Mercy and Peace

Addy

Drake cradles me in his arms, allowing the tension to dissipate. I gaze up at him, his smile making my heart flutter. As I attempt to sit up, he keeps me nestled in his lap, his arms secure around me as I turn to address Sherman.

“Addy, consider your words carefully,” he advises. “I have the final say on their fate, but they are your parents. Their years of mistreatment weigh heavily on my decision.”

I nod, feeling Drake’s arms tighten around my waist, drawing me closer. His warmth seeps into my back, a comforting sensation that has grown stronger since I was accepted into the pack. His emotions are more palpable now, his love and care coursing through me as he holds me.

“What about the house on the edge of your lands? What state is it in?” I ask, my hand curling around his arm.

He retrieves a book, flipping through its pages before calling out, “Martin, could you join us?”

An older man enters, closing the door softly behind him. He bows his head in respect. “Yes, Alpha?”

“The house on the border, what’s its current condition?” Drake asks, his eyes scanning the book once more.

Martin ponders for a moment. “It’s not in the best shape. It’s been vacant for years. We replaced the roof a few years back when it caved in, but it’s not habitable. We’ve been meaning to ask if we could demolish it. It’s an eyesore.”

Drake exhales deeply before turning back to me. “Since that’s not an option, let’s discuss alternatives. What would you like to happen to them?”

I nervously rub my hands together, taking a shallow breath. “I don’t want to banish them. They should have been better parents, but they weren’t prepared for the consequences. They wanted a son, and the moon goddess didn’t grant them that. Dad said I wouldn’t have to deal with them if I didn’t want to. Is he still fit to be your Beta?”

Sherman shakes his head. “No, he’s lost that privilege. My right-hand man must be honest and trustworthy. He’s proven he lacks those qualities.”

“If you strip him of his title, it’s like taking everything away. Is there another house they could live in? One less grand than the Beta house?” I ask, my gaze dropping to the floor.

Drake lifts my chin gently. “Addy, don’t be shy about this. Consider it a learning experience. We’ll face situations like this in the future. Don’t feel guilty about making this decision.”

Sherman leans back in his chair, arms crossed. “Drake’s right, Addy. There will be times when your decisions won’t be easy. My wife has shed tears over tough decisions. We need to resolve this now so you can enjoy your evening. Any other house will be a downgrade for your parents since he’s lost his standing with me. Whoever I appoint as my Beta will move into their house until Ryan is ready.”

I close my eyes, taking a deep breath. “What if we move them to a small one-bedroom house? They’ll have to work for everything they want. Their clothes and possessions that aren’t heirlooms will be confiscated. Make them Omegas so they have to earn the pack’s trust and rely on their friends and pack members’ generosity, just like I had to. We’ll sentence them to twelve years of this hardship. Assign him to border patrol where he can’t use his name to manipulate others. He’ll be told his duties.”

Drake and his father break into wide smiles. “You’re adapting well to your new role. I wouldn’t have thought of all that,” his father grins. “Martin, bring them back in, please.”

The door opens and my parents reenter the office. My dad is visibly anxious, while my mom remains emotionless. Could she really be so indifferent about their fate? She never loved me. I was the unwanted daughter, not the son she desired.

“Sit down,” Sherman gestures to the chairs. “We’ve decided on your punishment for your wrongdoings. Paul, you’re stripped of your Beta title. Both of you are demoted to Omega status. You’ll move from the Beta house to a single-bedroom home. Only family heirlooms can be taken from your current home. All your money, furniture, and clothes will remain in the house until my new Beta decides what to do with them. You can retrieve your belongings when they’re discarded. Paul, you’ll be assigned to border patrol under Cameron starting tomorrow. You’ll have to rely on the kindness and support of the pack. Amber, you’ll work in the kitchen here, serving lunches to pack members to earn wages for your needs.”

“You can’t be serious,” my mother shrieks.

“Paul, control your wife before this escalates,” Sherman growls.

Dad turns to her, his voice seething with anger. “Amber, shut your damn mouth. Don’t speak again in this meeting. If you do, Martin will escort you out of the packhouse to wait for me outside.”

She opens her mouth to retort, but the low growl of his wolf silences her. He turns back to his Alpha, bowing his head.

Drake stands, setting me down from his lap and walking to the desk. “You’ll endure this for twelve years, the same length of time Addy suffered under your neglect.”

My dad looks up at him. “We understand, Drake. We accept this punishment. It could have been much worse. You’ve been generous with your verdict.”

“Thank your daughter for your continued presence in this pack. It was her idea to move you into the house instead of banishing you. Despite everything you put her through, she still has a heart of gold and wants to give you a chance to improve. She may not want to interact with you, but you’ve been given a second chance to better your lives,” Sherman taps his fingers on the desk.

