I went outside and shifted. I ran to the tree line that was far enough from Lexi’s place that she couldn’t smell me, but close enough to see. I was somewhat surprised Ted skidded to a stop beside me. He spoke rapidly, “Hello Alpha Chase, gosh you and Matt have that link thing down. He thinks I’m being crazy, but I’m NOT! I NEED the perfect outfit. Hopefully, Lex can work some magic. Or call a fairy that can.” He took off and paced outside Lexi’s house. He called her but she clearly wasn’t there.
Matt linked me, “What are you doing here?” I responded, “You know what I’m doing here.” Matt surmised, “You needed to see her.” I nodded. I linked Kincade, “Where are you guys?” Kincade answered, “She is almost home, and we are behind her.”
Lexi ran into my view with food in her hands. Lexi grabbed Ted and pulled him through the barrier. We heard Ted tell Lexi where Matt was. Bolt was preening that she thought we were beautiful. We heard a door shut then nothing.
Matt began to pace. He grumbled, “I don’t like this. I can’t get to him.” I snorted, “Welcome to my world.” Matt said, “That went really well with my family today. I was mostly worried about my dad.” I agreed, “It went great because they love you.”
Matt snorted, “I know, I’m lucky. I know that conversation doesn’t go as well for others. This whole thing could’ve gone so badly. I could’ve been banished, and my family could’ve disowned me. Instead, my dad was ready to leave the pack. MY dad.” I smiled, “I told you. Our pack will be fine with this too.”
Matt stared at me, “You know someone will say something awful about it.” I shrugged, “Then it will be handled.” Derrick linked me, “Ummm Haley and Alpha Eric are here. The pack is buzzing about some announcement that Isaac is peacock proud about. What is the announcement? Why do I NEVER know anything?”
I cursed linking Matt, “Shit. I need to get back and explain the situation to Derrick. It seems like your dad spread the word about the announcement for your Beta Male.” Matt snorted, “Ted and I will be there once Lexi resolves the wardrobe crisis of the century.”
I nodded and took off running for the house. I shifted grabbing shorts. I ran up to my room and grabbed some nicer clothes. I ran back downstairs where Haley and Alpha Eric were. She smiled greeting me, “Chase, Molly called me about Matt. I didn’t get all the details, but Eric told me another pack would’ve made Matt step down. I cannot believe that bullshit. I wanted to ask if we could be here for your announcement too.” I raised an eyebrow.
Alpha Eric smiled, “My Angel would like to show that we support you and Matt in this announcement. She wants people to know we stand with you, Alpha Chase.” I acknowledged, “That’s very kind of you both. Of course, you can join us.” Haley told me with a straight face, “I’d have kicked your ass if Matt had to step down to be who he was. I am NOT here for that shit.”
I smiled, “We have that in common then because neither am I.” She muttered, “You’d better be or your mate would kick your ass.” Since Ted was her friend and business partner, I’d imagine that was true. I continued, “It was accepted by me and his family. Matt’s mom already has a list of co-parent she wolf options for insemination when they are ready.” Alpha Eric howled with laughter.
Haley smiled, “I like her already.” I said, “She’s quite possibly your biggest fan, don’t tell Beta Dylan.” Alpha Eric snorted, “I’m telling him.” Haley frowned, “I have fans?” I nodded, “You have several. I need a moment with my Gamma. He’s been waiting outside to speak to me.” Haley smiled, “We will be outside.” She popped her and Eric away.
I muttered, “The door was literally two steps away. Would it kill her to use a door?” Bolt replied, “Probably. She has fairy blood. If I could teleport, I’d do it all the time.” He had a point. I opened my door, and Derrick came in.
He growled, “What is going on? And don’t say nothing! Matt’s disappearing all the time. He was moping around for months, and now he’s happy. He’s also NEVER here at night.” I held my index finger, “One second.”
I linked Matt, “Are you going to make it back in time to tell Derrick? Or do you want me to tell him?” Matt replied, “I’m walking in the door now. Never tell Ted this, but he does look really good in this outfit.” I snorted, “I’m sure he knows that already.”
I spoke out loud “Derrick, Matt is coming in to explain.” Derrick sat down, “Next time I’d like to buy a vowel or something. It’s slightly rude the Gamma of the pack doesn’t know what’s going on. Ever. You guys are going to give me grey hair, and that’s just not cool.”
Matt walked in the room. Derrick jumped up yelling, “HOLY SHIT! You’re marked! This is about your mate? Is… Ted? That’s a guy’s name.” Matt nodded, “I’m gay. I’d been resisting finding my mate when I knew my mate was near because of my wolf. I went to sit at our border and saw him about to be attacked. That’s when I found out my mate was a man and not some woman I was going to have to reject. I came out to Chase a few weeks ago, and my family today. We are announcing Ted as my mate tonight.”
