Chapter 41

Chapter 41

It has been almost a month since the rogues attacked by the lake. Layana found out that one of the covens had a traitor in their midst helping Shamira. The witch was dealt with swiftly and without remorse for her treason on the covens and her Head Mistress. Similar to wolf communities, witches do not tolerate treason lightly. If the traitor is caught, a painful slow death is certain.

The witch was young and very rebellious. The child’s own mother said she had to bind her magic periodically because she was so out of control at times. She even confessed to having a family member lift the binding without her mothers approval.

Normally, only the one who placed a binding could remove it. But when it came to family, if there was a family member with similar DNA, they could alter the binding making it less effective. In such cases it was normal for a twin to do this. When asked why, all she would do is smirk and shake her head. Nothing more. Even during her execution it was the same.

After the traitor was caught, rogues no longer just popped up on territory undetected. Alpha Johnathon, however, decided to not release the in territory orders for everyone’s safety. He was not going to take a chance on anyone’s lives as long as he could help it.

Layana had been coming around more, spending time with Andrew more frequently. They had not mated, nor had he marked her yet. She has years of distrust and hate that she has had to work through about wolves and mates. Since she is able to transport herself in a moment's notice with the snap of her fingers, she’s been spending more time at the pack house with him. She’s even started to stay over some nights allowing him to hold her while sleeping.

~~~~

“Is everything ready for tonight?” Timber asked Madga as she walked in the back door into the kitchen with the fresh veggies she had just picked from their now over growing garden.

“Yes Luna. We just need to check on the finishing touches of the decorating in the main hall after washing these and cutting them up.” Magda said over her shoulder while pulling the last of the turnovers out of the oven and placing them on a cooling rack.

“Those smell delectable!” Timber salivated as the aroma hit her nostrils. Wiping the drool that unexpectedly left her mouth with the back of her hand before anyone saw her.

“Do you think she’s going to let Beta Andrew mate and mark her tonight?” Magda inquired.

“I don’t know. I hope so. He loves her and I think she loves him back. Just weary of him maybe? Or weary of the mate bond?” Timber spoke softly, shrugging her shoulders at the unknown. Grabbing an apple she leaned up against the counter watching Magda turning on the water to clean the freshly brought in veggies.

“Hello! What are you two doing?” A chirpy voice rang through the kitchen. We turned to look towards the entrance to find none other than Layana walking through it. A smile raced from ear to ear, brightening up her eyes as she spoke. She looked happy. Really really happy. Timber was hoping this was a good sign for her and Andrew tonight.

“Oh you know… cooking, cleaning, cutting.” Timber said laughing. “How are you getting ready for the party tonight? Need any help?” She questioned sincerely.

A sigh left her lips as her smile faded slightly, not as bright as it was when she first walked in. “I don’t know. I could use some help if you’re willing? I’m so lost about what I am going to wear.” a solemn look etched across her face. Magda and Timber looked at each other wearily, then back at Layana.

“What do you mean? I thought you said you had something to wear?” Timber interjected looking confused.

“Well, I thought I did. I even tried to make something but nothing looks right. I want to look my best for Andrew but can’t decide what. Everything doesn’t scream at me to wear it.” she frowned, feeling defeated.

“Magda, do you think…” Timber started but got interrupted.

“I got this. You go help her look her best for her mate. I can handle everything here, don't worry Luna.” Magda chimed in quickly, giving a wink of knowing how special this night could potentially be for both her and their Beta.

“Thanks Magda! You are the best! I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Timber enthusiastically said as she placed a kiss on the side of her cheek.

“Come on! We’ve got lots to do before the party!” Timber chirped, wrapping her arm around Layana’s shoulders causing her to smile and look at her a little wearily. Layana and Timber have gotten to know each other over the past weeks. They have become almost like sisters. Since neither one of them has ever had a sister and Layana needs advice sometimes about Andrew and mates, it was a perfect relationship for them.

“Show me what we are working with and let's go from there, ok?” Timber said as they walked out of the kitchen earning another smile and nod from Layana. Layana snapped her fingers transporting them both to her home with the covens.

“WOW! This is where you live?!” Timber exclaimed in astonishment looking around her in circles. Even though she only was seeing the bedroom and not the whole house.

Her room had high ceilings with a four post chiffon canopy bed perfectly made in the middle. The walls were a soft blue that matched a carpet that laid in front of a black framed fireplace just to the left of the door upon entering. Above it was a picture of what Timber assumed was her coven’s markings. The design intertwined, so you couldn’t tell where one started and the other marking ended.

“That’s my family’s coven symbol. It means forever loyal and true.” Layana confirmed as if she could read Timber’s mind. “See?” She lifted her sleeve to show the same symbol on her forearm.

“It’s beautiful.” Was all she could breathe out in awe.

The room was huge. Off the side wall was a small modern looking couch with what looked like a knitted blanket hanging over the top and off white pillows accenting it.

There were two doors on opposite ends of the room. One to the right as you walk past a dresser-like piece and the other to the left between the couch and fireplace.

“There’s a lounge and small kitchenette that way..” she said pointing to the left door that was closed. “And the bathroom is this way with a dressing room and closet attached.” she continued as we turned right towards the door she said led us to the dressing room.

“This is amazing! It’s almost like the Alpha quarters in the pack house. Isn’t it a lot for just you?” Timber questioned getting a feel about where her thoughts are for tonight and Andrew.

“It does get a little lonely being here alone now, but… it’s no big deal. You get used to it, ya know?” Layana shrugged it off as she watched Timber ogling her personal living space. Understanding, she nodded and gave a small smile.

“So, show me what you’ve got.” Timber said, trying to change the tone in the room to something a little brighter.

“Yes, here let me show you.” She replied back, now smiling joyfully.

“Ok, well. You do indeed have a lot of clothing.”Timber said, thumbing through everything in her closet. She noticed a lot of her things were color coded. And everything seemed to have some sort of matching long jacket to go with.

‘Must be a witch thing.’ Karin shrugged as she peered out wanting to see too.

‘Must be. I don’t know.’ Timber shrugs back seeing all the jackets hanging in a row.

“Do you have anything that you would wear on a night out? Like dancing or a really nice dinner?” She inquired hoping for something. Anything. But Layana just hung her head shaking it solemnly.

“It’s fine. Just means one thing!” Timber’s eyes got wide in excitement as she clasped her hands together rubbing them mischievously.

“And what is that?” Layana looked a little terrified at what would be said next.

“SHOPPING!!” Timber squealed in delight. Ever since she was with Johnathon she learned to love shopping. Something she was never allowed to partake in at her old pack.

Layana’s eyes widened, making Timber think she either didn’t like shopping or doesn’t really do it. Wrapping her arm around her shoulders she said, “Come on. It’ll be fun. I promise.” With that Timber thought of her favorite store and teleported them there before Layana could object.

