30.

**Alpha Angelo**

"How are they?" I asked my mate as she entered my office. She came and sat on my lap as I held her hand. The sparks that were felt since we were teens as we touch never gets old.

"Mason is moody and miserable knowing that he hurt Emma who is still distant but 50% back to her normal fun self. Michael wants to kill Mason for making his mate sad. Maddy and Maxie are staying out of the house as much as they can" she said letting go of a deep sigh.

"The twins?" I asked confused as to why they didn't step in when the shouting match between Mason and Michael began.

"They are... Well very neutral. They stay by Emma closer now. It seems that they truly know what has her in that depressed state. Only those four knows what is going on with Emma" she said frowning.

The past two days the house had a dark cloud over it, anyone would think that engagement among mates would be a happy thing but we were surprised. Something between Mason and Emma happened and they won't say or explain what transpired.

"The bond among the four is very strange. The twins won't leave her side and Mason gave up his position for her. It has to do more than being a white wolf" I mused.

"It's their secret to tell. Let them be. All we can do is support them, they've been through a lot, and trust may not come easy" my mate said. She was always the voice of reason between us. Her bright can-do attitude kept me going when dark times fell upon us. I was truly blessed with a wonderful Luna now my eldest was blessed equally with Emma as his mate.

I saw a change in Michael. I saw the same sixteen-year-old boy who was devoted to a mate he hasn't found. A boy who accepted his role without any arguments. What happened to my son a year ago was unfortunate but I wanted to know how did they know he was the next alpha of Dark Moon. Though I blamed everything on him causing him to leave, I looked for answers I was wrong to put that shame on his shoulders.

Now he's back, the pack would be in great hands with those two which would give Anna and me time to travel, the kids are all grown so leaving them won't be a problem.

"Anna, what do you think of visiting the Bahamas?" I said bringing her closer to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck and raised her eyebrows.

"Hmm, it is on my list," she said kissing my lips gently. I growled as she teased me.

"Anna stop doing that" I growled as she nibbled on my ear. "Stop doing what Angie?" She asked seductively as her hand reached my belt.

"That" I breathed out, my stomach tensed at her touch. "Oh that. I'm just making sure my alpha is happy" she said lowly her eyes turning darker, I roughly put her to straddle me. "Damn it, woman," I grounded out, her kisses trailed to my neck as her hand simultaneously went into my pants.

'Alpha. We have visitors and not your average kind' my beta linked me.

"Can't catch a break" I shouted Anna erupted in laughter and crawled off of me.

'Send them in,' I shouted at him.

"That's it?" I asked as she neared the door. She turned and sent me images of what was to come tonight. Damn, I love that woman, watching the sway of her hips as she left had me anticipating tonight.

A chorus of questions filled my link, I tried to understand what they were saying it was all giving me a headache.

'Enough!' I shouted to every pack member.

'Alpha. There's a royal detail out here. They wish to speak to you privately' Samuel said with an uneasy voice.

No one from the palace ever visited Dark Moon. Nor do they visit any pack unless there's a threat to the crown. The majority of the packs in the kingdom liked the way King Landon allowed us to be independent and not hover, we were all loyal to the man. If trouble arises and we can't handle it ourselves, the king is always there.

'Send them in,' I ordered standing behind my desk. A few seconds three powerful men in black entered, the first two entered and stood on either side of the door inside awaiting the third to enter. They nodded their head in acknowledgment before leaving the third with me.

Even I as an alpha recognized the power that reeked from him, this wolf had to be close to the king.

"Good day, Alpha Angelo, my apologies for my unannounced visit to your pack." He stated with an expressionless face. His eyes were cold as he addressed me.

"That is quite alright. The throne is always welcome" I said.

"Very well. I'm Delta Avery of the Royal Pack. His Majesty King Landon has heard of the misfortune of packs in the south. However, one pack he's fond of have been part of this misfortune. Moon Dust." He continued.

This seclusive pack seems to be everyone's top priority. The first pack to be attacked then the King himself asks about them, why this pack? Something was bigger than us but it wasn't my place to question the royal before me.

"Yes. I've heard also, however, the first survivors found their way to our territory nearly two months ago. Then a month after more from Moon Dust arrived along with the other packs that were attacked." I explained.

He simply nodded and walked to the window.

"We have received documents of ties you've created in helping the less dominant packs. Is this true?" He asked.

"Yes, sir. Myself, Dark Moon's Delta, and the future alpha have drawn up the relevant papers for that purpose." I said proudly and watched closely as he nodded in satisfactory.

"The survivors that are currently seeking refuge are to be relocated by choice as stated by the king. If they choose to stay at your pack they shall do so with bonding with your pack immediately. Their safety is a top priority. If others choose to leave, White Moon have their doors open for them." He continued without even facing me.

