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Off in a distance Kagen watched as Tibitha was gathering up supplies. By the roots and tools she was placing into her car, Langdon had decided to give himself to the pack. A proud day for the Alpha. Receiving an Empathy into a pack is quite an event. Having one mated to your son makes it even more special. Zero will be tied to the Empathy. Able to sense his mate no matter where Langdon was. Their beast will enter each other’s domains.

Placing his attention back to the book and map he was studying. His eyes focused on the four corners. There was something about that place that felt familiar to him. Lorraine wouldn’t just pick a random place. A event or something had to take place there.

‘What are the odds that the streets were named North, East, South and West?’ Kagen thought to himself. ‘The woods had a feel to them. Animalistic.’

Reading on, he heard Tibitha screech. Looking up, she was running over to him.

‘Great, why can’t this woman leave me alone?’ Placing down the book and map, he waited for her to finish the journey to his porch. ‘Odd weather, it’s suppose to be cold. Isn’t it winter?’ Kagen wrote a quick note to check the weather reports.

“Kagen! I’m off to the pack!!! Tatom and Dalson are tying their souls. Langdon has given himself to Zero!! Oh my baby is becoming a part of the pack!!!”

The excitement upon the woman was enough to light up a room. She whole face spoke of pride and excitement. Yet the mentioning of Tatom and his wolf mate broke his heart. He felt like everyone was throwing this into his face that he wasn’t good enough to be with someone like Tatom. A lonely tear fell past his cheek and landed on his arm.

“Good to hear Tibitha.” His voice wavered between a chock and anger.

“I know! I finally get to meet Bailey. Maybe I can give her some not so late advice. He’s still growing!!” Tibitha clapped her hands. “I was wondering if maybe you– – ” Her words froze. The expression fell to heartbreak. Tears formed in her big bright eyes. “Oh Kagen, I am so so sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

“I don’t want to hear it.” Kagen chocked.

Taking a seat on his leg and part of the chair, Tibitha wrapped mothering arms around him. Her other son. The son that loved her son for so long. Who taught him about the wolves and magic. The son who was an outcast just because he held no magic within him. Just the knowledge of the worlds.

“I wasn’t thinking. I was just so excited. I am sorry, forgive me. Please forgive me?” Tibitha whispered.

“I don’t want to hear it.” Kagen whispered back. “We both know Tatom was too good for me.” His chest sunk in. Fighting the urge to cry, he thought of something that in raged him. Taking a deep breath, his chest rose in pain yet the urge was gone.

“No he’s not. Tatom loved you so much, sweetie. It broke his heart to leave. He knew that one day he was going to leave. That he was a mate to a wolf. But you made him fall in love with you. You made him, Kagen. Don’t you see that?

“Still today he asks about you. His mate understands that you are still apart of his heart. Dalson doesn’t like the idea but understands that you were his love for so long.”

Kagen couldn’t help the tears that fell down his cheeks. Silent heart ripping tears. The ones were no matter what was going on, it broke you. His hand tightened into a fist, Tibitha squeezed him tight.

“I’ll be no more.” Kagen whispered.

Once Tatom ties his soul to Dalson, there will no other love in his heart. Kagen will be a memory of the man he used to love. No more ‘Is Kagen alright?’ conversations. It will only be Dalson.

Tibitha was stuck between a rock and a hard place. She had to get on the road. The pack was waiting on her. The mother in her wanted to fix the man who loved her son. Who she loved as a son. Sensing her struggle, Kagen straightened up.

“Go Tibitha.”

“Kagen?” She heard the danger in his tone.

“Go, I’m not your problem.”

Pushing her off of his lap, he stood up. Gathered up the material from earlier and stood staring down at her. She saw him push away all that she’s known about him. The caring guy under the shell surface. Bringing forth the danger he’s known to have.

“Kagen.”

“Wish Tatom the best for me, alright?”

With that he went inside. Tibitha stared at the doors. The sounds coming from within drew up her curiosity. Doors were opened and closed, something jiggled like keys. Jumping at the garage door opening, she heard that faith rumble of the bike firing up. Kagen loved the sound of a hard rumble of a motorcycle. Walking down, she poked her head inside. Kagen was dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and his leather jacket. Perched on top of his head was the dark sunglasses. Going for a ride.

‘Away from me,’ Tibitha thought. ‘Away from the past.’

Knowing in her gut that Kagen was probably going to find trouble. Kagen had such a hard life, he didn’t care when bad happened anymore. Tatom was going to be a memory. Another person who caused him pain. Her heart sunk down, she didn’t want that. She didn’t want Kagen to go back to the hollow man he can be.

“Hello Tibitha!” Lorraine popped up from behind her. Kagen flipped around to glare at the women.

Holding her chest, “Lorraine you scared me.”

“Oh I’m sorry dear, I was wondering what is going on?”

