The Shadow Alpha novel Chapter 26

After a relaxing shower I made my way to the dining hall where members of both packs were calmly mingling and socialising. I recalled the first dinner we had together; the gaping rift between the packs seemed to have lessened which warmed my heart.

‘I guess time does heal after all’ Shadow mused contentedly and I couldn’t help, but agree.

“Queenie!” Sounded two voices behind me, one sounded like an awfully high pitched screech and the other I recognised as my little princess which instantaneously compelled me to spin around in search of her, only to be tackled in a hug by one big and one small body.

“Oh My Gosh, I can’t breeethe!” I pretended to gasp which caused them both to giggle dramatically.

“Princess, Hunny! Do you both want to kill me?!” I said in mock horror which only amused them more.

“At least you can say you died of too much love.” Hunter teased looking too thrilled with himself which earned him a scowl from me and a giggle from the adorable golden haired girl in his arms. Instinctively I extended my arms and took her from him. The familiar feeling of love washed over me as I held her in my arms, I was so immersed in my own problems that I had missed out on spending time with my family. A pang of guilt hit me, but I pushed it to the back of my mind for the moment.

“Now tell me you two, when did you become such good friends?” I was honestly curious, sure Hunter had met her on multiple occasions but they had never seemed to be so close.

“Mommy and Daddy said that he’s my brother.” She whispered in my ear making my eyes go wide and my head snap to Hunter’s soft ones.

“I went to see them last night to talk. We’re not on the best terms but, I want my family back Al and I’ll do anything to earn their forgiveness and have them at least acknowledge me as their son.” He said softly with determination laced in every word and a smile formed on my face.

Tatiana wriggled from my arms and ran towards Drey in the crowd, I smiled at the sight of the two hugging while Hunter scowled, “She’s too young for that!” he glowered before advancing forward without warning and rammed into Jolene. The impact would have knocked her off her feet if he hadn’t reflexively wrapped his arms around her.

The metal cup she held in her hand clattered to the ground loudly earning the attention of every person in the room. Her eyes widened in shock and would have made for a funny sight if not for the word she uttered.

“Mate.” Their voices blended together and was followed by a collective gasp from the spectating crowd.

I smirked at the look on Hunter’s face as he realised that everyone was staring at his flushed face. When he registered my smirk his expression morphed to form a wicked grin, he swiftly hooked his arm around the back of her knees and swept her off her feet bridal style, ignoring her protests. He spared me one last wink before he disappeared through the doors of the dining hall.

I’ve got to give it to him, the guy’s got game, but I guess he’ll have to learn the hard way. I chuckled at his cheeky behaviour and the thought of how Jolene is going to put him in his place.

“Okay, I’m hungry so let’s eat.” The distraction was enough to get everyone chatting again and rushing for the best seats.

“We accept your offer.” he boomed suddenly which was followed by a chorus of “What’s?!”. I glanced back at the group of incredulous looking rogues and turned back to him with a hard look which he understood, “We would like to join the Blue Moon pack as official members.” he elaborated in a much calmer voice.

Gasps and whispers sounded around me, “Oliver, this isn’t what we agreed on. A minute ago you were ready to stay only long enough to get some information on their whereabouts and now you’re saying we’re becoming pack members?” A red head girl whose name I didn’t know asked with confusion.

“Yeah. We came here on a mission; to find your sisters, not to throw away eleven years of searching, for a comfortable life. You never cared about that before, why start now?” Another reasoned curiously, the woman was perfection personified with her waist long platinum blonde hair and striking hazel eyes.

I faced Oliver who was yet to answer; he looked between us with a small happy smile on his face.

I was puzzled, the usual mischievous smirk that he wore was strangely replaced by a real and happy smile and I could not figure out why.

“Because we fulfilled the reason we came here. We found the last survivors of the Celestia Pack.”