They arrived at the clearing, but it was empty, except for a few warriors on duty. She turned, looking around at the place where this path of her life began, yet nothing seemed familiar as she was drugged that night. She thought that being here would bring back bad memories, yet all she felt was the determination to move forward, to begin a new chapter in her life as the mate of two wonderful men who loved her to distraction. The ladies walked over and took her into one of the cabins. It was simple and lightly furnished. She wondered what the men planned to do with this new area, but shrugged her shoulders. After today, she would be able to voice her opinion and help them run the packs. She plans to be a fair leader, ensuring justice is given and that they live a life full of love, peace and integrity. James sent word that they will assemble the packs, so she should wait a bit.
Nicole held her hand, sensing that Trtishanna was nervous. She was wondering why nobody was there when she arrived. Nicole shared a look with the other ladies, a look that had Trishanna curious as to what was really going on. She wanted to stand, but Trixy distracted her by asking what the letter's instructions had said. Trishanna then realised that she never got the chance to spend time with them after being marked, so with her face flushed, she giggled, telling them just how wonderful the night was. She only left out the most intimate parts, but she could tell by the way their faces flushed, their imagination was just as racy as hers, powered by pregnancy hormones. They chatted more, each sharing how their baby's development was progressing, when Sam came to fetch her, "Luna, it's time."
James and Bradley stood on the platform, their packs divided by an invisible line between them. Goldmoon was just excited, already having an idea what today was about, but Bloodmoon shifted nervously, murmurs rippling through. There were whispers of betrayal, surrender, and forfeit. James stepped forward, knowing that he needed to take charge and show them that he was still their Alpha and his decision was final. He cleared his throat, lifting his voice to be heard. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for gathering. I know you all are wondering what is taking place and why Alpha Bradley is here, so we will not keep you waiting for long. I know my pack is aware that when Alpha Bradley came, he recognised the omega," he whinced, saying this part, but it was part of werewolf policy to state rank, "Trishanna as her mate. What some of you may not have known at that time was that I had coerced her..." James swallowed. Damn this was harder than her thought, but his pack deserved to know the truth. An image of Trishanna standing before him, her eyes full of love, forgiveness and acceptance, renewing his strength.
"I had drugged her, causing her to go into heat, and that night I took her, resulting in her being pregnant before she met Bradley." There were whispers from the men and snickers from some of the ladies, mostly those with whom he slept with. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. He was so wrapped up in his happy little bubble of Trishanna accepting him, forgiving him, that he forgot that many, if not everyone, had all but rejected and abused her all of her life. He felt like a failure, but Bradley placed a hand on his shoulders, giving him a squeeze. James inhaled, closing his eyes as he drew strength from that touch. It made him realise just how alone he felt, never truly having someone to watch his back, but now, not only does he have his mate and his child, he also has someone he can call a brother and a real friend, despite their tumultuous start.
"Due to her pregnancy, he could not claim her at that time, and what I didn't know, or should I say, was the pull I've felt towards her even as pups. My father encouraged bonding with others rather than your fated mates if it was a 'better' match, and I continued that, not recognising that all it did was weaken us as a pack and me as a man and an Alpha. It took time, but I have earned Trishanna's forgiveness and her love and now," he turned to Bradley, urging him forward to stand at his side. "Now, I have an ally. A man I consider a brother, a friend and most importantly, the mate of my mate." Goldmoon members just nodded, while Bloodmoon members had confused looks on their faces. Bradley was about to speak, but James stopped him, needing to be the one to share the news with his pack. "I know some of you are confused, but understand my decision is mine and I have no regrets. I was not forced, coerced, or put under a spell." He took a deep breath, "Trishanna is now mated to both Alpha Bradley and me. We are both her mates."
The crowd erupted, Goldmoon clapping while those from Bloodmoon sneered, protesting what they'd just heard. James motioned with his hands for them to calm down. "I know you know that it is almost impossible for two men who are not from multiple births like twins or triplets to have the same mate, but there are reasons that I can't go into now, but we were lucky to find a way. We both marked her a few days ago, and we wanted to let both packs know that she is now your new Luna and disrespecting her is the same as disrespecting us."
Bradley nodded at Sam, who went to fetch Trishanna and the other ladies. "I am sure you are wondering what happens to the packs? Well, nothing much. James will still be the ruler of his pack, and I will rule mine. We did sign an alliance treaty, allowing us to be at each other's side or give aid when needed. Trishanna will fulfil her role as Luna to both packs, and I encourage you to give your support."
There was a shout from the crowd, Candice frowning, "I object. I have been with the Alpha more than any other female; that position should be mine." A few of her friends nodded their agreement. "You are not my fated mate, and I cannot, nor will I, accept any other, and don't even try to think you can work your way into my bed. Any and all direct or retaliation towards my mate and your Luna will be counted as treason, and I will take the necessary steps." James stared at her and her group of friends until they submitted under his Alpha's aura. "Yes, Alpha", was their reply, and he looked at his members, most of them lowering their eyes. He noticed Richard gave him a hurt look, but he lowered his gaze as well. Trishanna was standing at the edge of the platform when she saw how much her mate was willing to stand up for her. Bradley nudged James, pointing his head towards her, signalling that he should be the one to escort her onto the platform. He walked over, helping her up the three stairs, and she looked at him, her love and support in her eyes, her gaze showing just how proud she was of him. He led her to stand between the two men, both of whom were blown away at how lovely she looked. Bradley leaned down to whisper in her ear, "You look like a bride", his statement causing her to blush. He straightened, lifting his voice.
