22. NEPHELINE

22

NEPHELINE

Once again, Darius is right. I growled at him seconds after the next orgasm before crawling out of the bath to find a willing Alpha. River swooped in and knotted me right on the bathmat while Darius told me how perfect of an Omega I was. To say that I preened beneath their attention is an understatement.

It isn't long before I'm dressed again, my crest just barely covered by the dress that buttons to my cleavage. The dress reminds me of the one I visited Mateo in just over three months ago after scurrying across the crystal forest to be with my Alpha. He had been pissed that I wandered in without a coat but his pierced cock and his knot were at the forefront of my mind.

Well, that and the man I was betrothed to.

I search the hallway for him, grinning when my Alphas are gathered by the door, each handsome beast staring down at me like I'm something to devour. Darius stands behind me, his arms firmly wrapped around my waist, his chin propped up on my shoulder. "Ready, Bambi?" His hold tightens a little before he relaxes and I realize he's just as anxious as I am.

However, the last several hours with my mates have eased my worries, especially learning about the magic surrounding the pack lands and the new direction Mateo will take the Nightshades. My first Alpha stands in front of the others, his arms folded across his bare chest, showing off the newest crest gifted by Mother Nature herself. We all agreed that we needed to take entirely different measures when it came to taking back the pack that Calista ruined—this being one of them.

As fulfilling as the dinner last night was, the real battle begins now. Showing the Nightshades that we are serious about returning to the old ways, the pure traditions of love, acceptance, and loyalty.

River and Remi stand on either side of Mateo, warm smiles on their beautiful faces as they stare back at me. The love swirling in their expressions makes me want to drag them back to the nest but it's time to set my Omega's desires aside to deal with the real issues.

Asani and Maverick are propped against the wall, their shoulders pressed together. Maverick's cheeks are pink again as he throws me a small nod. Asani's grin is nearly feral, the Alpha staring at the way Darius is holding me. There's nothing sensual about this position but I can imagine what he's thinking. A tendril of heat bleeds down my spine and settles between my legs. I bite back a moan before it starts us on a different path.

"So, we're just going to the heart to set some new rules and officially fire the council?" I kick myself for the way my words waver with uncertainty.

Mateo chuckles, releasing his arms for me to step into them. Darius doesn't let go easily, grumbling about being left without anything to hold as I press myself into Mateo's chest. "Princess, this is the first real day we have to face with our pack. A day where we lay down what will and won't fly. We've mentioned things, even showed them but this is where we start anew."

I twist around and hold my hand out for Darius. This will also be the first time where Mateo introduces every member of our family and the positions we hold. River mentioned that he had stayed up nearly all night with Asani, researching every last bit of information regarding our packs. Maverick chimed in where he could, getting lost in the clear-eyed gaze again. There's no doubt in my mind that he is our seer.

Darius steps forward and takes my hand, eyes focused on Mateo. "Alpha."

"Darius, if we had more time, I would not push you to share your story, your experiences, or what you know but the pack deserves the truth and I'm done hiding behind the safety net Ilsa left. Calista and the council will push back on anything you share but know that we will stand behind you and beside you. It might happen tonight or in the near future but I need you to be ready."

I don't like the sound of that. I can tell by the pain lingering in those silver eyes that there's more to the story than being Silas' Beta. In fact, I'm sure he suffered more than he'll ever let on. From what little I can remember, I never caught my Beta worrying about anything. He was never in pain. Never needed me to keep away the nightmares. But that isn't true at all.

He just made sure to tuck those feelings down so that I was happy—so that I am happy. The same way Mateo is fighting his wolf or the reason why Maverick won't let himself feel. We're all trying to mask our hurt and emotions in different ways to protect each other.

Darius steps closer, his shoulder brushing against Mateo's side. "If you need me to speak, I will. Your brother is no Alpha of mine. He never was, so I'm more than happy to detail what went on in that pack based on what I know."

The somber mood lifts a little as Mateo grants him a small nod. "And your wounds? You sounded fairly healed in the bathroom earlier."

