Alison’s Point of View
The air was still tinged with the sweetness of Xander’s proposal as we returned to the castle. My heart felt lighter than it had in weeks, and I couldn’t help the soft smile that tugged at my lips as I glanced at him walking beside me. He looked calm, his usual stoic demeanor tinged with something softer, something just for me.
As soon as we stepped into the grand hall, my mother appeared, her radiant smile lighting up her face. “There you two are!” she exclaimed, clasping her hands together. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Your father has organized a feast to celebrate your victories and, of course, your engagement.”
“A feast?” I asked, raising a brow. “Isn’t that a bit much?”
“Not at all,” she replied, waving a dismissive hand. “You’ve accomplished so much within a short while darling, and your father wants the pack to share in the joy. It’s already been arranged, so no arguments.”
Xander chuckled beside me, and I turned to him, my lips curving into a smirk. “What do you think, Alpha? Ready to be paraded around as my fiance in front of the entire pack?”
“I’m always ready,” he said smoothly, his gaze locking with mine. “But I can’t stay for the ceremony. I need to return to NightFang. There’s still a lot of work to do with my pack before the official mating ceremony.”
My heart sank a little, but I tried not to let it show. “Xander, this is important to me. Can’t you stay just a little longer? At least until tomorrow?” I whined
He shook his head, his expression resolute. “I wish I could, My Lady, but my duties don’t pause just because I’m away. You understand that, don’t you?”
I sighed, crossing my arms. “Of course, I understand, but it’s not every day we have a celebration like this. Can’t your pack manage without you for one night?”
His lips twitched in amusement, and he reached out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that. But my answer is still no.”
“Xander,” my mother chimed in, her tone light but persuasive. “This feast is as much for you as it is for Alison. Staying for one night won’t crumble your entire pack. After all your mother and Beta are capable of handling things until your return tomorrow, Surely you can spare that?”
He hesitated, glancing between the two of us, and for a moment, I thought he might relent. But then he sighed, his jaw tightening. “I appreciate the offer, Luna, but my pack comes first. I’ll stay for the feast, but I’ll leave afterward.”
I wanted to argue further, but the determination in his eyes told me it would be a losing battle. Instead, I nodded, forcing a smile. “Fine. But you’re not leaving without enjoying yourself tonight. Deal?”
“I’d love to stay but there are urgent things that if not tackled could pose a huge disaster, please understand and bear with me” he said drawing me closer to himself, his lips curving into a small smile.
“Alright then, I will be in the kitchen” my mum said before leaving
“Luke would be here soon, I’d leave immediately” I couldn’t find the strength to smile, I didn’t want him to go.
The feast was grand, as expected. The long dining hall was decorated with garlands of greenery and flickering candles, casting a warm glow over the room. The tables were laden with food, roasted meats, fresh bread, fruit platters, and enough wine to make even the grumpiest pack members cheerful.
The pack filled the room, their chatter and laughter creating a lively atmosphere. Xander and I sat at the head table with my parents, my father looking every bit the proud Alpha as he raised his goblet to toast.
Xander had seen my sad face and decided to leave once the ceremony ends with Luke who arrived earlier.
“Tonight,” my father began, his deep voice commanding the room’s attention, “we celebrate not just the victories of our pack but the union of two great forces. As my reign draws closer to its end, I am proud to announce the alliance between The Crimson Pack and Nightfang Pack. My daughter, the next Alpha Female of this pack, will officially be mated to Alpha Xander of the Nightfang Pack.”
The room erupted in cheers, the pack members raising their glasses in celebration. My cheeks flushed with a mixture of pride and embarrassment as I glanced at Xander. He was composed as always, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes that made my heart flutter.
“As part of this alliance,” my father continued, “the mating ceremony has been scheduled to take place here in two days. This union will strengthen both our packs and ensure a future of peace and prosperity.”
The announcement was met with more applause, and my father sat down, his expression softening as he turned to me. “You’ve made me proud, My dear girl. I couldn’t have asked for a better daughter or a better mate for you.”
“Thank you, father,” I said, my voice thick with emotion.
The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, conversation, and more toasts than I could count. Xander was his usual reserved self, but he handled the attention with grace, answering questions and engaging with the pack members who approached him.
By the time the feast ended, I was exhausted but happy. I walked Xander to the castle gates, where his car waited to take him back to NightFang.
“Are you sure you have to go this night? It’s dangerous” I asked, my voice quieter now that we were alone.
He reached for my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles. “I wish I could stay. But you’ll be with me soon enough. Two days, remember? I will come get you myself”
“I know,” I said with a sigh. “It just feels like every moment with you passes too quickly.”
He smiled, leaning down to press a soft kiss to my forehead. “That’s because time doesn’t matter when I’m with you. It’s like the rest of the world fades away.”
I laughed softly, the sound catching in my throat. “You’re such a romantic, Xander.”
“Only for you baby,” he replied, his voice low and full of promise.
We stood there for a moment, the cool night air wrapping around us as I memorized the feel of his hand in mine and the warmth of his gaze.
“I’ll call you once we arrive,” he said, stepping back reluctantly.
“You better,” I replied, trying to muster a teasing tone.
With one last lingering look, he climbed into the car, and I watched as it disappeared down the driveway, leaving me feeling both full and empty at the same time.
Later that night, as I lay in bed, my thoughts kept drifting back to him. The way he had looked at me during the feast, the way his touch lingered just a little longer than necessary, the way his words seemed to wrap around my heart and hold it steady.
Unable to sleep, I reached for my phone and dialed his number.
He picked up on the second ring. “Alison?”
“Hey,” I said softly. “Did I wake you?”
“No,” he replied, his voice warm and familiar. “I was just thinking about you.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “You were?”
“Of course. I always am,” he said, his tone dropping to a low murmur that sent shivers down my spine. “How are you feeling?”
“I miss you,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I miss you too,” he said, and I could hear the sincerity in his voice. “But I have an idea to make up for it.”
“Oh?”
“How about a date?” he suggested. “The night before our mating ceremony. Just you and me. No packs, no obligations… just us.”
A laugh bubbled up in my chest, and I felt a warmth spread through me. “You’re asking me out on a date?”
“I am,” he said, his voice laced with amusement. “What do you say?”
“Of course it’s a yes,” I replied, my heart skipping a beat.
“Good,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “I’ll make it a night you’ll never forget.”
As we said our goodnights and ended the call, I felt a sense of peace settle over me. The future stretched out before me, uncertain but full of promise, and I knew that with Xander by my side, I could face anything.