by Terri L Vest
Traditions
The Sweetwater Pack
Written By: T.L. Vest
Cover by: Rachel Rai
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author. Copyright © 2017 Terri L Vest
Cover By: Rachel Rai (fiverr.com Rachel543)
email requests to: [email protected]
ISBN- 13: 978-1977611703
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Since my first novel I've had a desire to write more. My family takes it in stride and listens when I talk about it. Those along for the ride the first time are always supportive in my efforts to continue and gives me their encouragement for success - I sincerely want to thank them for that support!
My special acknowledgement for this book goes to my sister Denise. She was my first test reader for this story. She's always been willing to talk about my work and offer her ideas and feelings. She's always eager to offer me the encouragement I need to keep going. When I doubt myself or my works, she lifts me up with her enthusiasm and shows me she is genuinely interested and willing to help. I know her wishes for my success are heart felt. So, THANK YOU Denise. You make a difference to my work and my confidence to continue on!
Inside each of us, there is the seed of both good and evil. It's a constant struggle as to which one will win. And one cannot exist without the other. Eric Burdon
PROLOGUE
Sitting in the meadow with the early morning sun gently warming the ground, Reika had let her eyes wander as she enjoyed the peacefulness it held. The soothing sounds of birds and insects just waking up was in such contrast to her crazy and rushed reality.
Her mind defiantly wandered where she'd tried so hard to avoid. No one was letting her take the time to think about her options. Pack rules dictate she must take a mate by her 18th birthday, and they were forcing her to be with someone of their choosing, making her bristle with the thought. She steadily began to feel more annoyed with each detail she pondered. "Shouldn't this be my choice? I want to mate for love, not pack necessity!" she fumed. She struggled to find the calm that was so easily lost with these thoughts.
Mother and father had mated for love! Was it just lucky timing or had they been allowed the time to grow their love? Father was the pack alpha, yet he had married a female outside the pack! "He met his pack duties and had insured the continuation of the pack by having several pups, despite her not being a pack mate," she thought resentfully. She loved her three brothers, but always felt it was unfair they got to make their own choices. It's not like she can be pack alpha someday like them, so WHY was it so important to follow pack laws by keeping her search for a mate only within the pack?
A youthful pout had slipped across her face as she sulked over her predicament. Realizing what she was doing, she tried to calm her anger. She'd been trying hard to be more accepting of things required of her. She knew as she matured, pouting would only look childish and wouldn't accomplish anything.
Reika frowned as she thought about her mate preferences. More precisely, WHO her preference was. Her hope was that she could soften the shock her father will feel upon discovering her choice of mate. She prayed he wouldn't let his anger decide things that would forever influence their relationship, and maybe even their family bond.
She was determined however, this would be HER choice and no one would make the choice for her!
CHAPTER ONE
Silas Collins is the alpha of the Sweetwater pack in Wyoming.. His powerfully built, 6'3" frame makes him a force to be reckoned with. Though he is known for his fairness, he is stubborn at times and can be difficult to deal with. No one dares to question his authority. He was the leader of the largest territory that was coveted by many! Being the strongest of all the leaders, he was the appropriate alpha for this pack.
Years before there had been continuous battles to defend or conquer territories. Through the years, things had finally settled down and it appeared each pack would respect the rights of the others to the territories they had each claimed.
Silas and Claire Collins are the alpha couple. Claire has birthed three fine sons and a beautiful daughter. Hendrix is the first born and he is best described as the pack strategist. He is cool headed and refined, and can tend to be a 'ladies man' occasionally, but he does it with class. Ronin followed Hendrix two years later and he reminds many of a samurai warrior with his military type demeanor and administrative skills. Harper followed 1 year later and is named as such for the musical skills he so easily displays.
Having three boys to help carry on the line, Claire struggled to achieve one last pregnancy, hoping for a little girl. Three years later she finally got pregnant with the little girl she so desperately wanted. Reika became the apple of her father's eye and was greatly spoiled by her brothers.
Silas would often tell her she was his delicate little flower. Her brothers were fiercely protective of her, which would become a hindrance for her as she reached for her own independence. But while she was little she reveled in their adoration.
As the children grew, Silas would guide each one towards their strengths and praised them for their accomplishments. Through his loving attentions, they each became strong, confident pack members. The ability to shift didn't come until their preteens, but they were always aware that they would have the ability one day.
Each looked forward to the day they would become true and complete pack members. As each grew, they would learn of their responsibilities within the pack and the importance of being the children of the pack Alpha, as well as their need to set a good example to all their pack mates.
Reika proved to be the most difficult and rebellious. Though she resembled her mother in appearance, her personality took after her father. She would attentively watch her father, how he maneuvered through his day, how he handled the pack and what seemed to make him the most successful at getting what he wanted. She put what she learned into practice with her brothers, and even at times with her father.
What she didn't know was how her beautiful, delicate features were really behind most of it. If she was upset, she'd turn sparkling, tear filled eyes towards the one upsetting her. They would melt at the shimmering emeralds they now faced, and no one had the heart to bring her any more distress than what had put her in tears.
