Chapter 34
brONZE
The morning after our family meal and I still keep having a little chuckle, which is not going down well with Taria. I can’t help it though as I recall all our wolves ejecting the hot food from our stomachs. They sure didn’t like it and acted far faster than our human selves could.
Flint has announced that as my parents have come to visit anyway, the rest of the council was going to have an impromptu visit now that I was settled in as Alpha. I think they are just being nosey and seeing how my Luna and I are getting on. They’ve timed their visit with the grand opening of the new walled garden, which is coincidental, but they can see that things are progressing nicely under the new leadership.
My parents were doing an excellent job with the pack, but as with all changes of administration, it is good to have fresh eyes and a new perspective on things. I’m looking forward to the new garden and the new ballroom we had built to complement it. We poached the idea from another packhouse, but hey, it’s a good idea, so why not.
I’ve declared a day off from all pack activities, except border patrol, of course, and I’ll make it up to anyone that misses the festivities in some other way. Chef Ash went into excitement overdrive when I told her, and immediately called her team together and asked for their input for themes for the food. Taria has kept to her word for the last few hours and hasn’t even been in the dining hall again, never mind the kitchen. I’m sure, given time, Chef Ash will convince her to have another go at cooking something. If that’s going to happen, I’ll have to stop these giggles that keep popping up every time I see the look on Taria’s face as we all… See! I need to get it out of my head once and for all.
Heading out into the surrounding gardens, I take a few deep breaths and catch the scent of a few newly opened blooms. If the gardens all smell as exotic as Herb is planning, this is just a taste of what’s to come and honestly, I can’t wait. Walking by the training area, I see quite a crowd gathered.
As I approach, a path opens between them as they recognize their Alpha walking amongst them. Nearing the training ring, I see Ember with four other females and four males, all with a copy of her bat. Not sure that I can stand by and watch as eight of my warriors get hospitalized for the benefit of Ember’s training, I’m about to call a halt when Ember wields her bat in an intricate move and they all copy her exactly. I watch this for five minutes, and then they begin sparring with each other.
Adaline walks among them and corrects some stances and the way some hold their bat. Ember is doing the same with others and I realize that it is in fact the eight that are training. Seeing me, Adaline comes over and explains the purpose of it all.
“Alpha Bronze, welcome. Ember and I were talking, and she happened to mention that when she ‘interrogated’ the rogues, there was some mention of her bat. Everyone apparently is aware of the ‘bat warrior’ and her ferocious nature in battle. We gave this some thought and came up with differing points of view that both had merit. My concern was ‘what if someone else armed their warriors?’ How would our warriors cope with that? Hence, we began training them in self-defense techniques against that eventuality.” Looking at me with obvious pride in the idea, I nod at her as I think she is on to something here. “Ember, on the other hand, Alpha, came up with a different train of thought. What if we trained more with the bat as a sort of berserker force? You know, shock troops, as it were. If our foes are afraid of one female bat warrior, how would they react if they saw a dozen coming at them waving bats? It could be enough to weaken an enemy's resolve or even break their lines.”
“I think you are both brilliant. That is pure genius on both ideas. Carry on with what you’re both doing and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to speak with me or Luna Taria. I’ll tell her of your actions, and I’m sure she’ll be as enthusiastic as I am.” Thanking Adaline and waving to Ember as she glances over, I start to walk away.
Adaline rushes over to Ember and no doubt tells her of our conversation because Ember squeals and then runs on the spot with excitement. She stops suddenly when she sees me watching and laughing at her antics.
Knowing that the other Shifter Council members will arrive shortly, I make my way to the walled garden and seek out Herb. Finding him dashing around like a lunatic, I wonder what has gone wrong and if we will be opening the garden after all.
“Herb, stand still and take a deep breath. What’s happened? What is wrong?”
“Happened? Wrong? Why? What are you saying, Alpha Bronze?” Herb throws the words back at me.
“Why are you rushing around in a panic?” I talk slowly and precisely to try to get the words to register with him.
“I’m not panicking. I’m ticking off all the last minute jobs that needed doing. Everything is exactly as it should be. What makes you think I’m panicking?”
“Very well. If you’re happy, I’m happy. The Shifter Council members will be here shortly, and then we’ll start the grand opening. I’ll see you in a little while.” Starting to walk away, I hear his panicked voice return.
