One True Alpha

Chapter 14

The music filled the air as wolves danced about the room. The fire was magnificent and kept everyone warm as they danced. My father and I had given me the first dance. Alphas were always given the first dance with either their mate or first-born daughter. Terrance had taken the second dance when the Heirs had their turn. I allowed him to lead me as he tripped over his and my feet. We were outside by the tree line sipping on water as we watched the other wolves.

"You look very beautiful in that dress," Terrance said for the twelfth time tonight. I didn't mind, I enjoyed the compliment. "Thank you, my mother picked it out," I replied for the twelfth time. He smiled as he squeezed my hand. I could see Sarah being spun around by Philip as he smiled up at her. "I should have taken dancing lessons," Terrance said. "My mom could teach you. She was taught by my grandmother at her home pack," I said, sounding hopeful.

"When will we be leaving for Ironclaw? Your father said that it wouldn't be long after the run," he asked as we watched everyone. My father was sitting with a few other Alphas. It was in their nature to watch over others, they kept their eyes on the area. Their Lunas were also at home whether helping run the pack or rearing pups. Another table had a group of Lunas. Their mates were running the pack back home as they took care of the juvenile wolves at the festival, their Betas kept their table secure as they gossiped amongst themselves. Every pack had different customs.

"After the howl and run we'll load up the buses. It will allow most of the wolves to rest as we drive back," I said. "It is good that I have everything packed already," Terrance said, I agreed. "My family will be leaving after the run as well," he said. I took out my phone and added him to the list of wolves whose luggage that would need to go on the bus.

"All of the new wolves will be coming with us with the things they brought. In two months, they will either join our pack and collect the rest of their items or leave," I said as I went on about the basic rundown. "My father will announce you as my mate before we allow the Hunger to set in," I said. "What's the Hunger," Terrance asked as he paled. "My father will explain once the time is right," I told him quickly. He huffed in annoyance before asking for another dance.

As the moon rose high in the sky the councilmen walked towards the entrance. Everyone became quiet and turned towards them, excitement filled the air. "Ladies and gentlemen it is now time for our closing of the Moon Blessing festival. After the moonlit run, we will require all visiting wolves to vacate their rooms by noon tomorrow. For now, release the wolves and run with the pack," the councilman said as we all howled.

Everyone began stripping down as they allowed their wolves to be released. Mates helping their mates unzip the backs of dresses and loosening their corsets. The new wolves went back to their old pack, to run with them one last time. Shoes were thrown to the ground as socks and pants were hastily pulled from their bodies. For many wolves, this would be the last time they would be running with their home pack. For some, it would be the first time they would be running with their new pack.

A smaller she wolf approached us. Her neck angling in submission before she even uttered a word. "I have a question, my Heir," she said as she shook. Her eyes refused to look anywhere close to Terrance. "What is it, Daisy," I asked with a kind smile. "Is the tradition for the females to help the highest ranking female of the pack or specifically the...," she let her words trail off. Her cheeks flushed as she kept her eyes away from Terrance, smart girl. "The luna," I finished as she nodded hesitantly. She fell to her knees as her neck stayed angled towards my teeth.

"What do you suggest," I asked Terrance, testing him. He gave me a scowl of disapproval before he lifted his lip briefly at me. "I think it should be the highest ranking female. They tend to need help out of their attire anyway," Terrance said. I nodded my approval before allowing myself to be led away to my waiting females. Daisy seemed relieved at not having to undress Terrance. Alphas are not known to want to share their mates.