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Chapter 8

Zero finally let him somewhat walk into the living room where the family was waiting on Zero to present his mate. With an arm tucked around his waist, Zero carried most of his weight for him. Langdon's hip was tender. A small throaty hmm was heard. He had to remind himself that he was with Zero. The Alpha promised him no harm would come to him.

"Dad, Mom, Amber." Zero walked forward with his mate, "This is my mate Langdon Stark. Langdon this my father Alpha Nathanial Blackwood, my mother the female Alpha Vera Blackwood, my little sister Amber Blackwood. I present my mate to you in hopes you will accept him into our family and with time our pack."

The Alpha stood as noble and proud, as an Alpha has been known to do. His family stood beside him just as proud. As they waited for all the formalities to be taking care of.

"Welcome to my home Langdon, from now on you are a part of my family. This door is yours as it is ours. You will never be turned away or unwanted."

"T-thank-you." Langdon spoke softly. He had to take a moment to calm himself down. Deciding the best way was just to close his eyes and breathe. The Alpha was within a step and arm length away.

'We can do this.' his beast yelped happily. 'Show him.’'

With a look into Zero's eyes, he noticed they were just the like his father’s eyes. Zero had more of the Alpha in him than what he thought he did. Hesitantly Langdon stuck out his hand to shake the Alpha's hand.

"All right," he said, "We better eat. You need your strength."

Amber stepped forward and hugged him as Vera did. "I got two brothers!" Both of the guys laughed at her little girlie dance. "My brother could only get a cool mate." She skipped to the dining room.

Zero whispered that Amber was very proud of her family. They could never do wrong in her eyes. Langdon chocked back a set of tears.

As they walked into the dining room they heard "Zero and Langy sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g"

"Don't you dare finish that," both Zero and Langdon snapped. All three girls giggled.

"Langy!" May and June bounded over to give hugs. Zero felt a slight tension when June bumped his hip. He recovered before she felt it.

A pillow was brought with them for Langdon. Slowly lowering him into the chair, a small thank you came out. Zero did not hesitate on any action when it came to his mate. Expect the whole mating part of the process. Caring for him, Zero would until the end of time.

"Sweetie does it hurt that bad?" Vera was worried.

"Worse than yesterday. This morning we heard a pop and crunch, Langdon screamed."

"The hip is putting itself back together. Tomorrow it should be better." Nathanial answered. "I don't know why the pain is always worse the day after."

A small laugh came from Langdon. Everyone knew why. Lack of adrenaline is the main reason.

"I just hope I got some licks in too."

"You did," Zero smiled.

Moments went by before the Alpha spoke, "May told us about New York. I've heard of this Alpha. No other Alpha I know likes to deal with him. That took guts Langdon. Thank you. We adore May and June."

Langdon had a tear dropped before he could stop it. Gasping Zero felt his heart clench. Snatching a hold of his hand, he comforts Langdon quickly. Shaking his head, "I couldn't let them stay there."

"Shh, don't worry about them now."

"Langdon I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know we appreciate what you did for them."

Wiping his face, Langdon nodded. "You know about May right?"

"Meaning?"

"She's psychic. May can tell when a lie has been told even when the wording is too specifically to hide the lie."

The table was stunned by this information, including May. Langdon thought that they knew. No one ever lied to her when he was around him or her. They actually spoke the truth towards May and June. Asking him to explain, Langdon inhaled a deep breath.

“I had never met another person like me until I met the New York Alpha. I've seen vampires from a far. I listened to all the stories mom has told me. Mom told me stories or legends about what I am. But wolves! Savage took me in, told me how his pack runs. Then I found May and June." His eyes watered up, shaking his head. "What I could find out about them wasn't much. May is from the New York pack, June's pack not sure. Both of sets of their parents had been killed. Savage took it upon himself to kill May’s parent because they were leaving the pack.

"Their daughter was mated to another girl. Knowing Savage would not accept that. I believe June's parents had talked to their Alpha, he had said they could come with time join. I guess they were mated around thirteen of age. Which I guess is unheard of? May's parents had traveled when she found her mate.

"After their parents were gone, I believe that's when Savage had found out about May's ability and their mating. Then I came not too long after that. Savage did not like how his beast took to me; well that's what May told me. It took me five months to plan everything. I tried everything I could to keep them from being abused or mistreated in any way possible.