“You both leaving me alone.” Kagen snapped as he sat back down on the bike. It was warm enough now to ride. “You both know where the sidewalk is.” Kicking back the kickstand, he revved up the bike. As one foot rose off of the ground, he gunned the bike. Both women jumped out of the way as he road pass them.

“How rude Kagen!!!” Lorraine screamed at his back. A middle finger was given in return. Tibitha couldn’t help but to giggle. Kagen really didn’t like Lorraine.

Leaving the past beyond him. He kept his eyes focused on the road. A few beers sound good about right now. Maybe a bed mate. Something to start his own healing process. Tatom had clearly moved on. It was his time to do the same. Move on, mark it up as a love once had and is no more.

Following the directions her son gave her, Tibitha laughed. This was exciting. Her son becoming a part of the Blackwood pack. A wolf mate to protect him, love and cherish him. A pack to stand behind him the rest of his life. This was almost too much. On top of that she finally gets to meet this War wolf mate.

Slowing down, she checked the picture of the house and the address. A complete match. Finally she had arrived. Pulling into the driveway, parking behind another car. This almost seemed like a dream. Her heart pounded away.

Coming from around the back was the red hair that she missed for so long. Jumping out of the car, she screamed Tatom! Her son’s eyes lit up upon seeing her. He jogged over as she hurried to her son.

“Tatom!” Squeezing him into her arms, Tibitha let all of the love and emotion lose on him. “Oh my baby boy!!!”

Three wolves came from around the back. She automatically knew that one was her son’s mate. Kissing his cheeks, she tapped his arm.

“Which one is Dalson?”

He looked behind her and pointed to the taller one.

“That’s Dalson, Dalson this is my mom!” Tatom glowed with happiness.

Dalson stepped forward with his hand already in motion to shake hers. She waved him off and threw her arms around his massive frame and squeezed. In this family hugs were a welcome. Pulling back, a smile upon her face.

“Wow, you are one big wolf.” Tibitha laughed. Dalson smiled down at her. He already liked this woman in his arms. First she was the woman who birthed his mate, second she had a way about her that drew you in the first moment of meeting her.

“Pleasure to meet you Tibitha.”

“Finally! Over the phone is no way to meet the man who is my son’s mate!” Kissing his cheek she squeezed again. “Oh my, I’m so overwhelmed.”

Covering half her face she let happy tears fall, smiling she waved over Jace and Jalin. “Oh Jace, look at you. You’ve grown!” Jace laughed as he slipped her a hug. “It’s been too long since we’ve spoken.”

“Nice to see you again Tibitha.” Jace pulled back. His mate was in a mood today.

“And this must be Jalin.”

He nodded as Jalin tucked an arm around him. Sensing there was an issue, Tibitha smiled and placed out her hand. “Pleasure Jalin.” “Pleasure,” he growled as he shook her hand. Jace rubbed his chest.

“Well,” clapping her hands.

Tatom cleared his throat, “Why don’t we go in. You must be tired from the drive.”

“More like overwhelmed. The closer I got the more excited I got!”

Entering the home of a witch and wolves, Tibitha prepared herself to feel the different energies floating in the air. Meeting her was the harmony of how well her son kept the peace of nature and magic. Her eyes lit up in approval. He was learning very nicely to combined both worlds.

Questioning where the room he told her about for Langdon was. Langdon safe zone was getting a makeover. During their last session, Langdon finally broke down about what Savage did to him during the kidnapping. All the pain and suffering he endured come out. Zero couldn’t control his beast. If Dalson hadn’t been there, he might be in the hospital right now. If not worse. Her eyes went straight for Dalson.

“I know Zero is protecting Langdon. My brother. This is my mate. Let’s say we are working on it.”

“Oh well now, I’ve come at the right time. I can help. Having Tatom tie his soul with yours not only ties the life lines, it ties the bond he has with Langdon. If we do the magic correctly, you’ll understand more about the bond he shares with Langdon.”

“Zero and I spoke, I hold no hard feelings. I’m trying to see it through both sets of eyes. Langdon is our brother. I won’t allow us to lose him.”

“Good to hear.” Tibitha smiled.

A couple of hours passed with them talking about random things. Jalin was able to work himself out of the mood he was in and join the laughter around. Seeing that this made Jace happy, kept his beast happy. Making the night even better.

Tibitha being a mother, she placed herself in the kitchen with all the wolves sitting around. Giving each a small cutting job or stir that job. The kitchen was filled with sweet heavy aromas of delicious food. Just like when he lived at home, she was always smacking Tatom’s fingers away from stealing another bite.

Sitting down to a motherly home cooked meal was a treat for Tatom. He was eager to jump right in. The wolves weren’t too far behind him. Seeing that their plates were being filled to the edge. Tibitha laughed in hopes of cooking enough. Feeding Tatom was easy compared to this.

“So how’s the coven?”

“A mess.” Her eyes widened. “Oh I forgot to tell you. Someone killed council members.”

“What?”

