how special this pack is."

Meg's expression stiffened. "It's ALPHA Talia. It would be good if you remember that. Or are you always so disrespectful?"

Keith stared at Meg awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Why was Meg hostile? And why did she accuse him of disrespecting Talia?

Sandy tried to smoothen out the situation before it escalated. "Keith was not disrespectful on purpose. It's just that we all met Talia before she was Luna, and her Alpha position is new for us. It takes time to form a habit of calling her with the right title."

Meg didn't see that as an excuse. It was the same for them. When Meg met Talia, Talia was a girl without any status, staying in the packhouse of the Dark Howlers pack; Talia didn't even call herself Damon's girlfriend.

"If anyone overheard you, her own guard, talking about Alpha Talia casually, they won't inquire about your circumstances. Instead, they will assume that she is a pushover.", Meg said sternly. "People close to Alpha Talia need to set an example for others. If you need to get used to addressing her with the right title, I suggest you practice in private before you meet others and make irreparable damage."

"Of course. I apologize.", Keith said, his apology more directed at Talia than at Meg.

Damon observed this from the side, and he approved. Meg was a good Beta. They will keep her.

…

In one of the guestrooms, Yasmin and Cornelia were talking and James was with them.

James was invited on a tour of the area by Meg and Kai, and he knew that Cornelia wanted to talk to Yasmin, but James was uncomfortable separating from Cornelia. What if Yasmin says something that will encourage Cornelia to leave him behind?

He was happy that Cornelia didn't chase him away and she didn't object when he pushed his chair close to Cornelia's and held her hand.

Cornelia was telling Yasmin how werewolves live side-by-side with humans while concealing their true nature, about different lifespans, and how they should research the time difference between realms. Among all that, Cornelia noticed that Yasmin was throwing glances at James occasionally.

Cornelia assumed that Yasmin was wary of James.

"It's OK", Cornelia said. "You can talk in front of him." She told James a lot about witches anyway and she doubted that Yasmin will reveal anything new.

Yasmin cocked an eyebrow suspiciously. She knew that James and Cornelia were soulmates because they met at the Lightclaw pack when Tony took over the Alpha role from his father. But Yasmin also knew that James couldn't feel the bond because of his age, and Cornelia obviously didn't have the mark on her neck.

"Can you tell me what's the status between the two of you?", Yasmin asked.

"What?", Cornelia squeaked. She thought that Yasmin will ask something about humans or about the Dark Howlers pack, and not about her and James!

Yasmin's lips lifted into a mischievous smile at the sight of flustered Cornelia. "I can see that you are not marked. Did you have sex?"

Cornelia's eyes were open so wide that they nearly popped out of their sockets.

Seeing that Cornelia was on the verge of fainting, James responded.

"With all due respect, you shouldn't concern yourself with our private matters."

Yasmin stifled a giggle. "I will take that as a no." She turned to Cornelia. "How long will you torture the youngster? Just give in. As a werewolf, he is gifted down there and has good stamina. I can tell you from my experience that sex with a man is fantastic."

James was never so conflicted! He wanted to scold Yasmin for being so forward with Cornelia, but he also wanted to give her a hug for the same reason. Will Cornelia run away, or maybe open up to him?

"James", Cornelia called stiffly. "Can you let me talk to Yasmin in private?"

James wanted to refuse, but how can he? "Sure, love.", he said, kissed her cheek, and walked out.

"What's your problem!?", Cornelia hissed at Yasmin the moment the door closed behind James. Yasmin was always mischievous, but this was completely rude! How much did these few months with werewolves spoil Yasmin?

"I don't have a problem. But you do.", Yasmin responded.

Yasmin was unphased but he silent threats behind Cornelia's glare. In their Coven, Cornelia is a respected priestess, second only to the high priestess Evanora, but Yasmin was always the baby no one would dare to touch. On top of that, they were not in the Silver Flame Coven, this was the Midnight Guardians pack, and Yasmin was the Luna. Yasmin felt that she had an advantage.

Cornelia was aware that an argument with Yasmin can easily escalate into something unpleasant, but how can she let the young witch do whatever she wants?

Chapter 636 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (7)

"You can stay stubborn and ruin your chance for happiness or listen.", Yasmin said, and Cornelia recoiled in the chair like someone pushed her back physically.

