Chapter 17: Chapter 17

“Thanks for helping me out.” I whisper to Dominic, feeling the wolf beside me press a kiss on my forehead.

“Always Amberle.” He whispers back, leading me into the cabin and up the stairs. You can hear the excited chatter coming from everyone in the cabin about the prospect of cake and the chance to explore another pack’s territory. I couldn’t help but to helplessly shake my head as the chatter continues to many making bets on who I would send to the pack hospital first. Separating into our individual rooms I quickly change out of my gear and into a warm cashmere sweater and a pair of leggings and a warm pair of boots. I head back into the kitchen where Dominic and five other pack members are waiting placing ingredients out on the counter. Accepting my fate, I grab the apron Lease holds out to me and begin to teach the six wolves how to mix together the ingredients for the cheesecake. Laughter fills the warm kitchen where the scent of chocolate and cream fill the air. The sounds of the doors to the three ovens open with the impatient Miles checking too see if the desserts we just placed inside were done yet.

“You have another hour and thirty minutes until the cake is done you moron.” I call out to him placing steaming mugs of hot chocolate in front of Dominic who snakes his arms around my waist and pulls me onto his lap. With a blush creeping along my cheeks, I sip on the hot chocolate, letting the creamy chocolate drink distract me from the circles being drawn on my skin from Dominic’s fingers that have “slipped” under my sweater. Miles walks over to his mate Concra, Lease’s twin, pulling her in for a kiss as they settle onto a bar stool around the kitchen island.

“So I was wondering if its okay with you and Amberle, me and Concra would like to take a vacation when we all return to the pack. We sort of found out today that she is pregnant.” Miles says out of the blue directing his statement to Dominic as his arms hold Concra closer to him. My eyes widen for a moment as I turn to look at the she-wolf who is one of the top Hunters in the pack and back to Miles.

“Why are you asking me for permission?” I ask bewildered for a moment as Dominic tightens his hold on me, chuckling at my question.

“Isn’t it obvious? Sooner or later you’ll be our Luna. The Moon Goddess has to be blind not to pair the two of you together.” Concra states, the blush on my cheeks darkening a few shades.

"Seriously! The two of you are always together. Like Dominic even pulled you into his lap and you just allow it!” Bill, Lease’s mate, points out getting a chuckle from Dominic who pulls me closer to his chest and envelopes me in his arms. I sigh at their teasing, focusing my attention on the hot chocolate in my grasp to hide the blush on my cheeks. The scent of the baking cheesecake grows stronger and I take this moment to slip out of Dominic’s grasp to check on the seven cakes. Hearing the chuckle from Dominic at my escape, I ignore everyone’s knowing looks and slowly open the steaming hot oven doors, careful to use the handles and avoid the hot metal.

“So Amberle when are you and Dominic getting married?” Christian calls out with a laugh. I know my face probably looks as red as a tomato by now with their teasing and I sigh, ignoring their laughs.

“How does spring sound Fire?” Dominic calls out. I wrinkle my nose at the suggestion and turn to look at my friend with a roll of my eyes.

“I prefer fall. It’s prettier and the weather is a lot more friendly for us she-wolves to wear dresses.” I state getting a chuckle from Dominic and knowing smirks from everyone else. I realise I answered without thinking, my tomato red blush returning as everyone else starts to laugh. The timer for the cheesecake’s dings, relieving me from their stares as I busy about getting the cakes out of the oven and onto the counters to cool.

“Is Forest Paw doing any event to welcome us?” Miles ask as Lease and Bill help me cut and distribute the slices of the white chocolate chip New York cheesecake to everyone in the cabin.

“Yes. Leo planned a bonfire for us to mingle with the Forest Paw wolves and to get to know the ones we will be training. All of the Hunters and Trackers will be there tonight.” Christian answers as I dig into a piece of the cheesecake.

“Also yes, the two of you can have a vacation when we are done here.” Dominic adds, answering the question that Miles asked a while ago. Everyone laughs as Miles shouts with joy, excited for a break from his duties and be able to get away with his mate. I am happy for the two of them. The chance to enjoy each others company before their pup comes into the world is something I wished I could enjoy. A small ache throbs in my heart at the thought of the lack of my mate. The rejection process is almost done with another six months left to wait but still the pain remains, even if its only a dull throb every now and then. Taking a deep breath and another bite of cheesecake I push these thoughts aside. If I start thinking about it then the mate bond will revive and I refuse to allow it to happen.

