Epilogue Part Two - Sage

I know I should be focused on socializing and getting to know the people of Steelcrest. After all, tonight is my introduction to them, and tomorrow, I’ll take my oath as their Alpha. Yet, I couldn’t keep my eyes off Auðr, eager for tonight and our official mating. Sure, we’ve had lots of sex these last few months. It’s not the same, in any case.

“You know staring at him isn’t going to make him suddenly come back.” Elton taunted as he joined Christian and me, with Otto in tow.

“Ready for the torment of a Steelcrest social event?” Otto asked in their typical bored emo-esk tone.

Some might think his broody exterior is just a front, but it’s not. At least not that I’ve seen. Christian and Elton have also told me Otto was like this, even as kids. It’s just who he is. Otto’s not opposed to having fun, or what Otto calls fun. He’s a stealth mischief maker. We bonded over politics, and he helped plan and execute a few anti-protests back in Portland when misogynistic fascists fucks dared to think their opinions and perspective of the bible should usurp someone’s autonomy.

“I’d rather be upstairs mating with Auðr.” I shrugged, sipping my wine.

“Color us not surprised.” Elton laughed.

“Come on, Alpha. Let’s introduce you to the old timers and some people of note before they come to find you.” Christian suggested, nudging me.

I sighed, relenting as I let the guys lead me around to meet people. I tried to pay attention to the names and faces of people. I really did, but honestly, it was in one ear and out the other. I kept looking for Auðr. Like me, he was in social hell, being introduced to various pack members. The only difference was that I had my ranked guys with me while he had his band members.

As I looked around the crowded room, trying to see or at least scent my mate, I turned to face the current, soon-to-be-retired, ranked males. I’ve met them and am about as impressed with them as I was with their dads. AKA, not in the least. The only thing we agree on is that Dane was a scumbag.

“What in the name of the Goddess are you wearing?” Sten, Christian’s dad, asked, folding his arms in disapproval.

“Clothes. You know, like what most people wear in settings where nudity is frowned upon.” I smiled.

“I know they are clothes. I meant that.” Sten pointed at my skirt like it was some revealing or offensive thing.

“A skirt. What kind of education did you receive not to know a skirt when you see it?” I asked, wrinkling my nose.

I could see Sten was ready to make another comment, but the sound of reverb from a microphone cut him off as everyone turned their attention. I turned, smiling as I saw it wasn’t the elders on the stage but Auðr and his band. I ignored Sten and the others, making my way to be front and center by the stage. I wondered what song or songs they were going to play for us. I expected a familiar song but didn’t recognize it as the band started playing something fast and upbeat.

“I saw you like a flash, purple skittle in the storm. Colors on fire, your spirit so warm.

You’re the chaos, the spark that breaks the mold. And I’m the steady beat to your heart of goooold.” Auðr belted out the words, winking at me.

This is a new song. He wrote a new song. He wrote a new song about ME.

“Taste the rainbow, mutha fucka!” Everyone in the band shouted.

“You shouted so loud. Bringing warmth to my cold in that wild-hearted crowd. You’re the chaos, I’m the rock, but somehow, we blend. Finding heat in the balance, lovers ‘til the eeeennnnnd” Rhapsody joined Auðr in the chorus.

“I thought I was fine, kept my heart on ice. Didn’t know I was frozen till I saw your light. Wrapped up in your storm, I don’t wanna leave. You’re the fire in my veins, helping me believe.” Auðr continued signing, bobbing his head to the beat.

“Taste the rainbow, mutha fucka!” The whole band sang.

“With a grin so sly. You bring the passion. You’re the warmth in my sky. Purple skittle in a world so gray. Your chaos completes me in every way.” Auðr and Rhapsody sang another chorus.

“They said I was ice, too cold to melt. But you broke through showed me what love felt. You’re the candy, the heat, my colorful spark. Bringing sweetness and fire into my heart.” Auðr winked at me.

“Taste the rainbow, mutha fucka!” The band sang.