The King, always a good man.

"However the first survivors will be brought under the protection of the throne." He said with more authority.

"I don't understand. Why do they need to be under the throne?"

I was truly confused.

Why would the king want to protect those three? Their pack was attacked yes but why, was the question. The main one.

"His Majesty hasn't revealed as to why he wants them. This is to be taken into action immediately. The detail will be leaving in five hours." He simply said.

I stared at him in shock. "What if they refuse?" I said grasping for reasons to deter this new situation. Selfishly, I wanted them to stay here, I grew fond of them greatly.

"They won't," he said. His eyes pierced into my own, making me even more nervous.

"I - I will call them in at once," I said. He simply nodded again.

'Anna please send Emma and the twins into my office please' I asked of my mate. 'Is everything alright? Why are they here? Why do you want the kids?' She frantically asked.

'Calm down I'm sure its a misunderstanding. Wrong information or something,' I informed her.

Few minutes passed in silence as we waited on the kids until the Royal Delta broke the silence. "Thank you for all that you've done for them in advance" with utmost sincerity.

No words came out to accept that statement. It was a simple deed of kindness, any pack would do the same, but his words held the emotion of true gratitude.

A knock sounded on the door before the trio came in. I looked for any sign of recognition from them but none. What was I expecting, cries of joy from seeing each other after a long time? Who was I kidding? If the king wants to protect them for his own reasons who was I to stop that.

"Alpha can I have a few moments alone with them?" The delta said motioning me to the door.

"Sure sure," I said leaving my office. Making my way to the den, my family and Mason all sat like they were waiting for news from a doctor.

"What do they want?" Anna was the first to ask.

"It seems like Emma and the twins are now under the protection of the crown," I said.

Confused faces all around except for Michael and Mason. They looked at each other then Mason left the room. Michael's face became sad as he looked at his mother and siblings. He turned to me and smiled. 'Don't worry. All will be revealed soon. ' he said over our link before leaving also.

What the hell did he mean by that?.

************************************************

**Avery**



I stood before the trio and never felt so happy and relieved. Noah and Jonah both so tall and powerful just like Daniel. Always vigilant and aware of their surroundings. I watched on as they listened for anyone outside the door beside the warriors. They calmed themselves then looked at me, broad smiles made it across their faces.

"Uncle Avery," they said as I gave them both a hug. Just knowing and seeing that they were alive and well brought me at ease. "You two are growing just like your dad," I said ruffling both their heads. It brought back memories when they visited the palace for training and when Becca had them tag along on her visit to see Arabella. The palace knew them since they were pups and we all missed them.

I couldn't help but hug them again.

"Uncle. This is Emma " Jonah said bringing forth a petite green-eyed beauty. She truly looked like the late elder royal. Anyone close to the crown can truly see Queen Mina in this young girl.

"Your majesty," I said lowering to my knee and bowing my head.

"What is he doing?" She asked softly.

"You're his princess, beauty. He's showing respect." Noah explained to her.

I felt her presence in front of me, "There's no need for that here. You're my brothers' uncle are you not?" She asked holding my arm for me to get up.

I stood up and looked down at her. She was so tiny compared to myself and the boys, the need to protect her was evident.

"Not by blood, your majesty"

"Please. Just Emma," she said smiling up at me. I looked at the boys for some sort of reasoning behind her actions. Great brotherly love shone from their eyes as they looked at her. This was her true self as I saw, humble and quiet. She was truly loved by them.

"As you wish, your maj ..... Emma."

She nodded.

"You're early, did you know?" Jonah asked. Ever the captain obvious this one always was.

I rolled my eyes which made Emma giggled. "Your aunt Arabella was worried about you three so Landon made us leave a day earlier," I explained.

"She knows huh?!" Noah asked softly. I can even hear the hitch in his voice. Poor kids.

Nodding my answer, a somber mood took over the three. "Enough of that for now. We should go pack, I'm sure Mason and Emma's mate has started." Jonah said breaking the silence.

"Wait. What? Mate?" I blurted out.

"Yeah. He can come too right?" Emma asked unsurely.

"Of course princess it's just that someone didn't mention you've found your mate," I said looking at the twins in which they simply looked elsewhere.

"Oh good. The next step is getting my father used to the idea" she said releasing a small sigh.

"You know of his high irritation of the mate subject?"

She shrugged her small shoulders and simply said, "The letter". I rolled my eyes shaking my head at the classic move my best friend did on his daughter. Showing his big bad wolf to her before setting his eyes on her.

"Oh, it will be quite amusing when we reach the palace. I think you guys should go get ready" I said.

Emma quickly nodded and left the room.

"Uncle there is something you should know," Noah said. For him to be the first to speak in such a serious tone it must be something big.