Chapter 18
Hey, mate, dad needs us in the office, Jaxom mind-linked Drake.
Okay, Drake sighed and put the book down.
He was just getting to the good part. The stupid romance novel had captured his attention.
His therapist had recommended a couple of those types of books.
Dreams still plagued him even though that had all ended a little over five years ago.
His therapist knew he wasn’t going to date any woman until their fated Luna came.
Romance novels were a way to explore intimate relationships with a woman in the safety of his own home.
He’d even read passages to Jaxom. Those evenings had always end with a bang.
The idea of sleeping with a woman terrified him.
He was a warrior, an Alpha in training to a massive pack.
But, he was scared at the idea of having sex with a woman again.
It was so messed up. The first time Drake’s bad dreams had kicked Jaxom out of bed, his mate had been concerned and considerate.
The second time, Jaxom had still been concerned but that concern had led to an appointment with a therapist to work through the abuse he’d suffered at Miss Gentry’s hands.
The romance novels had helped him see that women had real, regular emotions, needs, and wants just like he did.
Somewhere along the way, Drake had missed the fact that not all women were batshit crazy like the women he’d had in his life.
His dad and his grandparents had tried to tell him but the message was reluctant to get through.
By the time he got to the Alpha’s office, Jaxom and Alpha Steven were already there.
“Okay, we have the Winter Solstice Festival starting right now. I’d planned on having both of you here to help out.
However, the Heart’s Edge Pack has asked for help.
A bunch of rogues have been attacking them for weeks.
Their Alpha is wounded and their Beta is struggling.
I can’t have both of you go but I do need one of you to take a group to help out.
Should only be for a week, but you’ll miss the Festival. ”
“I’ll go. Drake’s only been to one Festival and we were pretty distracted.”
Drake smiled and blushed. It was true. That Solstice was a life changing event. Jaxom knew Drake had been excited for this one. He was giving his mate the opportunity to indulge in all the revelry of the packs getting together to party.
“I figured you’d say that. Beta Asher will stay here with Drake. You’ll keep him at your side at all times.”
“Why?” Drake asked. Alpha Steven had never assigned him a guard on other trips Jaxom had taken. And, vice versa for Jaxom.
“We have a massive amount of people coming for the week. Rumors are swirling around you two and you know that. For all of our sake’s, don’t wander off by yourself. Anyway, Asher’s little spitfire, Tarra, will be thrilled to entertain the big bad Alpha-to-be.”
“I knew she was going to be a problem when she started getting along so well with Hazel,” Jaxom laughed and shoulder bumped Drake. “Good luck. I’m glad I got the better end of the deal.”
Asher was Jaxom’s childhood friend and a damn fine fighter.
Their men had no problem following him into battle.
The ‘Beta’ title was not an absolute yet, seeing as Alpha Steven’s Beta was still in charge, but everyone knew Asher was the runner up.
The pack was so large Jaxom and Drake basically had their own mini pack to run.
It helped take the load off Alpha Steven’s shoulders and gave them the practice they needed in leading a group of people.
“All I’m saying is that with both of you attached at the hip, I wasn’t worried about someone getting you alone.
I thought about sending Asher to Heart’s Edge but the pack is big enough an Alpha power is required.
” Alpha Steven leaned back and stared at Drake.
“Treat this Festival like you were on enemy territory. We’ll all feel better if you do. ”
“Has there been threats?” Jaxom asked. Concern was settling over his handsome features. Drake took his hand.
“Hazel’s prophecies aren’t the only ones out there,” Steven laughed at their startled, slightly guilty faces.
“It’s good you haven’t told anyone. I don’t want to know specifics.
Suffice it to say, your bonding ceremony has everyone paying attention.
The power hungry are not happy. I’ve shielded you as best I can.
I’ve watched you grow strong together. The last three years have been good for all of us.
But, for some reason the temperature is rising.
If you hadn’t grown stronger, I’d be more worried splitting you up this week. ”
“Well, that was all a bit cryptic,” Drake said in amusement. “I hear and obey, my sovereign father. Your obedient sons are only too happy to follow your wisdomous words.” He ended his little speech with a flourish of his hand and a bow.
“Ugh. Get out of my office.” Steven rolled his eyes. “Say your goodbyes. The boys are ready to get on the road, Jaxom. Peter has you all packed up.”
Jaxom got up and gave his dad a hug. “Tell mom I’ll be back in a week.”
