Thirty-Four

Sorry for the errors in the last chapter (and others but specifically that one)! I wanted to post it before New Years and din't have time to edit it!

Thanks for reading!

This chapter is dedicated to 20blue11!! Thanks for the votes!

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We pulled up to the building and the gate opened slowly, closing after we pulled through. It looked like a shabby building that was falling apart, the gate looked like you could snap it with a punch and the roof looked like it was about to fall in. But the moment you get passed the intense amount of security, you realize the maintenance is as good as it can be. Possibly better.

The first time I came here, I thought my father was playing a cruel trick on me. I had begged him to take me along with him to a celebration for the Alpha's and their families. clearly he wasn't going to bring any of us, like every other year, but eventually he had nodded towards the car with a warning growl. I had almost decided to stay back at the point but instead bit my tongue and climbed in with the most minimal smile possible. He pulled up and I was so angry that he had brought me to an abandoned building because he hated me that much, but it turns out he hadn't, this was the right place.

They keep it like this on purpose. It's for the same reason that the building resides in the sketchiest part of town on the outskirts of the city: No one wanders around here and goes poking about. It's happened once or twice that I've heard of, but it's generally just humans that think they're going to hideout here. No one suspects it, which helps too.

A man came up to the car and Caden looked over at me, "You ready beautiful?"

I nodded, "As long as you are."

"Of course. This is just the second, remember?"

I laughed lightly, "And let's hope the last."

He smiled and opened his door. Before I even got unbuckled he had handed the valet the keys and opened my door. He took my hand and I stepped out, "What a gentleman." I said in my best 'proper' voice.

He winked and lead me to the building. He walked so calmly and easily that you would think he was going to see an old friend rather than accepting the title of Alpha to a pack he has never even met before. If it weren't for the fact that I knew he was slightly affected, by his emotions, then I would be fooled.

Bee? He asked slightly concerned.

Yes?

Are you nervous? They already told us it was our pack.

Not nervous, more like excited. And maybe a bit... shocked. I knew he didn't really understand why, but he did know it was my dream. Caden, I never thought I would see the day where my fated mate and I walked into the council's building to accept the title of being the Alpha and Luna of my father's old pack. It's just... it's surreal.

I felt him squeeze my hand and he paused before going into the room where all the council members were waiting, he turned to me. He put his finger under my chin, still holding my hand, and met my eyes with his brightly lit ones, Believe it babe, this is real. He kissed me lightly, So incredibly real.

I smiled I love you Caden. I couldn't do any of this without you. I wouldn't want to.

The smile that lit his whole face up told me everything and I moved closer, as he wrapped his arm around my waist and opened the door for me, Nor would I Bee. Nor would I.

We walked in to find twelve council members sitting in raised chairs across the front of the room. One thing about council is that when dealing with matters they look down to you, and we look up at them. Always. We stood about four-five metres away. Caden still had his arm around my waist and stood comfortably.

"Hello sirs." He said calmly.

"Your names? For the record."

"Blake and Caden."

"Can she speak for herself?" Caden didn't like that comment. Not that I blamed him at all.

"Yes sir. My name is Blake." I said as calmly and politely as possible.

"You've mated." The middle one said. He's been council the longest. Werewolves live much longer than humans since we age slower, but he still had purely white hair, meaning that he must be about double the age of the average human life span. Council members are chosen by retired Alpha's with experience. They're actually really decent people that I've met outside of this building and they're like a distant uncle. they're friendly, happy, and you know just by talking to them that they've lived a long time, seen many things, and generally just love life.

But inside this building they are all business.

"Yes sir, we most definitely did." Caden said with just a bit too much cheeriness in his voice.

"Before the war?"

"No sir." Caden said and I knew he was happier about the events because I chose him rather than being forced to mate with him.

"So the young lady chose to mate with you? I'm assuming she was aware of our involvement with the rogues." Caden held back a growl and his next words were eerily calm.

"Of course sir. She was made aware of the situation as it was told to me. When I arrived home we discussed it." His voice almost had a chill in it it was so business-like.

"So the young lady was in no way forced to be with you? She was told she could leave and you made the opportunity available."

"Yes sir. I-"

"From the young lady please." Caden took a large breath and I gently squeezed his hand, immediately calming him.

"My mate came home-" His thoughts were on me coming out of the room and holding his hand as he sat still. They ran through everything that night and I noticed he flinched.

"If you could use his name for the record." One of them near the end interrupted.

"My apologies. Caden came home after the meeting and sat in the hall outisde our room. I joined him and asked about it before he filled me in on the news. He said the council was going to help by building an army consisting of many packs; the majority from my old pack and our pack. Caden said that since council was helping I had nothing keeping me in his pack, since the alliance was no longer necessary. I was free to go. He offered to drive me home either at the moment or the next morning. He said all of my belongings would be sent as well."

"So you were given the opportunity to leave?"

"Yes sir. Caden made it clear. He would take me or let me drive myself. He also said you were all informed of the marking and that it could be removed or undone."

They all slowly nodded as if remembering, "And you stayed."

Caden's emotions were on overdrive, it was like I was telling him I would stay all over again. I can't tell you how that made me feel Bee. That moment changed my life.

