31

I pull back and put a hand on my hip, "Okay, well, let me go get some grey hair colour and we'll really make you look old. Is that what you want?" My eyebrow raises to an impossible height as I stare my mate down.

"Uhh—"

"Age doesn't determine the amount of respect we deserve. Our actions and decisions do. Everyone should see how much you care for this pack, and how much you do for them."

"Of course.." Malachi tentatively agrees, spreading his hands in an apologetic manner.

"Now.. I'm really tired, so I'm going to stay here with you until you've done whatever you're working on."

"But—"

"No buts," I say strictly and drag a single chair to beside Malachi's. Sitting down, I then place a cushion on his lap, lift his arm, and settle myself under. Lying sideways, I smirk up at him. "Now, are we all settled?"

I listen to his heart beat unsteadily, before he takes a deep breath and pushes his fringe back with his long fingers. "Sure. I'll get this done as soon as possible." He gives me a small smile, his blue eyes brightening for a moment.

"Thanks, Ariella."

I return the smile, then close my eyes and finally allow myself to rest. Malachi begins his paperwork again, and when not typing on his laptop, I feel his fingers gently stroking my hair and neck. It is soothing, and soon I don't worry about anything other than wondering what my mate likes best on a pizza.

~~~~~~

"Looks like somebody wore herself out with her spontaneous midnight escapades."

I roll over and squint at the bright light that greets me. Closing my eyes again quickly, I stretch my arms over my head. They catch on something, sparks tingling across my skin, and I realise just how close my mate is.

Carefully, I open my eyes and see Malachi leaning over me, his chest bare and his hair ruffled to perfection, golden sunlight streaming through the strands and illuminating them. Water droplets cling to the ends, and his scent is fresh like a tropical rainforest after a storm. I see flecks of purity and emotions dancing in his eyes that couldn't possibly belong to a dark and sinister creature. My beautiful mate is such a kind-hearted angel, and I don't know why no one else can see it.

"What time is it?" I ask, my head still groggy and my eyes heavy.

"Nearly eight thirty. You missed training, but Hamilton didn't make a thing of it. I guess he understood that you needed to sleep in."

More than you know. I think to myself. I wonder what Hamilton has told his Alpha about our unusual time together last night. I think of everything we talked about, and I'm happy that Hamilton trusted me enough to open up. I know it is painful to talk about the tragedies in our families, but I feel that now we have an understanding with each other, and our friendship will grow even stronger.

"But now it's time to rise and shine. Hamilton also said you had plans for today?"

"Oh, plans!" I sit up quickly, the sheets of our bed pooling around my waist. "I was going to hang out with Harlow today," I give a simple explanation, pushing the sheets down, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, and rising swiftly.

Blood rushes down from my head as gravity fights for dominance over my equilibrium. I feel myself pitch forward but have no energy or balance to stop myself. Almost instantly, I am wrapped in my mate's arms before I can even think about face planting on the floor.

Luci would be envious.

"What's the rush? Where's the fire?" Malachi jokes, placing me on the bed and ruffling my hair. "Take your time, Ari. I'll meet you later for lunch." He pulls on a clean shirt, covering his muscled chest and abs that I can't seem to take my eyes off of.

Before leaving the room, he leans in and presses a kiss on my forehead. I have a wild urge to cage him in my arms and never let him go, just spend the day here with him, resting and talking. But I know he's got work to do.

And so do I.

I smile to myself and go over my plans for the bonfire gathering as I prepare quickly for the day, grabbing a few pieces of fruit before heading out to find Harlow.

I haven't gone far down the path towards the main pack grounds when I bump into a solid wall.

The half-eaten apple falls from my hand and I look up to see mischievous green eyes regarding me with a smile.

"Going somewhere, Kiddo?" he braces my arms in his large hands so I don't fall over.

"Beta Knight! You scared me!" Flustered, I push my hair behind my ears and reach down for my apple, but the quick former Beta has already picked it up. He methodically brushes it off on his sleeve before handing it back to me, free from any dirt. The kind gesture warms me with some unexplainable emotion.

"Yes, I seem to scare a lot of people. Must be my devastating looks," he gives me a suave glance that is anything but scary, and I burst out laughing. I can't help it.

"Well, I'm glad someone thinks me funny," his smile is dazzling, before he turns serious. "So, where are you off to? Mind if I tag along?"

