Strong One

Chapter 29 Meeting part 1

Ryan POV

Dad looks ready to explode. Pop has his business face on.  "Why don't we go to the terrace garden restaurant.  It will be good to get some fresh air" I suggest.  "So, Grey. You must be so very busy.  With running The Hub.  How do you manage to find time to relax?" Alpha Mackenzie asks.

"I have found some very key people that help me run The Hub. I had to, when I found Keats and I were mates.  I'd not feel good, if I had to leave him for long periods of time.  Thankfully we've found the balance that is good for us and our family" pop answers.

We walk through the hotel lobby and pass the stores and coffee shops there. "Ryker, did you go to public school?" Gareth, son of alpha Mackenzie asks me. "We did" I reply wondering where he may be going with this.

"Really, that must have been hard for you?" he questions.  I get an idea of where he's going and look him straight in the eyes.  "Not at all. Thankfully, I have well rounded, grounded parents.  I had very typical school life" I answer, letting just a little of my frustration show.

"Table for 12 please" dad asks the waiter.  "Please follow me" he says and we follow him to a table that is under the shade of a gazebo.  Dad and pop sit together at one end of the table. Alpha Mackenzie and his wife take the other end and then the others sit either side of the long rectangular table.

I sit near the centre.  The waiter takes the drinks order.  "Just water thanks" I order.  "No, proper drink for you?" Gareth asks.  I look over at him and smile "you and I obviously have a different idea of what is a proper drink.  Water is a must, for every living thing" I state.  He looks a little embarrassed, as he should do.  But recovers quickly. "No, alcohol for you then" he retorts.

"We are having an important meeting after this" I say curtly.  He realises he's only making things worst and shuts up, thankfully. "Luke, congratulations.  I heard you'd completed your last year of your medical residency" I say looking to him and smiling. His pack is the closet to ours and we've often gotten together over the years with the two packs.

"Thank you, I'll be able to help the pack in a different way, then my brother" he answers. I look at Daniel his brother.  He is a strict alpha, but cares deeply for his pack.  "He's also found his mate" Daniel says.  Luke smiles a little shyly.  "She is here. We are still discussing about her move to the pack" he tells us.

"Congratulations Luke. Please let us know if we can help with anything?" Dad offers. Daniel inclines his head.  "A female, good.  Really, I wonder how our kind is going to survive the number of same sex couples going on" Gareth sneers.

I feel a number of people at the table, get angry at his remark.  "The goddess blessed us soulmates for a reason.  Are you saying she is wrong?" I ask him.  I look at his parents too. "Of course, the goddess is right.  We wonder if all same sex mates are true soulmates though" his mother says.

I tilt my head, at her before answering "you aren't true soulmate's, are you? Not surprising then, that you don't understand the full bond and connection we feel for each other.  Its always surprised me, when people talk about things and have strong opinions on things. When they have no idea what they are really talking about" I respond.  I feel alpha Mackenzie trying to push his power out to subdue me.  I glance at dad and he is more relaxed now.  I let my alpha power seep out towards them.  I see the people sitting next to me shudder.  When it reaches Gareth and then his parents.  It is Gareth who submits first.  His father tries to fight it. His wife submits and then alpha Mackenzie does with sweat beading on his brow.

"You might not like the fact, I was born from two very powerful alphas.  But that doesn't change the truth.  As you dare to accept their lunch invitation.  You should show a bit more respect.  You might have refused your true mate, for being male.  But that also means you haven't gained anything from your mating.  I have two very strong alpha soulmates.  We have gained far more strength from each other" I state before withdrawing my power.