“Not your problem babe,” I countered. “Someday the wolves will see him for what he really is. Royan isn’t a threat. Or are you more or less worried that this large pack will break apart and begin their own sub-pack?”

  The way his face morphed led me to believe he hadn’t thought of that. All I could do was shrug. If this pack wanted to branch off, then so be it. There were wolves loyal to Evander who would stay. And if none did, we had our own pack beginning soon.

  Finally he shook his head. “No,” he sighed heavily. “I’m not worried about that. If it ever does happen, I won't make waves. I guess I’m just irritated that they could so carelessly, casually, not want any form of punishment for the wolf who began this mess.”

  “So, you’re pissed there’s no justice?”

  “Yeah,” he huffed.

  I shrugged. “Sometimes the best kind of justice is none. Everyone knows what Royan started. Let him die in the hole he made himself. Let the Vilkas be. Not your problem.”

  My mate nodded, blowing out his lips. He ran a hand over his face and pulled at the skin on the back of his neck. “You're right. And if anything happens, we’ll cross that bridge then.”

  I smiled lovingly at him, going over and sitting on his lap. I kissed the side of his head, leaving my lips on his temple. I held him close, feeling the stress in his body dissipate. I felt terrible for him that he felt the need to somehow take on the burden. I understood where he was coming from as a former Vilkas. That wolfpack sought justice, thrived on it almost, or at least that was how it appeared to me. And now, that same level of accountability those same wolves held me prisoner for, were not doing the same for another. I felt that was Evander’s greatest dilemma and not the fact that the Vilkas wished to remain as they were.

  “You're doing a fantastic job as alpha. I think you're stressing yourself out,” I said, whispering my same thoughts to him.

  Evander wrapped his arms around me, holding me close. He nodded, his lips pulling down farther than they already were as he voiced that I was indeed correct about being angry regarding the zero justice against Royan. Evander snuggled against me, resting his head in the valley of my breasts. “I’m stressed,” he began again after a few moments of silence. “I want to do my best and protect my pack. And I think I’m over-stressing the Vilkas when I shouldn’t be. Iorgas said in his letter he wanted amiability. I need to correspond with my agreement.”

  I tilted his chin up toward me, kissing him softly on the lips. “It's like Syrus always told me: be ever vigilant, but never suspicious. And write your letter later. The cubs are arriving soon and we have thirty pounds of bacon to make.”

  Evander rose from his seat with me on his lap like the effort was nothing at all. He adjusted me in his arms, carrying me out of the office and down the corridor toward the large industrial kitchen that famous chef’s would be envious of.

  We passed pack members on the way there, though it seemed to me there were fewer inside today then there have been. Evander mentioned giving everyone a day off since we had been going hard after we returned from Maluhia. I agreed. We all had been going hard, trying to get everything accomplished before something else transpired.

  Evander set me down right outside the swinging doors leading in. I peeked through the small porthole in the door, noting the kitchen had two other chef’s inside preparing something for dinner later today. Everyone was on their own for lunch but breakfast and dinner were taken together as a pack.

  I walked in, getting an apron off the peg to the left.

  “I wanna see you later in just an apron,” he whispered behind me.

  “Are we role playing?” I asked, getting excited since he seemed to not mind the last time.

  “No damn ears,” he growled softly in my ear.

  The sultry voice sent a chill down my spine. “Fair enough. But you must rip the apron from my body.”

  “What makes you think I won't?”

  I grinned, shaking off the promise of carnal pleasure. We had a lot to do, and the donuts took a few hours to prepare since the yeast had to rise and there was bacon to get cooking. I set Evander in charge of the bacon. I had to concentrate on making the donut mixture since I had no recipe, just memories of my aunt Espe making them.

  I glanced at the clock, seeing it was a touch past nine. I scowled, kicking myself for not having the donut mixture done sooner. There was going to be an afternoon treat of donuts for all instead of donuts for breakfast like I thought I was going to do, but my blonde brain got sidetracked. I shrugged. Donuts at any time made it a good time.

  “What kind of frosting are we making?” Evander asked over the sizzle of the bacon.