I tilt my head sideways and take in his appearance. He is dressed casually in a black t-shirt and ripped jeans, casual Nikes, and his dark hair tousled just so. His athletic vigour is enhanced by the outfit, more so than with his usually more formal attire. "You aren't working with Luna Seneca?"

He gives a carefree shrug. "I have the day off. She's in one of her moods, and I don't feel inclined to be around her when she is."

"Moods? What do you mean?"

His emerald eyes flick to mine, and in them I read something not quite pleasant. He shifts on his feet, seeming uncomfortable. It makes my heart beat pick up and I almost fear his reply.

"You haven't heard what the Luna suffers from?"

"No, I haven't. Is she okay? Maybe I should go visit—"

"No, no, Ariella. It's fine. She's fine. Just..." Beta Knight leads me to a bench that's situated along the path, encircled by old and brittle shrubs, and takes the time to explain to me. "She gets really bad headaches, maybe two or three times a year. It's gotten worse ever since the Alpha died. When she's suffering, she likes us to all stay away. The noise and interaction only make it worse, you know?"

"Oh," I frown and wish there was something I could do for her. "Does she like flowers? Maybe I could give her some lavender. Or I could make her some soup! Or—"

"Ari, really," Knight lays a hand on my arm, stopping me and my mouth slowly shuts. "She likes to be left alone. You have no idea what she's really going through."

I nod, deflated.

"But enough dark thoughts for today. Cheer up! We can still carry on. What did you have planned for today? Let's get that cheerful smile back on your face," he tells me warmly, and I squint my eyes up at him. His happy mood is contagious however, and I feel myself smile back. "There it is!" He cuffs my cheek like a father might to his little girl, and I shake my head in amusement.

"So what were you so determined about earlier when you weren't looking where you were going? I just know there's something stewing in that clever mind of yours," he prods.

I look at him sideways, suddenly getting an idea. "Okay, so, I'm planning a bonfire and pizza night tonight. I think it will be amazing if everyone can hang out, enjoy food and dancing together, and get to know and understand each other. You know, the older generations of wolves and the younger ones. We need to bond as one pack."

"I like it. I like it a lot," Knight muses, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Yeah, and you can help me prepare, right? I was going to ask Harlow, but you're so much more fun to be around—" I stop talking when I realise what I just said, how I practically insulted the Beta female.

Knight chuckles. "Sure. What do you need me to do? I am at your service, milady," he gives an ostentatious bow, and I can't help smiling broadly.

We go over the plans, what we'll need for the night, and how to get everything ready in time. First, Knight helps me find a wood fire oven for the pizza that someone in the pack had lying around, then we go shopping and buy all the ingredients. I make sure I get plenty of pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, and of course, mustard.

Knight rounded up a few willing volunteers to build a large bonfire, and I watch as it takes shape in the small meadow beside the training field. Logs are rolled up to form seats around it, and tables are brought to hold the food. A thrill of excitement runs through me as a festive mood settles over the activities. This reminds me of Fire Nights in my old pack, and I can already see the wolves talking and eating with one another, swapping stories and laughs as they enjoy the night off.

"Ariella, the Alpha wants to know how you're doing?"

I slap my palm to my forehead. "I was supposed to see Malachi at lunch! Bother! Umm...just tell him I've been caught up hanging out with people."

"He sounded pretty upset through the mind-link..." Knight grimaces, obviously not liking being caught in the middle of a mild domestic spat.

"Let him know I'll come find him later," I say, and hurry back to topping the pizzas. The sun is setting, it's almost time to call everyone to enjoy the evening, but there are just so many pizzas to make and even with Knight and a few others helping, we don't seem to get it prepared quickly enough.

I notice some shewolves lingering on the field after training, and call them over. They are the girls who made fun of me on our expedition trek, so I purpose to be extra nice and perhaps win them over as friends.

"Would you like to help make these pizzas for dinner? I'm sure you've seen the bonfire we're preparing for tonight. It's going to be really fun!"

They reluctantly agree after some teasing and prodding by Knight, and we introduce ourselves properly. I learn their names are Alejandra, Devanshi, and Noor, and each have younger siblings in the pack. They all enjoy cooking too, so we begin to get along quite well.

Before dusk settles over us, I inform Hamilton that he can announce the invitation to all the pack through his mind link. "Just make sure to leave out Malachi. I want to tell him myself and surprise him," I twist my fingers together and smile at the Beta hopefully.

