Chapter 18

Garrick

I wasn’t nervous, which was odd, since just two weeks ago the thought of standing in front of my pack and being sworn in as their Alpha was one of the more terrifying things I could ever imagine. But waking up with my mate in my arms every day, knowing that we had a pup on the way, gave me the strength and the balance to take on this monumental task. Knowing that Noel would be by my side every step of the way made everything more bearable. He was my rock, the center of my very being, and I was so incredibly excited to start my life with him.

The first step in that journey would be becoming Alpha, then later, our mating ceremony, in which we would promise ourselves to one another in front of the whole pack. He would be officially introduced as my Alpha Mate tonight, the mating ceremony was just icing on the cake.

With our pack supporting us, there was nothing we couldn’t do.

Noel and I woke up later in the morning. He was more tired than usual, and while I was keyed up with excitement, I remained in bed next to him because I knew there was nothing outside for me to do. Everyone was getting ready for the ceremony, and no one wanted me around to help. My mother had told me as much.

It made sense for me to enjoy the quiet moments while I could.

The event wasn’t a super formal event, but the pack would enjoy a meal, and then after the officially switching over of Alpha responsibilities, we would shift and go for a run. I would lead the pack solo for the first time.

Eventually, it was time to get our day started. Noel and I both got out of bed and went about our routine as if we had been together for years.

Noel stood on his tippy-toes and gave me a kiss on the cheek while I brushed my teeth.

“You’re going to be amazing,” he said.

“I appreciate the vote of confidence, mate. There’s not much for me to do today. It’s tomorrow and all the days that follow that I worry about.”

He grabbed a small spray bottle and began cleaning his glasses.

The domesticity of the whole thing struck me. He was settled into my life and my home so completely that I couldn’t imagine life without him. It was almost scary how seamless the transition had been.

“I couldn’t do this without you,” I said.

He snorted. “I’m not doing anything. Just standing here.”

“That’s everything. I mean it, Noel. Having you beside me. That’s all I need.”

He looked at me then, squinting a little since his glasses weren’t on his face.

“I’ll always stand beside you,” he promised.

I leaned down and kissed the tip of his nose. “I know you will.”

We were going to be just fine.

***

When it came time for the ceremony to begin, my father came to the house. He and my mother were staying at their new place, and Noel and I had taken over the big house. We both wore jeans and a plain shirt. There was no formality in our clothing. Noel was in the kitchen plating the desserts he had made for the pack dinner. If I wasn’t mistaken, he had made four different pies. He hadn’t let me taste a single one of them yet, even though I had asked nicely.

My father pulled me into a tight hug.

“You’re ready for this?”

“I am. Because of you,” I said.

He nodded. “I feel like I put pressure on you. Started you too early.”

I laughed. “Aren’t I the one who’s supposed to be having doubts? Let’s both just promise not to have any doubts right now. We did the best we could, and I have no complaints. I feel ready, I truly do.”

“I’m glad to hear it. You are ready,” he said.

The pack had already gathered at the pavilion. Familiar faces stood around. Families and friends that I had grown up with were there with smiles on their faces. My pack was ready for me to take over as well. My father was a fantastic Alpha, he had served us well, and he deserved the break. It was time to take what he had taught me and to lead the pack for the next generation.

The food was set up, and there were games being played by the little children. A hush came over the crowd when my father and I stepped out, my mother and Noel trailing behind us, Troy and Ben behind them.

When we came to the stage, which was really just a random platform they had built so everyone could see us, my father addressed the crowd.

“Today is a much anticipated day. I have had the honor of serving as your alpha for 30 years, and for the last 28, I have known that I would pass this pack on to my son.” He put a hand on my shoulder. “He has grown with you all and proven himself to be the right Alpha for the job. I’m proud of the man he has become, and it is time for him to take his rightful place.”

The crowd erupted in cheers and shouts of praise.

“On this Solstice, the sun has risen with me as your Alpha, and will set this evening with your new Alpha. Please join me in welcoming and celebrating Alpha Garrick.”

“Alpha Garrick!” the crowd roared. There were fists raised in celebration and whistles. Some people even threw streamers and confetti into the air.

I sucked in a breath and looked over at everyone. A sense of pride and responsibility, equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, filled me. These people looked to me for guidance, for protection. I would not let them down. Noel came to my side. He held my hand.

My father continued, “And his mate, Noel. We welcome him to this pack. Fate blessed our Alpha with his fated. A true sign that Garrick is ready to lead you all.”

More cheering. I pulled Noel closer to my side, inhaling the scent of him.

“Congratulations,” he whispered in my ear. “Alpha.”

I let out a low growl, heat building in my stomach.

“Congratulations to you, Alpha Mate.”