Braided Fate - A Werewolf Romance

Alpha and Luna

(Mari POV)

    I could not stop grinning as I approached my assigned table. Aria had left my side briefly before entering the dining hall. I protested but she pointed out calmly that she was still in charge of the event and no one needed 30 plus hungry Alphas. 

    “Where were you, Mari? This is an important event.” Anthony hissed at me softly. I let out a soft growl reminding him that I was his Alpha, not the other way around. I locked eyes with him and he immediately submitted with a bow of his head. I was young, but I was not a child and he knew it. The only reason he was acting like this is he was worried about the other Alphas judging our pack. I did not care about the other packs. I cared about mine.

     “I am your Alpha, Gamma Anthony. You would do best to not forget it. I may be young, but trust me, I know the significance of this meeting. I wouldn’t abandon it for anything insignificant.” I reminded him. He nodded. Simon’s eyebrow lifted, catching my hint that something had happened. Simon went to sit on my right and I shook my head pointing him to move one over. He frowned deeply at me, but did not dare protest a clear order. We took our seats.

     A bell sounded and a flood of Omegas filled the room, coming to each table to take orders. I smelled my mate before I felt her. I stood without looking and pulled the chair out next to me, waiting without turning to face my gorgeous mate. Aria very delicately sat in the chair I indicated. Her face blushed at my stare. I knew she could see how much I wanted her. Her smell had reignited the pull to her. Even worse, having her around all these unmated shifters had me tense. I sat next to her. The rest of the table looked at me expectantly. We shared our large table with a few other Alphas and their teams. Before I could explain myself, two Omegas approached. If they were surprised to see their head of house next to me, they did not show it. I was impressed.

    “Your staff is impressive.” I leaned over and whispered to my mate. She grinned and nodded.

     “Thank you, but the last head of house did most of the training.” She brushed off the compliment, matching my whisper. One of the omegas served drinks from a little cart while the other took food orders.

     “Your order, Alpha Marigold? And you, Mistress Aria?” The Omega asked respectfully without giving away my Luna. I appreciated them letting her make the choice. I would not pressure her. Just her being here indicated some willingness, but I didn’t want to push it.

      “You know what’s good; order for me.” I winked at Aria. I almost laughed as she blushed again.

 (Simon POV)

     Something had happened before dinner. That was clear. I hadn’t seen Mari like this since her parents were alive. When Anthony challenged her, I almost beat him senseless myself. Mari would never put us at risk.

     “I am your Alpha, Gamma Anthony. Do not forget it. I may be young, but trust me, I know the significance of this meeting. I wouldn’t abandon it for anything insignificant.” Mari stared Anthony straight in the eye, demanding submission. I did not envy him. I was not surprised when he submitted immediately. Mari didn’t know her own power and when she was passionate, her power burned through you if you dared to resist. I went to take me place beside my Alpha when she reached out to block me. Had I offended her in some way?

      My question was answered when a young woman took the place I usually occupied. My heart skipped a moment. There was no way that what I thought was happening was happening. Same s*x mates were almost non-existent and un-heard of for Alphas. Mari whispered in the girl’s ear and she blushed.

      “You know what’s good; order for me.” Mari teased. I tried my best to keep my mouth shut. I wanted to ask so many questions. When had they met? Had Mari marked her yet? How old was she? 

       “Both Alpha Marigold and I will be having the steak dish. You know how I like it, Reg. Just make them both the same.” Aria ordered softly. The omega bowed slightly and walked away. The other omega finished drink orders and then followed the other omega to the next table. It was obvious these people respected our future Luna.

      “How are you today, Alpha Marigold?” Alpha Jake from across the table asked. Our little table fell quiet. 

      “I am very well. I find these meetings unnecessarily tedious. But I must admit I enjoy seeing everyone together.” Mari answered.

      “And your pack? Have you fully recovered from the attack that killed your parents?” Jake asked blithely, knowing that his answer might upset Mari.

