The Ebony Alpha Ch. 12

Aphasia had to agree with the wisdom of the woman at her side. She was an old memory and would soon be erased with new ones. Starting today the time for mourning Louisa Elaine Metairie was over. She was among the living a ghost no more to be grieved.

Aphasia smiled at Louisa and held out her hand. Louisa accepted her gesture and the two women clasped hands. This was a great start and Aphasia hoped that one day they could all be friends.

The two women were startled out of their moment with the loud voice of a teenager.

“What do you think of this one Mother? It isn’t too short is it?” Alisha twirled around for the women to give their opinions and she was met by nods of approval.

The soft yellow dress accented her caramel colored skin and it suited her youth by exposing a little skin. It had a heart shaped bodice and cinched in at the waist with the skirt flaring out around her hips. It hit her mid-thigh and her long legs looked graceful underneath it.

Aphasia was very proud of her daughter’s looks and it didn’t escape her that she was growing up fast. She would be mated and having her own pups before she knew it; and Aphasia felt tears fill her eyes.

Louisa held Charles’ mate’s hand a little tighter and gave her a nod of understanding. Soon she would witness Megan’s mating and their relationship would change forever.

Louisa looked around her and realized she had come full circle. Finally she was free to mate with Joe and have no ghosts from her past haunting her. She couldn’t wait.

****

Shopping was not on the men’s agenda as they assembled together in the large workout room in the basement of the main house.

Jackson had invited Ambrose and Abe so that he could gage their fighting skills. He didn’t expect them to have any real knowledge of how to defend themselves and he wanted to give them a few lessons.

Sullivan and Stephan joined them as they listened to Jackson explain to the twins how pack members interact when sparing.

“We spar to get better at our fighting skills. Women as well as men are required to maintain their bodies so that they can defend themselves or their pack at a moment’s notice. If you have a mate it is also expected that you be able to protect them as well.”

“We were wrestlers in high school but since we entered medical school we haven’t participated in any organized sports.” Ambrose volunteered.

“Well you two look like you are in good shape, what do you do to stay that way?” Stephan asked.

“I play soccer with my friends and basketball when I can, but lately I just haven’t had time.” Ambrose admitted to the men around him.

“I run every morning, it was something I have been doing for a long time and it helps relax my mind.”

Abe looked like a runner, thought Jackson. His body was long and lean where Ambrose’s was heavier and showed more muscular strength.

“Watch Sullivan and Stephan skirmish a bit and then you two can show me what you remember from high school.”

Sullivan and Stephan removed their shirts and shoes and headed to the large mat in the middle of the gym. Jackson smiled as his two childhood friends faced each other and he put his money on Sullivan since he was the larger of the two.

Sullivan leaned forward and curled his arms slightly inward shifting from foot to foot. He watched as Stephan took the same stance and grinned at his little brother.

“Are you ready for me baby brother? It’s been a while since we’ve spared.” Sullivan leered at Stephan and growled when he didn’t answer.

Stephan was concentrating on his brother’s movements. Sullivan didn’t take him seriously and he was going to use that to his advantage.

He wasn’t surprised when Sullivan suddenly attacked and he waited until he was almost on top of him when he moved quickly out of his way. Sullivan flew past him sliding on the mat, his face taking the brunt of his miss.

Sullivan was furious and proud. He didn’t expect his brother to be able to best him and that made him feel good. But the feeling didn’t last as he heard the hoots and laughter from the crowd that had gathered to watch.

Sullivan tried to calm himself but his eyes took on an amber glow of rage and he bent his head in a charging position.

“No wolves Sullivan, this is just a practice round.” Jackson’s voice carried an authority he rarely used with him and Sullivan quickly fought back his beast.

He looked at Stephan and saw the fear in his brother’s eyes and he halted his wolf immediately. He relaxed and began to circle Stephan stalking him looking for a hole in his defenses.

Stephan jumped straight up in the air and landed on his stomach behind Sullivan. He swiped his leg under his brother’s body and brought him down to the mat.

Sullivan howled in anger and quickly turned over only to be met by his brother’s foot connecting with his jaw. He was a little dazed and he felt Stephen’s large hands close around his neck.

