57

"Incoming!"

The warning was accompanied by an animalistic squeal and a ball of fluff rushing through their legs. Savannah jumped back with a scream of her own before seeing it was just a wild cat that was quickly followed by Elias and his friends.

Charles and Lexi's eldest son rushed past, weaving between the trees and snatching the cat before it scooted up a trunk to hide amongst the foliage. "Don't run off again like that, you hear me? One of these days you're going to get yourself lost, and then what? Hm?" he asked it as he cradled it in his arms and patted its head soothingly.

The cat's grey brown fur was standing on end as if prickled from a fright, and its glassy green eyes darted back and forth with keenness. It eventually settled and began purring under Elias' gentle touch.

"That's it, little Aslan, calm down and let's go find some chicken pieces for you. You'd like that, wouldn't you?"

"Elias, what have I told you about letting that thing off its leash? It almost gave my mate a heart attack!" Caleb Knight came around the building and rebuked the young wolf. The former Head Guard of Alpha Kaiden's pack held his mate's hand firmly, rubbing her palm with his thumb.

"I'm okay, Caleb. Honestly. Don't know why you're flipping out over something so small," Miranda scolded him in turn, rolling her eyes at his dramatic behaviour.

"Yeah, Uncle. Aslan's not that scary," Elias said, holding the cat up to the older wolf.

It reached out its claws and swiped at Caleb's face, mewing loudly.

"You were saying?"

"He just doesn't like you, you grumpy old wolf," Miranda laughed, patting the cat's head with gentle fingers. It began purring again and arched its head for her to reach its neck.

"I just don't want to take any risks," Caleb tried again, tugging her away while eyeing the cat with suspicion. "It could have caused you to trip."

"There's no need to be so overprotective of me. I'm not made of cotton candy, you know."

"I didn't say you were, Randy."

"Then what's the big deal?"

He sighed in exasperation, turning to give a retort but Savannah stepped in.

"What are you two squabbling about?" she asked them, nodding at Elias to scamper off. He took the hint and raced away with Hunter and Isaiah by his side, and his curious pet in his arms.

"Caleb is afraid that every little thing is going to jump out and tackle me," Miranda said, raising her brows to dare him to deny it.

"You know I just want to keep you safe, babe," he tugged her into his arms and placed a loud kiss on her forehead.

"I'm sure a grown woman is capable of fending against a little cat." Savannah pinned him with a serious gaze, sure there was more to this story and determined to find it out.

"It's anything but little! You saw how big and wild and ferocious it was!"

"Oh, please," Miranda sighed.

"Randy, if anything happens to you or--" He caught himself, looking sharply at Savannah before turning back to his chosen mate.

"Out with it," Savannah pushed, tapping her foot impatiently while Zion watched on, amused.

Miranda gave Caleb a small nod, then said with a large smile, "Alpha, we're having a baby. We didn't want to tell everyone until after a few more weeks, but..."

"Looks like the cat's out of the bag now," Caleb finished for her, rolling his eyes but grinning excitedly. He held his mate closer to himself, cradling her tenderly.

"That's amazing! Oh, I'm so happy for you guys!" Savannah gushed, pulling them both in for a hug. The couple had suffered a few miscarriages over the years, and had been hoping desperately for a healthy pregnancy and birth before they grew too old. As their Alpha, Savannah had prayed their hopes would be fulfilled.

"Are you all just gonna stand around and chat all day, or are we gonna get this party on the road?" Petrinna barreled around the corner and waved her hands wildly at them all.

"Do you always interrupt at the most inconvenient times?" Zion scolded her, hands on hips as he glared menacingly.

Trinna shrank back, her eyes widening. "Do you... Are you always this scary?"

After another long moment of staring at her darkly, Zion dropped his arms and cracked a grin. "Good to know I've still got it," he commented, winking at Savannah.

The Alpha rolled her eyes. "You're such a show off."

