Extinguishing Wildfire

Jordan

I woke up with my mate still in my arms. The night had just started when we fell asleep, so we ended up waking up to eat some of the snacks left for us and made love again before finally falling asleep.

While I wanted to stay wrapped up like this forever, we still had a lot to do for Noah and Gema's mating ceremony. They wanted something simple with just the pack and all the Alphas who helped with the Wildfire war. The pack had chipped in and would be putting together a giant barbeque for everyone, we were smoking about a dozen briskets and the omegas were already working on the cake.

The girls would be going dress shopping today. I was worried it was too last minute, but Gema said she preferred it that way after her Wildfire wedding fiasco.

“You're awake,” Liyah’s rough morning voice broke me out of my thoughts. “Let me see your mark!” She was immediately wide awake as she realized our marks had healed. I moved my neck to the side and felt as she ran her hand along the mark. “I love it.” Her eyes teared up, which only made me more curious about our marks. She moved her hair back to let me see, and I gazed at an outline of a silver Harvest Moon set as the background for the silhouette of a compass and a howling wolf. It was the perfect representation of the two of us coming together as one. “It's perfect, you should wear your hair up today so that the world can see that you're mine now.” She giggled as I pulled her out of bed and carried her to the bathroom. I set her down on the counter as I started the water, but I couldn't help myself when I returned and started kissing her roughly.

“Jordan,” She pulled back breathlessly. “We overslept, I'll be late for shopping with the girls.”

“We’ll be quick.” My lips trailed kisses down her smooth neck, stopping to tease her mark. I picked her up and walked her into the shower, setting her down gently as we continued to kiss.

Before I could do more, she surprised me by slowly easing down onto her knees. “What are you doing?” I was pretty sure I knew, and my dick was already standing at attention for her, but I didn't want to assume anything.

“I want to make you feel good. There were so many times over the last few months that I made you feel terrible that I want to make it up to you until there's nothing left of the pain I caused you.”

“You've already been doing that though. I couldn't have gotten through this week and the funeral without you. You don't have to do this.”

“I know, but I want to.”

She didn't give me time to protest as she licked my tip before wrapping her soft lips around me. I groaned as she closed her mouth more tightly over me and ran her tongue along my length. There was no way this would last long with how she was moving. She cupped my balls and started bobbing up and down. I wrapped my hand around her hair again and helped her find a steady pace. She moaned and the vibrations pushed me even closer to the edge.

“Liyah…I'm gonna…” I groaned again, not finishing my sentence as she popped off my dick, continuing to work me with her hand. She kept at it until I came all over her gorgeous chest. I had never seen a woman covered in my cum, and it made me feel all kinds of possessive. Even Neo was just below the surface, and I was certain my eyes glowed blue from his presence.

“Fuck, Liyah…that was perfect.” I helped her up and pulled her into the water, grabbing the body wash to start cleaning her. We washed each other lovingly, and while I wanted to take my time with her to show her just what she meant to me, we were under a time limit. We'd need a do-over when we had more time.

When we were all dressed and ready, we headed downstairs and I said my goodbyes as the girls headed out while us guys stayed back to start setting up the backyard.

***

Gema

I stood in front of the mirror in the dress shop. This was how it was supposed to be, with my friends and family here, helping me pick out the perfect dress.

“That's definitely it. You're glowing!” Jasmine smiled and I could see how excited she was for me. Jade, Aaliyah, my mom, and Noah's mom were all nodding their agreement, and I looked back at the mirror staring at my reflection. The silver dress had a deep V-neck and clung to my curves before fanning out into a long train that had baby pink and cobalt blue flowers.

There wasn't an ounce of red or white in anything I chose. Instead, I made sure to represent the Cobalt Falls colors of cobalt blue and silver while adding my own favorite color of pink. It was everything I wanted, and I couldn't wait to wear it to my mating ceremony in a few days.

