Tao explained, “We merely placed them in other packs to keep them safe. I promise you, I will work with those packs to bring our people home if that’s their wish. If they found their mate or wish to stay where they are then I will get you in touch with them.”
“ I vow to facilitate their contact with you and the ones we’ve lost. I won't force anyone to leave any pack they were placed in. That card has been played enough in our pack history. As your Alpha, I’m telling you to stand down because this is not our territory. My sperm donor’s reign of terror is over.”
“I have already overthrown him in our territory. Those he left behind to protect the pack either submitted to me, or they were killed. Let me show you how to be a real pack. Let me show you the way a true Alpha should be.”
Tao pointed at me, “Before I met Melanie, my mother would tell me stories about how to be a true Alpha. I always intended to fight for you all. You have always been my pack in my heart. Let me bring us into the light, and out of the dark.”
Several older members came forward. One went to his knee and the rest followed. The one spoke, “I submit to my true Alpha, Alpha Tao of Rivers End.” Most of their pack who had been fighting came forward except three.
Tao walked over to them saying, “You can challenge me now. I think all of us knew, I wouldn’t accept you even if you’d lied and said you submitted to me.” They charged Tao while I rolled my eyes. He easily killed them and walked back over to our group.
Tao smiled at me, “I guess that went about as well as it could.” I replied, “It did…its’ just that this moment is still not complete. There is a missing piece.” Tao frowned asking, “What’s missing?” Virgil shimmered in with Talia.
Tao growled, “MINE!” Talia cried, “TAO!” She ran at him, and he grabbed her, crushing her to him. I said, “It didn’t really feel like a complete moment without your Luna.” Talia’s family ran over. They cried, “You didn’t lie, Alpha Tao. You really saved her. My little girl is here.”
Xander asked out loud, “Why would just one member from your family be given to Hunters?” Talia’s dad turned around to answer, “Because she was Tao’s fated mate. Ezra didn’t think she was good enough for his son.”
Tao growled, “Talia will be my mate and Luna. I did not spend almost two years staying away from her and refusing to marry my sperm donor’s picture options to be apart from her for a second longer.”
Cassie popped in and walked up to us with EJ. My sister offered, “I can go with Alpha Tao and Luna Talia to make sure they don’t have any outliers. My mate was keeping me up to date on what was happening here.”
Haley and Eric popped to us. Eric said, “Your mom and I will go, Princess.” I linked Xander, “Why don’t they want Cassie to go?” Xander answered, “She’s pregnant.” I gasped, “Really?” He nodded tensely.
I smiled at Cayden and mouthed, “Congratulations.” My brother in law nodded back to me. EJ announced, “We will send Warriors to assist Alpha Tao in taking over. We will also need to have meetings with you about the future. One of our future Luna’s has vouched for you though so that’s good enough for us.”
Valentina spoke softly, “I’ll speak for Tao as well. He’s a good guy.” Paige, Avery, and Addison spoke up for him one after the other. Cassie asked Tao, “Do you truly want to be a good Alpha to your pack?”
Tao answered, “Yes. I’d been training even though my sperm donor wouldn’t let me. I watched Alpha Alexander’s videos in secret and trained when I could. I planned to challenge Ezra once I had enough people loyal to me. Mel, Talia, and I had a plan for next year, but I’m not upset about this change in plans at all.”
I smiled admitting, “I’m so happy for both of you.” Talia hugged me, “We couldn't have done this without you.” Tao added, “No, we couldn't. I’d have lost my shit and challenged Ezra then and there when he said Talia would be in the east fields the next day. We all knew what that meant. I might have lost the challenge, and Talia would be dead.” He snarled the last part.
Xander asked, “That’s what you think he wanted, isn’t it? You think Ezra thought you might be planning to overthrow him.” I said, “That’s exactly what he thought. He had no idea Tao and I knew each other. He told Booker his plans…. and I…uhhh overheard them.” My friends all gave me a look.
I shrugged at them because I wasn’t about to say I’d overheard the conversation while I was in the hole. That was not necessary information to give right now. I tried to walk over to Addison, but Xander refused to let me go.
I told Addison, “Congratulations… sister in law.” Addison laughed, “Thank you. I always knew we were meant to be sisters.” I told her, “You guys should get back to your celebration. No one gets to take this day from you.”
Lux chimed in, “I agree. We can handle this. Red Run, we appreciate you coming to our assistance. We will never forget it. Go celebrate your Male Lead Warrior’s marriage.” Christopher coughed, “He’s my Beta too.” That would be deeply unofficial then. I smiled at Lux which made Xander growled a little.
Crush kissed Virgil. When they pulled apart Virgil said, “Let’s help them get back to the party, that we are joining! We always planned to make the party, Ads.” Addison laughed, “Of course you did. Virgil never misses a party.” Virgil laughed, “Damn straight I don’t.”
My family was staring at me. I told them, “Go. It’s a happy day. I’d come if I could. We can talk later, but this is about Jason and Addison. They deserve the happy moment.” They begrudgingly nodded. I spotted Tank and my eyes widened.
Tank linked me, “Yeah, we are going to talk pup.” I replied, “I’m not a pup anymore.” He grinned, “You’ll always be a pup to me. You did good today, pup. Like you always did. You’re even more impressive now. It’s good to see you.” It was good to see Tank too.
My dad came over and hugged me. I linked him, “We can talk about it later, dad. Just enjoy the party.” There were tears in his eyes and his guilt was all over his face. I added, “It’s not your fault.” Dad clearly didn’t believe me, but he left with the Red Run group.
Alpha Peter stayed behind and I was certain my dad asked him to. Alpha Theo spoke, “Thank you, Melanie. Without your warning Mae and Anne would be gone. So would Lux.” Lux smiled, “A few seconds notice before a shot is fired at my head is always nice. I wouldn’t complain if it were minutes though.”
I replied, “You’re welcome, Lux.” He smiled teasingly saying, “I knew you liked me.” I snorted, “I told you and your dad I liked you guys.” Xander snarled, turned me around, and slammed his lips onto mine. Lux laughed.
I pulled back adding, “As friends. I guess I should say as friends. You’re the only one for me, Xander.” KJ snorted, “She guesses she should say as friends. Guesses. God, my job is hard.” Huh? Xander’s eyes were blazing.
Julian spoke in a strained voice, “EJ.” EJ laughed, “I’m surprised you’re still here, little brother. Go home with your mate. We’ve got this.” Julian and Valentina were gone in the next second. Sierra squealed, “She’s with us now too! This is so great!”
I laughed, “Something tells me all the moving she did into her apartment today was for nothing. At least she’s related to her landlord now…because she’s going to need out of her lease.” Xander snorted, “That would be you, big brother.”
EJ smirked, “I’m sure she’s already out of it and the paperwork just needs her signature.” Xander snapped the bodies away. Alpha Theo sighed, “We have a few injuries, but it would be much worse without your warning. That’s all thanks to all of you. Mainly Melanie, and the help she brought.”
