Chapter 13: The Run

GIANNA

I felt like I was on cloud nine! It had been six months since Kol and I had mated.

Six months! In that time, we had moved in together; he had fought my brother—not once, but twice; he had questioned my father’s leadership, but I couldn’t have been happier!

Our acceptance ceremony had gone really well. My wolf had woken from her slumber. We’d finished the ritual with a run. Now we were connected both in human and wolf form.

It was honestly a night I would never forget. I still got excited every time I thought about it.

Mom performed our ceremony, and we walked into the woods, our souls connecting as one. We walked for what felt like forever before we came to a stop in a clearing.

Kol shifted into his wolf, which was enormous! Almost the same size as Diego and Father! His golden fur shone brightly in the moonlight.

I closed my eyes and reached out, hoping my wolf was ready to wake up. I opened my eyes and gasped. I felt her!

My wolf eyes glowed blue in my human form, and I fell to all fours, allowing my body to shift and my limbs to elongate, and then I felt her. There she was!

I strolled over to the nearby stream and checked myself out. My glacier eyes stood out against my brilliantly white fur.

I heard a soft howl behind me, and I turned to my mate happily. He nodded his head toward the clearing. I knew what he meant.

Now it was time for the challenge, the challenge to see if his wolf could handle mine and if mine could handle his.

~The race is on, buddy. Try and keep up!~

I took off like a wild animal, feeling the freedom I’d heard Diego and my friends describe so many times over the years. I felt the power and strength behind every stride. I was unstoppable, and I loved it.

“ARRR-OOOOOO!”

I heard Kol howl in the distance; he was catching up with me. I growled and dug my paws into the ground harder and faster.

~He’s not going to catch me that quickly.~

Without a second thought, I suddenly changed direction, turning back on myself. I heard a skid of claws ripping up grass. He must’ve caught my scent changing direction.

“ARRRR-OOOOO!”

His howls were closer now. I could smell his scent almost as if he were—

~THUD!~

He shot out of the trees to my right and knocked me over. We got caught in a battle of limbs. I fought to get up, and he fought to pin me down.

I snarled and snapped at his hind legs. He growled playfully and pinned me again. He let out a triumphant howl and bit down on my neck where my mark would be in my human form.

We were ready for our wedding now.

We shifted back to our human form and walked home hand in hand. Not saying a word, just feeling each other, our connection growing stronger with each step.

KOL

I didn’t think I’d ever been so happy. I strode into the pack house like it was Christmas bloody morning. I could feel Gia. I could feel her desires, her wants; I could feel her power.

It was like a rush of electricity! I couldn’t do any of the witchy things that she did, but boy oh boy, did I feel strong and powerful and invincible!

I felt like I could take on the world. It was like nothing I’d ever felt before!

“Hey, boss!”

“Alpha! Welcome back!”

~Yes, that’s right~, I thought. ~I am back, baby!~

I walked into my office and saw Jordan sitting at my desk, waiting, a scowl on his face. I felt my good mood drain away quickly just at the sight of him.

“Hey,” he muttered, glaring at me.

“Hello, Jordan. To what do I owe the pleasure?” I responded coldly, crossing my arms.

His cheeks flushed pink, and his eyes dropped down.

~That’s fucking right.~

~I am the fucking alpha.~

“It’s been a while, man. Is everything all right?” he asked me, still not looking up.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. Why?” I sat across from him, and his gaze slowly raised to mine.

“It’s just there’s been a lot of talk, man. You’re spending a lot of time at the king’s castle. Don’t get me wrong, Kol. I’m happy you found your mate. Really I am! It’s just—”

He stopped suddenly, glancing at me before turning away.

“Just what?” I pressed him.

“Just the pack is uneasy! They think they come second to you now that you’ve mated, because—well because she’s royalty!” He blurted his words out like vomit. I had to admit it took me by surprise.

I sat back in my chair and pondered what he had said. He was right, of course. He was my beta. I trusted and respected his honesty and loyalty to both me and the pack.

“All right!” I said standing up. Jordan’s head popped up quickly, his face surprised at my sudden outburst.

“That’s decided, then! I will make more of an effort to be here for the pack! You’re right. I have been spending a lot of time at the castle.

“Tell you what, you can help me with the public invitations to my wedding!”

Jordan rolled his eyes. “A wedding? Man, seriously, isn’t that what girls like to plan?”

“Jordan.” I glared at him. “I am the alpha. It is up to me to invite members of my pack to my wedding.”

He nodded, pulling out a notebook and paper. “All right, let’s get started.”

I looked out the window while Jordan listed off families. I could feel my good mood returning.

Yes, nothing was going to stop me now. I was the happiest man in the world.