Alpha Tristan Leroux
Mating day had never seemed longer. Every inch of my body ached, burned with a desire to get out of here, to be next to my mate, to mark her and make her mine. I had literally been apart from her for ten minutes and it was already driving me to distraction.
Leaving her to spend time with her family had seemed like a brilliant idea at the time, considerate and accommodating, but now, sat at the front of the ball room surrounded on both sides by Alphas engaged in conversation with their mates while we waited for the first couples to request approval from their respective Alpha’s, all I could do was worry.
I had left my unmarked mate to fend for herself in a place she didn’t know surrounded by horny wolves looking for a mate of his own.
This was without a doubt the most stupid idea I had ever had.
Lost in thought I ignored the chatter around me, normally I would take the time to gain political advantage. Use the relaxed atmosphere to talk with my alliance Alphas and see what was going on in their packs, but I just couldn’t pull my thoughts away from the brunette that was so wrong for me but right at the same time.
‘I’m sure she will ed up surprising you. Have you ever met a true matched pair there were anything but perfect for each other? The goddess knows what she is doing’. Nox’s grumble sounded in my head, the deep voice drowning out the sound around me.
‘Easy for you to say, you don’t have to be careful not to burn the poor girl if you loose control. I can barely keep my train of thought, the idea of being alone with her…’ the thought trailed off as a different set of images took up my focus, dark brown wavy hair splayed across my pillow, plum soft lips parting in a gasp, perfectly pert breasts with little nipples begging for attention. I shook off the thought, it would not do to be sporting wood at an event when there was no way I could escape for at least a couple of hours.
A couple of hours, goddess I had to endure this for way to long, letting her stay with her family had definitely been a stupid idea.
Thoughts of taking her to bed drifted back to the forefront of my mind as my wolf literally salivated at the thought of truly making her ours, I caught her scent in the room on a slight breeze, the smell captivating me as though there weren’t hundreds of other people in the room with us, and my eyes snapped in the direction of the scent to see her stood through the crowd beside her parents.
Her expression, as had been the norm throughout the day so far, was one of trepidation and I squashed the thoughts of taking her to bed, as fear of my own set in. I would kill her. There was no way she could handle it if I lost control and there was no way I could lay her in my bed without truly letting go.
I watched in fascination as her expression changed for the first time from fear to determination and I wondered not for the first time what was going through her mind. It would be easier once she was marked, I would get an impression through the bond of her feelings so at least I wouldn’t have to guess quite so much what she was thinking but it would be at least a week before I could pull everything together to hold the Luna bond ceremony. Until then I was just going to have to keep guessing.
The familiar tingle of a mind link distracted me for a moment as I searched the crowd for Roman, finding him stood talking to the Beta from Dark Forest “How’s it going?” he asked once I let him in.
“Shit. How the fuck did I think this was a good idea.”
“What? Walking the line, or leaving her with her parents?”
“Both!” I stated after a moments hesitation to Romans obvious amusement. “What’s Grey after?” I asked referring to the Beta he had been talking with.
“He wants to discuss the peace treaty with the east coast pack again. Dude is doing my fucking head in, hence the mind link, I needed to get out of that conversation. He’s as bad as Catoil, pompous ass suck up prick.” I chuckled lightly
“Welcome to my world.” I muttered there were days in a row when I wondered if the alliance was worth the fucking hassle.
“Had a chat with your mate. Saved her from the mob outside.” Roman stated and I could clearly see the smirk on his face from here.
“What mob?” I asked, my thoughts once again back on my mate and a growl rising in my chest at the thought of any kind of danger surrounding her.
“The pack were laying in wait once you headed in, they were all lined up for a fucking meet and greet. The girl looked terrified as it was, without being forced to meet our crazy lot. Figured it was safer to get her in here where we can both keep an eye out.”
I nodded. “Thanks Ro.”
“No worries. She’s a quiet one, didn’t say an awful lot, although that could be the fear. Gave her a little bit of a tour, essentially just pointed out the west wing and the central block. She went white as a sheet when I mentioned the fact that she would be living in the main block with us. Maybe she’s worried about ‘expectations’, if you know what I mean. She seems awfully shy and timid, I doubt she’s had many run ins with men.” He informed and for the first time I stopped to think about what this must really be like for her.
