Chapter 27: Life was...
Alpha Neal, Kate, Jayden and myself were at the front of the group and I could sense my pack behind me. We ran through the trees and I watched as the surrounding foliage zoomed fast beside me. Jayden ran beside me and behind him I saw the Shadows running perfectly in sync behind him. I saw two wolves from my pack running alongside the Shadows as they playfully nudged each other.
I took in all the forest had to offer and I drew in the minty forest scent that I loved. Jayden's dark brown wolf ran beside me and when he sensed my gaze he turned his head and I focussed on those mesmerizing grey eyes.
Mesmerizing? Nice I've never been called that before. His playful voice invaded my mind.
It's not nice to pry into one's personal thoughts. I said in a haughty tone. I raised my head and seeing as Alpha Neal and Kate were stopping by the east border I slowed down to a brisk trot and gave him my full attention.
Beautiful. Talented. Strong. Gorgeous. Kind. Warm. Soft. MINE. Jayden's thoughts were pushed into my mind and I felt him laugh through the mate link. Now tell me Angel, wasn't that fun to listen to the thoughts that are constantly in my mind?
Okay. I'll give you that. It was fun and thank you for the kind thoughts. I said laughing through the link. I felt his emotions through the link and I sensed delight, warmth, humour, and at the top: love.
I felt someone nudging me though the pack link and I opened it to hear.
Alpha Layla I wanted to thank you for what you did before. It was the girl Ryan was intimidating before. She stood a few meters away from me with her family.
No problem. I will not tolerate any bullying or violence within this pack. If anything like that happens again to anyone in the pack I want to know. Alright? My voice was cold and business like.
Yes Alpha. I felt a hint of fear in her words. I didn't want the young wolves to fear me but for them to be comfortable enough with me to have a conversation when needed.
I'm not Alpha yet. Just call me Layla. I smiled through the link and I felt relief from her side.
Thank you and my name is Alex. She said and I felt her nerves go down slightly.
It was very nice to meet you Alex. I said giving and slight nod.
I saw the Shadows and White Thorns standing as one and not two groups. I saw new friendships being formed and new ties between these two packs. My mind went over the events that had happened in such a short time frame that changed who I am as a person.
Before even meeting Jayden I remembered getting up every morning to a prank my brothers had planned for me and having to watch them speed away in Kegan's Jeep while I had to peddle my way to school.
All the humiliating and rude jokes the girls would play in high school rushed back to me and I remembered every time I would run out to the forest or hide inside the school so I wouldn't have to face them.
Now as those same people looked at me instead of fear in my eyes I saw fear and shame in theirs. As the future Alpha they will never be able to harm me. With this power over them I will not stand by and watch them create another "Layla" as long as I live. No one will ever be harmed like I was. Anyone who even tries will be punished by me personally and I know Alpha Neal and Kate would stand by my decision.
Meeting Jayden brought happiness and love into my life. He brought adventure and new friends that made me feel normal. I met Iris and Alexis who accepted me right away and became my friends. The Black Moon Pack accepted and thanked me for helping them. It was the first time in a long time I actually felt needed. Not a liability. Not an outcast.
Sure I got kidnapped and was going to be sacrificed but a girl can over look that, right?
Romero connected me to my mother and through that I found out who I really was, what I really am. I found out who my parents were and why I was different from everyone else. I became stronger and now I will never go back to being that scared little girl who lost her parents to wolf poachers.
I would not change a thing in life right now. Alpha Neal, Kate, Tony, Andrew and even Kegan wherever he is now, they were all my family. Jayden is just the cherry on top.
Having him in my life is perfect and all I ever wanted.
Alpha Neal howled getting our attention and together with the pack we ran back to the pack house. Jayden and I moved to the side and ran home with grins plastered in our thoughts. We watched the trees race by us and once we returned to the pack house we all shifted pulling on our clothes. Alpha Neal stood at the front and dismissed the meeting. Families trickled away until the yard was completely empty. The twins had gone out to their friends homes and only Alpha Neal, Kate, Jayden, and myself remained in the house.
Kate turned the back lights off and we all settled into the family room. Jayden pulled me down on his lap as Kate settled down beside Alpha Neal.
"Your life is going to change for the better now, Layla. And I know both of you will be great leaders for these lands." Alpha Neal said looking at us.
"What happens now? Since my pack will be living on these lands." Jayden asked as he brought his arms around me and drew me against his chest.
"Well tomorrow we will sign the treaty between our two packs and construction for your new pack house will begin sometime next year. Since Layla just started her schooling her Alpha training won't be as intense but I'm sure in a few years she will be ready." Jayden nodded as his hands drew soothing circles on my back.
Alpha Neal looked up at me and giving me a warm smile he said, "All threats are gone and the pack has accepted you. Things will begin to fall into place now. The elders are anxious to see how a Shifter will lead this pack and I have full faith you will be loved by both pack."
I smiled at Alpha Neal and I settled back closer to Jayden. I closed my eyes and finally getting to relax after a long time made me feel at peace. I must have fell asleep because I felt myself being placed on my bed as Jayden climbed in beside me. He pulled me against him and kissing me lightly on my shoulder we both fell in a deep and comforting slumber.
Life was looking up.
**********
"The west border will be yours to build your own homes and the patrolling group will be assigned from your pack along those borders as well. The leading Alphas will have to consult with each other if any threats arise but both are open to keep their own pack secrets as long as they do not compromise the land's safety. There will not be a distinct boundary between packs but as the Shadows pack grows they can expand as well. Any changes made to this treaty will only be valid if both Alphas and the elders of the White Thorn Pack agree." Alpha Neal read out the terms of the treaty and I watched as the elders nodded in agreement with the terms.
"To add on to those terms I will be conducting my own training for my pack because we fight in different ways and I want a designated area for this training to take place. Preferably where the trees are dense. But other than that the fitness and strength training can be combined with the White Thorn pack." Jayden said as he sat across from Alpha Neal.
Alpha Neal nodded and wrote in those terms. "Is there any other concern you have with the current terms now?"
"No I believe that covers it all now." Jayden nodded and rested his elbows on the living room table.
"Let's sign then" Jayden and Alpha Neal signed the documents and said an oath of peace and protection to each other's pack.
"I, Jayden Cairstay, Alpha of the Shadows pack swear to uphold the terms and guidelines indicated on the treaty and understand if this agreement is broken the leading Alpha can take action against the other pack."
"I, Alpha Neal, of the White Thorn Pack swear to follow and honor the treaty signed today and understand the consequences if it is broken and understand that the Shadows pack can take action if the west boarder of my land is breached."
They made a small cut on the inside of their palm and shook their hands. Sealing the deal with a blood oath.
"Welcome to the family Jayden." Alpha Neal smirked.
"Great to have one." Jayden said as his eyes landed on me.
A/N As you all can guess the story is coming to an end. (Im sad trust me. I love writing and developing new characters.) The next chapter will be the last chapter before the epilogue.
VOTE, COMMENT, FOLLOW, and SHARE!
Until next time I bid you all a farewell!