"Mom and I were moving as soon as possible. She had found out vampires lived not too far from us. The night that I stole them was the night we were moving. They were shells; I couldn't get them to respond. I hid them at our house for a few months. Savage found us; I didn't go home to keep him away from mom until I could mask my scent.

"Once May and June were on the bus, I-" he choked with emotion. Zero had tucked an arm around him, pulled him to his lap. Langdon let the emotion out.

"I wasn't strong enough, I'm so sorry. I tried so hard to help them."

Nathanial added up the time quickly. That meant they received May and June within a short time of Langdon putting them on the bus. The girls had been a part of the pack for five years. He never realized how much time this ordeal had taken place over. Amber sniffled in emotion. The story was heart breaking.

"Sweetie you did well. For not having any knowledge of what or who you are. I say you did especially well." Vera rubbed his back.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to ruin breakfast. I don't know what came over me."

"I do, someone was here to listen. That guilt and sorrow you've carried around all these years seen a way to release itself." Vera kissed the top of his head, "Whatever you want to tell us, our ears will always be open."

The Alpha would not hear of another apology. He did not ruin breakfast. That was a story that needed to be told. He helped them understand May and June's past better. Now they can figure out where June came from. Seeing that he knew May was from the New York pack.

Before Zero took Langdon home, Nathanial had them take a seat in the living room. It was time for a little talk.

"Langdon, you're Zero's responsibility now. Technically, you should be moving in with us. However, I completely understand you would never leave your mother. I am extending my door, when your mother comes home. We would like to meet her. If she would like to join the pack, she is more than welcome. We will protect her as if she is one of our own, she will be. Don't worry; we actually do have humans in our pack. Some have chosen not to make the change.

"From this moment you are our family. We are responsible for all of you. This includes financially as well. Zero and you can talk about this, what you decide is your business. However we prepare our sons not to work."

"I help my mom," Langdon butted in.

"Awe yes, we know. The pack actually owns the house you live in. Since the pack buys houses, we don't charge rent to pack members."

Langdon looked over at Zero who nodded. Bailey and he would be living rent-free.

"As the future fe-hmm, well second male Alpha. You will have to learn what Vera does."

Amusement filled father and son. Langdon groaned this was impossible he’s the female in the relationship, just great! The Alpha had already slipped up by almost stating he was the future female Alpha. So much for being a man, he thought he was.

The buzzing of his phone told him that Bailey was ticked. "Hmm, if you don't get me home. We won't have to worry about the future because mom will kill me and feed me to the wolves herself."

Vera laughed; she understood his sense of humor.

A small argument happened between Zero and Langdon. Just because he was hurt did not mean he had to be babied. Zero said that was exactly what it meant. In the end, Zero won and carried him to the car. All the way home, Langdon wondered how Bailey would react to the new relationship and his injuries.  Seeing that she was flying out the door as they pulled into the driveway, she was beyond ticked-off at them.

"You two are in hot water!" Opening the door to the passenger side of the car, “I swear you get hurt anymore I'll go on a killing spree starting with you two!

Zero growled a bit but stopped when Langdon shot him a disapproval look. All Bailey was doing was protecting her child. Zero carried him in to the living room. After setting him down on the couch, Zero made sure there wasn’t anything more that he needed before he had to leave. There was pack business to take care of this morning. If there was anything that him or Bailey needed he was a phone call away.

"Liz called," Bailey sat down beside him on the couch. "She warned me that danger is coming. That you'll be safe while I'm gone." Clearing her throat, "She says that you found a mate, that this mate will take great care of you." A tear fell, "Is it time for you to leave me?"

"No mom, I'm not leaving you." Langdon gripped her hand, "How could I? You're my mom."

“You are a grown man Langdon you’re old enough to leave the house.” Bailey’s eyes carried all the emotion he felt from her.

The boys had decided to let Langdon explain to his mom what was going on. Since Zero had pack, business to attend this gave the opportunity for Langdon to be alone with his mother. On the way, he called Silver telling him to bring Dom to the pack house. On the phone with parents about their children, a tap, come from the door. Silver stood with Dom, they showed their necks. Zero held out his hand to shake Silver's hand. As Dom came by him, he gently patted his shoulder. Offering them a seat, they sat. Zero held up his finger and pointed to the phone.

