Chapter 23

*Author's note*
*Hey Y'all! Im so happy to see i have many new readers! I really hope you come to enjoy my story and stick with me until the end! I also wanted to let you guys know that i throughly read through all my chapters i have posted and did some extreme editing. It came to my attention that i kept going back and forth between past tense and present tense. I sincerly apologize for my carlessness and ill will be editing much more intently now. Hopfully now its easier to read and if any of you notice anymore mistakes, please let me know! :) Happy reading!
Thank you!


*Athena’s POV*
Later that day I decide to go back to my room. With everything that just transpired, I need a moment to get my thoughts together. I can’t believe that I was on the verge of being marked. Since I told him not to, Blanche locked herself in the back of my mind and hasn’t spoken to me since. Not only did I make a choice for myself, I made one for her too. That thought makes me feel a bit guilty. He’s not just my mate, he is hers too. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad being marked sooner rather than later. If he were to mark me, and I him then the pack will have less to talk about. They wouldn’t be able to tear us apart anymore because there is nothing in this world that can break a marking bond, It’s permanent and for life.
As I am laying in bed pondering, a loud knock sounds at my door.
“It’s open!” I yell out and the door clicks open. Aiden enters my room with a mixed expression.
“Mom got a call from the Beta. Seems they are nearing the rogues location. Shes calling for a meeting with us, Celeste, Atlas, the gamma, your mate, and his Beta before she speaks with the Alphas. She’s waiting for us in her office.” He nods his head to signal me to follow him. I jump out of my bed and follow him out the door.I jump out of bed and follow him out.
We enter and find everyone is already here. My mate is speaking with my mother and as we enter he turns towards us. He sees me and gives me a warm smile. I mirror his smile as if its instinct I stand at his side and take his hand. He slightly squeezes it and looks back to Mom.
“About an hour ago, I received a call from Beta James. He informed me that he believes they are nearing the rogue’s location. So far, they traveled all the way down to the northern part of North Carolina.” She says and looks at each of us, and turns her eyes to Silas. “As Lunar Alpha, what do you think our best course of action should be?”
His eyes widen at the question. It’s almost like he can’t believe the words he’s hearing. He clears his throat and stands slightly straighter. “Well I advise that the scout team should not attack. The results will be the same as the attack that transpired here over a week ago. If anything, I would have the team confirm their numbers and exactly where they are located.”
“How should we capture them then?” She asks.
“Well, with your permission, my warriors should be summoned here to aid them. Your team can’t take on the rogues alone. With my pack, they will be captured with no problem at all.” He suggests. Mom ponders on his proposition. It will be helpful to have his pack aid us in this, but the wolves here most likely will not like it. My pack will probably retaliate in any way they can.
“You may be right Silas. How long will it take for them to arrive?” She asks.
“8 hours tops. They will need a little time to prepare. My pack is now located in mid Michigan. It wont take much travel time to get here.” He nods.
“Very well, when we are finished with this meeting contact your pack, Alpha. Tell them to get here with haste. I don’t want to leave our team defenseless for a long period of time while in enemy territory. I will call a quick meeting with the Alphas to notify them of this new development and decisions. I have a feeling they will not be thrilled.” She sighs. Then she turns her attention towards Celeste who is sticking to Alarics side like glue. “Celeste, your father has spoken with your mother and he wanted me to tell you his input of the mate situation.” I can see Celeste tense up like a deer caught in the head light. “He wanted me to pass on to you, that it is your choice to accept or reject the Lunar Beta. It is not within his right to tell you otherwise and will support your decision.. He also said to not worry about your mother. You will remain here and she is not allowed to return to this pack house unless he is present.” She smiles. All the tension leaves Celestes body and her eyes become misty. It’s obvious she is filled with relief that her father doesn’t care her mate is a Lunar wolf.
“Thank you Luna.” She hiccups and her arms make their away around Alarics waist and she squeezes him tightly. He smiles and puts an arm around shoulder and gives her a peck on the forehead. I smile in joy knowing my best friend is happy. I hope I can be more like that with Silas. Mom then turns her attention towards me and she looks at our linked hands. She smiles, but I don’t see a trance of happiness. It’s a smile of sadness. She is probably remembering Dad and how he used to the exact same things. I can tell by her eyes, she misses him more than anything.
