Текст книги "Alphas burden"

Автор книги: Luna lark

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Текущая страница: 17 (всего у книги 21 страниц)

34CADEN

The Pack Summit comes after the first decent snowfall on Silver Mountain.

I spend the week before we leave checking and double checking my proposal, dragging Liam along the perimeter line daily, issuing new patrol routes for scouts, and taking the entire enforcer roster through drills to ensure the pack’s safety while I’m away.

There’s no sending a pack representative in my stead, an alpha must be present. I’m worried about leaving the packlands when things have been strained amongst my people. Lorne’s bullshit has been simple enough to thwart when it was only him and my uncle disapproving of my rules, but now he’s created fractures that could easily snap.

They’ve been quiet after I stripped his rank, but my gut tells me things aren’t over with the trouble they’ve caused.

Avery reassures me when she wanders into my office late in the evening and settles in my lap that everything will be fine—the pack under Hodge’s watch while we’re gone and the summit we’re traveling to.

Each Alpha is allowed three enforcers to accompany their group. Liam and two of our older lieutenants from my father’s time, Angus and Benedict, are with us. We also bring a small handful of appointed volunteers from each pack to manage the welcome feast. Taryn landed herself a spot on that list weeks ago with another one of her stunts. It makes Callie happier compared to her usual boredom being dragged to these gatherings.

The journey isn’t far for us, roughly half a day’s run from Silver Mountain. Other packs venture from the edges of the region to meet in the central location deep in the forest. Rather than drive until the roads end, we shift, able to cover more ground faster. Our clothes are divided amongst us in packs we sling over our wolves’ backs. When we’re close, we give up our fur.

We arrive at the summit’s neutral grounds, snow giving way to a magically preserved oasis untouched by cold seasons as we pass through towering archways with greenery wrapped around the columns. It’s sacred land that belongs to no pack.

Stone structures and temple ruins blend seamlessly with the ethereal forest. Vegetation grows freely over the buildings, and the pavilions and gazebos open to the nature surrounding them with many windows, or no roofs in some places to welcome the stars.

Avery halts, taking it in with a gasp. “This is beautiful.” She touches the leaves of a drooping vine crisscrossing between the trees overhead. “Is this heaven? I feel like I’ve walked into paradise.”

My gaze softens at her wonder. “It’s enchanted.”

“Wait until you see the guest quarters,” Callie says. “You’ll love them.”

“Are they luxurious?” Taryn gets a dreamy look on her face. “I hope the beds are big.”

Liam prods her back. “You’ll be with the other volunteers sleeping in the common chamber.”

Taryn hangs her head with a groan. “That’s boring.”

“Should’ve thought of that before you were caught stealing extra food from the kitchen stores in the middle of the night.”

“I was hungry!”

They glare at each other. Liam folds his arms, uncompromising.

“Sneak out later. We can bunk together,” Callie whispers to her.

“I heard that,” Liam grumbles.

Avery laughs. “You two bicker worse than pups fighting over the same toy.”

“Tell me about it,” I mutter.

We follow the winding path to the main hall. Its flagstone veranda sprawls from the large arched entrance. Twin fountains with wolves spouting water from their howling mouths decorate either side.

As hosts for the event this time around, Timber Hollow Pack’s alpha and his family greet the traveling parties as we arrive. Alistair Ryan stands tall and proud, his beard peppered with gray. Regina, his mate, and their oldest son, Atlas, join him.

“Caden. Welcome,” Alistair says jovially.

“Alpha Ryan. It’s good to see you.” We clasp forearms in greeting.

“When you sent word of your changed status and that you’d be arriving with your mate, it surprised us.” He chuckles. “I recall you once denouncing the need to ever take one during your training time in Timber Hollow Pack.”

I slide the hand resting at Avery’s lower back around her waist, pulling her against me, possessiveness and pride expanding within me. My wolf puffs his chest out.

“I was an idiot,” I say plainly.

Avery chokes, clearing her throat. She flashes me a sardonic look that tugs on my heart. My eyelids grow heavy at the hint of her scent, warm and sweet with her tender affection.

