Meant To Be Luna

Chapter 16

Kristin

The pack house was in full swing as every member came together to prepare for the alliance meeting. Some were in the kitchen, preparing finger foods and drinks, others were setting up decorations throughout the house and pack lands.

If anyone had any grievances about holding an alliance meeting during the holidays, Black River made up for it with decorations and spirit. I had counted, at least, three Christmas trees in the pack house alone, and I hadn't even made it through every room yet.

Garlands decorated the stair rails and mantles, and the smell of baked goods could be smelled through three floors. It felt more warm and inviting than our pack house had ever felt growing up.

Alpha Liam Sterling had never been a fan of Christmas - I was soaking up every inch of it.

People were set to arrive as early as in the morning, and Black River would host them for two days. There would be mingling along with drinks and food, while the pack leaders handled business affairs and anything of the sorts. It was the one time of year that allied packs of Black River came together, and Black River hosted as a thanks - according to Grayson.

We had never had anything like it growing up, although I don't believe Silver Crescent had many allies.

"Come down to steal a cookie?"

I turned to find Grayson standing with two cookies in his hand, each covered in red and green frosting. I raised a brow, and he shot me a teasing grin, extending one towards me. I took it with a soft smile.

"I was actually just about to go for a walk. Gabi told me that they decorated around the pack lands."

It was his turn to raise a brow, pursing his lips.

"By yourself?"

"You said you've upped security, I figured it would be fine. I won't go too far," I reassured. I truly did just plan to go down to the lake. Gabi had raved about how beautiful it was this time of year.

The thought of rogues had been on my mind, but with the extra security measures Grayson had put into place, and with me feeling stronger than I had in years, I didn't worry too much about anything bad happening. Security around the pack house had been upped a little more than three times the usual need.

"I'll go with you," he insisted, not giving me a chance to argue as he placed a gentle hand on my back and began weaving me through the bustling house. I shook my head with a smile, taking a bite of my cookie.

I didn't bother to fight him. His hovering had been more extreme than when he had first found me. I hardly ever went anywhere alone, and while a part of me thought it was the rogues, I don't think he trusted me enough to not run off. But I wouldn't, as much as I think it would benefit him and the pack, I wanted him to trust me just as much as I wanted to trust him.

"Alright," I chuckled, letting him help me into my jacket before he put his own on.

The icy wind instantly felt like needles as it hit my exposed skin, but I couldn't seem to care as I spotted the numerous lights. Warm lights were strung from posts across the driveway from above, and continued through to the back yard. There were even two little Christmas trees sitting on the porch.

"I never would have thought the strongest pack in the nation was so fond of Christmas," I said as I began walking the graveled path that led to the back.

Grayson smiled, reaching up to swat a strand of lights hanging above us.

"My mother is a huge fan of Christmas, always decorating and going all out. When my parents first met, my father said he would do just about anything to win her over. So on their first Christmas together, my father gathered everyone, and they decorated the entire house and surrounding pack land overnight to surprise her the next morning. It's been a tradition ever since."