~~~~~

“Come in Andrew. How is everything looking for security tonight?” Alpha Johnathon asked his Beta who had just walked to the door of his office.

“Good. Patrols have been increased to run in fifteen intervals and the manpower has been tripled since gaining the new warriors last week to aid in this increase.” Andrew said.

“Excellent. I don’t want any problems to go unnoticed during the party. There will be a few outside guests coming from other supernatural communities. Let’s put them up in the pack house unless they want or need something more private, then we will offer them one of the newly built cottage homes.” Alpha Johnathon stated, finishing the last paper he was working on before looking up at his Beta.

“Also, I want to know everyone they bring with them onto the territory. I do not want someone here that has not been accounted for.” Sitting back in his chair, arms resting on the chair’s arms.

“Yes Alpha. What if they question why?” Andrew asked knowing it could potentially be taken as an insult or wrongly.

“Tell them it is for their safety. That our warriors on duty will be looking for anyone who has not been properly accounted for during their stay and potentially could be killed as an intruder. We would like to eliminate potential future issues.” bringing his arms inward, folding his fingers together.

“Yes Alpha. They are going to have their own personal security that will need to be lodged too, correct?” Andrew asked.

“I forgot about them. When they arrive, find out where they will be more comfortable having their security housed. Then let me know and depending on the request I’ll accommodate accordingly.” Alpha Johnathon replied back.

“How many guests are we expecting exactly?” Andrew questioned.

“At least one from each community who has recently made an alliance with us. So, the Dragon shifters, Vampires, Layana will be the witches representative,” He said smirking and winked. “And someone from the Faes. I believe that is it.” sighing as he knew this was going to be a night with all different supernaturals around.

“Alright. I’ll take care of it.” Andrew confirmed and got up to do his chores for tonight's festivities.

“How’s everything with Layana going?” Alpha Johnathon questioned as Andrew stood. A smile spread across his face as he turned to face his Alpha.

“Good. Better than that really. She still is reserved on the mating and marking thing, but I’m hopeful tonight is going to change that.” Andrew said grinning ear to ear.

“Timber mind-linked me earlier that she was taking her shopping for tonight’s party. All of our best for a fruitful evening for you man.” Alpha Johnathon encouraged him through his words.

‘Thanks. I’ll see you later after I get this security stuff situated.” Andrew grinned leaving the office as Alpha Johnathon went back to work picking up the phone. “Hello? Yes, Alpha Johnathon here from the Graves Pack. Everything is set for tonight. How about the incoming guests? Great. I don’t want any problems, understand?” with a nod and a smile he hung up the phone, before standing to make his way out of his office downstairs.