“This is Avery Blackburn.”

The bond throbs, surprise and delighted pleasure rushing from her end. It’s the first time I’ve introduced her with my name. From the moment I marked her with my claim, she became mine in every way.

She leans into me with a pretty shade of pink coloring her cheeks. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. Never doubt that the Fates rest. They are always at work to guide us,” Alistair advises.

“Whether we want them to or not,” she adds in an amused tone.

“Especially then,” Regina says. “I didn’t want anything to do with this one. The Fates had other plans for us.”

“And I thank them every day.” Alistair chuckles heartily. “Can you believe it? The arranged mating my father planned turned into a fated match. We hope the same will be true for Atlas when the time comes for his arranged mating with the prestigious bloodline we’ve selected.”

Atlas pulls a face that makes Callie snicker with Taryn. He shoots them a charming grin. I edge in front of my sister and her best friend with a raised brow. His flirtatious smile drops.

Alistair’s attention moves past us and his cheerful demeanor hardens. “Alpha Bell. Welcome, Crescent Valley Pack.”

Rooke Bell and his traveling group make their way to the veranda. Unlike Alistair, he’s meticulously groomed, dressed in a sharp suit while the rest of us are in casual clothes.

“Alpha Ryan.” He nods to me. “Alpha Blackburn.”

Rooke passes. Alistair doesn’t take his eyes off him until he’s inside.

“He’s rumored to be meeting with Moonlight Lake’s pack frequently,” he mutters to me.

My brows shoot up. The packs may be unified in peace, but it’s not common to continuously conduct business one on one outside of the summit gatherings without the other packs’ knowledge. It’s also no secret that things are strained between Alistair and Rooke’s packs.

“Is it true?”

He shrugs. “I haven’t been able to confirm it myself. Watch him. You never know what he’s up to. Whatever it is, I’m sure he’s angling to make his pack stronger.”

“Alistair,” Regina chides. “Pack business later. Today is for celebrating together.”

“Right.” He invites us in with a wave of his arm. “Don’t let us keep you from settling in. We’ll see you for tonight’s feast.”

Later in the evening, we prepare for the feast. The first night of the summit begins with a formal banquet and dancing. I’ve always kept to the edges and left early, finding the ball trivial. Oddly, I’m looking forward to tonight’s festivities and showing my mate off.

Avery’s seated on a tufted stool before the mirror when I finish dressing in a suit. I freeze, drinking her in. Callie told me she had Avery’s gown for the welcome feast covered. In my wildest dreams, I couldn’t have imagined this vision.

Her caramel toned hair cascades down her back in soft waves. The dark blue dress brings out her amber eyes, making them bright and rich. It’s slinky and fucking sexy, the bodice hugging her, flaring out in a skirt that resembles starlight.

My mating mark declaring my claim of her is on display for all to see. Everyone will know she’s mine. A possessive noise reverberates in my chest.

“Can you get the back of this? Callie left to finish getting ready in her room,” she says while she’s distracted by her jewelry.

“Maybe,” I choke out.

“Maybe? What do you mean, maybe?” She finishes putting her earring in, catching my eye in the mirror. Her lips part as she admires me. “You look handsome.”

“I promise, I don’t look anywhere near as good as you. I think I’d rather get you out of it than help you put it on.” My gaze rakes over her hungrily. “I can’t decide if I want to peel it off inch by inch or tear it to shreds with my claws.”

She gasps, clutching the bodice covered in delicate crescent moons. “Don’t you dare ruin it.”

The lush tinge of pink in her cheeks suggests she rather likes the second idea. I give her a slow, predatory grin.

“Caden,” she warns.

I tease her, emitting a gravelly rumble. Reaching for the bond, I trace my knuckles along our connection. Her eyes darken with desire. She blinks it away with a husky exhale.

“You can’t. We’ll be late to the welcome feast. We should use tonight as an opportunity to feel out whether the other alphas will be open to your trade proposal.”

Licking my lips, I rein my desire in. “Okay. But later? You’re all mine.”

