Monday came a lot sooner than Celus had hoped. This pack has been his home his entire life, and guilt filled him. He didn't want them to think he was ditching them.Salen was very helpful for everyone as they prepared to say goodbye. She made sure everything was in order before they left, even setting up ways for Safiya to contact Brady and come visit while they are gone. Safiya has been bawling her eyes out, but she was supportive of her mate. She knew this was a big opportunity for him, and she wasn't going to be the one to stand in the way of that."Are you okay?" Brady asked, emerging from his room with a bright blue suitcase in his hand. He smiled wide, but an empty feeling was already starting to form in his stomach at the thought of being separated from his mate for so long."I'm fine. I'm just thinking." Celus grumbled, taking one last look around the pack house with dread."It's going to be okay. Your pack will be fine." He patted him on the shou

Celus threw the front door of the castle open, alarming loitering members. They looked him over as they whispered, and Salen rested her hand on his back to keep him focused on what they were there to do."We need to find Alpha Landrews." She pointed. Brady nodded along next to her. He was prepared to grab on to Celus to keep him from attacking any one of the gossiping wolves in the main hall.Celus just nodded, knowing they were both right. They had more pressing issues to deal with first. He released the doors from his tightened grip and let them swing closed."I'm sorry, but we're looking for King Landrews." Brady gave them all a friendly smile over Celus' towering shoulders. A young man took a step forward and pointed up one of the staircases."He's in his office." He told them, his voice slightly shaky as he lowered his wavering arm."Thank you." Brady bowed his head to him and followed Celus up the many stairs. His footsteps echoed through the

Zachary was the first to make his move. He charged towards Celus, aiming for his waist. Celus just dodged him before grabbing the back of his shirt and shoving him to the mat.Zachary groaned as Celus released him, helping him up off the ground. They took their positions again before Zachary once again charged. This time Celus gripped his shoulders and threw him back, far enough to land off of the mat."Sorry." Celus grumbled, wincing when he hit the dirt. Zachary just stood up and dusted his clothes off. His breathing grew heavier as he held up his hand signaling he needed a second.Celus turned towards his Beta. Brady was being pinned down by Elijah, his face pressed tightly to the mat. Elijah got close to his ear and let out a low growl. This only angered Brady; he lifted himself up and flipped him over his shoulders onto his back with a 'huff'.Celus was drawn back to his opponent when he was knocked to the ground. He groaned, looking up to s

While the guys were off training for the day, Salen made the decision to hang out with Suzanne from the other afternoon. She was busy baking in the kitchen with some of the chefs and other pack wives.Her face brightened when she spotted Salen walking into the room. "Salen!" She squealed, rushing over to hug her with as much strength as she could muster."Hey Suzanne!" Salen pulled back and gave her a friendly smile. "I thought maybe we could do something today! Celus is busy." She caught herself before she let slip where they really were."Of course! We are just baking cookies for the children. It's Xander's birthday today." She winked over to a little boy around the age of six that was tugging at his mother's pants."Mom! When are they going to be done?" He whined. His mother, a short stalky woman with short brown hair swatted him out of the kitchen."I told you!" She scolded. "I will let you know when they are done. Now go play with your friends

Celus dismissed himself from Andrew and crossed the clearing to be by Salen's side. If Kristopher and Henry were planning something, he wanted to make sure she stayed safe in all of it. It wasn't her fault they were in this mess in the first place.Salen smiled wide when he got close to her. She reached down and took his hand as she continued her conversation with Suzanne. The birthday party ended shortly after that. Salen offered to help clean up, which meant Celus would be there, too.He helped pull down the tall decorations and carried the now folded dessert tables back to a storage room.The pack mothers were very thankful for his help, and watched him with a newly found interest. The way he held himself with confidence, but turned into a loving mate as soon as Salen came to his side.His serious expression that was plastered to his face as he continued to clean up fell to a warm smile when Salen went over to help him."You