Chapter Forty-Nine

*Marks Wolf POV*

"You have one hell of a Luna." Those words couldn't have been more truer. James is always honest and has never lied to me before. This made trusting him more easier, more of a habit. It was becoming a habit for me to trust those around me. I never fully understood how Mark chose his people, but now I can get on board with the people who he has surrounded himself with. I'm starting to learn to trust more, albeit it's harder for me. Being apart of Mark has not been easy. I am much stronger than he is, however; he is stronger in other areas too. We do not always meet eye to eye, and now I can see how much our little mate is affecting us.

I growl in agreement with James, watching my mate bound down the stairs into the meeting hall. "Yes, that she is." I began to follow her down before James stopped me. A low growl escaped my lips. A Beta touching his Alpha was not okay in my book, but it is Mark's best friend, I have to tread carefully here.

"I know Mark's wolf is still out. Your eye color hasn't changed. I don't know what happened to either of you back there, Alpha, but I want you to know you can trust me. You, Marks wolf. May I ask your name?"

"I do not go by any name other than Mark, or Marks wolf. I never had my own name, nor do I need one. Where as most give names to their wolves, or they have names that come with them, I do not. I am simply the demon behind Mark. His strength when he runs low on his own. I hope you understand, and not to be disrespectful towards you, but I do not believe a Beta should be putting his hands on his Alpha. That being said, I know you are Marks best friend, I will let it slide. There is much I need to learn and, according to my little mate, grow from. Trust is not easy to me. I do not trust even my own human. This is why we must address this pack. They need to know me, the beast behind the mask."

James nodded, slightly bowing to me. "Alpha is what I'll call you then." I watched as James eyes changed colors, his wolf coming forward. "Allow us to pledge our loyalty to you, here and now Alpha. We give our lives for our Luna and Alpha, trust us to be your strongest asset."

It took me off guard, seeing James and his wolf declare something like this to me. I am just a beast, nothing else. I nod my head, turning towards the bottom of the stairs.

"Shall we join the others then?"

"Yes, Alpha." James walked past me slightly, turning to adjust his momentum as I matched his footsteps. He walked tall and proud, standing by my side. I appreciated it. A sentiment I was not used to: appreciation. Never before had I ever felt any other emotion or sentiment than anger and hate. I have always been weary of others, thinking that they were going to use me, like before. Marks father, the bastard, could rot in hell for all I cared. He is not a man, nor do I consider his wolf any better. Treating others the way he had in the past, especially Mark and Meg, made my blood boil and fur on edge. Seeing James present himself in this manner, it was new and interesting. I am so used to being feared, and this man next to me showed no fear for himself, but for the others.

I put my hand on his shoulder, stopping us in our tracks before reaching the door to the basement. James stopped; wide-eyed, he turned towards me, a small smile dancing on his lips.

"Yes Alpha?"

"I want to thank you. Thank you for staying by Marks side through all this, by our side. You are a good man James, and you also have one hell of a mate. I've seen how protective you are of not only your Luna, but your mate as well. I commend you and it's admirable. I'm grateful to have someone like you by Marks side. Protect him, for all its worth."

James smile grew just a bit, resting as a smirk I could have punched off his face. "Alpha, no disrespect, I know you could kick my ass for saying this; however, that being said," he rested his hand on my opposite shoulder, "there is nothing in this world I wouldn't do for you, too. You are my Alpha. Regardless of the rumors surrounding either of you, you are still my Alpha and Mark is my best friend. I will stand by you till death. You guide this pack with honor and a calmness. It's amazing how you can keep yourself cool and collected in the face of danger. I wouldn't want to fight by anyone else's side. So lets go, Alpha, we have a pack to inform and a war to win." It was enough for him to say. I felt the emotion through the mindlink on how he felt, and I couldn't help the smile that graced my face.

"How bout we go kick some Hybrid asses then?" I shot back, a smirk playing at my lips.

"You won't get the chance to fight Hybrids if you don't get your asses in here to discuss our next course of action!" My little mate stood in the doorway, hands resting on her hips, a scowl crossing her face. I smirked, sauntering up to her and gently kissing her forehead.

"Yes, my little mate. I am sorry we are taking so long, but there was something I had to discuss with James."

"Mhm. Well, if you're little bromance is done here, we have a war to discuss and win." Morgan's lips turned into a smirk, knowing full well the effect she has on me. I kissed her forehead again.

"Lead the way, my love."