"I thought you said the Alpha agreed to this, so doesn't he already know what's going on?" Hamilton scowls at me and I cringe.

"Well..."

"Let's go find this Alpha mate of yours," Knight comes to my rescue, picking me up and throwing me over his shoulder before Hamilton can incinerate me with his fiercest glare.

"Put me down!" I yelp and hit Knight's back with my fists, unsure if this is better than what Hamilton had in mind for me for not being open about Malachi's permission.

"Nope!" Knight chuckles. "I can feel Malachi is getting pretty angry, so I'm going to deliver you before he gets really mad and wants to rip someone's head off."

"Wait! What am I supposed to do again?" Hamilton calls after us.

"Just invite everyone for pizza," I shout back from my upside down position.

"But what do I say? How am I supposed to get everyone here?" The usually stoic and confident Beta seems miffed that I'm leaving him to do this.

"I don't know! Just say, 'Who's hungry? Free pizza down by the training field.' That should get everyone. Who can refuse pizza?!" I say breathlessly even as Knight continues marching away. However, I know Hamilton hears me as he mumbles under his breath that this is never going to work.

His negativity makes me pray even harder that people actually turn up to this pack bonding event I spent all day preparing for.

"Don't listen to that kid. It'll turn out better than you think," Knight gently puts me down at the entrance to Malachi's office building, sensing my falling spirits. "All that's left to do now is convince the young Alpha to put down his paperwork and pick up a paper plate instead."

I impulsively give Beta Knight a hug. "Thank you for all your help today."

"Anytime, Kiddo," he ruffles my hair then pushes me through the door.

I bound up to Malachi's office and enter silently. He is sitting in a chair by the window, completely absorbed in the book he's holding. I sneak up, put my hands over his eyes, and in my deepest voice say, "Guess who?"

________

Malachi tensed, then let himself relax as the familiar sparks surged across his skin. He was surprised that he didn't hear Ariella come up behind him, but her lavender scent now wrapped around him with no doubt. He could lose himself in her intoxicating scent if he didn't keep a tight rein on his emotions.

"Where have you been all day? I've been trying to reach you for the last—"

She placed a kiss on his forehead, effectively silencing him and making him swim in blissful notions. Tugging on her waist, he pulled her closer then thought better of it. The Alpha gave her a cold glare, but it didn't deter her as Ariella smiled innocently and wrapped strands of his hair around her fingers. The feeling sent shivers down his neck and back.

"I was planning a surprise. Wanna come see it?" Her brown eyes sparkled mischievously, and Malachi swallowed hard. He had to force himself to not reach and take her in his arms, bury his face in her neck and kiss her senseless.

"Uhh, I've got work—"

"It can wait, Alpha."

And before he could resist, she took hold of his hands and dragged him from his office.

The fading daylight shimmered in the western sky, peppered with light specks of stars, and Malachi heard happy voices floating on the gentle breeze.

Ariella lead him down through the training field, and to the meadow beside it. A large bonfire was situated in the middle, small flames licking their way from the centre upwards. The smell of smoke and fresh savoury food was lingering on the breeze, tempting his stomach. He was surprised to see many of his pack members lingering about, talking, smiling...not doing anything in particular. "What's going on? What's everyone here for—"

"You'll see," she gave him a small smile, her lips pressing together tightly as if she was trying not to smile too wide. Continuing to pull him by the hand, he tried to ignore the way her fingers felt so perfect between his. This was too good. She felt too right, and he couldn't sink into the bliss of being with her, or else he'd ruin everything.

"Hamilton, how's everything going?" Ariella asked the Beta, and Malachi raised his eyebrow at his friend. It amused him that Hamilton would be involved.

"Better than I expected. Look, they came as you'd hoped," he motioned to the road that lead down from the pack's towncentre, where small groups of his wolves were approaching, even the older ones mixed in with their families and pups. Malachi was amazed.

"Is that nearly everyone?" Ariella asked, a slight nervous chord in her voice that probably only the Alpha noticed.

"Nah," Hamilton raked his hair up into a bun, tying it off with a leather cord. "There's lots that didn't want to listen to my message. But who knows, maybe this amazing smell of pizza will be too tempting for their pride."

Ariella giggled, and Malachi scowled at the cute smile she was giving his Beta. "Is Luna Seneca coming?" she then asked quietly.

"She's still not feeling well," Malachi quickly said, noticing the frown on her face. But then with a determined look, she squared her shoulders and put on a brave smile.