Drake captured Jaxom’s hand as they walked out of the office. The moment they were out the door, Drake pulled Jaxom into his arms and kissed him. Some days, it was hard to believe how much he loved his life now. It hadn’t always been that way. Mating with Jaxom had changed everything.
“You’ll be safe?” he asked.
His guy gave him a cocky, arrogant smile. “Apparently, safer than you’ll be. Dad didn’t give me a babysitter.”
“No, he gave you twenty babysitters. I only have one.”
“Two. You forgot Tarra. Three if you count Hazel and by extension Rubin. Makes the count 4.”
Drake shook his head in vehement denial. “I’m not counting Hazel or Rubin.”
“Awe, you scared of a little white haired witch and her wolf?” Jaxom teased.
“Not as much as you are,” Drake shot back. “Go before dad thinks we’re moping. Just know I’ll be here, lonely and aching for you.”
“Me, too,”Jaxom kissed him again. “Do me one big favor, and I’ve already told dad, don’t get anywhere near kingling Renz. Stay away from him. I don’t trust him and won’t have you harmed if he dreams some shenanigan up. Okay?”
Drake wrinkled his nose in disgust. “I don’t want anywhere near him. If dad is fine I stay out of our questionable King’s sight, I will. You really don’t like him, do you?”
“No. He disgusts me and there’s this slimy, evil feel in the air around him. Love you, handsome.” With that, Jaxom and hurried off. The sooner the rogues were dealt with the sooner he’d be home.
“So, the big bad wolf is afraid of a tiny little girl?” Asher teased him.
Drake spun around to glare at Asher. “I saw you after Hazel had you in her grip. You can tease me all you want but you cried like a girl for three hours after that. Wanna talk about it? I’m getting good at this trauma counseling stuff.”
The smirk washed away from Asher’s face. He raised his hands in surrender. “It looks like all big bad wolves are afraid of her.” Asher changed the subject. “We are on meet and greet today. Six packs are coming in.”
“Who’s up?”
“Raven’s Dale, Sky Blue, Venom Fang, Ice Claw, Black Forrest and West Wind. They are all making a full week of it. Raven’s Dale is pulling up now.”
Drake liked the meet and greet, for the most part.
Alpha Steven had been sending him and Jaxom to packs all across the country and a few out of country, too.
He wanted them to see what other packs were doing.
They’d report back the good and the bad, evaluating their own pack practices in the process.
They’d been able to bring back quite a few ideas to implement in the Blood Moon Pack to make things better.
Raven’s Dale Pack had traveled the farthest and were more interested in getting to their rooms. Pack members volunteered in shifts to escort travelers to their rooms and help with luggage.
Beta Asher played check-in desk. He was able to stay close to Drake but not hover.
An ever watchful eye. Drake also saw the security Asher had set up around him.
Alpha Steven wasn’t kidding when he said to treat this week like they were on hostile territory.
Not all the looks thrown his way by travelers were friendly.
Sky Blue and Venom Fang were quick meet and greets.
He’d visited both packs and they were happy to see him again.
Venom Fang especially. He’d saved the life of the Alpha’s three year old daughter.
Now she was four and a half, she’d proudly told him.
He got a birthday card from her last year full of unicorns and pink fairies. It still hung on the fridge.
Ice Claw arrived and Drake sighed in irritation.
He’d never met them but he’d heard rumors.
The rumors seemed to be true. Alpha Dean Schultz, and his Luna, Jane Schultz, were extravagantly overdressed for travel.
Alpha Dean’s slicked back hair almost reeked of rancid grease.
Luna Jane’s perfume battled the smell of her husband’s hair and failed.
“Alpha Dean, it’s a pleasure to meet you.
Luna Jane, thank you for gracing us with your presence.
” Drake had been told to play them up like they were the most important pack to arrive.
Rumors had been swirling about how poorly the pack was run.
The Elders were quietly having them investigated. They wanted this Alpha relaxed.
“We have you in the Ivory suites. Fifteen suites for your families, your Beta’s family and a few other notables.” Drake shook Dean’s hand, “I’m Drake Bane.”
“Awe, one of the heirs apparent. Thank you for greeting us. The Alpha King is arriving tomorrow?”
“Yes, sir. His party will be the floor above yours.” Drake smiled, trying to hide an internal chuckle at the supposed honor. Alpha King Renz was just as disgusting as these people. Housing them close together kept their licentiousness more contained.