“Alright, who are you leaving out. What about the Southeast?”
“Finally, that leaves us with Jessica and Philip. Probably the most controversial alphas but will probably be your biggest supporters with Khloe.” He said.
“Wait, they’re the panther and black bear mates, aren’t they?”
“Yes, while most people wouldn’t give two shits about you and Khloe. Our world can be the most bigoted when it comes to inter-species mates. There are some who would rather see you with a normal human than another type of shifter.” He offered.
“Seriously?” I asked, and he confirmed with a nod. “Ok, we have a lot to do today before everyone arrives. What about the team? How many do think will agree to come with us to Central America?”
“They will all be coming along. They all volunteered before we even got here.” Craig offered.
I shook my head in disbelief at his words. I was moved by the team’s decision to come along. I looked up at the kitchen clock and took note of the time. “Let’s get the ball rolling. Patrick will be here in about thirty minutes. It shouldn’t take us that long with his guys here to help get everything set up for tonight.” I went to the carafe and poured a cup for Khloe before I went back upstairs.
We were busy the rest of the day, with getting the barn set up for the meeting. Most of the pack who could make it showed up throughout the day, all of them pitching in with the set up. Most stopped by to introduce themselves to me since I hadn’t seen most of them in years.
Kaelyn arrived about mid-afternoon, she was way early but Craig had said to expect her before everyone else since she was such good friends with my parents. Talia and Khloe went to greet her and Kaelyn hugged the girls like they were sorority sisters. I went back to talking with some of the pack members who had questions about how Talia and I were planning on running things. It appeared that most were happy for the two of us but also hesitant about the change. I told them that for the most part, nothing would change. I explained that our main concern was for the pack’s wellbeing while Talia and I were out of the country.
Talia brought Kaelyn over for introductions so I excused myself from the pack members I had been talking to promising that we would answer all their concerns later. “Dorian, this is Kaelyn, Alpha to the Midwest Pack. Kaelyn, my twin brother and co-Alpha, Dorian.”
She didn’t move or extend a hand in greeting. My wolf came to the surface to take the measure of this Alpha as I was sure that her wolf was doing the same to me. We stood there for what felt like half an hour but was probably only a few minutes. I really hated dominance games. It was one of the reasons I left to join the Marines. I continued to stare at Kaelyn and waited for her to break contact. You would think that knowing who our father was Kaelyn wouldn’t try this with me. Talia and I could rule the entire Were/Shifter world if we had the inclination. When your father is the apex predator of apex predators, some of it did find its way to both Talia and me. In addition to being able to take the beast form, our wolves are extremely dominant. That was one of the reasons why it had been so hard for T to find a mate. Most male shifters are too arrogant or too stupid to admit that our females are just as badass as we are. While my mind wandered, Kaelyn finally dropped her eyes.
“I told you Kaelyn, he’s just as dominant as I am. Just because he’s been gone doesn’t change things. It’s not like he was a lone wolf or anything.” Talia pronounced, as she smiled at Kaelyn.
“I know you did but my wolf wouldn’t have it any other way.” She replied to Talia before she looked back at me and continued, this time reaching a hand out to me. “Nice to meet you, Dorian. Talia has told me all about you.”
I shook her hand saying. “I wish I could say the same but as you know our mom kind of dropped this on us while we were in the middle of dealing with something else.” Khloe walked around Kaelyn to my side grabbing my hand in hers. I smiled at her then looked back to Kaelyn.
“I see that you finally got him, Khloe,” Kaelyn said causing my mate to blush slightly.
“Oh, now I get it. You three all went to college together.” I looked to find T had a grin like the Cheshire Cat as she nodded her head.
Talia grabbed Kaelyn’s hand saying. “Come, I want you to meet Joseph. Also, Khloe and I can fill you in on what has been happening.”
Khloe got up on her tip toes to kiss me lightly before she followed Talia and Kaelyn. I just shook my head as I looked around for Patrick and hoped that he brought some Guinness with him.
