Page 47 of Lycan and Lark
“Enough.” Gideon’s voice thundered across the green. The Alpha was on his feet now. He towered over the drunken lycan. Lark could feel his wolf edging back as Gideon sent out a pulse of Alpha energy. It was an unfamiliar and intense sensation. Lark had the sudden desire to drop his eyes to the ground and slowly move away. “Lark has proven himself several times over by saving the lives of our pack. It is because of these deeds, his recent submission, and the fact that he is the fated mate to a valued pack member that I have decided to allow him to stay. He is your packmate, your brother now. I don’t expect this to be something that is easily accepted by all, but I do expect you to treat him the way you would any other pack member. Let’s not forget that you were also spared the day of Creedin’s attack thanks to Lark’s involvement.”
Aaron shot Lark another dark look as he rose to leave. Gideon grabbed him by the arm as he turned to go. “I am your Alpha, and your friend. Trust that I have put immense consideration into this decision.”
Aaron yanked his arm free. “I trust you. But I don’t trust him.” Aaron stormed off, and five others followed his lead. Aria’s thoughts answered Lark’s own question. Apparently Aaron trained the new recruits, it would make sense he would have a posse of his own. They looked up to Aaron as their superior.
Gideon sat down and sighed heavily. Dahlia was quick to move into his lap, whispering soothing words as she stroked his face. It felt very intimate and Lark quickly looked away.
“Well, it seems like we aren’t the only newbies making waves in the pack.” A beautiful woman with long brown hair and soft honey eyes took a seat next to Aria. She was accompanied by a tall woman with fair blonde hair and icy-blue eyes. The woman handed Aria a glass of wine and smiled.
“Liv, you look great,” Aria started. “I heard about…everything…with your brother and dad. I’m really sorry, but I am glad you decided to stay.” Lark was unfamiliar with Liv’s circumstances, but after listening to her thoughts for a few moments, he was given the full picture. Her father had tried to kidnap the Alpha’s mate, and when that didn’t work, Liv’s brother had bitten Dahlia, attempting to kill her and ultimately turning her into a lycan. At least Lark wasn’t the only one with baggage. “This is my mate, Lark.”
Liv smiled at him before grabbing the hand of the fair-haired woman seated next to her. “This is my mate, Abigail.”Female mates? While it wasn’t unheard of, Lark certainly didn’t know of any other female pairs.
“Congratulations,” Lark offered. Abigail eyed him. She wasn’t a lycan like Liv, but he could sense the magic swirling beneath her skin.
Liv looked between the two and rolled her eyes. “Don’t mind her, she has the Sight and it makes her grumpy toward everyone.”
Abigail leaned toward Liv and arched an eyebrow. “I am not grumpy towardeveryone.”
“Grumpy, but undeniably sexy with your death glare. I’m into it.” Liv giggled as Abigail pulled her into her lap, kissing her deeply.
“Damn,” Aria whispered to Lark, “that is a whole lot of hot girl in one couple. I can’t believe they’re mates.”
“Oh believe it.” Lucas slid into the seat next to Lark. “I’ve got the apartment next door. They’re at it as much as the other mated couples. I might have to move if I ever want to sleep in peace again.”
“Lucas!” Aria mocked disapproval at his comments. “Maybe they’ll give you a pity fuck since you apparently died and came backfrom the dead!” She leaned over Lark to smack Lucas’s arm. “Holy undead fuck! How dare you die and stress everybody out like that.”
Lucas let out a strangled laugh. “My bad, little wolf. I’ll try not to let it happen again.”
“Good. I know a certain redheaded witch who would be pretty upset if you had stayed dead.”
Lucas tried to hide his blush with a swig of beer. He quickly changed the subject. “We haven’t officially met. I’m Lucas.”
“Lark.” The two men shook hands.
“Sorry about Aaron. He’s going through some stuff. I’m cool with you joining the pack if Gideon gave you the go-ahead. As long as you don’t kidnap my future mate and drag her into some psycho’s cave or something like that.”
Aria laughed so hard wine came out her nose. “Lucas! Too soon.”
Lark didn’t mind. He saw the jokes as a very good sign. Drinks were passed around and the hours passed in pleasant conversation. Lark could still hear the fear and worry in some of their thoughts, but overall the lycans who remained outside seemed to be taking his presence in stride. Lucas and Peyton spent the most time talking to Lark, along with Liv and her mate.
“Okay, I’m just going to say it,” Dahlia announced from across the fire. “I think we should get married this weekend. Who’s on board?” She raised her hand high and glanced around the circle.
Gideon looked at her incredulously. “Honey, I want to marry you too. But with everything that has happened recently, I really don’t think this is the appropriate time.”
“That’s exactly why thisisthe appropriate time! No one is ever promised another day. Creedin is dead but we could face a new threat tomorrow. We only have here, and now. And I want to make my here and now count.”
Dahlia’s words stirred something within Lark. He peered down to find Aria gazing dreamily up at him. She was thinking of their own future wedding.
“Plus I want to get married before I’m an absolute beachball.” Dahlia rubbed her stomach.
Gideon still didn’t look convinced. “Weddings take time to plan.”
“Please.” Dahlia sat up. She had clearly thought this over already. She listed each item on her fingers. “We can have it at the clearing by the lake in the woods. I’ll handle the flowers. Palermo’s can cater the food. Le Crepe can make the cake.”
“What about guests?”
“Let’s keep it small. Send out invites tomorrow. It will give them forty-eight hours to find a way here. If anyone lives too far away, you can send Romani to teleport them here and back. Just pay him extra.” Dahlia stated everything with the utmost confidence.