"Well, I guess we should get started then. Come on," she pulled Malachi to the centre of the clearing. "Hello, everyone," she called out, and the conversations hushed and faces turned to look at her. "Hello!" she called again to get the last remaining wolves' attention. "Welcome to pizza night!" she started, gripping his hand tightly where they hung between them. She swallowed and wet her lips. "On behalf of your Alpha Malachi, I'd like to thank you all for coming out here. I know it's not normally what you do, but I'm sure you'll all enjoy it. Tonight is all about enjoying food together, hanging out, sharing stories and making memories as a pack. I believe..." she paused, and looked quickly to Malachi, the confidence in her eyes only slipping for a brief moment before she turned to the expectant faces of his pack again. "I believe we can all come together as one pack, enjoy the good times as well as the bad, and look forward to a prosperous future if we face it together."

That was deep. Did she practice this? Malachi thought, and when Hamilton just smiled, the Alpha knew he was thinking the same thing.

"Now let's eat!" she clapped her hands, and a few wolves let out a cheer. They moved to the tables to choose what pizza they liked, and Malachi felt his heart literally swell with some kind of emotion towards his mate. She was so innocent, with the pastel colours in her hair, the setting sun's glow on her pretty face, and lithe way she greeted his pack members while handing out plates of pizza.

"Hamilton, this is for you!" he heard her call out, and he watched his Beta scurry over with a goofy smile trying to break out on his face. "As agreed," Ariella handed him a whole pizza topped with random ingredients, and Malachi felt a heavy flash of envy in his stomach.

"Perfect! Thanks, Ari," Hamilton grinned and went off to enjoy his dinner, making sure no one snatched what was his.

"Do I get a special one too?" Malachi sidled up to Ariella and slid a hand around her waist.

Her brown eyes turned to his. "I don't even know if you like pizza."

It was true, she really didn't know much about him. And perhaps he should keep it that way. "I eat anything," he shrugged.

"Okay, then. How about pineapple and pepperoni?"

She held out a plate, and the food looked so good that Malachi was almost tempted to eat it straight from her hand. Shaking his head to clear the unusual thoughts, he took the plate and at the same time, noticed her posture stiffen as she looked across the clearing.

Hila and her band of shewolves stalked down slowly, taking a seat at the back of the gathering with scrutinising looks in their eyes.

Ariella took a deep breath and started towards them.

"Where are you going?" the Alpha reached out and gripped her elbow.

"To say hello to our pack members," she forcefully replied and kept going, her momentum of confidence intact no matter the hard stare that Malachi was giving her.

With an unsteady heartbeat, he lowered himself to a log and watched her from across the fire, able to hear every word she said despite the many happy conversations going on around him.

"Hila," his beautiful mate knelt in front of the widow. "I'm so glad you decided to join us. Are you hungry?" She looked between the older women, and they barely gave a nod but the slight acknowledgement was enough for Ariella. She hurried over to the food and returned to them with plates spread in her arms.

Hila accepted one and just stared at it for a few moments with a dazed look in her eyes. Malachi was afraid she'd react badly, lash out and hurt Ariella, or laugh maniacally and accuse Ariella of murdering her mate. But she didn't.

"Archie loved pizza," she whispered, a sorrowful expression stealing into her eyes, darkening even the glowing firelight that reflected off everyone present.

Ariella gently took her hand, a gesture of comfort that confused Malachi. He wanted to be mad at her for being so friendly to the people who caused him so much trouble. He wanted to warn her away and never let her near the wolves who could tear her shreds if they decided they hated her enough. But he couldn't. He was transfixed by the tenderness in Ariella's eyes and what happened next.

"What was his favourite flavour?"

"Beef and bacon. Lots of bacon." A reminiscent smile tugged on Hila's face.

"Then you wait right here," Ariella quickly said, bounding away and imploring Knight who was still making pizzas to put extra bacon on one. When it was ready, she took it right over to Hila and sat with her for a while, smiling and talking with the shewolves as if they were old friends. A few others joined the group, and the easy conversation flowed.

"Can't believe she's actually doing it," Hamilton took a seat beside his Alpha and munched on his third pizza. "She's uniting the pack," he said with a look of pride on his face.

"You knew about this?" Malachi turned a dark gaze at him.

Hamilton threw up his hands in defence and nearly choked. "Hey, she said you approved. I just followed her directions. She is, afterall, going to be our Luna. Right?"