  “Maple and chocolate,” I replied, heating the milk to exactly 90 degrees before I added in my measured yeast.

  “Chocolate is best anyways,” Evander said, setting the bacon on a napkin for the grease to drain off.

  “Yeah, I agree,” Lona said, coming through the door.

  I grinned at her little curls and how she bounced happily as she walked. She saddled up right beside Evander, standing slightly behind to not get splashed with bacon grease. The other four kids came through the door together with Monika and Calder right behind them. Each kid paused at the sink to wash their hands, ushering the one in front to go faster.

  “Welcome!” I said happily. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “We’re more than happy to be here,” Monika replied. “And I love what you have done with the castle Zuri. It feels more welcoming than it did years ago.”

  “Thank you so much,” I replied, putting Griff on the counter to my left and Lona on my right. “I’m trying to make it more inviting. We both want anyone to come at any time and know they are welcome in our pack and home.”

  “I love that. Don’t you, dear?” Monika asked, her voice rising as she addressed her mate.

  Calder clapped Evander on the shoulder as they spoke but paid enough attention to give Monika a thumbs-up.

  “So, where’s the donuts?” Griff asked.

  “We’re making them. We have a bit to wait because the yeast in the dough has to rise for an hour. But while the dough is rising, we are going to make the icing.”

  “I just want bacon,” Lona unhappily sighed.

  I glanced over my shoulder, seeing Alesar and Leon cooking more bacon on the griddle top together with Evander happily giving instruction while sneaking a piece. I grinned further, watching Calder also steal a few pieces of bacon. I snorted, shaking my head as I beat the yeasty milk I had on the cooktop in with the dry ingredients using a hand mixer. Aunt Espe always used her standing mixer with a dough hook but I preferred it this way. I handed the mixer to Kefira and helped her mix the dough.

  “It’s all clumpy,” Griff said disappointed.

  “It will be fine, I promise. The fun part will be after the dough sits for an hour.”

  “Are your hands washed?” I asked Griff.

  He nodded, holding his hands straight out for inspection. “Yeah. What am I gonna do?”

  “Knead the dough in some flour.”

  He looked at me confused and burst out laughing. “Why are there flowers in a donut! That’s silly Alpha Zuri.”

  Chuckling, I sprinkled the counter in some flour while explaining what it was. I showed Griff how to knead. Apparently kneading was better performed as punches with explosive sounds. Lona crossed her arms, scowling at Griff chopping the dough in half. The boy scowled in frustration that somehow the dough wasn’t breaking apart with his force. I let Lona have a turn kneading but the consistency made her wary and she opted for test-tasting frosting.

  “Cubs,” Monika said as she lifted Lona off the counter. “Go outside and play. The alpha’s need to talk.”

  Immediately, the kids stopped what they were doing and headed for the kitchen door. Evander and Calder took over the bacon, waiting for the kids to head out the door before popping strips into their faces.

  “Calder and I wanted to ask you both something,” Monika prompted.

  Calder nodded, flipping bacon. I put the kneaded dough into the bowl and covered it with a cloth. The giant batch of donut mixture was already rising. It made me nervous as I wondered if I had done something wrong or if it was just how it was rising since I made a quadruple batch.

  “We wanted to know,” Calder’s deep voice echoed in the empty kitchen. “If you and Zuri wanted to be the godparents to these cubs and future ones?”

  My jaw dropped. “What about your pride?”

  Calder shrugged. “You said to me that you wanted the cubs to be where they felt safe and comfortable. It resonated with me because a lot of times cubs or pups are passed around to different packs or prides. Not saying it’s going to happen with us. But if something were to ever happen, we know they would be safe and well loved with the both of you.”

  I grinned, understanding what he was getting at. If anything were to happen, a permanency for the kids would be what was best for them. Evander and I, both having experienced getting passed around, a place to belong, to stay and know we were safe and loved was something I knew every kid needed. It warmed my heart more than words could express what Calder was giving us. I wiped a tear from my eye, hardly being able to give an audible thank you.

