Northern Lights: The Druid of Black Lake

Chapter 4

My mother was in our room with Marie and I getting ready for the banquet and ball. My father was in the adjoining room waiting for us to get ready. He was already in his suit. There was a knock at my parent's door. My father answered it, I heard the door close and he came in to our room and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned and he handed me a box with a card. I opened the box and it was a red rose wrist corsage on a dark black lace ribbon. I was amazed, the red rose was so perfect and beautiful. I opened the card, it read:

"Dearest Charlotte,

I would be honored if you would wear this red rose to match me, as a token of my commitment to your honoring heritage. I have placed it on a black band to signify my pack heritage as well. This is the joining of our two packs together, as one.

With Love, Clark"

Marie and my mother read over my shoulder. I started to tear up, this was so touching. I put the corsage on my wrist and admired it.

"I can't believe he would do such a thoughtful thing, what a wonderful young man." My mother said, handing the card for my father to read. He read it, smiled and gave the card back to me, "I like him."

I smiled at my father, I liked him too. My dress was done, my hair was done, light make-up was done. Marie was doing some finishing touches on her hair. We were ready to head downstairs.

My father escorted my mother into the hall, Marie and I linked in arms behind them. We found our table, I was pleased to see the Duffey's already there. Clark stood up, walked over to me and took my hand, he kissed it and smiled at the corsage. He had a matching red rose boutonniere in the lapel of his suit. "My goodness Charlotte, you look absolutely beautiful." He said gently. I smiled at him, "thank you, you look very handsome."

He smiled and winked at me, "I clean up ok, but you are a vision." He pulled my chair out for me, after I was seated Clark moved over to my sister's chair and pulled it out for her as well. Marie smiled at him, as he pushed it in for her a hand ripped his off of her chair and held it up with a growl. I turned to see Anthony starring daggers at Clark and growling.

"What do you think you are doing Beta? You keep your hands to yourself." Anthony bellowed at him. I was taken aback by this display of dominance. Clark stared back into Anthony's face, he didn't cow to him, he simply took a small step to the side. "I was only helping my mate's sister with her chair Anthony. There is no disrespect for you here, only respect for my mate and my in-laws."

Clark removed his hand slowly from Anthony's grip and sat down between myself and his father. Anthony glared at him, sitting down next to Marie with a hard grunt. I turned to Clark and rolled my eyes, "Alpha blood is too intense." Clark smiled at me. My hand was resting on the table, he gently took it and stroked my fingers with his. As he leaned forward to kiss my forehead, Clark said in a low voice, "Not all Alphas are like that. Possession does not have to mean aggression. I have met many Alphas who would never pick a fight over something as minor as good manners."

Once the Martin's joined us everything seemed to settle down into place. People were still pouring into the ballroom. There was much excitement in the air. My father stood and raised his glass of wine in the air, "A toast to my two beautiful daughters. Marie and Charlotte, you are both such beautiful, thoughtful and kind young women. Your mother and I are so proud of you both. As a father, it is terribly hard to let my girls go so far from home, but I trust the Moon Goddess you are going on to your everlasting happiness. These two young men you have found seem to be upstanding and well suited. I wish you all the best."