Derrick thought about it then said, “Huh, that makes sense actually. You always wanted to be Chase and my wingman, and never wanted the favor returned. Congratulations, man. You both suck for not telling me sooner.”
Matt laughed, “Thanks and I’m sorry about that. It’s kind of weird more people are mad I didn’t tell them than are mad that I’m gay.” Derrick said, “People? Did you just call Chase and I people? We are your best friends! Of course, we have your back. Where’s the man of the hour?”
Matt opened the door, “Hey, babe one of my friends wants to meet you.” Susie yelled, “CHASE! Matt keeps taking my new friend away!” I told her, “He’s moving here, so you’ll see him a lot.” Susie squealed, “My new friend is going to live here AND I start school Monday? THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!” I heard Nadine tell Susie they were going to play upstairs. I sighed. My dad wasn’t going to let her come to the meeting. Typical.
Ted came in, and I had to admit he did look sharp. My mate had a good eye. Derrick held out his hand, “Hello, Beta Male Ted. I’m the Gamma around here who doesn't get to be in the know, ever. I’m Derrick.” Ted laughed and shook his head, “Don’t you worry, Gamma Derrick. TeleTed is here now. I got you.”
Derrick questioned, “TeleTed?” Ted smiled, “It’s my nickname of sorts. Telephone, Telegram, TeleTed. I guess fairies use Telegram’s in Faerie. It was quite the day when Haley discovered email.” Derrick laughed, “Well Damn. Finally! I’ve got an in. Now when I have questions, I’m going to ask TeleTed first.” Matt and I laughed.
Ted smiled, “I do have my uses.” Matt pulled him into him, “Yes, you do.” He kissed him. Derrick smirked then linked me, “I’ve never seen Matt this happy. It’s a damn good thing to see.” I agreed, “Yes, it is.” Derrick said, “I hope I meet my mate soon.” I nodded, “I’m sure you will.” Derrick raised an eyebrow, “Call me crazy, but I noticed just now you didn’t say ‘me too.’ You’ve been acting just as weird as Matt. Did you meet your mate you said you haven’t met?”
I answered, “Technically, no. I know who she is though. I’m having her guarded.” Derrick looked at the ceiling then asked, “Is that where Kevin and Kincade have been disappearing to? To guard their future Luna?” I nodded.
Derrick groaned “This is why I need TeleTed. I made them run extra laps, and lectured Kincade on how the lead warrior needs to be around more. TeleTed is moving here, right?” I nodded, “Yes, of course he is.” Derrick replied, “Thank god. Kincade probably thinks I’m such an ass.”
I assured him, “He doesn’t, or he would’ve told me. Who is leading his classes?” Kincade usually taught them himself. Derrick replied, “Me and a rotation of warriors wanting to level up. It’s smart but here I was thinking he was being lazy.” I winced.
My dad came to meet Ted. He clapped me on the back, “I’m so damn proud of you, Chase. You too Matt. This is amazing.” Isaac came in and my dad hugged him. When they broke apart Isaac said, “You boys need to get on stage. Frank and I will stay with Ted.” Derrick coughed, “TeleTed.” Ted smiled at him.
Ted gave Matt a hug. Matt whispered, “They will love you, just like I do.” Ted took a deep breath and nodded. Worry colored his features. I put a hand on his back, “Ted, after you formally join the pack tonight, I’ll be able to link you. I’ll just have to say it out loud this time, you are accepted and welcome here. Anyone who feels different has no place in this pack.”
Ted was still nervous when we left. Derrick and I had to drag Matt out to the platform. Derrick linked me, “Damn. He really wants to go back there. To comfort my new best buddy, TeleTed, who’s going to tell me all the secrets.” I rolled my eyes, “We were going to tell you.”
Derrick said, “Sure, but now I can wait for you to tell me whilst knowing what’s going on. Like knowing the lead warrior and his brother are guarding someone at your behest. Like their future Luna which is the highest priority over some training classes.” I winced. Derrick continued, “TeleTed could’ve prevented this by telling me the situation.” That was probably true.
I linked Matt, “Ted is coming out here in a minute. Calm down.” Something pricked at the back of my neck. I was confused, “Bolt?” Bolt huffed, “I don’t know. Mate feels closer than her house.” I replied, “I don’t smell her.” Bolt grumbled, “I don’t know what to tell you.” Well, at least we were both confused.