Actually, Cornelia felt the push, but Yasmin didn't use any chant. How was that possible? Did she use an enchanted item? But her hands were empty.

Cornelia shifted in her seat, to confirm that she can move without restrictions.

"Can you talk normally?", Cornelia asked while eyeing Yasmin suspiciously and wondering if she imagined the push.

"What is normal talk, Cornelia? Do you want me to lie or keep quiet while you destroy your best chance for happiness?"

Cornelia was offended. "What am I destroying?"

"I see you are holding your mate close, without giving yourself to him. What kind of a sick game is that? Do you enjoy torturing him?"

Cornelia huffed at Yasmin. Who gave Yasmin the right to meddle? "What do you know about torture? He is too young to feel the bond."

Yasmin didn't think that was a big deal. "If he doesn't feel it, he wouldn't stick to you despite your rejections."

"I'm not rejecting him."

"Keep telling that to yourself and see how long it takes. James will reach his breaking point and either force a mark on you or leave you. Which one do you prefer?"

Cornelia frowned. What kind of choices were those?

Yasmin released a long breath, and she continued with compassion, "Cornelia. I know you as a high-ranking priestess who has all the answers, but this time, I need to tell you that you are wrong. Being with a mate is special. It completes you, it completes both of you."

Cornelia sneered. "Easy for you to speak. Your mate can feel the bond."

Yasmin waved, indicating to Cornelia to calm down. "Is that something that can't be fixed? Are you telling me that priestess Cornelia can't boost one man's perception of the energies?"

Cornelia looked at Yasmin in disbelief. "Are you telling me to use magic on James and force him to mature?" Witches experimented with plants and animals, and even though the faster maturing was successful, it came with side effects of quick deterioration and uncharacteristic behavior. Natural order shouldn't be rushed.

"Not mature.", Yasmin said quickly. "Just to increase his perception of the energies. It will make him feel the bond and you will get your piece of mind that he won't abandon you." Yasmin smirked when she saw Cornelia shifting uncomfortably at her words.

"That's it. Right?", Yasmin said victoriously. "You are afraid that he will leave you. But James is by your side, which means that he wants to be with you even without the bond."

Cornelia shook her head dejectedly. "He is with me because we are together. What will happen when he needs to return to his pack? He will see other women and where does that leave me?"

Yasmin clicked her tongue. "And we are back to boosting his perception of…"

"Enough!", Cornelia snapped and stood up abruptly.

"You can try a temporary spell and see if you like the result.", Yasmin said with urgency while trying to salvage the situation.

Cornelia rubbed her forehead while reminding herself that this was not Yasmin's fault, it was not Yasmin's problem, and Yasmin was offering solutions. They were not the solutions Cornelia would accept, but they showed Yasmin's care and concern.

"I know you mean well, but some things can't be rushed, Yasmin."

"You should talk to your soulmate about this. Give him a choice. It's not healthy that you are carrying this weight on your own and it's not fair that you make a decision without him. If you are too shy to talk to James, I can do it in your place."

"Don't you dare!", Cornelia exclaimed and stomped toward the door. This conversation was over.

Cornelia walked out without any particular goal in mind. She felt like the walls were too close and she needed space.

"Cora?", James called after Cornelia who passed by him in the hallway, like he was not there.

"Shit!", he cursed under his breath and rushed after her. He knew that it was a bad idea to leave Cornelia and Yasmin on their own.

"Cora!", James exclaimed, and he caught up with her just before she reached the stairs. He grabbed her wrist. "Talk to me. I am here."

Cornelia turned toward James in slow motion. She looked into his blue eyes that were full of anxiety and genuine concern and her chin trembled.

She knew that this was not fair. It was not James' fault that she came here, and they met, and she can't blame him for not feeling the bond either. The only thing she could do was to control her actions and decide what was best, but how can she leave him when her heart was aching if they were apart? And the way he looked at her, told her that he felt the same.

It was a difficult decision, one that will impact the rest of their lives, but… did she need to decide anything today?

James observed subtle changes in Cornelia's expression, and he reached to wipe the tears from her cheeks.

The moment his fingers touched her skin, Cornelia jolted, and her eyes widened with something James couldn't decipher the next thing he knew, Cornelia slammed herself against him and her lips covered his fervently.