“The same thing goes to you young lady. It is your choice and I will support you with either outcome.” Her smile lightens up slightly and she takes a deep breath. I smile at her, knowing her love for me will never change. I wish the pack can be as understanding as Mom and Beta James.“Alight, lets get to work. Only the Gamma and I will speak with the Alphas. The 6 of you don’t need to don’t need to attend.” She concludes the meeting and we all turn to head out. “Oh, Silas before you leave, may I speak to you privately for a moment?”
I turn back to Mom with wide eyes. Why does she want to talk to him alone?
“Very well Luna.” He nods and turns his attention towards me. “How about I come look for you after I speak with her?” He smiles. I nod and look at her suspiciously and reluctantly leave the room.
Geez, why can’t I hear what she wants to say to him? I head downstairs and sit down in the living room to wait for him. What could they possibly be talking about? As I am pondering once again, a bubbly 8 year interrupts my thoughts. Autumn enters the room running and giggling and crashes into me. This causes her to erupt with a more enthusiastic laugh.
“Sis! Will you play with me?” She looks at me with hopeful eyes and giggles.
“Sure pumpkin, what do you want to do?” I smile warmly and place my hand on her head.
“Hide and seek! I hide, you count!” She squeals and gets ready to run.
“Alright.” I giggle and cover my eyes.
“No peeking!” She yells as she starts to run out of the room. As I’m counting, I can here her scampering frantically about, looking for a hiding spot.
“Fifty seven, fifty eight, fifty nine, sixty! Here I come!” I uncover my eyes and I focus my hearing. Unfortunately, I don’t hear her scampering anymore. I can only hear some light voices of pack members talking around the house. I walk around and study my surroundings looking for my little sister. I observe every little spot she can get into and look for any signs of movement. I walk into the kitchen and find her scent is strong in this room. I look around and I hear a muffled giggle. I grin and shake my head. She somehow got into a empty cabinet above a counter. How in the world did she get up there?
“Oh I wonder where she is? I sure hope I can find her before I have to go.’ I say excessively. This causes her giggles to become louder and I slowly approach the cabinet. I quietly grab the handle and I yank it open and yell “Gotcha!” She squeals with loud laughter and I grab her. I put her down and begin to tickle her. She collapses onto the ground and rolls around while erupting with hysterical laughter.
‘“You thought you can hide from me, huh?” I laugh with her and continue.
“Stop i!” She manages to squeal between hiccups of laughter. My hands then start to become tired and she takes the opportunity to escape. She slips out of my hands and stumbles her way out of the room. She is still giggling and I get up and go after her. I catch up to her and scoop her up into a giant bear hug.
“You can’t get away!” I laugh evilly and give her a big smooch on the cheek. She squeals again and wipes her cheek.
“Yuck!” She snickers and gives up in defeat. Then I hear footsteps approaching and I look up to see Silas looking at us with an amused grin.
“Who’s this?” He asks with chuckle.
“This is my little sister, Autumn.” I grin and give her another kiss on the cheek. She squeals again and looks up to meet his eyes. Her eyes widen and stares at him in wonder.
“Autumn, this is Silas.” I say but she doesn’t move her eyes from him. It’s almost as if you can see sparkles in her eyes. His grin becomes wider and he kneels down to her.
“Hi Autumn, its nice to meet you.” He holds a hand out to her and she slowly takes it. Then a light blush fills her cheeks. I giggle in amusement, she’s embarrassed. Man, I thought she took a liking to Darius, but it looks like he’s old news now. I can’t help but laugh at that. I guess I have some competition on my hands.
“Are you a wolf? I never seen one like you before.” Her eyes travel around his face and studies the marks on his forehead.
“Yes, I am a wolf. This mark is special. I guess you can say I am a special kind of wolf. Kind of like your sister.” He glances up and grins at me. I guess we aren’t so different after all.
“It’s so pretty. Your eyes are such a pretty purple.” She continues to stare. “Do you have a mate?” Her innocent question causes Silas and I to erupt with laughter. Looks like I was right.
“Actually, yes Autumn. I do have a mate, and its actually your sister.” His smile doesn’t waver. Her face then crumbles into a pouty expression.
“No fair. I want you to be my mate.” She puffs out her cheeks and sinks in my arms. “Of course Athena gets such a pretty mate.”
“Pumpkin, by the time your 18, he’s going to an old man. You don’t want an old man for a mate now do you?” I explain and her eyes come to a realization. “I bet your mate will be just as pretty as him.” I giggle and give her a tight squeeze. There isn’t anyone who doesn’t love her.