“We need to talk about what we are going to do with the packs” I wasted no time in getting to the point. I wanted this conversation over with.

“What do you mean? You'll be coming with me and joining both packs together” he looked confused and it was a little bit cute.

“That's what she-wolves do if they have no responsibilities. I have over 200 wolves in my care, they trust me and I'm not sure how they will adapt to such a sudden change. Most of these wolves do not trust easily, Damien, you will most likely have to earn their trust before you can lead them” I laid my hand on his arm “also, I became the official Alpha less than a week ago. I don't want to give that up just yet, what will the pack think?”

Damiens nostrils flared and his eyes started getting darker “You don't want to give up your title? Is that more important than your own mate Alyssa?

“You know that's not true. Now please stop raising your voice to me and let's discuss this like adults. You know what my powers can do, I need to learn to control them and I can do that by continuing being Alpha for now”

“You don't tell me what to do mate. You will come back to my pack with me and be my Luna” he was now stood up and towering over me, his eyes were completely black, telling me that his wolf had taken full control. His fists were clenched by his sides and his body was shaking.

I could feel a half shift coming on, a red film came over my eyes, my nose and canines elongated and my claws became exposed “You do not get to dictate what I do Alpha Shaw. If you can't discuss this like an Alpha then get out” my voice was low and dangerous.

I could see the instant regret in his eyes as he took control back from his wolf. My anger and half shift was too far gone to even care at this point. I know that Damien is the only one who can calm me down, but right now I don't want him anywhere near me. His head bowed in sadness and I saw his arm twitch as if he wanted to reach out and touch me and I'm glad he thought better of it, because if he touched me I know I would forgive him instantly.

Stupid fucking mate bond.

“Alyssa, I'm so sorry. I know it's no excuse but my wolf has been agitated from being away from you. I hope you can forgive me” he sent me a small smile then walked out of the office.

I waited until I heard the front door close before I raced down to the basement. My heart was beating fast and I was still in the half shift with my eyesight red. I needed to get the pent up energy out and a run just wouldn't do.

I mind linked the entire pack to leave me alone and changed into some workout clothes. Striding over to the punching bags, I strapped my hands and started punching. Over and over again I hit the bag, sweat was rolling down my face and back but I didn't pay any attention to it. I just kept punching and when I hit it too hard and broke, I put up another and another, until I had broken ten bags. As I dropped the last broken bag on the floor, I felt better, my half shift has gone and the red haze left me, but I was too preoccupied to notice. I laid down on the mats and tried to catch my breath.

“What'd those bags ever do to you Lys?”

I jumped up and faced the doorway. Josh was leaning against the wall grinning at me.

“Jesus, I didn't hear you come in Josh”

“I’m not surprised, you were beating up those bags like they just killed your first born. What’s up? You’ve been down here for four hours”

Four hours? It didn't feel that long. I waved his question away as I grabbed a towel and bottle of water “Just Alpha stuff”

“So, nothing to do with Damien then?”

I sighed as I sat down on the mats, I took a long drink of water before answering him “How'd you know?”

Josh chuckled “I saw him leaving, looking like a wounded puppy” he lowered himself beside me and leant back on his hands “Tell ya what though, it's strange to see a man of his size look so sad”

I grimaced as I remembered the look of regret and total sadness on his handsome face. Now I don't have the haze clouding my mind, I can see I was a bit harsh towards him. Now that he's found me, his wolf must be going crazy not being able to be around me all the time.

“He expects me to give up my Alpha title, join the packs together and be his Luna, to run the pack together. In other words, he will make all the decisions and I will just stand by his side, supporting him and giving him pups”

“I get what you're saying Lys, but you have to know how hard this must be for him. He's an Alpha who has gone 300 years without a mate. Personally, I'm surprised he's still sane”

“I do know how hard it is, it's hard for my wolf as well. But he also has to realise that I'm not like normal she-wolves and won't just do what he expects me to do. I have responsibilities to the pack and to Marty”

Josh patted me on the shoulder “I know Lys, and you do a great job at running this pack. But please try to put your mate out of his misery soon, I know you have already forgiven him, so tell him because I imagine he's not doing too good”

“I will, I promise”

Josh nodded and stood up, leaving the room and leaving me feeling worse about this afternoon. I don't dwell on it too much as I have to go help set up for the welcoming ceremony tonight. I promise myself to ring Damien tonight and try to explain myself.

*****************

The celebration is in full swing, all new mates are now officially part of the pack. Everyone is eating and dancing and in a few hours we will all go on a pack run. I head to a table to sit and grab some food, I spot Delilah and sit down next to her with my full plate of food.

“Hey Delilah, how are you feeling?”

“Hello Alyssa. I'm feeling a little better now. Thrain is taking very good care of me” A wistful smile passed over her face and I noticed how beautiful she really is. Her face seems fuller and her blue eyes seem brighter, she has also filled out a bit more compared to last week.

“That's great. I'm glad to hear he is taking care of you, or I would have to have some words with him” I smiled and winked, eliciting a small laugh from her.

“He wants to tell everyone tonight as everyone is together and also so I have other's to watch over me if he has to work”

“That’s a good idea, everyone will be very protective of you as you're the Betas mate and you're carrying his pup. You'll be well looked after, trust me” I patted her hand and dug into my food.

Delilah was silent from then on, I can't imagine what she went through to end up in the state that Thrain found her in. I'll have to get the full story soon, just in case her old pack come looking for her. We sat in silence for the next hour, I noticed her hands subconsciously rested on her stomach and rubbed it, it seems to calm her down a little bit.

Everyone was starting to get ready for the run, parents were gathering up their children, the men were taking off their shirts and their mates were eyeing them up. I have no doubt that a lot of mated couples will be looking for some privacy while out tonight.

I saw Thrain step onto the stage and stand by the mic, one short shrill whistle later and he had everyone's attention.

“I hope everyone's had a good night so far, the pack run will be beginning shortly. We will start here and then head into the woods and over to the waterfalls on neutral territory. We have warned the other packs around us that we will be there tonight so we shouldn’t have any trouble, but that doesn't mean we let down our guards”

Thrain motioned for Delilah to join him, once beside him, his arm slipped around her waist and a content smile appeared on his face “I have one last thing to tell everyone. As all of you know, I found Delilah on my trip”

people clapped and some cheered, Thrain quietened them down “But I just found out last night and wanted to tell everyone tonight. In a few short months, I will be a father” loud clapping and cheers rang out again. I could see Thrain smiling proudly down at Delilah and a pang of hurt went through me, I really have to talk to Damien.

I walked over to the stage and everyone fell silent, it was time to shift and start the pack run. Everyone was vibrating with anticipation and excitement, they all wanted to see the reactions of the new pack members to my wolf form.

I shed my clothes so I was only standing in my bra and undies. Closing my eyes, I let my wolf come forward. I felt my snout elongate, my back hunch and all my bones shift until I was standing on all fours. I opened my eyes and heard gasps of shock from all the new members, they will all get used to it soon.

Once I shifted, Thrain and Delilah were next, followed by Josh and Lauren. Once we were standing in front of everyone in our wolf forms, they all shifted together. The children hopped onto their parents backs, I waited for Marty to hop up onto the stage, I laid down so he could climb on. Marty gripped my fur and squeezed his legs, once I knew he was secure, I sent out a loud, long howl and took off into the woods. The pounding of hundreds of paws following as the pack set out behind me.