A Secret Alpha Mate

(Jackson)

The Elder's arrive to take out Valoria early in the morning, before most of the pack wakes up. They didn't even stay for lunch, much to Abigial's chagrin, I knew they put a lot of thought into the menu.

I think Isla was secretly pleased. She was a natural Luna, but I knew she still doubted herself when it came to planning events.

I had to admit that I breathed better knowing that she was off our pack lands, and not our problem anymore. Wherever ti Elder's were taking her was going to be much for secure than our dungeon anyways. We were banking on her never gettin out, and I put my trust in the Elders for that.

Elder John departed with them but promised to come back and visit both Moonstone and Silver Moon again in the near future. I felt bad that we didn't get to spend as much quality time with him as we would have liked but he insisted that he had more than enough excitement, due to us, in the past few months and was happy for a few days to relax before re- joining the Elder's council.

Thomas was taken back to his pack last night, pack warriors came to escort him out and take back the SUV that he stole that was still parked outside Jennifer's parents house. I didn't know what would happen to him and frankly I didn't care. wasn't allowed on pack lands ever again and Cam would make sure of it.

I had Lucas explain to Jennifer's parents about her mate and that if he was allowed out, and if they chose to let him have any relationship with their grandchild, that it would have to happen outside of Silver Moon and Moonstone’ borders. Th were relived to find out who the father was, but hadn't made up their mind about visiting rights, rightfully so.

Lucas reported that Greg and Lisa were upset and worried about Jennifer but were anticipating the arrival of their grandson. I understood that it must be a hard time for them, knowing that once their daughter gave birth their happiness would be tainted with grief, knowing that Jennifer's punishment would be issued. One we still had to decide on, but she committed multiple crimes and had to pay for them.

The week flew by with Lucas and I buried in work with our companies and Cam actively recruiting new warriors, he wante to increase patrols even more since Benjamin wasn't found yet. There was no trace of him anywhere, and Lucas had been checking in with other packs regularly. He wanted to run multiple patrols at once, and with some of our men and women loan to Silver Moon, we didn't have the numbers for it. So he was working on changing that.

it was the morning of the final memorial for all those that were lost over the years to Benjamin's hand. Although, some were still left unidentified, but we had names for the majority now. We were going to have a ceremony again with drinks after, similar to what we did for Isla’s parents.

We talked to the deceased family members and friends and most of them wanted a new park in their honor, somewhere they could come and make new happy memories. We started a small garden for the fallen warriors and this seemed like good idea to expand near that. I instructed the construction crew to start working on it next week and we had a team of gardeners ready to come in.

It was mostly Isla’s idea, and she was taking the lead on it. She decided to put a playground, a fountain, a hedge maze, a gazebo, a picnic area with outdoor grills, all surrounded by a path, with benches each dedicated to a few of the lost, so tf people could walk and mingle. It would be a new place for members to come together, no matter what stage they were in their life.

So far we only had the fountain, but that would be enough to light up tonight and we would have our ceremony there anc then go to the back of the pack for food and drinks to celebrate their lifes and memories.

Lucas and Cam were staying back, we couldn't have all of our ranked member's at one of the packs, it was too risky, especially with Benjamin out there, we didn't know what he was capable of but we knew he had no morals and would sto at nothing to get his revenge. Plus, we were only staying for a night to pay our respects and then coming back the follow afternoon.

Everything is packed and ready and Lucas and Cam are standing at the door waiting to send us off. We were waiting for Is to come down from our room.

“Please, try not to blow up the pack while 'm gone. No parties, no loud music.” 1 joke, they both groan.

“I'll make sure to keep the Beta in line.” Cam jabs Lucas in the ribs.

“I'll make sure to keep all my subordinates in line while you're gone, which is, oh wait, everyone else at this pack” Lucas flashes Cam his signature smile, while Cam glares at him.

“You're just butt hurt I beat you in Call of Duty seven times last night” Cam says, “Can't beat me online or in real life.” Luc smile falters, we all know that is true. Even though Cam is third in command he is the best fighter this pack has, besides me. He's even managed to take me down more times than I wish to admit.

Isla comes out of the elevator breaking up the fight. Her dark auburn hair is falling in waves down her back, she's wearing cream dress that goes to her knees with a thin black belt, and long black jacket that almost reaches her feet. She looked every part the perfect Luna, classy and elegant like my mother was, but she put her own twist on the wardrobe she was given. Flint was howling appreciatively in my mind.

“My Luna." I reach out my arm to her when she gets close enough, “Your Beta and Gamma were just here to show you off; give them a look, “Not fighting about Call of Duty at all”

isla laughs, “'m just impressed I got one shot in." Lucas looks down grumpily.

We showed Isla how to play the other night and most of the time she was running in circles or going after people on her own team, but she managed to get one very impressive, if accidental, sniper shot at Lucas. We were never going to let hin live that down.

“Get out of here 50 I can be the highest ranking member in this pack” Lucas shoots me a look.

“We will be back tomorrow, and then it's all hands on deck for the ceremony.”

“Who knew having a Luna would bring this much excitement to the pack?” Lucas jokes

“Definitely more fun than we've had in years.” Cam adds.

“Arguably more excitement than we've ever had since we took over”

“If my Luna was anyone else, I don’t think it would be this exciting” I say, Isla lets out a soft growl next to me at the mention of a different Luna and I pull her closer, smiling into her hair.

“That's true, she definitely brought her own pizzaz”” Cam says

“Or problems.” Lucas coughs and we all laugh.

“I promise, once the ceremony is over, I'm sure we can all relax. No more excitement for the rest of our lifes.”

