The dragon within

20

           ~Leon~

   I get back to the pack house to see what the damage was. The smell of blood has filled the air. As I got closer the members were raising their head and howling in respect to their new Alpha who is approaching following an applause that started to grow.  I walked with my head held high and Lex let out a howl as he was so happy that it was now over and we could be with our mate. We stop but only for a second to stare at Gage. He is chained to the pillar in the square stripped down to his underwear. He's holding his head in defeat covered in dirt, blood, and bruises. I think he may have a few bones broke and someone gouged out his eyes but he did it to himself.  He turned his head to the side in submission and I proceeded to find the others for a report on the property and to see if we can repair or if it needs rebuilt and to also check to see which prisoners will convert. 

   "Alpha..." Alex starts to say but I cut him off.  I don't ever want Joslin to feel like I'm taking anything from her so I tell him. "Just Leon for now." They looked at me confused. "Joslin is still the leader and I will not tolerate anyone taking anything else from her again. I may have freed her but she was the one who went through all the pain and suffering for ALL of us." I pause for a minute to keep myself calm thinking about what she went through. "She endured the pain so we didn't have to. The things that monster did to her to try and break her so he could rule over us are beyond horrible but our leader was still merciful and gave him a chance to live if his will to live is strong enough." I point a finger to Gage who is beginning to panic feeling all the eyes on him. I bring back their attention by continuing "I asked for everyone to help who is able to bring her home back to glory if possible. That is the least we can do to show our thanks." After I was finished speaking you hear applause again and whistling. After it dies down I ask anyone who is able to work please let us divide into groups. We had a little over 50 people to help get the pack house in order. We are trying to get it done before tomorrow. We know it's really pushing limits but we are going to try. 

   Alex comes up behind me and puts his hand on my shoulder.  We've been working hard and it's now about 10 pm. "Go home Leon the ones of us who can keep working will and we'll take shifts working around the clock. If we keep at this rate dad says we should have it done tomorrow around noon. The women are busy putting together some curtains they will be done tomorrow morning." I nod my head really missing my mate. I give a couple good pats to Alex back and I thank him. "If you need anything at all don't hesitate to call." I tell him and I part ways. 

   I finally get home and I didn't realize how exhausted I really was until I seen the lights in the distance. I smile to myself content knowing my mate is there with everyone else I hold dear to me.  I open the door expecting everyone to be asleep but it was quite the opposite. The atmosphere as a whole has even changed. It was the same house but it seemed brighter and not so serious. Kayla noticed me first and her eyes lit up.  "Leeeooonnnn!" She squeals and runs to hug my legs almost knocking me over.  I toss her lightly in the air catching her while she squealed again and laughed. I kissed her on the cheek and put her down. "I missed you too you little monster!" I said as I stretched out my arms like a zombie and acted like I was going to get her.  She squeals again running to her room and I laugh.

   I turn when mom playfully smacks my arm. You can see the wear on my face but I still give her a small smile and bring her into a hug "Hi Ma." I say as my eyes travel to Joslin. She is the cutest thing I've ever laid eyes on. She's dressed in my clothes from head to toe including the white bandana tied in her hair. I feel my eyes darken and a smile play across my face. I stalk towards her like she is my prey and I can feel her heart beating hard against her chest. I put my hand to her face wanting to kiss her so bad when I hear Otis clear his throat. I turn and smile at him bringing him in for a one armed hug.  "Ahhh old man I see you've wasted no time meeting your Luna." I say with a light heart. 

   "Actually I knew him before I knew you" came Joslins voice from the kitchen. I realized my mouth was hanging open and I quickly closed it while they laughed at me. Joslin finished putting silverware on the table and said she would explain but first I needed to sit down to eat and give thanks to the moon Goddess for the night we've got to enjoy. I was never really a spiritual person but I do agree she definitely deserves recognition for what she's done today. I make my way into the kitchen and I feel my eyes grow wide. There is literally a feast laid out in front of me. I turn to look at everyone and they are just smiling. I know it sounds silly but I've never seen so much food in my life. Joslin was the one who spoke. "This is what people brought for tribute. To raise up their new Alpha and Luna... as long as you'd still want to be my Alpha." Those words coming from her mouth made both Lex and Castille growl in approval. Mom smacks the back of my head "mind your manners we have guests" I feel my face heat up from embarrassment which makes Joslin try to hold back a laugh. My eyes light up and mom shoots me a playful glare as a warning to calm down. I sit down at the table and listen to Joslin as she gives thanks. 

   "Dear moon Goddess we are gathered here this evening" her voice is like plucking the strings on a harp. I try to focus on her words again "and I swear we will try to do your will at all times. Amen" everyone joined the prayer with their amens too. While everyone was getting ready to dig into all the wonderful things on the table the wind blew through the open window and I could had sworn it felt like someone touched my cheek. I turned around and the back ground noise fade out as I saw a woman dressed in all white. I turned and looked at everyone but it seemed none else was paying attention. When I turned my attention back she had a soft smile on her lips which was a little on the thin side. 

   "Hello my name is Selena... or moon Goddess whatever you prefer."