The party for the pack’s initiation is in full swing now that the Ceremony has passed. Everyone in Golden – I mean Crescent Phoenix – are either chatting on one of the many picnic benches or dancing away the night on the dance floor with many enjoying the food the men cook on the grill or that roasted meat from the boar Quest killed a few days ago. I knew that damned pig would be on a fire spit before the end of the week, but it sure was a damned pain to prepare yesterday morning with the Omegas help.
Speaking of the Omegas, many were happy to learn that other than preparing the food for tonight in the morning, they would be given the rest of the day off to relax and enjoy the celebration. I spy a few sprawled out by a bonfire roasting marshmallows with a few pups while Quincy and Quest danced with the rest, the little ones entertained by the two goofy warriors.
“Brynlee, have I introduced you to the friend that asked Alpha Stanton to allow us to join this pack?” I jump when Gale asks this question, not realizing that he had snuck up on me while I was watching over my pack.
“Goddess Gale, we are getting you a bell!” I practically shout at him, pressing a hand on my chest just over my frantically beating heart. Gale is to busy laughing at my reaction to care about my mock threat. Glaring at him, I lean against the maple tree beside me and sigh, accepting the apology that he manages to squeeze out as his laughter dies down.
“And to answer your question, no you have not.” I answer once Gale has gotten his composure back. I know the name of the man that Gale is referring to. Holton Carter – Gale’s friend and the one to convince the late Alpha that us joining would be beneficial for Crescent Phoenix. He is up on the DJ table playing the music for the pack to dance too, his wholehearted attention on mixing the right tunes that has everyone bobbing side to side or fully letting loose. From what I was told, he is an Omega that went to Law School, becoming the pack Lawyer. He oversees the businesses that were owned by the late Alpha and Luna – businesses that in a few days time will be transferred to Asteria and Gale.
“Well, I know you are taking a few days off so why don’t I introduce you to him now.” Before I can protest, Gale reaches out and clasps his left hand around my wrist then proceeds to drag me through the dancing the crowd. I try to pull away, trying to convince him that I can meet Holton later after I have taken time off, but Gale is adamant I meet this friend as he waves off my excuses.
“Holton!” Gale calls out as we grow closer to the DJ table. Holton turns to the sound of his name, a wide grin spreading across his face as he takes in Gale and I am finally released so that Gale could give his friend a hug.
“I can’t believe you are our Luna.” Holton jokes, making Gale growl at him.
“It’s Luan.” He corrects in annoyance. This time I laugh, gaining a glare from Gale who harumphs in annoyance.
“I think I agree with Holton. I like Luna better.” I tease back, elbowing Gale in the side playfully.
“You be quiet or I will have Asteria replace you as Beta with Quincy.” Gale playfully scolds, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.
“Good luck with that. Quincy would rather become a Rogue than be a Beta.” I state with a snort, Holton laughing along side me and agreeing that I am right. Gale just sighs, realizing taking me to meet his friend left him at a disadvantage as there are two of us to tease him now.
“Anyways, Holt this is my god-daughter Brynlee. Brynlee, this is the man that got us here.” I reach out my hand towards Holton, the large man clasping mine in his and shaking it.
“Nice to meet you Beta Brynlee. It’s finally nice to meet the she-wolf Gale would gush about being his goddaughter.” I blush at Holton’s words, the love I feel coming from Gale in the familial bond washing over me. I am happy to hear that I am talked about and know that Holton has heard nothing but good things about me.
“It’s nice to meet you too, and please, call me Brynlee. I am sorry about having to push the meeting back but I need to…take care of something.” My voice cracks as the dam inside my mind pushes back. It is getting harder to control the pain, to push it back to the back of my mind. I just need to make it through tonight.
“Gale told me. Valor is a damned fool.” Holton gives me a sympathetic smile and I sigh. I know Gale had to inform the previous Alpha what made me a Rogue and I knew that would also mean Holton would know. There was no way we could hide it.
“If you need to push the day back farther, let me know.”
“Honestly, I am not even sure why they want me at the meeting when all the businesses will be under Gale and Asteria’s name.” I shrug, Holton turning his attention to Gale with narrowed eyes.
“You didn’t tell her?” He asks with a scoff.
“It was supposed to be a surprise.” Gale answers in defence, hands in the air.
“Well I guess I get to ruin it.” Holton rolls his eyes before turning to me, a smile on his face.
“There are a few businesses that Gale and Asteria think you would like to own. They understand that in the future you might find a nice wolf that you will choose as a mate and want to leave you a way to support yourself just in case.” Shocked, I turn to Gale for confirmation and he sheepishly nods.
“You don’t have to do this.” I try to protest, my mind still reeling with this information. Me, a business owner.
“We do. Asteria and I promised your parents we would look after you. This is us looking after our goddaughter.” Gale wraps me up in a hug and holds me tight. I feel the dam starting to crack as my emotions get the best of me. They really do love me like family. How had I been so blind to this.
“Thank you.” I mumble into his chest, trying my hardest not to cry. I really need to get away before the dam really breaks and all the pain mixes with the happiness and love I feel.
“Anyways, I think I am going to turn in for the night. You two enjoy the arty.” I step away from Gale, whipping away the tears that threaten to spill. I need to find a quiet place to breathe and force the dam back for just a little longer. Gale reaches out for me, giving me a questioning gaze and I give him a reassuring smile. He pulls me in for one last hug and whispers that it’s okay if I want to leave now. That I have been strong for far too long. The dam cracks in my mind and I pull away, telling him I will stick around for another hour. After another worried glace from him, Gale reluctantly lets be go and I leave the two men to catch up.
Making my way through the crowd, I move towards the willow tree. Its long branches were gently pulled back for the ceremony earlier, now they hand low to the ground gently blowing in the wind. I find solace there, hiding under the tree and leaning against the trunk.
“Breathe in, breath out. In, out.” I mumble as I try to force the pain back one last time. Just one last time for tonight. I can feel it working. Feel the crumbling dam in my mind become reinforced. Just another hour or two with Crescent Phoenix and then I will escape to my cottage.
“Brynlee?” Opening my eyes I find Quincy staring at me with concern, his green eyes boring into mine.
“Are you okay?” His question is my undoing and I fall to my knees as the pain I have kept back finally unleashes.
The dam broke.