Chapter 32 Gabriel

One more contract, then I can call it a day. Although, work is keeping me busy and out of my head.

My brain can’t seem to wrap itself around the conversation Seith and I had right before the ceremony dinner. Is Rodgrick trying to expand his territory into the Northern hemisphere?

It didn’t feel right, but it made sense. The Southern packs didn’t carry the same clout with the World Council.

My thoughts, when left to themselves, replayed the Old Alphas ribbing me at Corren’s funeral. Halia’s admonishment, Nakoa’s sage advice, and then Sam’s revelation after seeing Lucien and Vanessa together.

What did it all mean?

Dozens of first years, and other beautiful women crossed my stage two days ago, and Zevir didn’t even bother to come out of his corner.  His single chuff after the priestess blessed the ceremony told me there was no one there that appealed to him.

If there is no bond, then what am I to do?

Just pick someone?

Someone who’s mate was out there, hoping and waiting?

Why would I take that away from someone?

Wolves did it all the time, decided to partner without the bond.

Wolves loved and flourished without the bond damn it.

But what if I ended up with a Vanessa? How could I put the fate of the pack in the hands of a Luna who might not have their best interests at heart.

I returned my focus to the contract in front of me, when someone knocked.

The door opened before I could answer, so I waited for the little legs to propel herself into my arms.

I got up from my desk and squatted, waiting for her to run to me.

She didn’t run though, she came in and just stood there, staring at me.

“Umi?”

As if waking from a dream, Umi squealed and ran full tilt toward me. I scooped her up and nuzzled her chubby little neck, blowing raspberries, sending her into a fit of giggles and wiggles.

Her sticky little fingers pushing at my shoulders, trying to squirm away.

“Uncle sad,” she said holding my cheeks.

“I’m all better now that you’re here Umi-cakes.”

She shook her cute little curled head. “Nope. I see it.”

Our little cherub was getting some abilities beyond her wolf. The Island Pack magick would be strong with this one to show at such an early age.

“Uncle is fine,” I reassured her, and hugged her close.”

“Where’s Tuta Halia?”

“Tuta with Tutu out dere,” she said pointing out the window.

I carried her to the big window behind my desk. She banged on the glass, squealing with delight when they waved back.

I watched the two people who raised me, walking hand in hand, smiles on their faces. My uncle said something that made Halia smile and bring their hands up to her lips for a kiss.

In return, Nakoa lifted his arm and twirled his mate to some invisible tune only they could dance to.

Halia turned, her eyes bright, her steps light as Nakoa pulled her tight against his massive chest.

That’s what I want.

Me too, Zevir said, surprising me.

What are we going to do about it, wolf?

Search

It’s not that easy.

It is that easy. He protested. She’s out there.

Yeah, but where? Are we going to travel the world? Abandon the pack?

He didn’t have an answer for that. He just chuffed at me and curled up.

“Let’s go get ready for supper,” I suggested, shifting her to my hip.

In the kitchen, I handed Umi off to Landsi and stepped up to the sink to wash my hands.

Nakoa and Halia came in the back door just as I wiped my hands. Halia hugged me tight, and Nakoa offered me a chin dip.

No bro hug with that man, but that didn’t hold true with Seith. He bound through the door, with a loud ‘am I late’ booming in the room.

We grasped wrists and pulled each other in tight with a resounding clap on each other’s back.

Samil and another Council Elder Emad came in the back door.

“Welcome,” we all said at once.

“I heard the Big House was serving pot pie tonight, so I had to come join in.” Emad said with a smile.

Halia broke away from Uncle and embraced the elderly woman, “Did you walk the whole way? We could have picked you up.”

“Oh, no. Seith came to get me after I sent him a text. He’s a good boy.”

Seith rolled his eyes, “I’m not ten years old, Wise One.”

She used her cane and shuffled up to us. “In my eyes, you both will forever be ten.”

We both flashed her smiles, and Seith offered his arm to the Elder.

Sam and I fell in behind everyone as we made our way to the dining room.

“I feel your angst,” he said softly. “Is there anything I can help with?”

“This whole mate business is unsettling me. Can you spare some time after dinner?”

He patted my arm before he wove away toward his seat at the table.

“Where’s Umi and Landsi?” I asked, assuming they’d be here.

“Umi’s teething and cranky, so Landsi brought her home.” Halia answered before turning to Emad. “Would you honor us with your blessing?”

We grasped hands and closed our eyes while the Priestess said a few words.

“Luna Be,” we replied in unison. Then tableside chatter broke out as we passed dishes and filled our plates and our stomachs.

After dinner, Sam and I went to the huge parlor. I poured us each a cognac and sat across from him.

“So, what’s bothering you?” he asked, digging right in without small talk.

“I can’t lose this feeling like I need to take a mate, but also, I can’t risk having a mate with ulterior motives. Which is what I feel like would happen. Why else would a female not wait for a fated bond? Just looking for power and prestige.”

“Like the new Silverpine Luna.”

“Exactly. That and whatever rite their doing to make a bond, you said it isn’t working. So that’s weakening their pack. I don’t want that to happen to Coralridge.”

Sam didn’t say anything for at least a full minute. After a sip of his drink, he sighed softly. “All of your concerns are valid. The one difference is you’d be searching with your eyes wide open. Your brain and heart in sync. Not with your dick.”

I nearly choked on the cognac. I looked at the smirking Elder. “Gotcha.”

He produced a napkin for me to cough into. “Seriously though, while what I said is true; it’s also true that the pack is getting weaker without you taking a mate. A chosen mate can strengthen pack bonds, not like a fated bond, but cohesive nonetheless.”

“How long has the pack been getting weaker?” I asked, truly surprised. “No one told me before now.”

“It’s been subtle since you’ve come of age. It happens with all packs with young Alphas. It was nothing to be concerned about. But now with Ravenhall’s presence in our sphere, it’s something to be aware of and remedy.”

“I always thought I’d have what my parents had, what Nakoa and Halia have. What you and Dola have.”

“There’s nothing in the stars that says you won’t,” he answered matter-of-factly, staring beyond me toward the window.

That perked Zevir.

“Nothing is happening now except bad weather on the horizon. I suggest you take some time for yourself. Go to your cabin and reflect. When you come back, perhaps your path will be clear.”

I doubted a few days would give me clarity, but rather than dismiss the probability I found myself agreeing.

“Thank you. I’ll leave first thing in the morning.”

“Given the storm on the horizon, you’d best leave sooner than later.”