“Shifter Council members. Oh my! We need more seats. Nathan, Ezra! More seats, we need more seats.” Herb dashes off once again.
Arriving back at the packhouse, I almost fall to the floor as I see a new plaque outside the Luna office. It is made from a tree trunk that has been cut from a tree that was at least five feet across. The lettering is huge and flows like Taria’s own handwriting. ‘Luna Office’ stands in letters twelve inches tall. I know what’s going on here. This is one-up-man ship at the next level.
Laughing, I walk into the office and see Taria’s huge grin. “Well, Alpha Bronze. What do you think of my new plaque? Two can play at that game, eh?”
“I think it’s hilarious, however the Shifter Council are due at any minute and I can’t have that sat there for the world to see.”
“Oh my god. I’m sorry, let’s get the darn thing in here out of sight, quickly.” Taria rushes by me and I’m not sure what she thinks she’s going to do with it on her own. It’s huge.
As I walk out to help with the move, I have to jump to one side as she balances it upright on its edge and rolls it by me, almost squashing my feet.
“Gangway. Coming through.” Like a tornado she wheels it past and then I hear a crash as it falls onto its flat side in her office.
Walking back in, I see she has her hands on her knees and is panting for all she’s worth. “You didn’t tell me they were coming today. Oh my stars. I would have died if I’d embarrassed you in front of the council.”
“I’m sure they would have had enough of a sense of humor when it was explained to them.” Taking her in my arms, I give her a hug and kiss the top of her head. “Life will never be boring, will it, my darling?”
“Hmm. I think you can do better than that, my love.” Hopping into my arms, she kisses me deep and long. “That’s more like how an alpha should kiss his luna!” Laughing, she drops to the floor just as there is a knock on the door.
“Enter,” she calls out and as we turn, we see Flint poke his head in.
“Flint! Come in. We’ve been expecting you. Are all the members here too?” I walk towards him and grasp his hand in a firm shake.
“Yes, we all made it. You’re the closest pack to Grand Rose Mountain, so it wasn’t too much of a problem. You both look full of mischief, I hope I haven’t interrupted anything?” Flint looks at us suspiciously but with a glint in his eye.
“Not what you’re thinking, no.” Giving him a quick explanation of the plaque scenario, he looks at the huge wooden plaque on the floor and bursts out laughing. “Oh, that is priceless. I love the way it is so outrageously enormous, too. That, my dear Bronze, is going to take some beating.”
“No. This round, I concede graciously, but the war has only just begun, so I can afford to lose one battle.” We all laugh and then head out to greet the rest of the council members.
Greetings out of the way, rooms allocated for the overnight stay and all the usual pleasantries taken care of, it is soon time to host the grand opening of our new garden. Getting everyone seated in the newly built ballroom, I congratulate our construction team on the recent addition and announce that we will, at some point in the pack's future, host a mating ball. At which time, we will invite the other packs to attend and hopefully enjoy several mating bonds being formed.
Beginning by mentioning the team that has been working tirelessly to create our new outdoor feature of the walled garden, I thank Herb, Nathan, Jack and Ezra, our gardeners, for their hard work and dedication in making the garden the fantastic feature that we are all about to see.
As I am making my speech, Taria is putting into play our secret plan to get a guest to the front without it being obvious. Waving and attracting Madison’s attention, Taria offers her a front-row seat to see the new garden, and being the innocent that she is, Madison falls for it, hook, line and sinker.
Once we have our victim in place, we swish open the curtains that have been covering the open doors to the garden and everyone gasps at the sight before them.
Paving leads out into the garden from the ballroom doors and a pedestal holds a plaque announcing the name of our latest feature, Madison’s Walled Garden. Directly behind this is a large pond, and in the center is a statue featured as a fountain. The statue depicts a young lady holding an umbrella, keeping the rain off a pair of frolicking pups. The young lady is an image of Madison that is so lifelike, it is uncanny.
Bringing her to center stage, I inform the pack of the reason for the dedication of the garden and a blushing Madison is clapped and cheered by all. She stands there, tearful but happy as she excepts the pack's heartfelt thanks for taking such care of their pups.
Taking an arm each, Taria and I walk Madison through her garden and although not everything is in bloom yet, Herb and his team have managed to get enough in place that it isn’t difficult to imagine it in a few weeks and in all its glory.