“Yeap, now listen. This doesn’t leave this table.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Whoever helped Langdon escaped, killed wolves and the council.” She whispered. “Shh, I’m not suppose to know that.”

“Wow, mom?”

“I know,” she waved her hand. “Shh.” Covering her lips with her finger. “Another than that, it’s moving along. No one feels there is a war coming, only a few I should say. The council also says that Liz was a crazy old bat who was hallucinating.”

Tatom forked his plated for a moment. His mind raced with thoughts of what the future was holding at the moment. Wolves killing off wolf packs. Someone killing council members. All in the name of what? Power? Greed? No one knew why Savage was actually killing off packs. Assuming it was greed and power. Wanting to be the ultimate Alpha. Yet no one truly knew.

“Mom, did you bring everything?”

“Almost, I was out of a few ingredients. I can pick them up before the legacy is given. Are you prepared to be tied to your mate?”

He looked over at Dalson. His wolf mate didn’t fully like the idea, but there was excitement hidden behind those dark eyes. “Yes, I’m ready.”

Making herself a bed on the couch, Tatom came in puzzled at her actions. Him and Dalson were going to take the couch to allow her the bed. There was no way she was going to climb inside of a bed where a witch has mated with a wolf. The leftover energy would drive her insane. Tatom’s face grew a bright crimson as he was reminded of what a witch could feel. In the back, they heard Dalson get a good laugh out of the conversation. Tibitha kissed her son’s cheek and wished him a good night. Tomorrow will be another joyful day.

Wolves sat around as Tibitha introduced herself to the Alpha of the Blackwood pack. She said it with such pride and honor, they had to take notice of her stance. Tibitha was not in fear of the Alpha. She treated him as an equal. In return he did the same. Upon shaking hands, the Alpha laughed. Tibitha wasn’t going to allow him to be the only one with a strong handshake.

Tatom introduce Langdon to her. Meeting him like she did the others, arms were thrown around him. Praises of sweet words entered the air. His beast pushed forward to meet her. Tibitha traced under his eye.

“What a beautiful creature you are.” Tibitha smiled up at the taller man. “I am so very sorry that we were unable to help guide you from birth. I tried everything I knew to do.”

“We understand,” Langdon scratched the back of his head. His beast was speaking with him. Some times it frightens those around.

“One with beast and man.” Tibitha’s courage never wavered. She caressed his cheek in a motherly fashion, “I am so proud that Tatom is here with you now.”

Langdon smiled in return. He wasn’t for sure how to reply to her comment.

“I will perform the legacy. Tatom will have to repeat the words, however I will do all the cutting and mixing. Most of it we do alone.” Tabitha looked down at the sheet of paper in her hand, “I will need to cut your hand and Zero’s. Seeing that Zero is holding Langdon, his blood will be more than yours. Your blood will how Tatom to hold a bond with you during the remainder of your reign. After Tatom finishing his oath and drinks the blood of the Alpha, Dalson can take him away. I must warn you now, what is written states that the wolf mate has been known to strike out at anyone who is near his mate. I believe his beast is fully present because the man is weakened by the legacy.”

“Weakened how?” Alpha Blackwood asked. He was paying very good attention to the witch before him. If anything went wrong, it would be him doing the cleaning.

“Dalson will be receiving a tying of the soul. I can not tie him to the beast for the beast is stronger than the man. When a witch ties his or her soul to a wolf, the wolf becomes the protector of both his human and their mate. The wolf will guard over his human and mate. No man is present during this time.”

“This is good to know.” Alpha Blackwood turned to the War wolves. “I want you guarded during this time. Having Dalson strike won’t be a good thing.”

“Yes Alpha,” the War wolves replied.

“And while my little one lies in pain, I shall hang out with Bailey.” Tibitha laughed as she patted Tatom’s leg.

“Thanks mom,” Tatom shook his head. Just what every son wants, a mother knew doesn’t mind that their little one is in a great deal of pain.

“Tibitha, do you need any help? I can help find root.” Jace asking in a perky manner. He was just looking over another way to get back out in the woods.

“Yes, I will give you that list in the morning. They have to be fresh for the legacy.” Her eyes scanned the paper in her hand. She was going over everything once again. “Is there any protest?”

“Was, I took care of that.” Zero answered her. “You will have no trouble out of the wolves.”

“Thank you, I really don’t feel like watching my back.” She winked at Tatom. As her eyes scanned the paper once again, she gasped. “Oh no.”

“Mom what is it?”

“Do you know if you have to tie the souls first or legacy first?”

Tatom gathered up the book beside her and thumbed through it. He’s eyes searched each page for anything on tying a witch to a mate or wolf pack. Everything that was there, his mother had already stated.

“It doesn’t say.”

“We have some research to do, because I’m not sure. Oww, I knew I was forgetting something.”

Tatom frowned, he knew there was one person that could help. However, he would not be the person making the phone call.

“Mom, you could call Kagen.”

