Keeping promises

Chapter 10:Vegas

“If you can't be next to me, your memory is ecstasy, I miss you more than life."

(Ghost- Justin Bieber)

5 years after the official formation of Black-moon, we finally got the invitation to the Alpha summit. It happened every other year, and we finally had grown in enough power and wealth to be invited. We had grown to be the sixth strongest pack in the United states, number seventeen world-wide. Our pack now had nearly one hundred wolves spread throughout the Burlington area. Some lived in the city for work while most of us lived within the pack borders. We had purchased more land and bought some homes around our 150 acre lot. It was decided that we needed to become more self-sustaining seeing as groceries were beginning to take up most of our monthly budget.

We planted quite a few vegetable and fruit crops and made some greenhouses so we could grow year round. We purchased more farm land around us and used the fields to grow cattle corn, and food for the animals we intended to feed.

We built seven new barns, the smallest two were for the pigs. We decided that we ate enough pork that we should produce our own crops. We made a pig barn and we included the farrowing crates for our sows when they had piglets, we didn’t want any squished piggie. We planned to add a new boar to sire piglets every two years so we didn’t get any inbreeding. The male pigs were usually castrated and left to eat and fatten up for the harvest season. Sows could be kept for harvest, sold, or saved for breeding purposes. We planned to keep the sows for four years if they were promising mamas, if not they were also harvested.

Three barns were made for the beef cattle, They weren’t too large seeing as they spent most of their time out in the pasture, grazing and living their lives. We had one built for sheltering the pregnant heifers and one for containing anyone who got injured. The third was built as more of a shelter from the elements should the other cows want to utilize it. We decided to get three different breeds of cattle, black angus, red angus and hereford. We had two breeding bulls, a black angus named Thunder and a hereford named Texan. They were both pretty gentle and easy-ish to handle so we decided to keep them. We started with fifteen heifers, and soon had upwards of fifty. When we decided that we had enough we began harvesting, the bull calves were left to grow, some were kept intact and sold as breeding bulls while the others were castrated and kept for harvest.

The last barn was for goats, we had milkers and we had cashmere. We used the goat milk to make soaps and lotions which we sold out of the little store we had built. We also sold garments made from the wool of the cashmere goats. We had more than enough meat so we decided to sell meat from our animals as well. We had made 5 chicken coops, we had three of them stocked with multi-purpose hens that laid eggs, and then would be used for meat once they stopped laying as frequently. One of the other coops was strictly for meat chickens, and the last was used for the seasons chicks.

We made a deal with a local bee keeper, he would provide us with honey and we would sell his product in our store. Our store was a hit and it made pretty good revenue. We decided to open a bakery which was managed by the beekeeper's wife. She was an excellent baker and was tired of working at the local grocery store so we hired her as the manager and she taught our other employees how to bake and make profits from it.

We sold pre-made mixes in the bakery so people could make some of our treats at home. Our pack also opened a restaurant that would use only local ingredients provided to us by other farms in the area as well as our own. We could only take reservations seeing as we had to make sure we didn’t run out of ingredients, which made us a very popular spot.We were making all kinds of money with our businesses and saving a lot by having our own animals to use.

My aunt Paige decided she wanted to work as a therapist again so we opened up a doctors office. The bottom floor had two suites, the second floor had three. The first floor held the gynecology and midwifery department in suite 1, suite 2 was urgent care with two operating rooms. The OR’s were shared between the gynecology and urgent care departments. One the second floor was pediatrics in suite 3, aunt Paige’s office in suite 4 and suite 5 was available for rent. It was being used for storage until it was filled.

The pack also invested in a veterinary office, for large and small animals. Considering we had purchased two great pyrenees puppies and an anatolian sheppard, and raised them to protect the livestock, we needed a nearby vet. We had a couple of humans apply to work in the office and we accepted seeing as the larger prey animals were usually frightened of us.

At the suggestion of Mia, we also decided that we would run a bed and breakfast from September through May. We started for the leaf peepers, and ran through the winter for skiers, and winter sport enthusiasts. It was situated on the border of the pack land, far enough from the pack house and the wooded pack areas that they wouldn’t see our wolves, but far enough from Burlington that we could get decent guests. Mia’s parents ran it, living in the house even when we didn’t have guests. If parties paid enough we would open for them during the summer months, but it was rare that people tried to book it.