“Anyways Miles because you are going on vacation, you now have to tell everyone to go get ready for the bon fire. I want everyone outside ready to go in twenty.” I state, chuckling at my friend who quickly salutes me and rushes off to gather our pack mates. Dominic and I head back upstairs as I grab my jacket from the closet and wait for Dominic to change his outfit.

“You know sometimes I question if you are a guy or not.” I state to my friend, watching him roll his eyes at me.

“You don’t know. I might have been born a girl named Darcy and realized I identified as a boy.” Dominic retorts with and I smile.

“Well even if you were Darcy, I will still love you as you are Dominic.” I laugh out, pushing off the door frame and heading down stairs. The Bonfire is a tradition that welcomes visitors to the pack. Its something I remember attending growing up because Blue insisted that I be there. Everyone is ready and waiting in front of the cabin, the excited energy bouncing off the fifty-two wolves bringing a helpless smile to my face. Their breath fog in the cold winter night air as they chatter amongst themselves.

“So, you love me?” A deep voice whispers in my ear and I blush, hiding my face from Dominic’s view as he wraps an arm around my waist.

“We should probably make our way to the clearing where the bonfire is being held.” I say, changing the subject and motioning for the rest to follow me. Dominic switches his arm from around my waist to holding my hand as I lead the group around the large cabin and head in the direction of the trees. The night sky is lit up with the stars above illuminating the light snow-covered path that leads to the destination where music, laughter and the mouth-watering scent of food is carried in on the wind. My pack mates continue their happy conversations as Dominic and I silently walk beside each other.

The trees soon give way to reveal the clearing where my rejection took place two and a half years ago. That day still deeply imbedded into my mind is the reason why I worked hard to be stronger. But the man who takes my hand in his and gives it a slight squeeze reminds me that its okay to be weak, because I know Dominic is there beside me. I smile up at my friend whose ice blue eyes look into my own for a brief moment then towards the stage where tables loaded with steaming hot food and hot drink containers set up to help battle the cold. A large bon fire crackles about five metres away from the stage, the scent of wood burning with the crackling sound of the flames fill the clearing air. My pack mates begin to disperse to mingle with the Forest Paw wolves and Dominic and I make our way to a lounge chair where we settle in, the warmth from the fire caressing are bodies and protecting the two of us from the cold wind.

Deciding that we would stay in this spot, I sit in Dominic’s lap roasting marshmallows and making smores for us to enjoy. Every now and then a member from Forest Paw will come to chat for a bit and see how I am doing. The wolves that went to school with me surprised me as some apologize for how they treated me growing up. You could see the remorse in their eyes as their heads are lowered with each word of apology they speak, and I couldn’t help but to forgive them. I would never forget what each wolf put me through, but that doesn’t mean I want to continue holding a grudge on wolves who have clearly learned their wrongdoing. Dominic introduces himself to the few elders that came to meet the Blood Moon wolves including Elder Sylvia who chatters away to Dominic about the antics I performed when I was still a juvenile. Luckily, her mate, Elder James, whisks her away as the night grows dark before she could tell any more embarrassing stories.

Dominic and I are left to ourselves after the departure of the two Elders and we take this opportunity to survey the wolves we will be training starting tomorrow. A scent of cheap perfume wafts in on the wind and I sneeze, my eyes looking for the tell tail sign of danger that normally comes with this scent.

"Why are you sitting on him? What are you, his little lap whore?" I bristle with these words as my eyes instantly see’s Mia standing a few feet from where Dominic and I sit. Her clothes still as scarcely as usual as her eyes stare at me with disgust and hatred. Her orbs flicker briefly to Dominic, a trace of lust flickering causing my own disgust to surface at the women who shares my blood. If she thinks she has a chance with Dominic, she is dead wrong.

“What Amberle does doesn’t concern you.” Power radiates off of Dominic who pulls me closer to his chest, his arms wrapping protectively around me as he growls menacingly at Mia. I see the fear in her eyes while I allow my own glare to dig into her. I had no reason to fear this pack whore even if she is “supposed” to be my sister. Before Mia could retaliate, three young pups brush past her, causing Mia to fall into the lap of some drunk wolf who promptly carries her away.

