Wolf's Bane (Shifted) (16 page)

19

Bryce stood
alongside his brother as they faced the mass of weres that had come out to see the official ceremony. Aiden taking the Bane pack as Alpha and Bryce as Alpha of the Reiner pack. The double ceremony had drawn a record crowd.

Half the Cheveyo pack was in attendance
, as well, to show support for the change in leadership of both packs.

Aiden addr
essed the Bane weres like a pro. He may have not been training to take an Alpha roll but he was a natural. The Bane weres bowed in response to his firm command. For the first time in Bane history the women of the pack were also in attendance. It was a new day for the Bane pack.

Bryce followed noting
Drew’s service and his intention to continue in his path. The formal introduction of Ashley as his mate met with cheers of approval.

Royal Cheveyo was in attendance to officiate on behalf of the council.
Maverick’s presence as the Alpha of the largest pack in the Americas stressed the familial connection between the three packs.

“I
don’t envy you,” Bryce said to Aiden as they left the podium to join the celebration.

“
Meaning?”

“Meaning
the Bane Pack, although small, is damaged. Feel free to ask for assistance.”

“I
will.”

“
Are you leaving right after the ceremony?”

“
Yes. I have a few things to get in order. The sooner I start, the sooner they will see I mean business. Brianna has agreed to help me with information on what the women might need to move forward. I’ll be back next month for Lexi and Gage’s mating ceremony.”

“
It’s about time.” Bryce laughed. “Mom insisted we have their ceremony first since they were mated first. At this rate, I thought I’d have to bring my kids to my mating ceremony.”

“
Are you saying Ashley’s pregnant?’

“No
. at least not yet, but, trust me, I’m trying,” Bryce laughed.

“
She perfect for you brother. You’re a lucky man.”

“
Don’t I know it? So what about you? Now that you’re an Alpha, are you going to find yourself a mate?”

“
No, if there is a mate out there for me, she’ll have to find me. I’m a little busy right now,” Aiden joked.

‘
Too busy to entertain females. Wow, that is busy.”

“I
didn’t say anything about not entertaining, Bryce.” Aiden grinned.

“
Someday brother. You watch it. I tell you finding a mate is life changing in a good way.”

“I’ll take your word for that for now.
Let’s go find that mate of yours and get something to eat. Those Cheveyos were hovering around the buffet, and I know they can eat. I’ve seen Lexi’s mate eat three times what she does and that’s saying something.

Bryce made his way over to where Ashley was sitting with her friend Brianna. “Alpha,” Brianna said dipping her head.

“Call
me Bryce, Brianna. How are you doing?” Bryce knew that Yasmin’s betrayal had affected Brianna almost as badly as it had his mate.

“
I’m okay, I guess, Alpha. I mean Bryce. Thanks for asking.”

“Bryce
, Brianna was thinking about joining the Reiner pack.”

“
We would be honored to have you, Brianna. Just don’t be too hasty. Aiden will fix the problems with the Bane pack. I hear that you have offered to help him.”

“I have offered my help
, Alp... Bryce. Helping the new pack seems like the right thing to do. I just don’t think I want to go back there for good. I want a fresh start, if you can understand that?”

“I
can, and, as I said, you are welcome. Let me know what you decide for sure.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Now if you don’t mind, I would like to dance with my wife.”

“
Of course,” Brianna giggled as she squeezed Ashley’s hand.

“She seems like a nice girl,” Bryce said pulling Ashley flush against his body and swinging her to the dance floor.

“She
is.  I think Brendan might even have a crush on her.”

“
Really, how can you tell?”

“We women know these things.”

“Are we talking mates here?’

“
No, I don’t think so. I just think he likes her is all. He might be a bit of her motivation to stay as well.”

“
Please tell me you’re not match making.”

“I’m
just a romantic at heart. I found my perfect mate and I just want my friends and family to know the same joy.”

“Well then, Mrs. Woodland.”

“
That’s Mrs. Alpha Woodland to you, sir.”

“
Well, Mrs. Alpha woodland, how about we blow this party and head home? Tomorrow is my first official day as Alpha, but tonight I’m all yours.”

“
Race you to the car,” Ashley smirked. God, he loved this woman. Thank god true mating’s were for life. ‘It would take that long to even express a fraction of how he felt,’ Bryce thought, as he took off after Ashley. The chase was fun but catching her was even better.

          ******************

If you enjoyed reading Wolf’s Bane, please consider leaving a review.  Your input is always appreciated.

The Shifted series was originally intended to be a five book series. Somehow the characters I have created disagreed with that estimation. Cry Wolf turned out to be a new chapter in the series leading to Wolf’s Bane. So what’s up next? ‘Thrown to the wolves,’ Aiden’s story. Will it be the last in the series? That I don’t know for sure, but somehow I doubt it. 

For more information on this and other books by Lynn Leite, Find her on facebook at Paranormal twist for the latest updates on what she’s working on. Or you can e-mail her at [email protected]

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