Landon's Goodbye

Landon's Goodbye
Two days later, the ballroom was set up to perfection and we were all drinking, dancing and doting over the man of the hour.

Landon was loving being the centre of attention, and kept a firm arm around a tipsy Macie who was considerably more relaxed than she had been since she'd found her mate.

"Didn't Macie do an absolutely incredible job!" Landon loudly announced to our small group and we all applauded in her direction as she turned a shade of pink.

"Oh, my darling - Didn't she?! I have to step up my game!" Alethia squealed in delight of the memory of her prodigy had stormed in and unexpectedly taken over the party planning. Lucian paled slightly at the thought of his wife and the future Luna event planning together, and Malachi sent a knowing smirk in my direction.

Taking the spotlight away from further parties being schemed, Lucian tapped his glass to get the attention of the ballroom and then nodded in the direction of Malachi and I to begin a speech.

I stifled a giggle at my Father's desperate move to side track my Mother.

"Tonight, It is my absolute pleasure to officially say goodbye to my best friend, and our Beta." Malachi started. "Landon, you have been the second best Beta that I could have ever wished for... after Aurelia of course." The ballroom erupted into laughter and Landon teasingly threw his hand over his heart.

"Ok, ok but seriously, Landon - You've been my best friend for so many years, my team mate, my right hand man, and I know that we're going to miss your antics, your jokes and both your passion, and compassion for the Shadowfen Pack. You've been my number one for so long, and I'm sorry that you were replaced..." He continued and a wave of giggles flowed through the ballroom again.

"But I don't know anyone who I'd trust more to step up to an Alpha position, especially of Whitebridge, and I'm so proud of you, man." Malachi choked up and I squeezed his hand as my parents looked proudly at Landon and Macie who had their own tears in their eyes.

Landon broke away from Macie and wrapped his arms around Malachi as everyone else sniffled and wiped their teary eyes. It was hard not to feel emotional with the love that was radiating from the two friends.

"Now, LET'S DRINK!" Landon broke away and announced loudly as cheers rang out across the room and the party resumed.

Rhydian appeared out of nowhere with a beer and stood beside Alethia, and I realised I hadn't seen him at all during the impromtu speeches. Alethia turned and looked at him with an eyebrow raised and Rhydian began to look a little sheepish.

"Rhydian... Where have you been?" My Mother asked suspiciously, which caught our attention. Rhydian shuffled uncomfortablely in his spot and avoided our gazes.

"I.. Uh... Just went out for some fresh air." He stumbled, trying to come up with an excuse, just as May came and stood beside me, and I realised what my Mother was getting at when I smelt Rhydian's scent mixed with hers. I grinned, knowing they'd finally been caught by someone who had the guts to say something. Alethia walked over closer to May and squealed as May turned a beet shade of red.

Rhydian found some inner confidence and paraded over to May, taking her hand in his and looking Malachi in the eye - officially ready to come clean.

"Son, I know this might come as a surprise... but May and I-" His confession was broken when we all burst out into laughter again, Malachi just smiled and shook his head.

"It's been pretty obvious Dad, and I think everyone knows at this point. You both have my full blessing and I couldn't think of a better pairing." Malachi chuckled as Rhydian physically relaxed and shot guilty looks around the room.

"We thought we were so sneaky though!" Rhydian whined like a child, which made us all double over.

"How long have you all known?" May giggled nervously.

"I've known for a long time, it's been the worst kept pack secret for awhile and Aurelia found out at Whitebridge." Malachi answered, taking May into a hug.

"You guys just let us know if and when you'd like a marking ceremony, and I'm sure Alethia and Macie can whip something up." I chuckled as their eyes both lit up at the thought of having something else to plan. Macie turned out to be a complete natural, transferring her organisational and management skills from the kitchen into her future Luna duties and my Mother was just happy to have someone who enjoyed doing these things with her.

"We'd love that." Rhydian whispered, looking at May with pure adoration in his eyes and my heart melted at the sight of the pair.

"May I have this dance?" Malachi offered his hand and I nodded eagerly, letting him lead me to the dancefloor.

We swirled and moved around the dancefloor before Lucian interrupted us.

"May I?" He asked Malachi who nodded and stood back so that Lucian could take his spot.

"Your Mother really has a flair for being naive doesn't she?" He chuckled.

"I think she's a lot more calculating than you realise." I giggled, suddenly realising that my Father was the naive one.

I realised last night when Alethia and I went for a walk together.

She wasn't direct like many of us were, instead of telling people how it is - she was stealthy and 'guided' people in directions. I'd always had a lot of respect for my Mother, even though it often felt as though she didn't have my back. I realised I was wrong though, very wrong. She preferred to play her games of chess in the background instead of laying her cards out on the table. People were more receptive to doing things when they thought it was their idea or decision.

She had promised me not to tell a single soul though, and I had promised along with taking away a few lessons from her.

My Father furrowed his eyebrows as if he was deep in thought.

"How long do you think she's known about Rhydian and May then?" He challenged and I just smiled and shrugged.