Loyalty:
“Asher would it be possible to have the rest of the pack gather in a group and pledge their loyalty.” Nora asked, hoping she wasn't offending some tradition.
Asher was searching for the words to say, he was worried that she would not be able to get a good judge of the pack members. Nora studied his face. She watched different emotions flash across worried, unsure, and then as if he was trying to think of a plan.
‘Asher if it's some type of tradition I understand but it's taking a lot out of me right now. I’m still recovering.” Nora said, taking a bite out of her turkey sandwich.
“She really does need to get back and rest.” Matt chimed in.
“No Alpha it's not that it's a tradition. I don't know where everyone's loyalty lies. I was hoping if you met them one on one you might be able to judge them.” Asher explained.
“I have a plan for that.” Nora smiled at them both popping a chip into her mouth.
“Well do tell.” Matt said with a mouth full.
Nora patted him under the chin telling him to not talk with food in his mouth before looking back to Asher. She made a face before continuing.
“So that last person. Roger. When he pledged their loyalty to me his eyes glowed red. They didn't glow amber; Kips' color was red. So I have a theory that the ones that aren't really loyal to me will glow red and the rest will be amber. Then we just handle the ones with red eyes.” Nora said with a smile.
“That is interesting. I wonder how he pledged himself but managed to keep loyalty to Kip, even though he is dead.” Asher said out loud.
“The plan sounds like it will work though. Where are we putting them? Jail? Dungeon? Natsy lab slash hospital?” Matt said, wiggling his eyebrows at Nora.
“I’m not sure about that part yet.” Nora said, throwing people in jail just because they were loyal to someone seemed wrong to her.
“We also need you to appoint Delta and Gamma.” Asher said quietly.
“Asher, who do you trust here?” Nora said, taking a sip of sweet tea.
Asher thought to himself quietly. Matt watched him like he was watching a tv show, popping chips in his mouth. He began to chew louder and open his mouth more waiting for Asher to make up his mind. He was doing it in part to be annoying. Nora narrowed her eyes at him and wacked him in the arm.
“Hey.” Matt said, holding his arm like Nora had broken it.
“Oh stop! And chew right.” Nora said, rolling her eyes at him.
She felt him before he was even in the room. Her body began to tingle like it knew before her mind did. His scent floated through the air, his scent alone gave her chills. She instantly wanted to curl into him. Zara inside of her began to freak out excitedly.
Cole. She purred, smelling him.
I know. Nora chuckled back to her. She was just as excited.
She contained herself pretending to not be jumping out of her seat to see him. He walked into the kitchen and she felt herself melt. He was always breathtaking. His broad shoulders that she just wanted to cling to. She imagined how it felt to run her hand down his muscular back. Images of them together fluttered through her mind, her cheeks flushing at the sight of him. His charming smirk rolled across his face as his eyes caught hers. She knew immediately that he knew what she was thinking of. He crossed the room to her like nothing else was going on, nothing else mattered.
His anger at Lance melted away seeing her. Cole was begging to shred him to pieces, especially the way he kept looking at Nora. She was his. Thinking of Lance looking at her made his wolf and him possessive. Without thinking He went to her, lifting her out of her chair and pulling her against him. She let out a small squeak as she crashed into his chest. The noise she let out was quickly covered by his mouth. He pulled her into a passionate kiss. It was possessive and demanding. He showed her how much he wanted and needed her with just his lips. A small whimper escaped her lips as her body craved him.
Matt cleared his throat pretending to choke on his sandwich, breaking the moment. Jace pulled back from the intense kiss and gave Matt a look. Matt put his hands up as if to say no offense and pointed to the sandwich.
“What has my little hunter, I'm sorry Alpha accomplished today?” Jace smirked.
“That’s right Alpha and you need to remember that.” Nora said, poking his chest teasing.
Jace pulled her against his chest once more burying his face in her neck. He placed small kisses across it and reaching the spot he marked her, he flicked his tongue over it. An intense chill went through. It was the simplest touch but she felt her knees buckle. She grabbed onto his shoulder to balance herself and choked back a moan. He chuckled and then leaned towards her ear.
“I will show you later whose Alpha and I will make sure you always remember it.” Jace whispered.
“So Alpha.” Asher started to say.
“Yes-” Jace started to answer but realized they were not talking to him
“Yes.” Nora asked, looking at Jace with a smirk.
“Did you want to me to just gather the rest of the pack and we can proceed with a group pledge?” Asher asked.
“Group pledge? How have you been doing it?” Jace asked.
‘One at a freaking time.” Matt said dramatically laying across the table, like he was going to pass out from exhaustion.
“One at a time.” Jace said almost as dramatic as Matt.
“Hush you two.” Nora said, waving her hand at them.
“You’ve been meeting an entire pack one at a time.” Jace said, baffled.
“ Well Asher wanted me to test each pack member by meeting them and seeing if I could sense if they were loyal or not,” Nora explained.
“Love, that's not how you're going to find out if they are loyal to you or not. You have to work with them side by side. It takes time, not one meeting.” Jace explained.
