Chapter 2

Ye are Blood of my Blood and

Bone of my Bone.

I give ye my Body, that we Two might be one.

Celtic wedding ceremony.

Patric followed the lead cars through the enormous iron gates which marked the entrance to the Reiver pack house. They were accompanied by six Reivers in wolf form, three on either side of their little convoy. The wolves had stood across the road blocking the way about half a mile before the start of the territory. Alpha Henri had left his vehicle to talk to them and they had been alongside the cars ever since. Werewolves can be wary about attacks from other packs or rogues, lone wolves with no pack, but this display of strength seemed excessive to Annie. They had been driving through the territory for over an hour before reaching the gates and according to Patric, they still had a mile or so to go.

“This pack’s territory is something else.” remarked Sabine.

     Annie could feel Sabine’s anticipation at a good run as soon as they entered Reiver territory. She had to admit, the scenery was stunning. The grey and purple hills sloped down to reach the dark green conifer forests, eventually flattening out to lush green meadows at the bottom of the valleys. The air smelt so clean, and so pure. Annie reflected that she had spent far too much time either inside the university, in the town or with her head in a book. The colours of the landscape seemed to shimmer and shift with the changes in the light as the clouds scudded across the sky. The thought of running through these valleys had Sabine quivering with excitement as she took in the views through Annie’s eyes.  

Arriving at the pack house almost took Annie’s breath away, Alpha Henri went to meet the wolves who had come out to greet them, their feet crunching on the gravel of the driveway.

“This isn’t a pack house, it’s a mansion.” she silently said to Sabine. Her wolf was already in love with the place, urging her on to look inside.

“Patience Sabine, we can’t just go walking in, it’s rude, and these are Reivers after all” she playfully chided.

“Let Alpha Henri make the introductions first.” She added, rolling her eyes as Sabine snorted with impatience.

The grounds themselves were stunning, topiary bushes and well-manicured lawns stretched for a least a mile. Annie could hear running water so there must be a brook or fountain somewhere. The house itself was a sprawling grey stone building which had the air of a fortress. There were towers with tiny windows poking up from the grey slate roof and actual battlements. To her right, Annie could see preparations for the night’s ceremony underway. A huge marquee had been erected on the lawn and it was being decorated with garlands of wood anemone and heather. Gold chairs were being arranged inside and carpets rolled out to make a walkway between the house and marquee.

“This is going to be a beautiful wedding.” sighed Sabine.

“We will be shown to our rooms now.” said Alpha Henri through the mind link.

Annie almost jumped out of her skin. It had been a while since anyone had mind linked her. Living without the mind link for so long she had kind of got used to not having it, it almost felt like an intrusion into her private place. Trying to cover how flustered she felt, she took her bags from Patric as he lifted them out of the car and followed her family up the stone steps that led into the mansion. The hallway was old fashioned but beautiful, oak panelling with the heads of stags adorning the walls. It culminated in the most dominant feature, a huge oak staircase carpeted in deep red which swept upwards past giant oil paintings. Annie studied them as they climbed to the first floor. There was a mixture of landscapes, still life and portraits of Reivers in both human and wolf form. Some looked really old, depicting what she thought were probably some of the original Reiver raids, others were more recent, some of the Alpha’s ancestors perhaps. Her attention was drawn to a giant of a man stood at the top of the stairs waiting for them. He wore a black suit, white shirt and red tie, all looking bespoke and very expensive. Even his shoes were perfectly shined, with his fair hair swept back almost 1940s style and he was incredibly handsome.

“Welcome” he boomed, his Scots accent thick and strong as they reached the landing at the top of the stairs. “Great to see you all again..”  he abruptly stopped, his eyes firmly locked on Annie.

Annie took a sharp breath in. Why did she feel scared? The Alpha waves coming from him were intense, almost crushing. Sabine sent soothing vibes to help Annie control her face and breathing.

“Everyone except you though, I don’t believe we have met before.” he boomed, his eyes narrowing.

Alpha Henri turned and gestured for Annie to walk forward. Annie stepped forward to stand by her Alpha trying to look calm and confident whilst her insides churned.

“If I may Alpha Armstrong,” Alpha Henri started “This is Annie Lovell, sister of the mother of the bride so aunt to the bride herself.”

Alpha Armstrong then did something that took Annie, Sabine and everyone else completely by surprise. His arm snapped forward, grabbing Annie’s face with a tight grip, tilting her head from side to side so he could get a clear view of her neck. Annie winced.

“Stay calm Annie,” warned Alpha Henri through the mind link, the stress clear in his voice, “Please do not fight back, we are not here to start a war.”

As fast as he grabbed her, Alpha Armstrong let go.

“You are unmarked.” he announced, stating the obvious.

“Yes, I’ve been unlucky.” Annie was surprised how calm she sounded, though her insides were in turmoil.

Annie felt Sabine’s hurt, yes, after all this time it still hurt her wolf to think about what happened.

“How old are you?” he frowned.

