The Mating Bond

Chapter 16

"We're going to the packhouse?"

I ask after we've ordered a mountain load of food. Trying to only sound confused, I held my breath since in fact, I was very nervous. What reasons do they have? Do I have to go inside with them? Maybe I can just wait in the car.

"Well, we do need the paperwork to transfer you over to our pack. If you just left, they would think you were missing."

Malcolm says nonchalantly. He's used to all the paperwork i guess. That's what I was hoping for. Father is friends with the Beta so I don't want him to know where I'm going. I guess that was just a pipe dream. Not very realistic of me. I got too ahead of myself. I completely didn't even think about paperwork as well! That means I'll have to come inside.

"Oh, I forgot that was a thing. I've never kept track of pack politics very well."

I let out a short laugh. That is true. Father kept me pretty isolated from the pack and pack events so I know almost nothing about how a pack works. I just know the ranking system and that's it.

"You're gonna need to start brushing up on it since you'll be a Luna's Beta."

Bridgette informs me as she passes Ace his wallet that was in the center console. I never really thought about that. A Luna's Beta. I'll have the same rank as Malcolm and able to make large decisions for the pack. And help Luna work out her decisions too. Will it be a lot of paperwork? That'll be an interesting time. Hopefully, I'll be good at it. I don't want to disgrace Malcolm by being such a weak mate.

"Will the paperwork for the transfer be difficult?"

I'm hoping it'll be quick and easy. I'm pretty fast at doing tests so hopefully, it'll be a breeze.

"Not really. You just have to write down your name, age, rank, and reason for leaving the pack. Since your reason is your mate is in another pack, you'll need to write down my age, name and rank as well to show you aren't lying. Then it'll be approved by the Alpha or Beta."

Malcolm smiles at me. He's so informative. He doesn't need to tell me all that but he does. He's happy to give me information and wants me in the loop. He's so kind.

Sounds like it'll be quite a quick process. I'll probably come across my sister or her boyfriend. And the Beta is probably out doing Beta things. Yeah. This won't be that bad. We got this. But, what did he say about being approved? We can't just submit it and go? Do I have to talk to Beta James or Alpha Landon? I hope not. They are so intimidating.

"Approved? Does that mean it can be denied?"

We pull up to the window and Ace taps his card on the reader. The lady hands us the drinks and tells us to go park upfront since our order will take a bit to make. As she does so, she looks at me very intently. She is a werewolf, that much is certain, but the way she looks at me is almost... concerned? As fast as it happened, it ended. I'm brought back to the conversation as Malcolm pipes up.

"Yes, they do have that option but there wouldn't be any reason in this case. They only deny if the member is going through a trial or is suspected in something nefarious."

Malcolm says as he's handed his drink By Bridgette. He got a steeped tea double double which I found out means double cream and double sugar. As Bridgette hands me my hot chocolate, Ace looks through the rearview mirror at me. His eyes squint at me. Feels like he is piercing my soul.

"Why? Is there something you did that'll make your application rejected?"

I can feel his dislike permeate the air. Instinctually, I squeeze Malcolm's and I's still clasped hands.