     “My pack is so supportive and has done brilliantly under pressure. We all have made it our goal to never experience tragedy like that ever again.” Mari replied easily.

     “The whole pack? Supportive of a woman being alpha? I doubt it.” Alpha Harrison scoffed. Mari’s eyes narrowed at the man. I could feel her irritation at being goaded through our mind-link. She often shared how she was feeling with me so that I could keep her safe and level-headed. But then I felt it wane. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Aria had her left hand on Mari’s thigh while drinking her wine with her right. A very simple gesture that gave Mari strength. I hid my smile behind my glass. This young woman was a natural Luna. 

     “My Alpha Bond isn’t one to be denied. Despite that, however, everyone of my packmates are there because they choose to be. We recently have had some new members join us. So obviously, not everyone of them is as old as you are, Harrison.” Mari chuckled. Surprised by the joke, the other alphas joined in before they realized what had happened. Jake cleared his throat.

     “Harrison, will you be continuing your alliance with my pack this year?” Jake asked calmly. Harrison nodded.

      “Of course, Jake. I’ve been allies with your pack since your parents were in charge. I’d be stupid to pass that up.” Harrison grinned at the younger alpha. Seeing the obvious window Harrison had created, Mari slipped in before I could tell her what to do.

     “So, will you be continuing your alliance with Lunar Pack then?” Mari asked. Harrison frowned.

      “Of course not!” I saw Harrison’s Beta cringe. I smiled at him. We both knew what was coming.

      “Our packs have been allies since my parents were in charge, Harrison. I simply was looking for the same grace you are offering Jake and his pack.” Mari replied calmly. It was so satisfying to watch the older man turn purple and fluster.

    “Well, yes. But it’s not the same!” 

     “Because she’s a woman?  A true Alpha doesn’t make assumptions, Alpha Harrison.” Another alpha, Zed, spoke up. He looked upset.

     “Thank you, Zed.” Mari thanked the other Alpha. He nodded deeply to Mari.

      “Marigold, my pack and I would be honored to enter into an alliance with you. We will work out the details tomorrow.” Zed offered. Mari grinned.

      “Thank you, Zed. I’d love that.”

      “Harrison, I am withdrawing my alliance from you until I can see you are making well-informed decisions for your pack.” Zed chastised the man. Harrison was turning red now.

      “Your food, Alphas.” An omega announced. The tension at the table waned as Harrison was distracted by his food. The food did not deter the last Alpha at the table.

      “Zed, I can’t believe you are aligning yourself with a mate-less, powerless, spoiled child. Her pack is a step up from Rogues. Her parents were good leaders, but we have no proof that-”

      “Alpha Richard, I would appreciate it if you would stop insulting my mate. It’s rude, petty, and unnecessary.” Aria interrupted tartly without even thinking. I saw Mari smile as her mate claimed her in front of the others. The entire table froze, just now noticing the tiny woman next to Mari.

     “A woman mated to a woman?” Richard gasped in horror. Zed grinned at Mari.

      “Did you just find each other recently?” Zed asked.

      “Yes, Alpha. I am the Head of House here.” Aria answered.

     “Congratulations to the both of you. A fated mate is a true blessing form the goddess and you are lucky to have found each other. Don’t you agree, Harrison?” Zed questioned. Harrison was pale. He had recently lost his fated mate, Lois. He was known for having great respect for fated mates.

      “I am so sorry, Luna. I didn't mean to insult you and your alpha earlier. I would definitely like to discuss alliance proceedings tomorrow when the time comes.” Harrison spoke almost with reverence. Aria’s smile was blinding. She was truly beautiful and sweet. She radiated it.

     “All is forgiven, Alpha. Mari would love to honor her parents by continuing your alliance, I’m sure. But I’ll let my Alpha speak for herself.” And with that, Aria slipped her hand into Mari’s. I grinned, looking forward to the rest of the evening.