Her gaze flares with heat in the reflection. She draws her hair aside and I move behind her, watching her reaction in the mirror while I trace my claiming mark at the crook of her neck.

My fingertips skim her spine. She shivers, peering over her shoulder. I place a kiss at her nape before securing the clasp for the delicate neck strap. She rises with my help.

“Wow,” I breathe.

She tucks her hair, giving me a spin. “Yeah? I’ve never worn anything this fancy before.”

Fucking Fates. The low-cut backless design and high slit that runs to the top of her thigh will do me in tonight. My wolf is single-minded in his interest to follow the part in her gown to the crease of her thigh to inhale her enticing scent.

“Yeah,” I rasp. “You’re stunning.”

“I’m not the only one who looks good.” She steps into me, resting a hand on my chest and tucking her nose into the open collar of my shirt. “I like the suit.”

My wolf rides me, fighting for my skin. He wants to rub all over her. I hold him back with a strained laugh.

“We need to go. Otherwise, I won’t be responsible for losing control.”

She takes my offered hand. Angus and Benedict fall into step a few paces behind us.

Hundreds of candles line the paths until we reach the staircase descending to the main hall we entered through earlier. The back has a terrace leading to gardens through the drape of willow vines. Warm light and music spill from the open doors, inviting us in.

A banquet table laden with food lines the far wall of the long room. The ceiling is open to the twinkling night sky, the moon casting a bright glow. Many are already here, dancing and drinking. The volunteer packmates from each group serve wine in goblets.

Callie comes in, escorted by Liam. Avery hugs her.

“You look amazing!”

Callie beams. “Thank you.”

Several shifters’ attentions snag on Avery as we make our way across the room. My wolf grumbles in warning at anyone looking at her for too long.

Thank the Fates my claiming bite is a beacon to all of them. She is mine. If they try anything, I’ll end their existence.

Alistair’s chuckle sounds behind us. “I remember what it was like during the summit when the mating bond with Regina was fresh. I nearly broke the accords at least four times, going mad with jealousy.” He claps my shoulder with immense strength. “You’ll get through it.”

“It was closer to six,” Regina corrects with a wry smile. “And you still haven’t forgiven Rooke Bell for bringing me a drink.”

He grumbles. “He did it on purpose to cause an incident.”

“Thank the moon goddess I had the good sense to pass it off to someone else before your temper got the best of you,” she says.

I scan the room with a fresh sense of dread. No one will dare try any bullshit like that to take Avery from me. My wolf paws the ground, stalking back and forth right up on the veil. I guide her to our seats and open my mouth.

She holds up a hand before I speak. “No, I won’t be accepting anything from anyone. But you can get me a glass of wine.”

My tongue traces my lip as it curves at her assertive tone. “Yes, mate. As you wish.”

I pour her drink as the others take their seats, then hold her gaze as she takes a sip, admiring the bob of her throat. A pleased throaty noise leaves me. She tilts her head and it highlights her mating mark. I touch it, not giving a damn if we’re being too open when I tease her across the bond.

She stifles a faint moan and hisses, “Caden.”

“Yes, my heart?”

She purses her lips at the mischief lacing my voice. Narrowing her gaze slyly, she sips her drink. It’s my turn to cover for myself, grabbing blindly at the back of her chair to fight the tantalizing sensation of her nails skating down my chest and stroking my abs lower, lower, fuck.

“Sit down,” she says.

I collapse into my seat at her side, brushing my knee with hers under the table. “When I get you alone…”

She hums, cheeks flushing. I snag her wrist and bring her hand up to kiss.

Callie sighs from her spot diagonally across the table. “I should be grossed out because you’re my brother, but it’s sweet to see you two together. I hope I find my True Mate someday.”

Avery’s blush deepens. “I’m certain you will.”

I frown, not wanting to think of the males she could be fated to. “But not for a long time.”

Callie clicks her tongue. “I’m only a few years younger than you. At some point you have to stop treating me like a baby.”

“Not happening.”

