So we reach the penultimate chapter! I seriously thought this would end at chapter 15 but I got a little carried away LOL! It's been quite a rollercoaster ride with this one and I'd like to thank all of you for being along for that ride. You've been brilliant!
The Epilogue will post in approx 3-4 days time! It's a longish chapter and the last I will post in 2010!
Enjoy!
*
Rafe watched the slow gathering from the comfort of one of Caleb's very comfortable sofas. He was tense but more in an excited way than a nervous way. This morning he had woken to the feel of the Alpha bond stretching inside him, reaching out almost like tendrils and wrapping around the members of his newly forming pack.
He was astounded to realise that the tendrils were already in place with Lacey, Aaron and Jen. He had never noticed them before, never realised that his deep feelings for the three of them was actually the Alpha bond already in place.
He had lain beside his mate, searching the links within him, feeling first the three mated vampires though the bond there was fragile, not the same as the full Were bond. Then slowly he felt Loretta join him, then Ashleigh and finally Cedar. It had felt amazing and also very humbling. He was now responsible for all these people. It was now his job to take care of them, to ensure their safety above everything else.
At some point during the night he had finally surrendered to the inevitable. Instead of just saying the words, that he was an Alpha, he had finally accepted it and believed it allowing the pack to start forming. It didn't feel half as restrictive and frightening as he had always believed it would be. No, it felt right.
The meeting at Caleb's had been convened for five o'clock. That would give them enough time before they all headed over to the Vampire Council chambers at Caleb's request. So far Caleb's sitting room was filled by Mara and Demetri, Caleb and Rhianna, Jared and Millie and himself and Lacey.
Aaron had wanted to come too but Rafe had told him to stay with Jen. There was no sense in taking his mate into a situation which could become dicey very quickly. She didn't have the protection in pregnancy that Loretta did.
Rafe was still stunned at the news that Loretta's child had survived. It was a miracle and opened up many questions about just what a hybrid child would be. Questions no one had any answers to because it was all so new. It would be an added challenge to his new role as Alpha but it was one he was willing to take on.
Nors arrived just then, shaking him out of his reverie. He was cradling Ashleigh in his arms, Freya a mere footstep behind him. Rafe's keen gaze took in Ashleigh's face as he rose, striding over to meet them half way. She was pale but her eyes shone with brightness, her breathing sounding strong. She was healing it was obvious to see and his concern immediately lessened.
"Alpha," Ashleigh breathed softly, confusion but also delight shining in her eyes.
Rafe smiled gently, reaching out to stroke her cheek lightly. The little blonde had followed Lacey around after the death of her family, keeping apart but always in her shadow somewhere. Before Nors had come to claim her and heal her mental wounds. He had always felt a special connection with her and he was overjoyed to see the life and vitality in her eyes. He knew what she'd been through, not once but twice now.
"There is no greater honour than to have you in my pack, Ashleigh," he answered gently. "You bring strength and bravery, love and great joy. The pack is a better place just having you in it."
Ashleigh smiled tremulously, tears filling her eyes but they were tears of joy. She felt as if she was finally coming home. Rafe's love surrounded her, soothing the need of her wolf as Nors' love soothed the need of her soul. She was part of a family once more, a new family that would love and cherish her forever.
Rafe's eyes turned to Nors, seeing a frown on the big man's face. It had been decided not to say anything to the vampires until all were present. The Weres would know of the change because they felt it inside but the vampires would need careful handling.
"Is her healing going well, Nors?" he asked quietly, allowing his voice to convey his respect and gratitude for saving Ashleigh's life.
Nors' frown smoothed out and he nodded slowly as he turned his adoring gaze on his mate. "She's strong and resilient," he rumbled deeply. "She is doing just fine."
"She is right here and can answer for herself," Ashleigh remarked with a little snort of annoyance but she smiled too knowing they were both just concerned about her.
"Men," Lacey laughed softly, coming to join them and kissing the other woman's cheek lightly. "We're so proud of you, Ash. We're so lucky to have you in our pack."
The emotions almost overwhelmed Ashleigh but she smiled through her tears, stroking Nors' chest soothingly as he started to get agitated. He wasn't quite adept enough at discerning the difference between happy and sad tears.
Loretta and Andrei arrived just as Nors was settling Ash down on the sofa beside him, Freya flanking her other side protectively. Rafe took one look at Loretta's face and smiled widely as she stared at him with a rueful smile. She bounded across the room and threw herself into his arms.
"Don't you ever do that to me again, Rafe Hanlon!" she barked out though she was laughing as she said it. "You just about gave me heart failure this morning. Andrei was ready to commit murder I got into such a state!"
She pulled back to smile up at him her eyes shining brightly. "About bloody time you stopped all this 'I'm not an Alpha' nonsense. Though what I've done to deserve being drawn into your pack, I have no idea!" She was teasing with the last, excited about the prospect of being part of a new pack.
He threw his head back and laughed loudly, ruffling her hair in the way he knew annoyed her so much. She looked amazing, full of health and vitality, not a sign of what she'd been through the night before. "You'd have bitched like hell if you'd been left out," he countered still laughing.
His face sobered and his intent gaze met hers. "You're good?"
She smiled widely nodding her head. "I'm good, Alpha," she answered softly, her eyes alight with joy as she turned to look at Andrei hovering close by. He shared a smile with her so full of love that it was almost painful to watch.