Chapter 0226

Once she was gone, Xander turned to me. “Well, dad said he was going to give you all the news.

You seem to still be breathing so it didn’t shock you too bad.” He laughed at me.

“Being your cousin wasn't the most shocking part of that whole story, really.” | laughed back. "The

magical powers and poison immunity, that will take some getting used to though. Do the Elders

know? Or will they put me in the pool of potential mates to throw at Xander on a regular basis?"

“| actually would prefer it if they kept throwing you my way.

It prevents them from setting me up with some of the others.” He shudders at the thought and | have

to suppress a giggle.

“Why do they keep trying to set Xander up? Didn't you say the Alpha King is only at his strongest

with his Goddess given mate” | look at each of them in tum, confused by the idea now that it came

up. You would think that the Elders would want their Alpha King at his strongest in order to protect

and lead the packs.

“Some are of the opinion that the way the Moon Goddess goes about making us find our mates is

asking too much and that our mates should be more accessible.” Luna Anne begins.

“Meaning they are lazy and don't want to put in the effort.”

Xander chimes in and | agree with him completely. Part of finding your mate is becoming a strong

enough person on your own without them so you can be better with them.

“Also, some of them take that line of thinking a step further, believing that being from the same

pack, specifically Royal pack members having mates from the Royal pack would be better.” Alpha

Reggie adds.

“Bringing in an elitist attitude.” Xander translates again and | can't help but smile. | see where his

mind has gone with this. It’s pack separation and some being viewed as better than others rather

than pack unity amongst them all. | nod my head agreeing with Xander on this point.

“But, we can't come right out and accuse anyone of that though.” Alpha Reggie's tone is light and

conversational, but it also has an undertone of caution. “Well | think that Skylar has enough to think

about for the time being and she should probably get back before her team leader finds something

else to criticize.” He raises his eyebrow at me and | just roll my eyes and smile.

“lll go with her dad, | want to talk about next weekend."

Xander stands with me and | give Luna Anne a hug and tum to Alpha Reggie not really sure if he’s

the hugging type.

“Come here.” He opens his arms and just like with Alpha Lucas, I'm overwhelmed with the thought

that this is what it feels like to have a dad hug me. A simple gesture, taken for granted by so many,

but it means the world to me and | try to let him know that without words. He gives me a little extra

squeeze before letting me go.

Xander and | walk back out the way we came, although this time he lets me actually walk and enjoy

the grandeur of the castle. All the cream white walls and fancy humongous pictures of people and

times in history | will have to ask about later. We head down the stairs and out to the car where

Barty is waiting for us.

“Would you mind if we had some privacy Barty?” | have no idea what that means, but Barty doesn’t

hesitate and opens the door for us to get in the back and then he joins the driver in the front right

before the privacy window goes up. Ah, now | get it, but why?

Xander waits until we are on the road and moving consistently before turning to me. “This is for you.

From your brother and the rest of the guys.” My eyes go wide as he hands me five envelopes, each

one sealed with no writing on the outside.