The banquet begins with a toast to our continued harmonious unity. Once dinner is underway, Alistair leans across the table to talk to me.

“I hear you’re making your first bid this year.”

“I am. It’s a proposal to update trading with Silver Falls Pack.” His brows rise in interest. “As it stands, we share resources in spring and summer.”

“We hope to foster a strong, fruitful relationship between our packs year-round,” Avery says.

The corners of his eyes crinkle. I fight not to tense under his scrutiny of us. Shit. Have I misstepped? I watched and waited to make my proposal until after I felt out how the other packs would respond so I wouldn’t come on too strong.

“What’s that smile for?”

“It shows great initiative. And dedication to your pack. I’m proud to see it since I feel like I had a hand in preparing you to become an alpha,” he answers.

Avery puts a hand on my back. I relax.

“It’s good to be a young alpha.” At the chorus of bawdy laughter from the others near us, Alistair inclines his head. “Not for that reason. He’s not stuck in most of the old ways like the rest of us.”

“A young mind has young ideas,” Alpha Bell muses a few seats away.

“Which isn’t a bad thing,” Alpha Shepherd from Twin Rivers Pack says further down the table.

“I certainly have my full strength,” I offer with a smirk.

Alistair’s laughter booms. “That you do. But don’t think I couldn’t match it just because I’m old enough to be your father.”

“It’s been a while, but if you’re looking to be my sparring partner again, I’ll take you on,” I joke.

He raises a glass in toast. I clink my goblet against his.

Partway through dinner, Taryn makes her way down the table to refresh drinks. She stops to talk to Callie and Kyra Bell, the three of them giggling. Atlas slips from his seat by his father and joins them, standing close to Taryn. She’s amused by whatever he says. He gives her a lopsided tilt of his mouth, not being too subtle about his interest in her.

She empties the pitcher into Kyra’s cup and rolls her eyes at Callie, trudging back towards the kitchens. He follows her after a beat, stopping her by the door. She sets the pitcher down on a pedestal and he leans into her space, hand propped against the wall by her head. They’re too far to hear what he’s murmuring.

Liam watches the entire exchange with a set jaw. The moment Atlas cages her, he moves from his guard position with the other betas to intervene. Atlas looks between them with confusion, backing off with his hands raised.

Taryn huffs, spinning on her heel to enter the kitchens. Liam shakes his head, staring after her for a beat before he returns.

“What was that all about?” I ask when he passes me.

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it,” Liam mutters.

I smirk, arm draping over the back of Avery’s chair. Dinner begins to wind down as we finish our meals. I’m only paying half my attention to the conversation with the alphas, more focused on using the bond to trace Avery’s mating mark. She squirms while she chats with Regina, touching it, finding I’m not actually touching her.

I keep doing it when groups break away from the table, guiding her around the room with her hand tucked in the crook of my arm. A male we talk to from Moonlight Lake Pack eyes her mark with a glimpse of envy.

I draw her closer into my side, kneading her shoulder so my fingertips brush over the bite mark. Her breath hitches. I keep my hand resting on her shoulder, thumb caressing her nape. The bond lights up with her enjoyment. The male tears his attention from her mark at my rumble, clearing his throat in apology.

A satisfied grin twists my mouth. The best way to keep any of them from coveting Avery is to rub it in their faces that she’s mine.

The banquet takes on a new purpose for me now that I’ve found a way to enjoy the festivities. I go out of my way to talk to as many in attendance as I can, relishing introducing my mate and her coy reaction each time.

35AVERY

The feast is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I’ve only been to parties on packlands, never something as extravagant and enchanting as the Pack Summit. It’s wonderful to see the leaders and their delegations from each pack come together in support of each other.

I have a good feeling about tomorrow’s accords. Everyone seems interested in the youngest alpha in the room and what he brings to the table.

Caden whisks me around all evening. A permanent blush heats my cheeks because he’s showing me off, proudly introducing me to anyone we meet as his mate.

The way he says it makes my stomach dip and sends a shiver down my spine where his hand rests at my lower back. My mate. It’s warm and smoky like a sip of whiskey.