The rest of the day was spent picking dresses for the girls. We decided on cobalt blue dresses to match the theme and our mothers decided to both wear blush. I even got an extra dress for Rory. I would have wanted her with me today, she had become a close friend, and I really hoped I could call her my sister someday soon. Cristian made a mistake, but I knew deep down my brother was a good guy, and I really wanted them to make things work. She'd be arriving with her brother and Nora tomorrow evening, so maybe she'd agree to give Cristian another chance.

Noah

“Mijo, estás listo?” (Are you ready?) Gema and I had moved into our own room on the Gamma floor, but I had come back to my old room at my parents' apartment to get ready. My dad was already wearing his blue suit, looking healthier every day. It was good to have him back. I still made time for my brothers and helped them with training, but it was nice to give my parents back all of the heavy parenting stuff. I didn't want to do that again until I had my own kids.

“I'm ready,” My suit jacket was on the bed, and my dad handed it to me as I finished with my tie. Gema had decided on a silver dress, so I matched her in a light gray suit.

“Good, I wanted to give you one last gift before we headed downstairs. I'm proud of how you stepped up for our pack during our time of crisis. I talked to Jordan about this already, and he agreed to it if you agreed too…but…I want you to go ahead and take on the Gamma position officially today, as part of the mating ceremony.”

“Papá…that's…but I thought Jordan wanted to wait until we were all three ready?” My dad nodded solemnly.

“Yes, but my health doesn't allow me to take on the job anymore, and now that Jordan is Alpha, it just makes sense to make you official.

“What about Cristian?”

“Jordan asked him about it, but he said he wanted to wait until his own mating ceremony.”

“I need to ask Gema about it first, she needs to be ready, too.”

“Of course, whatever you both decide. Either way, I have a gift for you. My father gave me this when I stepped up as Gamma.” He pulled out a thin leather-bound book with the name Salazar etched on the front. The leather was nicely worn from use. I knew the journal as I had always seen my dad carrying it around, jotting down notes whenever he needed to remember something. “My dad used it for many years before passing it down, and now it's my turn to pass it on to you. I love you, and I'm proud of you, Noah.” We stood up and hugged each other tightly. “Now, let's go, we can't be the ones to keep our mates waiting.”

We headed downstairs and went into the parlor where we'd take a few family pictures. Cristian and Jordan were already down there waiting.

“So, did your dad talk to you?” He raised his brows at me.

“Yeah…I need to talk to Gema about it first, make sure she's ready, too.”

“Alright, but you've already been doing the job. Nothing to be ready for.” Jordan left it at that as we started on the pictures. The ladies trickled in, each looking beautiful. Gema even convinced Rory to join us. Cristian, however, looked like a sad lovesick puppy, but Rory did a good job of avoiding his gaze. Once we finished with pictures, the room cleared out to let Gema come in and meet me before the ceremony.

She walked in, and I couldn't breathe or even think with how beautiful she looked. I was mesmerized and Cosmo started up his crazy dancing around in my head.

“Wow…you look breathtaking.” Her hair was mostly down in loose curls with a flower clip along the side. Everything about her was perfection. I was torn between wanting to just gaze upon her beauty for the rest of my life and taking her back upstairs and laying her bare before me.

‘You can stare at her, but I'll be taking her back to our room.’

‘Keep it in your pants, Cosmo. We have a lifetime with her. Let's just enjoy the moment for now.’

‘Fine, you're right, let's go do the ceremony first, all bets are off after that.’ He stopped his jumping and settled down enough for me to focus back on Gema.

“Are you ready?” She gave me a dazzling smile before stepping closer to me.

“Definitely…there was something we needed to decide before we started though…” I paused to take a breath. “My dad wants to do the Gamma ceremony today. Before I tell him yes, I wanted to make sure you were okay with that. And before you ask, Jordan and Cristian are good with it.”

“Wow, okay…that's big, but if everyone’s good with it. Then I say yes, too. Let's do it.” She nodded enthusiastically, and I smiled back at her.

