Flashback Ends

I blinked as the memory faded from that beautiful day. I winked at Elise as I walked out the door of our bedroom. I loved everything about the day she had become my mate and wife. We’d had our mating ceremony a week after she’d turned eighteen and I’d proposed. Elise, her mom, and mine had been planning it at my mate’s request for six months prior to her birthday.

I knocked on Alexander’s door. Maverick called from behind me, “He’s not there.”

I turned to ask, “Where is he?”

Maverick answered, “He went for a run at three this morning and hasn’t been back since.” I snorted, “What were you doing up at three in the morning?”

Maverick blushed, “Well, I….”

I interrupted teasing, “What’s her name, Mav?”

Maverick groaned, “EJ.” I smiled, “I doubt her name is EJ. In fact, I’ll bet it’s Lucy.” Maverick sighed, “You and dad are know it all’s.” I nudged him, “You’re only fourteen. One day you’ll join us in being a know it all. Make sure you adhere to Lucy’s curfews.” Maverick put his hands up, “She never left her room.”

I laughed, “You and Theo are so like the stories we hear about dad. Did you influence her parents to let you stay over?”

Maverick blushed, “I mean we didn’t have sex or anything. We just watched a movie and talked. She’s not my mate, but we like each other.”

I nodded, “Alright. No using your influencing power to…”

Maverick frowned interrupting, “I would never use that for sex.”

I growled, “I wasn’t going to say that. I know you wouldn’t, and I don’t want you to ever think I’d think badly of you. I was going to say to have sleepovers. Don’t influence parents.” Maverick grumbled, “Fine. We didn’t even kiss.” I laughed, “Then you did the sleepover wrong, little brother.” I winked at him and popped to Alexander.

He had sweat dripping off his body. Toby, my Beta, walked over with Phil, Alexander’s Beta and our cousin. I smiled at them, “Hey guys.”

Phil snorted, “Toby seems to think we have a problem.”

Toby gestured to my brother, “Do you see him? He was here before ANYONE got here, even Gage was surprised and he’s his Gamma!”

I replied, “I am aware of who my brother’s Gamma is.”

Toby ignored me, “He won’t quit hitting that bag. The ENTIRE pack is high strung because he is insane. Let’s just say it, he’s lost it.”

Genevieve, my Gamma, snorted and shook her head. Toby insisted, “He has!”

Phil snorted, “My Alpha hasn’t lost it.”

Toby gestured wildly, “Do you see him? The border patrol saw him running at three fifteen this morning. It is NOON! No, it’s after noon. What the heck crawled up his ass? And will someone FOR THE LOVE OF GOD GET IT OUT!”

I goaded him, “Get a clue, Toby.”

Toby gaped, “Excuse me?”

Phil laughed, “Yeah cuz, you’re slacking.” Toby glared at us both, “Whatever. Fix the machine Alpha before the pack goes over the edge.” I laughed, “I got it. Go continue to being unobservant, Beta of mine.”

Toby gasped, “UNOBSERVANT?!”

Phil laughed, “Yeah, I mean it’s a little sad.”

Toby snorted, “He’s your Alpha, not mine.” Phil smiled, “And I know what’s going on. Because I’m observant.” Toby urged, “Then solve the problem!” Genevieve said, “I know too.” Gage yelled, “Me four!” Toby glared at us all then stormed off while I chuckled.

Phil said, “You know Alexander’s one of my best friends, but I’m not going near him like this. That’s all you man.”

I replied dryly, “He’s just nervous for reasons we pretend we don’t know about.”

Phil muttered, “And Phil is still not going near that at all.” I left Phil.

I asked, “Gage? Do you want to go near that?”

Gage laughed, “I’m kind of training a class.”

I raised an eyebrow challenging, “I could dismiss you and take over.” Gage said, “I couldn’t possibly do that. I have such plans today. Outside everyone.” They took off like they were shot of a rocket. Genevieve snickered and kept her group working out.

I shook my head and walked over to my brother. “Alexander.”

He grunted, “I thought you’d still be sleeping since you had a late night.”