I found that Patrick had brought some Guinness with him and asked for a pint. My phone buzzed with an incoming text from Esteban that said he was on his way. He also stated he was bringing Donovan with him. I texted him with a ’10-4’ then put my phone back in my pocket and looked around for Craig. I had a couple of questions for him.
Taking a long pull from my pint I closed my eyes savoring the flavor when I scented Craig, as he walked up next to me. I opened my eyes to find him staring at me.
“What?” I might have said a little defensively.
“Nothing, it must be a Jarhead thing.” He replied as he brought a pint to his lips.
“Oh, like a fucking squid would know.” I retorted.
That caused us both to bust out laughing getting the attention of everyone who was in the surrounding area. They probably thought we were a little crazy and they wouldn’t be that far off since Craig had been a Navy Seal, and I was a former Marine Raider.
I turned to Craig and raised my glass to his saying, “Here’s to us. and those like us, but most of those are dead, so here’s to us.”
“Here, here.” He answered before we clinked our glasses and drained our pints.
“Tell me, am I going to have to do that dominance crap with every Alpha who comes tonight or was that just some BS that Kaelyn had to do since she’s known Talia since college and wouldn’t take her word for it.?” I asked him soberly.
He looked thoughtful for a few seconds before he responded. “I honestly don’t know. Your parents never held anything like this in the seven years that I’ve been here. To be honest, I sure as hell hope not. I don’t think Luis will be a problem but I’m not sure about Kane or Gage. They’ve both been around for a long time so I wouldn’t put anything past them. Kane from what I’ve heard is quiet but tends to think that since he’s a Grizzly he’s above wolves. Gage on the other hand, just thinks he’s ‘the cock of the walk’.”
I excused myself so I could go and get cleaned up before the other alphas showed up. I informed Craig that Esteban and Donovan were on their way.
I had stopped by the living room on my way to my room to find the girls entertaining Kaelyn. “Excuse me, Talia do you have a moment? I need to ask you something.”
She nodded and excused herself and followed me to the stairs. “What’s up, D?”
“What’s the dress code for tonight?” I asked.
“Well, I’m wearing a suit. It’s what they’ll expect of me. You, on the other hand, are the wild card. While the pack knows you, the alphas don’t. I wouldn’t wear something that you might get upset over if it gets messed up or blood on it.”
Understanding her meaning I asked. “You think someone will challenge me then?”
“Yes, I do. If for any other reason, you are with Khloe. Kane and Gage are old school and don’t believe in inter-species mates.” She offered.
“Fuck me!” I said running a hand through my hair. “When are, these fucktards going to move out of the dark ages? We have a real fucking threat and you’re telling me that all they’ll care about is who I’m fucking?”
She put a hand on my shoulder. “Sorry.”
I nodded my thanks heading upstairs to find something that I wouldn’t mind getting someone else’s blood on. Fuck. My. Life.
I stood in the shower with my head resting on the tiles while the hot water ran down my body and let all the tension leave my body. I must’ve been completely zoned out because I was startled by two hands as they spun me around and pulled me to Khlo
e’s waiting body. I pulled her tight and inhaled her scent letting it calm me even further. Khloe reached up to pull my mouth to hers as her other hand ran down my side. My hands roamed her body as we stood there kissing each other while the steam from the shower filled the room.
Sometime later we both entered my room with towels wrapped around ourselves. “What are you going to wear?” Khloe asked as she sat down on the edge of the bed grabbing the lotion off the end table.”
“Not sure,” I said as I opened my closet. “A little worried about what the other alphas might pull or do.” I stood there in thought about the events of the evening.
“You think one of them is going to try something, don’t you?” She asked while she applied lotion to those flawless legs of hers.
“I’m not really sure, to be honest, but then again I don’t really know any of them.” I turned around and sat down next to her on the bed. “My mother is laughing at me at this moment.” I offered as I laid down and stared up at the ceiling while I absently traced my fingers on her back piece.