There's a lot of grunts and coughs to cover up laughter, Darius blowing out a nervous chuckle. "Last night took away all the pain. There's just a gash left. I've read a little about the packs from a century ago and the magic that surrounded them isn't anything we can imagine. It was part of everyday life."

Maverick pushes off the wall. "The Sapphire wolves will be here tomorrow. They are one of the last packs with magic. They stayed true to Mother Nature and many of the original traditions. Hopefully, they can prepare us for what is to come."

"What is to come?" Mateo asks.

"Defeating the evil on our lands and those who wish us harm is only the start of the war we're facing, Alpha. When the magic is full and ready, we must learn how to use it again. How to become one with the gift Mother Nature has given back." Maverick sighs and runs a hand down his face, annoyed. "This Oraculum stuff is getting on my nerves. It's like the words have to come out and if I don't speak them, my world spirals. Like I have no control over my own body."

I bark out a laugh as I push away from Mateo. "Now you know how Omegas feel, Mave. Every fucking time one of you stare at me too long and my body just responds. I feel that every fucking day. No, no hooded eyes. We have a pack to speak to and I will not be dripping slick down my thighs as we do so." My words don't help the situation so I just throw my hands up and stalk out the front door, ready to move on with my day.

Mateo drags me back against his chest to walk closer to him. My mates fold out around me as we make our way to the heart. The pack is gathered around the heart, many sitting along the earth floor, others standing along the edge, irritated that we've called a meeting. There's a different feeling to the pack lands now that I've stepped outside, the few strands of grass peeking out from beneath the snow yesterday now fully present. Small flowers dot the area, rich blues, yellows, and purples that don't make sense given the season.

Boone meets us at the front, bowing his head to meet Mateo's before he does the same to me. Generally, another Alpha will not touch a mated Omega, especially the Luna but that one gesture shows the entire pack not only where Boone's loyalty lies but also how much we trust him. I don't know him all that well but I can see the kindness in his eyes and if he stands with Mateo, I'm all for it.

"That's one heck of a crest, Alpha Mateo," Boone drawls. His voice is just low enough that it is only for us. "I suspect this was when we were all down on one knee, cursing the fuck out of Mother Nature for interrupting our evening." A smirk replaces his hardened expression when his gaze makes its way to me.

"Watch it, Boone." The thundering sound that coats those words has Boone raising an eyebrow and then stepping back. Apparently, the strength of Mateo's Alpha has grown as well, forcing another Alpha to step down easily.

I shuffle to stand next to Mateo as I scan the pack, noticing several faces still missing. There are more than there were at the diner but still less than when Flynn was dragged into this circle and breathed his last breath. I can't be sure if members are leaving or if they are siphoning off to follow a new pack forming right under our noses.

My roaming gaze falls on the council members to my right, Calista and Kylan sitting beside each other with the four elders behind them. The smug look on Calista's face does me in. Gael is falling apart because of her and she's sitting here, hoping to gain power she's been seeking for years. Instead of bowing my head to show my respect to the former Alpha, I spit in her direction, hoping it lands at her feet.

A general gasp runs through the pack as I turn back to face them and wait for Mateo to address the family I've been accepted into.

Many are staring at our chests, the council intrigued and confused by the change in just a short amount of time.

"As many of you all know, Nepheline is my Omega and my Luna from the Redstone pack. Her family was slaughtered unjustly three months ago and I gave everything to find out who took my precious Omega from me. I thought I was burying her that night. Instead, it's been part of a much larger plan by wolves that disregard the loyalty born of my father's father and his father's traditions." Everyone is frozen, listening intently to Mateo. Even the ones that I'm sure aren't going to follow us down this new path can't seem to look away or act disinterested.

Mateo steps forward, River and Remi immediately flanking my sides. I'm not sure if it's for protection or just habit but when Darius comes up behind me to hold me the same way he had in the house, all I feel is loved.

