Page 26 of Destined Mate (Cross Creek Pack of San DeLain)

Chapter Sixteen

Wesley

“THEN LET’S get my mate fed.” Was it bad that those words gave Wesley a little thrill?

Their lovemaking had lasted long into the night, and Wesley wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day doing more of the same. They didn’t have that luxury, however. A new day was upon them, and there were things that demanded their immediate attention.

He reluctantly released his hold on Jerome’s warm body and sat up in bed. Jerome also sat up and stretched. Once again, Wesley’s breath caught in his throat at how stunning—and perfect—Jerome truly was.

Jerome’s eyes sparkled with an inner glow, and his smile was warm and genuine, reflecting pure happiness. The sight of him was so overwhelming that Wesley’s heart twisted in his chest, a mix of awe and emotion, because now, finally, he could call Jerome his own.

Wesley truly believed that everything happened for a reason—even if you didn’t know what those reasons were at first.

They showered and dressed, then headed downstairs.

The pack house was bustling with life as everyone made their way toward the large dining area. Sounds of shuffling feet, clattering dishes, and muted voices could be heard inside the common area well before they reached it.

Wesley pulled out a chair for Jerome, who smiled shyly as he sat down. “Stay here while I fix you a plate.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

Morning light flooded through the windows, casting golden streaks across Jerome’s hair and illuminating his face like haloed magic. He looked more beautiful than ever.

Several wolves glanced up from their breakfast and smiled at Wesley’s actions. Several greeted them too, but no one launched into questions right yet, thank goodness.

One wolf sneered, though, and Wesley planned to get to the bottom of that before the day was out.

“So, what are we having today?” Wesley asked as he joined the buffet line.

“So many choices, Alpha,” Marcia said as she motioned for Wesley to cut in front of her.

“You don’t have to—”

“Alphas eat first,” Marcia said. “Besides, Jerome looks hungry. I’m sure you don’t want to make your mate wait.”

“Huh. That was very slick,” Wesley said, getting in the front of the line.

“She absolutely is,” Henry agreed. He stood next to Lakisha. “I heard the kitchen wanted to do something nice since our alpha and omega officially mated last night.”

“That wasn’t necessary, but we certainly appreciate it. I’ll make sure to personally thank the cook and the kitchen staff,” Wesley said as he picked up a plate.

“Why don’t you fix Jerome’s plate while you tell me what you want on yours?” Marcia asked.

“Damn, I have no idea what he likes to eat,” Wesley muttered.

“Don’t worry, the kitchen fixed his favorite foods,” Marcia said. “You’re good no matter what you pick. Actually, your best bet would be to get a little bit of everything.”

“Excellent idea. Thank you.”

Wesley smelled eggs, bacon, waffles, hash browns, sausage, fresh fruit, and a half a dozen other yummy things.

As he moved through the line, he noticed off in the kitchen area several pack members bustled around preparing more food.

Nobody seemed like they were anywhere near done with breakfast, even though some were already on second servings.

“Mmm. Is that bacon I smell?” Duncan asked as he moved down the opposite buffet line.

“And coffee,” Keith added, while Theo nodded enthusiastically by his side.

Wesley noticed someone had brought Jerome a cup of coffee and then happily patted him on the back. He didn’t mind someone else had done that for his mate.

It didn’t trigger any jealousy because that was a concerned pack member showing their affection for Jerome. That was how it should be. And speaking of happy pack members, there was a lot of laughter among them.

More and more pack members offered congratulations to him and Jerome.

There was still some tension, but Wesley didn’t feel through the pack bonds that it was aimed at him. More like it was what the pack had gone through the previous week, which was understandable, and hopefully, time would help dispel that.

The older werewolf who had such a look of distaste on his face left just as Wesley brought Jerome’s plate to him. He also noticed the wolf didn’t speak to him or Jerome when practically half the pack had stopped by and checked on his mate.

“Who was that older looking wolf in the white button down who just left?” Wesley asked Jerome softly as he placed Jerome’s plate in front of him.

Marcia put Wesley’s down next to Jerome’s. “Thank you, Marcia.”

“You’re welcome, Alpha.”

“Thank you, Alpha,” Jerome answered, looking at his full plate. “This looks so good. And that was Elder Rodgers.”