All phone calls were made, Zero sat down. "Sorry about that. I thought I could get them done before you came over." Quickly he took a drink, "Oh crap you guys thirsty?"

Dom nodded, Zero fetched him a drink.

"The reason I called you is I need personal help. First keep this between us, you'll understand-I hope." Blowing out a deep breath, "I found my mate."

"Oh Congrats!" Dom lit up for him.

"Thank you Dom. The thing is, he's the empathy that dad told everyone about. I adore him as my mate but-"

"You are freaked out that he's a guy." Silver stated. There wasn't a hint of humor. Silver completely understood what was going on. Zero nodded.

"Okay listen, a part of me is still disappointed in myself because I didn't get over the fact that Dom is a guy. My beast and I felt foolish. We all know that our beast choses our mates for a reason. Then why do we hesitate?"

Zero pointed, the man knew!

"All I figure is it's us. The human side. Cause now," Silver tucked Dom to his side. "I can't believe I was an idiot for making him wait. I don't care who's around, Dom is my mate he should be shown off like any other mate. Dom is all mine, his beast belongs to my beast. He belongs to me."

"How did you get pass it?"

"He actually did it. We were talking one night. Dom jumped on my lap and kissed me. After being shocked, I let go of the world. It was just Dom and myself."

Zero looked over at Dom, "Did you-hmm, where you into guys before Silver?"

"I was, am." Dom blushed, "I can tell you, not to think when you touch him. That is how I caught Silver off guard. You cannot resist the touch of your mate. That is a variable time. With Silver, I gave him a neck rub as we talked. He closed his eyes before a brief moment. A mate cannot or will not pull back in fear of hurting their mate. You and Langdon?" Zero nodded, "have accepted that you're mates. Maybe next time you are close, shut your eyes and breath."

Silver smiled, "Once that happens you won't see why you were such fools."

"Thanks for the advice, now I have another question. Do either of you know how to break up with a girlfriend, not break her heart or make your mate feel okay about it?"

Silver laughed, "Oh hmm,"

Dom narrowed his eyes, "You're still dating Shelby?"

"Only because Langdon, he doesn't want to break her heart. I tried, not very hard because he had this look." Zero pointed out, "That I find her repulsive."

"I think I know, kiss him, mark him then he'll forget about her. Show him it is only you two that matters." Silver smiled at Dom, making his mate's cheek turn bright red.

"When do we get to meet him?" Dom asked that through his hand that was hiding his face. Silver chuckled.

"I'm bringing him to the cabin. Oh hey let's talk." Zero had them come closer for this conversation.

"I can't believe it, when Liz said-wow." Bailey was beside herself.

"I know right?" Her son snuggled into her side, "But?" she whispered. "I'm scared. For one have you seen Zero?"

"Tall, handsome, sexy, muscles."

"Exactly, he's stronger than me and he is the Alpha-future."

Time had come for Langdon to spill everything to his mother. The truth about what happened in New York, the truth about May and June. A life that he wished he did not have to tell her, his life that he kept from her.

"Mom, I'm sorry I didn't tell you the truth. All I was trying to do was keep you safe."

"I know I also knew you were lying. A mother knows Langdon, don't ever forget that. That is in the past. I am proud of you for doing what you did. Next time, I will do whatever it takes to protect and help my son. You better come to me."

"Are you scared of werewolves now?"

"Hmm, not so much. Seeing that I have a son as one and now apparently Zero." she laughed.

"Thanks mom."

"Oh you're welcome," Bailey giggled, "I sense there is an issue."

"Mates are supposed to be loving," he whispered. "Honestly I don't know why it bothers me so much. I feel as if Zero he rejecting me that maybe I’m not good enough for him. That or he wants someone different and wants to spare my feelings.”

"Oh sweetie," Bailey had never experience this with him. She wished that the answer were simple. "Ask him, tell him how you feel."

"I'll sound like a girl."

"If you haven't noticed a lot of men sound like women, straight men."

The walls were silent; the phone had not rang all morning. Outside people were busy with their own little worlds. Home, a house that Bailey had found in the last minutes of moving. Come to find out, it belongs to the pack. His mate belonged to the same pack. Zero would be pulling up in a short. School. He hoped that Bailey would not be calling him in much more; the school might not let him graduate. This year has defiantly been different.