I was well aware that De ‘Maine forced all women over the age of eighteen to attend mating day, maybe she hadn’t wanted to find a mate yet. She could have hopes, college and career, And all of those dreams could have just been ripped away from her, because let’s face it. No Luna I’ve ever met manged to find the time to attend college, leading a pack isn’t an easy job, that’s for damn sure.
‘We could give her light duties, carry on carrying the load so she can still follow her dreams.’ Nox suggested and I agreed without a second thought, there was nothing in this world I wanted right now but to make that girl happy.
“You might wanna wipe that sappy look off your face, your about to have company.” Roman’s voice informed before he closed the link. I was gonna have to have words with him about this, twice today he had pushed me out without explanation. With a slight frown of frustration at the liberties taken by my Beta I focused on the room and glanced around to see which couple was heading over. The frown deepened when I didn’t see anyone approaching before my eyes widened in shock at the sight of my mate, Cali, heading towards me, that look of determination still firmly fixed on her face.
“Hey.” She greeted timidly stood before me and I smiled at her sudden shyness as the determination disappeared.
“Hi.” I returned with a hand gesture for her to come closer, to stand beside me the ay my fellow Alphas ha arranged themselves with their own mates. “Is everything okay?”
“Yes.” She nodded looking around the room and visibly swallowing.
“I’m assuming you weren’t expecting to match at all today, let alone to an Alpha.” I stated with raised brows.
“I’m sorry, I know I’m not handling this very well. It’s all been a bit of a shock. But I will do better.” She stated seeming afraid again and I wondered what kind of life she had led to be so fucking timid that she couldn’t even see to fully speak her mind.
“You’re handling things fine. It will get easier with time.” I stated taking her and in mine on instinct and brushing my fingers across her oft skin. I couldn’t help but wonder if all of her body was as soft as the tingles from her touch raced through my body and my mind was once again filled with indecent images.
I shook off the thoughts with great effort, and as much as I didn’t want to I pulled my thoughts to a different matter. “You don’t have to be here you know, it’s not particularly thrilling waiting for couples to ask for our blessing.”
“It’s my job to be here though…” She stated trailing off for a minute in thought before continuing. “I thought it might not look very good if you are sat here alone when everyone here knows that you found your true match today. I know that I wont really be of any help, I don’t even really know what you have to do but at least I could stand here and keep you company while you are waiting.” She stated and a genuine smile broke out on my face before I could stop it.
That was the longest she had spoken since we met, her voice filled with determination and for a minute I considered that I may have been wrong about her, maybe she was stronger than she appeared. Of course, that thought led right back to images of her splayed out on my bed. I cleared my throat before I actually started drooling and addressed her again.
“Well, I am certainly glad of the company. And we don’t do an awful lot to be honest, couples will approach once they agree a match and ask for our blessing, our permission, to be mated. The she-wolf will typically also ask her Alpha for permission to leave the pack.”
“Oh.” Her eyes lifted slightly to De ‘Mane sat next to me before she lowered her voice. “Should I be asking Alpha De ‘Maine?” She questioned timid once more and I almost chuckled. This woman’s emotions were going to give me whiplash.
“No, it’s different with an Alpha. When Omegas decide on a mating or even if they have a true match, either could leave their pack to join the other as they typically only have small obligations to their pack. I can’t leave Blackrock to join Oak creek, so no, you don’t need permission.”
She nodded at my explanation. “That makes sense. Does permission get denied very often?” She queried and I took a deep breath. I never expected to have to explain this to anyone and for the first time I wondered what her family’s position was within Oak Creek, and what kind of education she had been given.
“Where you never told any of this?” I asked before I could stop myself and watched in fascination as she winced.
“Honestly.” She swallowed seeming nervous all of a sudden and I waited with bated breath for the answer. “I refused to listen to anything to do with mating day on principle. I was most like told I just never listened.”
“Why not?” I asked trying not to jump to conclusions.