“I’m forty- two Alpha Armstrong.” replied Annie, sincerely hoping he would just leave it there for Sabine’s sake.

“A real-life maiden aunt then I see,” he remarked. “I hope your rooms are to your liking, if you need anything please just ask my omegas, they are at your disposal.”

With that, Alpha Armstrong shook hands with Alpha Henri and strode off taking his overpowering aura with him.

“Wanker!” Sabine spat, fur bristling.

Annie was visibly shaken, but what else could she have done?  Alpha Armstrong was the biggest wolf she had ever seen. Reivers were known for their volatility and no one wanted to fight a Reiver. She thought the male wolves from her own pack were big, but he made Alpha Henri look small in comparison. Amelie laid a hand on her shoulder.

“You alright Annie?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” replied Annie shakily.

“No we are fucking not,” spat Sabine “How fucking dare he, and where was our Alpha when we needed him, just standing there while a member of his pack was manhandled and humiliated.”

“Please calm down Sabine. Remember, Alpha Henri is probably too young to remember what happened to us. Also, we don’t want to start a fight, ok? Come on I’m fine, we’re fine.” Annie soothed. Sabine huffed and took herself off to the back of her mind.

“You did well there.” said Alpha Henri, letting out a breath.

Annie nodded managing a weak smile at her Alpha while taking a deep breath. 

“Your rooms are this way.” said an omega who seemed to appear out of nowhere and be completely un-phased by the actions of his Alpha.

Annie was shown to a room next to Amelie and Patric with Jacques and Claire next to them. Annie put her bags on the bed and went to close the door, she needed a moment to herself. Sitting on a chair by the door she put her head in her hands and allowed herself a few tears. She knew from experience that it was dangerous to allow grief and humiliation take over completely, so she took a few deep shaky breaths.

“Come on, you’ve felt worse than this, been through worse than this,” she told herself. “That’s enough self- pity for one day, pull yourself together.” she said out loud as she stood.

 “You OK Sabine?” she asked her wolf, but there was nothing. Annie could sense her curled up at the back of her mind. She needed a little more time. Annie understood, she would give her all the time she needed.

With a steadying sigh, Annie took in her surroundings. Her room was quite beautiful. The white walls contrasted with the dark antique furniture, the curtains were thick and luxurious as was the grey carpet. The bedding on the double bed was a perfect white and on a little table by the bed, were tea and coffee making facilities. She walked towards an oak door, upon opening it, found a surprisingly modern en-suite bathroom with a roll top bath, separate shower and a huge reproduction Victorian washbasin. The walls were tiled in grey and the floor in white. On one shelf there were fluffy white towels along with an enticing array of bath and shower products.

“Wow,” thought Annie, “Just wow”.

After hanging her dress up, Annie took a hot shower, donned the fluffy white robe she found on the back of the bathroom door and lay down on the bed. She didn’t realise she had dozed off until a gentle knock on the door roused her with a start. It was Amelie asking if Annie wanted to go with her to see Aimeè. Throwing on a wrap around dress and some stilettos, Annie pulled a brush through her hair and joined her sister in the hallway. Once again, the omega appeared out of nowhere and gestured to them to follow him down the long corridor. After a few minutes of twists and turns, going through many heavy oak doors, Annie was completely disorientated. How anyone found their way around this place was a complete mystery to her. 

The omega finally stopped in front of a set of double oak doors, he knocked once and upon receiving a reply swung the doors inwards and gestured Annie and Amelie to enter.

“Mum!” squealed Aimeè, “Aunt Annie!  Come in, come in.”

Aimeè held her mum in a long embrace and then turned to Annie.

“I’m so glad you could come.” smiled Aimeè.

“Of course I came.” replied Annie pulling her niece into a hug.

“Anyone would think you had a habit of avoiding these things.” snarked Sabine.

“Shut it!” grinned Annie to her wolf feeling glad she was back.

Aimeè radiated happiness, lighting up the room and Annie breathed a sigh of relief. As long as Aimeè was happy, she was happy.

“Where is your groom?” asked Annie looking round.

“I can’t see him until the wedding,” gushed Aimeè, “It’s bad luck you know.”

Annie and Amelie spent a few hours with Aimeè and Jacques’s daughters Gabrielle and Marie until it was time to go and get ready for the ceremony. Upon leaving the room, the omega once more reappeared and showed them back to their rooms.

Annie slipped on her dress and shoes, applied a little light make-up and made her way to Amelie’s room for help with her hair. Amelie was apparently trying to strangle Patric with his tie, at least according to Patric. Once Patric was suitably attired, Amelie pinned Annie’s hair up leaving thin strands hanging down which she gently curled with a pair of curling tongs. Annie then helped Amelie into her ‘Mother of the Bride’ dress, the colours matching Patric’s tie. There was a knock at the door and the omega came in carrying a tray of Champagne which he left on the table for them before leaving. While they raised a toast to the Bride and Groom Annie noticed that Amelie was already quite tearful. Annie imagined that your only child marrying and leaving home would be a big wrench for the parents.