“So, he’s an elder.” Wesley took his seat.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Jerome said as he buttered a biscuit.

“Unfortunately?”

“Let’s just say he’s not a fan of mine.” Jerome shrugged as he bit into his biscuit.

“Because…?”

“I’m not really comfortable saying. I don’t want to color your judgment toward him.”

“I’m afraid it’s a little too late to worry about that. I’ve noticed his disrespect toward you, and I don’t like it. What’s his problem?”

“His problem is he wanted his omega son, Stanley, to be Li Li’s mate. Not me. But not only was Li Li not interested, she mated outside of her pack. Elder Rodgers has resented me ever since and isn’t shy about voicing his displeasure.”

“If that was all he had done, maybe it could be forgiven, but he crossed the line when he made a deal with the rogue alpha,” Henry said as he sat down across from Jerome. “He wanted Jerome gone and saw a way to accomplish that.”

Wesley laid his fork down. His vision suddenly sharpened, letting him know his eyes had changed to that of his wolf. “Explain.”

Henry eyed Wesley as he moved uncomfortably on the bench seat. “He told Elmer about Jerome’s birth pack, which is a wealthy and fairly powerful pack. So that was already one strike against Jerome.”

“He didn’t want my birth pack asking questions about me and my treatment. That’s one of the main reasons he auctioned me. He was going to tell my parents I ran away,” Jerome said.

Wesley growled softly.

“He also said I wasn’t young enough looking,” Jerome said quietly. “Elmer said Stanley had the look that he liked.”

“You also have a brain in your head,” Henry added.

“Apparently, he liked them young and dumb,” Jerome agreed.

“I don’t know the exact ins and outs of their deal, but Elder Rodgers was told that his son would become the alpha mate. And before you feel bad for that omega, you need to understand he’s nothing but a troublemaker and bully,” Henry said. “He’s always causing problems.”

Jerome sighed. “He doesn’t like to be told no.”

“I see. So, you’re basically telling me an elder of this pack betrayed its alpha mate,” Wesley said. He’d never heard of such. What was wrong with those wolves?

“Yes. You should also know that any time Li Li held a meeting with the elders, Elder Rodgers belittled Jerome every chance he got. He’s by far the worst.”

“The worst? Explain that ,” Wesley said.

“Elder Horner’s a friend of Elder Rodgers. He isn’t quite as disrespectful, but he comes in a close second,” Henry said.

Suddenly, Wesley’s breakfast didn’t appeal quite as much. He wondered why Li Li would put up with such, but it was a moot point. Maybe she had her reasons, but Wesley wasn’t having that kind of disrespect aimed at his mate.

“I see. Well then, that’s a problem, and I’m not a fan of problems,” Wesley said as he took a sip of his coffee. “When Li Li met with the elders, how were they notified?”

“I sent out a text message,” Henry said.

“Good. Would you send a message for me to them? Tell them I want them in my office in an hour,” Wesley said. “Also, add that the Council of Wolves has deemed me the official alpha of this pack, just in case any of them want to question that.”

“My pleasure. My absolute pleasure,” Henry said as he pulled out his cell and started typing.

Wesley turned his attention back to Jerome. “I didn’t mean to ruin your breakfast.”

“You didn’t. That information was going to come out sooner or later,” Jerome said as he took another bite of his eggs.

“May I ask what you’re planning to say to the elders?” Henry asked. “And do you need your betas there?”

“All ranked wolves need to be there, so please let them know, Henry.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“And as for what I’m going to say? I’m going to be blunt about where they stand, especially since at least one of them was involved with the rogue. Elder Rodgers is going to leave this pack. Either he can go voluntarily, or I can banish him. His buddy too. The rest will pledge to me or leave.”

Jerome sucked in a breath. “They will not be happy, you know that.”

“Do I strike you as the type of alpha who cares if those kinds of wolves are happy?” Wesley asked.

“No. You don’t,” Jerome said.

“Good.”

“Okay, I sent the texts to Keith and the rest. I want you to know the pack will be relieved that you put Rodgers out. They all know what he did.”

Wesley nodded. “There’s no room for wolves like that in this pack now.”

“Thank you,” Jerome said.

