Xander’s Point of View
I woke up to an empty bed and an empty room.
At first, it didn’t register. The warmth of the previous night still lingered in the sheets, and most of all in my mind, sluggish and heavy with contentment, I didn’t immediately process that Alison wasn’t next to me. But as my eyes fluttered open and adjusted to the soft morning light streaming through the curtains, the absence of her soft breathing beside me became glaring to me.
A pang of disappointment rippled through me. I turned my head, hoping she had simply rolled away or tucked herself in the corner of the bed, but no. The space was cold and untouched.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair as I sat up. I was hoping to get a beautiful good morning sex, but I guess today had other plans in store for me. Today was supposed to be the day I returned to NightFang. I had only come to celebrate Alison’s victory and to finalize the details of our mating ceremony. The thought of leaving her, even if only for a short while, tightened something in my chest.
But first things first, I needed to see her father, Alpha Gaius. We had things to finalize before I leave.
I swung my legs over the side of the bed, my feet brushing against the plush side rug. The air was cool, and the quiet hum of the house settled over me like a blanket. After a quick shower and a change into something less rumpled, I made my way to Gaius’s study.
The heavy oak door creaked slightly as I pushed it open after a subtle knock, revealing the familiar, book-lined room. Gaius sat behind his desk, the morning sunlight catching the silver streaks in his dark hair. He looked up as I entered, his stern expression softening into a smile.
“Xander,” he greeted, motioning for me to take a seat. “Come in, son. To what do I owe this morning visit, tired of my daughter’s presence already that you now seek mine?”
I laughed as I closed the door behind me and took the chair across from him. “Good morning, Alpha Gaius. Still heavy on the humor I see, I actually wanted to discuss the final preparations for the mating ceremony so that my return to your pack would be to finally have my Luna.”
He leaned back in his chair, his hands resting on the armrests as he studied me. “I’ve been wondering when you’d bring it up, my wife had placed a bet with me that your say something before you left but I thought you were not going to be up for it. Anyways tell me, is everything ready on your end?”he asked smiling like his daughter Alison.
“Yes, we’ve arranged for the rites and the ceremony to be held here, seeing she is your only child and heir I would be so selfish to take it to my pack. My elders have already approved, and the pack is prepared to welcome Alison officially.”
Gaius nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “She’s my only child as you rightly mentioned, Xander. You know how much she means to me, the lengths I’d gone to find her.”
“I do,” I replied, my voice firm but soft. “And I promise you, Alpha, I’ll protect her with my life. I love her with every fiber of my being. She’s… everything to me, most people think she is my weakness but she is my strength and I’d do anything to keep that strength beside me at all cost.”
His gaze lingered on me for a moment before he nodded, a hint of emotion flickering in his eyes. “You’ve proven yourself to be a good man time and time again, Xander. I’ve watched you over the years after your father my good friend died, how you’ve handled challenges, made yourself and your pack into a revered one despite being one of the youngest packs in the circle, I have equally seen how you’ve treated my baby girl. You’re not just a kind Alpha but also the kind of mate that I prayed she’d find.”
“Thank you, Alpha,” I said, my throat tightening slightly. “That means a lot coming from you.”
He stood then, walking around the desk to place a hand on my shoulder. “Love her unconditionally, Xander. That’s all I ask. Alison is strong, defiant at times and remotely naive to most things, but even the strongest ones need someone to lean on.”
“I will,” I promised, looking him in the eye. “For eternity.”
His hand lingered for a moment before he patted my shoulder and stepped back. “Good. Now, go find her. I’m sure she’s somewhere doing things we didn’t think she would or maybe causing another uproar.”
I chuckled, standing as well. “She wouldn’t be Alison if she weren’t.”
As I left the study, the scent of fresh bread and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, guiding me toward the kitchen. The soft hum of laughter and chatter reached my ears before I even stepped through the doorway.
Alison stood by the counter, a flour-dusted apron tied around her waist, her brown hair pulled into a messy bun. She was laughing at something her mother had said, her cheeks flushed with joy. Beside her, Mrs Robert’s was carefully whisking something in a bowl while a few kitchen staff bustled around them.
The sight of her like this, so radiant and carefree stole the breath from my lungs.
Unable to resist, I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her gently against me.
She startled for a moment before melting into my embrace. “Xander,” she murmured, tilting her head to look up at me, her eyes sparkling.
“Good morning, love,” I said, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Her mother turned, a knowing smile on her face. “Well, isn’t this sweet?”
The staff joined in, their amused smiles and soft awws filling the room. Alison blushed, swatting at my arm playfully. “You’re embarrassing me.”
“Good,” I teased, tightening my hold on her. “You deserve it. Good morning Mrs Roberts”
Her mother shook her head, laughing softly. “You two are adorable. But if you’re going to stay, Xander, you’d better make yourself useful. Grab that tray of croissants and bring it to the table.”
“Yes, Luna,” I said, reluctantly releasing Alison to do as I was told.
Breakfast was a warm, lively affair. The table was laden with an array of dishes, fluffy scrambled eggs, golden pancakes, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit. The room buzzed with laughter and conversation, a stark contrast to the tension that had gripped the house in the days leading up to Alison’s victory.
As we settled into our seats, Mrs. Roberts raised her glass of orange juice, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I think we should start a new tradition,” she announced.
“What kind of tradition mum?” Alison asked, her brow arching in curiosity.
“Before we eat, everyone should share one thing they’re thankful for, we have come a long way and it’s only normal we do this,” her mother replied.
There was a brief moment of hesitation before Alpha Gaius nodded, his expression softening. “I think that’s a wonderful idea.”
Mrs. Roberts turned to me, her smile warm. “Why don’t we start with you, Xander?”
I set my fork down, taking a moment to think. My gaze drifted to Alison, and my heart swelled with emotion.
“I’m thankful to the moon goddess for granting me Alison as my mate,” I said, my voice steady but filled with sincerity. “For her strength, her courage, and her unwavering love. She’s the light that guides me, even in the darkest of times.”
Alison’s cheeks flushed a deep pink, and she reached for my hand under the table, squeezing it gently.
“I’m thankful for you too, you are the best thing that has happened to me all my life, I’m thankful for my family, growing up without one had been all shades of pain but now all I feel is contentment and happiness,” she said softly, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of my words settling over everyone. Then, one by one, the others shared their own thanks-expressions of love, hope, and gratitude that filled the room with warmth.
As we finally dug into the meal, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment. This was what I had always dreamed of, a lovely second family, a home, and a love that burned brighter than anything I had ever known, the only reason I waited for the moon goddess to match-make me with her choice of mate was evident right here.
For the first time in a long time, everything felt right. And as I looked around the table at the people I cared for most, I knew one thing for certain: this was just the beginning.