"During this time, we've also had a surge of intruders from the pack of the Forbidden as well as feral wolves popping up around or near the pack lands. None of this made sense but I was assured that Calista and the council were handling it as I grieved not only my Omega but my father who was stolen from me on the same day." Mateo clears his throat, a growl rumbling through his chest as he continues. "It seems that the ones I've been led to trust are the very ones I should have been wary of."

I steel my emotions despite the way members are looking between themselves and then at the council, waiting for a reveal.

"Over the past week, since my Omega has returned safe and sound, the magic that our pack has been bereft of has returned. It protects the edges of the pack lands and it has brought back the crest of my family. With a few additions."

He steps forward again, allowing everyone to truly drink in the marks along his chest. Someone stands up and frowns, before yelling out their confusion. "I understand the red but the other symbols and the blue? Alpha Mateo, what is going on? We all felt the Alpha call last night but that hasn't happened in almost a century or longer. Things are definitely changing so explain to us what we're looking at."

"A joining of more than just two packs." Mateo twists around and waves me forward. I step up beside him as he points to my chest. "My Omega and your Luna has mated six individuals. Myself, my guards, Asani—your doctor—and Maverick, your Oraculum, and Darius, her Beta." A heavy silence meets his declaration, everyone in complete awe by the last two admissions.

"An Oraculum? That shit doesn't exist!" A Beta from the back yells.

One of the other pack members from the diner, an unmated Alpha, punches the Beta in the arm. "Neither does an Omega shifter, you dipshit and yet, we have a Luna right here that can shift."

I chuckle and then swallow the sound, trying to stay serious. Mateo leans down to rub his nose along my cheek, scent marking and laying his claim on me. "Asani is from the pack of the Forbidden, brought here by Ilsa to save him from a life that no man should suffer. He has sworn his loyalty to me and wears the Awang crest over his previous mark. Maverick is an Oraculum, a seer, one that brings warning and revelations when Mother Nature deems it necessary. And Nepheline's Beta, Darius, is from the Sapphire wolves."

"Impossible!" Calista shouts as she marches over to the little space where we're all standing. Kylan does well to stay where he is but Pierson follows. "That Beta came from Silas, dropped here on pack lands to lure you into a trap. A trap that you have fallen for! You want us to believe that he's mated your Omega and is now allowed to stay?"

Asani snorts from a few steps behind us before rising to his full height. "Be careful, Calista. Your colors are showing. It would be a shame for the pack to know what kind of Alpha you are." Fear flickers through her expression but Asani doesn't let her off easily, turning to face the pack. "Mateo hasn't said it yet but I will. I've watched this man break when he thought he lost his father and his Omega but he was surrounded by people he loved and adored. Unfortunately, his Omega father is suffering a far more horrendous fate at the hands of the same person who killed Ilsa." A wild, animalistic grin splits across Asani's face as he bares his teeth, bringing his wolf forward enough for his eye color to change. "It seems that Calista has had her hand in all the wrong pots, testing fate for power that isn't hers. For one reason or another, she has rejected Gael and left the Omega to suffer a decline much worse than death."

Everyone's gaze moves from us to Calista, Pierson backing away so that he is not associated with her crimes. She opens her mouth to speak but I cut her off, not willing to let the others get away. "The entire council is tainted. Kylan seeks to rip power from my Alpha and while all of the elders are at fault in some way, Pierson is the man who helped kill my family. Darius might have been a trap from Silas but Darius has always been mine, my Beta from when I was younger, ripped from me until I couldn't even remember he existed."

Mateo wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me into his chest, no doubt protecting me from anything Calista or Pierson tries with how close they are. "The entire pack is tainted with those that would rather follow a different Alpha, with different rules, with promises of power I'm sure go against everything Mother Nature has built. Being a shifter is a gift and I will not allow it to be abused as long as the Awang family remains as pack leader."

I know Darius was supposed to speak but at this point, the general distrust and confusion rippling through members will make it difficult for my Beta to explain anything.

Calista fists her hands at her sides, her expression showing a cornered little cat rather than the fierce woman I first met. "You have no idea what you are doing! You six all run around the little Omega, thinking she is your queen, that she will save us from whatever darkness plagues this pack but I can tell that it's far deeper and more intertwined than you know."

