Chapter 24: Twenty-four.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Daniel asked Sammy, as they pulled up outside the pack house.

Her eyes were cast outside with a small frown line above them, as she took in her surroundings.

It was the same house, she had first arrived at for hallowe'en. But, the atmosphere couldn't have been more different.

The Christmas decorations helped, a lot on that front. There was a full on sleigh, with eight lifesized reindeer figurines strapped to the front of it, displayed in all its festive glory on the lawn.

Several large pine trees were wrapped in fairy lights, and even had giant decorative presents at the bottom of them.

In truth the entire lawn looked like different scenes fit for being encased in a snow globe, and the house itself was glowing; lit up to show all just how magnificent the gigantic building was.

How they could call it a house was beyond her.

Sammy sighed, then tearing her gaze from the winter wonderland that was on display she turned and gave Daniel a weak smile.

"Would you even believe me if I said yes?" She smirked, before adding, "Truthfully, I'm nervous about being evaluated on a life or death threat level." Sammy answered, "I also do not like being on display. This is new, and I'm only just after a complete meltdown ready to try and let your in. Now, I'm about to be told if the powers at be, are even going to let me." She scrunched her nose, once again realising she had revealed more through word vomit to Daniel than she actually meant to.

"It will be fine, Sammy. I won't let anyone hurt you," Daniel stated, giving her hand a squeeze. "And, no one is taking you from me." He stated, making it clear there was no room for argument.

When Sammy stepped out into the winter wonderland surrounding the pack house, she could feel a lot of eyes watching her.

However, deciding not to give them the time of day she focused on the familiar pair walking towards them from the house.

"Finally," Shane stated exasperated, "Abigail's exhausted, she's excused herself, and the others are talking about some boring as shit territory dispute in the east." Shane stated, pausing as he looked at Sammy's outfit. "Are wearing thongs? You know this is a formal dinner, right, and it's December?"

"Yes, well it was these or sneakers, Shane," Sammy answered, as Daniel wrapped his arms around her waist. "Brightspark here ate my only pair of heels this morning." She smirked, giving Daniel a kiss on the cheek.

"You ate her shoes?! What the fuck is wrong with you, Daniel?" Shane asked horrified.

"Thanks for that Sammy," Daniel mumbled against her ear, then turned to Shane, "It wasn't my best idea, but I had my reasons."

"Like your reasons for going to a dog parlour?" Shane asked, becoming annoyed.

"Oh Shane, back off, that was my idea." Sammy shushed him.

Shane zeroed in on her, "Watch your tone, Sammy."

"Or what?" She scoffed with a challenge.

"Members of this pack, must respect the Alpha. Remember that." He growled out.

Sammy tilted her head and rolled her eyes, "And you need to remember, that I am not a pack member. My respect is earned, and so far you have fallen short Mr. Andrews. So, lose the holier than thou attitude. I have had a shit day, and now am forced to be here, to get Daniel out of a mess that as far as I can tell, you caused by opening your mouth prematurely."

Daniel couldn't help but smirk, he never seen Shane speechless.

"So, erm not to interrupt," he spoke from Sammy's shoulder, "but maybe we should head in?"

Shane huffed, and stormed off, as Daniel took Sammy's hand and led her forward.

Sammy walked to the door playing over in her head what Daniel had told her.

She would meet the six pack Alphas; including Shane, and their mates. They were the leaders of the six North American packs, and were in charge of enforcing the laws of their species. Most importantly, keeping their existence secret.

This evening there was going to be a dinner, where they would chat and observe her behaviour to evaluate her and Daniel's commitment to one another, and determine if she were likely to keep their existence hidden.

No Pressure then.

Daniel pushed the front door further open behind where Shane had left it, and Sammy found herself standing in a large and bright hallway. She frowned, trying to comprehend the change in the building from what she remembered; but then it was almost pitch black on hallowe'en.

The entry way was panelled three quarters of the way up with bright wooden sections, and the high ceilings had matching beams stretching overhead.

That's when sammy blushed, then pinpointed her gaze onto Daniel.

"Really?" She asked, with a raised brow.

Daniel smirked, pulling her body against his own. "Yes, I've been waiting for this for over two weeks."

With that he crushed her against himself, and fused his mouth to her own.

As it always did, Sammy's body responded to Daniel's touch like an ember being suffused with oxygen; she came alight, giving in to his touch and savouring his taste.

When the kiss ended, she couldn't help but smile.

"You know, I always thought mistletoe was overrated, I may have been wrong," she laughed, as her eyes darted around the rest of the grand entry way, taking in the evergreen boughs that were draped around elegantly, "Christmas is big here, huh?" She asked.

Daniel smiled, shaking his head slightly as he led Sammy to a drawing room, "Yes and no. We aren't Christian, but over the years the pack has accepted many human mates, and they brought their traditions and beliefs with them. As such, for the kids we celebrate a plethora of different holidays."