“Why do you look like Nana? Daddy has a picture of her and Papa and you look like Nana but you have fire hair.” My eyes focus on a little girl who looks about five years old. Her big doe brown eyes stare up at me while the two younger wolves that look to be about two wait on either side of her. It takes me a moment to figure out that the two little ones are twins and that the five-year-old is their older sister with how similar they all look. I smile at the three pups, Dominic scooting over to allow the three to join us on our lounge chair while I offer them a roasted marshmallow each. After looking at the little girl for a few more minutes I realize why these pups seem familiar to me, they are Zack and Abby’s children.

“Are you Aunty Amber?” The little girl asks, her lips holding remnants of the sticky marshmallow.

"Daddy says that Aunty Amber left because Aunty Mia made him treat her bad. He said one day we might meet her." I smile at the little girl who has Zack’s eyes and nose as she stares back at me, her doe eyes holding curiosity and hope. I remembered the last time I saw her. It was three days before my eighteenth birthday, and I was leaving for school. Zack had refused to let me watch her grow up or be in her life and for three years I never had the chance of being an aunt to her. But I knew this little girl’s name.

“Yes Lilly-Ann, I am Aunty Amber.” I answer, smiling happily at the three pups. I know pups have a hard time telling a lie and if Lilly-Ann was any indication, Zack regretted the way he treated me. I smile with how accepting the three pups are of me, the twins sharing their names as Maxwell and Mathew before asking excitedly about my wolf form and if its true that I look like living fire. When I mention the fact that Dominic’s wolf is like living ice the excitement of all three pups grow as they beg for us to shift so that they could play with our fur.

“Hey punks. Your mother is looking for you since its time for bed.” Zack’s voice rings clear as his figure soon appears before all of us.

“But dad we want to stay with Aunty Amber!” Maxwell protests, his words slightly muffled by the big yawn he tries to fight. I smile at the toddler, pulling him close for a hug before giving Lilly-Ann and Mathew a hug as well.

“Your Aunt will be here for a few weeks, you can play with her during her stay.” The fatherly love is evident in Zack’s voice as his eyes soften at the sleepy children who comply with their father’s words and toddle off towards their mother who, with the help of Blue, carries the twins and Lilly-Ann away from the bon fire.

Being left in the chair with Zack in front of me, unease grows inside causing my stomach to ache slightly. Sensing my discomfort, Dominic pulls me closer letting out a low warning growl to Zack who steps back and raises his hands in surrender.

“I won’t harm Amberle, I just want to apologize.” He states, his eyes going from Dominic who holds me protectively, to me as his gaze holds a pleading look. I see the exhaustion in his eyes as a flicker of hope flashes behind his doe brown eyes. I could sense all fight and disgust for me gone, leaving a lonely shell before me.

"What makes you think I will accept it?" I ask, my words sharp like a knife as my so-called brother flinches. I spent seven years in hell because he listened to Mia and abandoned me. He promised to take care of what was left of our family but instead he threw me to the curb like I was trash.

“I was an idiot, and I don’t expect you to accept me ever again. I let Mia and the others torture you and was the worst big brother ever.” Zack answers, running his hand through his messy hair as he plops down in a chair next to Dominic and me. I wait for Zack to continue, watching his eyes stare off into the bon fire before us as a long sigh escapes his lips and his shoulders droop down.

“Abby and I want our kids to grow up with an Aunt that actually cares for our pups. We’re tired of Mia and don’t want the pups to grow up around that bitch.”

"Excuse me? Who are you calling a bitch?" Zack bolts from his seat, standing between Mia and Dominic and I as his gaze turns into a glare of hatred. Speak of the devil and she shall come

"You of course. You and Leo are the reason this pack went down hill, all because you would rather have the trackers chase you so you can be fucked like a bitch in heat. If it weren't for Blue keeping track on how much is spent, this pack would be broke with how Leo likes to flaunt the packs cash. Do you understand how in debt this place is?" The once close siblings who made my life hell for seven years now square off, tension so thick hangs in the air that silence soon settles in the clearing. Forest Paw and Blood Moon wolves all stop to stare at the two who continue to argue. If looks could kill, my sibling would have killed each other by now.

"Until you stop being a slut I don't want you anywhere near my pups." Zack growls out before storming away from everyone. I had to give him points for being a good father as I sit and snuggle into the dumfounded Dominic, my mind wandering to reconsider forgiving Zack.

