Finally Her Turn

Chapter 22: John

I knew that New Horizon would be different from home, but I didn’t expect just how much of a contrast there would be. Or rather, I didn't expect the sort of contrast that I end up finding there. I envisioned it to be some sort of a military compound in the woods, but it’s really not. It’s homey and inviting.

Everything is neat, tidy, and I daresay pretty. Even set back in the woods like this, it is immediately apparent that landscaping is a thing here. Homes and yards are neatly kept and tastefully decorated. Foliage and flowers abound, and the pathways aren’t just basic dirt or beds of pine needles. Most are gravel, but some of them even have elegant stonework and paving tiles.

The packhouse itself is slightly smaller than at Crescent’s Boon, but it’s far more impressive just because of how attractive it is. Somebody put a lot of thought into every single minute detail. Even the windows aren’t plain. They’re framed with intricate carvings and custom shutters. Flower boxes are everywhere, as well as all kinds of tall, viney, or shapeable plants and shrubs.

I also get the sense that this pack has its own crafters who make a lot of the furniture and décor. Otherwise, Alpha Kane must spend a fortune on having truckloads of hand-crafted goods regularly delivered to them because they’re all over the place. Even some of the rugs have that unique, one-of-a-kind look to them.

One of the pack’s male omegas comes to greet us as our group arrives in the foyer. Uncle Ben is already striding over to the man who is undoubtedly Alpha Kane just judging by how massive he is and the passive aura that I can feel from across the room, and the omega leads the rest of us around the corner to what I assume is the pack dining hall. I notice in passing that Aly and her mates are standing near a doorway a little further down, but I don’t think any of them notice me.

Inside, the massive room is cleared of most of the tables that I assume can usually be found here. Some large packs have separate meeting and dining halls, but most others use the same room for both. I know we do back home, and membership-wise, New Horizon is a smaller pack than ours with a packhouse that isn’t as big. It would only make sense for them to multipurpose a room as large as this one.

I feel like my assumption is justified based on the lingering scent of breakfast meat in the air through here, though it’s also possible that I’m overthinking it and grasping for straws, stuck on figuring out what exactly this room is called because I’m trying to keep myself distracted. Still no word from Tasha or Marissa as of about five minutes ago, and the moment of truth draws ever nearer.

The omega leads us to one of the remaining tables toward the back of the room, where some of the guards in red are already seated. I remember them from all the days we spent pent up in the same room together. They’re from the only pack whose uniform color makes any sense, Blood Moon, Elder Millicent’s pack. I’m far more familiar with Darrell and the guys from Silver Crescent, but I’m guessing that Elder Gerard was the early bird. His guards are at the first table.

I would say that the best part of this seating arrangement is the snacks because they do look tempting and tasty, and the pitchers of fresh, cold water and the servants that come around offering us a variety of other beverages are pretty nice too, but no, the best part is the fact that we’re seated. I’ve never met Luna Andrea before and I couldn’t even pick her out in a lineup if asked, but I already adore her.

Despite the comfort we’ve been afforded, all of us guards remain mindful of the fact that we’re on duty. We’re not here to socialize, and the atmosphere at our tables is solemn and serious, as it should be.

Honestly, it’s probably good that we’re not seated with Silver Crescent because Stevie and Darrell would probably be chatting away anyway if we were. They’re basically the same person, except Stevie is pale and dark-featured while Darrell has golden skin and hair and sparkling blue eyes. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to tell them apart once they get to talking.

Once Elder Stirling arrives and he and his guards are seated, everyone from out in the hall starts to file in, including Uncle Ben and Alpha Kane. Aly too, who glances over our way and spots me, smiling and waving at me when she does. I know it’s “unprofessional,” but I nod back at her, taking a chance on returning her gesture. She is an Alpha’s daughter, after all, and it would be rude not to.

Look at you, all tight with the New Horizon girl, Stevie teases me over mind-link.

Maybe, but she’s not the one I was hoping to see, I answer him.

I’ve got one up on you there. Tasha’s here, over by the west entrance.