James was quick to wrap his arms around Cornelia and respond to her frantic kisses.

Cornelia was not sure what she was doing, but she knew that she didn't want to think about anything that was weighing on her mind. She allowed her heart to take over which pulled her toward James in a desperate need for his presence that made her feel whole.

Cornelia soaked in James' touch, his scent, his flavors… and she didn't notice at what point he lifted her and carried her into their room, all without breaking the kiss.

James put Cornelia on the bed and got on top of her, their kisses becoming longer and deeper as they melded into each other.

James loved the fact that Cornelia kissed him while clinging onto him, and she even spread her legs and her hips moved to grind herself against his erection. It was heavenly.

The scent of Cornelia's arousal filled the room and James was confident that her love nectar will taste like the sweetest wild berries!

He got lower, to press on her harder as their hips rocked in sync and he nearly lost his mind when Cornelia moaned into his mouth.

Cornelia's hands moved on their own, tugging on his t-shirt, and she frowned when he held her hands, preventing her from undressing him.

"What?", she asked breathily. "Don't you want…?" She couldn't finish, but James understood her.

James took a deep breath to compose himself before responding, "I want. You have no idea how much I want you, but not like this."

His lips were throbbing from the intense kissing session, and he really wanted to kiss her more, to kiss her everywhere, and to undress her and go all the way, but he knew that it wouldn't be right.

Cornelia looked away in embarrassment when she realized that she made move on James and got rejected. What was she thinking? What would happen if he didn't stop her?

 

Chapter 637 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (8) [Bonus chapter]

"Cora", James called and placed a gentle kiss at the curve where her neck met her shoulder, right where his mark should come. "I want to make love to you. I want to mark you as mine. But not when you are upset. I don't want you to regret it as something that was done in the spur of the moment."

Cornelia wanted to deny the upset part, but she didn't want to lie to him.

"So, now what?", Cornelia asked.

James moved to lay next to Cornelia and he pulled her in an embrace before responding, "Now we talk. Tell me, what happened in that room after I left? What got you upset?" She didn't respond, so he continued guessing. "Was it about us? Was it about me?" Cornelia and Yasmin were on their own for no more than two minutes, so they probably continued talking about James.

Cornelia shot him a quick glance, and that confirmed it.

"It's about me.", he said dejectedly while tightening his hold on her, fearing that she will escape him.

"Did Yasmin tell you to leave me?"

"No.", Cornelia responded right away.

"Then?", he asked, and it took him a moment to realize it was the opposite. Yasmin told Cornelia to embrace the bond no matter how weak it is, and Cornelia was against it. OK, not completely against it because she was right here, on the bed, in his arms, but she was not willing to relax and enjoy it either.

"Cora, I'm sorry for not feeling the bond. I don't feel it, but I know you are my other half. If I could, I would fast forward the time. Maybe we could both go to a two year-long sleep, or at least I would, and when I open my eyes, my wolf will confirm without any doubt that you are my mate, you will be confident in me, I will claim you, and our future can begin."

"But what about…"

James quickly kissed her, to prevent her from finishing that question. He didn't know if she would say that his ideas were stupid, or if she would talk about his father, or about his age, or about witches used for breeding, or about where they would live... because none of those mattered.

"We are mates, and we belong together", James spoke against her lips. "Whoever stands in our way, we will deal with it because that's what mates do. The Moon Goddess wouldn't let me meet you if there was no way for us to be together. I am not an expert but I know that my kind meets mate when we are ready."

Cornelia felt guilt washing over her. He was so much younger compared to her, but why did she end up being the immature one? Why did she run? Was it so difficult to open up? Why couldn't she give him a chance?

How could he talk with such conviction when he didn't feel the bond? And she even considered using magic to increase his perception of energies; she wanted to change him, yet he was already perfect, and she was the faulty one. And he knew that, and he still looked at her like she couldn't do any wrong.

Cornelia hugged him tightly and nestled her head under his chin.

"Hold me, James.", she asked softly. "Right now, I need you to hold me, and we will talk later. I promise, I won't run anymore."

Cornelia felt James' lips pressing at the top of her head and then his arms tightened around her in a solid hold. She relaxed in acknowledgment that James had the power to calm down her unsettling thoughts and he made her feel at home.

Now if only she could stop worrying about what the future might bring, everything would be great.