“We both know that your parents didn’t see any of this coming.” She turned and looked at me. “Now go find some of those nice-looking jeans and one of your performance tees.” She ordered as she pushed me towards the closest.
I smirked as I met her eyes. “You just want to look at my ass and abs.”
She shrugged and finished, “Can’t blame a girl who wants to show off her man. Besides, we both know Talia and Joseph will be dressed up. This is your time to be who you are. Not who they think you are or who they expect you to be. The best thing about you and T is that while twins, you two couldn’t be any more different.”
“Alright, you win but don’t forget your bib,” I said as I rolled away from her swat that came my way.
She got up from the bed. “Smartass! I’m going to see what T has for me to wear since most of my clothes are still down in Boston.” As she left my room she dropped her towel. “This should get you moving faster.”
My groan was audible as I ran a hand through my hair. She’s going to be the death of me. I thought turned back to the closet as I grabbed a pair of tactical pants.
Chapter 31
I joined Khloe, Talia, and Joseph in the living room. Talia and Joseph both wore suits, T look comfortable while Joseph looked like he was getting measured for a coffin. Khloe, on the other hand, was dressed in a mini-skirt with leggings and a clingy top thingy. I know, I know, there is probably a correct name to what she’s wearing, but seriously, I’m a guy. Whatever you call it, she was wearing the hell out of it.
I looked over to Talia. “Ready for this?”
As she met my eyes, she smoothed out her suit and let out a breath. “Not really, but I don’t know any other way to go about getting the help we are going to need to rescue Davin, and Zantana from those madmen.”
“Hang on a sec.” I pulled out my phone and read the text I just received.
“Who is it?” Khloe asked.
“Craig, he says that the rest of the alphas have arrived, and it’s time to start.” I sent him a quick reply and slipped my phone back into my pocket. Reaching for the door knob. “Whatever happens tonight know this. I’m headed down to get Khloe’s parents with or without help.” I opened the door, and we went out to who knew what.
I stepped out of the house stopping on the patio to survey those who had come at my request. Assembled in front of me were seven alphas plus the representatives of another along with most of our own pack. More than I had hoped for had come at their new Alpha’s request, a testament of their love for my parents. Talia walked up next to me on my right side while Khloe stood to my left and took my hand and gave it a gentle squeeze of reassurance. Joseph stood to Talia’s right and held her hand. Khloe and Joseph’s actions were clear to all who were in attendance that both Talia and I were spoken for. Those of our pack, who were present all bowed their heads in submission and deference to Talia and me. The seven alphas were standing in front of our pack. Kaelyn looked the four of us over and nodded her acceptance of us as co-Alphas to our pack.
Craig cleared his throat and announced in a clear voice. “It is my honor to present to you, Dorian, and Talia Callahan, Alphas of the New England Pack, and their mates Khloe Ashling, and Joseph Williams.” What I wouldn’t give to be able to read minds at that point. Our pack cheered at the declaration of Talia and mine’s status, as well as the announcement of our mates. I noticed, Patrick in the back raising a pint of Guinness in our honor. Jessica and Philip, the Alpha’s from the Southeast, looked pleased with the situation. Luis, Alpha for the Southwest, who stood off to the side near Craig, appeared to accept us and nodded at something that Craig must have said to him. Patrice and Martin, representatives for the Quebec Alpha, were nonplussed about everything. That was a little worrisome after the events at the pub yesterday. Kane, Alpha for Northwestern Canada, was unreadable just as Craig had predicted. Gage, Alpha for the Northern Plains and Central Canada, was visibly upset about something, most likely he had thought he could tame Talia. Like that would ever happen, many have tried and failed. Stephanie, Alpha for the Pacific Northwest, looked like she was skeptical about the two of us. Probably thought we were spoiled rich kids playing at Alpha. I will need to speak to her as soon as I can, with all the problems she’s having with vampires in her territory maybe I could ask Esteban to help her.