By the time we return to the ballroom, Chef Ash has worked her magic with her team and the scene is set for a sumptuous banquet. Once again, Chef Ash holds everyone back and offers the first plate to myself, then her Luna followed by the council members. As we have come to expect, the food is beyond excellent and I see Flint chatting with Chef Ash, no doubt trying to poach her services for the council.
From the corner of my eye, I see a council warrior stalking through the guests and when I pay closer attention, I see it is Miles. Looking further ahead, I see he is moving towards Xander, Eve and Coal, and they haven’t seen his approach. Calling to Flint, I ask why was Miles allowed to attend this event with the possible implications of his presence. Flint blusters that he should not have been part of the council's detail and that following Taria’s comments on our last phone call, Flint had issued orders that Miles was removed as a council warrior until all the correct procedures had been followed.
Taria is one step ahead and has Gamma Wesley and Ember moving to step in should they be required. Miles reaches the group of his son, ex mate, and her new mate, but doesn’t cause the scene I was expecting. Merely standing before them, he talks to them, but due to the noise in the room, neither myself nor Flint can hear his words.
Seeing Gamma Wesley and Ember tense, his words cannot be of a pleasant nature and I expect one or both of them to take action at any moment. Suddenly feeling a mind link from Xander, I hear the words, ‘my apologies, Alpha Bronze’ and then I see him take Miles by the throat. Miles’ hands grasp onto Xanders wrists but it is to no avail, it only takes a few seconds and Miles is dead.
Gamma Wesley and Ember step forward, take Miles's body between them, and drag him out quickly. As they do so, I hear them loudly proclaiming that the poor shifter has fainted at seeing his son after such a long time, obviously the shock was too much for him. No one seems to be aware of the real drama that has taken place, and I will thank Gamma Wesley and Ember later for their quick actions.
Walking quickly over to Xander and his family, I almost drag Flint with me.
“What happened, Xander?” I am confident that he would not have acted in such a manner without good cause.
“My deepest apologies, Alpha Bronze…” Before he gets any further, Eve speaks up.
“Alpha Bronze, Miles was threatening myself and Coal, that is why his life was ended. I would have done it myself, but I was so shocked that he would threaten his own flesh and blood. Before that, however, he stated that he had been a spy for the rogues in the Eclipse pack and that he was protected now from any repercussions of his actions.” Looking directly into Flint’s eyes, she continues, “How can that be, Councilor? Who has the power to protect a rogue spy from his actions? He blatantly spoke of it, and he thoroughly believed his words.”
Flint is totally lost for words, and I speak on his behalf. “We don’t have the answer, Eve, at this time, but we will have an answer and in a very short time.” Turning away, I walk Flint back to the other council members, including my parents, and ask them to join me in the alpha office immediately.
Once there, I waste no time informing them of the incident, of his words, and that this was allowed to happen at my pack. Without directly ordering them back to Grand Rose Mountain, I strongly suggest that they depart at their earliest opportunity and discover who it is that believes themselves above reproach. Taria stands by my side throughout this brief speech and although I sense her own anger, she does well not to let it out.
Once we are alone, I pace the office floor to release some of the tension. “You handled that perfectly, both as an alpha and as a male. You made me proud to stand beside you, my Alpha, my love.”
“It was probably the most difficult thing I have done thus far as an alpha. Having you with me helped, and I could sense that you wanted to add to their discomfort. Thank you for your restraint, my Luna, my darling.”
Taking a few more moments to regain our composure, we leave the office to return to the festivities. Gamma Wesley and Ember are outside the door waiting for us and confirm everything that Eve told us. Returning to the ballroom, Xander, Eve and Coal are nowhere to be seen. Thankfully, everything else appears to be continuing as normal with no one any the wiser.
Mingling with everyone, it seems that the ballroom, walled garden and Madison’s dedication have been a monumental success. The pack is extremely happy and once the food is consumed and we have the ballroom cleared, I make another announcement.
“As we are all gathered together, except for our border warriors, of course, who I shall make it up to at some later date, I declare a pack run for all those able to take part. Let us rejoice not only as our human selves but share our joy and happiness as our wolf selves, too.”
Shifting to Titan takes but a moment, and Maya is only a fraction behind and then stands at our side. Looking into each other's eyes, Maya nods and I begin to howl, joined moments later by my Luna.
Ahwoooooooooooo