Throwing his backpack over his shoulder, Langdon moved to the door. His heart rate increased. Zero will be putting up. His mate, a man who could have a dozen of women in a night only to have his beast chose him.

'Us,' his beast corrected.

"Why?"

'We need a strong wolf to help us,'

"Why do I feel like he's rejected us?"

His beast whimpered in sadness. Is this the reason why it was so hard? He knew that Zero actually wanted a female mate. Disturbing him a bit more was the fact that Zero did not really look at them as mates. Had he done something wrong? A quick decision sent the morning in a different direction. He called Zero telling him not to worry about picking him up he was driving. Before there was any protest on the other end, he hung up. Jumped into the car and drove off.

Feeling a little numb, Langdon walked straight to class. Somehow, he had avoided Jen and Max. As the teacher babbled on, he wrote down the notes as if a robot programmed him. Time was not going fast enough. A part of him wanted Zero to meet him after class the rest felt the rejection. Zero would act as if they have been-friends. A touch would be made in a shoulder grab, a bump or a touch of the leg under the table. Shelby would get the arm wraps, little kisses.

Who is to blame, he was. He didn't want to hurt Shelby. Every time she was around, he felt how she felt. Shelby might be bossy and at times crude she however really liked Zero. It was not inside of his heart to hurt someone for his own benefit.

The bell rang; slowly he walked out in the hall. Zero stood before him. Eyes blazing with anger, jaw set slightly. Snatching Langdon by the arm, he pulled him into the restroom.

"What the hell?" Zero's teeth were clenched tightly, the muscle in his jaw flared out.

Langdon closed his eyes; the electric shocks from Zero's touches reminded him they were mates. The anger reminded him that he was dealing with a werewolf.

"Nothing, I just needed to think." Langdon whispered.

"About?" a growl came deep within Zero.

Yearning became a burn, something he was too weak to resist. Stepping forward he slid into Zero's chest. He tucked his head under Zero's chin. Gripping his shirt, Zero sighed. All anger vanished as he slipped his arms around his mate.

"I don't know what's wrong with me. There are all these emotions running through me. I cannot stop them. I'm mad at you for something that is my fault. I don't want to be afraid of the Alpha but I can't get over what has happened. Everyone's freakin moods are driving me crazy!"

"Langdon," Zero knew what was unspoken. His father warned him about it. "I'm trying, stay a little longer and put up with my jerkiness."

"Why?"

"Cause I can get us passed this. Trust me."

The moment was perfect. Zero brought his face down to Langdon's cheek. Lightly he brushed his lips against his cheek. A groan sounded as Langdon pushed himself harder into his chest. Suddenly the door clanged open, hitting Zero in the back, breaking the moment. Langdon's shoulders fell, stepping back. He stepped around Zero so quickly and bolted from the restroom before Zero could react. The boy that came in paused at the sight of Zero, just so happens to be a tall, huge senior. Growling and puffing out his arms, the freshman jumped into the wall in fright.

Half way to the cabin Zero had enough of the silent treatment. Hell May, June and Amber was silent. This was driving him insane.

"Damn it Langdon!" Zero screamed, "What's wrong?"

"Why would there be anything wrong?"

"Don't give me that bullshit. All day you have been this way."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Langdon waved him off, keeping his eyes out the window. It was almost dark; they waited until he had finished with work. Amber had told him; normally they arrived at the cabin shortly after school. He didn't even see the point of him coming to the cabin. It is not as if he was a part of the pack. Just because he and Zero were, supposed mates meant he had to do whatever Zero wanted. Unlikely.

In the backseat, the girls kept quiet. Zero was not a wolf to mess with when he was angry. However, each wanted to wrap their arms around Langdon and scream at Zero for hurting him. Men just don't get it sometimes.

Pulling into the drive, Langdon actually sat up. This place was beautiful. There was a large log cabin directly down the drive. The dark cherry color wood seems to be painted perfectly for the trees surrounding it. Smaller cabins lined the spaces surrounding the log cabin. People were everywhere. Children running and playing with whoever they could get to play. Those from school were out and talking among themselves. Some waved at him and he slowly waved back. A campfire was lit away from the cabins, surrounded by rocks and logs to sit on.

"When you said cabin, I thought you were talking about something small. Not this."

