Chapter 28 Gabriel

The SUVs rolled in, one after another starting earlier this afternoon. It was a constant procession, some making the trek for a few days.

Sure, they could have flown, but some traditions are harder to break than others. The Eastern Hills Pack arrived in a decked-out RV just before dusk. That was a new twist, but it was a week’s journey for them, so why not have accommodations on the road?

That meant we also didn’t have to provide lodging, only hookups.

Seith left me with the knowledge of Ravenhall’s ambition. It was quite possible he married Vanessa to a Northern Pack hoping to expand into our hemisphere.

Vanessa didn’t have much use for the Southern boys during our time at the academy. She made in with Northern Princesses, the common name for Alpha daughters. That put her in direct sight of the Northern Princes.

What Seith made sense now that I think back on things. Lucien made the perfect patsy. He never cared about running the pack, only running around having a good time.

Corren had a good Beta. Victor was one of the best. Not only was he aware of everything, but he was strong, like Alpha strong. Uncle mentioned it on more than one occasion.

Victor could have been an Alpha of his own pack. Apparently, Corren offered him some prime real estate and the ability to run his own pack; no strings attached. Victor turned him down every time.

Uncle and Victor were close, maybe it was time I had a talk with Uncle about other things besides me finding a mate.

I made my way down the staircase, the grand foyer was full of the representatives of the Twelve milling about, sipping on some Frostberry bubbly, a specialty of Coralridge Distillery.

I caught Seith near the front door trying to catch my eye.

He stood stoic, hands crossed in front of him, legs spread, the perfect guardian position.

Except his eyes kept darting to his right. I dipped my chin, almost imperceptible unless you were looking.

I made my way down the last few steps, following the curve of the massive staircase, which just so happened to turn in the direction his eyes wanted me to follow.

There, off to the back of the room, chatting with two of the Elders from Coralridge, was Lucien and Vanessa.

I immediately schooled my expression to impassive, but couldn’t help but wonder why they were here. Lucien obviously didn’t have a daughter to present for bonding. That’s the only reason Alphas ever attended these damned things.

Or, like in my case, an unbonded Alpha seeking a mate might attend. That was protocol, them being here tonight…was not.

I caught Seith’s eye over the heads of the representatives and gave another subtle nod. I saw him speak into his comm tucked away in his collar. Seconds later, one of his security personnel appeared to take his place.

I watched him start circulating, checking in on guests, then moving to the next group until he made his way toward the back of the room.

Now that he was officially babysitting the baby Alpha, that left me free to mingle. If I worked my way back there before the horn, cool. If not, he could deal with it.

There wasn’t much to say as I circulated. Too many “Yes maybe this year,” answers. These girls just seemed younger and younger to me every year.

Honestly, I’m not sure how many more of these I’d be willing to do. The age gap is just going to get into creepy old man territory.

I might have to talk to family about who I should name as a successor. I think Seith, but he isn’t mated either. Not only that, but his reaction earlier when I asked him about it was not expected.

Something I would definitely be broaching in the near future.

But not tonight. I changed my focus and made my way over to the only other Alpha in attendance. While I secretly might enjoy the thought of dissing him, protocol said I couldn’t without a reason.

Simply being an asshole didn’t qualify.

I smiled as I approached, but made damn sure the smile never reached my eyes.

Lucien and I extended our hands at the same time and gave a hearty gripped handshake. I barely gave Vanessa a glance, keeping my eyes on Lucien instead.

“I would have had rooms made ready here in the Hall if we’d known you were coming.”

Before Lucien could answer, Vanessa stepped in closer to her mate. Inserting herself not quite in the middle, but between us and said, “We thought being a new Alpha and newly bonded, we should make our rounds to these ceremonies.”

I squashed my smirk when I saw Lucien’s lips flatten and an almost invisible intake of breath which he held for a second longer than normal.

There were a dozen answers on the tip of my lips, but instead I went with a simple, “Oh.”

Neither affirming or denouncing their decision.

“Either way. Welcome.” I offered. “We can get some rooms readied during dinner.”

“No need,” Lucien replied flatly. “We won’t be staying for your turn for the bond or your pack’s run.”

“Alrighty. If there’s anything we can do before you take your leave, please do let us know. Seith is more than happy to help.”

Seith’s chin dipped, and he stayed in guard mode near them as I slipped away with Samil, my Council’s leader.

“Sam, what’s wrong?” I murmured low enough for his ears but not any other wolves.

“Can we talk in your office for a moment Alpha?”

“Sure.” I replied, turning to let Seith know I would be back shortly.

Sam didn’t say anything else until I closed the door to my sound proof room.

“They don’t have the bond,” he said worriedly.

“And that matters why?”

“They are proclaiming being bonded. I smell the ritual herbs that are supposed to bring on the bond. It’s not working.”

“I don’t mean to be dense Sam, but again this matters why?”

“It’s a false bond. Their pack is weakened.”

“Oh.” I replied, nodding my head as if I understood what the problem was. Then I remembered what Seith said about Daddy Ravenhall. Could he be masterminding a pack takeover?

“Thank you, Sam. Just so I’m clear, is it the lack of bonding that’s making the pack weak?”

“It’s more like they are doing rites that aren’t working. It’s got to have an impact on their wolves at some point.”

“But not right away…” I looked at him for confirmation.

“Correct. It could take years. But the rites should be working. Especially with the girl’s passing. That leaves the bond free and clear.”

I stilled at his mention of the girl.