"That's really sweet, Daniel," Sammy answered honestly. "Though it does make me wonder what faith you hold, if any?"

Daniel bit his lip while he thought of how best to answer her, "I suppose paganism would be the closest I could term it to. We honour the old gods, in particular Diana. The goddess of the hunt and with strong associations to the moon."

"I want to hear more about that," she smiled, becoming distracted as she noticed the twelve foot Christmas tree stood proudly in the corner of the room.

It was lit up, with soft white lights and had a plethora of different children's handmade ornaments hanging form it.

Daniel watched as Sammy smiled at the tree.

"Every child in the pack makes one," he stated, "The damn tree gets bigger ever year to accommodate them all. I think mine is even still on there."

Sammy's face lit up at the beautiful tradition.

"Would you show me?" She asked hopefully.

Daniel inclined his head and took her across to the tree, scanning all the ornaments hanging there, until he came to a twig of wood. He lifted it off and gave it to Sammy.

She turned it in her hands, looking at the loose ribbons glued onto it, and the three bells that were haphazardly stuck on. Tied around the top, was a gold string that formed a loop large enough to hang it.

"I was four," Daniel shrugged, "Didn't have the best fine motor skills as you can see."

But Sammy brushed off his embarrassment, "I love it."

The statement caught Daniel off guard, "What?" He asked confused.

"I love all of it, Daniel. It so, perfectly wholesome. You guys are more than a pack. You're a real family. I bet your baby teeth are even around here somewhere, arent they?" She smiled genuinely at him.

Daniel laughed, "Gods, I hope not!"

He turned, briefly to realise they were alone in the room, before saying "I will be right back, I'm just going to find out where everyone is."

Sammy nodded, still admiring all the decorations on the tree, as Daniel left.

She briefly looked around the room admiring the large sheepskin rug, and the fire in the hearth. There were large windows dressed in heavy red velvet curtains, and the room genuinely looked perfectly dressed for Christmas, right down th the thick wool blankets draped over the back of the leather couches.

She was focusing in on the tree again, when she heard someone approaching.

"It's a cute tradition right?" Came the deep male voice she didn't recognise.

She turned her head to see a man, a little older. He had sandy brown hair and blue eyes. There was something familiar about him, but she couldn't quite place it.

"I'm Henry," he smiled warmly.

"Sammy," she nodded, "And yes, it's a lovely tradition, especially for the kids. Seeing their elder's ornaments on here as well, must give them such a sense of belonging."

Henry nodded, inhaling with a frown.

"You smell familiar, have we met?" He asked bluntly.

Tensing her jaw, Sammy shook her head, "Unless you are one of the volunteers that come up to the wildlife sanctuary?"

"No, no," Henry frowned, "I'm not from this pack. My father's on the council, I'm supposed to be sitting in, but I seen you arrive, and wanted to meet the human who caused such a knee jerk reaction in everyone."

"How exactly did I do that?" Sammy stated almost accusingly, beginning to feel very wary with this man.

"You see human mate interviews normally happen one to two months, after our secret is revealed. You found out what, two days ago. Yet here we all are," Henry stated, studying Sammy carefully.

"Oh goody," Sammy rolled her eyes on a sigh, "More drama."

"Anyway, I thought I would sneak off and try and work out why. But, you confuse me, Sammy Gray. Interesting last name by the way." He added, before stiffening as Daniel returned.

"How so?" Sammy asked, getting annoyed at this man.

Daniel slipped his arm around Sammy's waist pulling her close.

"How so what?" Daniel asked, wilfully taking a place in the conversation.

"I'm asking why my last name should be of interest." Sammy stated, leaning closer to Daniel, and willingly receiving the comfort he was offering.

Henry growled watching them. It seemed to take even him by surprise.

"What's your problem?" Sammy snapped, unconsciously putting herself between the two men and making Daniel frown at her actions.

Henry ignored Sammy, instead giving Daniel the type of look that could turn a mortal to stone.

"Step away from her, Beta." He demanded.

"I will do no such thing. You are not my Alpha, Henry, in fact you're not anyone's Alpha yet, and Sammy, is mine." Daniel snarled, his fingers latching almost painfully into Sammy's waist.

"She wears no mark, yet. You can only stake your claim, not demand others respect it. Now step back!" Henry stated with a raised voice.

Both men were cut off, as Sammy's open palm collided with Henry's cheek.

"Who the hell do you think you are?! I am with Daniel, and from what you told me, you're not even on the council that is here to meet me. I'm sorry you find my last name intriguing, but with an attitude like this I have no desire to find out why. So, fuck off and leave me and my mate, alone!" Sammy snapped.

Henry growled lowly, his jaw tensing, while Daniel's hands reached up to Sammy's shoulders preparing to launch her out of the way should the man lunge.

"Daniel, Sammy," called Shane from the doorway, "And you Henry. Enough of this. Dinner is ready, come."