The Alpha Who Melts The Ice

Chapter 5

Grayson

"I grew up." Was all she said, as if  expecting everyone just to understand that. The change in the mood in the room was palpable. Everyone from the New Moon pack including Colin who was rambunctious just a few seconds ago suddenly fell silent. Did I say something wrong? It feels like someone actually died in there.

"May I be excused? Please go on and enjoy the rest of dinner without me." Les addressed everyone in her smooth, business-like tone. 

I also mumbled a quick excuse me and ran after her. Drake has been clawing in my head to go to her. 

"Mate is upset?" I was not sure if it was a statement or a question

"Let's find out" I said. This woman is an enigma. She is so difficult to read. I cannot figure out what is going on in that pretty little head of hers. I told my wolf "Look, we need to take this slow and make her like us, so don't get all wolfy and demanding. Got it?" Drake whimpered in my head. He wants to claim his mate. He is desperate for her.

"Hey Les, Got a minute?" I came up to her.

"Alpha Grayson. How can I help?" And there is that cold tone again.

"Look, I'm sorry if I have said something stupid back there. I would never want to offend you, and please, it's just Grayson." I said.

She paused a bit as if thinking of the right things to say. "No need to apologize, Alpha... Grayson, and you did not say anything wrong. But thank you for taking the time. Is there anything else?"

I so wanted to rip that god forsaken glasses off of her so I can fully gaze into her beautiful gray eyes.

"Actually, yes." She c****d an eyebrow. "I think we got off a wrong start. I know it is overwhelming, but can we at least start being friends? I'm not going to bite..." Please, please say yes.

She seems to be battling an inner conflict and she just simply answered "Sure."

I cannot hide the smile. "Okay. I'll start. My name is Grayson Thomas Lark." I extended my hand for her to shake.

"Celestine Athena Carter. People call me Les. Nice to meet you, Grayson" And she shook my hand. That made me so happy!

"So Les, can I take you to the bonfire tonight?" I asked. 

"Sure. That would be lovely. I'll see you in an hour? I have to see that everything is in order." She gave me that small smile and walked away.

***

I went to the quarters to meet my men. There are 10 of us in total to check on their lodgings. They are in a room with bunk beds and they all seem to have settled in nicely. 

I asked my one of my warriors to fill me in on things I missed in the day.

"Nice digs they got here. They are running a tight s**t around here. They gave us a tour earlier and gave us a run down of what the rules are. It's a f*****g military facility! They have rigid trainings, their gym is state of the art. They have a hospital here and a school for both wolves and humans. They have a large human population and everyone is well taken cared of." Jimmy reported. Obviously he was awestruck. There is no other werewolf pack that I can compare on how this place is run, which is why I am pushing that damn alliance.

"Apparently, they used to just manufacture weapons for their protection, having a lot of human staff and refugees. All humans here are registered and approved by the High Council, which irks some of the most purist packs. The humans here all know what they signed up for, which is why traditional packs frown on them" Adam, my Beta reported. "Also, this expansion started when the old Alpha and your tiny mate made changes on the business. They branched out from manufacturing to logistics, and according to their Beta, they are will soon operate a private cell of human warriors to send outside, sort of an anti-supes unit that will be for hire. That's hardcore s**t right there."

This is new information. We have been receiving rogues and vamps and others wreaking havoc in the human domains. We cannot openly deal with those threats without having to expose ourselves. This has been approved by the High Counsel as it allows them absolute deniability.

"Guess whose idea that is..." Adam continued. I did not have to guess. It has to be Celestine. "There is something,,, off,,, with that mate of yours, boss. I tried to dig around but no one will talk. The new ones clearly have no idea, while the older wolves, they have a gag order from the Alphas themselves. Nobody questions her, no one would want to openly talk about her. As a matter of fact, folks around here seem to be even AFRAID of her. I thought her outburst earlier was just a brat's tantrum, but according to the warriors I spoke with, she never throws a tantrum. Nobody knows what she's up to until she just does it. The most common comment I got from everyone, is that she is COLD and RUTHLESS."