Zero smiled, "We have a large pack."

"Everyone's here?"

"Yes," Zero stroked the back of Langdon's neck. A good amount of tension was there.

Stepping out of the car, Vera came walking towards them. She planted a kiss on each cheek except Langdon. Figuring she might give a fright if there was touching. This trip was to show him that they were like everyone else. No one was going to hurt him here the pack knew that the Alpha wanted him to join. Any wolf that caused him harm this weekend would find themselves at the wrong end with the Alpha breathing down their necks.

"Welcome Langdon."

"Thank you," he went to help with the bags. At first Zero was not going to let him until he received a shock through the hand.

"Knock it Langdon."

"I'm capable of caring my own bags." He growled back at Zero.

The girls squeezed into Vera's side. As she watched as the drama played out before her. The tension that came off the boys was not to be handled gently.

"Just take them up to your room, Zero."

"This way," Zero slammed the trunk shut. Seeing that Langdon was not moving from the car, he growled. “Unless you want me to carry you like a bag and throw you over my shoulder, I suggest you follow me."

Sending his own growl back, Langdon stiffly walked behind Zero. Followed him through the door and all the way up the stairs until they reached a room. Langdon was so ticked-off that he had not noticed the Alpha or Betas pulse family watching them. The door opened Zero threw in the bags then moved for Langdon. A moment went by before Zero threw out his hands.

"What?"

"Put your stuff down," Zero snapped.

"Oh I'm not sleeping in here with you."

"Oh yes you are. My mate sleeps in my room."

"Your mate? Really? Now I'm your mate. Wow." Langdon pushed passed him, dropped his bags on the floor.

"What the hell does that mean?" Zero growled.

"Exactly how it sounds." Langdon took a pillow off the bed and the blanket that was on the bed folded up. Made a bed on the floor.

"You're impossible!" Zero slammed the door, bolted back down the stairs grumbling. The front door was slammed after him.

The Alpha blinked, "What was that about?"

"Not sure, they did this in the car." Amber said.

"What did he mean by the whole mate thing?"

"Hmm, I think Zero only sees Langdon as his mate around us."

The Alpha wiped his face, "Zero needs to get his head out of the human world."

From the window, it looked like the camp was asleep. Focusing with his eyes closed, Langdon could feel people were still awake including the wolf on the bed watching him. This was not how this relationship was supposed to be. All the other mates were happy. Opening the window a breeze hit his face.

'Bravery!' his beast screamed. Langdon inhaled a deep breath before speaking.

"I'm mad at you," Langdon kept his eyes closed. Knowing Zero was watching him. "Part of it's my fault, but you could have refrain yourself in front of me."

"What did I do?" all the anger was out of Zero's voice.

"You kissed Shelby in front of me. That hurt. I don't like her anymore. She can hug you or be with you and I cannot. I hate myself for feeling this way."

Hearing the bed creak, Zero's footsteps lightly touched the floor. Langdon felt a hand on his shoulder. Next Zero sat down beside him.

"I'm sorry. Shelby jumped on me. Still did not give me the right. I promise no more Shelby."

"Is that fair to her?"

"Who cares, it's you and me."

"Is it?" Langdon opened his eyes. Sadness poured out of them. "Why does it feel like you're rejecting me?"

Zero gasped, "I'm not! I wouldn't dare."

"I hate this," Langdon went back to the window.

Zero's eyes lightened, "Come on." He pulled Langdon off the floor. They both paused to feel the sensation pulsing through their bodies.

Heading into the woods, he led his mate towards a hidden cave. Langdon looked out over the trees; the only thing that came to mind was beautiful. Smells of nature filled his nose. His beast was at home.

"I come here to think." Zero used a light voice. "When I'm missing, dad knows I'm here. The pack calls it the Wolf Cave. Years ago our elders, those who were afraid of society lived here."

"That's so sad." Langdon touched a wall. "I have another ability but I don't know if I want everyone to know."

"Another ability?"

"I can open up channels. See the past in a way, I guess. If I open them up too long, I get really bad headaches." Langdon rubbed his head, "You talked to two wolves, Silver and Dom about us."

Zero's eyes widened, he laughed. "Well there's hiding nothing from you."

"So you would hide something from me?"

"No that's not how I meant that. I had all intension of telling you."