“I never wanted a mate. I had no intention of arranging a mating and I didn’t’ expect I would ever find a true match, it’s so rare now.” She stated turning her gaze away from me and I got the distinct impression that that wasn’t the whole story, but I didn’t press. There would be plenty of time to get to know one another. I was curios why she didn’t want a mate though, although I guess I had no room to talk, I put it off myself for years.
Our conversation was interrupted shortly after as we were approached by an elder couple looking for permission for the she-wolf to join Blackrock from Dark Forest.
I took my duty seriously, asked the she-wolf what she would bring to the pack before granting my permission. Four more couples approached before there was a lull again and I turned to see Cali watching the other Alpha and Luna pairings.
If nothing else she seemed eager to learn now. Maybe I could get one of the pack scholars to giver her lessons or something. I had no idea how I was supposed to find the time to teach her, her duties along with running the pack alone if she was going to be off galivanting and doing goddess only knows what. Although she had come here on her own, said that it was her job. Maybe I wouldn’t have to handle everything.
“What happens this evening?” She asked and I started out my thoughts.
“Is this your first Mating Day?” asked instead of answering and she nodded.
“Yes. I only turned Eighteen three months ago, I wasn’t old enough to attend the spring day.” She stated.
“We wrap up in here around 3 pm. Then anyone heading home will say their goodbyes, anyone staying will retire to their rooms to change, Evening meal is served at 5 followed by the evening celebrations. It’s a long day I’m afraid.” I answered as patiently as I could manage. If she had never attended a mating date before I couldn’t rightly expect her to know the schedule. “Do you have a dress for this evening?” I asked and watched as he face paled a little.
“Yes, but it’s not really befitting a... um… well a Luna.” She answered her cheeks-tinged pink. Again, I couldn’t be upset, how was she possibly to know that she would end up mated to an Alpha. The day was always casual, although she looked out of place in her jeans and blouse next to my shirt and trousers, but she had fit in perfectly standing in the line. However, this evening she would need to shine.
I pushed a mind link with Roman. “I need you to arrange getting a dress for Cali for this evening.” I stated as soon as he opened the link.
“Didn’t she bring one?” My best friend asked.
“Yes but apparently its not befitting her new station.”
“That’s fair I guess. I’ll sort it. any preference on… I don’t know, style of colour?”
“I’m sending out for a new dress for you, any preference on style or colour? I asked her as Roman waited patiently with the link open for my response.
“What, you don’t…. I guess you do. No. no preference.” She muttered seeming down hearted all of a sudden and I relayed it to Roman, watching him leave the room shortly after. “I’m sorry.” Cali stated grabbing my attention again. “I’m supposed to ae your life easier and all I have done so far is turn up looking like no one owns me and cause you more work.” She stated and I instantly felt bed from feeling frustrated.
“Its no trouble honestly. You weren’t looking for a mate, why would you have planned for a true match with an Alpha?” Maybe I needed to learn a little patience. I could certainly work on my compassion that was for sure.
“Would you like me to go? To leave you alone?” She asked and I frowned at the question.
“No. I honestly don’t mind answering your questions or having someone fetch you a new dress. Its not a big deal. I’m only going to be at here anyway. I am concerned about how much you may need to learn, I may not have the time always to hold your hand and answer your questions, but we will address that later.”
“I promise, I am not a clueless as I seem right now.” She muttered and I squeezed her hand as the next couple approached.
It was going to be a really, really long day.
