The Mate Search

Chapter 8

Chapter 8:

The day of Xavier and Evangeline's introduction crept upon us. Through the past week, I've been busy training Xavier, who has made amazing progress and making war plans. I've also helped Thomas and Rose with training regimens and different schedules so things still get done within the pack while war is looming over our heads.

I also got the things Xavier ordered for our room. He did most of the work in redecorating it, as he knew where he wanted everything, so I sat back and watched. I have to say, Xavier has gotten bigger since he's been here.

Not fatter, but he has more muscles and I love it. He still won't talk but I'm not pushing him to do so. If he talks today, tomorrow, in a week, in a year, or never, I will care for him regardless.

The packhouse was a flurry of activity. Everyone was getting ready for tonight. Decorations were being put up and the clearing where we would have it was being set up. Normally we would be setting up food tables and refreshments but because we wanted something small, that wasn't necessary.

I walked up to Evangeline and Thomas' room to help her get ready. Evangeline and Thomas moved in together as soon as possible. She moved in the day after they met.

As I walked in I saw Evangeline standing in front of the closet, the doors closed.

"You know you have to open the closet to get dressed right? You can't just stare at it."

"I'm trying to decide which dress to wear," she gestured to the closet where there were two dresses hanging on it.

One was a knee-length pale pink dress. It was modest but hugged the body. The second was a navy blue dress. This one was more form-fitting but it was still gorgeous. It would also go really well with her silver hair.

"I say navy blue."

"That's what I was thinking. Where's your dress?"

"I need to get it from my room but Xavier and Thomas are in there getting ready right now. I'll get it later."

She nodded and went to slip on her dress. I got the earrings and necklace ready that Evangeline would be wearing.

Someone knocked on the door and I went to open it. Xavier stood there looking very dashing in his fancy suit. He held my dress in his hands.

"Thank you," I said kissing his cheek. That was also something that has happened the past week.

After Xavier finished redecorating our room I was so happy I ran to him and kissed his cheek. That was all the further we went. Just cheek kissing for now.

Xavier blushed and waved goodbye. I waved back and closed the door. Evangeline was standing there in her dress.

"You guys are cute together. You don't need words to communicate and that's special."

"Thanks. That dress looks amazing on you!"

"I can't wait to see you in that dress!"

I laughed and went into the bathroom. I slipped on my dress and accessories. My dress was nothing flashy. The attention needed to be on those joining, not me. It was a plain, form-fitting black dress that was knee length. I wore a diamond necklace and matching earrings. Evangeline and I got done at the same time and stepped out of the room together.

We walked to the clearing where the pack was waiting for me to start. I left Evangeline in the trees next to Xavier where they would be entering.

I walked up the raised platform and took my spot in the middle, right beside Thomas. The pack looked eager for me to start.

I took a deep breath and began.

"Welcome to the ceremony to welcome your Beta Female and your Co-Alpha. Thank you for coming and taking the time to welcome these two people into their new positions. First, Beta Female Evangeline Blake, please step forward."

Evangeline stepped out of the protection of the trees. I felt Thomas go still beside me as he looked at his mate.

She reached the platform and took my hand, then stepped beside me. There was a small table with a bowl on top of it between us. There were also two knives on each side.

"Do you vow to do your best as the Beta Female? To help when needed. To nurture when needed. Do you promise to protect this pack with your last breath," I recited the words that had been used for decades through every entry ceremony.

Evangeline smiled at me, nodded and said, "I do."

We both sliced our palms and clasped our hands together until a drop of our mixed-blood dropped into the bowl.

"Midnight Rain, I present your new Beta Female, Evangeline Blake."

Cheers rang through the crowd as everyone rejoiced. Evangeline walked over to Thomas and held his hand. I waited for the pack to calm and quiet down before I moved on.

"Now time to welcome your new Co-Alpha, Xavier Morris."

Everyone went quiet as Xavier stepped out from the cover of the trees.