“Well lucky for you, I already figured out a way to weed out certain ones.” Nora said, throwing him a wink.
“What am I missing?” Jace asked but looked at Matt.\
“We think someone of the ones that are still loyal to Kip when they're wolf comes forward their eyes will glow red, in stead amber.” Matt explained.
“And why do you think this?” He asked Nora.
“Because it's already happened.” She said sticking her tongue out at him.
A playful smile spread across his lip, his eyes glowed slightly as he stepped forward to her, daring her to continue. She stepped into him with a smirk on her lips, she let Zara come forward letting him know she will do what she wants. He growled slightly, his hands going to her hips. She let out a small growl as he picked her up.
“She's not meeting anyone, I'm taking her.” Jace said as he started to toss her over his shoulder.
“Jace!” Nora laughed, yelling at him.
“Nope you’ve tempted me too much.” He said turning and heading towards the kitchen exit.
“Are they always like this?” Asher asked Matt.
“Maybe? Alpha….um Alphas can yall do that a little later ? We need to wrap things up here. I too would like to go home and toss a certain someone over my shoulder but we gotta do this.” Matt called to them.
“See even Matt…..Matt is being more grown up then you right now.” Nora laughed squirming in his grip.
“Matt dont know any better.” Jace grumbled, turning around and bringing her back to the kitchen table.
“Matt how are you and Lilly by the way?” Nora asked excitedly.
“Ahh she hates me but she loves me.” Matt smirked.
“I understand the whole hunter wolf thing.” Nora said, throwing a wink at Jace.
“I’m not worried about it. Few can resist my charm.” Matt smirked.
“Don’t you wink at me. You guys have her for another two hours.” Jace said to Nora first and then Asher.
“Excuse you! I am not some piece of property! You don't get to delegate my time.I will be home when I'm home.” Nora said, her eyes glowing as she looked at Jace.
Jace pulled her into him and nuzzled his face into her neck. “You got two hours or I promise I am coming to get you.” He said his voice was full of intent.
Nora shivered and moved away from him. She didn’t trust herself to remain so close to him right now. She would love for him to take her home and do the things his voice promised. However she needed to set up things here. That would have to wait.
“Asher, I think I'm ready…Let’s do it outside. I could use some fresh air.” Nora said walking to leave the kitchen.
“We could all use some fresh air.” Matt said with a smug look on his face.
“Come on Matthew.” Nora laughed at him.
“You know what. I’m going to stay.” Jace announced, following after them.
Asher eyes glossed over as he summoned the rest of the pack to the pack house garden. Nora waited for him to come back to them before heading out. She paused in the doorway.
“Asher after we need to sit down and talk about who you trust here.” Nora said to Asher.
“Jace, is there a way Sarah could get here? I want her opinion as well.” Nora asked Jace.
Jace nodded and his eyes glossed over.
Sarah, you're Luna requesting your presence at the Red Wood pack. Come right away. Jace summoned her, adding Nora to the link.
Yes, Alpha and Luna. I will be there in twenty minutes. Sarah responded.
“Alpha, we will be meeting in the garden. It's big enough and I would like you to see it.” Asher said with a small smile.
“Lead the way.” Nora smiled at him.
Jace came up behind her and wrapped his hand around hers . She smiled up at him, her fingers weaving into his as she began walking. She leaned against him walking.
Becoming Alpha Nora walked into a stunning garden of green. There were vines flowing from archways and wrapping up light posts. A beautiful fountain in the middle of everything. She was surprised that Kip would have something so beautiful. “This is stunning.” Nora whispered as she looked around, the pack members began to join them. “Wait, it's about to become magical.” Asher said to her. “What do you mean?” Nora smiled. “You’ll see seconds after the sun sets.” Asher smiled back. The sun was setting and the moon was slowly coming out as they waited for the last bit of pack members to gather. Then as if someone pressed a button flowers began to bloom. The archways and vines that wrapped around the lamp post all sprouted white flowers. Along the fountain bloomed blue moon wisterias and moon flowers. Nora looked around in amazement.It was breathtaking. She saw a few of the pack members smile up at her as they saw her expression. “We need one of these.” She whispered to Jace. He
Planning: An influx of thank yous flooded Nora's mind. An overwhelming surge of gratefulness and overjoyed feeling made her stagger in her steps. She grabbed ahold of Jace's arm to steady herself. Jace looked at her quickly, her eyes tearful as she got through the emotions. Then it happened, a small tinge of anger and upset hit her. She knew there would be upset somewhere in the pack. "Nora what's happening?" Jace asked, Nora was squeezing him so hard she was leaving finger indentations on his arm. "How do you deal with this?" She whispered as the emotions subsided. "What?" He didn't notice anything. "The mindlink. You can feel everyone's emotions when they do it." Nora said, releasing him. "It's hard at first but we grow up with it. You will get used to it." He said, kissing her forehead. "I hope so. That was a lot." She said letting out a breath. "What did you do?" Jace asked, confused. "She set all the women free." Asher said with a grateful face. "You have no idea what yo
