Chapter 5: Simon

2 Hours Later...

“Alpha Simon, have you made a decision on if you will host this year’s Yule ball? It’s in 4 months and you will need to start planning now.” Alpha Garrett asked. He was the Alpha of the Silver River Pack. His wife Layla sat next to him. In these meetings it was acceptable to invite Lunas if they wanted to join.

“It is my turn. I would be happy to host.” I smiled at him. But Layla frowned and pulled her husband down so she could whisper in his ear. “Layla, I know you know this but as a reminder these meetings we hold no secrets. Would you please share your concerns?”

She stopped abruptly and stood to be seen by the other nine members in attendance. “I was just telling Garrett that typically a Yule Ball is planned by the Luna. Since you don’t have a Luna would you like to pass on this responsibility until you are mated?” She took her seat.

I looked around at the other Alphas and their mates in attendance. Jared and I represented the Dark Forest Pack. Garret and Layla of the Silver River Pack. James and Sarah of the Bright Moon Pack. Luis and Teresa of the Golden Field Pack. And Tristan and Tiffany of the Crystal Mountain Pack. They all nodded at what Layla said.

“Is this how everyone feels?”

“I think she makes a good point.” James said. He was the oldest one in the group. He liked our traditions but was happy to learn something new. He tried to avoid conflict in any way, and that is part of the reason why he grew to be so loved by his pack.

“How about everyone else?” I stared at each of them.

“I don’t think it’s necessary to have a mate to host the ball. If you are up to the task, I would be happy to help where I can.” Teresa said. The Golden Field Pack was the other pack that boarded our lands. And I couldn’t ask for a better neighbor. They were always willing to help and support where needed.

“Anyone else?”

“I’m with Teresa. I would be happy to help plan an amazing party with you if you would like. I don’t think it is fair to take this responsibility away from Alpha Simon just because he’s not mated.” Tiffany said as she crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head.

“Would this be acceptable?” I asked Layla.

She waved her hand in front of her. “Yes, that is fine if everyone is happy with that.” She slouched back into her chair defeated.

“I’m happy to host. But I don’t want to cause any problems down the line.”

“Then it’s settled. Alpha Simon will be hosting this year’s Yule Ball.” Alpha James said as he pounded his hand on the table like a gavel.

This was the longest meeting we have had in forever and I was over it. My stomach growled which made my mind float to the thought of lunch. I was ready to end this meeting and go enjoy a meal and not have to be terrorized about the fact I didn’t have a mate.

“If there is nothing else to discuss, might I end this meeting so we can enjoy a delicious lunch?” I stood and looked at Jared who nodded. He took notes throughout the meeting.

“I second it.”

Everyone stood and made their way down to the cafeteria grabbing plates and piling the noodles high onto their plates, doused it with sauce and grabbed multiple pieces of garlic bread.

I sat next to Jared while Tristan and Tiffany walked by.

“Tristan, Tiffany, please join us,” I said as I looked at Jared. Now would be a great time to chat about the transition of Jared’s mate.

“Thank you, Alpha Simon,” Tiffany said. She sat down next to Jared and started eating her food. Tristan sat at the final chair available.

“Please in less formal situations call me Si. Everyone does.”

“OK,” she said in between bites.

“Tristan, I have something to discuss with you. It seems my Beta has found his mate within your pack.”

“Is that so?”

“Yay!” Tiffany screamed as she swallowed her food. “That’s so exciting!” She clapped her hands together.

“Yes, it is. I’m very happy for my Beta. It’s been a long time coming. I wanted to discuss with you the logistics about how we can get these two love birds in the same pack.” I take a bite of my garlic bread. It melted in my mouth.

“Yes…yes. I think we could make something work. I wouldn’t want to keep them apart and I wouldn’t want to take your Beta. Who is your mate Beta, Jared?”

Jared swallowed his food and touched his napkin to his lips. “Her name is Greta and she’s one of your patrol guards.”

“Oh, Greta! I love Greta she is so sweet but can still kick your ass.” Tiffany giggled.

“Part of the reason why I love her.” Jared smiled.

“Hmmm. If I’m not mistaken, she just took that role. So how would you like to go about this?”

“I am asking to see if Greta could join our pack and live in the packhouse with me and the Alpha. She would be my mate and Beta female to the Luna when Alpha Si finds his mate.”

“If he mates.” Alpha Tristan snorted. Tiffany punched him hard in the arm. “Sorry.” He looked down at his food. Even though Tiffany was a dainty girl compared to her burly husband she could still keep him in line. “That seems doable. But what should I do about the missing guard in my pack?”

“You said yourself that she is new to the role. Will she be missed greatly?”

“I mean a body is a body. I would need to fill that position.” Tristan said he took a bite.

“Since we share a boarder, I am happy to share the position among my pack. We could absorb some of those duties.” I said to him. He thought about that.

He thought about that. “I guess that could work.” Tiffany shoved him again.

“Of course, that would work! I’m so happy for you Beta, Jared. Once we get back, I will personally help Greta pack and get her ready for her transition. She should be ready to move by tomorrow. But I will for sure run it by her first.” Tristan only looked down at his plate as Tiffany spoke.

“That sounds lovely, Tiffany. Thank you for that. How does that sound Jared?” I said.

“That sounds amazing. I didn’t think it was going to happen this quickly.” Jared beamed a smile to the table.

“I’m always happy to help young love!”

“Hopefully, you can help Simon find love while you’re at it.” Tristan snorted.

“Tristan! I am so sorry for my husband’s poor behavior. I just cannot take you anywhere. And you wonder why you don’t get invitations to other packs!” She talked to him as she collected her plate and walked away from the table with Tristan in tow.

“That went better than I hoped.” Jared said as he smiled down at his still full plate.

“I knew it would. One way or another we were going to get Greta here.”

“Thanks man.” He clapped his hand down onto my shoulder, got up and left the table. “I’m going to call her now with the good news,” He turned and said to me.

I sat in silence thinking about the events of the day. I was without a mate, and it was an issue for everyone in the other packs. It was as if I was sick, and I had to get better on my own. But I didn’t know how. I was 26 years old. It’s not unheard of that an Alpha took some time to find their mate. It is just very rare. Maybe I didn’t have a mate. Maybe I was doomed to roam this world alone? Time would only tell.