I grinned replying, “Melanie and Elise are on the phone discussing outfits. I fled my room to avoid seeing the ten different outfit choices and decision making on which outfit is right. I have learned that even when I voice an opinion it’s likely wrong because even though every outfit looks amazing, that’s not the right answer.” He faltered and his punch to the bag landed sloppily. He turned, “Elise is talking to Melanie?”

I nodded, “Yup. Melanie has narrowed down her outfits. Keep in mind, they are not narrowed. That aside, you’re putting the pack on edge.”

Alexander narrowed his eyes, “Maybe they should be on edge. I haven’t seen that many people working hard today.”

The intensity of the fights picked up around us. Genevieve linked me laughing. I groaned, “Seriously, brother.” Alexander winked at me and grabbed a towel. We walked outside together.

I instantly spotted Lexi Daniels with her family plus a few additions. Finn Frost walked over arm in arm with Emma Daniels. I groaned. Finn said, “Don’t pretend you aren’t happy to see my beautiful face.”

I rolled my eyes.

Thankfully for my generation, he was just like his dad. He was our resident funny guy. We needed someone like him. Unlike my dad, I had admitted to Finn he was funny. It kept him from seeking me out like a missile most days.

Emmett Daniels laughed with his arm possessively wrapped around his mate, Alexandria Thunders, the daughter of Alpha Sophia and her mate Alpha Male Teke. Aunt Lexi smiled, “EJ.”

She wrinkled her nose, “Alexander, you reek. I don't even have a wolf’s sense of smell but that’s a stench.”

Keaton Daniels laughed, “Have you been in the gym all morning?”

His twin, Keith, elbowed him. Keaton asked, “What? Mom is right. He does smell.”

Alexander laughed, “I gotta get my workout in.” Keaton muttered, “Sure.”

He’d changed since he started dating his on/off girlfriend Lisa. She yelled at him so loudly that there were times we heard her shrill from here. I couldn’t understand why he kept going back to her, but I’d also never met her. I knew my brother Preston, who was good friends with Keaton, had met her once and loathed her immediately. That was good enough for me to decide she wasn’t good news.

Aunt Lexi pulled me from my thoughts, “This is Nora, Nadine’s sister.”

Nadine was her mother in law. I held out my hand, “I’ve heard about you. I’m sorry about your mate.”

Nora smiled sadly, “Thank you. It’s been seven years since he passed and I’m doing ok now. I will always miss him, but he would want me to get out and live. I plan to be here with Nadine more. Lexi has welcomed me, and Alexandria said I’d be welcome too.” Alexandria flushed. She would be Emmett’s Luna soon.

Alexander laughed, “I think you might be around here more often than you are Yellow Hills.”

I frowned and looked at him, but he was looking over my shoulder. I turned and saw Ray running for all he was worth towards us. My jaw dropped. Nora followed his eyes and gasped.

Ray growled, “MINE!”

Aunt Lexi clapped, “No way! Nadine will DIE of happiness! How exciting! We love Ray around here, Nora. He’s a good one.”

Nora probably didn’t even hear her. She ran to Ray, buried her head in his neck and cried. I nodded to him, “Go on Ray, talk to your second chance mate.” He pulled here away from the group.

Aunt Lexi laughed, “I swear it’s always like this around here. Mates are always coming together on days like this.”

Alexander muttered, “From your lips to the goddesses and god's ears.”

Aunt Lexi smiled, “Yours is out there, Alexander. I feel it.” Brutus chimed in, “I more than feel it. She just needs to GET to our territory.” No joke.

Emmett encouraged, “Yeah man, it’s you next. It’s gotta be.”

Brutus begged, “Please Moon Goddess, let them be next. Space is so annoying. EJ has so much but I am an animal and have none.”

It was true. He’d rather shift and just fight Oden until he caved and told him what was going on.

Peter walked outside smiling. He announced, “We just got here a little bit ago. Chelsea wanted to help Elise get ready.”

He paused then added, “Damn, Alexander. That’s a powerful smell.”

I snorted, “Go shower before all the guests run away, little brother.” Alexander rolled his eyes, “You all and your sensitive noses. I smell like hard work.” He popped away.

From behind me I heard a voice, “Hello, Lex.”

