Howls of Apollo

Decem

Skaia cleared her throat to speak first. “What are you thinking so hard about?” Her voice, both firm and melodious, rang in his ears.

Apollo too cleared his throat before answering, knowing all too well his voice would come out hoarse if he won’t, revealing the desire coursing through him at the moment.

“I was thinking about the yearly conference all alphas of the region have to attend.” He said.

“Oh, that.” Was her only reply. A flash of sadness crossed her features before it was replaced with his mate’s usual calm resolve.

Apollo’s head tilted to the side by a miniscule angel. ‘Does she not know she’d be coming with?’ He asked himself mentally. He felt his wolf sat back in silent amusement.

“Yes that.” He affirmed.

“Well, how long will it be?” She asked, her upper lip tipped up in a slight grimace. Her tone lower than usual.

“It usually lasts three days.” He answered shortly.

Skaia nodded absentmindedly, her spirits going down with every answer stating he’ll really be gone for days.

“The location is at Clara Solis this year, so we’ll be leaving in the evening so we can’t get there by morning.” Apollo rushed out before rising from his chair.

It took a few seconds for the words to register in Skaia’s head, and her eyes widened when it did. She looked at her mate in question, who just looked back at her with amusement shining in his eyes.

It hit her he’s been reveling in her moment of misery a little too much he didn’t even have the decency to correct her right away. She sent a glare his way, which he only shook his head at.

Apollo merely said, “We have to start packing.” And extended his hand for her to take.

“Ready Luna?” Krii asked from where his standing on the side, holding the door open for her.

Krii will be left in charge of the pack while they’re gone, seeing as he’s Beta.

“Maybe, I’ll see.” She said cheekily, earning an amused smile from the Beta. Apollo slid next to her and they were on the road in no time.

She released a deep breath as they drove away from the pack, finding her heart growing heavy as the distance between them and the pack increased.

She couldn’t help but reach out to her mate and take a hold of his arm. “How do you get used to this?” She said, a strain in her voice.

Apollo swung an arm around her and tucked her into his side. “It gets better with time.” He said to her.

“Oh, so that’s why you never attended any of these pack meetings before and stayed behind?” She retorted, the sound muffled by the material of his dark sweater.

He tightened his arm around her in playful warning. “You’re laughing now, but you’ll get there yourself.”

Skaia stiffened at his words, making Apollo chuckle. She groaned and just buried her face into his side. His scent hit her full force and slowly lulled her to sleep.

Clara Solis was bustling with activity when they arrived in the morning, much like the last time Apollo came when they first met. Apollo could sense his mate’s excitement when the pack house came into view and the alpha family waiting on the steps.

He went out first, stepping to the side so she could exit. His sister beamed at the sight of them both, clearly excited. Even the young alpha squealed and shuffled in his mother’s arms when he saw who it was.

“So glad to see you again, Skaia.” Atlas greeted, smiling in welcome.

“Good to see you too Atlas.” His mate replied. He could tell she was still hesitant to call him by his name now that she can as Luna of another pack, but it won’t be proper to address him with his title when they are both equal in rank.

She’s not just a pack member anymore, she’s a Luna.

Atlas then turned to him. “Great you could make it Apollo.” He said, giving him a small nod.

The rest of the alphas arrived later that day. One of which was Achilles, who stuck to the couple, mostly Skaia like glue. When all alphas were finally in attendance, the meeting commenced. It went on the whole day. Skaia chose to sit through it with Apollo, much to the surprise of some of the alphas. One even dared to point out how long the meeting has been and if ‘the Luna would be comfortable to sit through the rest’ though it may come as an innocent question, his tone, however was not.

He said it condescendingly, as though her presence bothered him. She couldn’t help but look back at the alpha with narrowed eyes. She wasn’t about to open her mouth to retort, merely just ignore the man and not give him the satisfaction of a response from her, but her mate thought otherwise.

Apollo released a chilling, guttural growl aimed at the alpha as a warning to watch his tongue. It sent everyone in the room into silence and the alpha who said it unwillingly lowered his head.

Skaia was amazed at how Apollo was able to exert his authority over a fellow alpha. She’s well aware he’s strong but she can’t help but question how.

Sometime in the meeting, both she and Apollo left the alphas in attendance astonished when they proceeded to discuss solutions and explain certain causes where problems arise like a well-oiled machine.  The couple was so in tuned with one another it left everybody a mixture of impressed, speechless and intimidated at the added weapon to Forti Polaris’ already formidable arsenal in the form of their alpha, and now their Luna.

Due to their prompt problem solving skills and quick wit to create windows of opportunities, the meeting lasted for only a day and a half instead of three. Thereby the rest of the alphas went on back to their pack. Alliances renewed and business plans flourishing than ever.

