Chapter Fifteen

**Myra**

Myra groaned as she heard laughter. She turned over in her bed and glanced at the bedside clock.

11:16 am.

“*11:16?!... What? Where?*” She thought, sitting up in her bed, looking out the window. It was pitch black outside. ”*Why is it so dark for mid-morning?*”

She looked back at the clock, and it suddenly read 10:35 pm.

She threw off the blanket and stared down at the old-fashioned pale yellow nightgown she was wearing.

“*What the hell am I wearing?*” She thought, picking at the material. It looked like something straight out of a historical movie.

The sound of laughter got louder, and she climbed out of her bed. She softly padded over to the partially opened bedroom door and pushed it opened.

However, she was standing directly in the doorway leading to the Common Rooms of the Packhouse. She looked back, expecting to see her room, but all she saw was the main foyer in Sloan’s home. The room was full of people dressed formally, holding champagne glasses and chatting with each other.

"*How the hell?*" She thought but was interrupted by someone clinking a glass.

“Ladies and gentlemen… Shifters from all species. Today is a great day when an Alpha lay claim to his Omega, and my family gains a new member. So please raise your glasses to the newly mated pair… to Sloan and Elizabeth.”

“To Sloan and Elizabeth.” The room echoed, raising their glasses in Myra’s direction.

“What?!”

Shock washed over Myra as she slowly turned around. Sloan entered the room dressed in a navy-blue suit with a peach undercoat and white shirt with Elizabeth draped over his arm, dressed in a matching peach sparkly gown.

Sloan cleared his throat to silence the room as Myra left tears streaming down her face.

“Thank you, everyone, for attending our Claiming ceremony and joining us on the hunt.”

“*Hunt? What hunt?*” Suddenly, her arms felt heavy, and she looked down at the heavy chains binding her. Her head shot back up, and she saw different Shifters turning into their animal forms.

“*Wait a minute? Am I the prey?*” Myra tried retreating, but the chains held her in place. She whimpered in fear as her flight instinct kicked in while different growls and barks aimed towards her. She tried shifting, but she couldn’t; it was either the flood of fear racing through her body or her inability to concentrate.

But she knew she was a sitting duck.

“The kill is mine,” Elizabeth growled, and she lounged at Myra with her canines exposed.

“NOOO!!”

***

Myra gasped as she awoke from her vivid dream. Her heart felt like it was about to jump out of her chest, and sweat coated her body. Her eyes frantically danced about the room.

“*This isn’t my room… oh right, Megan and I are sharing dad’s room.*”

She wiped the sweat from her brow as she tried to remember the previous evening. Sian had kicked Sloan out about nine pm and ushered Myra and Megan to join the others inside the house to load up on junk food and drink wine.

They spent the evening laughing, and she learnt some more about Sloan from his mother and sister; even Pearl provided stories about the guys’ childhood antics. Myra noticed Megan tensing whenever Declan’s name was mentioned, but she listened attentively to each word.

Eventually, exhaustion got the better of them around three in the morning, and they retreated to their beds. Sian was in Myra’s soon-to-be old bedroom with Bryn and Pearl, while Myrielle and the baby took up her old room. It just left Myra and Megan to share her father’s room.

“No, Mr Thatcher… I don’t have my homework.” Megan mumbled in her sleep as she rolled over and settled back into her slumber.

Myra giggled and quietly climbed out of bed. She took up her phone and eased out of the bedroom. According to her phone, it was just past seven in the morning. However, Myra was still troubled by her dream, so she made her way down to the kitchen.

She loaded up the coffee maker, flipped on the kettle and took down the teapot. She groaned as she passed her hand over her face and gazed out of the kitchen window.

She saw slight movement beyond the tree line. Thankfully, she knew about the Pack security patrolling the surroundings, so she wasn't too concerned. She sensed someone was looking at her, so she signalled them to come over. The woods stilled for a moment, then a woman exited, making her way towards the house. Myra opened the French doors and stepped out, gazing at her natural milk chocolate skin. She was dressed in all black, but it complemented her flawless skin tone. She was braiding her hair into a single French braid, but her Hazel eyes never stopped assessing the yard as she approached Myra.

“Good morning, Omega.” she greeted.

“Myra’s just fine… You’re Leanne, right?”

“Yes ma’am…”

“I’m making coffee. Would you all like some?” Myra offered, and she noticed a flash of shock cross Leanne’s face before she schooled her expression. "Also, there are lots of leftovers for those who are hungry."

“We wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“I insist… how many pack members do Sloan have patrolling this house?" Myra smiled, "I will be placing everything on the gazebo so they can help themselves.”

“Thank you, ma’am… um, Myra. There are ten of us.”

“Is coffee okay? Because there’s also tea.”

“Both would be fine… I may be overstepping my pay grade, but are you okay? It’s quite early.”

Myra shrugged before answering, “Ceremony jitters… both excited and nervous about what is to come.” She smiled, and Leanne nodded.

“May I help with the arrangements?”

“Of course, do come in.” Myra nodded and stepped aside, but Leanne motioned for Myra to enter first. She chuckled and did as instructed.