[I thought you said they were close?] Dominic’s voice enters our link, his fingers playing with a lock of my hair.

[I thought so too. Guess you miss a lot after two and a half years.] This reply gains me a deep chuckle from Dominic. With a sigh I take a look at the time on my phone and stand, motioning for my pack to follow.

"Where do you think you're going?" Mia asks, her voice holding contempt and anger that she directs at me.

"Bed. I want everyone out side by eight in the morning in full work out clothing. Track pants, long sleeve shirts and a track jacket made for winter. If you are late or refuse to do what I tell you to do, I will make you pay for it by doing more." My voice rings loud and clear through the silent crowd that eyes my pack and I.

"Furthermore, since I was requested to train you all, you will treat me like I am an Alpha. All of those sixteen to forty-five will train with us as well, that is if you are a hunter or a tracker. If you have other pack duties you will not have to join us. Anyone in a high rank will be trained by me also, including the top four and the alpha and beta. Any objection?" Mia goes to say something, but Axel gives her a warning glare. I watch as every wolf present nods their head in understanding as I wait for anyone to refuse. After a few minutes I smile.

"No questions or concerns? Good. I have a list of those who are Trackers and Hunters as well as a list of those eligible to be trackers and hunters. If you are on the list and do not show up, I will come and question you and you will be punished. Your alpha already agreed to it when he signed the contract I faxed to him last night." The crowd is still silent, but the pack link is buzzing as many of my wolves start to place bets on who will get their ass kicked first by me. Of course the leading bet is Mia being the wolf who gets sent to the pack hospital first.

"Now many of you should head to bed and be ready for tomorrow. Good night." With these words, I head back to the guest house, my pack taking its que to leave for bed as well. Dominic keeps his arms wrapped around my shoulder reassuring me that everything will be fine and that once we are done here we can head home. Home, a word I never thought would mean anything to me ever again, but Blood moon is home for me, and I missed it. After reminding everyone to turn in for the night for training tomorrow morning, we all says our good nights then head to their respective rooms. Changing into my pajama’s I have a hard time falling asleep, my body alert and on edge inside Forest Paw territory. I felt confined in a place that held too many bad memories making it impossible to sleep. Climbing out of bed, I decide to make my way to the kitchen for some left-over cheesecake that is definitely needed after this stressful day of dealing with the tormentors from my past giving up on the idea of sleep for now, catching Dominic already there with his fork full of cheesecake already being shoved into his mouth.

"Any left?" I ask, leaning against the entrance to the kitchen.

"Yes, want some?" I smile and make my way towards my friend, hopping up on the counter in front of him and taking his fork from his hand before digging into the cheesecake and taking a bite of the gooey goodness..

"Hey, save some for me." He chuckles, grabbing a new fork as he takes a large fork full of the cheesecake and shoving it into his mouth. His cheeks resemble that of a chip monk with how stuffed they are, a large chunk now missing from the cheesecake and causing me to glare at my friend. I regret getting him addicted to the treat.

"You already ate half of it." I state in annoyance, hopping off of my perch, picking up the plate that is between us on the counter and promptly walking away with my treasure held tightly. The sound of Dominic’s pursuit has my walk turning into a run while I race up the stairs and into my room where I promptly slam and lock the door.

"Amberle, open the door!’ Dominic yells, his voice holding an Alpha command. All I do is giggle knowing full well that his command never affects me

"Nuh-uh." I retort back, making my way towards the bed that beckons me. I sit on my bed as Dominic continues to pound on the door, my senses reaching out while I enjoy my stolen treat. I could hear wolves stir because of the commotion after a while knowing they were all both amused and irritated at Dominic’s and my antics. Finally gave in, opening the door and holding out the plate that had about three bites left of cake.

"Here you go." I say innocently, getting an exasperated growl.

"That’s cruel." He sighs out and I smile, poking his nose.

"How about when we get home I make more?" I say, chuckling at his pouting face.

"Deal." Dominic agrees, finishing the last of the cheesecake and placing the plate on the dresser by the door. Letting a squeak of surprise out, I find myself being carried by Dominic to my temporary bed where he promptly situates us under the covers.

"Now bed time." He orders and I smile, letting him turn the lights off before I feel myself being pulled closer to him with strong arms wrapped around me as we fall asleep. Tomorrow would be a long day.