by Noah Harris
“I assume that that my son already told you of his decision?” The word ‘son’ was spoken with a slight tone shift, as if referring to Mikael angered him.
“He called upon his rights as your heir to call me his mate,” Dean told the man to show he understood.
“You are not his mate yet,” Samuel told him plainly.
Mikael shifted next to him, and Dean sensed the restlessness coming from him and frowned in confusion, “How am I not his mate?”
“First things first,” Samuel set his shoulders, “Am I to assume that you accept my son’s proclamation?”
Dean could see that the older man was hoping he would back off; obviously a thin hope given the situation. Even with his low opinion of the older werewolf, he didn’t believe that Samuel truly thought that he would give up now. The man was giving Dean a chance, perhaps hoping he would ‘wake up’ to the reality of the changes he was forcing on the pack. If there was one thing he knew about the man, it was that he was a strict advocate of their traditions, and wanted Dean to take this moment to respect them himself. Sadly, for Samuel, Dean was not only set on his course, but was a firm believer that old and accepted didn’t necessarily mean right.
“You are correct, I fully and happily accept being his mate,” Dean replied calmly, enunciating each syllable clearly.
He could almost see the man fight off the frown that threatened, “Very well. As such, we as a pack are bound to respect this . . . wish. However, for an outsider to be considered a true mate, there are a few things that must be done first. For the moment, you are not considered a full mate, but you are considered an honored guest.”
Mikael shifted again, voice low, “Father.”
Samuel’s eyes flashed in his son’s direction, “You were willing to use the traditions to your benefit, so you will follow those that come with it Mikael. With one, comes the rest.”
Dean did his best to ignore the exchange, politely continuing, “Does that means I’m not considered a mate because I’m not an actual member of the pack?”
“Yes,” the man replied, not moving his eyes from Mikael.
“Then how do I do that?” Dean asked, trying to draw the man’s attention back to him.
It took a moment, but Samuel finally turned his eyes back to Dean, “You must show that you mean to support the pack. The pack lives here, and they actively support one another. You must show that you are willing to do the same.”
Dean blinked, “You can’t mean to say that I have to move here.”
Samuel’s eyes narrowed, “I thought you were ready for the commitment that you so boldly stated you were fighting for?”
He sighed, “You have allowed Mikael to exist outside of the community, and both Artemis and Apollo do their work outside of the community as well. All three actively help the pack in their own way, why is it suddenly different when it’s me?”
Dean could swear he saw the man smirk, “They are full members of the pack. You are only considered honorary.”
He thought on that for a moment, his eyes moving over to Matalina. The woman’s eyes were on Dean intently, though he could read nothing in her expression. His mind trailed back to his conversation with her, and to the conversations he’d had with her daughters. As if sensing his thoughts, the woman gave the slightest of nods.
Dean turned his attention to Samuel once again, “You gave my grandfather honorary status too, I believe.”
The alpha’s confidence flickered for a moment, frowning in suspicious confusion, “That . . . is true. He was given that respect.”
Dean continued serenely, “And he was able to hold that status while also living on what is now my property.”
Samuel’s jaw tightened slightly, “So he was.”
“Then I am confused,” Dean cocked his head slightly, “if I am being given the same title that he was given, why am I not allowed the same freedoms?”
“You are so intent on bucking our traditions,” Samuel replied, the first hint of his anger finally leaking into his tone, “why not accept this change?”
Dean noted that Matalina was stiffening next to the man, “I’m being given this status because of traditions. That it usurps the strength of another tradition is no fault of mine. Am I to understand that I am being punished for these old laws working against one another?”
“You were not following them when you challenged me,” the man replied angrily.
“Nor were you when you accepted,” Dean pointed out.
Samuel’s nostrils flared, and Dean saw Matalina’s shoulder move ever so slightly. He couldn’t see the woman’s arm, but he would bet that her hand was now on the small of Samuel’s back. The older man shifted slightly before settling down, the anger draining from his face. Despite his dislike of the man, Dean had to admit that he did like that he respected his mate so much that even that small gesture had calmed him. Was that perhaps what he and Mikael would get to look forward to?
“Very well,” the man grudgingly replied, after a moment’s pause, “but you would still be required to add to the community in some way.”
Dean thought about that for a moment, “I am sure there is more than one thing I can add to the pack. I know that my grandfather’s visits here did wonders for making the outside world more accepting of The Grove, making any work or business you had out there easier. I imagine that between Mikael and I, we can have the same result. I’m also quite sure that I will have more than enough crops to add to your supplies if you wish as well.”
Matalina moved her head to look at Dean once more, “You told me that you still have his depictions.”
Dean nodded slowly, “I do, why?”
The corner of her mouth twitched, “Do you still have his old books as well?”
Samuel frowned, looking at Matalina, “He had the books?”
Confused, Dean nodded once more, “Yes, of course I still have all his old books. I haven’t gone through them yet. But when I was taking over and sorting through everything, I checked on them. All his old books are in excellent condition, and should stay that way.”
Samuel stared, “You have both the stories and depictions?”