“I could if I wanted to get met with another blade to my throat.” She nodded as she took over the searching of the book.

“What? He did what?” Tatom screamed, “Mom!”

“Oh it’s not as bad as it sounds. I had said something that sounded a little harsh. My fault actually. I went to apologize and Kagen was standing guard. Following him downstairs, Tanner was in his room searching through his belongings.”

“Tanner? What was Tanner looking for?”

“Not sure really, said he was on official council business. Kagen broke his hand.”

Tatom laughed. Dalson gave a low warning growl that everyone heard.

“Sweetie I’m sorry.” Tibitha looked up from the book. “I mean no disrespect. Even though you are my son’s mate. Kagen is a man I enjoy having in my life. I am grateful that he’s allowed me to bug him to the point I know I’m annoying him. Yet, he takes it like the man he is. He even sent his best wishes.”

“What?” Tatom’s eyes widened. “Really?”

“Yes sir, right before he flipped off Lorraine.”

Laughing, “He really doesn’t like Lorraine.” A thought hit him as quickly as the laughter came. “Mom, Kagen didn’t…I mean Tanner?”

A soft warm smile form on her lips, “No sweetie, Kagen had gotten into a bar fight and was sitting in jail. He was nowhere near the council.”

Breaking up their conversation was the whimpers from Langdon. Since the mentioning of Lorraine, he become uncomfortable. He was grateful to learn that Kagen had found a way to cover up what he did. Zero tightened a protective arm around him, whispered that he was safe. Nodding Langdon sat back and hid his face in his mate’s shoulder.

“Well I can’t find it,” Tibitha put the book down. “I guess I’ll suck it up and call him.”

“I’m not,” Tatom nervously swallowed. “He’ll be the first person to literally reach through the phone to knock my block off.”

Tibitha laughed as she patted his leg.

“It’s okay sweetie, I’ll call. I need to find this out so we can finish planning.”

“I’ll call,” Langdon said.

Heads and eyes turned to him.

“I’ll call. I mean, I feel like I need to help somewhere. The worse that will happen is he hangs up on me.”

“Thank you but I will.” Tibitha smiled and dialed the phone. For kicks she placed it on the speaker.

The phone rang nine times before they heard a raspy deep voice. “What Tibitha.”

She laughed, “How did you know it was me?”

“You’re the only one who is persist when calling.”

“Very true, I have a favor to ask.” The line went dead. She scrunched up her lips. “I guess I’m out of favors.”

Langdon held out his hand, she tossed him the phone. He hit the resend button and waited.

“Don’t hang up it’s Langdon not Tibitha.” Waiting for the other end to response he went on. “I know we’re bugging you but kind of need of some guidance. Tibitha needs to know if it the soul tying first or the legacy? By you answer you would be helping me and putting Tatom in a lot of pain.”

Tatom jumped over and snatched the phone from Langdon. Quickly hitting the speaker button, they heard. “He has to give the legacy first or the soul will be tied to more than one person. And tell Tibitha to stop calling me. I don’t give a rats ass what the hell goes on between that son of hers and that mate of his! Now if you all would be leave me alone I would appreciate.”

“Kagen?” The heard another voice in the background. “What’s up?”

“Nothing,” they heard sounds of what sounded like the bed creaking from him getting up.

“Anything else before I hang up?”

Langdon snapped the phone back and took it off of speaker. “Hold on a second.” Pointing his finger, he pushed Tatom back towards his big brother. “Now,”

“I just wanted to see how he was doing. I do have that right.”

Langdon pointed again.

Grumbling Tatom went back over and sat with a not so happy Dalson.

“Thank you Kagen, I appreciate the help.” Langdon listened to Kagen’s response. Saying bye he hung up the phone.

“What the hell was that!” Dalson growled.

“He was my friend first!” Tatom snapped back. “All I what to do is see how he is. I do have a right. That’s all.”

“Okay calm down sweetie. Dalson let me explain something to you. Kagen is different, more than an outcast. He knows things that no witch before has known. Kagen can read and understand the werewolf language. Liz used him all the time. For a man holding no magical power, he knows more than a witch does.

“Kagen can be dangerous. To himself and others. Tatom was…” Tibitha stroked his arm in apologetic manner, “his calmness. He was able to get Kagen settled down a bit. You are the mate, however, Tatom is human. I have a feeling that Tatom just wanted to make sure the past is okay before moving on. After this tying of the soul it will lonely be you. Kagen will be a memory. Tatom doesn’t have the heart to be that cruel.”

Dalson blew out a thick cloud of smoke. What Tibitha was saying was true. Tatom, his human mate did have a heart. Besides they had discussed Tatom and Kagen’s relationship before. He knew that their was still love in his heart for the ex. At least for the time being.

“Okay, we’re talking.”

“Of course.” Tatom smiled. Dalson growled with a hint of smile upon his lips.