“Famous last words.” Lucas jokes

“Where's the fun in that?” Cam says, “We love the drama- er excitement.” I look down at Isla worried that she would be hu but she's smiling widely at them.

“Okay, we don't want to be late. Please take care of my pack” I plead with them.

Lucas salutes me and Cam gives a sharp nod. One night away, they could manage that, right?

“Come on, my Alpha.” Isla’s small hand tugs on mine and leads me out to the car.

(1sta)

Abigial joined us that evening for the memoral even though Jim had to stay back for work. It turned out that she knew some of the deceased, so I knew this was going to be a hard night for her.

We were getting ready together in the room I was staying in, she looked stunning in a long black dress with lace coming down her arms. I couldn't decide what to wear so I threw a few black dresses into a suitcase. Gianna showed up already picture perfect, her hair in her signature bun and a simple, yet elegant, black dress with a short train.

They helped me choose one that was form fitting, long, and silk, with tiny buttons running down the back. It reminded me bit of my Luna dress, Gianna's Luna dress, but simpler and more suited for mourning.

Gianna helped me put my hair back in a loose bun with strands framing my face, “Are we ready?” She asks us.

“As ready as I'll ever be” Abigial wipes off a tear.

“Taking over a pack and immediately planning three memorials is no mean feat” She rests her hand on my shoulders, “Especially for your parents, you've been doing such a great job.” She looks at Abigial but doesn't leave me, “Both of you! Abigial nods and tries not to cry, “I- I" She pauses, “It's a lot, it's just a lot of loss that everyone in the pack has been feeling. Even though everyone is overjoyed to have you and Jackson as their leaders, it is also coming with a lot of heartbreak. Obviously, not your fault, but just the timing” She sighs and stands up walking to Gianna and I.

“It's fine, it will be fine, one day." She wipes the tears away from her face, “Let's go out there and lay to rest the memories those taken from us” Her lip quivers and I pull her into a tight hug.

“Ym glad you're here,” I whisper to her, “Both of you," I reach out for Gianna's hand, “I don't think I could handle all these up and down emotions without you two.’ They smile at me and we head out to meet Jackson and William and head to the the candle light vigil.

The place was already crowded again like it was for my parents memorial. The fountain was finished, to my surprise, standing tall in cool white marble, with three tiers and three wolfs of different sizes standing proud on the top. My breath hitched in my throat as I remembered some children were found.

We stopped at the fountain that would be the middle of the park in the future and stood tall with a plaque dedicating th park. Jackson stands tall next to me and lights his candle, lighting mine and Abigial's off his. Wordlessly, we move to the front of the pack members and light their candles, everyone sharing the light until a soft warm glow surrounds us.

“It's great to see you all again, I just wish it wouldn't keep being under these sad circumstances.” Jackson starts and to my surprise most of the crowd laughs, “Tonight, we remember those that were taken by Benjamin, those that lost their life's too s00n. We're going to turn this memorial over to the family and friends of some of those gone so they can share storie and memories of their deceased.” Jackson takes a step back and one by one pack members come up to speak.

There were ten speakers in total and their stories brought tears to my eyes, bringing the nameless bodies to life. Everyon that was taken had family still here, some had mates, children, and it was too much to bear. How much was Benjamin willing to sacrifice just to take some power that never belonged to him? I fought back the rage I was feeling and focused the speakers.

jackson pulls Abigail to his other side and puts an arm around her comforting her during this time, Gianna steps on her other side and holds her hand.

Once the last speaker re-joins the crowd I wipe my tears and take a few steps forward, trying to clear my throat so my voi doesn't come out shaky.

“Thank you to everyone that shared those lovely memories, we want to invite you all to a celebration of life behind the packhouse, feel free to make your way there whenever you are ready. We have the plans for the park on display out back, as well, and we are hoping to have it completed by this coming Summer.

it will be a place for everyone to come together in memory and celebration of those lost, and a place for us all to create new memories in their names. I am truly sorry for the close and personal losses, and for Silver Moon as a whole, losing such valuable members.” Jackson comes up and holds my hand and we lead the way to the back.

Gianna had it set up similar to my parents memorial, and I could really notice the attention to detail this time since I was bit more removed from the situation. I would need to figure out how she did this all. There were two, large, raised pits of sand to hold our candles from the vigil, and they added soft light.

There were cocktail tables set up around one area and then pictures of the members in gorgeous gold frames, in front of each photo was a book where people could write their memories for the families to take home, I thought that was such a special touch.

White flowers and candles were everywhere again. Some omega’s, the ones that didn't know those who were lost, were walking around with trays of food as well as a long buffet of appetizers for everyone to enjoy and three separate bars. We had it set up so that after the appetizers and drinks were out of the way then it would be self-service, the buffet woul change into trays of finger foods and the bars were going to have the bottles of spirits and wines laid on the counter so that all of the omega’s could join in for the memorial.

Ample seating with fluffy blankets and heaters around the perimeter of the party made it comfortable and cozy. No expense was spared in these memorials and I was happy that we were able to do this. Even though Jackson took over Alp duties of Silver Moon only weeks ago, it was nice to show that this pack was a priority for him just as much as Moonstone was.

This time, we stayed until the very end, listening to stories and sharing ur condolences with the pack members. Even though many were mourning there was and air of happiness and contentment. It seems that most of the members were glad for closure and to be able to share this with everyone else in their pack.

jackson squeezes my hand as we head up to our guest room as the first lights of dawn creep through the windows. 'm exhausted, mentally and emotionally by these past few weeks, and 1 finally fall into a deep sleep next to my mate, feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

Most of the grief could be put behind us now, metaphorically at least, and we could focus on the bright future of our combined packs.