Once In A Blue Moon

Chapter 31

Gatherings were usually held in the training center, which was just large enough for our pack to fit comfortably. But this gathering was different. Not only had every man, woman, and child from my pack gathered together, but sometime during the night, Will's pack had also joined us. My pack was not by any means considered "small," but we wouldn't stand a chance against Will's pack. Hundreds of unfamiliar faces from his pack stared curiously at me as Will led me towards the makeshift stage.

How did I not know his pack was here? I thought in wonder. How could hundreds of fully grown wolves move onto my packs" grounds without my notice?

You've had more important things to worry about, my wolf reminded. I shuddered at the thought of Luke's clammy, greedy hands, running over my bare thighs. As if sensing my train of thought, Will started soothingly rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand. He pulled me closer to his side as we climbed up the stairs to the stage. 

I had expected Will to ban me from coming to the gathering. At a time like this, most male werewolves, especially Alphas, would have their mates locked away and heavily guarded. I had been mentally preparing myself to convince him to let me attend the meeting, but in the end, I didn't have to say a word. Will had automatically assumed that I would be at his side during the meeting; appearing for the first time before his pack as their Alpha female.

To say I was nervous, would be an understatement.

 A large man quietly appeared on the opposite side of Will. He stood slightly behind Will, keeping a respectful but protective distance from his Alpha. I assumed this man was Will's second in command. The man looked like he had been carved from steel; all hard edges and sharp angles, but when he turned to look at me, his eyes were soft and kind. Will nodded his head slightly to acknowledge his second in command before abruptly turning to face the crowd.

Crowds had never been a problem for me in the past. I felt safe and comfortable surrounded by my pack mates. Since werewolves were social creatures, they usually took comfort in numbers and physical contact; even rogues craved attention. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe I had an affinity for crowds because I was destined to be an Alpha female...

Will's voice was strong and confident as he addressed the massive crowd of werewolves before him. Both packs stared up at him with complete and utter respect and admiration. I felt my chest swell with pride as my mate's voice rang out across the clearing. I raised my head and stepped up closer to Will; taking my place on his right side as his Alpha female.  

I felt Will's words vibrate through my chest as he announced my name clear and proud across the gathering. Will's pack immediately bowed their heads and kneelled as the title of Alpha female rested itself firmly on my shoulders. I felt my bond with old pack start to weaken, but it wasn't completely severed; not yet at least. The bond separation from my old pack wouldn't be completely severed until Will and I mated. as if reading my mind, Will sent me a wicked grin which caused my face to burn crimson. I bit down hard on my bottom lip to stop myself from smiling.

"Rogue Luke is still a threat to your Alpha female," Will growled out. His pack growled and bared their teeth at the news that their Drappa was in danger. "Those who wish to leave in peace, do so now, cause from this moment on, we are at war with the rogues."

I expected some wolves to leave, especially those with small children, but not a single werewolf made any motion to leave. They stood proudly before myself and their Alpha; ready to lay down their lives to protect their Alpha pair. My pounding heart squeezed the breath out of lungs at the display of their loyalty and devotion. My breath hitched slightly and I fought back the first wave of tears.

"Those who wish to stay, will fight and protect our Alpha female," my mate|s voice rang out for everyone to hear.

Snarls and growls filled the air, until the sound was almost deafening. Both packs blended together into an unstoppable force of wolves; all set on protecting their pack and Alphas. Faces full of determination stared back at Will and I, and I shivered as a chill crept up my spine.

Will turned to look directly at me. His expression told me that he would be the first to lay his life down to protect me. In a low voice for only my ears to hear, he whispered, "Then we are at war."

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I just want to quickly thank you all for being patient with me. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write, and I hope I haven't lost too many of you guys. You guys are are truly amazing! I know this chapter is very short but I needed to write something and get it out there for you to read.