Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Mack howled excitedly at the moon. It had been 5 years since Mack had last seen his mate and he was going to be able to see her tomorrow. Mack had to let his wolf out to release the overwhelming joy they both felt. Lincoln ran through the trees stopping at the edge of a cliff to howl once more. His wolf bounced and hopped for joy. He ran all night! “Lincoln we are going to see them in less than twenty-four hours.” Mack told his wolf.

‘I can’t wait to see her beautiful face, to take in her scent once more. To hold her in my arms and look into her deep blue eyes. Matilda, it won’t be long now!’ Mack thought as he shifted back to human form. ‘It has been far too long.’ Their punishment is finally over, and they can finally be together. Mack caught a faint and familiar scent when his thoughts were immediately interrupted. Lincoln quickly shifted back; Mack hurried to get dressed so he could follow the scent immediately.

It was his mate; Mack could tell her scent from others. It always smelt like the ocean and shores surrounding it. Mack instantly tried to mind-link with Matilda, but she was blocking his thoughts. The stronger her scent got the more Mack picked up his pace. Mack was about a half a mile away when someone knocked him over. He rolled into a kneeling position sniffing the air and looking around letting out a growl as he turned to face his attacker. “Don’t be upset Mack.” Said a voice Mack recognized, it was Lewis. Lewis put up his hands as he stood. Mack slowly calmed down, as he got to his feet. “Why did you stop me, Lewis?” Mack asked through gritted teeth. “I have orders to bring you to the Alpha; Matilda is on her way there as well.” Replied Lewis. “She wants to see both of you.” “She?” Lewis questioned with a confused look on his face. “Yes, Alpha Adelaide! A lot has changed Mack in your absence.” Lewis tells him. “What happened to Alpha Josiah?” Mack asked. “Alpha Adelaide will explain if you are willing to meet with her.” Lewis replies before his eyes glaze over and he nods. “Matilda is there waiting for you.” Lewis tells him. “Then what are we waiting for?” Mack asked as he turned toward the direction of the pack den.

The two approached the den when a familiar looking woman comes up to greet them. “Thank you, Lewis! I will take it from here. Please return to your usual duties.” She says. “Yes, Beta Josephine.” he says, bowing his head before turning to leave. “Josephine James?” Mack asks with a shock look on his face. “It’s been a long time, Mack.” She says. “Come we have much to discuss with the Alpha.” Mack looks at her stunned. “You are all grown up now and Beta!” He says. “Yes Mack, I am Beta.” Josephine says, turning her head to look at him as they walked down the hall to the Alpha’s Office.

“Mack, Mack!” Said an anxious voice as they approached the doors. A tall, beautiful woman come running out wrapping her arms around Mack’s neck. He instantly embraced her. “Matilda, oh my sweet Matilda.” He said. Mack gently pulled away slightly getting a good look at her. Matilda was just as beautiful as he remembered her. Her fiery red hair still flowed down past her shoulders. Her deep blue eyes still held that spark and twinkled when she looked up at him. “OH, I have missed you.” They both said at the same time. “Sorry about blocking you, I was speaking with Josephine.” Matilda tells him. “Don’t worry about it.” Mack replies.

“Mack and Matilda, please come in. I promise the two of you will have the next couple of days for you to get reacquainted, but I would like to discuss some things with the two of you. Josie will you please grab our guests some drinks?” A woman said. “You must be Alpha Adelaide!” Mack states rather than question. “I am and I am so glad to finally meet both of you.” Adelaide replies. “Why exactly are we here?” Matilda asks, taking a seat on a comfortable couch. Mack sat down next to Matilda taking her hand in his.

“Well, I have been trying to find both of you since I took over the pack three years ago. Even left word with other packs. Most of us didn’t agree with the harsh punishment that was given to you by my predecessor and have been trying to track you down to let you both know you didn’t have to carry it out any longer.” Adelaide said. “The other pack leaders and I feel neither of you were at fault. The Alpha is the only one to blame for his daughter’s disappearance.” She continues, “According to everyone I have spoken with who witnessed the incident, you both were just carrying out your orders. With that said, I would like to offer you both a place with the pack, which is if you will have the pack back. Most of those that were in leadership positions have since been relieved of duty, killed, or banished.” Adelaide says as Mack and Matilda looked at each other in surprise. “No, I did not kill them however they were killed by a neighboring pack before I became Alpha.” “How did you become Alpha?” asked Mack as he interrupted her. “Shut-up Mack!” Matilda said elbowing him.

“It is quite alright.” Says the Alpha, “let me explain. Your former Luna is my sister. You see, after the two of you left 5 years ago, Luna Aaliyah opened her own investigation into what had happened. Josiah had caught word of this and started treating my sister very poorly. He began to hit Aaliyah, rape her, and even have sexual relationships with other girls as he commanded her to watch. Aaliyah never gave up her investigation. When she found out the truth, Aaliyah immediately came to me. I took it to my Alpha, our father. He was furious at what we told him and raged war with Alpha Josiah that very minute. We planned carefully for the next year wanting Josiah to think everything was ok and wanted to him to get comfortable. My sister kept up her appearance and it nearly cost her, her life and my father’s.