With the new pack members we got more warriors, people who could defend our territory from invaders. Three of them came from a pack in the Russian forests, they had been a part of the black-paw brotherhood. From what they had told us due to their age they could no longer keep up with the younger recruits. So I asked them to train us all in proper combat. Thanks to them we were able to become even stronger. One of them was named Psy, he had a thick russian accent. I made him head trainer due to his battle experience. He and his friends quickly became a massive asset to the pack. Not only could they fight, they were also able to show us how to suppress not only our scent, but the entirety of our presence, making us invisible to even the keenest of senses. They taught us at the perfect time, because a week later we got our invitation to the summit. It was being hosted by the wolf council, and they had decided on Vegas for the destination.

Dawson, who I appointed as my beta, Rose, my gamma, Mia, Tanner, Paige, Psy, Ryan and Brooke were all going to the summit with me. Tanner, Brooke and Ryan were going as unmated singles who were looking for mates. Psy was there as a guard, Paige was there to do psych evaluations on anyone who may join the pack. Whenever someone joined the pack it was aunt Paige’s job to clear them. If she noticed something was off she would tell me and we would figure out what to do. We had turned away many wolves who tried to come in that were too dangerous to allow in. They had histories of abuse, r**e, and other things we wouldn’t condone in our pack.

My dad, Oliver and my mom drove us all to the Burlington airport and said good-bye as we began our trip to Vegas. Seeing as Oliver was Dawson’s mate and my second beta, he was tasked with protecting the pack while we were gone. He was thrilled at the opportunity, but he was not as happy about Dawson being gone for a week.

Once we landed we got two rental cars, Paige drove with myself, Dawson, Rose and Tanner. Psy drove with Ryan, Brooke, and Mia. We found the hotel that the council had booked for the weekend and checked in at six- forty pm. We had three rooms, three people in each. Dawson, Psy and Ryan shared. Paige, Tanner and I shared leaving Brooke with Mia and Rose. I felt a little bad for her, but I also knew it was better than dealing with Dawson’s snoring or Tanner’s sleep apnea.

The first night all we did was get some food, then we went to bed. Traveling all day had taken a toll. The next morning was when the event started. I pulled my hair into a french braid and put on a little bit of make-up. I pulled on a bordeaux colored, silk blouse, paired with form fitting black slacks. I slipped on a pair of black T-strap heels and walked over to the dresser where I kept my jewelry bag. The heels made a satisfying click with every step I took. I went into the bathroom and placed a pair of ruby and gold studs in my ears. I pulled on the necklace my parents had gotten me and rolled up my cuffs about a third of the way up my fore arms and used the custom golden cufflinks so I could show them off.

The tattoo going down the inside of my forearm caught my eye and I smiled sadly. It was a wolf paw print, with the face of a wolf inside of it, everything was black and varying shades or grey, except the wolves eyes. The eyes were a familiar icy blue that caught my breath every time I looked at it. Underneath the bottom of the paw was the name William in a neat script. I took a deep breath and looked away from it before the tears started. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time, and was pleased with what I saw. I walked back into the bedroom area where Paige and Tanner were sitting with full bellies. They had gone down to the breakfast bar while I got ready. I had woken up before them and had eaten after I went for a small walk around the hotel, finding the ball room, which was going to be a makeshift conference room so we could gather the Alphas into one space for the meeting. After that I saw there was an outdoor pool and a few other nice amenities, like a gym and a spa.

Tanner and Paige smiled at me as I clicked into the room. I gave them a little wave as I slipped the hotel key card into my pocket and walked out the door. (Dawson are you ready?) I asked into the mind-link as I headed toward the ballroom.

(I’ll be there in a moment.) He responded.

(I would like it if everyone stayed in groups while we’re here. I don’t like the idea of anyone being separated.) I said for everyone to hear. (You never know who these Alpha’s could be bringing along.) I got a resounding yes ma’am. I hated when my close friends called me alpha so I usually asked them to call me Finn or ma’am if others were around.

