Joining Our Packs

Chapter Six Explanations

Carter sat behind his desk, a stoic look on his face. Cassie sat on his lap, her lips forming a thin line as she pressed them together holding her thoughts at bay. The anger that had been flaring in her eyes, had died some since my confession. It was unusual for Carter to take up the desk for a family meeting however, I understood as both mine and Levi’s mates do not belong to our pack.

“Have a seat,” Carter says gesturing to the open chairs across from him when we get closer.

My heart is pounding in my ears. I have never been so scared of a conversation with him before. My hands are sweaty and clammy so I run them down the front of my skirt. I carefully take a seat making sure to keep my legs together, to not expose my lady bits which happen to be bare after the little rendezvous in my office.

Isaiah sits beside me resting his hand on top of mine and Levi along with his mate takes up the other empty chairs.

The tension is palpable. Thick like a fog hanging in the air and weighing heavy as it lays on my shoulders.

“Marcus has already filled me in on everything that occurred while I was in my comatose state. Although it seems more has transpired since,” Carter says giving me a pointed look.

I nervously bite the inside of my cheek feeling the slight sting. Our extracurricular activities hadn't gone unnoticed. That thought alone causes a red tint to cover my face.

“I want a thorough breakdown from the both of you about what happened inside the caves,” Carter continues. “So who's going to volunteer to go first?”

“Honestly, I was not around for the incident involving you,” I speak up trying to guide the conversation away from my mate.

“Not what I asked Amelia,” Carter tsks.

“Ugh fine,” I grumble.

I'm good at diplomacy usually. Then again usually I'm not divulging the details of how my mate planned to kill my Alpha.

“Good, start from the beginning,” Carter replies a slight tilt to his lip.

“After I asked your permission to handle the situation upon finding out Alpha Isaiah is my mate, I tracked him into a deep cavern in the mountain. He was able to maneuver behind me as I was struck by the beauty and he blocked the only exit.” I paise taking a deep breath. “Alex was secured in his arms. He never shifted during the battle. I transformed into my human form and he greeted me as his mate confirming that he too felt the mate bond.” I meet Carter’s eyes and he gave a nod for me to continue. “He asked me if he should prepare for my rejection. As we all know a rejection is one of the hardest things for a wolf. I couldn't bring myself to reject him and instead offered a proposition. I told him is he agreed to end this war, then we could decide how to handle the bond. He agreed and that is when I tried to reach you to no avail.” Isaiah squeezes my hand as I conclude my explanation.

“Do you have anything to add?” Carter asks my mate turning his attention to him.

“I think Amelia summed it up well. By the time we came to a truce, my gamma had already followed through with her orders.” He adds.

“What do you plan to do with your pack now that we are no longer at war?” Alpha Carter questions Isaiah.

Isaiah's POV

Alpha Carter has turned his line of questions to me and I hold his gaze answering the say I was trained all those years ago.

“I would like to reinstate my former pack and rejoin lost alliances. Scarlett Moon was once a great pack ran with kindness and strength. My goal is to return it to that glory.” Amelia and I had pulled all the old documentation kept by her parents and the council. We also drafted the new paperwork needed to start the process.

“I would like to see that happen as well. My sister will make a great Luna and deserves a proper pack to lead,” Carter tells me offering his hand for me to shake.

“I will do everything in my power to make it happen for her and my other pack members. For now, I hope it is alright that we continue to stay here?” I ask shaking his hand.

“Of course,” He confirms.

“I have a few things to add,” Cassie interrupts. “From what I have gathered you knew Ian was in the wrong yet, you carried out his whims and kidn*pped my son. Why?”

Her expression is hard and I can see the pain in her eyes. She never deserved anything that happened.

“Cassie, I am truly sorry for Ian’s actions and for my part in all of this. When he died I thought it was my duty to avenge him. Taking Alex was meant to draw the both of you out and allow me to do that. I would never have harmed Alex.” I know it doesn't mean much and I can see her face contort as she ponders what I've said.

“Do you not realize it would have hurt Alex to lose the only mother he has ever known? To lose the only father figure who has cared for him? Ian wasn't a father. You would have harmed him emotionally Isaiah!” She is yelling by the end and her chest heaves up and down while her fingers dig into the wooden desk.

“You are absolutely right. I will not defend my actions. I've lost a mother and a father,” I stop truly understanding the pain I could've caused and swallow the lump in my throat. “I am glad you found a mate to love him the way a father should. I do not deserve your forgiveness and I will understand if we never reach that point. I finish.

I can feel the tingles moving up my arm as Amelia works the mate bond trying to ease the distress she can surely feel coming from me.

“Thank you, I am grateful to have been blessed with such an amazing mate. Carter's family has become my family and because I love Amelia like I would my own sister I will forgive you. She deserves to not carry the burden of our pasts.” Cassie informs me.

I feel the weight lifted from my shoulders and the nervous energy Amelia had been feeling turns to happiness. Her joy flits through the bond wrapping me in its warmth.

I can't wait to mark her and feel the bond in full force.

Amelia's POV

“Thank you, Cassie!” I squeal restraining myself from leaping up and hugging her.

Our meeting is still not over. Levi and his mate need to explain the events on their end to finally tie up the battle and set it in the past.

***

The sun is setting when we are able to leave Carter’s office and I'm ready to retreat upstairs for a long bubble bath and cuddles with Isaiah.

“Don't run off just yet beautiful I have a surprise for you,” Isaiah whispers pulling my back against his chest and wrapping his arms around my waist. His breath tickles my ear sending goosebumps down my spine.

“Surprise?” I purr.

“Yes,” he growls placing open-mouthed kisses down my neck to where his mark will lay.

“I like the sound of that,” I moan leaning further into him.