Dean blinked, finally giving into his curiosity, “Yes, I do, but I’m not understanding what is so significant about my grandfather’s collection of old stories.”
Matalina smiled, “Your grandfather became the keeper of our old tales. You mentioned that he used to tell you stories when you were younger. Well those were our stories, our lore. Your grandfather stored our old books, and kept them safe.”
That earned a frown from Dean, “Safe from what?”
Samuel stiffened, but Matalina continued, “Werewolf packs are not always known for getting along. By the time you were born, our pack was becoming stronger than we had been in . . . quite some time. Between our sacred duties and the battles we inevitably fight with our own kind, it was important that our old stories be kept safe.”
“Sacred duties?” He had wanted to ask why werewolves would fight, but then again, why did people fight one another?
Samuel shook his head, “That is not your concern . . . for now. I do however see where this is leading. It would be in your best interest if you were to devote some time to learning those old tales. We are in a time of peace, as Matalina has said, but peace with our kind is not prone to lasting. I am not comfortable with the idea of you having those books, but even I must admit that they are safer away from here.”
Dean couldn’t help but stare, “So . . . I am to hold onto them then?”
Matalina nodded, “You can become the new keeper of our stories. Keep those books and the depictions safe. That way, even if everything we have here was lost, at least our stories would continue, safe away from this place.”
Samuel sighed, apparently knowing a lost battle when he saw one, “Though the other measures you mentioned would be of help as well. We do not typically want for much around here, but an addition to our food supplies would certainly be helpful.”
“We know,” Matalina began, without even a glance at Samuel, “that your crops are your livelihood and that you have started small. So, we only ask that you provide what you can spare, however much that may be.”
Dean nodded, “I’m sure I can manage a fair bit, and even more next year from the way things are looking.”
Samuel raised a brow, “I will admit, even though I wish it wasn’t necessary, that a little extra help in dealing with the world outside of the pack would be helpful. From what I have been able to tell, my son’s continued presence beyond The Grove has helped with that, but I know your grandfather’s association with us helped as well. We will see if what you have said is true, that between the two of you, perhaps we can gain a little more progress in that area than before.”
“A word of caution,” Matalina interjected once more, “I am aware enough of the outside world to know that the two of you should be cautious. Humans are not nearly as understanding about the nature of your type of bond, or whatever term you prefer. If you really are aiming to improve relationships between our two worlds, just by association, I would be wary of allowing them to know too much about the two of you.”
Dean glanced sideways at Mikael, smiling softly, “I am fully aware of that fact. I have been aware of it for most of my life, and even more so since I moved out here.”
Matalina nodded, “A fair point. Among everything else, I hope that neither of you have to contend with such an issue, but it bears mentioning.”
Samuel grunted, “If that is all, then I believe we are done here.”
It wasn’t hard to sense the sour note in the man’s tone. Dean hadn’t expected that Samuel would be thrilled at the idea of Dean being willing to follow through on his new responsibilities, let alone to have created his own. If the other man ever came to respect Dean, let alone like him, it would be a hard-fought battle, and likely a long one as well. That was fine with Dean, he had already gained the respect and affection of a few as it was, and if Mikael was right, he had gained a modicum of respect with the pack at large. It was just a matter of time, doing what he swore he would do, and even Samuel wouldn’t be able to deny him.
“Thank you,” Dean told them, bowing his head as respectfully as he could, considering the condition of the stiff muscles of his neck, “I’ll be getting out of your way very soon.”
“You’re leaving?” Matalina’s head cocked to the side once more.
Dean gave a slight nod, “I’ve been away from home long enough. My neighbor has been kind to watch over the place, but if I’m to keep up on my new duties, I should get back as soon as possible.”
Samuel turned his gaze to Mikael, “I imagine that means you’ll be going with him then?”
Dean sensed rather than saw Mikael nod, “Yes. I still have my own work to do out there. And while he may not be officially my mate yet, I consider it so, and as such, I’d like to be with him out there when I can.”
Matalina laughed softly, “No one will fault you for wishing to spend time with your future mate Mikael. Just make sure that the two of you remember your places here as well.”
Dean noticed the way the woman had phrased it, and apparently Samuel hadn’t missed his mate’s casual acceptance of Dean’s future role either. Only a tightening around his eyes gave away his annoyance at the idea, but he remained silent. Dean was growing to like and respect the woman now that he had been able to spend time with her. Plus, he was rather fond of the idea that someone besides he and Mikael thought of his future role as inevitable as well.
He stood, and Mikael followed suit right behind him, “Then I suppose we should be on our way.”
Samuel said nothing in response, but Matalina nodded, smiling warmly, “May Luna guide your path. Oh, and Dean?”
Dean paused on his way towards the nearby door, turning to look at her, letting Mikael continue past him. “Yes?”
A faint, almost sad smile crossed her face, “Try to bring him around a little more. I have missed his presence these last couple years.”
Dean nodded, giving her the most reassuring smile he could, while ignoring Samuel’s hard stare, before finally turning and following after Mikael.
chapter
Seventeen
He should have known that they wouldn’t be able to leave quietly and without much fuss. As soon as they had left Mikael’s house with the little they were bringing back, all eyes were on them. It didn’t take werewolf hearing to know that there was whispering and conversation going on about them as they walked.