  Evander glanced over his shoulder at me and grinned. “We would love to.”

  “Thank you,” Monika said, smiling.

  “While the dough rises, would you like to see the newly refinished castle?” I asked.

  “I’d be delighted.”

  “Of course,” Evander teased. “Leave the men to finish cooking while you women go have fun.”

  “There are beers and two steaks in the fridge behind you. And yes I planned this. Have fun,” I giggled, taking off my apron.

  Monika looped her arm in with mine as we headed for the door.

  “Bottles or cans?” Calder asked.

  “Both,” I shot back. “Four different kinds of beers and two large porterhouse steaks.”

  The kitchen door swung shut. I led Monika to the room I had picked out for them to stay in.

  EVANDER

  I let out the breath I was holding, as I entered our bedroom; happy that Zuri hadn’t caught on to what I was doing. I requested the lion pride come, not only to see the cubs and make the promised donuts, but for the reception tonight I had planned for my mate. Without any doubt, I knew she loved the mate-bonding ceremony even when it was interrupted by Diomedes. I just wanted to give her more. And now I could with Diomedes being terminated. I wanted to give her something I’d thought she would appreciate - a wedding reception complete with everyone here to celebrate.

  I snuck inside the bedroom, taking the cobalt blue dress and my suit inside. Darra had gone and picked up the ordered clothes for me. She even picked me out a wine colored button down shirt for the suit that complimented Zuri’s dress. I was supposed to go pick it all up, but got sidetracked with the cubs making donuts and asking Calder for advice in regards to the Vilkas. Like my mate, he said to let it be and cross that bridge if necessary. The Vilkas and the Moon Walkers, now Goda Vilki, had always been at odds. Now with Iorgas as alpha, I hoped to someday remedy the situation. As for now, I would heed their advice and let it all lie where it was.

  I hung up the clothes in the closet with a grin. More guests would be arriving soon; like Barend, Xenos, Rydell, and Tordis. The vampire leader Vidar stated he would be here and would be staying until the meeting a few days later regarding the dragons. Zuri, being the thoughtful woman she was, did several rooms for each race, and decorated them in a schematic she thought would be appealing. Already the lions loved their cozy room in warm neutrals and stone like their mountain home. I couldn't help but smile at her thoughtfulness.

  My phone buzzed. I checked my back pocket, noting the text message.

  Syrus: Sorry son, we won’t be able to make it. Espe and I are still sick. Tell Zuri we love her.

  I frowned slightly, tucking my phone away. Earlier this morning when Zuri was sleeping, I got a phone call from her father detailing that he and Espe would try to be here tonight. Espe woke up not feeling too hot, so it was up in the air. I felt bad they were ill but respected that they wanted to stay home and not spread whatever they had.

  I snuck back out of the bedroom, heading toward the castle doors. The reception was going to be held by the pond since it was a large enough manicured space to hold everyone. I had Molner and Errol down there, coordinating the set up while Dridan and Bertok helped the guests get settled and guided them to where the party was. Small fires were going to be lit for warmth and also for the kids to roast marshmallows. Somehow or another, by sheer blessing or Monika’s busy-body self, Zuri was kept occupied. I had caterers coming in and out of the kitchen, taking appetizers down to the covered area. I had numerous dessert trays made and a special one for the sprites. Everything came together so quickly and easily. I was grateful and impressed.

  Now, time to actually go find my mate, I decided, taking a peek at the sky. It was dark outside, the light of the half moon giving a faint glow. The sky twinkled with stars and a bright blue-green borealis graced us tonight. I grinned. Tonight felt special, made even more so by what I had planned for the love of my life.

  “There you are!” Zuri announced, her eyes wide and she jogged toward me.

  I scowled, wondering what had her so unsettled. “What’s the matter, babe?”

  “Why are there beings coming? Not that I’m upset. But we have a few days until we all gather to discuss the dragons and if we want to push forth and attack.”

  I stammered for words, wondering if I could even lie. Wolves were terrible liars and knowing Zuri, she might catch on. In fact, I knew she would know before I even attempted to stammer anything remotely convincing to myself.

