Chapter 68: Ain't No Mountain High Enough

Harry

This is it. My last day in Regency Falls. For a little while, at least.

Last (Friday) night, we went to the bar to celebrate Ares leaving Regency Falls to accompany his mate in Houston. It was his send off since today they are going to my home town to meet with Spencer's parents and from there we're going back to college.

I travel with Spencer since I don't need a car in Houston and my dad is not gonna pay for a parking spot just so I can use it on weekends. Actually, when I come to think about it, I had no reason for a car before because I could travel with Spencer when he journeyed to meet Kevin, but now that his mate is gonna be in Houston as well, he has no reason to travel back.

I think I'm gonna need a rental because I need to see my mate and no distance is gonna keep us from seeing each other. Though he's going to travel to Houston as well.

Anyway, we met with Ares' friends from the (warrior) force and former unmated folk - you know, the ones who got mated at the 'meet and greet', remember that? - It was a great night of fun, beer and conversation.

I think we needed that night to just be ourselves and consort among our type before we go back to college and be once again surrounded by humans. Ares had a great night in his close friends' company and so did we.

Spencer is still reeling from that inheritance shocker. He had to go back to our town to meet the estate lawyer and sign the papers, effectively receiving his inheritance. I just can't believe he has a house now. A proper house that belonged to the Thompsons.

I guess it's a good thing that our two towns are neighbors because the whole thing lasted less than three hours and he was back by lunch time. Him and Ares, of course. They're inseparable now.

I can't deny I'm a little jealous of him now that his mate is gonna move to Houston. I wouldn't mind having a mate closer to me too, not that I'd want Landon to abandon his pack. Goddess no!

Though I never saw myself being mated to an Alpha, it's not something one leaves behind. Plus, Ares is still figuring things out while Landon has a solid career path for him. He is the Alpha of his pack.

We woke up today hungover from yesterday and reminiscing on our time together here in this house. There were so many ups and downs from the time I had rejected him - what was I thinking again? - to when we debated over who topped and who bottomed.

This seems all so silly and trivial now. Once we got down to starting the intimacy between us, all these hang ups seem futile. In fact, it doesn't really matter who tops or who bottoms, what really is important is that we feel safe and loved by our partner.

I am completely in love with Landon Barnett.

Who would've thought?

I almost wanted to skip breakfast for once, but my mate wouldn't let me. He says that the Alpha couple needs to lead by example and be the first ones to arrive in the dining room.

I kissed him for a minute before we got up to perform our morning rituals. When we entered the dining hall, Felicia had a special breakfast prepared for us.

"Good morning, Harry. I had all your favorite food prepared to show you how much we're gonna miss you around here and we hope to see you again soon." - She welcomed me with open arms and I melted at the sweet woman.

"Thank you so much, ma'am. I really appreciate all your efforts in making me feel welcome. It's not lost on me that you had to put up with a lot since I got mated to your son and you never held anything against me. In fact, you have been nothing but welcoming and nurturing. It really means the world to me." - I said, genuinely in awe of the woman.

She smiled at me with her signature beautiful pearly whites and said:

"It has been my pleasure, Harry. This house is your house and anything I can do to improve your stay, I'm happy to oblige." - Her tone is endearing.

We took our seats to be served all my favorites causing a minor jealous look on Spencer's face. Ares was elated to be here because we share the same taste in food.

Clark was not bothered like every other teenager and Ella was loving the special meal. It was a family affair and I almost left the room rolling over from eating too much.

"If your mother wanted me to miss this cooking so badly that I'd return here ASAP, she succeeded." - I snickered, leaving the dining hall with my mate and the others.

"Mission accomplished." - Felicia grinned boastfully as she walked.

"I'm glad to see you so happy, mate. Because this cooking will always be available to you." - Landon told me as we were exiting.

"It better be." - I pecked him cheekily.

After breakfast, I decided to take a walk around the block because I didn't want to get indigestion. Landon was nice enough to accompany me like the true partner he is.

It's a charming neighborhood consisting of residences occupied by other werewolf families. In fact, the whole block is wolf owned properties passed down for generations.

It's good to have that camaraderie among neighbors because the pack house can get quite hectic with its visitations and all the residents. They were smart to 'guard' this property with only our kind in the vicinity.

As Landon explained to me all about the houses and which families lived in it, I remembered my own home. It feels nice that I'm destined to live in a pack house such as the one I grew up in.

Ironically, I always knew that my destiny lies elsewhere and that I wasn't going to live in the Blood Moon pack house forever. What I didn't know is that I was going to live in a different one as their Luna.

It is still so weird to think of myself as Luna of the pack. It's a role typically reserved for women, like the First Lady. But hey, queer Alpha, queer Luna. There's no straight washing werewolf packs. That's not what the mate bond is about.

After we returned from our lovely stroll, Landon and I rested in our bedroom for a while. We aren't gonna leave until the afternoon, so there's time. In fact, there's even time for a last hurrah... I mean, where there's a will there's a horny werewolf.

Later that day, I carried my bag to the car. Unfortunately, Landon would have to travel in a different vehicle driven by his warriors. There are protocols to follow for an Alpha's trip. Suddenly, I'm reminded of his shooting but I pushed those thoughts away before they ruined my day.

I met Spencer and Ares along the way because they too will make the short trip in different cars, each one driving his own. I hugged Felicia, thanking her for all the love and support. I also said my goodbyes to Clark and the adorable Ella.

I am gonna miss this place, but I'll come back in no time.

The trip was short and we arrived in my old pack house in under 40 minutes, as predicted. Landon's vehicle was parked inside the garage, as did mine. We reconvened as we walked inside.