Dawson caught up to me as I reached the ballroom door, I smiled at him gently as he offered me his arm. I took it and I walked in with him as my escort. Many heads turned in my direction as I walked to my seat, which I had found earlier.

“Hello.” A younger man with a condescending smile said as he approached. “The Luna meeting is next door.” I ignored him and walked to my seat. “Did you not hear me?” He asked, using his alpha tone.

“I heard you loud and clear.” I simply replied. “Perhaps instead of telling me to leave you should ask why I am here.”

“Excuse me?” He growled, not liking that I didn’t submit.

“My name is Finn Dalton, Alpha of Black-moon.” I said as I took my seat. His face turned red as he spun around on his heel and walked back to his seat. Dawson sat beside me in his assigned spot. The meeting was for Alpha’s and either their heirs or their betas. Dawson and I made light conversation with the Alphas who arrived and sat with us at our table. All eyes turned toward the door as Alpha Grayson Mountier walked in with his son. He was known as a ruthless man, the scars on his face seemed to corroborate the stories. His son, however, looked polished and unscathed.

I turned back to my conversation with Alpha Deaton, we were talking about new ideas for financing our pack lands. After another ten minutes the room was filled with Alpha’s having their own conversations. I noticed a few empty chairs and looked up as Councilman Samuel and one of his brethren walked in. I sent Samuel a small smile when he looked in my direction and he sent me a small nod. Once they walked to their seats the other man hit his table with a small gavel, quieting all conversations.

“For those of you who don’t know, I am Elder Xion of the council, and this is Samuel.” He said, his voice strong and steady. “Thank you all for attending this year, we have a few Alpha’s running late due to pack disputes or rogue invasions. That said, we will begin without them.” He nodded at Samuel who stood and looked around the room once before speaking.

“Good morning everyone, I am pleased to see many familiar faces along with some newer ones. If this is your first time attending a summit please stand.” Myself and four other young Alphas stood. “We will start over here, please state your name and your pack.” Samuel gestured to the other side of the room.

“I am Alpha Henry Miller of Walking-wilds pack in Arizona.” The first man said.

“Alpha Franklin Hope of Water-pine pack in Maine.”

“Alpha Brock Fullan of Pine-tree pack in Deleware.”

“Alpha Finn Dalton of Black-moon in Vermont.” I said speaking clearly.

“Alpha Sean Walker of Mirror-sun pack in Montana.” The last man said.

“As you all can see, Alpha Finn is a woman.” Councilman Samuel said. “I am aware that it is unusual, but she has the seventh largest pack right now, considering she only created the pack five years ago I believe she is due a fair bit of credit.” He gestured for us to sit, which we did. As the councilmen began speaking of problems and solutions I could feel eyes all over me. I kept my head up and participated in the conversations, though I could feel the staring.

It is now 2 o’clock and that means it is break time, we will reconvene here in 2 hours.” Councilman Xion said. Everyone got up and stretched, then most of us headed toward the buffet they had set up for lunch. Dawson and I grabbed a fair bit of food and headed to a table for two by the windows.

“What do you think so far?” He asked as he looked around, at all the alphas who were still talking about domestic reports while glancing in our direction.

“It’s interesting to hear what people in different states are dealing with.” I said as I took a bite of the garlic butter potatoes. “I’m glad we don’t have an issue with rogues.” He nodded in agreement.

“Judging by the reports it seems they like to congregate in the mid-states, not too hot, not too cold, it’s almost like they’re temperature sensitive.”

“Glad we left Nebraska huh.”

“Pretty sure Alpha Halcomb was saying they have it pretty rough.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“If only they could wipe out a certain pack.” I said with a wistful sigh. Dawson chuckled as he cut off another piece of steak and ate it. After we ate he and I left and began heading toward our rooms, only to be stopped by a shrill screech. We bolted toward the sound and found Alpha Mountier’s son groping a crying woman. He turned and snarled at us as we approached and I socked him in the jaw. He fell to the ground holding his face as I checked on the girl. She was a human who worked at the hotel. I asked her to leave and report what happened to her manager right away. She nodded while still sobbing and dashed off.

