Page 37 of Kidnapped By the Alpha

Nile sat quietly, analyzing me for a long moment before speaking.

“The mate bond is a powerful one,” he said finally. “If your luna has been able to sway your mind toward peace, then I am grateful to her. Pinedale has a way of making newcomers feel at home. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to any of us that your pack has found comfort here.”

“We have, Alpha Nile,” I said deferentially. “We would like your blessing to become a part of your community, but remain as separate packs. My wolves have experienced great loss and upheaval in their lives. We seek peace.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe the Moonstone Pack wasn’t always a peaceful one. If you broke apart from them last year, I would imagine that the more… violently inclined wolves were the ones that followed you, as opposed to staying behind with Alpha Aiden,” Nile surmised.

When I didn’t respond to his allegations, he continued, “I admit that I am unhappy with your decision to move in secrecy until now, but I am glad you finally came forward to explain what you’re doing here,” Nile said. “It will take some work, but I will see what we can do to allow your wolves to live here in town with us. We will be in touch when my council has made a final decision about how to proceed.”

I bowed my head, grateful for his kindness. He truly was a reasonable and fair man. I hoped that living in town would help us get to know each other better in the future. There was a lot I could learn from him.

I left his house, feeling hopeful for my pack’s future and anxious to get back to April. Of everyone in the pack, I knew she would be most excited about the good news.

She was still in our cabin when I returned, putting newly laundered sheets on the bed.

“You’re back!” she said excitedly. “How did it go?”

I strode to her, grabbing her waist and pressing my lips to hers passionately. Her mood immediately shifted from concern to elation as she responded to my advances.

“That good, huh?” she mumbled against my lips.

“Nothing was decided for sure,” I told her. “But yes, it went well.”

I didn’t tell her, but I felt that my success with Nile today had all come down to her. She had made it possible for me to be the leader that my pack needed, and I couldn’t wait to shower her with the affection she deserved.

I lifted her onto the freshly made bed and began to undress us both. I was ready to share all of myself with my mate, and right now, I needed the comfort of her body entwined with mine.

Chapter 20 - April

After days of waiting, Jasper received a message from Alpha Nile. He didn’t tell me what it was, but I could tell from the slight smile on his face that it was good news.

“Want to come with me to make an announcement to the pack?” he asked.

“Of course,” I said, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze as we made our way to the commons area.

“Gather around, everyone,” Jasper commanded.

His deep voice carried throughout the area, calling everyone to him. When the pack had assembled, he began his speech.

“Alpha Nile Pinedale of the town pack has sent us a message,” he began. A hush fell over the crowd as they awaited the verdict of the neighboring alpha. “The Dark Moon wolves are welcome in Pinedale. Luna April and I will be meeting with him soon to discuss plans for our permanent settlement in town.”

A cheer rose up from the wolves as they howled their approval and excitement at the news. After allowing them a moment of celebration, Jasper put up his hands to calm them before continuing.

“Due to the circumstances surrounding us coming forward and alerting Alpha Nile to our presence in the area, he has asked me to maintain a record of when we are in town. I want you all to know that this is a formality, not a restriction. You will not be turned away, but I ask that you let me know if you intend to spend time in or near Pinedale for the time being,” Jasper continued.

The excitement from the crowd dulled somewhat. I noticed that he was unsure of how to continue as he looked toward me with trepidation, unsure if he had just ruined their moment by setting a boundary for them.

“Today is a momentous day for all of us in the Dark Moon Pack,” I blurted.

It was the first time I had spoken in front of the pack at large since the day I had been brought to them. My hands began to sweat as all eyes turned to me, but I was determined not to lose my nerve. Jasper was looking to me for help, and I vowed that I wouldn’t let him down.

“Tonight, we will celebrate the safe haven that you have found in these cabins as we look to the future and home in Pinedale!” I ended, raising my fist in the air.

The wolves returned to their celebrations, and I turned to glance at Jasper. He hadn’t asked me to speak—at least, not directly. His only request for me was to stand by his side as he’d made the announcement, and I feared that I had overstepped. But instead of seeing a scowl on his face, I was greeted with a smile.

He wrapped an arm around my waist, pulling me into his side. “Being a luna looks good on you,” he whispered into my ear. “But unfortunately, we won’t be able to stay and celebrate with the rest of the pack tonight. I would rather have you to myself. Would you go out with me?”

It was clear from his request that he had never asked someone to “go out” with him before. The party we’d attended together had been a ruse, but I could tell that this time, he was asking me to spend time with him.

---