Book 2 Chapter 24

Caleb's Point of View

Words can not describe how proud of Daphne I am. Even with everything that we had going on, she

had managed to pull off an elegant but cozy dinner for everyone. The catering company went out

of their way to ensure that there was a large variety of food, and drinks available to our guests.

Daphne and the girls had managed to turn our formal dining room into a lovely, decorated area for

the dinner tonight. I was impressed to learn that she was the one that folded the linen napkins into

origami swans. It was beautiful, and classically elegant. Walking into the room I quickly spotted her

sipping a glass of wine talking to Scarlett, and Lola. My heart swelled looking at my beautiful mate.

Daphne had chosen to wear a simple black cocktail dress tonight, with simple beading on the

bodice, and a peek a book slit on the left leg. I swear that there was no woman that could outshine

her radiant beauty. “We are lucky men, aren't me?” Marcus asks as he comes to stand beside me.

"Yes, I do believe we are brother.” I answer him. We stand there for a moment in silence simply

enthralled to watch our mates conversing and laughing. I love seeing Daphne relaxed. Soon the

room is filling in with our guests. The girls had placed name cards earlier. I signaled that everyone

should be seated so that we could be served dinner.

"Where is my angel? How come she is not at this dinner?” Alpha Axle was upset that Hannah was

not currently in attendance. I looked at Daphne equally unsure as to why Hannah was not here. Even

though this dinner was for the visiting Alphas and their families, Hannah has always been readily

accepted as our kin.

"Hannah has opted to stay and visit with her new friend Isabella. You may not have heard but one of

our pack members has recently adopted three siblings, and Hannah insists that she ensure their

comfort and stability in their new home.” Daphne answers without missing a beat.

Axle turns and looks at his Beta with a large smile on his face. “See she already acts like a Luna. I

cannot wait to introduce her to our pack.”

A large growl ripples through the dining room, and I can see that Theo is having a hard time

controlling his emotions. Scarlett reaches over and pats his arm affectionately; it is an attempt to

calm him

"Alpha Axle I mean no disrespect but please consider your words more carefully. You happen to be

discussing our daughter, and although we will be happy if you are her destined mate, it is still

shocking to both of us.” I admired Scarlett’ ability to be political about the situation. Axle

murmured an apology and quickly looked down at his plate like a chastised child.

The catering company quickly sent their servers in with a variety of appetizers and a variety of

drinks. Once they had scuttled off Alpha Jerome stood to make an announcement. “My pack is

already aware of what I am about to say but seeing as how I have an alliance with almost every pack

around this table, I would like you all to be the next ones to know.” He takes a deep breath before

continuing. “Although it has been a huge pleasure for Alma and me to be the Alpha and Luna of the

Mission Pack, I am going to be stepping down within the next month. I had hoped that my eldest

son Elliot would be taking over as Alpha, but he and his mate Winona have told me that they are

returning to her pack. It is with great honor that I take this moment to announce that my son Hawk

will be the next Alpha of the Mission pack.” His son stands and shakes his father's hand before

enveloping him in a hug. “Since we are here as friends, I hope that the alliance I have in place will

continue as my son steps into his role as Alpha.” With this last bit Alpha Jerome sits back down.

"Alpha Jerome it will be our pleasure to continue the alliance with the Mission pack if your son wills

it moving forward. Hawk congratulations, you have had an excellent mentor in your father. I hope

that you continue with the values that he has set for your pack.” I let the soon to be Alpha know

that he will always find a friend in our pack. Marcus, Cole, and Noah all state the same to the young

man. It did not escape my notice that Axle did not offer up any words of encouragement, but I

choose to speak with him later about the subject.

After the announcement, the servers bring us out a variety of main course dishes, and soups. The

table settles into each of us talking with our neighbors, catching up, and enjoying the evening. I felt

bad for Alpha Cole as he was seated next to Heather. She was flirting shamelessly with him and

staring at him as if he were a buffet. I took advantage of the moment of peace to compliment my

mate. “You did great my love. Dinner has been amazing, and the dining room looks splendid.” I

leaned over and whispered into her ear.