In the brief times we’re parted throughout the celebration, his gaze is on me. His phantom touch, too. It caresses me when I least expect it, teasing my exposed back and dipping between the high slit in my gown to trace up my inner thigh.

When I nearly moan in the middle of talking to Alpha Ryan’s mate about my interests in foraging and cultivating my herb garden, I slip outside for air. We’ve been teasing each other with the bond all night.

Caden tracks me down moments after I leave the festivities, catching up to me in a courtyard that opens to gardens lit with hundreds of lights. Music from the feast filters through the overgrown ivy creeping up the stone archways and the ruins of an old tower.

“There you are. I think this counts as you conceding victory to me,” he says.

I respond by plucking our magic connection like a spank. He jolts, balancing on the wall with a bitten off groan. My brows lift in smug satisfaction.

“Are you sure about that? I’m not giving up,” I taunt.

He closes the distance between us, grasping my waist to yank me into him, playfully growling, “I’ll make you.”

I bite my lip around a smile. He chuckles, dipping his head to scent me. I’m pliant for him, giving him my throat. His smile brushes my skin as he rubs his jaw against me. He takes my hands, lifting one to rest on his shoulder, guiding me to the soft music.

“What are you doing?” I giggle when he twirls me, then draws me in again, tucking me close.

“Dancing with you.”

“You like to dance?”

He leans close like he’s divulging a secret, amusement and tenderness lacing his tone. “I like doing anything with you. From watching you inspect every leaf you pick to dancing with you beneath the moon and stars.”

My chest swells with affection. Our slow dancing comes to a stop and I step into him.

“I love you,” I murmur.

His gaze softens, roving my face. “My heart. My mate. I love you with all that I am.”

He crooks his fingers, lifting my chin for a kiss. I melt against him. It’s full of passion and love, a kiss that touches me to the depths of my being, brushing the bond with his devotion to me. When we part, we remain close, his hot breath ghosting across my lips.

I meet his fathomless blue eyes. “Do we need to go back in there?”

“Not if you don’t want to.”

“Good.”

Taking his hand, I drag him in the direction of our quarters. He chuckles at my urgency, riling me up by locking an arm around my waist, drawing me back against his chest.

“Where are you going in such a hurry, mate?”

He clasps my throat in a loose hold, then guides my head back, kissing me until I’m swaying with dizziness. I tear away with a gasp.

“I want you.”

He nuzzles my neck, kissing his mating mark. “You have me. Always.”

I close my eyes, enjoying the tingles racing across my skin. Our fingers lace together over my stomach. I sigh contentedly, tethered by his embrace.

“Will you come with me?”

“There’s nowhere in this realm or any other I wouldn’t go with you.”

With one last kiss to my shoulder, he sweeps me into his arms, carrying me to our room. I laugh, tucking my nose against his throat, lashes fluttering in bliss as I drag in lungfuls of his spiced musk.

“I’m capable of walking,” I tease.

He rumbles with a smirk. “I like my way better.”

In our guest quarters, he sets me on my feet, circling me with a heady, gravelly vibration in his chest. My wolf responds. My fingertips slide beneath the lapels of his jacket, pushing it off. He touches his lips to my temple, undoing my dress.

I step out of it, backing away in nothing but lace panties. He matches me step for step, gaze hooded, stalking my retreat until my back hits the wall. Grasping my thighs, he lifts me, guiding my legs around his waist while I unbutton his shirt to get to his chest, splaying my hands over his firm pecs and chiseled abdomen.

We collide in a searing kiss. Our hands are all over each other. Mine in his hair, his skimming my sides and kneading my breast. He grinds his hardness right where I want him until I fall apart with a shuddering gasp.

He’s still wearing too many clothes. I tug at them without breaking the kiss. We manage to get his shirt half off while he kicks off his shoes.

His hands partially shift and he uses his claws to tear my panties off. My fingers slip on his pants and a desperate exhale blows out of me. He bats my hands aside and gets them open, then lines up without bothering to take them off.

My head tips back when he sinks in. He tucks my hair and kisses beneath my ear.