I find it interesting that he still seems to be excited to see her after their connection “fizzled out” the way it did. But I suppose that might also explain why we haven’t heard from her. I know from talking to Marissa that New Horizon guards aren’t even allowed to carry their phones on them while on-duty, at least not at home where they can freely use their mind-links.

But since Tasha’s here, I can’t help feeling a little excited myself. She and Marissa are shift partners, so it’s possible that I’ll be seeing my mate eventually. I can tell just from the lack of her scent that she’s not here currently, though I did pick up traces of it out in the hallway.

Oh wait. She just got replaced by that big guy, Stevie reports, and he sounds sad about it.

I turn my head to see who he means, but it isn’t any of the New Horizon guards I recognize. Aly seems friendly with him, though.

“Good morning,” Elder Stirling greets everyone, which means it’s time to pay attention. “We Elders have gathered here this morning for a special meeting …” blah, blah, blah.

Never mind. I just remembered that I hate listening to the Elders blabber on about stuff, and I already know how this ends. I was there when they made their decision.

What I find far more interesting is people-watching, and there are some new ones for me to study today. Alpha Kane for starters, and what is most intriguing about him is how much of his attention is focused on Aly instead of the Elders. I’m sure he’s listening, but he seems far more concerned about watching Aly’s reactions to everything.

And then there’s the woman next to him who I’m sure is Luna Andrea. She’s taller than I’d have expected from someone who isn’t an Alpha herself, at least not that I’ve heard about. I can see where Aly gets a lot of her features from, and maybe even her figure to a certain extent, although Aly is strong and bulky like her dad. Well, no, not like her dad, but I mean if the lithe, elegant creature that is Luna Andrea were to have a baby with … actually, no. That’s a dumb joke, even just to be thinking. Anyway, Aly is a good blend of them both.

Once Elder Vivian starts to talk, I do pay attention. It’s not her that interests me, but I know that whenever she gets going on something, it won’t be long until Uncle Ben jumps in to put her in her place. What I still find shocking is that he told me that they’re actually pretty good friends, and their rivalry is a respectful one. I don’t know if I buy it, though.

“It has been a long time since an Alpha was permitted to take two mates, and with good reason,” Elder Vivian says. “We must hold onto the lessons of the past.”

Okay, never mind. I know where this is going. This is one of her long-winded tales meant to illustrate some point that gets lost somewhere in the middle because she just won’t stop talking. And it’s completely unnecessary. I already know that they approved Aly’s twin mates, so I don’t know why she feels the need to waste all our time going over all this. Again.

I’m disappointed that Uncle Ben never jumps in to silence her, though. I guess it’s because they’re no longer deliberating. Now they’re basically just summarizing all the points they considered when they were.

After both Elder Vivian and Elder Norissa finish with all their comments, Uncle Ben takes his turn, and my interest is piqued again.

“In the end, what it came down to is a question of whether we could ignore all the signs in front of us pointing a particular direction in favor of stubbornly clinging to antiquated and arbitrary ideals,” he says, finally chiming in with the polite insults I’ve come to expect from him.

I’m fairly certain that he thinks that the Elders are as annoying as I do, even though he denies it. But I suppose there’s also the possibility that he enjoys all this polite arguing and slinging of veiled insults. He’s good at it, I will say that.

Even he rambles on for a while, although he is far more entertaining to listen to than any of the others. Or maybe it’s just that his voice booms throughout the room in a way that there isn’t any other option than to pay attention. He assaults all our ears with his passionate opinions, and we thank him for it.

I think my favorite part is when Alpha Kane has finally had enough of all the Elders’ nonsense and abruptly sits forward in his chair, demanding, “What are you saying, Elder Benjamin?”

And since he’s an Alpha, and a well-respected one at that, he can get away with that. I notice that Elder Vivian shoots him a disapproving look, but the others are either as neutral and expressionless as always, or smirk with amusement. Uncle Ben is the latter sort, of course.