Morning rose with mothers helping mothers with the preparation of the legacy. Tibitha was sending Jace and Jalin out into the woods for more roots. The Alpha was sitting down doing his part. Making sure that his beast stays calm. The Alpha was having it pretty easy. No pack member was to bother him with any type of trouble. His beast had to stay near perfectly calm.

Langdon and Zero were sitting with Zero’s Beta’s and Max and Jen. Langdon wasn’t allow to leave Zero’s side. Today was forbidden. This creature beside him was nervous enough, he didn’t need his mate getting spooked by someone paying a prank or doing something stupid. Langdon was still jumpy from the kidnapping. Jalin started calling him the shock-o-matic.

Coming from the front of the house, was Principle Wade. Smelling the nervousness streaming off of him, Zero stood up and waved him over. Grumbling around the student ordering around the principle. Zero let it pass. The man was still learning how to deal with becoming a wolf. As he took a seat, he smelled the air. Zero warned him about the different smells. How he’ll be able to smell the different wolves and humans.

“What’s that smell?”

Zero laughed, “Don’t ask if you really don’t want to know the answer.” His eyes went to Aaron and Courtney who was kissing at the moment. “Hormones.”

“You mean I can smell that now?” He groaned as the realization fell upon him. Smelling someone’s hormones was the last thing he wanted to do.

“You’ll learn that it’s nothing. Wolves are very….” Zero raised his eyebrows with a smile. Langdon nudged him with his elbow. As Joseph looked over at him, Langdon grew embarrassed.

Rolling his eyes, Joseph realized what the young man was telling him. Wolves are sexual, having a nice way to put it.

“What is actually going on?”

“Tatom is giving us a legacy. Langdon– ” Zero purred as he nuzzled Langdon’s neck. “is staying with me for he rest of our lives.”

“So you’re getting married?”

Zero straightened up, his eyes held a curious sparkle. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because I want to wait. I think we deserve a nice wedding not rushed.” Langdon answered immediately.

“But would you?” Zero growled playfully at his mate.

“Are you asking?”

“Hypothetically yes.”

“Hypothetically my answer would be yes.” Langdon replied.

Zero leaned back with a smile playing upon his lips. Having a mate answer a simple question was proud all in itself. Having a mate agree to marry you no matter if the question was asked or not caused happiness to fill a wolf ten times over.

Jace came over to sit down beside the rest of them when he noticed that June was mumbling to herself and playing with grass. Walking over to her, he kneeled down in front of her. She glanced up then back down quickly.

“June, what’s wrong?”

Shaking her head, he saw the tears fall down.

“Answer me June. You are crying and I want to know what’s wrong with my sister.”

June bit her bottom lip, May wrapped an arm around her.

“What’s wrong June?” The only time they heard that sweetness out of Zero was when he spoke to May or June.

“June tell me,” May ordered. “Tell me what’s wrong. If you don’t tell me I can’t fix it.”

“I don’t know what’s going on! I’ve tried to understand it but I can’t May. I can’t understand. I want to! I really do. I’m trying so hard for you. But I can’t May. I don’t understand everything.”

May looked over at Zero and Langy then back to her crying mate. Zero had to explain it a couple of times to her for her to understand what was going on today. She didn’t know if she knew why to explain it to her mate.

“Please don’t be mad at me. I’m really trying.” June cried.

“Sissy,” Jace scooped her up and sat down. “Don’t cry. There’s really nothing to understand. Tatom is a witch, right?”

She nodded.

“For him to become a pack member he has to give Zero and the Alpha a vow to work with the wolves not against them. Langdon is giving himself fully to Zero. Think of it like a party to celebrate the pack getting more wolves.”

“But I thought Langy was apart of the pack.” June grew frustrated as she threw out her hands.

“You know how we can all speak together as a pack when we are in wolf form?”

“Yes,” she nodded.

“Langdon can’t, correct?”

She nodded. “Because he’s different. He told me that.”

“Langdon is pledging himself to the pack. By the link between him and Tatom, Tatom can help him hear the pack. We will be able to talk to Langdon in wolf form.”

“Really?” She perked up.

“Yes.” Jace wiped her tears. “See not so hard to understand, is it?”

She shook her head no. June now understood that today was about Tatom and Langdon becoming full members of the pack. Kissing the side of her head, he stood up and placed her back with May. June gave him a hug before she allowed him to go. Whispering thank you, he smiled. There was none needed. He had her back, that’s all the thanks in the world. May quickly cleaned her up. She hated seeing June a mess. June was gorgeous to her. Someone so delicate needs to be taken care of.

“Excuse me but who is that?” Joseph sounded nervous.

Everyone looked over to see the Damned one walking through with a bag hanging from his mouth and Tibitha walking beside him. Zero quickly explained who that was. And why he was in wolf form.

“That can happen to…us?” Joseph swallowed loudly.

“Yes, but don’t worry. I will not to that to you.” Tatom teased. Getting a chuckle out of his mate beside him. Tatom walked over to Langdon.