Oh no. I turned, not suppressing my groan. Raphael was back. He apparated in every so often. The Daniels’ boys and their dad HATED Raphael. Keaton, Keith, and Emmett growled. Brutus told me, “Not today, EJ. He cannot ruin this for mate.”

He wasn’t going to. It would NOT happen.

Raphael laughed, “Hello, boys.”

Aunt Lexi sighed, “Boys, enough. He’s an old friend.”

Emmett snarled, “Old friend my ass. Stay the fuck over there, Angel boy. Don’t you come near my mother.” Alexandria gripped his arm and shot an annoyed look over at Raphael.

Raphael smiled, “I was told to be here. So here I am.”

I groaned, “No, just no. Who told you to be here? Because I swear, I don’t care if it was a goddess. This is Elise’s day, and I’ll kill you myself before you ruin this for her. I don’t care if you’re a damn Angel or not. NO ONE will ruin this for Elise.”

Brutus agreed, “YES! We can take him.”

Emmett urged, “Please do. He only ever causes trouble.”

Toby linked, “Do NOT kill the Angel.”

I asked, “Where do you stand on maiming?” He agreed, “That’s fine.” Good. Emma sighed, “Emmett.” Before she could finish a freshly showered Alexander popped back.

He frowned, “I was gone for five minutes, and your anger had me ready to come back within moments. That was before Preston popped into my bathroom to tell me to go check on you. What the hell happened in five minutes? Oh.”

His eyes looked past me to Raphael.

He rolled his eyes, “Come on man, not today. Mess with the Daniels another day. Today is about Elise. She’s worked really hard this last year and she’s done a great job. If you think you’ll fuck up Black Mountain Pack’s Lead Luna’s day, then you’ve got another think coming.”

The threat was clear in his tone.

Normally, I’d stop him. Just not today, because he was right. Raphael smiled somewhat tauntingly, “I do not know why I am here. I go where I am told. I was simply told to be here today. I have no intention of ‘messing with the Daniels’ as you say.”

Peter snorted, “And I’m a goat.”

Ted flashed in, “Incoming, Lex. Angry Alpha, Beta, and a Gamma coming in hot. Spread those wings and fly Angel boy.”

I heard a growl I knew. Chase Daniels snarled, “Too late for that.”

Alexander was annoyed and ready to fight. Brutus said, “Let him. It’s better than us doing it, but if we stand here, it shows our approval.”

He had such good ideas. Angela popped in with her arms crossed. She ordered, “Stop being mean! It’s fine. Just chill for like ten minutes.”

Brutus whined, “We upset our sister.”

We were all softies for our siblings, especially our sisters. I questioned, “Why’s that?”

Angela pointed, “I guarantee you’ll ALL be happy. Each and every one of you in ten minutes or less.”

Alexander sighed, “Angela, did you call Raphael?”

Raphael smirked. Oh god, she had. I groaned, “How did you even get his number?”

Toby linked, “You can’t be serious. There are so many people who would hand over the number to her.” Angela said, “Uhhh I said, ‘Micah please, pretty, pretty please!’ He handed it right over.” Of course he did. We all would have.

Raphael laughed, “See? I was invited. I do not mean to upset the Daniels. Or ruin your Luna’s day.”

Angela grabbed my hands, “He won’t, I swear! You know I love Elise!”

Alexander’s amusement was flooding our bond because he knew I’d been ready to let him take on Raphael.

I shot him a look. I leaned down and kissed her forehead, “For you, he can have ten minutes.”

She clapped, “YAY!”

TJ popped out to us. He laughed, “Angela.” She shrugged, “Raphael was early. What was I supposed to do? It was not heading to a good place.” TJ laughed again.

I raised an eyebrow, “You knew about this?”

TJ smiled, “I have to monitor her, or she runs rampant. She is my twin after all.”

Calm flooded the whole group. Peter sighed, “It’s weird. I know he’s calming me down. When in fact I’m not actually calm. Yet here I am, being calm.” I smiled at my little brother.

TJ was an empath and was pretty good already with his ability. He didn’t abuse his power. He usually used it to let Angela get her way. My dad walked outside, smiled, picked Angela, and spun her around. He asked, “What mischief have you gotten into today, Princess?”