“Do you submit Sullivan?” Jackson asked form the edge of the mat.

Sullivan stopped moving and reluctantly said; “Yes!”

Stephan removed his hands from his brother’s neck and stood offering him his hand. Sullivan accepted and jumped up grabbing his brother in a giant bear hug.

“Good match little brother we will make a Beta of you yet.”

Jackson looked at his two students and asked. “Do you two have any questions?”

Abe looked at Jackson for a moment then asked.

“Why did you say no wolves? Isn’t that the form you would usually fight in?”

“We actually have two forms we could use, but I wanted this to stay human so that you could identify with the moves they used.”

“I understand Jackson, but when we become wolves how will we be able to control them as Sullivan just did.”

“It takes time to become one with your animal my friends, but when you do you can access the power when you fight as well as other activities you do.”

“Does that include having sex Jackson? I heard that I must mate with Becky in my wolf form.”

Jackson couldn’t help but laugh at the young man’s question. He was sure his hormones were in overdrive and his curiosity was at an all-time high.

“I am sure that when you witness the Blood Moon ceremony many of your questions will be answered but why don’t we give you a visual of what I am talking about.”

Jackson motioned Stephan and Sullivan to come over to the side of the mat.

“Stephan I want you to shift into your hybrid form and Sullivan I want you to go wolf.” The two men nodded and stripped off their sweat pants.

Standing back onto the mat Stephan closed his eyes and stretched out his arms above his head. He stood with his legs spread out from his body almost forming an “X” shape with his body.

It was like something magical began to happen as his frame grew taller and wider before their very eyes. Golden brown fur sprouted over his enlarging body and his face elongated slightly leaving him with a more human countenance. The eyes remained their soft brown and he wiggled his bushy eyebrows at the twins in a mischievous way.

“Holy shit Jackson! You mean we have this ability buried inside of us?” Ambrose was in awe and walked over to Stephan to examine him more closely.

“We can still speak in this form Ambrose; we also remain in complete control of our emotions. This is the form we mainly assume when we go to battle, since we need our wits about us.”

Stephan was proud of his hybrid no one would dare call him an omega when he was like this.

“The medical mystery of Werewolves is incredible; I can’t believe humans don’t know that you exist.” Ambrose was deep in thought as he ran his hands along Stephan’s spine and wondered how his skeleton stretched to accommodate his growth.

“It is a well-kept secret for our safety as well as that of those we love. Can you imagine someone experimenting on Becky to see why she can transform into other physical shapes?” Jackson was trying to reach Ambrose on a medical level and he could see the wheels turning in his head.

“I understand the need for secrecy Jackson. I would never allow any harm to come to Becky. I more than understand how science can lead to disaster just look at the Atom Bomb.”

A low growl caught their attention and the group turned to see a large sandy brown wolf lounging on the mat behind them.

Sullivan had shifted and was tired of waiting for them to notice him. He was a prime specimen of male wolf and just as impressive as his younger brother. He huge head dominated his body and his tail slowly thumped the mat in his excitement at being free.

“This is your other option boys. We normally take on this form when we hunt and play. It is the most wonderful feeling to be one with your beast and running in this form is the closest thing to flying on earth.”

Jackson walked over to Sullivan and rubbed him behind the ears. He longed to join him and go for a run, but they had too much to do before that could happen.

The others gathered around Sullivan and he rose from the mat. He stood at about four feet tall on all fours and his body was four times the width of a normal wolf.

“Wow!” was all Abe could muster and ran his hand along Sullivan’s back. He marveled at the complete change of the man into animal and wondered what his wolf would look like.

“Can we have sex in either of these forms Jackson? How would it affect Becky if I was in Sullivan or Stephan’s forms?”

Ambrose wanted his answers. He wanted to be able to be with Becky in all the ways he possibly could, but he didn’t want to hurt her in any way.

Jackson sighed and smiled at the curious young man. He remembered when he was that way; horny twenty four hours a day.

“You and Becky will be able to experiment in all forms even if she is human and you are animal and vice versa. Weres are very strong; almost indestructible and we can withstand quite a bit of pain. Becky will rise to the challenge young Ambrose and you will discover many pleasures of making love when you two mate.”

