Chapter 58: Author's Note

Author Note:

I was trying to imagine what it would look like in a different, like alternative universe. So I will let you see for yourself how this story would look if it was from a different angle. Enjoy and tell me what you think. This is a bonus chapter

Hudson scanned the crowd before him, wolves that he'd known for varying degrees of time. He had been their leader, he had been present for them, took care of them, and made them into a powerful pack. He felt pride swell in his heart, and a huge smile spread across his handsome features.

"Good evening everyone," His voice rang out through the night air. He hadn't raised his voice, but it had resonated with a quite rumble, reaching the ears of every wolf in attendance.

"Good evening alpha Hudson ." The crowd replied in a unified murmur.

"I'm sure we can all agree that this has been one hell of a blood moon festival." A soft breeze blew, ruffling his hair. He looked across the crowd and made eye contact with Alissa. And his heart skipped two beats. He couldn't believe that she was here, in this very moment with him. It felt like a fever dream, a dream he would soon wake up from and sigh.

But this felt too real to be a dream. She was there, and she was looking at him with a look so soft it made his heart melt.

"It sure was!" A wolf screamed from the crowd, causing everyone to erupt into laughter, even Hudson .

"You could say that again, it was one crazy festival. But, we made it happen didn't we?!"

"Of course we did!" They screamed din unison.

Hudson nodded and beamed a bright smile. "I would like to thank each and everyone of you from the very depths of my heart. Everyone who got their eternal mates, congratulations and continue to keep the pack growing."

His heart ached. He had expected to receive a crystal clear sign from the moon goddess about his mate, although he knew deep inside that he couldn't be mated to Alicia , no matter how hard she came into him. He had decided that Alicia was all but a friend to him. He scoffed mentally, recalling that he had said the same thing to Alissa. He had called her his friend, and then kissed her.

Who kisses their friends?!

He blinked and called himself back to reality. He smiled warmly at the pack, his courage improved by the look in their eyes, love and admiration that overflowed and warmed him up all over. He felt comforted, he felt loved, he felt seen.

Hudson cleared his throat and continued his speech. "And to those, who the moon goddess deemed too good for a mate..." He paused as some wolves laughed, he noticed that Katrina laughed too, covering her mouth with her hand in a cute way. He cheered inside and turned back to the pack. "To all of you, I say, don't cry. Your mate will come to you, eventually."

"But we're so lonely!" A female wolf cried out.

"Yeah, alpha Hudson please talk to the goddess!" Another female wolf cried.

Hudson raised a hand to silence them. "Perhaps you forget that I feel your pain too."

There was silence, then a murmur.

Hudson nodded solemnly. "I know what it feels like, but you cannot lose hope. Somewhere out there, is your mate. And they will find you ....eventually." As he spoke, his eyes moved to Alissa. But she wasn't looking at him, she was looking at Malcolm . Hudson walked up to them, possessed by a spirit he couldn't even name. As he got closer he could see that not only was Malcolm there, but the rest of her family was there also. His heart drummed in his chest from anticipation.

"Good evening, Malcolm ." Hudson said pleasantly. Katrina looked confused, her eyes travelling between Hudson and Malcolm .

"Alpha Hudson ," Malcolm said, a small smile on his features.

"Perhaps you are already aware, but I have hired Katrina to be my chef, and the packs chef as well. I will pay her generously, and grant her whatever her heart does so desire."

Malcolm nodded, and glanced at Katrina briefly. She put a hand on his arm, returning his smile. Malcolm turned back to Hudson . "She has informed me of this, yes."

Hudson inhaled. "I care very much for Alissa, and I want as much as possible to lighten her burdens, to aid her in whatever way possible so she can care for her family."

"Hudson ..." Katrina whispered. Hudson smiled at her but continued.

"It'd a tremendous honor to me, and I promise not to fail the trust you have in me."

"Alpha Hudson ?" A voice said behind him.

Hudson paused and turned around. He saw Alicia . She walked up to him, a sad look in her eyes. It looked like she had been crying for a while. Hudson felt pity for her,

"She accepted the offer?" Alicia asked softly.

"Yes, that's what I was talking about."

Alicia nodded, her eyes moving over to Alissa. She laughed, it was a short and bitter sound. "You're lucky." She said to Alissa. "Really lucky. I have no idea how you're able to do it, but at least I can say congratulations."

"Alicia it's not what you think it is." Hudson said with a sigh. "You're misinterpreting the whole situation."

"It's okay, alpha Hudson ." Alicia said with a sad smile. "I understand plenty. Please, don't let me interrupt your speech." She turn d and walked away, the moonlight highlighting her form till she vanished.

Hudson sighed. He felt for Alicia , but he just couldn't grant her her wishes, no matter how hard he tried. He turned and met Alissa's eyes, and he felt a burst of joy. Finally, he was going to be spending more time closer to her.

She would live in the very same pack with him, they would see each other all the time. And maybe, just maybe, he'll be able to figure out exactly why she struck a spark in him.

"She'll be fine." Malcolm 's voice brought him back to earth. The elderly wolf sighed "that's how these things are." He said with a dismissive wave. He turned and faced Hudson fully. "Alpha Hudson , Katrina means a lot to us. And now, we won't be seeing her for a while. I do hope she doesn't come back to us with tears."

"Malcolm !" Katrina exclaimed, her voice ringing out clear and happy. She started laughing. Soon Hudson joined her. Their voices making a beautiful melody of happiness.

Katrina glanced at Hudson , her eyes shinning with joy. Earlier tonight she had berated herself for kissing him, unsure of exactly what was going through her head. But now, she felt a warmth in her belly.

She didn't know exactly why, but she was excited that she was going to be seeing him more often. Perhaps then this flurry of emotions in her belly would make more sense.

Maybe, just maybe, she'll be able to understand why she feels pulled to him.

And also, he was gonna pay her big money. So it was a win either way.

She met his eyes as they laughed, and a knowing look passed through them. In that moment, they both felt truly happy and fulfilled.