"So...I'm not about to be torn limb from limb?" Trinna still wasn't sure she could relax around the tall and lethal Alpha male.

"Only if you keep standing there staring at him like that," Savannah threatened, hating the way any female looked at her mate with too much interest.

"Now who's overprotective?" Caleb snickered.

"You're right. Sorry. I just, uhh..." Trinna dropped her eyes and cleared her throat nervously. "I was just coming to find you all so we could start lunch. What were you talking about so secretively anyway?"

"We were discussing the invasion of our pack by foreigners under the guise of young and innocent victims, and what we should do with them when they learn too many of our secrets," Caleb explained slowly, his words careful and laced with threats.

Trinna's eyebrows rose, remembering the way Savannah had found and taken her in after she'd lost her mum in a house fire in the neighbouring pack. It had taken a while for everyone to accept her, but they now saw her as a genuine and loyal pack member...or so she thought. What was Caleb insinuating? That she was working undercover for an enemy pack? Judging by the smothered grin on Miranda's face, she reasoned that he was just joking like usual, and decided to play it off. "Okay, you guys have officially been kidnapped and replaced by aliens. I'll come back when you're all ready to be nice agai--"

"Trinna, he's just upset that Elias' pet might have injured me. You probably saw the way the wild cat was running around like crazy before," Miranda said, her annoyance undisguised.

"What's that got to do with-- No way!" She squealed, jumping up and down in excitement when she saw the way Miranda laid a hand unconsciously on her belly. "This is epic! Even more reason to celebrate. Could my day get any better? Oh my goodness, what are you going to call him? Is it a girl or boy? I have some really cool names up my sleeve, like Clover or Freesia, so if you need any ideas--"

"We have plenty of ideas, now calm down or I'll command Elias' cat to chase you until you exhaust some of your boundless energy," Caleb growled, but everyone heard the humour behind his stern words.

"I won't tell anyone yet, if that's what you're worried about. But you can't hide it forever. Especially in a couple months. Oh man, Aunty Lexi is gonna be so happy for you. She says I'm almost ready to work solo as a midwife. Can I be your midwife, Miranda? I'd love to get to prac--"

"That's another thing," Caleb interrupted her sharply and even Savannah bristled at his abruptness. "We're leaving the pack."

"Excuse me?" Savannah nearly stumbled forward with the force of her question.

Miranda grabbed his hand and looked up at her mate with a frown. "Caleb, we hadn't planned on telling them so soon."

"Well, since all the news is tumbling out, we might as well get it over with. Alpha, we request a transfer to Silverstone Pack."

"So you really are leaving? Why? What happened? Was it something I said?" Trinna gasped and covered her mouth with her hands, her face falling with disappointment.

"Don't worry, Trinna, this has nothing to do with you," Miranda took the younger shewolf's hands and reassured her. "My brother in Silverstone told us of a position that recently became available. He's asked Caleb to apply to be Head Guard. We didn't think it would be approved, but it has. We hate to be moving at a time like this," she lightly touched her flat stomach, "but you know I've been wanting to move closer to family for a while now."

"But we are your family," Trinna whined, looking sadly between the two.

"Trinna, that's enough. Go on and tell everyone we'll be there soon to start the ceremony," Savannah ordered, looking seriously at Caleb and Miranda.

When the over-excitable shewolf left, Savannah sighed. "So I guess there's no reason I could give to make you stay."

"I'm afraid not. But we do still request your permission, Alpha," Caleb lowered his head in deference.

"Well, if you think it's best for your family, I won't stand in your way."

"Thank you, Alpha." Miranda beamed, clasping her mate's hands in happiness.

"Now, what did Trinna say about food?" Savannah took her mate's hand, and they all walked to the centre of town where the ceremony and celebrations would take place. Tables and chairs had been set up, surrounding a small stage in the centre of the town square. First, they would hold a ceremony where the rogues would pledge their allegiance to her pack, then they would celebrate with food, music, and games.

