Northern Lights: The Druid of Black Lake

Book One of the Northern Lights Series.

My father shifted his weight, cleared his throat and pulled an envelope out from beside his thigh which I hadn't noticed was there. I recognized the red stamp on the large manila envelope. It was from the exhibition. My father opened it and read the letter aloud:
"Greetings Delta Gillies of the Red Rose Pack,
It is our honor to request that your unmated daughters, Marie and Charlotte Gillies attend the 110th Mating Exhibition of the Central Prairie Territory to be held in Brandon, Manitoba this year. Registration will be at 9am on April 4th, followed by three days of activities, concluding on April 8th at 10am. Please find the complete itinerary included in this invitation. Please find a copy of this letter has also been sent on to your alpha. Failure to comply with this invitation will have consequences for your family and your pack. Thank you, and may the Moon Goddess be with you."
My father tossed the letter to me and stood up. He linked his hands behind his back and stepped up to the fireplace. My mother smiled knowingly, raised behind him and rubbed his shoulder blades. She whispered to him, "I know it is hard my love, but they must go. We all must do our duties."
"I don't understand why both my girls aren't mated within Red Rose. One maybe, but not both. It's hard enough to let go of them to anther house, but another pack all together. Another province maybe. It's so far from home, how can I protect them?" my father asked her, loud enough so we could hear the pain in his voice. My father adored his children, each of us is very loved and cherished. I know he has been praying for us to find our mates here, within our pack so we can stay here and he can protect us. As a Delta, he is the Beta's second. He is strong and protective. He wants the best for my sister and I, I know that.