Mikael hardly seemed to notice, barely glancing in the direction of the nearest group of people talking quietly among themselves. For Dean, it was a little harder to ignore. He wasn’t used to receiving a lot of attention, and having all those eyes on him and knowing that they were probably talking about him was unnerving. Sure, he had made quite the show of himself when it came to dealing with Samuel, but this was different. With his mood settled and his personality resuming its admittedly more laid-back nature, it was unsettling to know so many eyes were on him.
Dean figured that because Mikael had been the heir for so many years, the man was used to the attention. Dean wasn’t used to being the center of attention at all, at least not when he was calm. It wasn’t that he was shy, just that he wasn’t used to being out in the spotlight either, except in small doses, and in more private situations.
Mikael paused, glancing back to Dean with a slight frown, “You okay?”
Dean grunted, shifting a little on his feet, “Just feeling a little bit like I’m in a fishbowl is all.”
Mikael’s look of confusion passed from Dean’s face to their surroundings. Understanding crested over his face as he glanced around, seeing everyone watching them, some more obvious than others. He grinned at Dean, bending down to kiss the top of his head and give him a wink. Even if he still felt uncomfortable, the small gesture did wonders at easing some of the tension in Dean’s shoulders. Smiling a little, he followed the other man, able to ignore the staring a little better.
He almost froze, his step faltering, when he spotted the crowd near Mikael’s truck. It took him a moment before he recognized the twins and Mikael’s sisters. There was also a male werewolf that he didn’t recognize, dark of hair, thick of build, and looking a little wary as he stood away from the main cluster. It seemed they had a farewell party waiting for them.
When Katarina turned to face them, Dean raised his hand in an easy greeting. Artemis glanced up from her spot in the group, seeing them both and grinning widely. Lucile and Apollo were both there as well, both still managing to still seem impassive even as they gave off waves of something that felt like happiness.
“Well,” Katarina began, as they came within hearing distance, “I thought you two might try to skate out of here without saying goodbye.”
“Lucky that you know me so well,” Mikael replied easily, dropping the bag he carried to exchange hugs with all that wanted them.
Dean hung back, not wanting to intrude on the moment. That is until Katarina appeared before him, wrapping him up in a hug before he could say a word. He stiffened in surprise as she held him tight against her, making a happy humming noise. After a moment, he sighed and returned the hug, knowing full well that there was no fighting the gesture. It helped that he was more than a little pleased at the affection. It was nice to get confirmation of her fond feelings, and some part of him was a little pleased that she did it with everyone watching.
“You do know we’re coming back, right?” Dean asked the woman after they broke apart from the hug, eyeing her with a faint smirk.
“Don’t get smart with me,” she told him, giving his arm a slap. It was only after he winced that she realized she had slapped his wounded arm. As if in apology, she rubbed the spot gently, giving him an apologetic look.
Lucille appeared at Katarina’s side, her normally unsettling gaze almost warm as she looked up at him. She said nothing, only looked at him as Katarina smirked and slid away, leaving the two of them. Dean blinked
down at the small woman, confused and waiting to see what she wanted. He was a little surprised to see her here, though not completely.
“What did I tell you?” she asked him, her voice as serene as ever.
“I know,” he breathed, “but I would like to point out that your advice led to me getting my ass handed to me, and to your dad hating me even more than before.”
The traces of a real smile ghosted her face, “My father doesn’t hate you. He’ll come to respect what you did, even if he won’t admit it today.”
Dean cocked his head, “Really now?”
Lucile did smile then, laying her hand gently over his own, “Really. I had my doubts about you when we first met, and even more so when you left as you did. I must say, I didn’t expect your return to be so . . . fiery. I may not agree with your principles, but in the end, you defended them as fiercely as any of us would, maybe more so than most.”
“I . . . thank you? Dean said, blinking rapidly, as the woman smiled softly.
She leaned in close to him, speaking so low that no one save him could hear her, “And thank you, I have never seen my brother look as he does now. I will never forget the happiness you’ve brought to him.”
Dean’s eyes moved up to Mikael’s, smiling as he watched the man’s face. “Seems only fair, considering what he’s given me.”
Lucille pulled away, her gentle fingers sliding away from his hand, “Just remember what you stood for here Dean, and you will be okay.”
Dean blinked, watching the woman walk slowly away toward the woods. Come to think of it, she was usually in the woods, except for the odd moments when she seemed to appear out of nowhere. He wondered how much of that was intentional. He didn’t believe that someone could be that elusive without some intent.
Artemis glanced at him before giving a sharp whistle. The noise brought the one male werewolf he didn’t recognize to full attention. From here, Dean could see the man’s darker hair in more stark relief, thick, coarse, and sticking up in every direction possible, it seemed. The man’s eyes were a bright green as he walked over, looking hunched and a little uncomfortable. Looking at the man’s face, Dean wondered again if good looks and startling eyes were a werewolf thing.