Most of the pack had already gathered, enjoying the day off from work. Only the essential workers remained on duty, including the border guards and warriors. When Savannah stepped onto the stage, the crowd hushed and assembled in front of her to listen. Beta Justin and Gamma Cale took their places to her right and left, respectively.

"Everyone, first I want to thank you for preparing such an amazing celebratory event on such short notice," she spoke in a loud, clear voice so all could hear. "You will have heard that I've found my mate, and though he was a rogue, he has now changed his ways and joined our pack for good. He may have hurt us in the past, but I believe he will now protect our pack and treat us as his own family."

Her words brought a few dark looks of suspicion, as they eyed Zion skeptically, but at her reassuring words, they backed down and trusted their Alpha to be making the right choice. If she said Zion was safe, they would believe her for now. She smiled as she felt their acceptance through the pack bonds.

"Likewise," she continued, "a few members of his gang have also decided to join us. They will be trained as every other pack member in our ways of teamwork, commitment, sacrifice, and mateship. I expect you to treat them as your brothers and sisters, since from here on they will join us to become part of our family."

She watched as Chayton and Niko smiled in appreciation of her endorsement. Willow was beside them, supported by her mate Ethan. Tas stood close by, nodding in agreement while his twin sister scowled under the watchful eyes of two guards. Due to her attitude, Savannah couldn't completely trust the unpredictable shewolf just yet, and decided to play it safe. The Alpha hoped that over time, once Talei grew to see the privilege she'd been given by joining the pack, she would change her perspective and work willingly towards her own bright future.

"So, without any more grand words, since you know how much I just love making speeches," Savannah grinned, causing her pack members to chuckle at her sarcasm, "we will begin the official acceptance ceremony with the stating of the pledge." Turning to her father who had made his way to the stage, Savannah took the dagger he offered and held it high for all to see. "On the Dagger of Chen, every member must pledge their allegiance and loyalty to me as their Alpha, to the pack as their family, and to themselves as the master of their own choices. Chayton, please come forward."

The older wolf looked proud to be first, and walked purposefully to the front. He kneeled before Savannah and accepted the dagger, then held it flat against his upturned palms. Trinna must have informed him of the formal proceedings, as he looked at the Alpha directly and began his pledge. The words didn't have to be perfect, memorized, or strictly following a script. She wanted loyalty from the heart, and Chayton was sincere in every word he spoke.

"I am Chayton, son of Warrick and Ava from Verde Plains Pack. For many years I have wandered on my own, trying to find peace and purpose outside of a pack's rules and protocols. I have aligned myself with many causes, but none as true as the one I stand in front of now. I want to thank you, Alpha Savannah, for the grace and mercy you have extended to me even after the wrongs we have caused you and your pack. Only by your offer of a second chance have I come to really understand the meaning and importance of living together as a pack. As a family. You've given me what no one else deemed me worthy of. I will fight for you to the best of my ability, and I will choose every day to learn your ways and protect this pack as my own. I pledge my loyalty to you, my Alpha."

As he finished, he bowed his head in the ultimate sign of submission to her authority. The crowd cheered, and as soon as he handed back the dagger, Petrinna came running up and threw her arms around him. Savannah smiled as the father and daughter embraced.

Niko came forward next, followed by Tas and Talei, then Willow and Ethan. Lastly, Zion stepped up on the stage beside Savannah and wrapped his long arms possessively around her. She had to push him back when his kiss became heated, and her face flushed with embarrassment when her entire pack cheered and applauded. Glaring up at him beneath her lashes, her eyes silently rebuked him for displaying so much physical affection in front of everybody, but he just chuckled, placing a quick kiss on her forehead before sinking to his knees.

The sight of him kneeling before her had her heart speeding up, her throat turning dry, and her blood running hot in her veins.