…

In the main hallway…

"Why are we here this early?", Liam grumbled while checking the time. It was just the three of them, and they were standing there for ten minutes already!

"This is our first time here and we shouldn't be late.", Sandy gave a lame excuse as to why she nagged Keith and Liam to get ready and come down before others.

Liam made a face at Sandy. "Really? Since when are you worried about what others think? Aren't you just eager to go to the cafeteria and see unmated guys?"

"Lower your voice." Sandy hissed while looking around nervously.

"Are you worried that someone will find out about your lecherous nature?", Liam said mockingly and turned to Keith. "Tell her."

"Tell me, what?", Sandy asked.

Keith didn't want to meddle in this useless chatter, but he didn't want them to embarrass him either. "Sandy, did you forget that members of the Midnight Guardians pack are waiting for their mates? No matter how many single guys are there, no one will spare you a glance if you are not his mate."

"Why are you making it sound like I'm a molester?", Sandy asked while her eyes darted between Keith and Liam.

Liam gestured toward Sandy's outfit. It was a bright red tight minidress with a generous cleavage. She had high-heeled shoes and makeup on.

"Are you telling me that you are not going there to attract attention? Do you think you have a chance to catch a guy's eye if you are not his mate?"

Sandy puffed her cheeks in anger at Liam. "Listen, you…"

"What's going on?", Talia asked while coming down the stairs. Damon was right behind her.

Sandy made a pitiful face. "Keith and Liam are bullying me."

Keith was alarmed. Why did she call him out?

Liam didn't want Talia to know about their petty bickering, but Sandy made them look like bad guys and he had to speak up.

"We were just pointing out that Sandy shouldn't be so excited about going to the cafeteria."

Keith groaned while cursing his luck. Why did Liam say 'WE'? Both Liam and Sandy were dragging him into this!

"Why are you making it sound like I'm exaggerating? Didn't you make some nasty accusations?", Sandy shot back.

"First of all, we are your superiors, and you shouldn't talk like that.", Liam said matter-of-factly. "Member of this pack are just like us and you are acting like a sex-deprived woman who never saw a man. As a warrior, you saw plenty of naked dudes, why are these special? And if you think I'm exaggerating, look at your getup! It's more appropriate for the Shifters than for dinner."

Sandy's eyes were flickering with anger. "Superiors? Keith, yes. But you, we are the same rank! The fact that you have a few extra points means nothing. I will catch up by end of the year. Wait until I get promoted and I make you plank until the pain is the only thing you know."

Sandy put her arms akimbo and narrowed her eyes at Liam. "You won't understand why I dressed up, even if I draw a map for you. How can guys at home be compared to these? You are all second-hand items anyone can afford. Going to the cafeteria of the Midnight Guardians pack is like going to Tiffany's." She gestured toward her dress. "I need to look fancy so I can look at all that high-class merchandise in style."

Liam and Keith both gaped at Sandy. How many times did she insult them in those few seconds? They were both good-looking guys, capable warriors, and why did she talk about them like they were faulty?

Sandy was huffing with anger and then she froze like someone pushed the pause button on a remote.

"Sandy?", Talia called with concern obvious in her voice. Did Sandy have a stroke?

Slowly, very slowly, Sandy turned to look behind her, up the stairs, and Talia followed to see what got Sandy's attention.

Tyler was coming down with Kai and Meg behind him. They all had bright smiles on their faces and then Tyler's steps halted suddenly.

"What the…?", Kai ended with a curse under his breath when he bumped into Tyler's back unexpectedly.

"Tyler? Why did you stop?", Meg asked while craning her neck to see her friend who was standing there like a rock and staring at the people below.

One second, two, three… Talia raised her hands to cover her half-open mouth, but she couldn't suppress the squeal that erupted from her.

"Ahhh!"

Mates!

 

Chapter 638 Zesty maple syrup

Tyler was excited that Alpha Talia came back, this time with Alpha Damon and a few more people, and he was upset that he was stuck on a guard duty next to the portal and due to that, he couldn't greet the newcomers when they arrived. They didn't have guests often.

He was looking forward to the upcoming feast which indicated that Alpha Talia will stick around for a while. Or did she come here to stay forever?