Abe knew that Ambrose was far from satisfied with Jackson’s answers, and if he knew his brother he would be asking others the same questions. Abe sighed in relief glad that he had not met his mate.

He was making good use of Louisa’s potion and hoped it really worked. He hadn’t really met any girls yet so he was just being overly cautious. He wanted to make sure that he would graduate on time and get through this training a single man.

****

The dinner had been quite nerve racking for Megan, and she was very glad that Jackson stuck close by her side. She didn’t know how she would be expected to remember everyone she had met. She hoped that becoming one with her wolf would enhance her memory as well.

She had met so many people from so many different countries. The different species of folk is what had her head spinning. She was so enamored with Serena Kirk, that she followed her around the large dining room.

She was a real live Fairie Princess and Megan couldn’t take her eyes off her. Jackson laughed and grabbed his mate form behind.

“Serena has noticed you following her Megan; she will think you are not only mine.” Megan blushed and turned to Jackson seeking cover in his massive chest.

“Don’t make fun Jackson. She is so beautiful I can’t help myself. Between her and Louisa who would even notice me? Even Aphasia has an exotic look about her. I am no match for the beautiful women here.”

“But you are the chosen one and you will become the most important person to everyone here once the ceremony has been completed. You are the most beautiful woman to me Megan and that is all that matters.” Jackson kissed his distressed mate until he felt the tension drain from her body.

Applause surrounded them and Jackson released her mouth pulling her to him protectively.

“Okay folks the show is over.” Jackson complained grumpily and laughter filled the room. Then the call to be seated was made, and everyone headed to their tables.

This was the most extravagantly dressed Megan had ever been. She wore a royal blue off the shoulder gown that stopped at her ankles showing off her silver sling back pumps with sequined bows above the heel.

Megan looked at Maddie and smiled. She wore black satin that made her skin glimmer in the light.

Both had decided to wear their hair up, leaving their long supple necks on display. Maddie’s mating mark was on prominent display and Sullivan kissed it proudly every chance he could get.

There were actually many women who had their marks on display and no one mark was the same. They were all in the same place as if it were a law of where to make the bite.

Megan shivered as she noticed a very tall man and woman enter the room late. They were shown to their seats and Megan couldn’t help but notice one more extremely beautiful woman had entered the room.

“Jackson who are they?” She said inclining her head at the tardy couple.

“That is Hosuk Arikara the shaman of our pack and his new mate Evelyn Foley.”

He tried to be at ease when he saw them, but it was a little unsettling to him that Evelyn had found a mate so quickly. He knew he was being hypocritical, but that was his feral side and it would dissipate once he and Megan were mated.

“He is of the Arikara tribe and Evelyn is part Sioux. They seem to be well suited, I guess.”

Megan noticed his unease and didn’t question him further. It was hard to concentrate when Serena Kirk stood and tapped her wine glass to get their attention.

“Everyone we are here tonight to celebrate the mating of Jackson Clarion and Megan O’Hara. Would all parents please rise and join in this toast.” Joseph and Katelyn and Anderson and Ophelia stood smiling proudly.

“Louisa I would like you to stand as well. You have a major role in this and I want you to be included.”

Louisa didn’t dare refuse and stood. Her emerald green dress matched her eyes and hugged her curves. Her copper colored hair hung sleekly down her back and shimmered against the material.

Joe had arrived a few days ago and he was proud to be by her side. He beamed up at his mate and was happy he hadn’t put off his trip.

“The Elders made a decision twenty two years ago to bring forth a Fiery One that would have the right background to repair a damage that had been done almost three hundred years ago. We had Louisa donate her eggs and Megan was one of the results. Ambrose and Abraham Gastoni were also born and will participate as family members during the ceremony.”

Gasps could be heard all over the large dining hall and Louisa felt over exposed. Megan grabbed her hand and held it trying to give her assurance.
In a show of solidarity Katelyn grabbed Louisa’s other hand and smiled at the woman who had given her Megan.

Louisa relaxed and smiled proudly catching Charles’ eye momentarily as she looked over the crowd. Abe smiled at her as well and she felt exonerated from her past once and for all.

