The Empath’s Pack

Carmen

Alarick wasn’t prepared for all the changes that came with his mate. They were working the office after a week of making the pack house up to par. Dawn no longer needed to worry about having a good source of emotions and physical aspects at her grasp. Alarick was her main source for her feedings outside blood. Being an Alpha gave him a higher tolerance of the strain especially since he had been marked by her. Dawn had explained the four days of rest made his body, soul and mind stronger to give her what her body would crave.

“Are we stopping by training?”

He had been avoiding the area. “I think today would be a good time to introduce you to some of the warriors.”

Dawn smiled she could feel the nervousness radiate off him. He had told her that before the ceremony that she may not have all the loyalty from the pack. The gathering would be in a few days and that was when the ceremony was planned for. The gathering was a chance for the alphas to get together, but also for werewolves to possibly find their mate.

“There is nothing to worry about. I won’t hurt anyone and they won’t hurt me. Plus if someone challenges me they are challenging you and no one will blame me for knocking them down a peg.”

He smiled, “well that is true. We can head there now if you would like?”

They had dressed in more casual clothes since the day started with a run around the territory. They normally didn’t stop at the office until later. It was only seven in the morning. The training normally ended around eight thirty. Dawn held out her hand for him as they walked out the door. Anyone that passed could see the love their Alpha and future Luna held. Alarick knew it was mainly the older generation that were still coming to terms with a vampire Luna.

The positive was they all thought her only as an Empathic. That made them less weary of Dawn. He couldn’t help, but feel guilty about that deception. Though he would never tell, for it could harm the pack and his mate. A few individuals were curious about her from the last war, but never spoke up. He had been so preoccupied with his thoughts that he hadn’t noticed they reached the training field.

“It will be nice when spring rolls around.”

He nodded, “let’s go see Theo.”

Serenity saw us before Theo and ran over. “Alpha, Luna what brings you to the field?”

“I wanted to meet the trainers and see how the new preparations were coming.”

Alarick looked over to Theo who had just noticed their presence. Theo was talking to one of the warriors who led weapons training. He had a grim look on his face. He motioned Alarick over at the eye contact. He gave Dawn’s hand a squeeze and made his way to the two men.

“What is it?”

Darren, the weapon’s trainer gave a brief smile. “My Alpha, we have received a challenge to Luna Dawn from Carmen. She is currently preparing for a battle. I had explained that this was a challenge to you, but she kept talking about how a vampire shouldn’t have her place.”

Alarick rubbed his neck with disgust. Carmen never gave up from pack to pack about thinking she was mated to an Alpha. She was weak and didn’t understand normal procedure. Dawn had noticed his emotions shift and had appeared at his side. She must have used vampire speed from the looks that followed.

“What’s wrong?”

The men’s eyes lifted in curiosity. “Someone needs a lesson to be taught. Dawn someone is wanting to challenge you for position of Luna. She is a little werewolf with no status. I can send her away and let her Alpha speak with her or you can be the one to teach the lesson.”

“I can teach her the lesson if you approve my beloved.”

He knew members of his pack were in awe of the care she often took. She never made her decisions regarding the pack without the knowledge that the Alpha approved. She also made a note to learn everyone’s name and title. She had started to create plans behind the scenes that he hadn’t even thought of. A place for the children to play and a place for people to gather outside of standard events. She even improved the businesses owned by the pack in such a short time.

He smiled, “our Luna has accepted the challenge. She will fight against this young wolf who does not value tradition or authority.”

Alarick knew this would make stronger wolves back off and they would respect her more. He also knew Carmen needed to be handled rougher than Alpha Waters had thought. She wouldn’t stop unless shown she wasn’t as important as she had believed. The only thought he had was why she thought she could take on the battle.

“Carmen has requested this to be a weapon battle.”

Something had dawned on him. *She plans to use a stake as her weapon.*

Dawn looked at him with a nervous, but confident smile. “What are the other parameters of this challenge?”

Darren gave a sigh, “you can use one weapon of choice. If you are killed, pass out or submit to the other, then you will lose. She has requested that she win your title, if she wins.”

“I request she be moved to the council correction, when I win.”

Alarick nodded, “it is approved.”

Dawn followed Alarick to pick out her weapon. It didn’t matter what she used as long as it had silver in it. Alarick was pacing and she knew why. He was worried about the stake. She had told him how it could effect her.

“My love?”

He stopped and turned to her. “I will be fine.”

“I know just worried. I’ll kill her if she hurts you.”

There was that mate bond. The possessiveness ran through her as well. This little pup thought she had a right to her beloved. It was ridiculous. Her whole world was this man. He was her destined. The only issue is how bad it could be for this girl if she hits her in a vital spot. She could lose it and drain the poor girl. From the look on Alarick’s face she knew he had heard her thoughts. They had been working on control of their minds being permanently linked, but hadn’t achieved success so far.

“I will be there if this weak girl somehow pulls a miracle.”

Dawn looked at him. “I’ll need you to knock me out if I hurt anyone.”