“A battle cry bright. You’re my purple skittle, my sweet, my light. With your warmth in my veins, I know I’m alive. Side by side, we burn, and we thrive.” Rhapsody and Auðr sang.

“So here’s to the wild, the fearless, the free. You’re my chaos, my love, the fire I need.

We’re hand in hand, love. In this world, we collide. I’m your rock, you’re my storm—we’re the perfect tide.” Auðr repeated the outro three times as the music slowly faded out.

I whistled and applauded enthusiastically, eyes locked on my mate. I wasn’t the only one clapping. Almost everyone in the hall was clapping. I say almost because the geezers and their sons were standing by stone-faced. Fuck ‘em if they don’t know good music when they hear it. The elders took this moment to decide to get on stage. When Joar reached to take the from Auðr, he got shut down by a hiss from Rune as he stepped in Joar’s way.

“Step off,” Rune said, pointing Joar away. “This is Auðr’s show, not yours.”

It looked like old man Elton and Svein were going to back Joar, but Zeke and Zeidan moved to blank Rune with arms folded. Sten, middle-aged Elton, and Jöran tried to get the mic from the other side, but Rhapsody and Léonel stopped them. Auðr looked amused at his band taking point as bodyguards.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Boys and girls. Wolves and vampires.” Auðr went into his showman routine, getting everyone’s attention.

“Some of you know me, while some of you don’t. I’m Auðr Darby, Steelcrest’s first Aleph. I’m sure this isn’t how things are done here, but times are changing, and getting on board is in everyone’s best interest.” Auðr glanced at the elders and their sons in warning on the last line.

“I’m a showman. It’s just who I am. Blame my creole roots if you like.” Auðr smiled as there was a small round of cheers.

I glanced in that direction and realized some Darby wolves had come for the event. How sweet and supportive of them. They were standing with my family, which makes sense as they are Leo’s family, too.

“As such, I’ll be MCing tonight. I went off the planned agenda and started tonight with a song written for my mate, your new alpha, Sage Carlisle.” Auðr pointed to me, a spotlight following his finger.

“Get up here, Skittles.” He crooked his finger.

I chuckled as I made my way onto the stage, followed by the guys. I walked around the elders, not sparing them a glance. I smiled at the band, and they nodded back. It’s a HUGE difference from how things started between me and the band, especially Rune. As soon as I was within reach, Auðr had an arm around me, pulling me into his side.

“Say hello, Sage,” Auðr said, offering the mic to me.

“Hello, Sage,” I smirked.

“Your alpha, Steelcrest.” Auðr chuckled. “Now I’m sure your elders and active ranked members had everything planned tonight. Long-winded speeches in monotone voices.”

“But that’s not our style. Is it, Auðr?” I asked, getting in on the act.

“Not at all.” He agreed.

“Now that you’ve been entertained with some music and introduced to us, we’ll call it a night. You’re welcome to stay, party, and do what wolves do on an eclipse. We will do what vampire/werewolf mates do during a blood moon eclipse. Your new Beta can take it from here.” Auðr winked.

He tossed the mic to Christian as he guided me off the stage. As we left the stage, there was a mixture of applause and laughter.

“Our Alpha and Aleph.” Christian laughed. “We’ll head out for the run in an hour. Don’t feel rushed to hit the bar or buffet. The food and drinks will still be here when we return.” Christian’s announcement was muffled as Auðr was already shutting a door behind us.

“I can’t believe you wrote and performed a song just for me.” I gushed, unable to hold back.

“Glad you liked it. Now, come on. The eclipse is going to start, and there’s something we ought to be doing during it.” Auðr said, leading me toward our room.

“Oh, I know.” I grinned as I pushed him against the wall and kissed him.

It’s good that we weren’t in the same city last blood moon eclipse. I’d have been way too inclined to mark him. I always want to be at least touching him, but tonight, it’s like that desire is multiplied. It’s like every cell in my body knows it’s the eclipse, and it’s the time to claim what’s mine and be claimed as his. It was hard to control when we were in the hall, but now that the eclipse was starting, it was impossible.