Skaia managed to convince Apollo for one more night though, claiming she would like to spend a little time with the alpha family and visit her father, who he remembers is the pack doctor. Even Achilles who never liked being away from his own pack lands, stayed behind and stated he’d leave the same time they would.

His mate spent most of the afternoon catching up with her father in the clinic, even helping out where she could and when nightfall came, she spent most of it goofing around with his sister as they entertain her son. He felt his chest swell with warmth and something he doesn’t want to acknowledge as he watched Skaia cradle the child to her chest, swaying softly to put him to sleep.

“Will you try for one of your own?” He quickly turned his attention to the person who suddenly asked the question. His brows instantly furrowed in annoyance at the sight of his sister, looking at him with feigned innocence.

He saw Skaia sneak a glance at his direction before slowly walking away. The hint of red staining her cheeks a clear sign she heard Lyra’s question.

“It’s not best to think about that right now Lyra. I have to deal with Alistair first.” He said, an edge to his voice. They’ve known the history with Alistair and their family since they were kids so they discussed the threat with Alistair when the meeting came to an end.

Lyra looked at her brother both in understanding and sympathy. “I know, but you can’t let the thought of his long desire for something that’s been gone for a thousand years keep you from living your life the way you should.” She said to him.

“He wants something with Skaia.” His jaw clenched tight at his own statement.

Lyra stiffened at his words, a thought crossing her mind as to why. She can’t say for sure Alistair knows exactly who Skaia is and what she’s capable of, but if he does, she’s hoping her gut would be wrong this one time.

“He won’t get her Apollo. You’ll make sure of it.” She said instead, the need to give her brother assurance winning over.

Apollo only grunted his agreement. Silently hoping he could. There was a faraway look in his eyes and Lyra can tell he’s all too bothered about the threat Alistair brings, so she thought of something to pull him out of his thoughts.

“I noticed there still isn’t a mark on her neck.” She stated.

The subject proved to be a poor choice when she saw him still and a storm raged in his eyes. Now she feels bad. “You haven’t told her have you?” Lyra figured.

At his silence, Lyra sighed in annoyance. “You need to tell her Apollo. It’s not like it’s a secret. It’s been a tale for years. She probably even knows about it too, she just doesn’t want to talk to you about it.” She ranted.

“It’s a burden Lyra, she deserves better than constantly looking over her shoulder. She was taken days after I found her, and not even months into settling in the pack, she meets Alistair.” It was hard for him to get the words out, taking much effort from her brother, she observed.

“She’ll have problems after problems piling up. I don’t want to be selfish with her.” He finished, his voice still holding an edge to it.

“Yet you can’t help but, can you?” Lyra concluded in the form of a question, though teasingly.

She can see the softness in her brother’s eyes as he talks about his mate, the way his chest seemed to heave up and down like he couldn’t breathe. He was in love with her, he just doesn’t know it yet.

Or admit to.

“Look dear brother,” She stood in front of him. “Your mate can handle anything thrown her way, judging by the way she held her own next to you during the meeting, and in general.” She couldn’t help but add. Apollo furrowed his brow at her, but she ignored it, continuing. “Skaia is more than capable of handling herself. She’s a Luna, a leader. Most importantly, she was meant for you.” Lyra pressed, looking him in the eye.

“The choice to be with you will be completely up to her. Just give her the chance to actually choose.” She finished, her eyes screaming seriousness.

Her words did get to him, but before he could speak, he heard soft footsteps coming close and his words retreated as he can tell exactly who it is. True enough, his mate came into view.

“Lyra, I just put him down to bed.” She told Lyra, sending a soft smile to Apollo’s direction.

“Oh thank you for that Skaia.” Lyra replied, looking to both of them before excusing herself to check on her mate.

Skaia crossed the distance until she was in front of him. “I’m a little tired now. You mind if we go to bed early?” She said to him softly.

“Of course.” He immediately agreed, leading her up.

They bid the others goodnight before retiring to their room in the pack house. Skaia was too tired to prepare for bed, so she just tossed her sweater to the side, grabbed the nearest sweatpants, and flopped down on the bed. She dozed off the minute her head hit the pillow, earning a chuckle from her mate, who happily took his place beside her.

A cold bed greeted Apollo the next day. Skaia had already gotten up, so he trained his ears in an attempt to hear his mate around the house. Relief washed over him when he heard a fit of giggles coming from the young alpha somewhere in the pack house, knowing only his mate could evoke that much mirth from the child.

He quickly got ready and was only a few steps away from reaching the bottom of the stairs when the pack’s air- raid rang out. The sound could only mean one thing, an attack was coming.