Stars Above Lonely Nights — Michael Brown novel Chapter 9

Nova POV:

“That was delicious thank you so much for organising it Naomi” I thank her as our plates are cleared away.

“It was a pleasure, our chefs are very talented. I always enjoy showing off their skills” she smirks at me.

“Well I am not complaining” Alice exclaims folding her napkin away, “and I’m glad it wasn’t me cooking for a a change” she adds on with a playful wink in my direction.

“Well you shouldn’t be so good at cooking then should you” I giggle throwing my hands up.

“I loved it really you know I did” she says squeezing me on the shoulder as she comes to sit beside me.

“Now we’ve all eaten I’ve asked Laurence to go and collect the initiation trinket, I think it’s time for you both to join our pack officially if you are happy to do so?” Alpha Jax asks with a slight nervous twinge in his voice, looking up at him im greeted by his warm gaze and confident smile making me doubt my initial interpretation.

“Of course Alpha, we would love to” I answer smiling sweetly at him.

“Jax is fine Nova please” he says his eyes crinkling at the corners slightly as he smiles.

“Oh I can’t do that!” I exclaim.

“And why not?” He asks straight back quirking his eyebrows in question.

“Out of respect for you as my new Alpha I couldn’t possibly” I say softly back at him.

Seeing him shrug the corner of his mouth twitches in a slight smile, “well in that case when we are around the pack you may call me Alpha, within these walls I insist on Jax.”

Smiling when I realise he’s got his own way I laugh and look at him through my lashes, “ok then..Jax.” Seeing his eyes darken slightly hearing his name from my lips I feel a blush stain my cheeks. “Oh you little flirt” Ki purrs to me playfully.

Sitting back I turn to Alice who sneaks me a sly knowing wink before we turn our attention back to Beta Laurence as he walks back into the room holding a small wooden chest.

“I’m not meaning to flirt Kia, tell me if you feel uncomfortable I just feel safe around him” I murmur to her in my head. “Pfft I love it don’t worry, I can’t wait to meet his wolf” she purrs back making my eyes widen in surprise. “Really? What does that mean?” I ask her. “I’m not sure but let’s just roll with it for once, after the last few days we deserve to be ourselves for a bit” she reassures me.

Looking up I see Jaxs gaze upon me a question in his eyes, “sorry Kia was just talking to me” I say.

“Anything to worry about before we continue?” he asks tentatively.

“Nono, she was just wondering when we get to meet your wolves” I laugh being slightly more vague about who in particular compared to her original request.

Seeing relief cross his features before he schools them once again he laughs, “soon” he promises looking me in the eye.

“So as you’re probably aware I’ll have to make a small incision on your palm using a silver knife, and I will do the same on mine, we will then hold our hands so our palms are pressed together and say the welcoming words. Is that ok with you both?” He asks.

“Yes go ahead” I agree confidently, as Alice repeats the same as I.

Watching them walk away I can’t wipe the smile off of my face which is noticed by Jax. “Happy?” He asks knowingly.

“Very” I assure him, “I’m so glad I’ve got to see Flo and Theo again, honestly they were my absolute world for 2 years. I was heartbroken when I had to leave them, but I’m so happy to see it was for the best. And to see Theo and Alice are mates, it’s just brilliant” I grin up at him flashing my pearly whites.

“Do you fancy a tour of the pack grounds?” He asks me.

“That would be nice, thank you” I reply shyly.

Holding his hand out for my own he leads me through the door towards the entrance hall, only dropping it when he opens the front doors to allow me to walk past him.

“It’s truly gorgeous here Jax” I murmur quietly to him as we walk down the steps, knowing no one else could hear me call him by his name alone I felt more confident in doing so.

Seeing pride in his eyes as he looks around he smiles down at me in acknowledgment, “thank you Nova. It’s taken a few years but I’m proud of where we are as a pack now. My dad likes to remind me every time he visits the pack house but it’s nice to hear it come from you” he smirks.

“I was thinking of a pack run this evening actually Nova if you would like? We normally have one anytime we welcome new members to the pack who can shift, we’ve also had two new members of the pack first shift whilst I’ve been gone so it would be to celebrate them also.” He mentions whilst leading me through the flower gardens.

“I’d enjoy that” Kia exclaims to me, laughing I point at my head, “well Ki is very keen, I darent say no” I reply cheekily, “is there anyway I can avoid people knowing about Kia being a Guardian wolf for the time being?” I ask nervously.

“Yes that shouldn’t be a problem, we could imply you have Alpha blood but not confirm it, that way I’m not outright lying to my pack members” he explains, “although I doubt people would ask, they know here that if I want them to know I will tell them.”

“Come, I’ll show you the lake and walk round the training grounds” he says happily pointing in the distance.