All for the best. He agreed before I responded to council, "Yes sir."

"So you mated after the war?"

"Yes sir." Caden said with that cheeriness again.

"How long after it ended?"

"Six days."

"So not right away. Why not?"

Caden stiffened and I responded as calmly as possible, "Before Caden and the fighters returned, I was harmed by a rogue and the result was that I spent six days in a hospital bed unconcious." All of their eyes widened briefly before they returned to their blank stares.

"Were you near death young lady?"

"I had little under sixty percent chance of survival, sirs."

They exchanged glances before he looked at us again. I knew what was coming. "What happened when you awoke?"

"Caden was by my side and we experienced symptoms most would experience after the mating was complete." I already knew they knew we were fated mates by the looks on their faces.

"Young man, what happened next?"

"I asked Bee- sorry Blake, if she noticed anything different. We both agreed that everything was stronger. After a minute she remembered what her Grandfather used to tell her."

"Which was?" Yep, they knew.

"That after near death experiences some of us find our fated mates."

"So you mated because you were fated mates?" Caden seemed to panic for a second but I smiled a bit and responded before he said anything.

"No sirs. we mated because I realized I could never live without him, and he the same. After six days of lying there unconcious, I realized it could've been the end. I can't imagine losing Caden, and we decided to make it official."

"And you felt the same young man?"

"Yes sir. I knew I couldn't live without Blake before the war happened, however, we hadn't discussed the future at that time."

"Is discussion a problem?"

"No sirs. In fact Caden and I, especially with the separate link, discuss almost everything. Communication has never been a problem." Almost never, I corrected in my head.

"Almost everything?"

"With all due respect sirs, we are mates, not two halves of one brain. I'm sure every couple has some things that aren't discussed." By the looks they all wore I'm assuming I was right.

"Yes, young lady, speaking from personal experience, I must say you are right." He said with a slight laugh. His playful side left as he continued, "What roles do you play in the organization of your pack now? I'm asking assuming you both actively participate in running the pack, am I right?"

"Of course sir. Blake is amazing with..." Caden discussed what both of us did and how. I think he exaggerated my part but he seems to do that with me, so I let it go.

------

An hour later they finished up their questions and three of them came down. The centre three. The eldest lead us to a raised platform. "Facing each other repeat after me: I _______(name)  accept that through the alliance made between my mate, _______ (name), and I, to be ______(Alpha/Luna) of the Blackthorn pack. I agree to befaithful in every way to my pack and council. My pack comes before others, but their priorities are my own. This alliance was made without influence and was a free choice I and my mate made. All decisions dealing with the pack will be made with only the best decisions, and as a joint agreement between my mate and I." He nodded once, "I ______(name) hereby accept all responsibilities." He turned to Caden, "Repeat after me. I, Caden of the Bluelake pack, terminate my old agreement so I can successfully run this allied pack."

Caden repeated it and gave me a wink, Still feel surreal?

Definitely. I wanted to ask about the old agreement, but decided it wasn't the time.

We returned to where we were standing and they returned to their raised seats. After a moment of silence as they signed papers, the eldest looked back up at us, "Have you decided on housing and arrangements. I understand the territories are connected at each of the ends and you have intentions of running them as one."

"We do, and if possible, want to build a new pack house central to both packs, as well as build more family house more central to the packs."

"And the Alpha couple's house?"

"If possible, but if we live in the pack house, Blake and I will happily oblige."

"You plan on having pups, yes?" Caden got a weird emotion come over him, he went to reply but they interrupted him. Honestly I don't know what Caden would say. We hadn't discussed pups. It wasn't that we avoided it, it just hadn't come up, "From the young lady please."

Again I squeezed his hand to calm him, "Yes sir. We have no intention of planning anything, but when and if it happens we will be ecstatic." I actually wasn't quite sure if Caden would be and his thoughts were all over the place. They jumped from the territories to my brother and Daniel as Beta's and so on. It never ended, but I didn't mind, it made him a great Alpha that he could multitask so efficiently.

"And you would pass the title down to them."

I didn't hesitate, " Yes sir."

"Why was you father against it?"

"I never understood my father. He lead his pack with skewed priorities."

"Meaning?"

"My mother had no involvement, not by choice, my siblings and I were disregarded, and he rarely, if ever, left his office. He had  no care for matters involving pack members, strictly fighters and patrol."

"And you differ from those young man?"

"In every way. Without Blake we may not have recovered from the effects of the war. My pups will be included in both of our lives, as they should be. Family is more than important, it is a pack unto itself. And although fighting and patrol are some of our main priorities, without people they wouldn't matter. There is no point in protecting a non-existent pack."

"Well said young man." I smiled to Caden. He was so professional, it astounded me how calm and easily he spoke.

"Do you need anything from us?"

"Not at this time sirs. We would like to meet with those involved in building management in about a week or so, since we have not consulted with our Beta's. And we would like to ask permission to have two active Beta's at all times."

"Two at all times? Why?"

"Blake and I feel that although the pack will be treated as one, having a familiar Beta with each pack could be beneficial to pack members. A familiar face is always welcome."