Alpha Tristan LerouxWe stood in silence for the next hour, and I worried that I had discouraged her from asking her questions, which was worse than her asking. A Luna that did not know what she needed to know, was a dangerous thing. I mentally took note to address this later on when we had more privacy. For now though, the day was coming to a close and more and more couples were approaching the row of Alphas.A sudden squeeze of my shoulder had my attention pulling from the couple walking away to my mate behind me, I ignored the desire to pull her on my lap and followed her gaze to the couple stood before Alpha De ‘Maine. The Girl was a member of my pack, a sweet innocent young teacher. I frowned at the worried look on Cali’s face.“What is it?” I asked on a whisper.Her gaze strayed from the couple to me and back again as she quietly contemplated something for a moment.“D
Calista FaiAmber was such a sweet girl, the stinging gash on my arm was well worth the effort to save her from a life of goddess only knows what. She led me along the main corridor in the West wind and through the heavy double doors into a foyer that could comfortably fit my parents’ house inside it twice.A small seating area was set up to the right of the front doors, the floor to ceiling windows on either side of the door let in an abundance of light. There were several doors off the room as well as a huge staircase that led up to the first floor. I followed amber up the stairs, noticing for the first time the middle-aged man following silently behind us, dressed all in black, and mentally noted that he must be the warrior Tristan said he would assign to the floor.We walked along the open plan landing that looked down on the foyer below then along the corridor to the right and up a second set of stairs to a
Calista FaiAmber turned out to be a wealth of knowledge about the pack, although I expected I forgot half of the information as fast as she told me it. I heard all about the leadership and how the hierarchy worked here, as well as a small amount of information about the last Alpha and his Luna.By the end of the hour that we spent together her tears had dried up, she was smiling and laughing and I could honestly say that I felt we could be good friends.She left around 3pm saying she was expected to attend the meal this evening and that she needed time to get ready I let her out of the room and immediately retreated to the on-suite bathroom for a quick soak in the huge tub to get ready myself.I was completely lost in my own thought’s half an hour later as I climbed out of the tub and wrapped one of the huge towels around myself, feeling completely relaxed I had almost forgotten all about the day’s events. For t
TristanLeaving that bedroom was just about the hardest thing I had ever had to do, and that was saying something. I fought my own desire and my wolf every step I took towards my own room.‘Go back’ Nox demanded as I strained to keep myself heading away from my mate. The desire to mark her, to mate with her was stronger than anything I had ever experienced.This is crazy. How the hell is it possible to want someone so fucking badly that literally every part of me aches with need.I immediately stripped off my clothes and stepped under the cold spray of the shower, head bent against the tiles I let the water run over my tattooed back while trying to get control over myself, but five minutes later I was still as hard as a fucking rock, and I knew it wasn’t going away on its own. With a shudder I wrapped my fist tightly around my now painful erection and pumped my cock enthusiastically as visions
CaliThe minutes ticket by as I paced the elegant wooden floor of the perfectly decorated ballroom. Eventually, just as I thought I was going to throw up with nerves, Amber rounded the doorway with her father in tow.“Is there anything else I can help with Luna?” Trent asked and I smiled.“No, thank you for your help. Are you attending this evening?” I asked and he shook his head.“No Luna, the meal and reception are designed for unmated and newly mated wolves. I will be at home with my mate this evening.”“Okay, well thank you again. And enjoy your evening with your mate.” I smiled, I watched as he gave one last nervous glance at his daughter who stood before me looking nervous herself as she played with her own fingers, before he left.“Amber, thank you for rushing down, I am so sorry to interrupt you. You look beautiful by the way.”
Cali“Good evening all.” I greeted once all eyes were on me, my voice breaking with nerves, and I swallowed and cleared my throat offering the gathered wolves a smile.You know that dream you have where you’re naked in high school. Yeah, I’m not embarrassed to admit that I did look down to check I was still wearing clothes.“Alpha Leroux has been held up on Pack business, I am sure he will join us as soon as he is able to. In the meantime, however, I would like to welcome all guests to Blackrock and thank you all for attending this year’s Autumn mating day.”“As a new member of Blackrock myself, I would also like to thank you all for making me feel so welcome. I am honoured to be here, honoured to now call this my home, and I will do my upmost to be a worthy Luna for you all.” I swallowed hard again, looking at the faces who were all smiling back at me. Not