Like any other member of the Midnight Guardians pack, Tyler was excited to witness the changes Talia's presence brought. The most important change Talia brought was the wind of hope that everyone could feel. No one knew exactly what they were hoping for, but it was there, nearly tangible, and it filled them with tingling anticipation.

Ever since the announcement of the upcoming feast that Alpha Talia will attend with her mate and a few other guests, Tyler could feel the excitement crackling in the air. It was fantastic.

Yasmin couldn't stop mind-linking him about the feast, and she wanted Axel, Kai, and Meg to keep Damon and Talia busy so that Tyler and Yasmin can sneakily prepare something special for the guests (Damon and Talia in particular).

Luna Yasmin always went above and beyond to make others happy. She was like a fresh breeze sweeping through the Midnight Guards pack, an additional confirmation (after Meg), that mates are out there. The news of Yasmin's pregnancy was like a tide of positivity everyone wanted to soak in. And it's twins!

The whole Midnight Guardians pack was happy for Axel and Kai, two high-ranking members who found their mates, and Axel was even starting his own family, but the unmated pack members also stirred with longing to find their mates, and Tyler was not an exception.

Tyler is the Gamma of the Midnight Guardians pack, with access to confidential information, so he knew that Talia's next destination was the realm of witches, and Tyler hoped he can tag along. Who knows, maybe his mate was there?

Tyler dressed up for the dinner. Black trousers and a crisp light gray shirt that matched the color of his eyes. He polished his black formal shoes until he could see his reflection in them. He wanted to leave a good impression on Talia, and increase his chances of going.

Tyler was sick of listening to Axel and Kai boasting how good it is to sleep with a woman. Tyler was the only high-ranking member in the Midnight Guardians pack who was spending his nights alone, indulging in pleasures his right hand can provide.

Every day Tyler met with Axel and Kai, often in the company of Yasmin and Meg, and Tyler was sticking out like the last bachelor in the world.

He wanted a woman to feed also, damnit!

Were powers so important? He can be the Gamma without those. Tyler dreamed about going to the red district in a human city (based on movies he watched, every human city has one) and he would ravish women until he gets his fill or runs out of money. Of course, Tyler never went through it; not because he cared about his non-awakened powers, but because he didn't want to appear weak.

Axel waited, Kai waited, so many others waited for their mates and if Tyler crumbled under the pressure of his loneliness, he wouldn't be fit to serve his Alpha or to lead their people as a Gamma. As one of the few high-ranking members, it was Tyler's duty to lead by example, no matter how hard it was.

Back to the present…

Tyler was coming down the stairs with Meg and Kai chattering behind him, and his whole world collapsed into nothing, leaving only one female with short blonde hair in a red miniskirt standing there… shining brightly… her beauty left him spellbound.

Their stares collided and locked them both in a trance. Tyler was confident that he had never seen her before, yet she looked familiar, like he knew her well, like she was an important piece of him… And then he heard in his head, "Mate!"

Tyler was not aware at what point he moved, or when did she, but they stood at the bottom of the staircases, half a step between them, bathing in each other's presence and he was enveloped in her scent that was zesty with a hint of grass, reminding him of lemonade he would sip on a sunny meadow. She was bright and beautiful like the sun. It was magical.

People around them erupted into clamor, and he was sure that Kai and Axel patted his shoulder, but Tyler couldn't feel a thing.

Her blue-green eyes smiled at him, and he knew that she recognized him as her mate.

Axel and Kai found their mates, and Tyler wondered when his turn will come, a painful knot forming in his chest whenever he thought of the possibility that he won't find her (and he would stay a virgin forever!), and here she was. Gorgeous.

Sandy couldn't believe that this hunk was hiding in the Midnight Guardians pack, and something told her he was hers even before she heard that word 'mate' in her head. He was her other half. She found him. Finally.

Her eyes moved over his short dark brown hair, gray eyes, a smile that could stop the traffic, and those broad shoulders she couldn't wait to hold onto. He was perfect.

Sandy wondered if his taste will match his scent; freshly made pancakes drenched in maple syrup. As far as her memories go, Sandy loved pancakes, and she loved maple syrup, and she was head over heels for the guy who was standing in front of her, even though she had no idea what his name was.

Sandy's eyes darted to Tyler's lips, and she noticed that he did the same, confirming that he wanted to kiss her, just as much as she wanted to taste him, and her stomach flipped at the thought that she will get to kiss her mate for the first time. It should be good.

