Blood Moon

Chapter Eleven- Alexander's POV

Walking through the territory back to the mansion that was pack house was intense. We were both huged and thanked by everyone we passed. People welcomed me with open arms all around. I was amazed at the pack's loyalty and trust they put in Autumn. Since she introduced me as her mate it seems they didn't once second guess her and put their faith in me as she has. I could see the trust and acceptance in their eyes and I was elated. I looked over at Autumn who was smiling and greeting her pack members, giving some of them her condolences. She truly was amazing. Her strength, power and dominance radiated off of her. Her pack worshiped her. I watched as they followed her every move as we finally reached the mansion and shut the door. 

"Finally, peace, This Alpha thing is going to be rough, it is not a title I coveted." she said as she ran her hand through her hair.

"Everything will be ok, you're not alone." 

"I know, I have you." she said as she stood on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek. 

    I laughed to myself. How could such a small woman be so powerful and intimidating? Her power versus her size always made me smile. I stood 6 foot 9, Autumn however didn’t even reach my shoulders, even so her body fit perfectly into mine. As if to prove my point my wolf seized control for a brief minute as he grabbed Autumn and pulled her into me. Her arms automatically reached around my neck as she held me tightly and we kissed passionately. Autumn snaked her hand behind my neck and pulled me closer, deepening the kiss. 

    Finally gaining control of my wolf, I pulled away slightly, still holding her close. Letting her go, leaving her, it felt so foreign, and wrong. I know she is right and I have to go back, I can’t let my pack be overrun and my title stolen. There is no telling who could take over and what damage they may cause. The Crystal Moon pack was started by my forefathers passed down through my bloodline for generations. I can’t be the one who breaks that lineage. 

“Can you call our pack members here please Alex? The ones who came with us I mean.” Autumn asked me.

“Why?”

“Well do you want them to sleep outside or would you rather me show them to a room?” She asked sarcastically.

 I looked down at her, her expression once again guarded showing no emotion. I didn’t understand why, but I could feel her through our bond. She felt lost and defeated. Losing so much in one night has left a mark on her I’m not sure I could even heal, but I know I would not give up until she was her normal carefree and smiling self. 

“Of course, I will.” I said as softly as I could

 “All of you, I need you to come to the pack house to meet with Blood Moon’s Alpha.”  I mind linked my pack.

“The king?” one of the pack members asked

“No, Autumn is Alpha until the king returns. She is going to show you where you will be sleeping for the night. Tomorrow we leave for our pack. We will be returning to join the two packs under Blood Moon’s Alpha. Which means Once we return Autumn will be your Alpha until the king returns then he will be your Alpha. I will be your Prince.”

 Telling them this through our link was the best way I could explain to them my plans until we returned. I knew I had to speak to them more about it, but that was something for us to do together once we returned home. The whole pack had to have a say in if they wanted to merge or not. Ultimately I knew it was my decision and I know my decision has already been made, but giving them a choice was the least I could do as their Alpha.

“Alpha’s were here.” Kyle, my Delta said lowering his head in respect.

“Who are you?” Autumn turned to ask

“I am Kyle, Apha Alexanders delta. We are the members that came to aid you in your fight.” 

Autumn instantly softened

“Thank you all for your help. It is greatly appreciated. If you all will follow me I will show you to your rooms where you can shower and rest for the night,” 

“Thank you, your highness,” Kyle responded.

“Please, just call me Autumn. Titles always make me feel uneasy.”

“Very well Autumn.” Kyle said smiling

Getting everyone settled into their rooms was an easy process, a lot of the members found their mate so they shared a room. The ones who didn’t mate were shown to their own room. 

“Your highness may I ask you something?” A young girl, no older than 18 asked.

 Autumn turned to the girl and looked at her, the girl was small and timid. Her head hung low as if she were studying her shoes as her blonde hair covered her face.

“Look at me child.” Autumn said softly

 The girl looked up, her eyes brimmed with tears as they slowly streaked down her cheeks. 

Upon seeing the girl's condition Autumn Pulled the girl into her arms and just held her as the girl clung to Autumn as if her life depended on it. Autumn stroked her hair and just kept repeating “Sshh now, everything is ok. You’re going to be ok.”

“Now tell me what has you so upset.” Autumn said, pulling back and looking at the girl.

“I’m alone, my parents died on a mission two years ago.” The girl said looking up at me.

“What mission?” I asked, maybe a little too roughly because Autumn shot me a warning glare. 

The girl cowered into Autumn before she spoke, not making eye contact. “The mission you sent some of our warriors to check out a vampire nest.” The girl said quietly.

“What is your name?” Autumn asked, wiping hair out of the girl's face. 

“Marie.” 

“Well Marie did you want something from me?” 

Marie nodded fiercely “I Want to stay here with you.” 

Autumn looked up at me. I could see the compassion for this girl in her eyes.

“I don’t mind you staying with me honey but you need to ask your Alpha for permission.” Autumn told her.

“Alph? Can I stay? Can I join the princesses pack? I can't go back, I can't handle the memories in that house anymore.” Marie whispered.

“Marie, I am sorry for the tone I took with you just a moment ago, I didn't mean to scare you. You have my permission to stay here with my mate. I hope the life you lead here can bring you happiness and joy.” 

 Marie’s eyes lit up and she jumped into my arms. “Thank you so much Alpha.” The girl cried, before she went back to Autumn and held her. I could feel Autumn’s protectiveness grow for the child. I could feel how her heart was aching from what Marie told her and honestly I never knew. If I had known she had gone through such hardship I would have taken care of her sooner, brought her under my wing so she didn’t feel so alone and broken.

“Come Marie, you can have the room next to mine. That way if you need me I will be right next to you.” Autumn told her as she led the way, Marie still clinging to her.

  As we made our way across the pack house, which was more like a palace. I couldn’t help but imagine the kind of Mother Autumn would be. She would be fiercely protective, loving, empathetic, supportive. She would be the kind of mother that would never let harm come anywhere near her child. And that had me smiling.

“What are you smiling about?” Autumn asked me looking amused

“Oh, nothing. Just how good of a mother you will be.” I responded

“Oh really?” She asked

“Yes, the way you’re taking care of Marie, and the look you gave me when my voice was hard with her, even if it was unintentionally done. You’re going to be a fierce mother.” I laughed

“Yes, maybe.” She said dismissively. Clearly telling me this conversation was done and she no longer wanted to discuss it. 

“Here we are Marie.” Autumn spoke as we came to what would now be Marie’s room. 

“I will be right here next door if you need me. No go rest, I will see you in the morning.” 

But Marie didn’t let go of Autumn, she clung to her like a child would cling to her mother if she were scared.

“What is it dear?” Autumn asked her.

“I’m scared to be alone.” She responded sheepishly.

“You’re not alone, I’ll be right next door. Just knock if you need me.” 

Marie nodded and released Autumn as she slowly made her way into the room and shut the door. Autumn sighed, running her hand down her face in exhaustion. 

“I wonder what’s got the girl so scared.” Autumn asked, more to herself than me as we walked into what was now our room.

“Are you ok Autumn?” I asked

“Yes, I’m fine just tired from the day we’ve had. Ready to go to bed.” 

 I pulled her into me and hugged her tight before picking her up bridal style and laying her in the bed. Autumn laughed as I lay beside her and pulled the blankets over us and pulled her into me. Autumn laid her head on my chest and closed her eyes.

“Goodnight my love.” Autumn said yawing.

I chuckled and kissed the top of her head  “Goodnight princess.”