Creating Roots

Home

Night had fallen and Xavier and Hailie were strolling aimlessly through the ground’s trails. Hailie was lost at thought and she was appreciative of Xavier’s quiet demeanor and presence.

“How do you feel about being Alpha one day?” Xavier squeezed Hailie’s hand in acknowledgement, considering his words.

“For years I was terrified. I grew up among these people and the idea of not doing them justice almost suffocated me. Though they know my heart. All an Alpha or Luna can do is act in their pack’s best interests with the information they have at the time.” Hailie chewed the inside of her cheek nervously.

“My people do not know me. They do not know my heart.” Hailie’s voice was low and hushed as she spoke. Half speaking to herself and half speaking to Xavier. Xavier halted their progress and pulled Hailie to face him. Tucking a stray hair behind Hailie’s ear, he tilted her head up to him.

“Your people will come to know you. There’s time before either of us receive our titles. Have some faith. The Moon Goddess would not have had us fated together if we were not meant to lead our people.” Laying a gentle kiss on her forehead, the couple moved on in silence.

Later, Hailie and Atlas lay on Hailie’s bed. Books regarding the Desert Pack and the Moonglow Pack’s history. Atlas was marking particularly important events within the last fifty years while Hailie was going over them and writing down questions she had in the margins. Hailie was humming quietly when Atlas chuckled beside her. Hailie gently closed her book and rolled her eyes.

“What could possibly be so funny?” Atlas kept laughing and shook a book above her head. Hailie craned her head to try and read the title.

“What about the Moon Goddess?” Atlas smirked before throwing the book open to a chapter regarding the mate bond.

“Do you have any questions about that?” Hailie smiled slightly before throwing herself back onto her pillows.

“I… do you think Xavier is upset to be mated to me? I would become his pack’s Luna. Though I’m clearly so behind on the teachings. Do you think it disappoints him?” Hailie bit the inside of her cheek lightly. She was drawn to Xavier beyond measure. He felt like home. A drink of cool water after a long day. Their time spent together had been peaceful. He never once seemed irritated by her relentless questions. He was attentive and doted on her. Though would their initial attraction be enough? Would his duties outweigh his draw to her?

Hailie did not know her eyes began to mist until she felt Atlas gently dabbing at her eyes.

“Hey, hey now. I’ve never seen Xavier so calm and collected. Even that alone would be enough for some pack members to accept you as their Luna. Even if you were to never make a decision regarding the pack, the ability to wheel in an Alpha is not an easy feat. Nor will it go unnoticed by pack members.”

Hailie sniffled before smiling up at Atlas.

“Thank you.” Atlas squeezed Hailie’s hand before continuing, “I was just trying to be nosy, you know. You weren’t supposed to become all emotional.”

Hailie laughed before nudging Atlas with her shoulder.

“I can’t help myself. I don’t want to disappoint anyone.” Atlas shrugged her shoulders as she answered, “You won’t disappoint your pack as long as they know you made a decision in good faith. I’m not saying they’ll always be pleased or agree with you. However, disappointment probably won’t be the top emotion. Take it from me, I’ve been around the block a time or two.”

Hailie visibly relaxed at Atlas’s words. Thumbing through the Moon Goddess’s book, Hailie read chapter titles and a few paragraphs here and there.

“Are Xavier and I married?” Atlas shook her head.

“You’re simply fated mates. It’s acknowledged as the union of a soul. You can think of this stage now as being engaged. You’re getting to know each other. Deciding whether you want to accept the Moon Goddess’s blessing. Once you both mark each other, you can view yourselves as married. You’ve accepted the blessing and all the titles and duties associated with your mate.” Hailie nodded along as Atlas talked, storing away the information.

“Do we have a formal union?” Atlas nodded as she continued, “We have, what humans would call, a traditional wedding. It’s useful to show your pack the union. It’s crucial now that packs have expanded and are international.”

Hailie mulled over her next words. Hailie’s nerves were at an all time high. Her world had turned overnight and she knew so little of what was expected of her. And she desperately wanted to succeed, to belong. Though most importantly she did not want to be a burden.

Atlas sensed her uneasiness and rubbed a hand calmly over her arm.

“I will help anyway I can, Haillie. I’m not due back for weeks and I can extend my stay.” Hailie smiled shyly and threw her arms over Atlas.

“Thank you.” Atlas returned the hug before laughing lightly.

“I think someone is jealous.”

“I know.” Xavier grunted softly and rolled his eyes. Hailie looked up and her breath caught in her throat. He was casually leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed. His posture accentuated his biceps and Hailie involuntarily licked her lips.

Atlas eyed the couple and smiled coyly.

“I’ll leave you two be.” As Atlas left she eyed Xavier fiercely.

“You take care of my girl, I like her.” Xavier threw his arms up in defeat.

“Do you know I’ve been here two days and Atlas and Luna have already practically waged war if I look at you the wrong way? I’m not even Alpha.” Hailie smiled as she heard Atlas’s laugh from down the hall.

“I like her.”

“She likes you more than me and I’ve known her my whole life.”

“Maybe try taming children with her.” Xavier chuckled lightly before placing a kiss on Hailie’s forehead. Hailie could feel goosebumps raising on her skin.

Too soon, Xavier pulled away from her.

“I think we have some things to go over.”

Xavier c****d an eyebrow before pulling the desk chair over to Hailie’s side. Flipping the chair backwards, Xavier casually laid his arms across the chair.

“Very regal.” Xavier simply rolled his eyes.

“What would you like to discuss, Hailie?” Hailie bit the inside of her cheek, not sure where to start.

“Do you regret being fated mates?” Xavier’s eyebrows pull together quickly before he let out a deep laugh.

“No.” The statement was direct and short. Not exactly what was expected, though it calmed Hailie’s nerves nonetheless.

“I worry about your pack. I don’t want to burden you or them. I want what’s best for them. Even if that isn’t me.” With those words Xavier cracked a grin before using his forefinger and thumb to pull Hailie closer to him.

“The integrity in which you said that, proves to me you’re exactly what my pack and I need.” Hailie closes her eyes. Giving herself the moment she needed to address Xavier.

“Good then, marry me.”