“Okay, let's do it.” I grabbed her hand, and we made our way to the door. We told everyone our decision and settled down to start the ceremony. The music kicked on, and we walked down the aisle together, smiling at our friends and family as we went along. It was overwhelming to see the support of the entire pack and all our friends. Alpha Kedrick and Luna Ellis were here as well as Alpha Tate, Alpha Larkin, and Olivia. They were all witnesses to our love story, and now they'd get to see our new start.

We made it to the front and faced each other, holding our hands.

“Gema, I have loved you my entire life. You are the most magnificent, resilient, and resourceful woman I know. I am honored to spend my life with you, and I promise to cherish every moment we have together. I will be your comfort through the storms and your rainbow after the rain. Together, we will conquer any challenge, celebrate every triumph, and create a legacy of love that endures for eternity. I love you.” She wiped at her tears and shook her head smiling as I finished.

“Noah, through my darkest nights, you were the hope that kept me sane. You are kind and strong, and gentle, and through everything, you never stopped fighting for me. I promise to do the same for you. I'll be your greatest warrior and your biggest supporter through this crazy life. With you by my side, I am invincible. I love you more deeply than words can express, and every day of my life will be spent honoring that love, protecting our bond, and nurturing our dreams.”

Her words touched places in my heart even I didn't realize were there. I pulled her into a soft kiss, knowing there was still one last thing left.

My parents walked up to us with the pack's ceremonial knife and my dad picked it up, slicing his palm before handing the knife to me. My mother and Gema then followed suit.

“By the Moon's decree, I, Rodrigo Salazar, pass on the mantle of Gamma of Cobalt Falls to my son and heir. May you serve and protect our pack with strength and dignity.”

We joined hands as I spoke my part of the oath, “With the Moon's blessing, I, Noah Salazar, embrace my role as a Gamma of Cobalt Falls."

Gema and my mother then spoke their own oaths, and with that, Gema and I were formally mates and officially the Gammas of Cobalt Falls. I kissed my girl again, not caring about the onlookers.

Whatever happened, whatever came next, at least today I could say that life was good.

Jordan

The ceremony went off without a hitch. It was nice to see two of my best friends so happy. Now it was time to eat and party.

“Alpha Jordan, may I have a word?” Alpha Larkin called out to me, “In private, if possible.” He was usually a solemn guy, but today he looked more serious than usual.”

“Sure, follow me to my office. And you can just call me Jordan. I think we've been through enough together to drop the formalities.”

“Of course, please call me Larkin, then.”

We arrived at the office, and I offered him a seat as I closed the door.

“What can I do for you?”

He sighed deeply before continuing. “As you know, Marek's old Beta and a few others loyal to Marek ran off after the battle. We have been searching for them but have yet to successfully find them.

My sister, Rory…well, the Beta was…how do I put this mildly…he was a bastard and made unwanted advances towards my sister. A few things have happened since the final battle that make me believe my sister is unsafe in our pack.

I know that her fated mate is your Beta and that they had a rocky start, but regardless, I wanted to ask if your pack would provide sanctuary for my sister while we continue to search for the Beta.

If that's not possible, Harvest Moon has already offered to house her, but I feel she would be safer here, with her mate and friends. She got close to both Gema and Aaliyah, and I'm sure you will all support her during this time.”

I was shocked by his request. I wasn't sure what to expect when he asked to talk, but this wasn't it.

“When I spoke to my sister about staying here, she was less than happy about it, but I can't risk her safety.”

“I understand…and you can count on Cobalt Falls. We'll provide sanctuary for your sister. You have nothing to worry about. She'll be well taken care of here with us.

He stood up and extended his hand for me to shake. Rory would not be heading home after today, and while the rest of us found peace in our home pack once more, it seems our journey is still far from over…

The End

Book 3, Ashes of Wildfire will continue our journey with Cristian and Rory's story. (Coming soon)