Wiping his face, Langdon grew courage to speak. "I know we both didn't expect us to be mates. If you want to walk away, my beast and I are willing to let go."

"NO!" Zero took a hold of his waist. "No, I want you. We want you. This is my fault. My father keeps telling me to stop looking through human eyes. Silver says I'll hate myself for being foolish."

"We both are," Langdon could not resist leaning against him.

"We'll stop right now." Zero growled as his lips fell against Langdon's neck, "No more Shelby, no more being foolish. Just us." A trail of kisses went up to Langdon's jaw, "Silver's correct, there's only you."

Turning his mate around, Zero crushed their lips together. Soft moans sounded the air. Picking Langdon up, he gently set them on the cave floor. There was no stopping now. Mates are meant to be together. That is what they needed to do.

"I'll be gentle." Zero bit into the side of his Langdon's neck. In return, he received small fluttery shock waves.

Able to feel his mate’s arousal, Zero ripped off his shirt over his head. Langdon's eyes racked over the sight before him. Capturing his lips again, a growl rippled out of Zero. His hands decided that it was time to explore the body under him. Slowly making his way down the firm stomach, Langdon began to shiver. Just like, he wanted. Moving down he placed a trail of kisses down his chest. Stopping off at his belly button, he planted a few licks and kisses. With one continuous motive, Zero tore off his pants. Freeing the beautiful aroused mate of all restrictive clothing. Langdon felt embarrassed by what his mate had done. He covered himself up.

"Don't you dare, I'm admiring what's mine." Zero smacked his hands way. "Honestly I thought this would freak me out, but now, not a chance in hell. You are beautiful."

"Stop," Langdon covered up his face. No one had ever said that to him. Let alone go from a kiss to sex in a short amount of time. "Why am I the only naked one?"

"That's because you haven't uncovered your eyes."

Surprised, Langdon threw down his arm revealing a very fit, very sexy mate. Zero was gorgeous. His tone muscles rippled over his body. Seeing the package that he was toting around scared him. How was that going to fit inside of him? This was not going to work.

"I'm way ahead of you," Zero held a smirk that frighten Langdon.

With kisses applied to his stomach, Langdon closed his eyes again. The sensation of having someone love you was beyond words. With each touch of the lips, he felt the love and lust that was radiating from Zero. In return, Langdon sent the same feeling and emotion back to his mate.

Brown eyes began to glow back towards him Zero's wolf was surfacing. Taking a deep breath, he realized that this would happen. Courtney had warned him that a wolf would claim their mate. Since him and Zero had not mated, his wolf will force the issue.

Langdon screamed out from deep within him as Zero pushed himself deep into him. He did not stop until he was at the hilt. Sending an electric shock to his mate, Zero growled. There was conflicting lighting his eyes. Dropping his head Zero blew out a deep breath.

"I'm so sorry. I lost control of him."

"It's okay," Langdon actually was okay. The pain had already gone away. It was just having him inside of him and not moving was what was bothering him now. "Zero, please this is torture!" Hearing a chuckle, Zero kissed his chest.

Each thrust delivered pleasurable screams released into the cave. Panting, Zero's teeth had become elongated. Having him hit the sweet spot repeatedly, Langdon's mind had checked out. There was nothing like his. He had never know how pleasurable making love to someone could be.

Biting down on his shoulder, Zero growled with the claim of his mate. Langdon's deep moans stirred him up. Unable to hold back the release any longer, Zero had bit down harder than before. Clouds and lights formed within his mind. Warmth pumped between them as Langdon had finally reached his release.

The sun rose over the hill beyond the cave. Laces of light peered into the opening as Zero traced the back of his mate. Langdon was stretched over his chest as comfortable as he could be. His beast was purring with fulfillment. He had been such a fool for not seeing his mate as a mate. Langdon was more; he was the other half of him.

Last night was beyond words. Upon marking Langdon, color, swirls of clouds, shocks of fuzziness bolted through him. His beast felt it. Bringing a completely new feeling, to both beast and human. They could feel Langdon inside of them. They could also feel a part of them within him. Almost like, they had been combined somehow.

Zero felt a pang of guilt. Between him marking his mate and reclaiming him. Langdon had confessed what had happened the day he helped him sleep. It actually explained a lot. The reason why he woke up grouchy was that his mate was not watching over him. The reason he enjoyed having Langdon around was simple. He was his mate. It explained why he felt sick that Langdon witnessed him holding Shelby's hand.