“I’m saying that at the end of the day, we finally made the right decision. That’s the next Alpha of your pack right there, Alpha Kane,” he announces while pointing at Aly, adding, “And those are her Elder-approved mates,” indicating Matt and Tyler.

And there it is, the secret that it’s killed me to have to keep from Marissa for a week and a half. She’s never asked me about what went on in the deliberation room, and she’s never said it outright, but I can tell that she’s been worried about who would be this pack’s next Alpha all the same.

“Whoop!” the guy who came in and replaced Tasha shouts in celebration, and I have to admire him for that.

He’s not an Alpha of any sort, though he looks like he could be from a Beta or possibly even Gamma lineage. Even so, he’s not anyone who should be going around shouting in the presence of his Alpha or the Elders, but he did it anyway. I don’t personally care all that much for all the rules of propriety and knowing your place and all that, but Raj would have never let me do that.

Once the Elders officially conclude the meeting, that guy takes off across the room and heads straight for Aly and her mates, so I’m guessing they’re close. I suppose that makes more sense then. I mean, he still shouldn’t have done that with the Elders here, but he probably feels pretty comfortable with the Alpha at least. I’m the same way with Will, and was even worse with his dad.

As Aly and her family are hugging it out up front, Stevie elbows me and asks, “So, what do we do now? Sit here, or go out to wait in the hallway?”

“File out to the hallway and wait for your Elder,” one of the Blood Moon guards answers for me. Which is good, since I didn’t know. “Looks like they’ll be heading out that door over there,” he points to the far end of the room, near where the Elders were seated, “and most likely in their seating order. We should probably line ourselves up in that order to receive them.”

Uncle Ben would like him. He obviously pays attention and is good at figuring things out on the fly.

Taking his advice, we all group up according to the Elders’ seating order and make our way out to the hall to wait for them. We’re not even out there for ten full seconds before Tasha comes running over to us, or rather to Stevie.

“What did they say? Is it Aly? Was she approved?” she asks him desperately, her eyes wide.

I find it interesting that this is Marissa’s closest friend. Now that I’m getting a good look at her, I’m seeing how young she is. She’s also a lot more energetic than I’d have expected from a friend of someone as calm and chill as Marissa.

“Am I even allowed to say that?” Stevie asks me. “I mean, I know that Aly knows, but is the rest of her pack supposed to?”

“I was supposed to be in there and already know,” Tasha protests his logic. “I won the shift lottery last night. But then stupid Ryan had to come over and guilt me into letting him take my place so he could be there for his best friend, and of course I couldn’t say no to that. And these stupid doors are too thick to hear anything through.”

It takes everything in me not to laugh because she’s adorable.

“Okay, come here,” Stevie says, beckoning for her to come closer.

She does, and he leans in to whisper something in her ear. He obviously really likes this girl despite the fact that she already told him he has no chance with her because he might be risking everything right now. We signed those non-disclosure agreements, and I’m not sure about whether we can tell anyone who wasn’t in that room with us, regardless of who was supposed to be there.

“You’re terrible,” she complains, laughing and smacking him playfully as she pulls away. “And useless. I’m leaving.”

She sticks her tongue out at him before turning and leaving, just like she said.

“Did you tell her?” I feel the need to ask, worrying about my friend’s life and limbs if the Elders find out.

“No, of course not. I don’t think we’re supposed to do that. I told her she should give Little Stevie another shot because his feelings are hurt.”

“You are terrible,” I agree with her, though I’m laughing too.

About ten minutes later, it’s Uncle Ben who emerges first, which fits the Blood Moon guard’s theory that they’ll come out in their seating order since Uncle Ben was on the end closest to the door. George, Stevie, and I take our places on either side and behind him, but he only walks with us for a few paces before stopping and turning to look straight at me.

“You and I are due in Alpha Kane’s office in just under ten minutes,” he informs me.

My stomach drops as I realize that Alpha Kane intends to see us right now, not wasting even a moment to celebrate after receiving the good news about Aly. And here I was thinking that his reputation was a bit harsh, judging by the tenderness I witnessed between him and his daughter. Turns out that he’s as no-nonsense as people claim.