"You would know, though, right Calista?" River pushes forward, one of his brows raised as he cocks his head to the side. "This isn't a conversation to have in front of the pack but you started it. Here's the thing, your ties to your son are not admirable. They show who your loyalty lies with and who you believe will win this race. For everyone gathered here this morning," River grins at our pack. "When I say ‘son', I'm not referring to Alpha Mateo. It seems that Calista has been in touch with Silas and working with him to steal our pack Alpha's seat."

A general murmur runs through the pack as excitement, fear, and confusion grow between them. The few that were in the diner don't seem all that perturbed by the news but the anger in their expressions shows me that they will stand behind us when the time is right. The others, I have no idea how they will react. Will they try to live a normal life in the city, away from the pack lands? Or will they join another pack? I'm sure others exist but I've been stuck in my little world for so long.

Mateo gathers everyone's attention again, this time focusing on Kylan who hasn't moved from his seat. The Alpha has gone from a seated position that sings power to leaning forward, his hands clasped over his knees. "I would not be doing my duty if I didn't at least address the council and pack, announcing that I will be retiring the current council and filling the vacant seats on the council with Alphas I trust and can depend on. It has been a long time introducing a council without elders but unfortunately, the elders we currently have can not be trusted. Boone is my first pick, an Alpha that has helped me investigate my father's death and worked patrol with my guards. The other picks will be filled at a later time. The last order of business is possibly the most important. I am your pack Alpha but that seat has gone unchallenged. I will lay down this order only once. Is there anyone who wishes to fight me for my spot or my claim to my mates?"

Wind whips through the heart, Calista and Pierson still furiously standing among us. They have been caught in front of the entire pack conspiring with an exiled Alpha, not to mention that Calista killed a previous pack Alpha. Her crimes are worthy of death, something I'm sure will be announced at the next council meeting. Allowing her to live isn't my preference but slashing her down here in this moment doesn't serve our purposes.

Finding out what she knows is important.

Mateo takes his time, still glaring at Kylan who hasn't moved. I'm not surprised when the Alpha finally stands. "I contest."

"Good. I was waiting for you to do so. Tomorrow night beneath the full moon, we will fight for the right to pack Alpha."

"And your Omega," he spats.

"That will be a fight to the death, Kylan, because you will not touch her without spilling my blood on the earth floor. If that is what you want, then that is what it will be. You disrespect my position and my mates by declaring this but I will honor it, knowing that you have also disrespected the magic and Mother Nature, herself. I should also warn you that the Sapphire wolves are on their way to meet with us and they should enjoy your little show of power."

Kylan's face slowly turns red, his brows creasing in rage before he lunges toward Mateo. The collective gasp that runs through the pack abruptly stops when Mateo catches Kylan around the neck, stopping the Alpha's shift midway through. Kylan is helplessly standing there, fur running up his arms and down his back, his fangs and eyes shifted. I have never watched someone forcibly stop a shift but Mateo's power isn't to be played with.

"You wanted a fight so you will get one," Mateo growls into Kylan's face, the Alpha whimpering as his knees buckle and he falls to the ground. My Alpha's wolf slowly pushes forward, my hands flying to my mouth as I catch the crimson fur sprouting down his back. He used to be completely black but now he has the colors of my wolf in there as well. "But you will honor pack law this one last time. Beneath the full moon, Kylan. As for Calista, you will suffer a similar fate as pack law determines your punishment. You will not be spared."

Mateo discards Kylan before throwing his head back and letting a roar bellow out from his soul. I watch as the pack submits, everyone moving to kneel on one knee. My mates shift in response, howling with Mateo as I stay pressed to his side, staring at the family I've gained in awe. Calista and Pierson stumble back with Kylan but my attention is quickly stolen by Mateo's firm lips on mine.

The pack cheers at his show of domination, Mateo making sure that I'm whining for more before he pulls away. "Tomorrow night will determine the future of the pack and then we will take on Silas before he destroys what little we have left.