Like someone pushed them toward each other, Tyler leaned lower, and Sandy lifted her head.

"I'm Tyler", his maple-infused breath splashed on her lips.

Sandy's heart was in her throat, and it took her a moment to realize that Tyler was waiting for her name.

"Sa-sa…", she stuttered.

"Nice to meet you, Sasa", Tyler said and then he closed that last fraction of distance between them.

He finally found his mate and he had no intention of delaying his first kiss. That initial contact jolted his insides and he forgot about insecurities if he will know what to do.

Sandy wanted to correct him that her name was not Sasa, but then colors exploded everywhere when his arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer, and sparks of their bond made this the best kiss ever. She didn't care what he called her. Sasa it is!

Sandy's hands moved behind Tyler's neck, and she let him feel her teeth, sucking and nibbling, showing him all the wonderful ways they can play with their lips.

He released a small whimper when she deepened the kiss and she loved it!

His flavors invaded Sandy's system and she hummed in pleasure. Maple syrup and pancakes everywhere. She leaned into him knowing that she won't go without a dessert ever again!

 

Chapter 639 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (9)

Liam watched the scene of Sandy and Tyler locked in a kiss, and his expression turned sour. He just bickered with Sandy and told her that she won't catch a man by dressing like that, and there was Sandy, with a man who was also overdressed for a casual dinner.

Was this the Moon Goddess' idea of pranking him?

Liam's mood worsened when he remembered that he called out his rank on Sandy. Wasn't that Tyler, the Gamma of the Midnight Guardians pack? As Gamma's mate, Sandy outranked him in a second. High-ranked pack members go above warriors, even Generals get to obey Gammas. Damn it!

Liam wanted to ask someone for a shovel so that he can dig a deep (very deep) hole to hide. This won't end well. Sandy was now smitten with her newly found mate, but once she snaps out of it, she will be out for revenge. Sandy was not a girl who will forgive and forget, and Liam provoked her. Damn it! If he knew that she will be mated to the Gamma (becoming Gamma herself), he would keep his mouth shut about her slutty outfit! Was it too late to tell her that she looks great?

Axel and Yasmin stopped at the top of the stairs, and Yasmin bounced from excitement at the sight of Sandy and Tyler kissing. Another female to join her and Meg! Things will definitely be livelier!

And Yasmin hoped that with Sandy as his mate, Tyler will finally agree to move to the main house.

Before Talia became the Alpha of the Midnight Guardians pack, Beta and Gamma didn't reside in the main house that was reserved for the Alpha family.

Talia suggested that high-ranking members stay close. It will help them with work and overall socializing; it was a practical thing to do.

After Alpha Isaac and Alpha Sophia were officially stripped of their Alpha positions, Kai and Meg moved to a suite on the second floor, but Tyler refused. He stayed in his one-bedroom apartment because he didn't want to risk over-hearing the nightly activities of two couples. But now he was part of the couple-group also, and Yasmin was looking forward to adding one more female to their group.

Talia leaned on Damon and smiled, happy for the newly mated couple. She looked like a proud mother in front of her children who achieved something monumental.

Damon had mixed feelings. Sandy and Tyler being mates was another connection between the packs, pulling them closer to Talia's dream of uniting the packs, which was a good thing. However, did this mean that Talia lost her guard? There was also a sour feeling that resurfaced from the back of Damon's mind every time Talia was by his side, witnessing mates recognize each other.

It was a sacred moment, one they will remember forever, yet Damon ruined it for Talia. And that was something he will never be able to fix no matter how well he treats her going forward.

"Damon?", Talia called softly. She didn't know what he was thinking about, but she could feel his flickering emotions that stung painfully.

"I'm so sorry, kitten", he said.

Talia's eyebrows shot up. "What…?"

Damon put his index finger on her lips to stop her from finishing that question.

"I…" He didn't' want to voice his thoughts and spoil the mood. Sandy and Tyler were mates, and everyone was happy for them. "I love you." And then he kissed her like he meant it.

Talia was not sure what to make out of it. Was he overthinking something? She rejected that possibility because Damon was not known as someone who would think much. Damon was a guy who would do whatever he wanted and deal with the consequences (or ignore them) later.