Angela giggled, “I’m helping.”

My dad kissed her cheek, “Of course you are. With a little bit of fun sprinkled on top.”

Angela held out her hand saying, “In five, four, three, two and,”

Raphael gasped. Angela giggled, “one!” Raphael began to run towards the house.

Cousin Emmaline came around the corner with my cousin Jayden and Charlie Rose, a part Werewolf part Witch. Charlie Rose stopped walking and her gaze snapped to Raphael. Her jaw dropped and her wolf took over, “MINE!”

Brutus linked, “I did not see that coming.”

That made two of us. Jayden linked, “The annoying Angel? Really?”

I replied, “Evidentially.” He groaned, “Goddess above, at least Charlie is in our pack and not Yellow Hills or that would just be a basket of no fun.” He wasn’t wrong.

Emmaline smiled and pulled Jayden away from Charlie. Alpha Chase complained, “You are shitting me right now. All this time his mate was right there! Thank god. No, seriously thank fucking god!”

Aunt Lexi laughed and kissed him.

When she pulled back, she teased, “You know I love only you, and he’s just been messing with you. You simply let him.”

Alpha Chase kissed her passionately, “Oh no sweetheart, he wanted what was mine. All our pups see it too. You’re the one who didn’t. Now though, he has his wing. He will finally go the fuck away.”

Angela clapped, “See? Look at how happy everyone is.”

I laughed, “Good one, Ang.”

She suddenly frowned and her confusion flooded us all. My dad asked, “Princess?” Angela frowned, “Cassie is going to be late again.” I assured her, “That’s ok. She’ll be here.” Angela nodded.

Brutus growled, “What upset her?”

I wasn’t sure but now she seemed distracted. Aunt Lexi asked, “Angela, did you send Nora a plane ticket to come see Nadine?”

It clicked for me. I announced, “I already know that answer.” Angela smiled, “You did say I could borrow three hundred dollars, big brother.”

My dad’s eyes shot to mine. I smiled throwing her a wink. “Yes, and I knew what you used it for. It was on my credit card bill, little one.”

Aunt Lexi laughed, “I should’ve known. Nadine and Nora couldn’t figure it out.”

Angela flipped her hair then frowned again. She sighed, “I’ll be back.” She popped away. TJ frowned. I told him, “Go see what’s wrong.” He nodded and popped away after her.

I looked at my watch noting the time. Alexander was practically radiating his nerves. We checked on everything for the ceremony. Brutus said, “Oden is talking about going back to the gym.”

I groaned out loud, “Oh good god. Let’s go work for an hour then we will come out here and have Elise’s ceremony. Will you find some chill?”

Alexander frowned, “Probably not, no.” I snorted, “At least that was honest.” Alexander shot back, “I have to be honest, big brother.” True, but he could be evasive and often was.

We buried ourselves in work for an hour until my dad knocked on the door. He announced with a smile, “It’s time boys.”

He shook my shoulders, “I am proud of the Lead Alpha and mate that you are EJ. You and Elise have done a great job and today will be a fun celebration.”

He hugged Alexander, “I’m so proud of the Alpha Enforcer you have become and the man you’ve become. I know you will meet your mate and treat her like your Queen one day.”

We both hugged him.

When we pulled back, he said, “Let’s go.”

I smiled and grabbed my stuff.

Alexander wasn’t going to ask so I did. “Are the McAlister’s here?”

My dad frowned, “No, it seems they are running late.”

I snorted, “Well, Melanie did have ten outfits to decide between. Women.” My dad laughed, “Not everyone can snap themselves dressed, son. Be that male or female.”

I snapped us all into jeans. There was a push to have ceremonies be more formal, but with our heritage we stayed in jeans for these ceremonies. My mom considered that more than fair for our pack, which had everyone backing the decision.

My dad said, “Case and point. A regular person would’ve had to go change.”

We walked outside. My dad walked up on stage with me. The whole pack and most of our allies were here. Chelsea looked worried and confused about something. I started to walk towards her when my dad linked, “Your Luna is coming. We can figure out whatever that’s about later.”

