The ride to Golden Moon isn’t terribly long but we left really early that morning. It took us about 4 hours to get there. I’m in awe as we turn left onto the discreet gravel road that leads into their pack lands. Huge Georgia pines line both sides of the lane as we drove. I hear a howl in the distance, most likely a signal to the pack that someone unknown is approaching the gates to the compound.
Most packs keep boarder patrols surrounding the pack land and then tighter guards closer to the fenced in compound area.
The closer we drove to the compound area I could catch glimpses of a coppery red color wolf and a slate gray wolf running in the woods near the road keeping an eye on us and trying to pick out our scents. I’d have to say, at least, their security was decent; but I’ve seen better.
I glance at Dad as he drives the rest of the way to the gates. He has the same look as I do, observing and assessing. He glances at me and nods signaling he’s thinking the same thing I am; we’ve got a lot of work to do here and from here on out it’s all business.
We reach the gate. A guard steps to the side of the truck and says “State your business here.”
Dad replies, “ Maximus and Lorel Gray, warriors of Silver Stone pack. We’re here to meet your Alpha.”
Recognition flashes in this warriors eyes. He extends his arm for Dad to grasp forearms with him. He’s tall and muscular, as most wolves are, sandy red color hair, green eyes and dimples when he grins. The dimples make him appear much younger than he is, as I can easily tell he is at least ten to fifteen years my senior, close to dad’s age.
“Ah, Maximus Gray, yes all of the warriors have been waiting to meet you. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Your reputation proceeds you.
He turns his attention to me, in the passenger seat, “And your reputation has far proceeded you as well. I can’t wait to see the Warrior Princess in action.”
I smile and nod politely. “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you as well... I’m sorry I didn’t catch your name.”
“My given name is Thaddeus, but you are welcome to call me Thad”, he smiles. I get the impression he is a bit “star struck” by our presence.
Dad speaks, “is the Alpha aware we have arrived yet?”
“Yes, sir. He was alerted the moment you crossed onto the pack lands. He’ll be waiting outside the pack house to greet you both”, Thad states with pride as he knows that should always be protocol when anyone breeches the boarders.
“Wonderful. Thank you, Thad. We’ll be seeing you and the rest of the warriors later today then,” Dad says as he pulls through the wrought iron gates.
It’s still about half a mile to the pack house from the gates. Still observing and assessing, I judge this as a decent distance in the case of attacks. There are some shops, and small businesses and homes scattered along the way. Most packs are like their own small cities. This one isn’t very different.
The pack house comes into view and my mouth drops open. It is massive. It’s an old Victorian style plantation type house. Absolutely gorgeous. Huge pillars in the front outline the double doored entry.
I see an older looking gentleman with raven black hair, dressed nicely in blue slacks and a light blue button down with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. To his right I see what looks like a clone of him but younger.
“Holy cow!” My wolf Rose is prancing around in my head and yipping with excitement.
“What’s wrong with you, Rose”, I ask her.
“Are your eyes open,” she snips. “Cause that wolf is gorgeous.”
“I can see very well, thank you very much.” I say as I roll my eyes at her.
“Oh, I hope he is Mate. Can you imagine,” she says in my head sounding all dreamy.
“Rose, snap out of it. This is business. Business first. We still have a few weeks before we will be able to find our Mate. So calm down already” I tell her.
She sighs, “Well there is no harm in looking.” After that she quiets down and lets me focus.
Dad and I exit the truck and grab our bags. As we ascend the front steps of the pack house another carbon copy of the Alpha appears suddenly out of nowhere. I had to blink to be sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks and having me seeing three of things.
I swallow hard as my eyes meet his. Just as gorgeous as his father and twin brother. He has a cockiness about him that’s almost arrogant. You can tell by the way he carries himself he’s doing his duty for his father but feels this is below him.
Rose pops back in, “well now, look here. What if they are BOTH Mate” she says as she waggles her eyebrows at me and gives me a wolf grin.
“Shut it, Rose. Not now” as we make the last steps and meet the three face to face for the first time.