Page 107 of Mating at Midnight: Book 1

“Yeah, I mean yes,” I stammered, ignoring the throb. “A mosquito bit me on the back,” I lied.

“Hmmm,” Braxton hummed, furrowing his eyebrows. He knew I wasn’t being honest and countered, “We’ll be staying at your grandmother’s tonight that way we will be well enough away from the others as I fuck you hard for lying to me.”

I instantly forgot about the pain in my shin as my core began to throb with anticipation. Shit, if I wasn’t into the whole Pack rules, I would have drug Braxton away, but there were too many Gods, my parents, family, and Pack members around for me to do it without being noticed. So, I calmed my libido by taking soothing breaths.

Still standing, Lord Odin whistled, getting all eyes on him. “Now, if I can have everyone’s attention once again, I would like to finish my speech. As I was saying, thank you to Alpha Noah and everyone who had a hand in the preparations for this meal; whether small or large. Your contributions show how much you are dedicated to this Pack. Let us fellowship and enjoy this victory.”

Lord Odin held up his glass and we did the same.

“Unity!” Lord Odin yelled.

We screamed the simple but powerful word back before we drank the contents in our glasses, then rose to our feet. Some of the members joined us and the rest banged their fists on the tables, howling to the sky above. I thought the children might have been frightened by our display but instead they mimicked our actions by howling and banging on the tables.

Crown leapt from my arms and began to run around in a circle, occasionally stopping to lift his head to let out a cry I never heard from him before. In full momma mode, I was about to get up and go pick up my baby, but Momma stopped me.

“He’s just enjoying himself like the rest of us. Your daddy did the right thing when he made you go back to find him.He wouldn’t have survived on his own if you hadn’t,” momma paused as we watched Crown jump in the air, then kick out his hind legs. “I see the love you have for him and how much you dote on him.” Momma laughed. “And Noah! You and Braxton are going to have one hell of a fight on your hands if you try to take him away. Noah already considers him as his first grandson. Earlier, Noah and I were talking by the grills when Crown trotted over to us. Noah introduced us before he went down on one knee. Noah spoke to him, and Crown squeaked back. I was amazed with their interaction. When they were done, Noah scratched the top of Crown’s head before Crown ran off to join the children. Noah then told me it was because of Crown he had banned the hunting of deer on Pack lands.”

“We don’t know it yet, but there is something special about that little fawn. You all need to keep him safe at all times. Do you understand, Nyah?” Momma stressed, searching my eyes as if she knew something that I didn’t.

“Yes, ma’am.” I replied.

Momma smiled. “Good. He is so sweet and loveable; I can’t even imagine eating another piece of deer meat; and it used to be my favorite. Crown has got me so smitten with him; I wish someone would try and harm my grandson. That idiot Corey better be glad I couldn’t get to his ass when he hurt my grandchild. It wouldn’t have taken the Pack to eat his ass up; just me!”

As if knowing what momma said, Crown jumped up into momma’s welcoming arms. Crown licked momma’s face, she giggled, saying, “I sure would have. Mess with one of my babies and they’re gonna fuck around and find out!”

After the dinner, children were taken home by their parents and the ones who lost theirs were taken to Elder Nelah’s cabin. The rest of us sat around the large bonfire daddy and a few members created.

I closed off my thoughts to everyone, even with Braxton as I found it interesting that Elder Nelah and Goddess Artio sat on opposite sides of Lord Odin, every now and again giving each other hateful looks. Did the three of them have some type of love triangle going on? Maybe he had Goddess Artio in the clouds and Elder Nelah down here. Whatever it was, the only relationship I needed to worry about is mine and Braxton’s.

While everyone was talking Levi stood up, asking for everyone’s attention.

“Thank you,” he said once we settled down. “I want to first of all say I thank Alpha Noah and Queen Alpha Willa for accepting the bond between me and Kenia.” Daddy and momma lower their heads with a smile. “I also want to thank Alpha Bryant for taking my Uncle James and me in. If he had chosen otherwise, I wouldn’t have met my best friend, Braxton, who I consider a brother, nor would I have found my destined mate.” Kenia smiles as Levi reaches out for her hand. Levi squeezes it with a little shake before looking back at us. “With that being said Kenia, Uncle James, and I will be leaving the day after tomorrow, to travel to my parents’ Pack outside Laredo, Texas.”

What? Braxton and I look at each other, then back at Levi and Kenia. Tomorrow? Why so soon? We just defeated our enemy, couldn’t they stay a few more days to help the Pack with rebuilding?

Daddy rose from his seat. His face is stoic. I can’t determine if he’s sad by the news or mad. Momma stands next to him in solidarity. They lock eyes before daddy regards Levi.

Tension fills the air, but daddy breaks it by saying, “I can’t stop you from going. It’s your rite to learn why your parents were taken away from you and the circumstances. The only thing I ask is that you properly claim Kenia under the full moon.”

Levi looks up at the sky with barely any clouds, then back at daddy.

“But sir, we’re still a few days away from the full moon.”

Daddy grins. “True, but we have a God in our presence.”

Lord Odin smirks, pushing his seat back. He snaps his fingers and the sky changes. It’s suddenly clear of clouds with a full moon.

“Let the ceremony begin,” Lord Odin declares.

Chapter 59

Nyah

A month had passed since the celebration and Kenia and Levi’s mating ceremony. I was happy for my older sister to finally be mated with her one true love. But I will say while Levi was hunting Kenia down, Braxton and I made a detour in the woods to my grandmother’s place and had our second coupling under the full moon.

When we returned to daddy’s cabin, the remaining Pack members gave their congratulations and well wishes to the newly claimed couple before breaking off and retiring to their homes. Once they were gone, Lord Odin requested for our families to have a seat at the tables.

Momma gave me one of those looks, shaking her head, knowing why Braxton and I had not joined the others. Listen, I’m a grown woman and could be one-hundred years old but to have my momma glaring at me, silently acknowledging our little dirty escapade with only one look had me shrinking into my skin.

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