For as much as her brothers loved her and wanted to see her happy, no one could tease her like they could . . . and get away with it. Not that they got away from the repercussions of Reika's fury. Rather, their own protective natures and the love they had for her would never tolerate anyone mistreating her. The wrath of the Collins boys would rain down to cleanse away the bothersome trouble makers, no matter the size or numbers. She was loved!
The only one it didn't work on was her mother. She saw through the manipulation and would chuckle at how one so young carried so much power against the males in her life. Claire saw a mini Silas and knew that her daughter would be a force of nature as she grew. But as stubborn and demanding as she could be, her heart was large and the love she gave was a treasure to those she gave it to. Even with her appearance of softness, she was fiercely loyal and fought to protect those she loved. She'd make an excellent mate and alpha female one day - if they could all survive her moods and tantrums. With her 18th birthday coming up, and the need to choose a mate, her insistence to mate for love instead of duty was giving her parents a healthy dose of her attitude.
Being as stubborn as her father, when she made up her mind, there was no changing it. She had decided she would be the one to choose who she was going to mate with! She wasn't going to let stuffy old pack p
olitics decide her future. She never really considered herself a rule breaker, but she knew her father and the council weren't going to be happy with her decision.
Choosing her own mate was unusual. However, choosing one from outside the pack was unheard of! She was going to have to brace herself for the resulting battle. She didn't care what the council said, and if they chose to kick her out, she'd deal with it. Her father was another story. He already had his sights set on the son of his second in command. He said it would give her a solid place in the pack, and she would meet her duties and responsibilities nicely with him by her side.
Roy Broderick was her father's second. He was almost as tall and intimidating in appearance as her father, but he was more easily swayed than her father. Many preferred to deal with Roy, but would never dream of challenging her father's decisions. What Silas wanted, Silas got!
Roy's son Finn, was probably more like her father than Roy, and that worried Reika. As a possible choice for her mate, Finn was nice enough, and definitely handsome enough, but he had already walked around acting like he owned her. She'd tried to explain to him that she didn't have romantic feelings for him. He just told her she'd learn to love him and had closed the subject. Nope - he would never be her choice as mate!
CHAPTER TWO
The years had passed quietly for the packs, and for the Collins family as well. Now that they had come of age, or were almost of age, each offspring had fallen into their required places, except of course for Reika. She towed the line with her duties as the rest did, for she believed in each one doing their share of work. But as to her heart, and who she'd give it to, it was a constant battle between herself and her father.
As Silas was sitting in the living room of their modest home, Reika entered and attempted to plead her case once more. "Father, NO one can tell me who I will or won't mate with! I don't care what the council says, or what old shifter traditions are, or anything else! Some things belong to the individual and THIS is one of them! You and mother married for love, why won't you give me the same opportunity?" she asked as she ended with a small foot stomp. Silas knew the foot stomp to be a trait she would show when she was extremely frustrated and adamant in getting her way. As much as he wanted to let her have her way, there were some things that just had to follow tradition, and her mating status fell into that area of the unfortunates. He tried to assure her that she could choose which wolf she'd mate, as long as she does it before she turns 18. After that, the choice would be made for her, for her own protection. He knew Reika wasn't worldly in her knowledge. She just didn't realize how tempting it would be for all males, in all the packs, to come and try to claim her as their own! It would be over his dead body before he'd let just any outsider claim her! He believed her to be very intelligent, and could be reasonable when the facts were placed before her. He only hoped that this would be one of those times!
"Reika, my sweet, you must try to understand the position that all of us are in. As my pup, you are held to a higher standard then the rest. More is expected of you. I've told you that you are free to choose your mate as long as you do it before you turn 18. Why is this proving to be such an issue for you?" he asked with frustration in his voice.
"Well now, we both know it isn't that simple, don't we", she huffed out. "You say no outsiders, but I have pick of the litter within our pack. You know as well as I, that I don't fancy anyone in this pack as my life long mate. So, you are condemning me to having to accept one chosen for me by someone. Chosen by YOU. So you should be able to see "the issue" here." Reika finished, crossing her arms in her typical display of closing off her willingness to see his point of view.
Silas knew that the conversation was over, for now. As much as he loved her, he wouldn't let her tell him what rules or traditions anyone in his pack would or wouldn't abide by, including her. Rising from his seated position and standing tall with an air of authority about him, he addressed her for the final time on the subject. "Reika, you have been my treasure from the day you came into our world, but I'll not have you tell me which of my rules you'll choose to follow. You must abide by the traditions of this pack as any other would be expected to, more so for you being a pup of the pack alpha. Stop wasting your time pouting about this and start opening your eyes to those around you. You don't have forever to choose, and choose you MUST - or it WILL be done for you!" and with that Silas turned and stalked out.
Reika was unable to move, stunned with the verbal ultimatum her father had just given her. She thought he'd surely see her point and concede to let her do her own choosing. She knew she was being childish with the foot stomps and tantrum like behaviors, but she just couldn't help it. The traditions of the pack were so archaic. How could they not see that?