"My little Alpha," he addressed her while holding her gaze in a trance. His deep voice rumbled, echoing in her ears like a bass drum. "I know our relationship is very different from what the other pack members share with you. You are now my Alpha, but I am not completely under your authority."

She almost gasped at the audacity of his words. Glancing at her parents, she noticed her dad frowning while her mum just smiled and nodded her head. Obviously, there was a fine line between sharing the position of Alpha, and both thinking they were superior over the other. She didn't want to dominate in her own relationship with Zion, but she also didn't want to hand over all authority to him as the strong male. Would they be able to reach a compromise if ever their wills clashed?

"But I promise you this," Zion continued. "I will always cherish you, respect you, and love you with every breath I have left. Time is short, and our days together are precious. That's why I plan with all my heart to be the best mate you could ever want. You are far more than I deserve, and I am blessed to not only have you as my mate, but to have your pack as my family. I will live to protect them, serve them, and strengthen this family with each day remaining in my future. I pray you and I will always be together, laugh together, cry together, and grow old together. You are far more than my second chance. You are my only chance, and my choice. I choose to be the other half of your heart, and I vow to stand by you every day we have together."

Savannah's heart felt like it would burst with so much love for the man in front of her. Bending down, she took his shoulders and tugged him up until he was standing. "You don't have to kneel before me," she whispered, feeling like they were the only two people in the town square. Her pack members faded in the background as her entire focus honed in on her mate--on the way the sunlight glinted in his dark brown hair, highlighting the strands so they shone golden; on the way his eyes traced her face, as if memorising every curve and line of her features; on the way his breathing deepened as she held his hands, rubbing circles over his knuckles. His skin was warm beneath her touch, and sparks arced between their hands as tiny reminders of their bond. "I want you to always stand beside me."

After a solemn nod of his head, Zion broke into a grin and pulled her in for a kiss. The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, whistling and teasing good-naturedly. Savannah turned to smile at them, and noticed Halcyon approaching with something in her hands.

"I've got something for you," Zion said as he accepted the object from Hal. Turning back to Savannah, he explained. "It's small, but I think you'll like it. I found it on Koral, a small island in Catalya. It's a very rare--"

"A phalaenopsis igneus?" she couldn't help interrupting, her eyes widening at the sight of the flaming magenta and yellow orchid flowers, given their name from the volcanic slopes they grew on. "You actually found one! Thank you!"

"I take it you like it," Zion chuckled, handing her the pot plant.

Cale peered over her shoulder. "Like it? More like love. She's been trying to source one for years, to add to her collection of ancient plants. You better watch out, Mister. She might spend the night in her greenhouse with that plant instead of with you."

"You wouldn't dare..." Zion growled, reaching out to take back the plant.

"And you had better not dare," Savannah countered, spinning around to hide the plant from his grasp. Then she added with a smirk, "Don't worry. Nothing will keep me from you tonight." As soon as the words left her mouth, she cringed, realising she'd said them in front of the whole pack. Justin clenched his fists and pretended he hadn't heard, while Cale just laughed and shared a wink with Persia, who stood close to the stage. Another round of applause, wolf whistles and cheers met them, causing Savannah to blush fiercely.

"Still so innocent, I see," Zion whispered by her ear, as his hand came up to brush down the side of her face. "I can help with that..."

Slapping away his hand, she hissed, "Save it for later," then hopped off the stage and handed her treasured plant to Emerald. She knew her sister would look after it while she composed herself. Then she called out, "Did someone say iced tea?"

Making her way to the drinks table, her departure from the stage signified the start of the festivities. Everyone began chatting, playing music, and sharing food while the pups ran around with their usual frenetic energy.

"Hey, Van," Hunter whispered as he came up beside her. "I found what you asked for."

She accepted the small bag he slipped into her hand, looking over the rim of her glass casually as if nothing had passed between them. "Thanks, bro."