My parents welcomed us back warmly as Landon's security detail spread out through the house, two warriors remaining with him at all times. At this point, they're pros. However, Kyle - Lourdes' mate - didn't make the trip because he's now a team leader, so Landon was escorted by Levinson and Moynahan.

Aaron and Rhiannon joined us in the living room while we waited for dinner to get ready. We're a little early because I wanted to make the most out of this trip.

"Thank you for inviting me into your house." - Landon spoke, sitting next to me on the couch across from my parents.

"You're welcome, Alpha. It's so good to have you back here under 'normal' circumstances." - My dad said, air quoting the word normal.

"Tell me about it!" - I blurted, feeling a massive sense of relief.

"It's my sincerest intention that these types of trips get more often and our two packs' unity strengthen with time." - Landon said politely.

"Mine too, Alpha." - Dad agreed, smiling cordially.

"You look amazing, Rhiannon. Being Luna suits you." - I complimented her, who was sitting next to Aaron beside my parents. She blushed.

"Thank you, Harry. But I'm not Luna yet. Your mother just started my training." - She deflected.

"You are the Luna as soon as you got mated to my son. The training is just so you get your bearings in the position." - My mother told her, incisively.

"You really do look amazing, Ri. Happiness suits you. I don't think I've ever seen you glowing like this before." - Landon chimed in, amazed by his friend.

"Thanks, Lan. I haven't known happiness like this, no. You're right about that." - She conceded, radiating next to her mate who looked smitten by her.

"You deserve it, my friend. I'm so happy for you. I know with you by his side, Aaron is gonna have this pack on its feet in no time." - Landon spoke, grinning at the happy couple.

My brother looked happy as I haven't seen since Jessica was alive. I'm glad for him that he got a second chance in love. Though I'd much rather he hadn't lost his first mate - who's still dearly missed - it's undeniable how Rhiannon is everything that he needed and didn't know of.

We talked for a while longer before we walked to the dining room together. The pack house cook died on the day of the attack, so I'm curious to check this new chef's cuisine.

The table was beautifully set with decorative pieces. We took our seats and were marveled by the wonderful smell coming from the kitchen. The first course was served and my mouth watered at the sight.

"Wow. You brought your appetite tonight, sweetie. Are they not feeding you in Regency Falls?" - My mom snickered at seeing my plate.

"Are you kidding? He eats more than me!" - Landon interjected, both defensively and humorously.

"It's not my fault both pack houses have excellent chefs. This food is amazing!" - I said, before I stuck a fork with steamed vegetables in my mouth.

"I'm glad you like it." - My mom smiled at me.

It really was amazing cooking. After the first course, I was almost too stuffed for the second. But I persevered. Who am I to turn down good food?

"Are you excited to go back to college?" - Rhiannon asked me, finishing her plate.

"Yes and no. I am excited to return to Houston but not so much as being away from Landon." - I replied, glancing at my mate who smiled weakly.

"At least you study near here. I'm sure you'll see each other all the time." - She said, encouraging.

"Yes, thank Goddess I do. I was lucky to get into a university in Texas." - I commented, breathing out a relieved sigh.

"I'm the lucky one." - Landon noted with hearts in his eyes as he looked at me.

The evening was so pleasant now that most of the stress is gone. There will always be some issues between our families but with so many integrated couples the future shows promise.

I'm so happy to have my mate and my family in the same room together and nobody being at each other's throats. Even Aaron was well behaved tonight, radiant by his mate's side.

After dinner, I took Landon to my old room to spend the night. He's not returning to Regency Falls until tomorrow after he sees me off to college.

"I'm so happy that you made the trip. Tonight wouldn't have been the same had you not been here with me." - I said, getting cozy with him on the bed.

"I wouldn't have missed it for the world. By your side is where I wanna be." - He said in a romantic tone and I swooned.

"I really appreciate you, mate. I know coming here it's not easy and it comes with risks. That's not lost on me, but my hope for the future is that someday you'll need less than fifty warriors accompanying you." - I remarked in an uplifting tone.

"Last time it was a hundred. So it 's progress." - He snickered and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah, maybe one day it'll be as easy as me coming into your pack." - I hoped, wishful thinking.

"I don't know if I'll ever be as comfortable being here as you in my house, but it doesn't matter. Nothing and no one can keep you away from me. That's a fact!" - He exclaimed, passionately.

"Oh really? Nothing? Not even geography?" - I teased him, playfully.

"I don't care if I have to chart a helicopter. There's nowhere you can go that I won't follow. You are my everything, Harrison Staedler. There's no distance that will stand in my way to be with you. I need you in my arms." - He declared with fiery passion and I melted at his declaration.

"Okay. Here's to never being too far apart from each other." - I said, then kissed him.

We embraced with lust in our eyes as if we're just discovering each other as mates all over again. Damn, I'm amazed by him. He truly is everything I've ever wanted in a partner. And there's no place I'd rather be other than in his arms

But if I have to leave him, at least it's not for long. I like being by his side.

I adore scenting his sweet musk in the morning or when I sleep. I can never get too much of it. Or of him. Tonight we slept our final night together. And though there will be hurdles to overcome, this is truly the happiest I've ever been in my life.

A|N: I love them so much... *swoons*

Next is the final #Spares update of the book.

We're down to the wire and the last two chapters.

I cannot believe I'm concluding my 7th novel and already started posting my 8th. It's (still) bonkers to me.

But as long as you keep reading, I'll keep publishing.

PS: I love when a song title comes to me easily as I finish writing a chapter. Those are the best pairings (song/chapter) in my book.

Love,

Léo.