“Is that what you needed? Your mate’s cock filling your pussy?”

I nod, unable to form words. He flashes me a handsome lopsided smile, resting his forehead against mine. It’s so divine when he moves.

“You feel so good,” he says reverently. “So perfect for me.”

Everything feels more intense than usual. I’m not sure if it’s the magic surrounding us in this sacred landmark, but I’m ready to come again, my core taut with quivering pleasure every time his cock glides inside.

When he stops moving, I nearly claw him. He hushes me with a kiss, keeping me supported while stripping off his pants. Then there’s nothing left between us. He adjusts his grip on me, pinning me to the wall to fuck me.

Yes. This is what I needed.

I writhe against him, pleading for harder, faster, more. He meets my demands.

Fucking Fates, his scent. It’s incredible. Mooring me, bursting on my tongue. He’s a warm crackling fire and the most refreshing drink of spring water. He’s the forest all around me.

He’s home—my home.

My chest vibrates with a rough noise. I bury my face in the crook of his neck.

Instinct takes over. The faint rumble grows into a possessive growl that rolls on continuously as I scent him, dragging in rich cedarwood and feeling the misty kiss of the falls on my skin. My fangs descend and my nails shift into claws, pricking his skin in my urge to get closer.

Caden releases a husky laugh tinged with desire. “Fuck, that’s hot. You’re getting so loud, mate. You’ll let every pack here know you’re claiming me.”

Claim. Yes. That’s what I want. I need him. He’s mine. My mate. I want to mark him.

“Caden,” I plead.

“I know. Come here.” He holds me close with ease in his strong arms, backing us from the wall while he’s inside me. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m yours, mate. Always yours.”

“Yes.”

Need unlike any I’ve ever known surges through me. I need to claim him. Now.

I kiss him hard, cutting his lip with my sharp canines. He doesn’t care, grinning into it, guiding us to the bed.

“Mine,” he rasps against my mouth. “My stunning mate. I want to watch you ride me.”

My core throbs with desire. I sit up, giving an experimental rotation of my hips. My teeth rake my lip at the way his cock hits me deeper and the delicious friction on my clit. He kneads my hips and thighs, pinning me with a heavy-lidded smoky gaze, his wolf purring in approval when I find my rhythm.

“Does it feel good?” He skims a palm up my inner thigh, finding my clit.

I nod with a whimper. He strokes the bond at the same pace he’s rubbing my clit until I throw my head back, mouth open with a silent cry of ecstasy. My hips circle, riding out my release, lit up by how deep he’s buried in me.

I collapse against his chest and he takes control, thrusting into me at a new angle that tears another gasp from me. I’m going to come again, the pressure builds in a crescendo, his cock hitting me at the perfect spot.

My mouth clamps over his sinewy shoulder to muffle my scream. The urge returns with a force, the bond expanding around my heart in a warm glow.

Mine, mine, mine, it chants. My wolf agrees.

“Mark me as yours,” he commands.

There’s a mark already there. My wolf freaks out. We are fated. He is hers. He cannot belong to another.

He doesn’t. They’re his scars from trying to protect his father from mine. My heart clenches. I kiss the faint ragged lines left by claw marks.

Caden shudders, arms locking around me to hold me tighter. We fought the Fates’ design and still found our way back to each other. Our past can’t haunt us anymore. We only have our future together, bound and mated.

My bite covers the old scars, teeth piercing his skin. He groans, cradling the back of my head, uttering encouragement. His cock jerks, buried inside me.

I lick the mark, empowered by the way it makes him twitch with pleasure. His fingers sink into my hair.

“Mine,” I hiss against the healing wound.

His grip flexes on me and his hips jolt with a sharp thrust. Biting out a curse, he yanks me into a kiss. I swallow his groan as he comes.

The bond thrums between us with a burst of magic, the electric sparks intoxicating and wonderful. Then it settles. I feel him more deeply, not just sensing his emotions through the bond but feel more anchored to him, as if we’re interwoven in the fabric of our beings.

We are one. Whole. Complete.