Page 51 of Claimed By the Alpha Pack

“The worst thing that could happen is someone starts shit. The best thing would be nothing happens and they leave after the wedding.” Conrad supplies as he offers Grace a cup of coffee.

Mom steps forward and smiles, taking Grace’s free hand. “If my knuckleheads had followed tradition, the other Alphas would have met you before the bites. But seeing that it was either turn you or watch you die, they did what they had to do.” Mom fixes Griffin with a stare, still blaming him for not keeping the rest of us in line.

“Mom, it’s not his fault. Whatever happened after Grace’s fall is at fault for everything. If she was here, things would have happened how they should have.” Taking a defensive stance near my twin sends a clear message to our mother.

“That’s true, and Elinor and I had long discussions about what happened. Grace’s mom saw her step dad shift and kept her silence about what she saw. When the boys brought Grace home injured, her mother jumped to conclusions and ran.” Mom looks saddened by the information she just relayed.

“So mom knew what grandpa was and still allowed me to learn to hunt from him? I mean, it was only ever a weekend here and there, but still.” Grace looks puzzled as she moves and leans harder into me.

“I think she was more concerned about you having wolves for mates than your grandfather doing anything.” Mom says as she looks down at the tome. “What humans don’t realize is once the bond starts, time nor distance will stop it. You will grow together with an invisible tether between the two of you forever. No one will ever fill the void, not like how your mate does.” Mom looks down at the ink on her finger where her wedding band sat for the human ceremony. “If they release you from the bond, that hole is like the deepest abyss. You constantly feel empty and are cursed to walk alone for the rest of your days.”

Griffin and Conrad move to hug mom and I drag Grace over with me. We didn’t know what the hell our mother was in until she just told us about it. It was odd for her to survive after our father’s death, but we never knew why. Now we know why, and it pains me thinking about it. She watches us with Grace and others interacting with their mates and it must hurt.

“Your father let me live so that the pack wouldn’t descend into chaos not having an Alpha to maintain order. Griff was still getting his feet under him, and Ethan, I thought you were going to have to be put down because of insanity. I had to live to watch over everyone.” Mom sniffles and it damn near breaks me.

Grace shoves her way between all of us, pushing us away, and she takes hold of mom. Pulling her tight to her, Grace wraps her arms around her and starts humming. Something about the tone of the tune drains the fight right out of mom. She melts against our mate and relaxes in her embrace. I remember this well. It’s a Luna power, one of calming and soothing. It’s a gift of peace to the person who she bestows it upon.

“You’re learning quick.” Mom whispers to Grace and she smiles almost immediately.

“I have an outstanding teacher.” Grace’s giggle is infectious and we all seem to laugh along with her. Grace slowly turns to face us and smiles. “Duty calls for me to marry Griffin. But by bond and creation, my wolf wants Ethan.” She lowers her eyes and draws in a deep breath. “I will submit to marry whomever the family decides for me. For now, Mom, Grams, Andrea and I are going shopping. I need a dress.” Grace moves forward and kisses us each.

She comes to me last and looks up into my eyes. The soft pulsing of her wolf under the surface makes my blood hum. There’s a promise in her gaze. It’s dark and gritty and I’m really liking it.

“Be good Wolfie,” Grace kisses me one last time, then turns on her heels to leave.

Mom grabs Ashina, then links arms with Grace and heads towards the front door. Three of the most important women in my life are going shopping.

As I turn to look at my brothers, each has a distinct look on their faces. One of defeat, one of acceptance, and the last of indifference. This is going to be one hell of a conversation.

Chapter 33

Grace

- Blackbird- The Beatles-

Ruby is on a Beatles kick as we drive out of the mountains and towards one of the bigger metropolises. Andrea, Grams, and Ruby talk about all the shops in the mall while I stare out the window. I am feeling all the turmoil from the guys and it’s almost overwhelming. Their emotions are raw and I feel them as if they are my own.My emotions feel like a tornado raging in my chest. Anger, sadness and resolve bounce around like a pinball, hitting all the raw spots that I’ve tried to protect.A soft growl starts in the back of my throat as I try to sort through the emotions.

“Hey hot stuff you okay, girl?” Andrea strokes my arm, trying to get my attention.

“Mostly, the guys are…” I pause, trying to sort through what I’m feeling. “I believe they have come to an agreement. It was tense for a while. But, it’s over now.” Biting my bottom lip, I parse through the remnants of the emotions coursing through my system.

Ruby reaches out and takes a hold of my hand. “I’ve never known a female with such a strong bond with her mates. It can be a blessing and a curse.”

Nodding slowly, I stare down at our joined hands and draw in a breath slowly. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.” I look back up and she smiles at me, then we both look at my daughter.

“She’s a miracle. Few humans can birth a wolf pup,” Ruby says as she touches Ashina’s cheek.

A short huffed laugh escapes my lips. “Well, I don’t have the being human problem anymore.” Shrugging my shoulders, I turn and look out the window, watching the scenery pass.

“I can’t believe all the Alpha hotness that will be in town for the wedding.” Andrea almost squeals saying it. I know my friend is excited, but I’m not in the mood to deal with the shit storm the additional males will bring.

“Who knows? Maybe you’ll find your mate.” I offer, trying to put a positive spin on the impending farce of a wedding.

“That’s what I’m hoping for.” Andrea types furiously on her phone, texting someone. “Oh, shit…” She hides her phone quickly. Whatever that image was, she obviously doesn’t want us to see.

“Do I even want to know?” Arching a brow, I turn halfway towards her.

“Umm … Well, Barrett sent me a picture. I’m not sure if I want to show you or not.” She glances back down at the image in question, then back up at me.

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