The amusement in his eyes sparked excitement in her own. Grabbing another glass of the cold tea, she shielded it from view as she slipped the contents of the bag into it, then walked over to her Beta.

"Hey, Justin. Thanks for standing beside me today. Your support means a lot."

"Just doing my job," he replied blankly.

"You know it's more than that." She rolled her eyes, then handed him the drink. "Here, thought you might like a drink."

"I should be getting you one, Alpha," he argued and tried pushing it back.

"Already had one, thank you." Turning quickly, she began walking away so he wouldn't see the grin she failed to conceal. When he suddenly let out a shriek, she turned back and watched as the drink spewed from his mouth, along with a slimy green thing that flew through the air and landed on Cale's head.

"What--!!" the Gamma let out a high-pitched shriek as he grabbed his hair wildly.

"You!" Justin marched over to Savannah and dumped the rest of the drink on her head. "Are you trying to kill me or something?"

Bursting out in laughter at the rage on his face and pale colour of his lips, she doubled over with a full belly laugh. Cale was jumping up and down to fling the frog from his hair, while Persia fussed over him, demanding he stand still long enough for her to grab it. People had cleared back, giving the comedy room to play out. Justin bent over and gagged, while Savannah just stood by, gave Hunter a high five, and continued to laugh.

"I'm glad I wasn't on the receiving end of that prank." Zion shook his head in disbelief of his mate's tricks.

"Just you wait. Your turn will come," Petrinna assured him, winking at Savannah.

Alpha, a rogue slipped past border security! The alert echoed in her mind before screams and shouts erupted from the edge of the gathering. Ahh, wait... maybe it's not a rogue, Jade, a border guard, amended as she ran to catch the intruder.

"Did y'all start the party without me?" An irate man's voice shouted as he walked quickly towards Savannah. "I thought we were friends!" he pouted, and Savannah rushed to slap him upside the head.

"Darek! Don't give me a heart attack like that! You can't just waltz onto someone's territory without permission. You could've been killed."

"Killed? By those lousy wolves who call themselves border guards? Ha! Even my granny coulda sneaked past them." He threw his head back and laughed obnoxiously.

"Oh my....what do we have here... A yummy piece of cheesecake, hm?" Petrinna marveled, watching the newcomer closely for a moment before coming up to join Savannah. "Excuse me, Alpha, but do you mind?" she asked, never taking her eyes off Darek. When his eyes met hers, their gazes locked and remained as one.

Savannah could only watch the two curiously as they pointedly ignored her. "What's going on?" she asked, feeling left out of an inside joke or secret.

"Darek is in for it now," Zion chuckled, grabbing Savannah by the hand and leading her away. "Welcome to the world of wolves, Darek," he called over his shoulder, but the human male was still too enraptured by the sight of Trinna to even notice the dominant Alpha.

"This is going to be so much fun," Trinna giggled to herself, rubbing her hands together as she circled Darek like a predatory wolf circles its startled prey.

"Beware, Darek. She looks like she wants to eat you alive," Cale joked as he lightly punched Darek in the arm.

"Cale, leave him alone!" Trinna shoved him away, immediately standing between him and Darek like the Gamma wolf was a threat to her mate. As soon as she turned and grasped Darek's hands, the fierce expression on her face melted into one of complete wonder and amazement.

Savannah smiled to herself as the couple became oblivious to the party around them, as they instead kept holding each other's hands, trapped in their own spell.

"What the hell is going on?" Justin echoed her previous sentiment, marching up and demanding answers.

"Isn't it obvious?" Savannah whirled on him, suddenly feeling too angry with his seriousness to laugh about the tea stains on his shirt. "Trinna and Darek are mates. Do you have a problem with that?"

"I do, actually."

His blunt response caught her off guard. "Tell me what it is," she commanded, crossing her arms over her chest and glaring at him.

