The Lesser of 2 Evils

XAVIER, THE PACK

“Thank you all for coming today on such short notice. I have an important announcement to make – I have found my mate,” I announce to the pack, believing this is the best way to ensure Kristina’s ability to stay. I still don’t know with one hundred percent certainty yet that she is my true bond mate but I think she is and once she stops stinking like rogue, I’ll know for sure.

“That’s right, you’ll know for sure,” Gunner reminds me that he’s already on Team Kristina. He spent last night connecting with Kristina’s she-wolf, Bella and is already convinced that they’re our mate, even without being able to scent her. I spent most of the night listening to him complain about the fact that our mate is spending yet another night in a prison cell while we sleep in a comfortable bed and how ashamed of ourselves we should be. That went on for most of the night, he didn’t let up at all until I finally surrendered the night and got out of bed as the dawn was beginning to break.

“Kristina Jones was a rogue seeking sanctuary and she luckily stumbled into our territory. I ask that you listen to her with an open mind as she makes her case to stay,” I state, trying not to sound like I’m pleading but failing miserably. I step away and concede center stage to Kristina who steps forward bravely. I can see that her entire body is trembling with nerves and there is a tremor to her voice but she speaks loudly and confidently.

“I am a runaway from my old pack where partners are selected for the best genetic diversity for the betterment of the pack,” she stops, pausing to catch her breath. I survey the crowd and note many are looking shocked at her statement, disbelief on their faces that love would be so easily discarded in matings.

“Women are used as breeders in our pack and are expected to produce as many pups as they are physically able to, for as long as they can, then they are cast aside,” her voice remains strong, the tremble from emotion, not fear. Women in the crowd are also equally upset to hear that others are being so poorly treated and I know that Kristina is winning them over with her honesty and courage.

“My mate was selected for me before I was born and I was to marry him on my eighteenth birthday,” gasps of shock ring out in the crowd. There are looks of dismay, others of disgust on faces throughout as well.

“I’m asking to join your pack as an equal citizen but I can’t promise that there won’t be repercussions – my old pack will still be looking for me,” she says, hanging her head in shame. The looks of dismay turn to ones of anger and shouts of outrage begin to be heard from all corners of the crowd. I let this go on for several minutes until finally one of my warriors steps forward and kneels in front of me. I give him the floor.

“Alpha, I think I speak on behalf of the entire pack when I say we will defend our Luna against any and all invaders,” he declares solemnly. Other members of my warrior force drop to their knee in a show of solidarity and slowly, one by one, the entire pack does the same.

I look over to Kristina again who is trembling even more violently, but now from the adrenaline I’m sure that must be running through her body from this incredible show of solidarity. I step forward.

“Does this pack accept Kristina Jones as one of its’ own?” I shout so all can hear. The pack moves as one as it stands on its’ feet. As one voice they speak together.

“We do!” The sound is loud and reverberates through the trees, the echo bouncing back and forth for a moment. I turn to Kristina who faces me.

“Do you, Kristina Jones, accept us as your pack?” I ask her, continuing her initiation process.

“I do,” she says, agreeing instantly.

“Do you, Kristina Jones, accept me as your Alpha?” Kristina kneels in front of me before answering, her eyes hooded.

“I do, Alpha Xavier,” she says again, her voice scarcely a whisper. I turn to Scott who hands me a knife, which I then use to cut a slice in the palm of my hand. Now standing, I turn to Kristina and do the same thing to her hand. We then place our bleeding hands against one another and in that instant, she becomes a member of our pack.

And in that instant, I know.

The scent of strawberries wafts over me like a lover’s caress, bathing me in it’s penetrating embrace. As I look into Kristina’s eyes, I watch her pupils dilate and imagine mine are doing the same. I feel my heartrate increase and the tightness in my pants as I beg Gunner for help to keep my body in check. The last thing I need is a raging hard-on while standing in front of my pack.

The pack cheers as Kristina joins us but neither her nor I move, both of us locked on the other. She gives me a beautiful smile that stretches from ear to ear as I suddenly hear her in my head through the mindlink for the first time.

“Mate,” she says confidently for only me to hear. I smile back at her, confirming I heard her message. I take a step closer to her and take her hand in mine. I don’t use the mindlink, opting to use the word out loud for everyone to hear – confirming the fact so there’s no doubt. I look into Kristina’s eyes and tell her what she’s been waiting for me to say.

“Mate.”