Chosen

31

Most Gatherings lasted only a few days – Black Moon's extended stay at White Moon had been due to treaty reinforcements and negotiations intertwined into their stay. Since the normal course for Gatherings was a long weekend, there would be a welcoming dinner feast, followed by a day of mingling festivities, and then the final day would hold a feast and a ball. We would either gain or lose members, depending on which Lycans chose to stay and which chose to leave.

I had been conversing with the pack members who were in charge of cooking for tonight's feast, ensuring that there were options available for the most devout of Golden Moon members. Some Lycans preferred to follow strict diets in order to show devotion to the Moon Goddess; this practice was old, and generally unaccepted throughout the Lycan community, though if there were ever a Lycan to follow the old ways, they'd be found in Golden Moon.

"Molly, are all the hors d'oeuvres ready to be served?"

"Yes, Lily."

"And the desserts? Do we have enough room for them inside? Will they be alright until it's time?"

Laughing, the old female who had helped coordinate most of the meals for tonight affirmed that everything was ready, then asked, "Shouldn't you be getting ready, dear?"

Once she had assured me that the feast was prepared and set up was nearly finished, I finally turned to head back inside and get dressed for the feast.

Rykor was inside his office with Alpha Hurn. I knocked on the door to grab their attention, although I was sure Rykor was already aware. The male seemed to instantly know when I came into the room.

Alpha Hurn seemed perturbed by the interruption, and I instantly apologized.

"I apologize for the intrusion, but it is nearly time for the feast to begin." Rykor nodded and made to stand, but the other male simply stared at me. Again, it felt as though he were trying to intimidate me. But I refused to back down. He may be an Alpha, but as Rykor had stated, this was my home, and I was not about to be made to feel small simply because he was here. "Perhaps you would like to get freshened up beforehand, Alpha Hurn. I'm sure it was a long and tiring journey to get here."

Alpha Hurn continued to stare for a moment, then nodded and rose, telling Rykor that he would speak to him later, before leaving. Rykor glared at him as he left, which I found rather odd. Golden Moon and Black Moon weren't exactly friends, but I hadn't thought there was any animosity there.

Maybe it has something to do with his True Mate sitting upstairs...

I shoved the intrusive thought away. Rykor had assured me that he felt nothing for the female, and I was determined to believe him.

Rykor followed me to our – our – room, saying nothing, but as soon as the door closed, his arm was around my waist. He pressed me against his body, his warm mouth finding mine and nipping at my bottom lip. At my gasp, his tongue tangled with mine.

My hands had found their way into his hair – or maybe they were already there? – and I tugged gently on the strands. His answering groan shot straight to my core. My leg hitched, curling around his waist, and I began to lift myself –

The sudden sound of a door closing somewhere reminded me that there were others in the house, and that instantly broke the spell. With a considerable amount of effort, I pulled away from Rykor's kiss and stood on my own two feet. His answering sigh was enough to let me know he felt the same, and that he too had heard the reminder that we were not alone, and would not be again for the next few days.

"I apologize, Lahla. I was simply missing you." He gave another sweet kiss to my lips, but this time I pulled away before it could get too out of hand. He chuckled gently and remarked at how my strength far outmatched his.