“Blood please Langdon.” Holding out a goblet and a small two sided blade dragger. “I need to slice your hand.”

Langdon held out his hand and waited.

“Do you give this blood willingly?”

“I do.” Langdon answered. “Do you accept?”

“I do.” Tatom smiled in pride for the wolf. He was remembering what was told to be said.

Slicing his hand, Langdon didn’t even so much as gasp or move. Holding the blade inside the wound, it allowed the blood to pour out of his hand into the goblet. Once filled, Tatom placed a purple cloth over the top of it. Langdon licked his hand for it to close faster.

“Thank you.” Tatom straightened up. “We are almost ready for you Zero.”

“Okay let me know.” Zero took a hold of his mate’s hand to make sure it was closed all the way. Licking the dried blood off, he examined the cut mark before kissing Langdon’s palm.

The nervousness of his mate was leaking into the air. Langdon had admitted that he was nervous about how this was going to play out. Just not nervous about receiving the right to speak with his mate.

“You have to been slightly curious about how this is going to happen?”

Amber argued with her brother.

“Nope I’m not.”

“May, help me. You know when people are lying. Is Zero lying?”

May glanced at Zero then Amber and shook her head. Zero never lies when he’s serious.

“See my little sister, I am not lying.”

“I’m curious.”

“I know you are.” Zero smiled at her before jumping up and seizing her in his arms. “You are a very curious little creature when it comes to something you are interested in. Now tell me, why are you so curious?”

“I just want to see how this plays out. The only time I’ve seen magic is when Tatom arrived.”

“Oh I see, you are curious about what we can not do as a wolf.”

“So,” Amber frowned.

“Be careful, we do not need two damned wolves walking around. Tatom is still searching for our new friend.”

Cornelius had decided to take the offer the Alpha had given him. A place to belong and feel safe. He agreed to help out where he could. His motives however had been a secret for so long the Alpha didn’t even pick up on them. In time his life will come hole again. Maybe not as a human but his family. The witch that had contacted him months ago spoke of his family. His bloodline coming home. He was to see this through, help guide the offspring. She stated that he would come in contact of the Alpha that would bring his family to him. Though her words never said how. Now that he’s here, he wasn’t leaving.

Watching Zero and his sister made him wonder if the Alpha would find out his true intentions. He had to focus on his urges to seek out family. This would not be good until the proper time. The Alpha would grow suspicious about his behavior, then he would have to explain.

The pack gathered around the alter in the back yard of the pack house. Tatom and Tibitha was standing behind lit candles. Dalson waiting patiently to the side. Where the Alpha and Zero was standing in front of the alter. Langdon was crouched down on a cloth with symbols over it. His eyes were closed, his breathing was slowed.

“I must ask Alpha for all wolves to remain slight.” Tibitha blew on a candle, the spark flickered to a golden color.

“My wolves shall remain slight.”

“At this time I call upon your Betas Gregory and Daren to come forth.”

The pack looked around for the Betas. They hadn’t seen them in a while. Breaking the tree line, Gregory and Daren stood in wolf form. A amulet hanging from their necks. Walking with pride upon their chest, they stopped beside their Alpha.

“Have you done what is asked of you?”

They nodded.

“How do you answer?”

Both lit up in a howl. Alpha Blackwood closed his eyes to feel his wolves. Gregory and Daren were in harmony on the decision made for today.

“Langdon it is time for you to receive the gift of an Alpha.”

Langdon slowly rose from the cloth. As he did so, Gregory and Daren took both wrist into their mouths.

“Are you afraid?”

“No,” Langdon answered.

Tibitha nodded. Tatom took over.

“I ask the wolves to pull.”

Gregory and Daren pulled at his arms, the shirt from his body torn slightly in the back.

“I ask you, are you afraid?”

“No,” Langdon felt the stinging of his skin. The wolves teeth bit down causing blood to fall to the ground. The skin pulled tight to the point of breaking.

“I call upon the future Betas.”

Breaking the tree line once again was Aaron and Josh. Wearing similar amulets around their necks. They walked over to where their fathers were. Taking a hold of Langdon’s ankles, they lifted him up off the ground and pulled.

“I ask you, are you afraid?”

Langdon inhaled a deep breath. Calming his heartbeat. The wolves at his feet had pulled the skin tight. Their teeth drew blood like their fathers. Flashing of the wolves from New York boomed over his mind.

“I am not afraid,” a tear fall from his eye and down the side of his face.

“I ask the wolves to keep you still.” Four growls answered him back. “I call upon Alpha Blackwood at this time.”

Alpha Blackwood walked up to the alter. Tatom held out a cloth with writing and symbols upon it. He recognized the werewolf symbols immediately. The others must be that of the witch’s community.

“Alpha the recent events that has unfolded under you changes how we need to do this ritual of receiving an Empathy wolf. I must ask you, are you prepared to lay down your life for this Empathy?”