Drake turns to Martin. “Take them to the old house. Only allow them to move the heirlooms. Nothing else can be taken from the house. Ask pack members with trucks to help them move. They no longer have vehicles. They’ll have to work and save for another.”

My mother’s eyes are a whirlwind of emotions—hatred, regret, sadness. Sherman dismisses them with a wave of his hand. As my dad passes me, he pauses, looking at me where I sit on the sofa.

“Addy, I’m grateful for your mercy. I know we’ve wronged you, but please accept my gratitude and regret. I’m sorry for everything. Maybe one day we can mend our relationship. If not, I wish you a happy life with your mate,” his hand twitches.

I wrap my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. I feel a tear drop on the back of my neck, followed by a soft sob. I don’t forgive them, but this could be a start. Maybe one day, we can talk.

“Goodbye, Dad. I hope you and Mom find happiness in your new roles. I’m not forgiving you, but maybe in the future, we can mend what’s been broken,” I step back.

My mom approaches next. “I suppose you want an apology from me too?”

I glare at her. “Not if it’s insincere. Dad’s apology was heartfelt. I don’t want anything from you if you can’t offer the same. I know you’re hurting. You’ve lost your safety net, your wealth, and possibly your friends. It’ll be a good lesson for you. True friends stick by your side no matter how bad things get. If they abandon you, they were never real friends. Myra has been by my side through everything. That’s what a real friend is.”

She rolls her eyes at my advice, but a small smile sneaks onto her face. “You might be right, Paul. Our upbringing wasn’t the best, but we can’t change the past. Let’s gather our things before it gets too dark.”

She exits the office without a backward glance. My dad grumbles a bit, but he smiles at me before following her.

Drake approaches, wrapping his arms around me from behind. “She might come around. If not, you can still see your dad.”

He chuckles, taking my hand. “I’ve never seen them so frightened. They’ve never had to do any real work. Maybe this will change them.”

He pulls me close. “I know today has been stressful. How about a walk in the gardens?”

Myra stands, stretching. “That sounds nice. I could use a walk myself.”

Drake frowns at her, but I touch his face. “It’s okay if she joins us. This is all new to me. We’ll have plenty of alone time later.”

He rolls his eyes but heads for the door. He lets go of my hand as I link arms with Myra. We’re keeping our relationship a secret until tomorrow’s announcement. Sherman follows us out.

“Addy, you handled that well. You’ll be a great asset to the pack. Don’t let fear stop you from speaking your mind. Enjoy tonight, and we’ll see you at the party tomorrow,” he says, turning down a hallway.

We enter the gardens as the sun sets. Drake guides us along the paths, walking a few steps ahead. We spend the evening strolling and chatting until the cool night air drives us back inside.

***

Addy

As we walk down the hallway, he stops at his door. I continue past it, heading towards Myra’s room. He grabs my wrist, stopping us both. I know what’s coming, but I’m not sure I’m ready.

~He won’t force himself on us. He’ll wait until we’re ready,~ Mystic reassures me.

“Where are you going?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.

I glance around the hallway, avoiding his gaze. “To Myra’s room.”

He chuckles, pulling me towards him. “Do you think Diego would let you be alone tonight?”

Myra laughs, entering his room. “Come on, we can talk in here.”

I notice people in the hallway glancing our way before continuing on their way. They must be wondering why he’s with me and not Macie. We follow Myra into his room.

He closes the door behind us. Myra and I sit on the couch while he sits on the bed, facing us.

“This is all new to you, Addy,” Myra says, touching my arm. “When a male wolf finds his mate, he never lets her out of his sight.”

I look around the room nervously. “I don’t know how this works. I’ve read about it, but experiencing it is different.”

They both laugh. “We’ll teach you everything. Lesson one: you’re staying with me tonight. No sneaking off. From now on, we’ll spend every night together.”

“But—” I start to protest.

“No,” he interrupts, serious. “If you tried to leave, Diego would bring you back. I don’t think the pack needs to see that.”

I imagine him carrying me back to his room while I yell at him. That would definitely draw attention. I nod, heading to the closet to grab a blanket and pillow.

“What are you doing?” he growls.

“I thought I’d sleep on the couch,” I say, watching my feet.

He stops in front of me, taking the blanket and pillow and tossing them onto the couch. His hand gently traces my face.

“No. You’d end up in bed with me anyway. What’s making you so nervous? I won’t touch you until you’re ready. As our bond grows, you’ll get used to this. We have to mate by the end of the month, so my parents can step down after graduation.”

I take a shaky breath. “I’m not sure I can share a bed with a man.”

