~ The Dark Howlers Pack ~
Later that afternoon…
After formidable lovemaking in the soft grass next to the waterfall, Damon and Talia took a dip in the river to freshen up, and then Damon carried Talia back to the packhouse.
Neither of them wanted to leave that noisy place where they reconciled and found peace, but with the guests coming, they had to.
Damon and Talia left visible marks of their presence in the form of a patch of flattened grass close to the base of the waterfall, and two pairs of shoes up on the cliff.
The couple arrived in the restricted area full of questions and uncertainties, and left with the conviction that they will give it their all to stay true to their bond.
Damon and Talia were not sure if the Moon Goddess had a plan on her mind when she paired them up, and they didn't know what awaits for them on the road ahead. However, they were confident it will be alright, as long as they are traversing that road together.
"We should visit your parents more often, and not only when we are facing a challenge.", Talia said softly while leaning her head on Damon's shoulder. By now, she was used to him carrying her around princess style.
He loved to hold her, and she let him have it.
"I want to bring flowers and to thank them for their help.", Talia continued, knowing that Damon was listening even though he didn't give any visible reaction and his steps continued steadily. "You were right, that place is good for finding answers and putting things into perspective. I realized that no matter what happened in the past, I can't see my future without you in it. We will pacify my wolf and she will see how wonderful you are. Until then, I will study hard to be the Luna you and our pack deserve."
Damon was delighted to hear Talia's words as her sincerity washed over him. And she said OUR pack!
He kissed her forehead. "You are already more than I deserve, kitten. There is no manual on how to be a good Luna, but I know that you are perfect. The Dark Howlers pack is lucky to have you, and so am I."
Talia smiled and didn't want to counter his words.
It sounded nice, but how can she be perfect when most of the time, she has no idea what to do? The perfect example of her ignorance is that she always ends up in trouble and Damon comes to her rescue. She was unable to stick to simple instructions like, don't go into the forest alone.
She knew that it was risky, yet she still ended up going. More than once.
But this time, it will be different because she steeled her resolve to listen to Damon.
After all, he proved numerous times that he wants only the best for her, and to keep her safe, and if he says not to go into the forest, she needs to take it seriously.
Damon carried Talia into the office on the second floor of the packhouse that was three doors ahead of his (and Talia's) office.
That room was intended for Beta to use when he deals with pack-related business, but Caden (and Maya) were usually out in the field or would discuss things in their bedroom, so their office was rarely used.
It was the first time for Talia to enter this space.
Maya and Caden were there, and after greeting them, Talia observed that Beta's office was comparable to Alpha's in size.
There was one long desk with two computers, obviously for Maya and Caden to use. Built-in bookshelves filled with books, several tall file cabinets along the left wall, and a sitting area with a long sofa, three chairs, and a coffee table. The gray tones got a pop of color from green leafy potted plants that stood tall in each corner.
Damon sat on the sofa with Talia on his lap and asked Maya and Caden, "Did you do what I asked you?"
Maya and Caden nodded, knowing that Damon was referring to their task to arrange for Marcy to come.
"Well?", Damon asked impatiently. Seeing that Maya and Caden hesitated, Damon explained. "Talia knows. There are no secrets in front of her."
Maya's face contorted into a frown. That's what he said the last time, and Talia ended up turning into a monster when she saw the video. Maya didn't want to experience again nearly kissing the floor so she looked at Caden, silently telling him that he should talk.
Caden didn't think it's a big deal. His Alpha wanted updates, and Caden had some to give.
"We got confirmation that Marcy will arrive with three more people either tomorrow evening or in the morning, the next day. That will depend on when they leave and if they will stay somewhere to rest for the night because they have only one driver. As for requests, there was only one. They all wanted separated rooms in the packhouse."
"Who is coming?", Damon asked. He knew about Marcy, but the other three were unknown. If those were regular warriors, it would be unusual for them to stay in the packhouse.
"Marcy is coming with Beta's daughter, future Alpha James, and commander George.", Caden said without too many explanations. They all met Nora, James, and George during their visit to the Red Moon pack.
Damon didn't want to think about Marcy or that Beta's daughter (whoever she was). He was getting a headache because he had no idea how to deal with Marcy, and he had absolutely no capacity left for another female to fit into that mentally painful picture.
He focused on the guys. One is a teenager, too young to be important, while the other one is a commander, a capable warrior.
Damon met all three commanders of the Red Moon pack, including most of the generals. Hundreds of soldiers gathered in a mini-parade where they tried to impress Damon, but at that time, Damon was too distracted with his search for the girl with copper-colored hair (aka Talia) and he didn't pay attention.
However, Damon knew who George was; the youngest commander left quite an impression in those few minutes they interacted. He was oozing power and discipline, and Damon's wolf stirred in desire for a spar. Maybe they could spar now, depending on how long the commander sticks around.
Damon wouldn't mind keeping the commander and sending Marcy and the other two back to where they came from.
"Did they mention how long they will stay?", Damon asked to what both Caden and Maya responded by shaking their heads.
"They are hoping that James and George can join us for training sessions.", Caden said.
Well, that will give Damon the opportunity to spar with George.
However, what rubbed Damon the wrong way was that first Alpha Magnus asked Damon to train Tony, and now Alpha Edward was pushing his son into Damon's hands.
If there was something in it for Damon, he would be more willing, but just hearing words of thanks and getting pats on the back was useless.
At this rate, Damon should start charging for training services, and he might earn a fortune.
He is an Alpha, and not a personal trainer, damnit!
Damon tched while thinking about this.
Tony is one thing as Damon had a good relationship with the Lightclaw pack, and Damon agreed for Tony to learn from his Generals.
Damon made room in his schedule to work with Tony personally as there are things that only an Alpha can teach another Alpha, especially when they are using their aura, and considering that Kalina and Talia hit it off well, Damon was willing to go the extra mile in helping Tony.
However, future Alpha James and commander George were different.
Damon's relationship with the Red Moon pack is shaky at best. Surely, Damon could use this visit as an opportunity to improve the relationship between the two packs, but considering Alpha Edward's personality and that Marcy is coming here believing that she will become Damon's Luna, there is a good chance that the shaky relationship will worsen, and Damon would be stupid to allow the enemy to learn from him.