After he was able to get Langdon to understand this, he was more relaxed. Started to open up about more of who he was and what he liked. Sometimes mates forget that the mating process can happen so quickly that they forget that they might not actually know each other.

"Langdon, we need to head back." Zero stroked his cheek, "Wake up."

"No, I'm comfortable."

Chuckling, "Maybe tonight we'll sleep in the king size bed we have."

"Probably better for you," Langdon sat up and stretched. Wincing at the pain in his shoulder, he looked down. Zero's mark, examined it with the tips of his fingers. The bite was unlike a scar, it was silky smooth.

"It will be tender for a couple of days."

Kissing his mate, Langdon felt it heat up. "Zero," he moaned.

"I'm not letting you get away that easily."

Before Langdon could protest Zero had him back down on the ground and hovered over him.

"I actually enjoy that you're smaller than me."

"Of course you do," Langdon chuckled as he leaned up and bit down on Zero's bottom lip. Zero growled as two strong legs wrapped around his waist.

Pointing out everything at the camp as walked hand and hand through the grounds. Zero kept his mate away from the others. Selfish for not wanting to share but hey he had a right. This was his mate to protect. Wolves had stopped to watch them, some pointed. Langdon began to grow uncomfortable with the situation.

Sensing this Zero tightened up his grip, smiling down. "It's only us." A quick peck on the nose, he finished leading them to the cabin.

Once the door open they heard, "Zero! Langy!" Two bouncing girls came after them.

"Breakfast is done; want me to get you guys a plate?" May asked.

"Yes please, we'll be down in a minute." Zero kissed his mother's cheek on the way through, showed his neck to his father.

A smile reached the Alpha. About time, he marked the boy. The pack will want to meet their future Alpha. After breakfast, they will introduce Langdon and the girls. There is no time like the present for the pack to welcome the second male Alpha into the family.

Washed and dressed the boys made their way to the breakfast table. Zero pulled his mate into the seat beside him. The clinging of dishes filled the air as food was put on plates.

"Morning,"

"Morning,"

Langdon tried to hide his cheeks by keeping his eyes on the plate before him. Quickly filling it with food, Zero laughed.

"Don't you dare say it," Langdon tried to hold back his own laughter. Out of the embarrassment, the table exploded with laughter. "Freakin' werewolves."

Vera leaned down and kissed each boy on the top of the head. A very awkward moment for poor Langdon. By the way Cherry looked she was left out of the loop. Widening his eyes, Josh secretly told them not to say word about wolves could smell the mating process.

Once the awkwardness passed, Langdon asked about the scars on his body. They all had lightened up.

"The mark. Since your wounds are caused by dominating wolves they won't completely go away."

"Cool, they're not hideous anymore." Langdon pulled back his shirt collar to look. The scars were white, a light white at that.

Zero leaned over, "They weren't hideous to begin with. Those scars told that you won. A young kid, battling against an Alpha and his pack, those are trophies."

Holding a conversation as they walked the grounds of the cabin. The newest pack members were cautious about what the pack would think of them. Cherry had more to learn than Langdon did. However they both would groan when something else come up. Growing up in a pack was defiantly different from being thrown into one. Each was told that they were to help with their mates. On top of learning the rules, they had to jump and help their mates do their jobs.

Snatching the book away from Zero as he was writing in, Langdon groaned. He was frustrated on how Zero was handling the book. This was pack information that he was responsible for. If he was going to help out, the information had to be shared. Getting out Zero's phone after seeing that the numbers were not all written down. Zero let him go with the girls. Each of the guys hated those books. Many questions, several trips to parents about their children later. Langdon had overhauled the book. All information had been wrote down to his liking and not Zero's. However, Zero just laughed it off.

The fathers was watching over their children and pack from distance. They were allowing the future of the pack work how they wanted to work. At some time they will be taking over the pack, might as well let them have dry runs. The Alpha held pride upon him. Finally his son was sitting with a mate that was worthy of being held and worthy of holding his son. What they did not realize Zero was not ending the bloodline. Plenty of women have lost their mate within the pack. Anyone of them could carry a child for the Alpha. Two being May and June. Each had already received Zero's attention. Either could get the other pregnant. Both had a relationship with the future Alpha and his mate. Most of all either was afraid to show the boys love.

