Page 44 of Kidnapped By the Alpha

The alphas selected new players for the game, and the dance began again. Each skirmish lasted a few minutes at most, and many wolves got the opportunity to have a turn. As the night went on, I saw that the wolves Jasper selected to compete ended up joining the Pinedale side of the ring. By the time an hour had passed, we had become one homogenous unit instead of two separate packs.

There were only a few rough moments where I feared someone might get hurt, but Jasper maintained full authority over the pack throughout the night. Both packs had been wary of each other at first, but after a while, it was clear that everyone was having a good time.

“Alpha Jasper,” Nile said, calling him to the center of the circle.

Jasper walked proudly into the ring as loud cheers arose from the packs. He took a fighting stance, but Nile waved him off.

“I don’t seek to go against you on this field or any other,” the Pinedale alpha said. “I want to show you something.”

He pointed off into the distance, where two dozen homes had been built in a curving path leading up to the top of the tallest spot in town.

“Do you see that hill over there?” Nile said. “The uppermost house was built for me, and the remainder for my wolves. We intended to move there, but after your lovely Luna April reminded me the other day of how many wonderful memories our own houses hold, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. With the blessing of my council, I have decided to gift that settlement to you and the Dark Moon Pack. We’d be honored to live alongside a pack as strong and honest as we have found yours to be.”

The entire clearing howled as one, and I saw that tears had sprung into Jasper’s eyes. He had done it. He had finally gotten what he had dreamed of for the wolves he loved so dearly—a home of their own.

“On behalf of the Dark Moon Pack, I accept your generous offer,” Jasper said. “We look forward to many years of peace and prosperity living alongside the Pinedale Pack.”

The alphas shook hands, solidifying their agreement and the peace between them.

So much had been accomplished today, I felt the adrenaline course through my veins, and I ran to Jasper’sside. I flung myself into his arms amid more cheers from the surrounding wolves. It may not have been proper behavior for a luna, but at this moment, I didn’t care. I planted a kiss on his lips.

We had done it. We were home.

Chapter 23 - Jasper

Words could not express the joy and satisfaction I felt to have April in my arms while our pack cheered and howled into the night sky. Her kiss had surprised me, but I leaned into it, knowing that the pack was taken care of. Her lips were soft beneath mine, but her grip on my shoulders was firm. I felt desired and worthy for the first time in my life. Where once I would have felt embarrassment at the public display of affection, I now felt pride and satisfaction.

In this moment, I was more complete than I had ever dreamed would be possible.

Throughout the entire day, I had realized more and more how much of an asset April was to our pack, and how much her leadership style complemented my own. She had changed our lives for the better, and I couldn’t wait to be alone with her.

I had been dreaming of seeing her naked body since I had pulled her onto my lap at the fireworks show. As soon as we got home, I was going to make love to her.

And that was exactly what it would be: making love. I didn’t want our next encounter to be “just sex,” as I’d been determined to have before. Tonight, I was going to tell her that I was in love with her and ask her to stay with me for good. I couldn’t bear the thought of being without her, and I hoped she felt the same way.

“I can’t wait to go home,” I said to her. “I have something I want to talk to you about.”

“Take me home, then,” she said.

Tomorrow, I would be able to take April home to our new house in Pinedale, but I was content with the cabin for tonight.We’d had a very successful event with our new neighbors, and we were both thrilled with how the night had gone.

Nile and I dismissed our wolves, promising another event in the future. The Dark Moon Pack moved as one to travel back to our cabins for the last time.

The pack was in no hurry, and the majority of them trailed behind April and me, chatting and laughing as they went. A few wolves had run ahead of the group, with Killian leading the way. As the first to participate in the skirmishes, my second had earned himself even more respect and admiration from the pack, and I knew the celebration was going to continue when they got back.

“You did great tonight,” April said as we walked hand in hand through the trees.

“I couldn’t have done any of this without you,” I replied. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” she replied.

The chatter from the group began to die down as we walked. I was about to ask April if she wanted to shift and run the rest of the way when a sudden uneasiness stopped me in my tracks.

“What is it?” April asked, coming to a halt beside me.

“Something’s wrong,” I murmured, holding my hand out for the rest of the pack to stop as well.

“You’re right about that,” a deep voice said from the darkness in front of me. “Something isverywrong with this picture.”

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