Chapter 48

Gideon

I should have never let a Jericho into my pack. Any Alpha children who apply to join my pack I personal review and interview. I felt sorry for the young Jericho girl a few years back. Maybe I was blinded by the loss of Mandy. I remember my interview with Von. She said she was trying to escape her family reputation and wanted a fresh start. Her family does have a horrible reputation, and the Blue Crescent pack has the highest rate of deserters. I have taken in many who have left because of her father, Blake Jericho. Von came here shortly after her brother Nox became Alpha. From what she said, three years ago, he more or less pushed her out, scared that her mate might challenge him for the Alpha title. She was a pack warrior, so she decided to apply to the Druit Guard instead of going Rouge. Now I wonder if that was her intent.

I have had many a she-wolf try and get close to me since Mandy died. I never gave in to their advances, no matter how attractive they are or how lonely I am. I put my daughters first, and the last thing I wanted them to see was their dad with a revolving door of women. I vowed that the only woman I would introduce them to would be my second chance mate if I had one. Thank the goddess she gave me the best second chance that was possible.

Watching Amelie handle the unruly she-wolves was a huge turn-on. Her power was terrifying to others, but to me, it was perfection. She made her point without doing any physical harm. Amelie was right when she said she would show Von the true power of a Luna. After researching with Alpha John, I learned more than I wanted to about werewolf marks and bonds. No matter how much chosen mated wished to be a ranked member, they really would never be. It's comforting to know that power isn't just given out. I can't help but wonder how Amelie and Inari were tricked into thinking, well, I should say, feeling that Tate was her mate. Who is helping him hide?

My mind can't help to wonder to Amelie's still open case. She is now my mate and the mother of my children. I needed to get to the bottom of this.

"Gideon, are you still upset. You have barely eaten anything." Amelie breaks my train of thought.

"Oh no, I was just lost in thought for a moment." I reach my hand under the table and rub my hand on Amelie's thigh.

I lean over and whisper, "I think the girls need to sleep in their own room tonight."

Amelie turns and looks at me. Then I hear in the bond-link, "Gideon, whatever do you mean?"

I answer back, "I need to make sure my mate gets the full experience of her new room."

Amelie turns away, "I am already well acquainted with my accommodations, Alpha."

I don't know why, but it's the sexy thing I've ever heard when she calls me Alpha. It's as if she's telling me to take control, and she's ready for me. I lean over again and tilt her chin up to look at me, and the shoulder of her cardigan slums off, and her marks are fully exposed again. I give her a slight grin, "Oh, there is much more that you have not experienced, my Luna."

I finish my meal, and when I see the twins and Amelie are ready, I get up. As expected, the entire hall stands and bows as I leave. I have always hated that. It always makes you feel awkward. But like I have to keep a sense of order. I glance over at the table of she-wolves that caused an issue as we pass. I snarl, and they quickly kneel. I keep walking; Amelie is right behind me with the twins in each hand. Once we are out of the corridor of the hall, I turn and pick up Rose and take Amelie's hand in mine as we continue to our wing.

Amelie bond-links me as we are walking back. "When can I cook a meal for my family and ranked members?"

"How about tomorrow night. I know Becky will be happy to see you, and I need to add her to the pack, so we might as well do it tomorrow after dinner together." Amelie squeezes my hand.

"Thank you, Gideon." She stops and looks at me. "I have one more favor."

"With all these favors, I hope I get a reward." I give her a mischievous smile.

"We will see how well the Alpha can complete his favors." Giving me a sexy smirk.

I laugh a little. "What is your request, my Luna?"

"I need you to mind-link the ranked she-wolves to the kids' playroom, and please tell them to bring their laptops. I will also need four tables and four chairs, a wireless printer, and office supplies brought us as well."

I nod my head, "It will be brought up shortly. After your Ceremony is done, we need to renovate your office."

"Where is the Luna's office?" She asks.

"Right across from mine. It hasn't been used since my mother, so It requires updates." Mandy was a warrior, so she didn't have any interest in holding office hours.

"Well, I will work out an office hour schedule after, but I will be doing most work while watching the children. Like my grandmother, stepmother, and mother all did. I will raise my children and handle my duties. I do not want an official nanny. I will need the ranked females to contribute, of course." Every day she reminds me of just lucky I am. I can't fight the giant smile on my face.

"I guess we will have to add some permanent desk to the paly room. Sorry girls, we are going to take up some of your playroom space." I bounce Rose in my arms a bit.

"If mommy gets to stay with us more, then it OK," Rose reassures me.

"Yeah, mommy, you can be wif us!" Daisy squeals.

"Well, thank you, girls, for sharing!" Amelie squeezes Daisy's tiny hand.

"You weltome!" Daisy says, beaming.

"You girls get to meet mommy's friend Becky today too!"

"You brought your friend with you!"

"Yep, she has red hair, she cooks well, and she's lots of fun!"

"Welly? Will she cook for us?"

Amelie gives the girls a big smile, "Tomorrow night, mommy and her friend are going to cook dinner! Would you like that?"

Rose nods her head and giggles, and Daisy is jumping up and down, squealing.

Amelie and I both laugh. I didn't know we could all be this happy. Soon we would be adding one more to our shared happiness.

As we continue to the packhouse, I catch the slightest movement out of the corner of my eye. I know exactly who it is.

I use my mind-link, "Von, you are still alive out of respect for your Alpha father, but I will not hesitate to end your life if this continues. This is your final warning. You will be on punishment duties for the next month and will do 20 extra laps during training during that month as well." This was too light a punishment, honestly. I wanted to tear her apart for her blatant disrespect. I know if I actually harm the girl, it would give her father and brother recourse to apply to the Elder Council about excessive punishment. I knew I would be exonerated, but it wasn't worth the headache right now.

"Alpha, I've always loved you. I can be a good mother to your twins. I am just asking for a chance." Von whines.

I feel discussed as soon as her words enter my mind. If I could, I wanted to scrub my mind with soap to rid myself of the filth. "Never show your face to my family or me ever again. That is an Alpha order." It was all I could do not to vomit.

I turn my attention back to the three most important women in my life. This was our happiness, and no one would take that from me.