"How long would you like them both active?"

"We were thinking until one of their children took control."

"The strongest one?"

"Whichever would be more beneficial. We have not discussed lineage with the Beta's. That's happening tomorrow afternoon."

"Then you should expect a call tomorrow evening."

"Yes sirs."

"You may go."

"Yes sir. Thank you sirs."

"Thank you sirs." I said, repeating Caden and we turned to go as he grabbed my hand again. I heard my name from someone much closer and turned back, "Yes sir?"

"Congratualtions Blake. Not just with the alliance but with the mating, fated mating. You're Grandfather was a very close friend of mine. He would be proud of you and everything you believe in. You remind me a lot of him, you too young man, Blake did not exaggerate when she said you were the best."

"Thank you sir." He said calmly with an appreciative smile and I took a step closer. I was going to shake his hand but he grabbed me for a hug.

"I've never met a better man than your Grandfather. He spoke highly of you, and now I know why."

"Thank you si-"

"Paul."

"Thank you Paul. You don't know what that means to me." He nodded and opened the door for us.

"I trust you with all of this. I have no worry for the two of you. Congratulations again, on everything." And he closed the door, leaving us in the lobby.

"He's wrong Caden."

"No Bee, he's right, you're Grandafther would be so proud."

"I hope so. But he said my grandfather was the best man he's ever met."

"He was an amazing man Bee."

"But Paul's met you."

He went to argue but I kissed him and walked outside. I heard him sigh but knew he was wearing a smile, even before he mumbled, "You're amazing Bee. So absolutely perfect."

He met me outside and the valet had my door open for me, handing Caden the keys. We took off in silence but he held my hand on my thigh.

About half way home he glanced at me. Again. Probably for the millionth time. "What are you thinking about Bee?"

"Do you actually want kids? You've mentioned them a few times but-"

"Yes Bee. I would raise a hundred kids with you. I can't wait to see your stomach swollen with our pup inside. Beauty like you have has got to be given, and the love you have for family couldn't be stronger. Of course I want pups." He said 'can't wait' as if it was going to happen. "And a little you running around would be the next best thing to cloning you."

"But when he mentioned them you stiffened, why?"

"Because I realized something I've been too distracted to see. I should've noticed days ago."

"What?"

"So you didn't know either?" He sounded relieved.

"Know what? Caden I'm so confused." He parked the car in the garage and didn't respond as he came around and opened my door. He took my hand and hugged me gently, "Caden-"

"You're pregnant."

I froze. Nobody could miss the happiness in his voice. It was like a kid on Christmas. The fact that he wanted this made me happy, I could picture him teaching our pup anything and everything, from being alpha to throwing a football, to riding a bike, and sprinting between trees.

"Bee?" He asked pulling away but still holding my hips.

"How didn't I notice?" Now that he said it you couldn't miss the changes. Part of being a werewolf is smell. When you mate your scents mingle and when you're pregnant your scent changes slightly. Also, yesterday on the phone I got worked up way too easily, it usually takes a while for me to get that mad.

"We've both been busy Bee. Our minds are preoccupied."

"You just noticed at the meeting?"

He nodded, "The other morning I knew something was different but put it to the back of my brain, and this morning I noticed that you smell sweeter. It's a good smell. It suits you, not that your regular one doesn't. And you have a bigger glow lately. You're beautiful."

I rolled my eyes and before I knew it I was in his arms and he was spinning in circles. I couldn't help but smile and laugh. We were going to be parents, was Caden's main thought and I realized how true it was. We were having a baby.

"Bee are you okay with this?"

Now my smile wouldn't leave. I couldn't be any happier, just picturing Caden holding our pup. "Of course."

"But with just being mated? Do you want to get married?"

"We're not human Cade, the celebration isn't the same for us anyways. Why? Do you want to?"

"Well, in town we'll be seen as a couple with a child. I don't want your reputation ruined."

"Caden I don't care about my reputation to humans. We don't have to get married. We're mated, I'll always have you, and that's all that matters."

He smiled but I know he wasn't convinced. I was never one to dream about my wedding day. I wanted to have that faithful mate and live a happy life, I didn't care about one day with a white dress and music. I wanted all the days after the wedding, the marriage, the mated life, I have never cared about the actual wedding day. But if Caden wants it I would go through with it. But no way in hell I'm planning it.

"Would you be opposed to it?"

"Caden if you want to get married, we'll get married. it's your reputation too. But honestly, marriage is a mindset, like mating. If you live the life, what's the difference? We don't believe in the religion, to us it isn't a sacrement. If you want to I will wear a white dress, heels, makeup, and walk down the aisle to you, but as long as we're mated I'm happy."

He nodded and held up a finger, "Will you wait a moment?"

I laughed a bit, "Of course. but where are you-?"

"Just a moment angel." And he jogged out of the garage.

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Finally! I guess it hasn't been that long, but I wanted to upload last night but didn't finish it in time. Still have to write that research essay.... oh well!

BABY! Any guesses on gender? Name? Let me know because I am actually terrible with names! It takes me longer than the plot!

Marriage...? Eh...?

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CoffeeAndABook6