Everyone listening fell silent and turned to look at me. I need to put the puzzle pieces together. My mate is small and diminutive, she has not raised her voice or talked over anyone. I know now that I have never met any woman like her, and the desire to know her is growing stronger by the second. Normally by this time, I would have charmed her panties away. Hell, I have had women fight over me before, but Les, I would give my entire fortune to get to know what's in her beautiful mind, and for her to like me eventually. 

***

An hour on the dot, I was waiting for Les by the foot of the stairs. I was already thinking of what to say to her, trying to figure out the best way to her good side when there she emerged. She alighted the stairs with such cool grace. She is neither shy nor overbearing. 

"Hi There. Can I take that?" Pointing at the blanket she has with her.

"Sure. Thanks." Goddess, but I wish she would say more or smile more. This girl is just too stingy, with words and with smiles. It made me determined that I will be the one to make her smile.

She led me outside where there is a huge campfire set up in the middle. She chose a spot in the corner where the ground slightly slants upward. I take my queue and laid down the blanket. 

"You want a beer and chips?" She asked.

"Beer sounds great! Doritos sounds good too"

"Will be back!" And she was gone before I was able to stop her. 

It felt like eternity before she came back with a 6 pack and 3 different Doritos. "I'm not sure which one you like so I just grabbed what I can."

"Thanks, Les. These are all good." We sat down on the blanket. Seems that the everyone is here as the field is packed. I can smell both wolves and humans. Kids are running here and there. In the darker areas of the field there are couples making out. 

There is a small stage in front. A she wolf, assuming she is one of the Pack's elders took the stage and raised her hands. Everyone fell silent. Even the kids who were running around sat on the ground, all their attention to the old woman in front.

"Tonight is the moon is full. The Moon Goddess is looking over us as we celebrate her providence!" There were some chanting. 

"So what's this shindig all about?" I asked Les attempting small talk.

She looked up the sky. "Every full moon, we gather everyone by the campfire. It's this pack's tradition since I do not know when. The elders will tell the tales of the origin of your kind, about mates, about the rules, you know... so that these younger ones" She nodded to the kids who are sitting down mesmerized by the old lady's voice in front. "So that they know the history. So that they will not forget, and so that the next generation will also know" Then she looked at me. "You see, this pack is very progressive and modern, but we stay anchored to the old ways mostly. This is how we come about. This is also what makes our pack strong." She said.

"Hmmm, it makes sense. I should have this in my pack too. I think it's a wonderful custom." I said to her. I think I saw her smile but like always, it was fleeting.

We proceeded to listen to the elder, she was telling telling the story that I have heard many times before from my own mother. It is about the Moon Goddess whose mate is Fate itself, and about finding your mate. Les stiffened a bit beside me, but as the night wore on, she was beginning to relax. I dared to plant my arm behind her so she can lean, and when she did, it felt really good. My wolf feels satisfied and calm.

When the elders finished, it was Alpha Colin's turn to take the stage. He gave a quick run down on any news and announcements, news about the rogue attacks and how patrolling will be strengthened. He also congratulated a newly mated couple - the same ones that were making out earlier, which lifted everyone's mood and we lifted our drinks as a toast to them. He also acknowledged my pack and welcomed us, informing everyone that we are here to learn about each other and share best practices. He also dismissed all minors to go to their respective homes or bunkers. There were a lot of disapproval, but the kids obeyed anyways. Most of the older pack members herded the kids and also said their leave.

I felt Les laughing quietly beside me. "What's so funny?"

"Everytime Colin addresses the pack as the Alpha, he's so businessy and so matured, it's so hilarious! I know being Alpha looks good on him but I'm still his sister,, sooo,,, you get it right? Coz you know, that's COLIN" and she chuckles some more. It sounds so heavenly. I couldn't fight the urge to touch her cheek. 

"You know you should smile more. It looks really good on you" Darn it! I regret saying that as soon as I said it! Her laughter suddenly was gone and she stared ahead. She did not respond to that. "Are you ready for what's gonna come next?" she asked