Hestia House Book One

Chapter Fourteen

~Leo's POV~

This challenge by Janine irritated me beyond thought. It could have been dismissed when Arynn pinned her on the porch, but my mate went and set a time for a rematch, then told me I was in the wrong. I was frustrated and, honestly, nervous about it as I walked her to the training grounds that evening. Seeing her in the workout gear had made my blood rush with desire, as it was more skin than I had seen from her ever, but the reason behind it cooled any passion I had at the moment.

Watching her needle and lead Janine on throughout the fight made my respect for my mate grow. She dodged and deflected blows and lunges better than any of my warriors, using her speed and agility to outmaneuver the other she-wolf until the prime moment of attack. And then she attacked with a ferocity that stunned my entire pack. And I was more grateful for Diego training her than I ever thought I would be. The sickening sound of Janine's elbow and shoulder being dislocated made my mate flinch ever so slightly, though I was probably the only one who noticed. She held my pack's, no, our pack's attention as only a true Luna could as she asked one final time for Janine's submission, then dismissed her with a push after receiving it.

My passion and desire for this woman in front of me grew tenfold as we locked eyes. My wolf was howling with pride and a craving to solidify our mate bond as she walked to me, our pack giving her their allegiance as she passed. And when she stopped and tilted her head to me, asking me if she had my approval in a soft, sultry tone, I almost lost my control and took her right then. Barely containing myself, I leaned down to her, kissing her softly at first, waiting for her response. When she placed her hand on my neck I deepened the kiss, exploring her mouth with my tongue and letting the crowd around us fade into the background. I knew they were still there, but I didn't care for the moment. I was so proud of my mate, knowing how far she had come from the trembling girl in Loneclaw to this fierce she-wolf now. And I wanted my touch to let her know that.

A set of chuckles, one melodious and one a low gravel, behind me broke my concentration on my mate, causing me to bring my head up and around. My parents stood behind me, a knowing look on their face while the rest of the pack tried to appear casual, like my foray into a steamy makeout session at the training grounds was normal. Arynn blushed lightly before moving around me to greet my parents. I watched as they welcomed her, showering her with the same kind of love I had grown up with and cherished. As they led her toward the packhouse, I followed behind, enjoying the view. I was suddenly very glad the full moon was only two days away, not sure I could wait much longer to complete our mating bond. But I also didn't want to cheat my mate out of every special occasion she deserved.

Pack Shadow Fang had dedicated full moon nights to our mating ceremony, starting with my parents. My mother thought it was important to mark the process with some formality, taking a page from human traditions of weddings. Oddly enough, the designation seemed to have increased the number of mating bonds happening. Our pack had more mated couples than a lot of other pacs I had met, and we had more pups as well. Some months had more "anniversaries" than others, but no one minded sharing the celebrations. Arynn and I were the only ones on the schedule for this month, and my dad was going to preside over the ceremony. As the Alpha, it was normally my responsibility, but since it was my ceremony the previous Alpha was called in.

As my mom took Arynn's arm and led her to the pack house, my dad fell behind to walk with me. His face read pride, and I could hear it in his voice.

"She's an excellent mate. She responded appropriately to the situation, as much as you don't want to believe that." Holding up a hand so I wouldn't interrupt even though I wanted to, he continued. "You had been without her for long enough, any girl would have second guessed the commitment from either of you. No matter the circumstances. But I want to warn you. Now that she is back, and you'll be officially mated soon, her old Alpha will come for her. From the way you spoke of him, and others have reported to me, he will see it as a cut on his pride that she survived and is now a Luna. So get prepared for a skirmish, if not war."

I trusted my dad. But even so, his words weighed heavily on me. A war? I hadn't thought of Lone Claw for more than a handful of moments since this all started, but Dad was right. The moment it got out that my mate was back, I would get congratulations from allies. But I would also get the ire from the only pack I would slot into the "enemy" category. I went ahead and mindlinked Dakota to schedule a war council for the next morning. Tonight though, I would show my Luna my appreciation.