Chapter 47

One week later....

ALEXIS

Even though the griffins were down, our stress levels hadn't gone down at all.

There was so much that had to be done once we returned to the pack.

Of course, first, we had to let our mothers cry over us for a few minutes. Then, my dad refused to let me go – his wolf was pissed and in overprotective-father mode. After that, I had to deal with Hudson, who basically freaked out every time I left the house.

We were busy bringing the pack back to its normal state so we were constantly on the run. I was going down to the pack hospital almost every day to help out and get blood drawn so that it could be used to heal the more serious injuries. Boston and Matthew were busy making sure all the evacuated pack members were making it back safely and that all the funeral arrangements were in order for the pack warriors that had died the night I disappeared.

Hudson, on the other hand, was trying to get a hold of Patsy and members of other species so we could form a blood contract so we knew that no one would attack us again for the sake of my blood. So far, the vampires had agreed, but the dragons were a little harder to convince – they liked the idea of being able to burn down a whole country in a few seconds– although Hudson was working on convincing them that they didn't need that much power.

As for the griffins, we hadn't heard anything since we blew the mountains up. A group of trackers was keeping an eye on them in case, but they had nothing suspicious to report so far. After we returned to the pack, we were worried that the griffins would make a comeback, but Lacey had reassured us that the area we blew up was where they stored all their weapons and explosives. By blowing them up, we left them defenseless.

"Hello, my scrumptious angel."

I raised an eyebrow and turned my head so I could look at Hudson standing behind me. He pursed his lips as if deep in thought and shook his head, "Nah, that's a mouthful."

He had given up on the nickname Fruit Loop because it wasn't meaningful enough to him and was trying to find something else to call me.

"You know, you could just call me by my name," I said, kissing his cheek before turning back to the dishes. He sighed and grabbed the dish towel so he could help dry them off.

"But everyone does that, I want something that only I could call you," he muttered.

I chuckled, "You have a long time to pick a nickname. You're stuck with me for more than a few decades."

"I guess, but look at Bradley. He just found his mate and he already has a nickname for her."

Hudson had Bradley evacuated with the rest of the pack members that night because he didn't want to risk his brother's life, but what was surprising was that he didn't even put up a fight. According to him, his wolf was begging him to go with the rest of the pack members so he did, only to realize that his mate was waiting at the other pack. She was a sweet girl and didn't really mind that Bradley couldn't see – she was just happy to find her mate.

"Clearly, Bradley was more prepared for his mate then you were," I said, trying not to laugh at the disgruntled look his face.

"I'll think of something. Patsy replied to my message by the way," he said, drying the last dish and wrapping his arms around my waist.

"What did she say?"

He laid his chin on my shoulder, "That Beta Mitchell's son has golden blood for a different reason. She was very vague, but it sounds like he has a journey of his own."

I frowned, "That sounds....daunting."

"It does, but at this point, we can only cross that bridge when it comes."

I mentally prayed that the baby wouldn't have to go through what we just went through. It wasn't fair to have to spend the rest of your life on guard.

"I have good news though. The dragons finally agreed to sign the contract. I sent out two trackers to both the vampires and dragons. Once we get their fingerprints in blood, we can store it in a safe spot."

"Sounds good," I hummed in approval.

"I called back all our abroad trackers. We will be having the funerals over the weekend so I told them to make it back in time. I'm excited for you to meet some of my old friends."

I smiled and grabbed the cutting board, "If they're anything like the rest of the pack members, then we'll get along fine."

The front door opened and loud footsteps bounded down the hallway. Hudson groaned and lifted his head to look at the person, "Why are you here? Doesn't anyone have a place of their own? It's like my house has become a hangout spot."

"I told you before. Don't give me the key if you don't want me entering," Boston smirked, sitting on the counter next to where I was cutting up some carrots, "Whatcha cookin, sweet cheeks?"

Hudson growled at the term of endearment, and I felt his arms tighten around me. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and shrugged him off gently so I wasn't restrained.

"My special homemade chicken soup," I answered Boston proudly, dropping the carrots into a bowl.

"What's so special about it?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You'll see."

"Boston," Hudson said slowly, "Why are your eyes so red?"

I stopped cutting and took a closer look at Boston. He had dark circles under his eyes and the red veins in his eyes were clearly visible. It was like he had trouble sleeping because something was bothering him.

The smile on Boston's face disappeared and he rubbed his eyes with a sigh, "I didn't get any sleep last night because of my wolf."

Hudson cocked his head, "What was wrong with him?"

"I don't fucking know. He was just pacing all night and he wouldn't say what was wrong. It's driving me nuts."

"I think I know why," Hudson said, a small smirk forming on his face.

Boston narrowed his eyes, "Yeah?"

"You're going to find your mate soon."

His eyes widened, "How though? There's no one new in the pack. I went around the whole pack today and didn't feel a connection with anyone."

A thought dawned on me, "Unless your mate is in the group from abroad."

Boston's face went from shocked to excited in a matter of seconds, " You're right! My wolf started acting all weird after I found out that all the trackers were coming back."

"Then, I guess all we do is wait then," Hudson said, clapping Boston on the back.

"Oh Moon Goddess. I have to go tell my dad. I'll catch you guys later. Lexi, save me some of that soup,"

He ran out the door without another word.

"Well then," Hudson said, giving me a small smirk, "Since everyone seems to be finding their mates, I finally have you to myself."

I raised an eyebrow, "Meaning?"

He leaned in and trapped me against the counter with his arms, "Don't you think it's time we christen the bed?"

My stomach flipped with excitement, but I knew the timing wasn't right.

"How about after the funeral and the Alpha Ball?"

He groaned and leaned his head against mine, "Tease."

I chuckled and pecked his lips, before turning around to finish making the soup.