“I am,” Alpha Blackwood’s chest puffed out in pride.

“I shall ask, are you prepared for your son to receive the Empathy as a wolf and a mate?”

“I am,” Pride rolled off of his tongue.

“Are you willing to rise up and protect this wolf who holds magical power within his blood. Are you willing to protect this Halfling all that shall cause harm to him?”

“With very last breath in my soul.”

The necklaces on Gregory and Daren’s neck began to illuminate with light. As the Alpha spoke he spoke for them as well. By them entering this ritual they had agreed to the outcome of the Alpha’s vow.

Tatom tied the cloth in his hands on the Alpha’s wrist.

“At this time I must ask you to seek the Empathy and ready him for your son.”

Alpha Blackwood walked over to Langdon. Before shifting he undressed himself. The pack watched as the Alpha shifted into his wolf form. Taking a hold of Langdon’s shirt, he ripped it off with his teeth. Their was a marking upon his chest. Alpha Blackwood drew in a large breath and howled. Langdon closed his eyes, allowing the power of the Alpha wash over him.

“Zero I ask you are you ready to receive your mate for internal life?”

“I am,” Zero stood tall and proud like an Alpha only knows how.

“Are you ready to protect him against all? This includes your father. Are you prepared to strike if your father causes your Empathy mate harm?”

“I am.”

The pack glanced around. Zero vowed to kill his father is the Alpha would ever cause his mate harm.

“I must ask you at this time, to go to your mate and prepare him for the final faze of this ritual.”

Zero undressed himself and shifted into his wolf form. Walking over to his mate that was held up by the four wolves. His father that was ready to strike the very mate that he vowed to protect at all cost.

Tatom and Tibitha walked over to the wolves. As his mother held the bowl, he took a cloth from his arm. Dipped it into the bowl. What looked and smelled like water dripped from the yellow cloth. He then placed it upon the head of Daren.

“I bless you in receiving the Empathy wolf into your pack.”

Moving to Gregory, he repeated the same act.

“I bless you in receiving the Empathy wolf into your pack.”

Same for Aaron and Josh. Except he poured the water down their backs after he placed the cloth upon their heads.

“Alpha to you drink from your wolves? Do you accept their decision to receive the Empathy?”

Alpha Blackwood dipped his head into the bowl. Drank the every water that was placed upon his wolves. Once he pulled back his head, Tatom placed the cloth down the Alpha’s back and poured the reminding water on him.

“I seal the Empathy to the Blackwood pack. You have accepted him into your pack as a wolf and as your sons mate. However, I must ask you one final question. Are you prepared to protect his Halfling? You must consider all that comes with this task.”

Alpha Blackwood inhaled another deep breath, threw back his head. Massive deep howl lit up the air. The pack shuddered during this time. The power that radiated from within the howl scared some of the pack. While others took pride in how strong their Alpha truly was.

“At this time, I leave you to finish this on your own.” Tatom laid a dagger upon Langdon’s chest.

The Alpha shifted into his human form. Taking a hold of the dagger he sliced his hand. Zero jumped on with his front paws and pushed Langdon down with the wolves still holding on. Langdon groaned at the weight of his mate. Slicing his hand, Zero reopened the mate mark on Langdon’s shoulder.

“With my blood, I bless my son and his mate. I shall carry out my vow to protect our Empathy with my last breath.” Allowing a few drops to fall inside the mate mark, Langdon hissed and groaned at the sudden pain in his shoulder.

Zero growled and snapped at his father before attending to his marking. The wolves keep Langdon suspended in midair until the marking was closed. Gently laying him down, they proceeded to clean his body with their tongues. Langdon laid on the ground as the wolves covered his body. The Alpha clapped his shoulder,

“Welcome to the pack Langdon. Welcome.”

Langdon couldn’t stop the tears from the admiration rolling from the Alpha. He truly felt safe and welcomed into the pack.

Once Langdon was gathered up by the Alpha and Zero shifted into his human form. The wolves gathered around their Alphas and waited. Langdon patted Aaron on the head. Something inside of him was curious about the feeling that was creeping up. Aaron leaned back into his hand. Langdon allowed his hand to stroke down his neck to his shoulder.

Tibitha smiled, “You have allowed yourself to feel the emotion of the wolf. Empathy’s love to caress and to be caress. You’re in for a treat Langdon.”

“My role in simple,” Tatom moved along. “I speak a vow to you Alpha and Zero, you decline or accept my vow. I drink your blood.” He swallowed. “As your blood runs through my system, my mother shall tie myself to Dalson. First do you accept Dalson into your pack?”

“I do, Dalson is a treasure along with Jalin and Jace. This is home now.” Alpha placed his hand upon the young War wolf’s shoulder.

Dalson placed his hand upon the Alpha’s. “Thank you Alpha.”

