Fake Dating Alpha Hockey Captain novel Chapter 92

#Chapter 92: A Truce Between Packs

+25 BONUS

Once I decide to hold a meeting–my “Unification Council–with both packs to discuss the future, I clear the idea with Michael. It takes a little explaining, not necessarily because of prior distrust between the packs, but because packs are private.

“Traditionally, when members of different packs mate, one member leaves their pack to join the other,” Michael explains. “They may see other members of their family, but they are no longer members of their family’s pack.”

Rita, who hasn’t left Michael’s side since his meeting with Alex, knows where I’m going with my request. “They won’t be able to do that,” she observes.

I explain to Michael that this is exactly what our packs can expect if Alex is going to inherit the Ayzena pack and I am the only remaining descendant of the Malkeye’s Alpha “We will have to find a way to lead them both- together.”

He immediately understands the issue and the need to get both packs on board. I discuss with him and Rita what Alex and I have in mind, Michael then runs the idea past his parents, who are surprisingly understanding. They send a message to the Malkeye pack, who immediately accepts, and Alex’s parents begin preparations for the Malkeye arrival.

When Jeaoul, Lenor, Charles, and a man named Jacob arrive the following evening, they wait outside the base’s boundary. Something else I didn’t know: They have to be invited onto the opposing pack’s grounds. Kind of like vampires.

Guess we broke that rule when I was there with Rita. I still have so much to learn!

Tala and Mr. Hewlett and a few of the Ayzena Council members greet them and lead them into the Meeting Hall, where several of us, including Michael are waiting. It’s all very formal…at least at first.

Only the Elders of the Ayzena pack were invited, and only a small delegation of Malkeye members that were intimately involved with Hrolf and Ylfa.

Food is always involved at such gatherings, so I had a meal prepared for us. Our guests were invited to bless it, and Lenor thanked the Great Provider, who I would later learn is that force over all nature, before we ate.

“We are very honored to discuss future cooperation between the packs,” Michael says.

He is sitting strong and proud, and I wish this could be a sign of his recovery. I wonder how much of his condition Michael and his parents will reveal.

Jeaoul bows his head. “We are honored to be here.”

“There has never been enmity between our packs, but there has yet to be a union such as this between them,” Mr. Hewlett explains.

“It is something we must discuss and prepare for.”

“I’m sure there are many things to work out,” Jeaoul agrees with a cordial smile.

Michael is the one to address the more urgent issue at hand. “In full disclosure, my condition is irreparable and I will not be Alphá of the Ayzena much longer, Alex will take over in my stead…when the time comes.”

Lenor lifts her hand to her chest. “Oh, nó–our sincerest apologies. How long do you have?”

“Maybe a matter of months,” he says with dignity. “If I am lucky, a little longer.‘

Jeaoul perks up, the shadow of concern on his face. “Then how will this work, if Dyanthiana’s mate is here?”

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#Chapter 92: A Truce Between Packs

+25 BORUS

Lenor places her hand on Jeaoul’s, to calm him. “We must remember it was our failure to take action against Ryan that led to this situation.”

Jeaoul nods reluctantly,

“Hopefully, that day is a little way off,” Tala says calmly.

“That will be difficult terrain to navigate. Your Alpha and our Luna.” Lenor admits politely, though I can tell this will be a source of contention between the packs, as would be expected.

I chime in, trying to calm them. “We will reside among both packs, and there will always be a representative.”

Jacob asks, “How can you reside both places?”

“We will live together, for the most part, for a period of time, in one place then the other. Sometimes we will live in short periods alone among our own pack.”

There are murmurs, and it is Tala who speaks up. “You must understand,” she says to myself and Alex, “it can be dangerous for a pack to be without their leader.”

Alex explains. “That is why there will be a representative in our absence, which will be short. We plan to spend some time apart so we can prioritize our duties.”

There is some nodding, which is encouraging.

“I will be gone, as we discussed,” I said making eye contact with the Malkeye representatives. “Once college is over, I will return. I will be able to excuse my absence that way without any question. It’s common for humans to leave their home to work and find their own place.”

“We regret Alex will not be able to do the same,” Michael says.

Rita smiles sadly at Michael. I can tell she is still struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis, more so now that any outside danger is gone.

That’s when I finally realize why she was so abrasive all that time: She was dealing with Michael’s situation in a way we didn’t understand at the time, and she was the one tasked to protect his little brother and his weak human girlfriend.

Now my heart hurts for her even more.

Alex’s demeanor falls. He still hasn’t come to terms with his dreams coming to an end so soon, so unexpectedly.

“What will you be going for?” Rita asks. “I can see you as a librarian,” she says with a wink.

“Well…I have a passionate love for theater. I was thinking about pursuing that. It will help build my confidence. I also thought I would come back on breaks–as I can–to learn more about our pack’s ways. They have been educating me on the basics here.”

Lenor: “That’s good. I think you will find it becomes second nature very quickly. It is, after all, in your nature.”

There is some whispering among Alex and his family that I can’t ignore, and I think they are talking about me. While we’re gathered together…before you leave…we have something for you,” Tala says.

Two pack members enter the room with a cake alight with birthday candles.

”

“You won’t be with us when you turn 18, so we thought we would celebrate with you and members of your pack,” she adds with a smile.