I looked back and saw Elise and Peter. She took my breath away. I knew my mom had snapped her dress. My mom said Elise could do whatever she wanted with the Luna dress. It was tradition to use the same dress, but my mom thought Elise should decide. She said if Elise wanted a different style she’d conjure a garter with the old dress’s material. Brutus purred, “Mate is beautiful.”

Elise had chosen that option since she wanted something totally different. It was well worth it because she looked stunning. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Alexander linked me, “What’s Peter upset about?”

I looked over at my father in law. I was a little surprised to see his eyes did hold a little anger. There was still pride and love in them, but definitely a little anger.

Elise linked me, “Do you know what’s going on? Mom and Dad are being quiet about it.”

I answered, “I don’t know, but we can figure that out later. This is about you and all your hard work today.”

Elise cooed, “I hear some mates have already met today.” I winked replying, “So they did. At least one more is coming since Everly Bond is here today.”

Elise asked me, “Who’s her mate?”

I smirked answering, “It’s T.”

Elise chuckled, “Then hopefully two more mates today.” Her eyes slid to Alexander. I sighed, “Hopefully.” I noticed that Alexander was wearing his necklace from Melanie.

My dad cleared his throat and started the ceremony. I was so proud of Elise. It wasn’t a small thing to take on this pack. I heard a pop and looked back feeling who was now closer in the bond. I smiled at Cassie who side hugged our mom.

Angela caught my eye before I turned back because her arms were still crossed and she looked near tears. Brutus growled, “What happened?”

I reasoned, “You know what I do.”

I linked my sister, “Little one?” She didn’t answer.

I snapped back to focus when my dad asked Elise if she accepted being the Luna of this pack. She accepted. Brutus howled happily in my head and pride filled me. We all stripped out of our clothes so we could shift and run.

My mom popped onto my dad’s wolf, Thor’s, back. Rhea and Brutus led the pack in a run. They ran proudly beside each other. I linked her, “This is our pack now.”

She replied, “I know. Officially and everything.”

People began to split off. I led her around to the other side of the lake.

I shifted back and she followed suit. I kissed her hard and she moaned into my mouth. I growled, “I missed you today.”

She whimpered, “EJ.”

I sucked on her neck, loving as her moans grew louder. I trailed kisses down her body taking her nipple into my mouth. She tugged on my hair lightly. I looked up at her and grinned. She wanted it fast, but I wanted to taste her.

I sank to my knees and attacked her clit, and she screamed her orgasm minutes later. I pulled her down on top of me as I laid on my back. I told her, “Ride me, babe.”

I gripped her hips as she set a hard and fast pace bringing us both to orgasm. She fell down onto my chest, and I held her there tightly.

Anger barreled into me so hard my eyes blazed and I growled. Elise pushed up to look at me, “EJ?”

I searched my bonds knowing where to start. My suspicions were correct, it was Alexander’s anger. My mate lifted herself off me. I snapped us dressed and grabbed her hand popping to the main yard.

Tristan and Everly had found each other. He was running into the house with her, ignoring whatever was going on. Brutus linked, “He’s too happy to notice.”

Probably. I looked around feeling my brother nearby but I didn’t see him.

Elise’s confusion brought my attention back to her. She questioned, “Where’s Melanie?”

Excuse me? Jason rubbed his face answering. He answered, “She’s not coming, she got grounded.”

I heard a roar. My eyes blazed with Alexander’s anger. Jason turned his profile to look towards where Alexander must have run.

I raised an eyebrow asking, “Where did you get the black eye?”

Brutus told me, “You know the answer.”

I did. Jason frowned, “Alexander is pissed about something, and I must have got in his way. He took off before I could ask what the hell his problem was. I think I lost a few seconds. He packs a punch, man.” Alright, that’s it. I was done. There was no more space to give my brother. Brutus sighed, “Finally. You had too much space to give.” Maybe.

I saw Angela out of the corner of my eye huddled over on the steps hugging herself. I would have to deal with that in a minute. I took off after Alexander knowing Elise was behind me. I linked Cassie and TJ, “Angela is upset, and I have to deal with Alexander’s anger. Please check on her.”

They both replied, “Ok.”