“Talia and I would like to thank everyone for making time on their schedules to attend this last-minute event. There is food and beverages inside the barn for all. Please feel free to help yourself.” I said to those gathered. A cheer went up as almost everyone made their way over to Patrick and his people. I turned to find Khloe’s amazing emerald green eyes watching me. “Let’s see what happens now,” I said quietly to her.
As the four of us made our way towards our guests, Gage walked right up bold as brass and stopped in front of Talia. His action caused my wolf to stir. “What is the meaning of this?” He asked while he examined Joseph, his meaning clear that he didn’t approve of Talia’s choice of a mate.
I started to intercede when Khloe whispered: “Don’t.” She stopped me in time to catch Kane scrutinizing the scene.
WHACK! Talia’s slap across Gage’s face was so loud that everyone stopped what they were doing. “How dare you insult me and my mate. You’re still butthurt that I turned down your rather poor excuse for courting.” Talia countered in a calm voice I knew meant she seethed with anger. This was going to escalate quickly.
Gage rubbed his cheek as he eyed Joseph one last time before giving Talia his attention. Then he broke out in laughter and turned muttering, “Why don’t you just run along, and play house with your obedient little mutt.” You could’ve heard a pin drop at that moment. You know those times when you’re at a party or an event that is loud, and at the most inappropriate moment, you make a dumb ass comment right when everyone stops talking. Yep, that’s what Gage had just done.
Gage stopped at that moment and looked around only to realize that everyone had indeed heard him. Everyone around us was frozen when an almost guttural beast voice spoke from next to me. “I will fucking kill you where you stand, for the besmirching of my honor.” I glanced to my right and saw Joseph holding Talia back as there was a rippling motion under her suit. Her wolf was fighting to get out. It looked like blood was going to be shed any minute.
I stepped in front of Talia and commanded, “Gage, apologize now!”
He stopped and might have winched a little before he faced me. “Or what? I’m going to have to fight you? You, who ran away from our world and hid among the humans.” He waved a hand dismissively at me before he continued, “Please, I came here to see if Maeve’s whelps were up to the task of leading this pack. Now I find you both wanting.”
“I ch ch challenge y y you!” The voice behind me yelled. I snapped my head around and found both Joseph and Khloe holding onto Talia. Her eyes were glowing like they were lit with blue fire. Her suit was tearing in spots, the result of her
body beginning to change. Both of her hands were now covered in white fur ending in some nasty claws.
I looked back at Gage. “Nope, you’re not going to have to fight me.”
He looked over to the assembled alphas for something, help I’m not sure, but all of them turned away from him.
“I accept!” He roared as he began to strip then glanced my way. “When I’m done with her you’re next Dorian.”
I nodded in understanding as I walked away, “Clear a space. A challenge has been issued and accepted.” Moving in clockwise fashion I began moving people back to create a space roughly thirty feet in diameter for the challengers. The alphas spread out around the circle to insure no one from my pack would interfere in any way.
I walked up to Talia who had gone still just standing there while Khloe and Joseph held her arms. I snapped my fingers to get her attention. “You’re sure about this?”
Her eyes locked on mine some of her wolf receded. “Yes, I’m sure. My wolf and I are in total agreement on this. He must die for what he said.”
I pulled her into a hug and kissed her forehead. “I love you, sis. You’ve got 10 minutes to change and be ready.”
As she hugged me back she whispered, “Love you too. I’ll be ready. Now go.”
I stepped into the center of the clearing and began, “As Alpha, and host of this event I would normally preside over the challenge, but since my sister is the challenger, and Gage has so eloquently said that I was next after he is finished with Talia, I must abstain.” That last remark about Gage killing T elicited a laugh from my pack. Holding my hands up for silence I continued, “I would ask one of the attending Alpha’s to preside over this challenge.”
Kane stepped forward. “I will preside over the challenge.”
I nodded my acceptance and went over to Talia and the others.
“Combatants, you have ten minutes to appear before me in wolf form, or your lives will be forfeit for running from a challenge,” Kane announced.
Book of Souls (Supernatural War Book 1) Page 15