“Thank you, Caleb although Scarlett did most of the decorations. She has an eye for it.” My mate

forever remains humble.

By the way that dress looks phenomenal, although I think it would look better on our bedroom

floor. I choose not to resist the temptation to send her a message through our mind link. I watch in

pleasure as her cheeks turn a lovely shade of pink, and she gently swats my arm in warning.

I was just being honest love. In truth when I first seen you in it, I thought of throwing you on this

table and ravishing you like a starving man. I loved watching the pink turn to a deep red as she

started to envision the same thought. I could hear her heartbeat speed up, and I knew that I was

having an affect on her.

Daphne sent a gentle kick at my shin, and I chuckled over her embarrassment for a moment. Since it

was about halfway through the meal, I decided to make a toast.

“Please allow me to once again welcome you all to the Blue Mountain pack. My gorgeous Luna and

I are so happy that you all could make it. This has been a rapid year of change, and I am blessed to

share it with all of you. May the Goddess continue to shine her light and grace upon us.” Everyone

murmured their agreeance

“Thank you, Luna Daphne, for the lovely gifts in our room. I love the scents that you choose.” Luna

Alma complimented my mate.

"Well, I thought that they were atrocious. Mine smelled bad. You would think that a Luna would

have spent better money on her guests.” I knew that Heather could not go through this dinner

without throwing a barb at her.

“While I am sorry that you do not care for the scent of your gifts Heather. I had so hoped that the

scent I picked up would mask that horrible perfume you always wear.” Wow I was not expecting that

from Daphne, but she spit it out so casually that I cannot help but wonder if she had it planned

“Whatever, everyone else likes my perfume. You just have uncultured taste.” Heather spat back.

“Alpha Cole likes it, don’t you honey.” I watched as she leaned in closer to Cole and wrinkled his

face at the additional contact.

“You are right I may not be cultured. Perhaps I just enjoy the scent of my mate. Speaking of which I

see that you have not found your mate yet. How is that hunt going?” Now Daphne was purposely

baiting Heather. I had thought to step in and squash their squabbling, but I was too intrigued to

stop Daphne from this fight.

“Well, when one has as many suitors as I do it is simply so hard to choose.” Heather quickly quips.

“Suitors yes, but yet your still shamelessly chasing Alphas.” Daphne is quick to point out. Heather

gets a shocked look upon her face.

"Alpha Caleb can you please control your mate. Surely childish fighting should be above a Luna.” Ah

I was wondering if Alpha Noah was going to speak.

“While I would normally agree with you Alpha Noah the fact that you have failed to maintain control

of your daughter while she shamelessly throws herself at the unmated Alphas at my table, I do see

that it is my Lunas right to give said guest a reality check. Perhaps you should teach your daughter

better manners before bringing her to a gathering.” My voice is tightly controlled but I do let my

wolf briefly possess my eyes so that Noah knows not to push me any farther. It did not escape my

notice that Noah's Beta has been oddly quiet throughout the entire exchange. I made a note to

have Theo probe that issue later.

"Speaking of mates, Alpha Cole we would love for you to come visit our pack soon. You must see

what this wonderful little treasure has done to our pack house.” Alpha Marcus quickly cuts into the

conversation.

“Yes, I got rid of his dark interior. The house is much brighter now.” Lola laughingly interjects.

“Perhaps you will even find a second chance mate.” Scarlett pipes up, but her eyes are only on Theo.

I am overjoyed that my best friend has found a mate that is so deeply in love with him. Soon dessert

is served. Afterwards us males make an excuse to leave while the women continue to enjoy a few

glasses of wine.

The other men and I escape to have a few cigars, and enjoy a few games of pool and darts