"Now, since both packs are gathered here, we figured that it was time for some announcements. He motioned for Samuel to join him on stage. "I know that you were originally from Bloodmoon, and you rejected your pack. Thanks to your relationship with my Luna, you were welcomed into mine and have been a great asset with my men. I have seen how you function under pressure, and I am impressed. Today, in front of both packs, I officially promote you to the rank of Delta in my pack, starting from today." Bradley's warriors cheered, and even a few from Bloodmoon who have seen Samuel's dedication. Sammy himself was pleased, and he was almost knocked to the floor when his mate came flying towards him, her eyes filled with happy tears that streaked unabashedly down her cheeks. She peppered him with kisses, whispering how proud of him she was. Trishanna chuckled at her friend's good fortune, planning to tease him for several days.
"Next, he added, "I officially welcome my Beta's mate to the pack. She and her brother are very special, and as time goes by, I hope that you all will appreciate their strengths." He motioned for Sam and Trixy to come to the stage. Trixy wasn't sure what was happening, and her eyes scanned the crowd for her brother, but he was nowhere to be found. She took Sam's hand and they made their way to the centre of the stage. James had taken Trishanna to the side, as Bradley stood guiding them to stand. "I know this is sudden, but I wanted to do this today. As the Alpha of the Glodmoon pack, I hereby sanction your bond today and for always. I accept the female Trixy as a member of my pack, and she is giving all rights and ranks as the female Beta." Bradley motioned for one of his guards to step forward, bringing the ceremonial knife, the one passed down from generations to him. He unwrapped it from its blue velvet cloth, it's old, handle dulled by age, but the blade was still sharp. He took his left hand and made an incision in his palm. Sam held Trixy's left hand out, and before she fully knew what was happening, Bradley had swiped the blade on her hand, causing it to bleed. He fused his hand with hers, his alpha blood invading her body, forming a link. Trixy could feel the sensations of everyone in the pack, and she stumbled back against Sam, who held her, whispering comforting words. The ceremony was finished a few moments later, and as Bradley released her, he smiled. "We welcome our new Beta female." Cheers erupted from the crowd, and Trixy looked up, feeling the acceptance from deep within. Sam quickly bandaged her hand. She had a billion questions for Sam, but she could wait until they were alone.
Sam nodded to Bradley, who stepped back, giving him and his mate centre stage. Sam looked at his mate, feeling their bond grow now that she was accepted into the pack. He took a deep breath, never knowing he would feel so out of his element. "Trixy," he began, making the crowd shush as they all waited to know what the next step would be. "Trixy, you are my love, my mate, my life. I am so glad you came in and saved my ass that day. And now I am willing to pay you back with my love and my life." He got down on one knee. "I know we are already mated, and our bonding ceremony was just perfect for us, but I know you've lived in the human world, so I am going to honour that." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a purple velvet box. The crowd gasped, everyone on their toes. "Will you do me the honour of marrying me?" He opened the box to reveal a lovely band made of white gold and topped with an amethyst stone, circled with little diamonds. Trixy covered her mouth, her eyes tearing up. She was so happy that words failed her. She just nodded, the lump in her throat making speaking impossible. She stretched out her left hand, and Sam happily slipped the ring on her, causing the tears to flow. He stood up and embraced her, the moment one of love and happiness for them both.
Bradley stepped forward, his hand clapping the back of his Beta. "Congrats, man, I know just how happy you guys will be." He shook Sam's hand and allowed him to escort his fiancée off the stage. Now there was just one matter to deal with. He motioned for Trishanna to step forward, with James at her side. She stood between the two men, her heart pounding. She had a sneaking feeling that they had something similar planned. James opened his mouth, "Tishanna, our mate. Bradley and I spent many days talking about how to do this, and we decided that now is the perfect time." He looked over her shoulder, and Aunt Cynthia stepped forward. How long was she there? Bradley spoke, "As the Alphas of our packs, we are determined to do right by you and our pup, for this little one is mine just as much as it is James's. Today, in front of all these witnesses, we will bind ourselves to you."
Trishanna was shocked and happy, knowing that this was a big moment for them all. She opened her mouth to speak when El screamed in her head for her to duck. Her animal instincts kicked in, and she did right before a blue flash of light hit the stage right behind her. If she hadn't fallen to her knees, she would have been hit. The crowd erupted into a panic, regular members running in all directions while the warriors got into battle form, some of them shifting.
James shielded her as Bradley shifted into his large wolf, standing in front of them, his eyes scanning the woods. How could this happen? Where or did the attack come from, and why? He looked at James, but he shook his head. "All my members, aside from the few warriors doing security, were accounted for; it's not one of my men, and I know it's not any of yours." Bradley nodded and, with one more look that encompassed Trishanna, saying without words to keep her safe, he bounded off the platform and headed into the trees, hoping to find the one responsible. James barked orders, and soon he had a mix of warriors of both packs, some in their animal form, surrounding them. He helped his shaking mate back to the cabin, issuing orders and scanning for any other attack. He wished he knew if Bradley had found anything and cursed under his breath. When things calm down, they should find a way so they could communicate in real time when apart, especially in moments like this.
Trishanna could hardly think, her hand holding her baby as if she could shield him from any harm. El bristled in her mind, her fur standing on edge. She growled low in her throat, not able to speak to her human counterpart as she was in full alert. They made it inside, James ordering that he building be secured. He led her to the couch to sit. Trixy came forward with a bottle of water ahdning it to Trishanna. She saw how much her hands were shaking and she pulled her down to sit with her, both woman finding some comfort in each other's presence. "What about Nicole and Alexa?". Trixy shrugged, "I saw their mates push them into another cabin. I think Dr. Lorenzo is there, but Sam left to go with the men. I believe that they would be fine. Trshanna shivered again as she thought about how close she'd come to losing her life. She prayed that her mates were safe and whoever did this would be found.