Over the next weeks, stories of heroism spread across the territories. Among them is the tale of a rogue she-wolf with purple streaks in her fur who bashed in the heads of five warlocks all by herself. Wolves admire the bravery of the fallen male paying tribute for killing a sister by saving the life of another sister. And then there's the female who took the knives meant for the Northern Light King and miraculously survived.

For his own pack, Kendrick adds that the female who risked her life for him also set Cassum's spirit free and sent her to the afterlife. I still get a few leery looks after that, but the smiles on the faces of most pack members are genuine. It'll take more time to truly belong, but the road has been paved for me to eventually be accepted and gain their respect. The rest will be up to me to prove myself a worthy Luna.

To show his gratitude for Moose's sacrifice, Kendrick personally returns Moose's crushed body to his native pack. Kenna insists on staying for the funeral and shows her respect by assisting with the burial arrangements. An eerie peace settles over the land as most packs expectantly watch whether the Northern Light King will be true to his word and return the autonomy to those conquered packs who joined him in battle. Too much blood has soaked the lands over these last years and wolves are in desperate need for a respite. Kendrick calls his troops home, even if his generous gesture is likely just a temporary measure. In a few years, he'll get restless and the conquering wars will start all over again.

Sitting around the large, oval dining table like a big family is odd and enjoyable at the same time. Laughter is muffled, as if everyone is still expecting for hell to break loose. They eye Millie and Hailey who sit at the kitchen counter for their last meal. During the battle, they had manned the tents to care for the wounded and Kendrick found their efforts sufficient to give them back their freedom.

Zyron, directly across from me, clears his throat and glances at Hailey. His voice is low and he leans closer to the plate, obviously in an attempt to keep the conversation not only from his prior servants but also from his siblings. "Now that the mating ban is lifted for the Scopan Lake pack, do you think Hailey will consider a mate?"

I shrug. "I don't see why not."

"You think she'd ever consider mating with me?"

I quirk a brow. "You want to mate with her?"

It's the first time I see the color change in his daunt cheeks. His smile is sheepish. "I think she's really pretty and kind."

Plus whoever mates with her will automatically become the new Alpha of the Scopan Lake pack. "What about Kendrick? Aren't you bound to him by your Beta oath?"

Zyron shakes his head. "We never made it official. Personally, I can't see myself as a Beta for the rest of my life, but I'd also never challenge my brother for leadership. If I'd mate with Hailey, well. . ." The words trail off, but he doesn't need to finish the sentence. We are both on the same page. He wants to be Alpha and this is his easy ticket in.

"Hailey was raised under the old traditions. The Scopan Lake females never had a say in who would become their mate. If you want to claim her, she'll accept your decision either way."

"Oh, no." He shakes his head repeatedly. "I'm not gonna mate with a female who doesn't want me. That goes against my principles."

At least he hasn't lost those during his binge drinking sprees and his chain smoking. "She'll probably expect you to stop smoking and lay off on the booze, especially if you have a pup."

"I figured that much." He rolls his neck and shoulders; the thought of quitting his vices most definitely scares him. "Could you maybe talk to her before she leaves? See where she stands?"

I snort. "Seriously? You want me to ask her to become your mate?"

"No, not like that. Just test the water. I mean, can you imagine I just blurt it out and she rejects me? That would be beyond embarrassing."

"Hey, what are you two whispering about?" Kenna squints at us from the opposite end of the table. "And why is Zyron all red in the face?"

"Too many questions, sis." Kendrick juts his chin at her plate. "You better eat up if you want to go on the hunt with us tomorrow."

Our eyes meet. He winks and doesn't attempt to hide his smirk. No doubt he has been eavesdropping; we flank him at the head of the table and it's close to impossible to keep anything from his sensitive ears.

Kendrick lowers his gaze and drops his voice to a whisper. "If it's any consolation, you have my blessing."

"Oh, thank you, brother. I didn't think I needed your permission."

"And as a Raynes, you should tackle your problems head on. No reason to shy away from a little embarrassment." With the biggest grin, Kendrick turns around. "Hailey, could you come here for a sec?"

I kick him under the table, but he keeps a straight face.

The sparkle of joy in Hailey's eyes is replaced by fear. Slowly, she slides off the bar stool and walks over to us. She's about to drop on one knee, but Kendrick signals that this won't be necessary.

"Is there something you need?" she mutters under her breath.

"My brother would like to ask you something?"

The scraping of forks over plates stops and without exception, everyone's attention at the dining table turns to Zyron and Hailey. His face is now a crimson red and he opens and closes his fists in a pumping motion.

"I—I . . ."

"The question is not that hard, brother."

"Dude, shut up." Zyron tosses Kendrick a lethal stare.

"Oh, I get it." Kenna giggles and leans back in her chair. "This will be good."

Hailey blinks a few times; she must be the only one who hasn't caught on.

Zyron lets out a shaky breath and closes his eyes. "I'd like to know if you want to become my mate?"

"Your mate?" The silence that follows is nerve-racking. Hailey stares at Zyron with an open mouth; it appears she has stopped breathing. Her cheeks flush in the same red color as his, even though I'm not sure if a good dosage of anger isn't the driving force behind it. "Why do you want to become my mate?"

"Well, you are pretty, and you're a good female. I think we'd be happy and make cute pups." Zyron's lips twist to a grimace. He's not off to a good start.

"And you becoming the Alpha of the Scopan Lake pack has nothing to do with it?"

"Well, yeah, that too."

"And if I refuse?"

"Then you'll go home tomorrow on your own." Zyron puffs out his cheeks. "Look, Hailey, I'm not gonna lie. Becoming Alpha is a big part of my proposal, but I really like you. You might've been our servant these last few months, but you've always been headstrong and didn't take shit from me. I like that about you. A lot. And I know we could build something good together, as Alpha and Luna. However, I'm not gonna force you to become my mate. That's not how I was raised, and I respect if you'd rather be alone—"

"No, I'd like to become your mate as long as we have an understanding that I'm not gonna be your submissive breeding machine. The females of my pack have suffered too long under the thumbs of the males and I want it to be different."

"You should know that suppression isn't our way. We treat our females as equals and any pack I lead will follow this principle."

"Then it's settled. I'd love to become your mate." Hailey's smile lights up her entire face and I can't shake the feeling that somewhere under his conceited shell, she sees something in Zyron that escapes the rest of the world.

"Wonderful." Kendrick beams at the wolves gathered around the table. "Sit down and share this meal with us, Hailey. You're now part of our family."

The scraping of chair legs over the hardwood floor eats up a full minute as everyone is eager to make space for their new sister. She finds herself in a seat next to Zyron and I catch him tossing her a smoldering look. These two will be good together, even though Zyron will have some amends to make for Hailey's time in bondage.

The scratching of forks over plates resumes, which I take as my cue to address the elephant in the room. This unresolved issue has been filling the space over the dining table during mealtimes with a poisoned cloud. "I'll have to leave for a few days, but once I'm back, I think it's time for me to pay my respect to Everest and serve her in bondage for a month."

"You saved my brother's life. I think that's payment enough."

"I disagree. I put your life in danger and I need to show the pack that I'm willing to live with the consequences of my actions, no matter what."

"Well, if you're sure."

"I am."

Her gaze is thankful; this has irked her as well and undoubtedly put pressure on her relationship with Killian. His smile is slow, though I hope he'll be able to move on from the incident once my punishment is complete.

"Where are you going?" Kenna asks.

Nosy as ever. "I have to visit a friend."

"Can I come with?"

"Sorry, but where I'm going, werewolves are not allowed."

~~~~

© Sally Mason 2018

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