“George, you and Stevie can head out and prepare our vehicle, and we’ll meet you once we’re through,” Uncle Ben instructs the others.

“You got it,” George quickly agrees, turning to leave.

“Good luck,” Stevie adds for me, giving my shoulder a quick squeeze before following George out.

Uncle Ben leads me back out to the foyer and over to some stairs, taking me up to the third floor and down a quiet hallway to some padded benches lining the wall outside of what I would assume is the Alpha’s office.

“You’re sure that this is what both you and your mate want?” he asks me again.

“I’m sure,” I lie again. I guess it could be considered a half-truth since I’m sure that it’s what I want. I still have no idea about what Marissa will say.

“Well, should she decide that Crescent’s Boon isn’t for her, I’ve also prepared your own transfer papers. I haven’t mentioned that to Alpha Kane, and we’ll lead with the offer for her to come and join our pack, but I figured fair is fair,” he tells me.

I’m not even looking at him and I can hear the smirk on his face.

“I’m not transferring,” I sigh, hoping that it’s a bluff and he doesn’t really have my transfer papers in his pocket.

“Well, think about it, John. What are you going to do if your mate turns you down today? Are you really going to stubbornly insist on keeping the two of you separated because you’re afraid of a little hard work?”

Well, when he puts it that way, I suppose he had me at “separated” because no, I’m not going to deal with this being across the country and only texting when she has a working phone nonsense anymore.

“No,” I admit glumly, realizing that I really will transfer here if it comes down to it. “I don’t want to leave our pack, but I suppose that I will if I have to. And no, I won’t be rejecting her, if that’s what you’re wondering next.”

He doesn’t respond to that because we start to hear voices approaching from down the hall, probably just now coming up the stairs. It sounds like Aly and Tyler for sure, and maybe some other people judging by the sound of all the footsteps.

The other people turn out to be Matt and that other guy, probably named Ryan from what Tasha was saying. And right behind them is Alpha Kane and another woman I don’t recognize.

It’s Aly who unlocks the door to Alpha Kane’s office, and Uncle Ben rises from his seat to greet Alpha Kane and shake his hand again. Then we all file into the room, which to my relief is quite spacious and has plenty of seating.

“Marissa is on her way back, and she estimated that it will be about twenty minutes, depending on traffic,” Alpha Kane informs us.

“That’s quite alright. I don’t believe that she had prior knowledge of our intent to meet with you,” Uncle Ben answers him, shooting me a pointed look.

I can’t even deny it this time, especially since if I did, it would make her look bad instead of me. Instead, I look away, hoping that no one notices the heat I can feel rising to my cheeks.

“Well, I figure that we can start by flipping things around and addressing Ryan’s request to join the special assignment team,” Alpha Kane immediately gets down to business.

Since this sounds like a conversation that doesn’t involve me, I take myself over to an available chair and sit down to wait my turn. Uncle Ben seems to think that it’s a good idea and joins me soon after so that we can just sit back and observe this discussion. No one seems bothered that we’re there, although I don’t know why they would be since they’re just discussing that assignment that Marissa has been on at Aly’s school.

If I’m understanding correctly, Ryan is going to take Marissa’s place, and he and his mate are going to room with Tasha now, which leaves me hoping even harder that Marissa will be on board. I might have just gotten her fired if not.

“And Tyler, you and Zeke can handle it being Ryan who goes with Aly whenever you or Matt cannot?” Alpha Kane asks, which to me seems like a weird question.

But based on Tyler’s answer and the resulting conversation, I’m finally understanding why Marissa and Tasha were Aly’s “on-call” guards. Zeke – that rare, exceptionally territorial wolf with the black eyes that I met by accident mere seconds after meeting Tyler – reacts that way to all men who get too close to his mate, not just me. In a way, that’s a relief to know.

And then Raj starts stirring restlessly within my mind, and I finally smell the scent I’ve been waiting all day for. She’s here, and my nerves start to spike so high that I feel like I’m going to throw up.