Page 9 of Alpha Mates

“It’s a r—”

“No.” Her almond eyes narrow to slits. “The Heils are present—all ofthem—and it’s embarrassing that you are not.”

If she’s trying to get me to go, reminding me that Julian is there is not the way to do it.

“Gather some semblance of the common courtesy we instilled in you and clean yourself up,” she snaps as her gaze razes over me. “I want you in the hall within the next five minutes, or I swear to our Goddess above Aiden, you will not like the outcome.”

Max paces uncomfortably, not at all fond of being threatened in front of our packmates, but I settle him down with a nudge.

She might be a headcase, but she’s still my mother, and I would not disrespect her.

I nod.

Ma’s glower disappears as if she hadn’t been a hornet’s nest of anger a moment ago. A peachy smile replaces it as she turns and swiftly makes her way back to the Hall.

Two more days,Max murmurs the quiet mantra we’ve clung to.Two more days, then what we say goes.

With that in mind, I bottle my annoyance and head home to grab a way-too-fast shower before making for the Black Moon Pack’s Hall.

There was no way I could’ve made it in five minutes, even with how close our packlands are. But that doesn’t stop Ma from hurling invisible daggers at me when I eventually stride into the open building.

Pretending not to notice, I make my way to the stage where a mix of both packs’ elders stand waiting, along with my parents and the vermin himself.

The second our eyes meet, any warmth in Julian’s blue eyes freezes over, and his jaw locks like mine.

“Nice of you to join us, Aiden,” my father quips light-heartedly, despite his bitter gaze.

I plaster on my award-winning smile. “Sorry, there was traffic.”

Eyes flare all around, but nobody bothers to play as they all face the elders, who quickly pick up where they’d left off.

“Once the processions from both packs are complete, we will sanctify the space, and share our blessings for both new alphas,” one explains, gesturing to my father and Julian’s while I climb onto the platform with the lot of them. “You, alphas, will then take the stage to perform the transaction of power.”

While the elders go on about which sides they’ll enter from, I take in the decor around the Hall for the first time.

I usually don’t care about stuff like this, but even I can admit that the place looks pretty good. Instead of splitting things down the middle as I expected, they’d elected to mix our packs’ traditional garbs and coloursthroughout the Hall. Our burgundy tones intertwine nicely with their golds, making the place look regal.

The open foundations allow flowering vines to spiral up the columns, climbing all the way to the large glass ceiling. The setting sun breaks through to fill the Hall, bathing it in a gentle red glow. It’s beautiful, but it’ll be even better on the full moon when the large, circular panel at the top is opened, and Goddess shines her light down on us.

“…Aiden and Julian will follow.”

I force my attention back at the mention of my name and spot Julian following one of his elders to where he’s supposed to emerge. I find my own and take my position on the opposite side of the stage.

“You’ll meet each of your alphas for the transfer,” they continue as they walk us to our positions.

They could’ve put a piece of red tape on the ground, and I would’ve figured it out on the day, but I keep those thoughts to myself as they walk us through the entire process. It’s long and tedious, but I’m unbothered until they bring me and Julian face to face, and ask us to clutch one another’s arms.

“No,” I dismiss as I step back. “What the hell is that for?”Other than to taint a respectful gesture by making me share it with Julian.

“A show of mutual trust,” the mutt opposite me answers before the elders can. “Were you not paying attention?”

I glare at the fucker, but that only makes the corner of his lips tilt upwards.

“I’d trust a witch before I trust you,” I sneer, which causes an overly dramatic elder to suck in a breath.

“I don’t necessarily make it a habit to trust simpletons either, but it’s required by Council law because of our pack’s proximity,” Julian replies with that infuriatingly calm tone that makes me want to punch him, if only to force him to anger. “Is there anything that youdoknow?”

“I know that you’re a substitute for the real thing.”