"One, he's a human. Two, he's not part of this pack. Three--"

"Then I'll make him a part of this pack. I'm sure he'll decide to join, seeing as he won't want to leave Trinna. He's always been dying to be part of a gang or pack, anyway."

"Are you serious?"

"Do I look like I'm kidding?"

"You'll just let a random human join this pack? A human?"

"What's wrong with being human, hey? Did we decide to be wolves?" she asked hotly, stepping closer to her obstinate Beta. "Did he decide to be born to humans in a weaker body than ours? Did he decide his mate would be a wolf in our pack?"

"That doesn't make it right.."

"So you'll just go against God now, huh? You think you're more powerful and wise than Him? I should start calling you Almighty Justi--"

"I can't believe you're making fun of me right now."

"And I can't believe you're being so stupid right now."

"Hey! I'm the only sensible one around here, it seems."

"Then stop being so sensible. Since when did mate pairings always make sense? Not my parents, not Aunt Ariella's, and certainly not mine."

"Yeah, well maybe that's where it all started. When you chased after a rogue and lost your head to all this nonsense--"

"How dare you!"

"You know what? I'm done with this. I'm done with watching you throw away all the discipline and respect you've worked for. All the other packs are laughing at us for how weak we've become. Well, let them laugh. Let them see how you're just accepting rogues and humans and miscreants left right and centre, until we're nothing but a pitiful, insignificant, pathetic group of nobodies."

"Take that back right now!" Savannah demanded, horrified by Justin's rude disrespect and criticisms of her choices and actions.

"I won't. You'll see I'm right." With those defiant words hanging between them, Justin turned on his heel and marched from the square. Grabbing a large backpack from beside a chair, he slung it over his shoulder and continued marching.

"Wait," Savannah called out, stomping her foot to emphasise her demand. "Wait, Justin!"

But he refused to respond, and something broke inside the Alpha as her Beta kept his back to her and walked further and further away.

"Hey, son, What are you doing?" His dad, Beta Benjamin, ran to catch up. Grasping his shoulder, he swung the younger man around until he was looking in the dark and brooding eyes of his son.

"I can't take it any more, Dad. You've seen the way she fawns over that rogue."

"He's not a rogue anymore. You saw how he pledged his life to this pack."

"That's what makes it all the more dangerous. She's got him now. She's relying on him, trusting on him, when who's to say he's really changed?"

"That's not up to us. We need to watch out for our Alpha, and ensure the new pack members learn our ways of discipline and loyalty. They just need time."

Justin shook his head. "She doesn't ask for my input or consideration. I can't be her Beta any longer, Dad. You can see that, right?"

Benjamin clenched his jaw, weighing his next words carefully. "I can see how much you care about her. So that's why you can't stand the sight of her with her mate. You have to let her go, son."

Justin took a deep breath, looking as if he wanted to shout and seethe, but he wouldn't disrespect his father in that way. Letting it out, he spoke quietly, sadly, "And that's why I have to leave. She doesn't respect me anymore, she's made that clear. This is better for everyone."

Turning once more, he set his face west and never looked back.

"What happened to Justin?" Savannah ran to Benjamin and asked in a worried voice. She'd felt the older Beta's sadness through the bond as he slowly made his way back to the celebration, and she looked up at her uncle with concern.

"I'm sorry, Vannah... He's gone."

"What do you mean, gone? Uncle Benny, he can't just leave! He's my Beta. Where's he going? How long until he gets back? When--"

"Savannah, stop it!" Benny growled before he closed his eyes, then released a long sigh through his nose. "I'm sorry. I thought you'd have known considering your close bond with my son. Did you not feel his resentment towards Zion? Didn't you see how upset he was? He thinks it's best for everyone if he leaves, and I think... I think I agree."

"But...but..." Savannah sputtered, trying to make sense of the void that grew stronger in her mind as her Beta slowly ran to the territory's edge and crossed the boundary. He really was leaving, breaking the bond of Alpha and Beta, and turning his back on their family.