“You’re going to regret that.” Mountier growled at me as he began to stand.

“You’re gonna be the one filled with regret pup.” I snarled at him as I brought my fist back into his face, knocking him out cold. (Anyone have rope?) I asked into the pack mind-link. It wasn’t long before Rose came bounding up with Mia, she was holding fuzzy pink handcuffs. I nodded and looked at Dawson who chuckled darkly.

“These will do.” Dawson and I dragged Mountier back into the ballroom, Dawson stripped him bare and cuffed his hands behind his back. I shrugged and placed him in front of the podium where the councilmen sat, that way everyone would see him as they walked in. Rose and Mia came back and handed us a ball gag to which Dawson gladly put on Mountier. I knew I was making an enemy, but I truly didn’t care. Rose and Mia left as the Alphas began milling back in.

Most of them paled at seeing Mountier and took their seats without talking. It wasn’t long before Alpha Grayson stormed in with the councilmen, all of them looked appalled.

“What is this?” Alpha Grayson growled, I ignored him and looked at councilman Samuel.

“Do you recall the reason why I left my old pack, taking the people I cared about with me?” Samuel nodded while Xion narrowed his eyes and Grayson snarled.

“You were assaulted and the man who did challenged your previous alpha and won.” I nodded while Dawson clenched his jaw.

“Correct.” I said, then turning to Grayson. “Your pup was in the process of disrobing a human who works here, she was begging him to stop.” Grayson’s jaw clenched as he looked at his son, who was starting to wake up. “Tell me should I have let him continue and finish his assault or should I have stopped him and helped cover it up?”

“I could have handled it privately.” Grayson snarled, I growled back, the anger bubbling within me.

“How many times have you done that already?” I asked, Grayson’s eyes narrowed and he swallowed hard. “How many times has he gotten away with r**e?”

Mountier began crying as he realized what was happening. He was naked and gagged, kneeling in front of the most powerful alphas in the united states, with his dirty laundry being aired.

“My son would never.” Grayson began, I rolled my eyes held my hand up, stopping him.

“He just did, and I highly doubt he would choose to start raping women in a hotel filled with Alphas.” Grayson paled, while Xion and Samuel looked between him and his son, whose face had also turned an ashen color.

“You do realize what you are doing?” Grayson growled as he tried to recover. “I am one of the most powerful Alpha’s….”

“Do you honestly think I care?” I asked, cutting him off. “I wouldn’t care if you were the king himself, r**e is illegal. If you break the law you get punished, it's that simple. I’m just doing the job you should have done.” Grayson’s mouth hung open as I continued. “Maybe if you had corrected his behavior like you should have this never would have happened. I can guarantee he will never touch another woman against her will again.”

Mountire nodded even though I hadn’t asked him a question. “Humiliation is your punishment?” Grayson sneered.

“I would have preferred to kill him.” I said blandly. “However, I didn’t come here to start a war.”

“I believe that is enough.” Councilman Xion said before Grayson could speak. “Klein you may go.” Mountier jumped up and broke the handcuffs before putting on his pants and running out with the rest of his clothes. “We will be speaking about your son's crimes later Grayson.”

“You will also need to have a conduct meeting with us Alpha Finn, what you did was highly inappropriate,” Councilman Samuel said, I shrugged my shoulders and went to take my seat.

“My apologies for the scene everyone.” Councilman Xion said as he went and took his seat behind the podium. “Let’s start where we left off.” The rest of the meeting went as smoothly as it could. Grayson kept shooting glares my way which I ignored. When the meeting was over everyone save for myself, Dawson, Greyson and the councilmen left.

“Alpha Finn, you could have handled the matter with Klein in a more professional manner.” Elder Xion said with a deep sigh. “Though I do agree that he needed to be punished.”

“Greyson, if you have truly been covering up crimes he has committed you will have a hearing about your title before the entire council.”

“He is my son.” Alpha Grayson said sharply. “I am supposed to protect him.”

