Talia didn't want to lie, not anymore. Can she tell them that she is Alpha Natalia without revealing the magic part? Was it wise to disclose her true identity and spoil the surprise she was planning for James' birthday?
"The Moon Goddess gave us a blessing!" Gideon exclaimed, making everyone look at him in surprise, Talia included.
Gideon moved to the front of the podium and continued talking.
"What we experienced tonight is a rare phenomenon when the Moon Goddess endows us with her powers. Alpha Damon waited for his mate longer than any other Alpha. We know that Alpha's powers swell when he finds his Luna, and we had our theories on how to find him the best Luna and impede dangers tightening around us. Tonight, the Moon Goddess gave us the answer. Only Alpha Damon's union with Luna Talia could take the Dark Howlers pack into a bright future."
Gideon made a dramatic pause and pointed his finger at the people in the audience. "If you are doubtful, feel the energy coursing through you. This is a miracle to benefit all of us for not losing faith in the will of the Moon Goddess."
Gideon leaned forward and spoke in a hushed voice to the Elders of the Dark Howlers pack, "Ancient texts mention that we might discover special abilities. I will count on you to keep an eye on the youngsters and tell them not to spread this around as we might attract trouble before we confirm the effects of this blessing. Seek me for guidance. Let's not waste this opportunity to boost the power of our pack. Only together will we prosper!"
"Only together will we prosper!" The Elders chanted in unison. They were all super-excited about the possibility of getting mysterious abilities. And since they were the closest ones to the ceremony, didn't that mean they will be the most affected by this boon?
Talia and Damon looked at Gideon gratefully.
Gideon came up with a perfect story. If anyone else told such nonsense, people wouldn't buy it, but this was the Shaman. He was a master of stories that sounded like they came out of fantasy novels, and people ate whatever he served.
James snorted derisively while looking at the Elders who were celebrating. He knew their type. Power-hungry bastards. But James couldn't deny that he also got a power boost of some kind, as his body was brimming with energy.
Whatever happened was not only reserved for the members of the Dark Howlers pack. He was itchy to see if he was faster or stronger, or maybe he got an ability also. James dismissed the last part because if abilities were this easy to gain, everyone would have them.
"Jay?" Cornelia called. "What are you thinking about?"
"The energies," he said. "I can feel them." He stared at his palm. "There is power coursing through me, but instead of wanting to be expelled, it's merging with me."
Cornelia smiled. "I can feel it also. Don't resist it. It seems that Talia can boost our connection with nature. The more you absorb it, the more benefits it will bring you. I can already tell that you are more handsome."
James chuckled. Was she flirting with him?
"Did everyone get this?" James asked.
Cornelia nodded. "To some degree. You might be more affected because I am your mate."
James thought that it made sense. If he got a bigger boost because Cornelia was his mate, didn't that mean that Axel got a big boost also?
James looked around to find Axel standing frozen and pale as a sheet of paper. Did he suffer from some side-effect?
"Ahhh!" Yasmin cried, and everyone turned toward her. She was bent at an awkward angle and holding onto the bottom of her stomach. "The babies… I think… they are coming…" she said breathily.
Doctor Travis was by her side in a minute.
He had his share of dealing with Alphas, so he raised his hands in front of Axel, indicating that he meant no harm.
"I am a doctor. I want to check Luna Yasmin's condition," Travis said, and only when Axel nodded stiffly did Travis get closer.
He was about to lift Yasmin's skirt when he realized Axel would rip his head off.
"Can you take her inside? I will need to check…" Travis glanced toward Yasmin's crotch area, and Axel swiftly scooped Yasmin into his arms and carried her inside.
Talia was there right away, and so were Cornelia, Amelia, Maya, Meg, Sandy, Dawn, Tatiana, Kalina, Daria, and Michelle.
The excitement was tangible. There were babies on the way!
Axel took Yasmin into the first bedroom available, and Tatiana and Kalina pushed him out in the hallway because he was growling and releasing his Alpha aura, making everyone uncomfortable, and Travis was unable to work.
Axel found himself in the hallway with Damon, Maddox, Cristian, Tony, George, James, Kai, Tyler, and several others. All guys. They were all standing there with stiff expressions, none liking to be excluded, but they didn't dare to go inside and face the wrath of females.
In the room…
Travis had his first aid kit ready, so he put surgical gloves on and checked Yasmin's state while Meg and Sandy were filling him up with details such as that she was expecting twins.
"I'm sorry, Yasmin," Talia said. Somehow, she knew that the ceremony progressed her pregnancy.
"Why do you sound like this is a bad thing?" Yasmin asked. "You know I've been waiting to meet my children for a long time. Nature made sure it happened here, with a doctor who knows modern medicine and is familiar with werewolves." How Yasmin saw this, it was the best-case scenario.
Travis straightened up and pressed his lips into a line while removing his gloves.
"How is it?" Meg asked.
"She is in labor," Travis responded. "Pups could come in five minutes or in five hours. I am thinking if we should wait here or if we should take her to the pack hospital."
"I want to go to the hospital," Yasmin said. "How far is it?"
"It's about ten minutes for the stretcher to come here, and by the time we take you in, it will be about half an hour."
"Axel can carry me," Yasmin said. "He is a fast runner. We can be there in five minutes."
"Are you sure?" Cornelia asked.
Yasmin nodded. "It might seem like a safer option to stay here. However, if anything goes wrong, the doctor can take care of me better in a hospital."
"Alright," Travis said. "Then, we shouldn't delay. Let's call Alpha Axel here, and I will mind-link my staff to be ready to receive you."
They were all about to go, but Yasmin pulled Talia's hand. "You should go to the fair."
"I want to be there when my nephews are born!" Talia protested.
"You heard the doctor. It might take five hours, maybe longer," Yasmin said. "We are in the middle of the Dark Howlers pack. I feel safe here, so security is not a concern. Our people are out there. Some found their mates, and some are still searching. They will find comfort in your presence, and you must assure them that things will be alright."
Yasmin looked at Cornelia and Amelia. "The two of you are needed to help transport the lucky ones who found their mates. Everyone here should attend the fair. You can check on me later. Your company in the hospital will be appreciated, but it won't make it faster or easier. Axel will be with me."
"I will take good care of Luna Yasmin," Travis declared. "I will keep you up to date with any progress."
"I will send guards to make sure nothing goes wrong," Talia said, and her eyes lost focus as she spoke directly to Keith and Arya, 'Luna Yasmin is in labor. The two of you will escort her to the pack hospital and make sure no one unauthorized gets there. I know you were looking forward to the event, but this is important. In one hour, someone will come to replace you, and then you can go to the fair.'
Keith was on duty to protect Talia during the Luna ceremony and for the rest of the evening, so he didn't think about having fun at the event anyway. Arya was not a guard, but she was a capable warrior, and she tagged along with Keith.
They got organized quickly, and Axel carried Yasmin with Travis, Keith, and Arya following them.