“Your mate, not a man. I’m the only man you’ll ever have to worry about. Our bond won’t let us be with anyone else. That’s why I ended things with Macie. The bond made me focus on you.”

I blush. “I’ve felt the same way since we met. I was so scared you’d reject me. I thought I’d be alone forever.”

“I told you he wouldn’t reject you. He was excited to find you. He knew it was you before he even saw you. Your scent was all over me,” Myra says, crossing her arms.

“There’s one more thing you need to know,” he says, taking my hand.

They’re both smirking.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Drake laughs nervously. “Now that we’ve found each other, your heat cycle will start soon.”

“Excuse me?” I pull away from him.

Myra laughs at my confused expression. “It happens to all female wolves after they find their mate. If you haven’t mated before it starts, every unmated male will be drawn to you. That’s why most mates are intimate quickly. It stops the cycle.”

I cross my arms. “Why are you trying to rush me into having sex?”

They both laugh.

“I’m telling you the truth, Addy. If I find my mate tomorrow, we’ll have to mate quickly too. I didn’t make this up.”

I shake my head. “I’ve never heard of this. My parents never mentioned it, and I’ve never read about it. Why didn’t our teacher tell us?”

Myra goes to a bookshelf, quickly scanning the spines. She pulls out a book, flips through it, and hands it to me. I read the passage she points to.

~After a female wolf finds her mate, her heat cycle starts in about a month. If she and her mate have been intimate before it starts, only the male will be affected. If they haven’t mated, every unmated male will be drawn to her.~

“You’re saying the males here will attack me? They’ll force me to have sex with them, even though I’m in charge of the pack?” I ask, looking from the book to them.

Drake’s chest rumbles with a low growl before he halts. “That’s the one thing I can’t stop my wolf from killing over. It triggers the wolves, and their human side can’t control it, no matter how hard they try. I told you we’d have to be mated in about a month, and this is why,” he says, pointing to the page I’ve just read.

I narrow my eyes at both of them. “This will have to wait. I told Drake I’m not ready for this step yet.”

He raises his hands in surrender. “I’m not forcing you into this, Addy. We’re just telling you what your future holds now that this has happened. I’ll wait as long as we need to, but it will only last around a month, if not less. I don’t want to be in the mix of males trying to mate with you when it hits while fighting all of them off, trying to keep you safe. It will be an all-out war between the males trying to get to you. It will be hard enough for me to control Diego over this, but I don’t want to go through having to fight all my friends in the process. I hope you see it from my point of view on this. Diego will kill anyone who tries this, and I’ll feel horrible if I take out my pack members.”

I let out a puff of air, my cheeks ballooning. “Fine. I understand what the two of you are warning me about. We have about a month before this will happen, giving me plenty of time to get more comfortable going forward to complete the ritual.”

They exchange a look I don’t understand. Myra stands up and walks towards the door. “I’m going to bed. It’s been a long day, and we have another one tomorrow. Get some sleep, Addy; I’ll get you in the morning to prepare for the party. I have everything set up for us.”

I wave my hand at her. “Wait, you’re going to leave me here?”

She smirks. “Yes, I’m not sleeping with the two of you in my brother’s room. My bed is calling me.”

She turns the knob and walks out, leaving me standing in the middle of the room, wringing my hands. I wonder what will happen now. I jump when I feel a soft material touch my arm.

“Here, you can wear this to bed tonight if you want,” he says, holding out a long dark blue t-shirt. “I don’t think you’re ready to wear the items we bought at the store yet. I don’t mind if you wear some of my clothes, and they’ll be big on you where I won’t see anything.”

My cheeks heat up at the thought of all the naughty things he bought in the store. I take the shirt from his hand and walk into the closet, grabbing a pair of soft pajama shorts we bought before heading into the bathroom. I take off the clothes I wore to the meetings and lay them on the counter so I can hang them up later. Leaving my bra and panties on, I slip the shorts and shirt on before walking back into the closet to hang up the dress. He’s leaning against the headboard under the covers, his eyes lighting up when he sees me in his shirt. It comes down to my knees, covering the shorts I have on. I walk over to the side of the bed he’s not lying on, my fingers grabbing the soft covers and slowly pulling them back. My knee hits the soft mattress as I crawl onto the bed. I arrange my pillows where I want them and lay down, sinking into a softness I’ve never experienced before. The bed shifts as he moves, his arm coming around my waist and pulling me to his chest. His heat envelops me and my eyes start to drift shut. I know he won’t do anything while I’m asleep, and we have a month to work on the other.

~That’s what you think,~ Mystic smiles as she curls up for the night.

~What?~ I try to figure out why she said that, but her eyes close and she doesn’t answer.