Serena Kirk walked over to Megan and Jackson beckoning them to stand. She lifted a magnificent jeweled necklace and handed it to Jackson.

“Place this around your mate’s neck young Alpha.” She said and stood back to witness the act.

Jackson draped the ornate platinum chain around Megan’s neck. He clasped the precious necklace around her throat and the room gasped again as they beheld the giant Luna Stone.

It was a precious moonstone that sparkled with blue and pink veins glistening against the diamonds that framed it.

Megan was speechless as she looked at the heavy jewel that hung nestled between her breasts. Not understanding the emotion that overtook her she turned to embrace the Elven woman for the gift.

“It’s beautiful Serena thank you for such an extravagant gift.”

Serena just smiled at her, then turned and presented her to the crowd.

“This, everyone is the long lost Luna Stone. It has been hunted by men for centuries, but was always in the Fey Folks possession. We have waited for such an occasion to pass it on. All hail Megan the Fiery One, wearer of the Luna Stone!”

“Hail Megan, Wearer of the Luna Stone!” the room erupted in applause and Megan blushed from head to toe.

Jackson took her in his arms and whispered; “My mate, my queen.” Then he kissed her to the delight of the jubilant crowd.

Joseph and Katelyn looked at each other and smiled. They had been searching for the Luna Stone and had given up when Katelyn thought she was going into labor.

That was the night of their attack and subsequent forced turning. Life certainly was mysterious and now they had both of their hoped for treasures right now together in the same room.

*****

Fabio Marconi made his way through the crowd mingling with the European Elders and dodging most of the others. He had been held up in the security office and had been late to the dinner.

He saw the beautiful redhead from across the room and made his way to her side. He had always wanted to meet Louisa Metairie and now was his chance. The rumor was she was still unmated and he wanted to see for himself.

The closer he got he noticed that she was being held closely by a large man. His possessive stance could only mean one thing; he was clearly her intended mate.

He walked up to them reluctantly to offer them his congratulations. That’s when the man’s scent hit him almost violently. Fabio’s eyes widened in shock as the smell of a bloody crime scene flashed across his mind. With great difficulty he calmed himself and slowly walked toward the couple.

“Hello I am Fabio Marconi, I am the security officer for the Elder Council and I would like to welcome you to The Clarion Ranch. I know who you are Princess Louisa, but who is your companion?”

“This is Joe Chambers Mr. Marconi. We are mates and we will make it official after the Blood Moon Ceremony. He just arrived from Texas only a few days ago.”

“It is very nice to meet you Mr. Chambers. As the security officer I always want to meet all who are new to our pack lands. Welcome to The Clarion Ranch; I hope you enjoy your stay.”

Fabio held his hand out in a welcoming gesture and Joe took it without hesitation. It was all Fabio could do to walk away from his prey.

Joe Chambers carried the scent he had been searching for. It had taken him the last twenty one years to find him and he was not going to lose him again.

****

Abe breathed a sigh of relief. The evening was almost over and he had been totally bored. Ambrose sat with Becky and had left him to his own devices.

There were only so many animal figures one could make with their napkin. He had lost all interest in the happenings around him. He looked up when he heard Becky giggling behind him and he turned slightly to see what was so funny.

That is when he saw a vision in pale yellow that caught his eye. She was so delicately beautiful that he thought he was imagining her. The woman’s dark curls framed her face and her thick eyebrows arched above cool light brown eyes.

Her dimples creased her smiling face as she laughed at something Becky said in her ear. Ambrose sat next to them holding Becky close as she chatted with her friend.

Ambrose caught Abe’s eyes and smiled at his brother. “Do you want me to introduce you brother? Her name is Alisha Dupac and she is Becky’s new friend. Quite lovely don’t you think?”

Abe started to ignore his brother and turn back around but something stopped him. Suddenly sitting with his brother didn’t seem like such a bad idea; and Abe rose to join them.

Alisha Dupac smiled up at him and he took the seat Becky vacated as she sat on Ambrose’s lap.

“Hello Becky I hope my brother is letting you catch a breath every now and then.”

Becky blushed at her future brother-in-law and smiled glad that he was joining them. She had wanted to introduce him to Alisha and this was her chance.