Tristan. ‘Fuck’. I made my way across the ballroom as fast as my human legs would carry me and sought safety at the Alpha table with Roman and some blonde he was chatting away with.I slumped back into a seat and tried in vain to keep my eyes away from the dance floor. Damn I really was a bastard. She stood in the middle of the floor, eyes down looking completely lost, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. I never dreamed that the desire to mate her would be so strong that I couldn’t hold her long enough to have one dance in public without my wolf trying to take over. How the fuck was I ever going to treat her like a Luna if I couldn’t hold her hand let alone actually mate her, without risking her death?Nox was unusually quiet in my head as I tried to process everything, letting my eyes roam the gathered crowd and completely ignore the ridiculous conversation Roman was having next to me. The
TristanThe sun had barely risen when I got the call that something was going on. Now, stood dressed in a casual white shirt, and black trousers at the ass crack of dawn, I wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed, only it wasn’t my bed I found myself fantasising about.The small moan that had greeted my ears as I walked past the bedroom door had me stopping in place and instantly hard. I could hear her heartbeat and smell her scent through the solid wood, and it was killing me that I couldn’t go in there. But I couldn’t go in there. I would kill her, fuck I couldn’t even control myself long enough to dance with her and the desire that Nox was feeling was echoed through my own body making the whole thing that much worse.I had experienced Nox’s desire to mate for the last few years, and each year it had gotten gradually stronger, but there had always been a clear distinction betwee
The pack house was blissfully quiet the next morning, something I was surprised to find, even as I walked down from the bedroom and through the halls, there was no one in sight and no noise, it was actually a little eerie.Roman had explained the night before that the warriors had located Liberty pack and they were planning an attack on their camp so I had no doubt that Roman Tristan and the other relevant people were ensconced away in the war room making plans, but I would have expected, at the very least to run into some of the pack house staff.Cali was sat alone in the sitting room with a trolly full of breakfast foods, her head bend as se read through what had to be the oldest book I had ever seen.“Morning.” I whispered, not wanting to disturb her but Cali closed the book and placed it in her lap before looking around the room and fixating on the trolley of food as though surprised to see it there.“Morning. What time is it?”“A little after nine. I slept in.” I muttered feeling
TristanJackson wasn’t joking when he called it a camp. From the looks of it most of the shifters were sleeping outside under the nights sky. Most of the year that wouldn’t be an issue, especially if you shifted into wolf form to stay warm, but there was still snow on the ground in parts of the woodlands, and the bits that weren’t covered in snow were frozen solid, it was freezing out there.I scanned the picture on the screen, taking in the tarpaulin hanging haphazardly to create barriers from the wind, rain and snow, the single tent like structure and the dozens of shifters, and a sadistic glee filled me, it was animalistic and most definitely came from the wolf in me but it wasn’t an emotion I would fight.These monsters had attacked my home, my pack, put the alliance under the treat of war, injured and killed. Kidnapped and tortured and soon they would receive a taste of their own medicine.“Roman, go through the pictures and videos see if you can put together a map of their camp.
RomanThe sense of relief was astounding, even Smoke was calm inside my head for once, laying with Amber wrapped in my arms, our cub growing safely inside her, for the first time I felt like I was home. I guess it’s true what they say, you don’t know what you have until its gone. The risk of loosing Amber over this made me realise just how much I needed my mate, and only part of that feeling was due to the bond we had created.For the most part it was all her, her smile, her gentle approach, she tempered me in a way I didn’t know was possible, even Smoke was generally calmer when she was around.Her fingers traced the ridges on my chest and stomach, the now familiar tingles leaving bump on my skin.“You okay?” I asked, loathe to break the comfortable silence, but we couldn’t ignore this, a baby wasn’t just going to disappear. The no of her head against my chest wasn’t the most reassuring answer he could have given. “Amber, baby. I need you to talk to me.”“It hurt. Knowing that this t
CaliTristan genuinely looked like he was at his wits end, not that I could blame him, yet again he was shouldering a hell of a burden and there didn’t seem to be a reprieve around the corner. I watched as he sat back in his office chair, scrubbing his face with his hands as he took deep breaths, trying to control the overwhelming emotions running through him, frustration, anger, disappointment, disbelief, not one of them were positive and left me feeling overwhelmed and I only felt the echo of his emotions.Anger seemed to tip the scales a little as he dialled the phone and placed the call on loudspeaker on his desk waiting for the other person to pick up. He tapped a finger on the desk, and I bit my lip, I had a feeling that Lotus pack were about to be on the receiving end of all of Tristan’s pent up frustrations.“Leroux.” A young voice answered and my eyes flicked up to Tristan in surprise. Alpha Paxon was far from young, his son Abel was set to take over any day, but word was tha