No matter what was on Damon's mind, he was hugging her and kissing her tenderly and she allowed herself to be lost in his kiss that came with flavors of dark chocolate. Her favorite.

…

After a round of congratulations, Tyler and Sandy were not sure what to do because they were hungry and on their way for dinner, but they were also hungry for something else.

Tyler's arm coiled firmly around Sandy's waist. It felt good to have her close, the sparks of their bond prickled his skin even over their clothes, but the feeling was new and foreign, and he wondered if it was OK to hold her like that or if that was too intimate. But he was certain that he didn't want to let go of her. His hand on her hip tightened together with concern if she will see him as a lecher.

Sandy could see how flustered Tyler was, and she thought that he was adorable. She couldn't wait for some privacy so she can eat him up, starting with those maple-infused lips that were still a bit swollen from their kissing session; their first kissing session, the first of many. She really wanted to kiss him again and do much more, but they were on their way to dinner, and she didn't want him to think that she was a lustful she-wolf. Liam's previous words still echoed in her mind and she hoped that Tyler didn't think of her as a harlot.

Yasmin broke the standstill with, "Don't worry about dinner. We will get you something edible and leave it at your door. Tyler, your room is ready. Use it."

Tyler gave Sandy a questionable look, silently asking her if she was still set on going to the cafeteria.

"I hear you have a room.", Sandy said, her voice trembling in anticipation of what was coming. "I would love to see it."

Tyler swallowed hard and took Sandy's hand in his. He walked up the stairs, forgetting about anything else other than the girl whose hand he was holding and the pulsing need that was rising in his crotch area.

Axel and Kai shook their heads helplessly, knowing that their friend was eager to experience carnal pleasures, and they couldn't blame him.

Axel looked at Yasmin and he put his hand in his pant pocket to not-so-covertly adjust his hard-on. At the thought of what Tyler and Sandy were about to do, he wanted to do it with Yasmin. Who knows… maybe he could add a pup or two to the existing pregnancy?

"Where are Alpha Sophia and Alpha Isaac?"

Talia's question pulled Axel to the reality that was not so risqué.

"It's Sophia and Isaac now. There is no need to use their previous titles.", he responded. "I told them that you are here and invited them to join us for dinner, but they decided to stay in their quarters." There was one two-bedroom house close to the main house, used for exclusive guests a long time ago, and they cleaned it up so that ex-Alphas can reside there. "I hope you don't mind."

Talia didn't expect a warm welcome. She dethroned them and took their abilities.

"I don't expect them to join us for meals.", Talia responded. "I want them available in the morning. I need to talk to them."

Axel nodded stiffly. "I will let them know."

Talia was grateful that Axel was handling things with his parents. She didn't want to think about them, and if she didn't need answers about Guardians and about her past, she wouldn't want to see them at all.

Chapter 640 Back in the Midnight Guardians pack (10)

"Do you have any plans for tonight?", Axel asked Talia as they walked toward the cafeteria.

Talia glanced at Damon whose arm was around her shoulders. He was super-clingy. Damon didn't say anything, but she knew he didn't approve of her leaving him behind when she talked to Axel. Talia didn't want to hide things from Damon, but she didn't want to worry him either, and things like leaving the Alpha position were worrisome. If she knew he would feel so neglected, she would do it differently.

"We don't have any firm plans.", Talia responded to Axel. "Tomorrow morning, we can talk about the schedule, but I will warn you in advance that we don't want to do much. Damon and I are determined to treat this like a vacation. It was a long time since we relaxed." They planned many relaxing moments, but those either didn't happen, or they ended with some emergency (like Damon being unconscious and then falling under the influence of dark magic).

"You are at the right place for relaxing.", Meg said. "There are no rogues, no spies, and the time difference will give you an excuse to step away from all problems you left behind."

Talia smiled at Meg gratefully. That was exactly what she had on her mind. Talia wanted to ask Meg if she visited her family in the Lightclaw pack yet, but somehow Talia guessed that Meg didn't.

"How about we go to the lake after dinner?", Yasmin asked.

Meg disagreed. "We can go in the morning when people can enjoy the scenery."

"Lake is nice during the night as well."

"Sure, it is. If you go with your mate seeking privacy", Meg said with a knowing smile. "How about we go to the North clearing? There are many fireflies at this time of the year."