Jerome smiled at him, but Wesley saw the unease in his eyes and sensed it through their bond too—an emotional scar left from being mistreated by members of his own pack for so many years.

When Jerome was more confident in his position, then maybe that would fade, but until then? Wesley would make certain no one took advantage of him again.

“I’m sorry you have to deal with this so soon after your mating, Alpha Wesley,” Marcia said as she finished eating.

“Better now than later.” Better before anyone tried to organize a coup against him or scheme behind his back, that was for damn sure.

Marcia nodded knowingly and returned her attention to Lakisha and some other members.

FORTY MINUTES later, Wesley sat in his office, Jerome perched on the edge of the desk, waiting on the elders. His betas, gammas, and enforcer were there too.

Elder Rodgers, Wesley noticed, was the first to enter. Another elder trailed behind him, casting disdainful eyes and sniffing as he walked into the room. It looked as if the elder had rallied his buddy to his cause. The other two elders followed.

“Alpha.”

Wesley observed that one of the other elders gave Elder Rodgers a disapproving glance before eloquently baring his throat to Wesley. The last elder did the same. Rodgers and his buddy did not. That told Wesley all he needed to know.

“Let me reintroduce myself. My name is Alpha Wesley Valentino. I spoke with the Council of Wolves last night. I informed them of what had happened here—that I challenged the rogue who had taken over, who had auctioned Jerome, and who had abused this pack. I informed them I won.”

One elder sucked in a surprised breath.

“They also received the video Keith took of the challenge. My alphaship of this pack is not in dispute and the Luna’s Summons has been called off,” Wesley said. “Now, who am I addressing?”

“I am Elder Dillard,” one of the elders said.

“My name is Elder Moore.”

Those were the two who’d bared their throats to him.

“I am Elder Horner,” the third elder said.

“I am the oldest of the elders. My name is Elder Rodgers.”

And here were the two who had not bared their throats to Wesley.

“Thank you, Elders.” Wesley stood, helping Jerome off the desk. He walked him to the conference table and pulled out a chair for him to sit down. His ranked wolves formed a semicircle behind Wesley.

Wesley saw the elders take note of that.

Then Wesely motioned for the elders to sit. “I appreciate your prompt response to my request.”

Elders Horner and Rodgers grumbled but sat at the large conference-style table. Oh yes, they were making this quite easy for Wesley.

“Would you care to explain how the Council of Wolves awarded you alphaship of Cross Creek and the omega Jerome?” Elder Rodgers demanded after everyone was seated. “We had an alpha.”

“Insolent old fool,” Elder Dillard muttered under his breath.

“We had a damn rogue not an alpha,” Elder Moore snapped.

“I’d be happy to explain,” Wesley said, keeping his eyes locked on Elder Rodgers. “And I should add that your arrogance is absolutely breathtaking.”

Jerome clutched Wesley’s hand.

“Jerome can’t even fight his own fights,” Elder Rodgers said with a sneer as he looked at their joined hands. “Your mate should be—”

“I most certainly can fight my own battles,” Jerome said quietly but fiercely. “And did.”

Wesley chuckled softly while Jerome narrowed his eyes at Elder Rodgers and growled slightly. That took nerve after what he’d gone through in the past week, but maybe it was because he felt safe with Wesley by his side. Whatever the cause, Wesley was happy to see it.

“Why don’t you let the alpha talk? No one is interested in what you have to say,” Elder Horner added.

Wesley growled, low and meanly. Everyone in the room shivered. Everyone but Jerome, who just smiled. Wesley studied each of them in turn, making eye contact with every elder present before speaking again.

“Tread carefully, Elder. That’s my mate you’re talking to. My Fated mate. And each of you should be able to feel the bond between us, not to mention the mating mark.”

“We’re so thrilled for you, Jerome,” Elder Dillard said.

“Well, most of you are,” Wesley commented. “Anyway, the Council of Wolves issued a Luna’s Summons when notified of Alpha Li Li’s death.”

“We were aware—” Elder Rodgers started.

“I was one of several alphas invited to take part in it,” Wesley continued. “To make a long story short, I felt there was something wrong here and investigated. I stumbled across the rogue, his two betas, and Jerome’s auction.”

“Please understand, Alpha Wesley, none of us were there,” Elder Moore said.