Before long it was time to go and be seated for the ceremony and once again the omega appeared as if from nowhere, he was starting to creep Annie out a bit if she was honest. Omegas were the children of werewolves who had no wolf themselves. While it wasn’t particularly unusual to have a few omegas in a pack, the Reivers seemed to have more than their fair share but Annie supposed that being such a large pack there would be more than she was used to seeing. Just like in any other pack they were used as house- keepers, cooks or in fact anything that resulted in the smooth running of the pack house. Their omega led them down the beautiful staircase and out into the garden, over the carpet walkway and into the vast marquee. He showed them to their seats at the front and after checking they didn’t need anything, silently disappeared.

The marquee gradually filled up and Annie found herself people watching. The family sat on the other side of the aisle must belong to the groom. Annie didn’t know much about Aimeè’s husband to be, except he was called Ben Johnstone and he was the nephew of the Reiver Beta, a huge wolf called Beta Maxwell.  She studied the Reiver women carefully. She wasn’t sure what she had been expecting but it wasn’t this. While she didn’t think they would all be wearing Scottish tweed or Argyll sweaters, she didn’t think they would be so showy. They were all very flashy, wearing expensive clothes, all designer by the looks of them, lots of make- up, jewellery dripping off every possible place, everything about them screaming ‘wealth’. The men all wore tartan kilts, the different colours and patterns denoting their clan and Annie noticed that each family sat together, not mixing even though they were from the same pack. They were a proud people. An almost palpable arrogance hung in the air and once again, Annie found herself wondering how Aimeè was going to fit in, a sweet girl from a very small pack.

Just then, the magical omega appeared.

“Blimey.” thought Annie to Sabine, “I swear he comes up out of the floor.”

She felt Sabine huffing with laughter in her head as the omega motioned to Patric that it was time to walk his daughter down the aisle. He gave Amelie a quick hug before nervously walking to the back of the marquee to meet Aimeè.

Everyone stood up and turned to the entrance as the music started, all eager to see the bride walk in. Aimeè’s fiancée went to stand at the front, ready to meet his bride as Aimeè and Patric swept down the aisle to gasps of appreciation. Aimeè looked radiant in her ivory, vintage lace gown. The colour in her cheeks was slightly raised but her eyes shone. She never once took her eyes from her fiancée and his eyes never left hers. Annie, in that moment, realised what a true mate bond should look like. This was it, right here, this man, this fearsome Reiver would never hurt her, never abandon her, he would always love and care for her, forever. She started to feel quite emotional, realising what she had missed out on but knowing that she couldn’t change it. Sabine was also hurting, their emotions connected as always. She heard Amelie stifle a sob and, pushing her own emotions down, placed a hand on her sister’s arm, giving it a little squeeze. Patric walked his daughter to his ‘soon to be son in law’ and placed her hand in his before walking back to his wife, a tear in his eye.

The ceremony was a cross between a human wedding, a traditional hand fasting and a werewolf blood- bonding, where the hands are tied together to cement the joining of two people before the palms of the bride and groom were cut, their hands pressed together to mix their blood, joining them as one. Aimeè and Ben stared into each other’s eyes as they recited their vows and exchanged rings. The official then took a rope and carried out the aged tradition of tying their hands together. The ceremony was recited in Gaelic, then repeated in English, and it was the most beautiful wedding Annie had ever seen but it all seemed to be over so quickly. Before Annie knew it, their palms were cut and pressed together, the groom was then invited to kiss the bride and the congregation erupted into applause as traditional pipe music played in the background. The newly joined Mr and Mrs Johnstone walked back down the aisle, both beaming and everyone was invited to join them for drinks on the lawn so the marquee could be rearranged for the reception.

Amelie and Patric walked to the garden chatting with Ben’s parents. Ben’s mother was as tearful as Amelie and they were talking animatedly about how wonderful everyone looked and how well it had gone. Annie trailed behind them, smiling at her family’s happiness. The magical omega appeared by her side and handed her a glass of champagne and as she sipped her drink, she looked around at the guests, everyone looked much more relaxed than before, were they expecting trouble? Security was tight, Annie didn’t know if the Reivers were just naturally cautious or they were expecting some sort of attack, maybe from a rival clan, or rogues perhaps? Surely not even the most desperate of rogues wouldn't attack a pack of this size, would they? She glanced towards the tree line and could see wolves patrolling, and she cast her mind back to the wolf escort they received earlier that day. She made a mental note to ask the omega if taking a run in the hills in the morning would be safe or not.

Jacques appeared at her side, sliding an arm around her shoulders to give her a quick squeeze.

“You OK?” he asked, not meeting her eye.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” she replied, sliding an arm around his waist to squeeze him back.

He kissed her on the top of her head and took her to join Claire and his daughters. That’s what she loved about her family. They took care of her without making an issue of things. They knew she and Sabine would find today hard, but they just let her get on with it, whilst quietly supporting her and she loved them for it.