Page 109 of Mating at Midnight: Book 1

Lord Odin smiled when Alpha Lennox raised his head.

Goddess Artio chimed in, “The Bear Packs have always been in one accord with the allegiance with the wolves and it will always remain that way.”

“Thank you,” Lord Odin responded, acknowledging the both of them.

Lord Odin, glancing around to the rest of us, forcefully clapped his hands together. Only it sounded less like a clap and more like a sonic boom, causing a high-pitched ringing to vibrate through the air.

We clutched our ears, trying to muffle the sound. Seconds seemed like minutes as we waited for the piercing to begin to disappear. Lord Odin looked unphased as it finally dissipated.

“There is so much to be done,” he said. “That being said, Levi now is the time for you to fight for your rightful place as Alpha of your fathers Pack. I will tell you now that it won’t be easy. Since your parents’ death there has only been one family that has ruled over the Pack.”

“But, couldn’t you step in and tell them Levi is the true Alpha?” Kenia asked. “You are the Lord of all Wolf Packs.”

Lord Odin shook his head. “I could but Levi needs to prove to members of the Pack that he is their true Alpha. He will have to challenge the current Alpha.”

Kenia slightly frowned, and I understood why but also understood Lord Odin’s statement. We are wolves, and the only way for one to become Alpha of a Pack is to challenge the current Alpha. Yes, by right Levi is the true Alpha, but with him being away from the Pack for so long, the title will not be freely given to him.”

“And I’m up for the challenge,” Levi snarled, stepping in front of Kenia. “I grew up without my parents over treachery and greed.” I don’t know if it was out of impulse or anger, but Levi’s canines grew to a fine point. “They took my parents away fromme, my birthright as the Alpha of the Pack, and I’m going to get it back. If blood needs to be shed by doing so, then so be it.”

Elder Nelah stood, adding, “I will join Levi and Kenia. I have a feeling that they will need extra backup for what they’re about to encounter.”

“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Lord Odin beamed as Elder Nelah bowed her head before retaking her seat. “Levi and Kenia could definitely benefit from your advice and guidance.”

Goddess Artio rose, interjecting, “I can provide soldiers from bear Packs around the area as an extra line of defense.”

Lord Odin pointed to her chair for her to sit down.

“As of right now, that won’t be necessary. Should things get out of hand, I’m leaving it up to Elder Nelah who will reach out to you for assistance with your bears.”

Through her disgruntled facial expressions, it was obvious Goddess Artio was not pleased with Lord Odin’s decision.

That only piqued my interest more to about the three. Momma didn’t want us asking questions, but somebody needed to fill me in but for now I’ll wait.

Chapter 60

Braxton

The following morning after Levi and Kenia’s mating ceremony, the entire Pack met for breakfast except for Lord Odin, Goddess Artio, and Elder Nelah who were standing in the south field. It looked as if they were in a heated exchange. I had to lock my arms around my mate as she tried to move closer to eavesdrop.

Not too long after, when they joined us. Lord Odin informed him, and Goddess Artio would be leaving. The children rushed to Lord Odin, begging him to stay. Some even cried. He chuckled, picking up a small little girl.

“My children, don’t fret. I will be back soon and when I do return, I promise to have gifts for each and every one of you.”

They cheered as he kissed the little girl’s cheek before putting her down. “Now go finish your breakfast. I need my tiny warriors to be healthy and strong.”

As the children ran back to their tables, Lord Odin summoned us.

“Lord Odin, are you sure you can’t stay and have breakfast?” Alpha Lightfeather asked, bowing his head once we were before him, Goddess Artio, and Elder Nelah. Vidar and his men seemed to appear out of nowhere and stood behind them.

“As much as I wish I could, Artio and I must return. There are many preparations that still need to be made. I will send word soon.”

“Yes, Lord,” Alpha spoke with another head bow.

Lord Odin’s eyes raked over all of us with pride before saying, “What a mighty Pack you have formed. I am confident you will not have a problem leading the other Packs. We won this last war, and we will win the next and the next after that, and the next after that one. We will be victorious over our enemies eachand every time they challenge us because there can only be one dominant wolf Pack!”

Growls rumbled through our chests then exploded from our mouths as we lifted our heads to the blue sky. The children joined in, letting out their tiny howls.

Lord Odin brought his right fist up to his heart as Goddess Artio along with Vidar and his men began walking to the clearing in the south field. As he began to back away while lowering his hand, Lord Odin pointed to Levi. “I’ll be seeing you soon.” With that, he reached the others. Seconds later, the thunderous sound echoed through the trees before their bodies rose then disappeared into the sky.

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