Preparing himself behind his mate, Dalson kissed Tatom’s neck. Letting him know that he was ready. All day he’s relaxed himself for this. His beast was in understanding that Tatom needed to do this. He was giving the pack a legacy. This was needed to help their family, their brother.

“I Tatom Lee Hawthorne vow to serve and help guide anyone I can under the name of the Blackwood pack. Do you accept me into your pack as a witch and mate to a wolf?”

“I do,” Alpha Blackwood stated.

“Zero, I am bonded to your mate by forces of the spirits. Do you accept me as I serve under the Alpha name of Blackwood in this pack? Do you accept that I shall be closer to you than your father?”

“I do,”

“At this time, I shall ask one final question. Shall I receive your blessing in becoming a member of the pack?”

“You shall,” Alpha Blackwood sliced his hand, poured a small vile of blood a quarter of the way.

Turning to his son, Zero held out his hand. Slicing his palm, he held the vile underneath to gather the blood that dripped down. Finishing off the vile with his son’s blood. Alpha Blackwood handed the small vile to Tatom. Tatom took a hold of it, swallowed loudly.

“To this is I accept your gift.” Tatom held the vile under his nose. Hesitating, the vile bobbed up and down for a moment.

“Tatom,” Tibitha encouraged him to go on.

“It’s blood!”

Chuckles and laughter rose around the alter.

“You have to drink it willingly.”

“I willing. It’s just…it’s blood.” Tatom swallowed again. “Okay, here I go.” Throwing back the vile into his mouth. The blood drained to the last drop. Swallowing it before he had the chance to think about the blood inside of his mouth.

Tibitha pushed Dalson forward, readied the dagger in her hand. Alpha Blackwood moved the wolves out of the way. Dalson was already showing signs of striking out. The smoke that blew from his nose was becoming more and more by the second. Dalson growled and snapped as Tatom doubled over in pain. Screams exited his mouth, causing his mate’s eyes glow red. The Alpha moved closer, forcing Dalson to take a hold of his mate.

Working quickly, Tibitha spoke as she drew closer to her son and the wolf. Alpha Blackwood kept his attention. Keeping Tibitha out of harms way. “I need his hand.” Alpha Blackwood raised his arm like he was going to touch Tatom. Causing Dalson to strike out. Grabbing a hold of the protective mate. Tibitha lunged forward. Slicing her son’s hand first, Dalson back handed her to the ground. Shaking off the dizziness, she lunged forward again. The Alpha was wrestling with the fire wolf and trying to keep Tatom or Tibitha from getting harmed.

The surrounding War wolves moved forward. Their wolf was angered. Ivan asked the Alpha if he needed their help. As the Alpha hissed, they seen Dalson burn the Alpha’s skin. Nathanial raised his hand, striking the wolf on the shoulder. Giving Tibitha time to slice his hand. Dalson hand snaked around her forearm and squeezed. Tibitha screamed out as her arm snapped. Ivan pulled the witch from within the fight.

“Their hands have to touch. Blood mixed with blood.”

As the fire wolf unleashed a blaze around them, Ivan jumped through the flames. Seizing the younger War wolf by his chest. He held on as the Alpha locked and tied their hands together. Yelling for Tibitha to finish.

She blew out a breath, “I seal these wolves as one. If one dies so does the other. If one lives so does the other. With this I give my only son to the fire wolf.” The flames on the alter shot up in a dark smoky grey mixture. Dalson let out a howl as his wolf took over. His eyes blazed with fire. Ivan pulled the Alpha back. Vera rushed to her mate’s side.

The Betas surrounded their Alpha. Licking the burnt skin, as his body shook in pain. He ordered the War wolves to help aid Dalson and his mate back to the house. Jalin jumped over to help his brother. All thought that Dalson would be able to handle this. This beast thought differently.

Once the War wolves pushed Dalson and his screaming mate back. The air grew silent. The Alpha asked how Tibitha was. She was sitting on the ground holding her arm in pain.

“A doctor would be nice.” Breathing out, a laughter rose. “Not how we planned but the same effects. You my friend Alpha now hold my son and the Empathy.”

Alpha Blackwood met her laughter with his own. The burn marks were being healed as they laid on the ground in laughter. The Blackwood pack was becoming one of the strongest packs there has been known to man or wolf.

LOVE ALL YOU GUYS! SORRY THIS IS SHORT. SOMEHOW MY WEEK IS ALREADY BUSY. SHOUTOUTS, LADYAFYON, WEREWOLF245, READER024, NADINEBRADLEY, YOU ARE FAITHFUL! I WILL BE BACK ON TOMORROW. THERE ARE BOOKS I WANT TO COMMENT ON. HOWEVER I AM FLYING OUT THE DOOR ONCE AGAIN.

OH READER! I WILL BE SENDING YOU SOME IDEAS! I FINALLY FIND THE PAGE! DON'T LAUGH, THIS IS HOW MY LIFE IS. SCREWED UP BACK UP BY 'REALLY DID THAT JUST HAPPEN TO ME?'

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