Yasmin rolled her eyes. "Now THAT is a place where you should go with your mate."

"You are not helping…"

Yasmin and Meg bickered and giggled, their chatter didn't stop as Talia and Damon walked in front with Axel and Yasmin next, Meg, Kai and Keith, Liam, James, and Cornelia following after them, silently showing the hierarchy of the pack with outsiders at the back.

Talia was sad she will part with Sandy who will now stay in the Midnight Guardians pack. Talia was also curious to find out what power Sandy will get after Tyler marks her.

That reminded Talia, "Axel, did you figure out your ability?"

Axel smiled smugly. That was a 'yes'.

"What is it?", she asked. "Or is it something that you shouldn't disclose?"

"I will show you. Later.", Axel said mysteriously. He looked at Damon. "What about you?" With Talia marking him, he should have an ability.

Damon made a face and Axel understood that Damon didn't tap into his ability yet.

"Don't stress about it.", Axel encouraged him. "The Moon Goddess gives us what we need, when we need it."

"Are you OK?", Cornelia asked James. He was unusually silent.

Cornelia and James were still hugging in bed when Meg stopped by to remind them it was almost time for dinner. When they came down to join the others, they found the scene of everyone congratulating Sandy and Tyler, and other than wishing the newly-mated couple all the best, James didn't say much.

"Why wouldn't I be?", James responded with a question and tightened his hold on Cornelia.

He didn't want to expose his insecurities, with the biggest one Cornelia being a flight risk. Ah, if on the first night he jumped on her, he would seal the deal already, and not worry if his own mate will leave him. But how can he explain that he can't imagine his life without her even though he can't feel the bond?

Whenever they were not lost in each other, Cornelia was tense, like she could snap at any moment, and James needed to find a way to deal with it. It was obvious that Cornelia was bottling up a lot of things and he had no way of fixing the situation without understanding it.

James' gaze fell on a slender back that belonged to Yasmin and his eyes lit up. Yasmin, of course! How could he forget about her? Yasmin was a witch, and she knew Cornelia for a long time, so she could have some clues to how that can help him out. In addition, he already confirmed that Yasmin was supportive of him being with Cornelia.

James heard Yasmin talking about the upcoming feast, and how there was a lot to do, and James saw it as a good opportunity to offer his help and use that to sneak in some private talk with Yasmin.

…

The cafeteria was deadly silent when Talia and Damon appeared at the door.

Talia's steps halted to observe that there were at least two hundred people inside, crowding the space, and the center table was free. It was obvious they were expecting them.

"Come on", Axel encouraged Talia to keep moving and act normal. "They are just excited to see you."

Well, Talia could feel their emotions, so she knew that, but how could she eat and relax in this atmosphere? Everyone was watching her!

'Relax, kitten. They are your people', Damon's voice sounded in her mind through their private mind-link.

That 'YOUR' sounded to Talia like someone was scratching the blackboard with nails. It didn't sound right. Yes, she was keeping Damon away from the business related to the Midnight Guardians pack because she was planning to step down from her Alpha role, but now that Axel convinced her otherwise, she didn't want Damon to feel like an outsider. She knew very well how it feels to be invisible and not belong, and she didn't want that for anyone… especially not for Damon.

Talia cleared her throat and turned to talk to the faces full of eager anticipation.

"It's nice to see you again after such a long time", she said. For her, it was not so long, but it was months for them. "I hear that you've been doing well, waiting for the news and I can assure you that there will be something soon. Please, be patient just a bit more as I sort out things with Axel. We don't plan to conceal things from you, but we don't want to rush with announcements until we have something solid. Until then, I want you all to meet someone important." She glanced at Damon. "This is Damon Blake, Alpha of the Dark Howlers pack, my fated mate."

Talia leaned closer into Damon, her shoulder fitting perfectly under his armpit, and she waited for a reaction.

After one second of silence, murmurs filled the space, and then people erupted in cheers.

Talia could feel they were elated by this news. Talia having an Alpha for her mate meant more power and stability to the Midnight Guardians pack, and somehow… they were admiring her even more.

And she could also feel intense emotions from her mate which confirmed his approval of the introduction she just made.

Damon smiled as his chest swelled with pride. He was pleased that she introduced him first, and she did it as Damon Blake, Alpha Damon (and not Luna Damon).