  “I asked them to come because… because I needed their help.”

  She gave me a disbelieving look that determined I was an idiot. “Yeah and I’m a tiger.”

  I closed my eyes, racking my brain for a modicum of a badass thought but everything blissfully eluded me and I was stuck looking at her like a deer in the headlights. “I asked them here.”

  “Okay… Care to elaborate?”

  “No,” I squeaked, turning her around toward the castle doors. “Let’s go to our room to get ready.”

  “For?”

  “None-ya.”

  She giggled. “Oh right… None-ya-business… I’ll play along. I’ll go get ready,” she said sarcastically.

  For a hot second, my brain was on repeat of ‘oh shit’ wondering if she already knew. Then I figured she didn’t. I tapped into my wolf senses wondering if I could hear or smell anything or any hint of what might be happening at the pond. I caught a whiff of smoke from the fires, the scent of meat and wine and the odors of bodies mingling. As far as hearing, I didn’t catch anything.

  Zuri went inside the castle doors then took off sprinting down the hallway. “I know you’re up to somethin’ Evander Dane!”

  “I’m up to nothin’, Zuri Ariella!” I shouted back, catching up to her.

  Using her magic, she went faster, racing to our room. Before I could get to her, she had the door opened up and walked inside, magic at the ready in her hands.

  “What’re you doing?” I asked.

  “I should be asking you that,” she retorted, searching the room.

  “There’s nothing in here, babe.”

  “That’s what you want me to believe.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Just get ready and then I will show you,” I said, going to the closet and handing her the cobalt blue dress with rhinestones.

  She held it up, her jaw dropped as she admired it. She carefully removed it from the plastic, laying it on the bed. The silk fabric was wrinkly in the mid-section, and glittery. I had no idea what the style or anything was called. Darra said the dress would hug Zuri in all the right places, winked at me, giggled then went to find Molner. So, I really hadn’t a damn clue.

  Zuri undressed quickly. A little bulge at the edge of her stomach was making itself known and I grinned. I wrapped her naked form in my arms and held her close to me. The warmth of her body sent tingling sensations through me. My pulse raced, wanting to claim her yet just wanting to bask in her presence. She made me forget all sense of time.

  “Babe,” she whispered against my chest as she nuzzled me and held me closer. “Out of curiosity, how long does it take a wolf pup to be born?”

  “Around four to five months,” I replied, kissing the top of her head. “I know humans take nine months.”

  She shrugged in my arms. “I think we created a wolf.”

  I picked her up, holding her on my hips with my hands under her supple ass. “Nah, something more badass than that.”

  She blew her lips. “Infinitely more badass, right?” she finished, kissing me zealously.

  I returned her hunger, spinning her around and plopping her on the bed. Her legs still remained wrapped around my waist.

  “I’m not crushing you, am I?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. So what do you think we created?”

  “Life.”

  She snorted. “Maybe some kind of hybrid?”

  “A living hybrid,” I teased.

  “Really? I had no idea!”

  I laughed, kissing along her jaw to end teasing her lips. She grabbed the back of my head, pulling me to her. The hunger in her burned under her skin and the way she tangled her tongue with mine.

  “Do we have time?” she asked, her eyes hazy.

  “Always.”

  I quickly undid my pants and yanked my legs free of them. She pushed herself further back on the bed, wiggling a finger at me to come to her. I growled low at her, eliciting a giggle and a lusty smile.

  I put my dick at the entrance of her, just to see what she would do. A soft, wanton moan escaped her lips. Her head was thrown back, revealing her slender neck. I bent down, kissing a trail from the valley of her breasts up to the side of her jaw, suckling on her skin intermittently just to leave red marks on her.

  She sighed. “Claim me, alpha.”

  I shuddered at the way she said that. Each and every time it brought a new sensuality and sexiness to it with love behind the one word. Without reservation, I slammed into her body, hearing a sharp gasp followed by a quivering sigh. Her body moved rhythmically with mine. My mate closed her eyes to focus on the intensity. I grinned, leaning down to kiss her on the eyelids.