“So, how long have you been in this position in the pack?”

“About six months… so, since Elder Theo retired and the Alphaship passed onto Sloan.”

“Busy few months, huh?” Myra quizzed as she tried to engage in a conversation with her. She took down the box of teabags and handed it to Leanne. “We have a variety of flavours.”

“We are not fussy," She shrugged before continuing, "it’s been rough and frustrating. The rogue problem has been keeping us on our paws; it’s like they are reading our thoughts. Always one step ahead or just within reach, and then they would vanish.” Leanne explained as Myra moved to the fridge and took out a tray of different meat products and veggies.

“That’s frustrating… and I am sure this ceremony is the last thing on your list of duties.”

“God no… our Alpha claiming his Omega is a proud moment in Pack history. I have known Sloan for years, and he has never been this protective of a female,” Leanne blushed, looking embarrassed.

“I know about Elizabeth…”

“Maybe I shouldn’t be this frank with you… but I am glad she isn't going to be the Omega.”

“Does anyone in this Pack like this woman?” Myra laughed, and Leanne shook her head, laughing as well. Myrielle walked into the kitchen with a fussy baby.

“Good morning.” Myrielle handed Brielle to Myra then started making a bottle. Myra gently bounced with the baby, and she calmed down. “What were you ladies talking about?”

Myra and Leanne looked at each other and smiled.

“Sloan.”

“Alpha Sloan.”

“Figures. Myra, why are you awake so early? You should be getting all the rest you can get today.” Myrielle said suggestively, wiggling her eyebrows while shaking the bottle. Myra blushed and hid her embarrassment by nuzzling her face into the baby’s cheeks. Just then, the coffee machine beeped. They all heard feet shuffling and looked up to see Megan entering the room.

“Cups are in the cupboard above the coffee machine,” Myra instructed Leanne, who nodded and proceeded to pour out cups of coffee.

“Coffee…” Megan said in a zombie-like voice as she made a beeline for the pot. Leanne handed her a cup and continued placing another pot to brew, “thank you.”

“I'll just take this out… thank you, Omega.” Leanne teased.

“Hey!!”

“I mean… thank you, Myra.” She laughed.

“You’re welcome.”

Leanne walked out of the French doors and placed the beverages on the Gazebo’s table before quickly returning for the food. She then excused herself and joined the other patrol members outside.

“She seems nice,” Myrielle stated as she sat down and motioned Myra over for the baby.

“She is…” Myra nodded, gazing out at the security indulging in the meal.

“Don’t think I didn’t notice what you did there...” Brielle was suckling away at the bottle, making little grunting noises while Megan sat down next to Myrielle, sipping her coffee.

“A nightmare… and I really don’t want to dwell on it.”

“Oh hunny… are you still anxious about tonight?” Myrielle cooed.

“I don’t think so… Everything is happening really fast, and I know the reason for all of it. Furthermore, it was just a stupid dream!" Myra sighed in frustration and looked down at her niece in her sister's arms. "Who knows, maybe I could take a short nap today with this sweet pup.” Myra smiled, rubbing the baby’s cheeks.

“I'm sorry about yesterday…” Myrielle apologized, looking heartbroken at Myra. It was a look that Myrielle tend to use on Myra from time to time, especially when they were younger, to get her way.

“Already forgotten and forgiven.”

Myrielle brightly smiled as Myra leaned over and kissed her on the forehead.

“Okay… I have coffee in my veins," Megan moaned. "What’s the plans for today?”

“Besides my ceremony tonight?”

“Ah… no one has time for that.” Megan waved offhandedly with a wink and smirk.

“Good morning, girls.” Sian sang as she entered the kitchen. She was already dressed and ready to conquer the day.

“Good morning Ms Ann.” They all parroted.

“Today will be very busy…” She started to explain as she made herself a cup of tea. “Oh… I see you have already taken to the role and responsibilities of pack Omega.” She commented, glancing outside the window at the different security members enjoying their breakfast under the watchful eye of Leanne.

“They need their strength after watching this house all night.”

“It’s what they're trained to do… but I would have done the same thing. Anywho, we have some other pack females coming in after lunch; they will be doing hair, nails and make-up. Also, Sloan was very adamant that we only use vanilla scents on you,” Sian smiled.

“He once told me that I smell like vanilla… explains why the soap in his bathroom are all vanilla scented”

“It’s a scent only mates can smell on each other… I’m sure there’s a signature smell you sense from Sloan.”

“Fresh linens and sea salt.” Myra automatically stated.

“It’s the sea salt… I’ve never smelt that on him… my Theo smells like warm cinnamon.”

“Benji smells like sweet cherries,” Myrielle smiled lovingly, putting the baby on her shoulder and started to rub her back.

“Mint chocolate,” Megan mumbled, and they all look at her.

“What did you say?” Myra asked. “*Megan’s human, how could she?*”

“It’s nothing.”

“Interesting. Myra, you should go and get some more rest. It’s going to be a long day.” Sian said, shooing Myra from the kitchen and back to bed.

“And night,” Megan smirked into her coffee cup.