Heat: Nora curled inward into herself in the front seat of Jace’s car. The pack house wasn't far but she felt like she was on fire. Like her skin was burning, even the air around her was hurting her flesh. “Jace.” She whimpered. Jace slammed on the breaks and glanced over to Nora as her scent hit his nose. He squeezed the steering wheel tightly in his hands. He didn't expect this. He couldn't go home because the council was there and the way Lance was looking at her before. He would definitely try something. Jace would let Cole kill him. His cabin. Dante, I have to leave. Nora is going into heat. I don't trust anyone from the Red Woods and I will slaughter the council if they look at her the wrong way. Do you have this? Jace's mind linked as he slammed the car into reverse. I got it Alpha. The council has been nosing around, moving like roaches. I caught Bruce in your office. They were wondering when you were coming back. They want to question you. I will let them know you have b
Option Two: Nora slept like the dead. Jace had gotten up and checked the periomidtor several times. He had the area laced with mistletoe so it should warn off wolves but he was still worried. A female in heat can draw unmarked males to them and in a craze. Right now she was safe but he didnt know how long her heat would last or how many episodes she would have. He felt something in him stir and right away he knew she was awake. Where did you go? She sent him through mindlink. Coming back now, checking the periomidtor. Jace responded as he got to the cabin stairs. Opening the cabin door, he saw her sitting up on the bed, her knees pulled up to her chest and the white blanket wrapped around her. He felt her intense confusion and embarrassment. He felt it like it was his own. He walked over to the bed slowly and sat down. He pulled her against him. She curled into him, putting her head against his chest. She had so many questions but didn't want to ask them. She looked up at his fac
Problems: The door to the office flung open with so much force it hit the wall behind it and bounced back. Dante straightened up his eyes glowing ice blue ready for whoever dared to walk into the Alpha’s office in such a manner. Lance came strolling in. His chest rising and falling rapidly. Eyes glowing purple as he entered. Dante looked at him confused. The anger rolling off of him was making Noah upset. He was on the verge of wanting to attack but at the same time due to ranking he wanted to back away. “Can I help you?” Dante said quietly, he was internally trying to talk Noah down. “Where the hell is your Alpha!” Lance yelled. “Taking care of some business with his mate.” Dante said ignoring the voice and volume level Lance was using with him. “When is he coming back!” Lance demanded to Dante,clenching his fist in at his sides. “Alpha will be returning when he is done handling his important business.” Dante said firmly, trying to hold himself together. Let’s just go for the
Return: Dante pulled the car over to the side of the road. He gripped the steering wheel slightly tighter. Was this a trap? What was he after? Dante looked at him, his eyes narrowed, Noah begged to be let out. “Explain.” Dante said, trying to find the safest answer to reply with. “Bruce is trying to dabble into something dangerous. He was working with Kip. I and Lance turned a blind eye because we never thought it would take off. We didn't think Kip had the brains or resources to even do such things. Bruce is a more collected Kip. He is a calm, charismatic, and charming person on the outside, but underneath all that he’s power hungry. The Council position isn't enough for him. He wants to be like a king. He was using Kip to start all of this for him. He had the same ideas. Get an indestructible army to rule all wolves and humans. Lance, well Lance is just in it for himself. He doesn't care what happens as long as he leads his life doing what he wants. He will back Bruce no matter w
Red Woods:Jace pulled the car into the pack house driveway at Red Woods. Asher and Sarah came out the front door eager to see Nora. Nora gritted her teeth. There was something deep in her stomach telling her something was wrong. She couldn't tell if it was the chaos going in the Red Woods pack or something more. Her stomach knotted as he looked at Jace. She didn't want to leave him, she felt unsure of what her body was trying to tell her.Jace looked over studying her, he could feel the rollercoaster of emotions she was on. He reached over taking his hand in hers and squeezed it. He brought to his lips kissing the back of her hand softly.“As soon as you're done, I will be back to get you, promise. I would stay if I didn’t need to get back to our pack.” Jace said his lips brushing against the back of her hand as he talked.“I know. I ..I just feel like something is coming. Something bad.” Nora said worriedly.“Whatever it is, we will face it together.” Jace said, pressing his lips to
Cross River: Jace hated leaving her, it felt like leaving a part of himself. He told himself it would be for only a short while as he put the car into park. Getting out of the car he could already see his blonde spiky hair waiting for him. Each passing minute he hated Lance more and more. “So kind of you to greet me at the door.” Jace said to Lance, stopping in front of the stairs waiting for him to move out of his way. “Where exactly have you been?” Lance growled. Jace smirked; he couldn't help it. It was like he was coming home to an angry wife. “Honey! I’m sorry, am I late for dinner?” Jace smirked. Without a word; Lance cranked back and landed a closed fist punch on Jace’s jaw. Jace's head whipped to the side on impact. He winced, feeling his tooth scrap the inside of his cheek ripping through the flesh. He ran his tongue over it looking at Lance. Jace’s eyes glowed ice blue as he turned his head to the side and spit blood at Lance’s feet. Lance 's eyes glowed purple. “Y