Page 39 of Eclipse Pack

When Ember and Hannah burst out laughing, I almost faint with relief. If we ever have a serious war to fight, I’m going to put these two together on the battlefield with any other like-minded she-wolves I come across, I think to myself.

Asking if there are any other Eclipse Pack businesses in town, I’m told there is a clothing shop as well. Dragging Ember away, we head over to the next business.

Arriving at the shop, I look at some of the fantastic designs on display in the window. Once again, this shows some genuinetalent in the Eclipse Pack, and I can’t wait to be a part of it all. Looking at some of the work gives me an idea.

Once again, I wait for the shop to be given the all clear before I enter. Thinking this may be taking things a bit too far, I think again before voicing my thoughts. I told Wesley that I expect him to be the best of the best and I see that this is what he is doing. How simple would it be for me to waltz into a building and find that it was an ambush? It’s no different to being in the woods. We know already that the rogues have shifters in all the packs, so perhaps this is the way that protection details should be working.

Meeting Reagan, the seamstress, and Malakai, the tailor, I pass on my admiration for the creations on display. Seeing yet more stunning examples inside, I throw out my idea to them. A matching set of outfits for myself and Bronze for when we take over the pack together. Nothing gaudy or outrageous, but classy and elegant that shows we are united.

Malakai immediately has his design head on and starts throwing out his thoughts. The Eclipse Pack has an unofficial pack color of gray, so two outfits in the same color gray. Bronze and I could have suits. His would be a tailored three-piece suit, and I could have a female version. I like the idea immensely but will need to speak to Bronze before making any final decision. I’ll get Reagan to take my measurements while I’m here, as there won’t be time to come back before the ceremony takes place.

Thinking of the timescale, I ask if they have a private office I could use. I need to run this by Bronze if they are going to have any chance of getting the suits made, delivered and any final adjustments done. Five minutes later, and it’s agreed. Swearing them to secrecy, they are ecstatic that they are doing this.Malakai has Bronze’s measurements already as he has made clothes for the Alpha Heir previously.

While I’m talking with Reagan, I see a one-piece suit that looks very sporty. “What is this worn for, Reagan? It looks like it would be very comfortable,” I ask her.

“It was something I designed for the female warriors, mainly for training. I thought it would give them far more freedom of movement than regular sportswear, as the material is stretchy and flexible, but no one seemed to like it. Most thought it would be too revealing for a training session. I sold a couple of suits, but I was assured that they were only for indoor sports, if you get my drift.”

“Well, I like them. I’ll take two suits.” Seeing the smile on her face makes me all warm and fuzzy. I do enjoy it when I do something for myself, but it also does something for others. “Also, Reagan, I need a word in private about another little project you can help me with.” Spending a few minutes with her has my idea go from just that to a confirmed order. I look forward to that being delivered to me at the packhouse.

Making our way back to the Wolfsfoot packhouse, I get a chance to talk with Drake. I’m intrigued when he tells me he has a warrior from the Eclipse Pack visiting Wolfsfoot in a week or so for training and an assessment of her abilities. An Eclipse Pack warrior being assessed at Wolfsfoot surprises me but also that it is a female. Delving deeper, I find that Drake is not simply a warrior but a warrior trainer, and is in exceptionally high standing in that community.

Learning how he trained Luna Tati to become an accomplished warrior has me more than a little green with envy. Now, if I can persuade Alpha Gabriel to let Drake be part of my escort to the Eclipse Pack, I could pick his brains on the way and even sit inwith the training, and learn a few more tricks. Oh, I can be so devious at times, I scare myself!

Chapter 20

BRONZE

I think it’s a great idea. I like the way she thinks. Dressing alike at the ceremony and also forming the mate bond at that time is pure genius.

‘I think the pack will love it, too, Titan. Sharing such an important moment with them will endear her to them even more. They certainly seem to have embraced everything they have heard about her so far.’

I wish we could have been there when she dispatched Savannah. I would have given all your teeth to have seen that.

‘My teeth? Don’t you mean your teeth?’

No. I can’t live without my teeth. I need to be able to chew my rabbit meat. You could live on rabbit food!

Laughingly I reply, ‘There are times when I think I could live without a wolf!’

Thinking of the mating bond reminds me I need to speak to Eve. Mind linking with her, I ask her to join me at the alpha office and when there’s a knock at the door only seconds later, it takes me by surprise. Looking up, I’m even more surprised to see Xander of my inner council.

“Alpha Heir Bronze, can you spare a moment?”

“Of course I can. Come in. What can I do for you, Xander?” Gesturing for him to take a seat, he settles into a chair and looks apprehensive.

“I was wondering if I could ask your advice on something?”

“I’ll help if I can. What’s the problem?” I’ve never been asked for advice before, so I hope it's something simple, I think to myself.

“Well, it’s relationship advice, I suppose you’d call it. I’ve never had a relationship yet and I’m drawn to someone that I can’t approach due to her circumstances. I don’t know if it’s typical mating bond stuff as she is already mated. I’m so confused by it I don’t know what I should do.” He looks so confused, and I can see that this isn’t just some passing fancy or childish infatuation. He looks completely lost.

“You’re quite right that it doesn’t sound like a typical mating bond if she’s with another male. Does she feel the same?”

“Oh, my Goddess, she doesn’t know I exist. I wouldn’t dream of putting her in such a position as to tell her my feelings while she’s with another male.” He looks at me as though I were mad to even think of such a thing.

“I have to be honest with you, Xander, I’ve never heard of anything similar, but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. Can you leave it with me and I’ll do some discreet research to see where we stand? Do you at least know if the female is in a happy,stable relationship?” If she’s not, I’m wondering if Xander is feeling protective of her or maybe just sorry for her.

His sad look tells me she isn’t, before he answers, and I can also see his pain as he speaks. “She is not happy at all. I’ve watched from afar as she has become steadily less of her normal lovely self, and more and more miserable. She hides it well from others, but I see it. It isn’t hidden from me, Alpha Heir Bronze.”

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