The Contract (My Perfect Mate Continued)

Job Well Done

The conference room was still empty. I helped Andy lay out the welcome packets at each chair. I counted as I went along, there were easily 24 place settings. Andy took one side of the table and I took the far side. When we were done, we met at the head of the table. Andy wrapped his arms around me and held me for a moment longer. Our silence was broken by incoming chatting from down the hallway. I could pick up on elder, Alpha Gavin, elder, Beta Matt, and Beta Bryce. Andy broke away from me momentarily but didn't change his footing. We both turned towards the door in anticipation of our guests.

"Well, don't you two make a fine couple?" Bryce joked as he walked into the room. I rolled my eyes and Andy cracked a smile. Alpha Gavin playfully smacked his son's shoulder,

"Oh hush. He doesn't say s**t like that to you and Briana."

"Speaking of Briana, is she planning on joining us?" I asked out of curiosity. I was a bit surprised that she didn't come in with her mate.

Bryce looked down at his watch, it looked familiar. I then realized that Andy had a very similar watch. I caught myself glancing over at Andy's right wrist. Sure as s**t, there it was. The only difference between the two was the color. Andy's was gold with a camel-colored leather strap. Bryce's was silver and black. They were both vintage and exquisite to look at. They were no doubt family heirlooms.

Bryce looked up from his watch and smiled apologetically,

"She'll be along in a minute. I left her with her mother. I know that they were discussing something important."

I nodded at his words and took a back seat for a few minutes when the three of them began discussing strategy. I wandered over to the bar cart against the far wall and poured myself a small amount of whiskey. I downed it quickly and poured another. I suddenly felt three sets of eyes on me.

"I'm sorry, can I pour anyone else a glass?"

Andy smiled, I was expecting him to say no, but he nodded his head. "I would love one, thank you."

I smiled back at him and grabbed one of the three other glasses, "Anyone else?"

Alpha Gavin was also agreeable to the suggestion. Bryce put his hands up,

"No, thank you, I prefer to drink after the meeting."

I looked over at Andy, he was shaking his head. He made it seem like that was usual for Bryce, but didn't push the matter further. I dispersed the drinks, and we changed the subject to something more lighthearted. We chatted about Bryce and Briana's pending nuptials, which I felt bad about discussing without her. Bryce didn't seem to know too many of the finer details, but there was a light of excitement as he spoke about marrying his mate.

That's when I heard her, my ears pricked up when I heard Briana's melodic voice traveling down the hallway. She was oozing with guilt as she walked in through the open doors.

"I am so sorry for my tardiness. I lost all track of time. But I am here now. How can I help?"

Bryce put his arm around Briana, and she melted under his contact.

"It's no worry, we're just waiting for our guests to arrive." Briana smiled, knowing that she didn't miss much. Briana broke away from Bryce and came over to me. We started our own conversation and the men congregated around the far side of the table. Soon enough, the rest of the packs started to file in, a few at a time.

The first few were men that I instantly recognized. It was Andy's uncle. Alpha Alex of Blue Moon and his beta. Silver Moon Gamma Connor, Commander of the guard.

Andy's Uncle Kevin walked in just behind them. They were all enthusiastically greeting one another and constantly laughing at each other. I loved seeing Andy so carefree, cutting up with his uncles like that.

Seriousness settled in when Cade popped his head in, not 5 minutes later, "the Alphas are approaching."

We all stopped to welcome them individually. We met with Alpha Jackson of Harbor Moon. He and Andy go way back, and if I'm not mistaken, he is also Nora's fated mate. His Beta Yuri is also a fine man, his smile is magnetic and he has such a kind soul. I was introduced as Luna to every man that walked past the threshold. Briana acted as usher and showed each member to their seats. Once they were all accounted for, Andy and I walked up to the head of the table. My main goal of today's meeting was to learn as much as I could about the political side of things. I knew nothing of these proceedings. I was never welcome to any of the meetings held in Red Moon. These faces were all new to me, Red Moon was in a different region entirely. Father would rarely host them anyway. Every pack in our region was too scared of him to accept the invite anyway.

Andy linked me suddenly.

Would you like to sit, my love? It'll be a long meeting.

I'm fine, thank you.

Andy gave me a nod, one that only I could recognize. Andy gestured to the packets laid out in front of each member and instructed them to flip to a certain page. Andy took them through each bullet point as he recited everything by heart. I then realized that this kind of meeting wasn't only about strategy or defenses, it was mostly about the accomplishments and positive things that have happened in the region.

Andy talked about the merger mostly, but brought up the Silver Moon foundation, the one that his parents started nearly 25 years ago. I learned so much in that short snipit. My heart filled with joy as he explained the purpose of the foundation and all the good it has done over the decades. 'One Heart' was started, so no young wolf was left behind. Despite our biological paternal and maternal desire, some wolves are just not meant to be parents. Just like humans, wolves could fall prey to bad influences and inherit harmful habits and be seen as unfit. Some of those parents would give up their parental rights and the child could be adopted into a caring family and pack. Andy touched on at least a dozen success stories and I could feel the joy radiating through the room. I wanted desperately to be part of that. I made a mental note to talk to Andy about how I could help going forward.

Andy went on about lodging and merger with the two smaller packs in the region. Both Alphas were appreciative of Silver Moon's hospitality. Once Andy had made it through the whole packet, he opened the floor for each pack to go around and share similar success stories. It was cool that they used this time to touch base and celebrate with one another. It gave the region a sense of community and strength. It's something I wished for Red Moon. As shitty as my father was, I still cared for my fellow members. I wished that they had an Alpha that cared this much. I was suddenly heart-broken at the downfall of Red Moon. We all knew that it was coming and there was no way to slow it down or stop it.

Once the other men began to speak, Andy pulled up both of our chairs and invited me to sit beside him. He reached over and grabbed my hand, to show a united front. After about an hour or so, the last member wrapped up and Andy took the floor once more.

"I want to thank you all for making the time to come out to visit us this weekend. Especially to help my little sister Nora celebrate her first shift. I couldn't be happier about the turn-out in support and love that we have all felt this weekend. As you know, tomorrow morning is the farewell breakfast, where we can give you all a proper sendoff. Now, I invite you to head into the grand hall for dinner and drinks."

The men erupted in cheers and grace. They all stood up and exchanged pleasantries before heading out of the room. Only the family's inner circle stayed behind to congratulate Andy on a job well done.

Alpha Gavin came over and placed his hand on Andy's shoulder, "Spectacular job Son. You did great!" he slapped Andy's shoulder before heading out into the main hall.

Eventually it was just Andy and I standing in the conference room. I could hear the hum of voices rising from outside as everyone prepared for dinner.

I turned to Andy and wrapped my arms around his neck. "You did great, that was amazing."

He smiled down at me, "Thank you, I was actually quite nervous the whole time."

"Well, there is no need. You are a natural." I assured him.

He leaned down slightly and kissed me tenderly on the lips.

"Shall we go join our guests?" I said with a pink hue on my cheeks.