“Do you remember Alpha Jacob of Fallen-woods?” I asked Alpha Grayson, he nodded as he narrowed his eyes. “His son assaulted me when I was fourteen. I had to spend a year in a treatment center because of it. Do you want to know what Alpha Jacob did when he was told his son was the one who committed the crime?” I asked, pausing for a second before continuing. “He disowned his son and sent him to a boarding school. Why? You ask. Because he was not only a father but an Alpha. He swore to protect his pack until his last breath, and he did just that. I’m not saying you have to go so far, but your son needs to learn that there are consequences to his actions. If you don’t teach him that, someone else will.”

“You don’t have children so you don’t understand.” Grayson growled.

“But I do.” Samuel said. “If my children had ever laid hands on a woman that way I would have beat them black and blue. It’s the responsibility of the parent to teach their children right from wrong. Your son is almost 18, do you honestly feel comfortable leaving your pack in his hands?”

“Think about that question tonight.” Xion said before dismissing us, Dawson and I walked back to our rooms. I took a shower and slipped on my pajamas, then I fell into a deep sleep. It was only 8 o’clock but my energy was drained.

I woke up in the middle of the night to a knock on our door. Paige got up and opened it to find an unfamiliar male standing there. I growled slightly as he walked in, his eyes on Tanner, on the bed behind me.

“That’s far enough.” I said as I stood up and stood between him and my sleeping sister. He bowed and I watched as his eyes went from green to black to green again. “What’s your name?”

“I am beta Caspian of Blood-stone.” He said, trying to peek around me. “My apologies, but I have been looking for my mate for a long time. I want her.”

“I am Alpha Finn of Black-moon.” I said, crossing my arms over my chest. His eyes widened as he looked at me. “And your mate is my little sister.” He clenched his jaw and swallowed hard. Paige walked around us and went over to Tanner and began waking her up. “I’ll have to have a meeting with you and your Alpha tomorrow morning, for now you can meet her if she decides to wake up.

“Stahhhppppp.” I heard her groan. “Tiiireed.”

(Would you get up, your mate is here) I told her in the mind-link.

“What!?” I heard her say as she popped up. I looked at her from over my shoulder and watched her inhale, her eyes darkening as she took in his scent. I took a step to the side and let Tanner see her mate. Her cheeks flushed and I could hear her heart rate quicken as she looked at him. “Hi.” She said shyly with a wave.

“Hello.” I heard the smile in his soft voice. “My name is Caspian, what is yours?”

“Tanner.” She replied with a shy smile. She flicked her eyes toward me. (I dont have bottoms on,) she linked me.

“I don’t want to be rude Caspian, however it is late and we need our rest for tomorrow.” I said looking back at him. He seemed disappointed but he nodded anyway. “We can meet in the private alcove on the second floor overlooking the pool.”

“Thank you Alpha Finn.” Caspian said as he turned toward the door. “I look forward to seeing you there Tanner.” He closed the door as he left and I walked over to Tanner who was sniffling, small tears were rolling down her face. Her lips were curved upward in a happy smile, so I couldn’t understand why she smelled so sad.

“What’s the matter?” I asked her.

“I’m so happy to have met Caspian, but I can’t help but think that I’ll be moving away from everyone.” She said, holding her arms out. I smiled gently as Paige and I wrapped our arms around her.

“I’ll let you decide what you want to do Tan.” I said softly. “However I will fight to take Caspian back to our pack if I need to.”

“Beta’s can’t leave their packs.” Tanner sighed.

“They can, it’s just not common, but what about our pack is common?” I said pulling away. “We can worry about that tomorrow though, we need rest.” She nodded and Paige agreed. I stayed with Tanner while Paige went back and slept in her own bed.

(I hope Paige has a second chance out there.) Tanner said privately to me in a link.

(She may not want one.) I said back. Aunt Paige’s mate Tucker died in a rogue attack a year after they had gotten together, she was pregnant at the time and miscarried due to her grief. She had never met another who she wanted to mate. I knew she got sad watching my parents sometimes and I understood what that was like now. (Even though we never officially mated I know that I could never replace Will.) She nodded into my arms as I closed the link. I felt her breathing deepen as she fell asleep a little over an hour later