Realizing her tears had slipped down her cheek, she angrily swiped them away. She wasn't sure if it was sadness from the loss of free will, or pure anger from the absurdity of it all. Either way, it'd be over her dead body before she'd let anyone see her cry from this! It was impossible to hate him for his stubbornness, as she knew the same trait ran through herself. She loved her father dearly. Many times, however, she wished so strongly that he wasn't the alpha. Pondering all that came with that status - the freedoms, limitations and expectations, she was furious that it was HIS chosen duty, not hers! Why should what he chooses to be or do with his life have to influence her or her life?
A rustling from behind her told her she was not alone. She again wiped away any remaining moisture before turning around to face the uninvited presence. Claire had just entered and had stopped to give Reika a chance to finish gathering herself. Her face was full of compassion with a touch of sadness. She understood the frustration and anger felt by her youngest. She also knew that Reika was making it harder on herself than it had to be. The idealistic thinking that Reika had allowed herself to get caught up in was what was responsible for her current sadness and frustration. She had grown up with two loving parents, brothers that adored her, and a pack that wanted nothing but the best for her. How could she not see just how blessed she was?
Claire walked up to her daughter and put her arms around her. She would allow her this moment of consoling and comfort, for she understood how hard it was to have the right to decide for oneself taken away. Maybe it was time that she told Reika the truth about her relationship with Silas.
Pulling away, she studied the sparkling green eyes trying so hard to look angry and stubborn. Tucking a stray strand behind her ear she said, "Come sit with me over here on the couch. I think it's time you knew the truth about your father and I."
Leading her over to the couch, Claire pulled Reika down with her and into the protection of her arms. Reika gazed up at her mother with curiosity. Gently stroking Reika's hair back, she began the story that she'd always known she'd have to tell one day. Her children thought they'd married for love. She knew her children loved their parents, believed in their love, and she didn't want to do anything to tarnish that. Seeing Reika's struggle however, told her this was something that needed to be told.
CHAPTER THREE
Claire began her story of how she came to be married to Silas Collins. The story began when she was 17.
* * * *
Claire's birthday was in two months and she was looking forward to the day with hopeful anticipation. Her mate had been chosen for her and she would be meeting him later that day. The Sweetwater pack was sending their third born son to seal an alliance between the two packs. Silas was tall, handsome and strong. Claire felt that he would make a fine mate Even though she'd never met him, she'd heard a lot about him. Some of what she'd heard however worried her. He was known to be stubborn and at times had a temper that sent most running for cover. Claire smiled to herself as she thought that she would be the one to tame that beast with her gentleness, or at least she hoped so. Surely he'd never lay a hand on his own mate. As such, she would be the perfect one to soothe his savage nature.
Having a date set up for a couple of hours from now, she studied her wardro
be, trying to decide what would be the best outfit to attract him yet not lead him to believe that she was anything but pure. It was important for him to know that he would be her only exposure to the sexual aspect of their life.
Spending the next hour getting ready, she chose a green patterned, form fitting, silk skirt that flared at the bottom which flowed as she walked. Her coordinating soft emerald green sweater was tapered to fit, yet not too clingy. She placed a neutral colored, low heeled pump on her feet to finish the look, then stepped back to admire her work. Looking in the mirror she noticed how the sweater had drawn attention to her emerald green eyes, a feature she thought was her most attractive.
Her blonde hair was brushed till it glistened and hung smoothly down her back. As a natural beauty with long eyelashes and rosy cheeks and lips, Claire found that she really didn't need to apply any makeup. Smiling at her appearance in the mirror, she thought this was a very attractive, yet respectable look that was sure to please Silas.
As she applied the final touches, there was a knock at the door. She heard her father's heavy footsteps cross the room, then heard them exchange their greetings while her father ushered Silas in to have a seat. As much as Claire wanted to rush out to greet him herself, she'd been instructed by her parents, Houston and Lily Thatcher, that a proper daughter of the Alpha from the Laramie County pack waited until the parents had a chance to talk with her chosen mate before she entered the room. She turned to her bed and walked over to have a seat while she waited.
After what seemed like forever, her door opened and her mother motioned for her to join them. All of a sudden, her stomach knotted and she didn't know if she could do this! She'd never even met the man. How could she give herself to someone she'd never met? Her mother turned back around once realizing that Claire wasn't following. A look of understanding passed over her face as she came back to her daughter. "Claire, my darling, I understand your hesitation. I felt it too, when I had to marry your father. It's the way of our pack and you will come to love him in time. This union between the two of you is desperately needed to unite us. There has been much fighting and struggling for us, and we need the support of the Sweetwater pack to ensure the future of our own. My darling, you must trust that your father and I would never do anything to cause you any unhappiness, but sometimes the needs of the pack must come before the needs of the one. Your father has tried his best to choose someone whom he feels will do right by you. Now you must try to trust and honor his choice by presenting your best side and make him proud. Do you think you can do that?" her mother asked, searching Claire's face for a hopeful sign of agreement.