AmberWhen I suggested to Cali that we take Amie out of the boot room, I was just trying to be the bigger person, and if I’m honest I was feeling a little guilty, the girl couldn’t be much older than 18 if at all, and she was on the receiving end of a hell of a lot of hate, even if she hadn’t witnessed it, I didn’t want to be one more person in her life that hated her, when truth be told, Cora was right, that cold have just as easily been me.But the story she told actually broke my heart. No one should have to live in that kind of a household, no one should be belittled by the people that are genetically engineered to love you. I couldn’t help but rub my hand over the rounding belly that contained the bundle of life I already loved so much.I couldn’t even imagine.“Amber?” The question startled me, I had actually forgotten that Roman was here, I also hadn’t noticed that everyone else had abandoned me. I guess it was for the best. No one wanted to be a part of this kind of conversati
Cali‘Well that escalated quickly.’ Thalia’s thought in my head was pure amusement as she practically drooled over how protective and strong our mate was. Damn baby hormones. We were in the middle of a nightmare situation and all I could think about was how much I wanted my mate.Tristan growled at the older man before issuing a threat of his own, his tone pitched low enough that bumps rose on my arms, if the man wasn’t wetting himself he was an idiot, I more than anyone, knew just how soft and loving Tristan could be, but in Jacks shoes, I’m not entirely sure I would still be conscious.“You have some nerve, coming into my home, throwing around your accusations, threatening my beta, demanding things like you have a right and now you have the balls to throw a vase at my mate, my Luna. The only reason you’re still breathing is because of that young girl over there. The very girl you were ready to abandon, the girl you call a whore, just saved your life.”I felt the tell-tale signs of t
RomanJack Elisse’s voice carried when he was mad, I didn’t even have to force my hearing to listen in on their conversation, standing in the hallway, with the door closed, I could hear him as crystal clear as if he was stood beside me, and every one of his words sliced through my patience like a knife through butter. I could practically feel Tristan’s displeasure from here, and I had no doubt that after this performance I was shortly going to be on the wrong end of another one of the Alpha’s rants.The fact that I had to step out of the room at all was just icing on an already fucked up cake.“Look at you, standing there like you think I’m in the wrong. They always said that Alpha Leroux was fair, tough but fair and yet you’re taking that bastards side without blinking. You have to know that he’s in the wrong here, behind that blank mask of yours, you cannot be this blind.” I winced at the older man’s words, knowing just how pissed off Tristan was right now, there was no way that wou
AmberIt literally felt like my heart had been torn from my chest. The only man I had ever loved, had a child with someone else.“Romans talking with Tristan, he was up here with you for a while but Tris is pissed.” Cali informed from her seat beside me on the bed, although I could barely focus on her words, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to.“I don’t want to see him.” I muttered and Cali shook her head.“Don’t talk like that, you’ll work through it.”“I don’t care, right now Cali, I do not want to see him. How could he do this to me?” I asked as the tears fell from my eyes and my hands went to my stomach. The child he had been so worried about, scared to raise, wasn’t even his first.“There’s still a chance the baby isn’t his.”“I don’t believe that, and neither do you. We both saw his face Cali. The baby is his.”“So, what are you going to do?” The question was asked tentatively but that was the question of the hour, what was I going to do?“I don’t know, but I can’t, right now I just c
RomanOf all the fucking things, and all the fucking timing.I grit my teeth as I stroked the hair back off Amber’s face. My pregnant mate had literally passed out from the news that I had apparently fathered another she-wolfs cub. The doc was on his way over, while I had managed to catch Amber before she hit the ground, I wasn’t willing to take any chances with my mate or my cub.Now I just had to figure out what I was going to do about the girl and the baby.I recognised her, of course I did. She was a member of Lotus pack, a she-wolf I had met over a year ago while Damian and I were on assignment there.Was there a possibility the baby was mine? Unfortunately, yes. I was always careful, I always had been, with everyone but Amber, although that didn’t really mean a lot, shit still happened. But I hadn’t been her first, and I doubt I was her last, so was there a possibility that the cub belonged to someone else? Sure. And fuck was I hoping that was the case.A knock on the door had m