"Have we found out where June's pack is from?"

"Not yet, I received a call from the Dakota Pack. They do not remember having a pair of mated females."

"Nathanial, you seem deep in thought."

"I was thinking about the bloodline. Zero is afraid that he's ending ours."

"We have many women," Daren offered.

"Exactly, there is no guarantee Courtney and Cherry will produce pups."

"This is true. I thought Willow would never conceive." Gregory fully agreed with the Alpha.

Pointing over to his now boys, "We don't know much about Langdon either. He abandoned on a doorstep straight from birth. Do you think we can contact packs around the area he was born?"

"Do you know the state he was born in?"

"That's the thing. Florida holds no packs."

"Florida?" Gregory narrowed his eyes, "We're closer to Florida than any other state pack."

"That means someone ran from the pack, rogues?" Daren asked.

"He would have to have a magical background. Where's the nearest witch?"

"One moved in down the road from here, remember? He left us a letter telling us his whereabouts."

Gathering the pack around them had been a chore today. Children seem to be restless; parents seem to have little patience. Mothers were running back and forth to the small cabins for toys or snacks to help keep their children settled. Finally, everyone was present.

"Welcome to another hunt. Those who are getting use to the hunts please remember that your parents will run. As you run, you are to stay further back. Our sons will be hunting once again." Cheers lit up for the sons of the pack.

"In celebration of new events, we will hold a midnights run. Each of our sons has found their mates."

Cheers came louder than before.

"We all know that our beast choses a mate for multiple reasons. Bare that in mind that we have very little choice when it comes to our mates." The Alpha held up his hand, "Our son will now introduce their mates."

Langdon looked up at Zero he was speaking of them. Preparing the pack for the future Alpha to bring forth a man instead of a woman mate. A small panic came through him. Zero took a hold of his hand, ran his thumb up and down over his skin. Reminding him that it was they, no one else mattered right now.

Josh was the first one to step forward with his mate. Standing with pride, he gently placed Cherry in front of him. "This is my mate Cherry Wiseman, with some learning she'll become a full member of our pack." The pack applauded his mate; yells of congratulations came from the younger group of the pack.

Aaron step forth, "I Aaron Hawley you future Beta give you my mate Courtney Finn, Beta Gregory's daughter." They received the same enthusiastic as Josh and Cherry received.

Taking in a deep breath, Zero brought forth Langdon to the pack. Stepping behind his mate, Zero spoke. "I Zero Blackwood your future Alpha presents my mate Langdon Stark. He is also an Empathy wolf.  In time he will be your second Alpha."

The pack was silent giving the wrong impression to the pack leaders. Josh and Aaron surrounded their Alpha placing their hands on Zero's shoulders to give support. An older wolf stood up and began walking towards them. Automatically they showed he showed his neck to Zero, Aaron and Josh.

"I am a very old wolf; my time on this planet is ending soon. In all my time I have heard of a wolf so beautiful that I believe was a myth. Before me I have witness this very wolf. To know that this pack is honored to hold one so precious, so beautiful fills these old bones with more pride than you can imagine."

Nathanial came to his side, tucked an arm around the old wolf's waist. Who actually resembled a wolf with the extra hair that grown around his face.

"You should be sitting old man," the Alpha held no amusement in his voice just admiration.

"Zero is just like you at that age. All of your sons are."

"We are proud of our sons," Nathanial smiled down at the old man.

"Who can be stronger to hold an empathy wolf than a Blackwood Alpha?"

With that, said wolves began to gather around the future leaders. Parents picked up children. The leader's mates stood beside their families. Nathanial tipped back his head, a growl rippled from his chest striking out into the air-a massive howl. Langdon jumped a little bit, only to find Zero holding him closer. Next Gregory and Daren joined in the howl. On the third howl, the whole pack titled back their heads and let loose one of the most beautiful symphonies that had reached ears.

In awe of the sound surrounding him, Langdon watched as many pack members as he could. Zero's beast was showing in his eyes, reaching up. Langdon could not help his actions. Touching just below his eyes, Zero looked down. He was beautiful golden-brown shown over his blues. Mesmerized by the sounds, Langdon began to purr with tears in his eyes.

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