"Max", Mindy called in a low voice when she approached Gideon and Maddox who were standing at the entrance into the cottage and staring at each other.
She stood next to Gideon and asked Maddox, "What are you doing?"
"Why are you butting in?", Maddox asked grumpily, irritated that he looked away first. "If he crumbles because I'm scrutinizing him, he doesn't deserve to be your mate."
"Let the youngster do his thing, princess.", Gideon responded calmly, his tone turning softer as he realized that Mindy was wearing his shirt. He was so focused on the intruders (aka guests) that he didn't pay attention to her clothes. She smelled of pumpkin and looked edible. "If a juvenile show of strength will make him happy, he can have it."
Mindy was not pacified. No matter how awesome Gideon was, he didn't have the Alpha aura and if Maddox gets provoked he can suppress Gideon and that would put everyone in an awkward situation. "But…"
"The Moon Goddess paired us for a reason.", Gideon interrupted Mindy's protest. "Do you think that your brother can go against that?"
Mindy relaxed slightly and shook her head. "I don't, but he is my brother and I need to say something."
Gideon's left shoulder rose, a gesture for Mindy to do what she wants.
"Why are you doing this, Max? How would you feel if I was scrutinizing Tanya when you realized you are mates? Didn't you scold me for meddling in your relationship? Is this your way of getting back at me or are you going against your own words?"
Maddox touched his nose. Damon told him that Shaman is a stubborn man, and Maddox wanted to make sure that Gideon knows Mindy has a backing. But now that Mindy reminded him of Tanya, he remembered how Mindy hugged them enthusiastically while welcoming Tanya into the family. Does that mean he needs to hug Gideon? Absolutely not.
"I want to assure you are happy.", Maddox said after some time. "I hear him calling you a princess and I expect him to treat you as such. If he bullies you, remember that the Blue River pack is your home. No one will touch your room. Ever. You can come back anytime and there will be no questions asked."
Mindy's smile reflected in her eyes. She was happy to hear that Maddox cared about her. She knew that he was a loving older brother, but it was rare for him to say such words.
"You will see for yourself if you come inside and observe. Talk to us." Her expression pleaded him to agree. "Hostility will only bring more hostility. We don't know much about each other, but we are working on it and right now I'm happy. Don't spoil this for me, Max."
Max grunted and walked inside. Mindy moved after him because she guessed that Damon was still standing there for a reason.
Gideon looked sourly toward the crowded seating area. He didn't remember when was the last time that he had so many people visiting. And it was noisy.
He turned to see Damon and his sour mood worsened. "I assume this is not a social visit."
"No."
"Are you here because I didn't attend the event last night?"
"Partially.", Damon responded. "Last night I announced to the Elders that Talia is my mate, and she will be my Luna."
"I thought it went well.", Gideon said. "Why are you here?"
"You heard what happened?"
"The fact that I didn't hear anything tells me that it went well."
Damon frowned while wondering what that means. Gideon didn't flinch when Damon said that Talia is his Luna, so he obviously knew something. Damon didn't want to delve into that issue; it will only distract him from the reason he was there and considering that interactions between him and Gideon don't end well, he needed to focus on the important parts and be done with it before things escalate.
Damon glanced inside, and he met Talia's concerned gaze directed at him. She was watching them and silently pleading with Damon to not provoke Gideon. Damon knew that Talia had high expectations from this visit, so he gave her a reassuring nod before turning to Gideon.
"They didn't really accept her."
Gideon cocked an eyebrow. "You care about their opinion?"
"I don't. But I don't want them to cause trouble for Talia."
Gideon was pleased to hear that Damon cared about Talia.
Gideon wondered if it's a good or a dangerous thing that Talia can affect a stubborn and prideful Alpha like Damon to the point of compromising. Probably both.
"What does it mean that they didn't accept her, and how does that relate to me?"
"They want us to lead the pack run on the next full moon, and the younger generation to decide if Talia is a good Luna. I am here to notify you that your services will be needed for the ceremony before the run."
"You are notifying me? Should I be honored that Alpha came here personally?"
Damon didn't miss the sarcasm in Gideon's tone. He pushed down his temper and responded calmly, "I came here with Talia. She wants to talk to you. As for the ceremony, it's for the pack. I won't force you to conduct the ceremony, but I hope you will think about it and consider what it will mean if you don't do it. People will gather and they will expect…"
"I know.", Gideon cut him off. "Is that all?"
"From me, yes.", Damon said.
After a few stifling seconds of silence, Gideon spoke, "Congratulations on acknowledging your Luna."
Damon was surprised by Gideon's choice of words. "You knew Talia was my mate?"
"Why else would you barge into my house and break the door to drag her away like I wanted to eat the girl?"
Damon glanced at the door that was visibly newer compared to the rest of the dwelling.
"Are you going to break this one also?"
"Only if you give me a reason to.", Damon responded stiffly.
Gideon wanted to say that there was never a reason for Damon to break down his house, but he knew that Alphas get overly protective about their mates, and since Talia's status was not known, Damon would be easily agitated, as for the rest…
"If it makes any difference, I still grieve the loss of Alpha Jacob and Luna Violet."
Damon opened his mouth to say something and then closed it. This was not the time to bicker. "So do I."
With that, Gideon moved on the side, opening the path for Damon to walk inside.
Gideon paused while thinking if he should close the door. He decided to leave it open. If he closes the door, it might be a signal for intruders (aka guests) to stick around and he wanted them gone as soon as possible so that he can enjoy solitude with his pumpkin-infused mate.
