The Runaway Breeder

Chapter 24

"It’s been two hours. Where are they?" Tate growls out as he paces around the gazebo. I sigh, deciding to focus on feeding Julia while my mate stews in his frustration. It’s been two hours since our house was infiltrated by the Council Guards and Tate and I have grown tired of waiting for the Elders to arrive. They were the ones who ordered to take me and my pup into custody, there were the ones that were wrong so they should be the ones rushing to come and apologize.

[Laina, repairs are almost done.] Chris’ voice calls out through our link, making me smile. Judging by his tone, he is having a blast ordering around our very unwelcomed guests.

[Good, make sure the money for repairs come from the Council.] I remind my cousin, getting a chuckle from him.

[Trust me, I already have a bill made and ready to go. I will be bringing it to the pack Lawyer later to have it notarized once the repairs are done before we bring it to the Council.] Smiling, I reiterate what Chris told me to Tate, getting a nod of approval from my mate as he takes out his phone and sends a text.

“I texted Adam, the pack Lawyer. He is on his way with his laptop to work with Chris.” Tate states with a grin, looking out at the water. I relay this to Chris before shutting the link down to focus on Julia. By now her bottle is gone and her eyes lids are starting to close. I can tell that my little one is trying hard to fight the urge to sleep and I chuckle, gently patting her back to help her fall asleep.

“Alpha, Luna.” A voice calls out from the shore, making me jump slightly from the sudden appearance of a wolf who carefully steps across the stone pathway before coming to stand at the entrance of the gazebo.

"I was told to inform you that the Elders are here. Do you want them to be led to the gazebo?" The man asks. I take in his appearance and notice our pack insignia on the shoulder of his shirt, my curiosity of this man being piqued.

“Nice to meet you Luna Laina, I am Mateo, the Head Warrior here.” Mateo greets me, giving me a friendly smile that I return with my own. Before I can say anything, Tate lets out a possessive growl, moving to block my line of sight.

“Is there a need for you to be staring at my mate, Mateo?” Tate asks, his body shaking. I roll my eyes and place Julia in her bassinet before standing and making my way to Tate’s side where I promptly smack his shoulder and watch as my mate winces and backs up, giving me a look that reminds me of an injured puppy.

“Tate behave. Mateo isn’t a threat.” I growl out, giving my mate a warning look. I can feel Mateo visible relax now that I am here to tame Tate and prevent him from attacking a member of our pack.

“Thank you, Luna. I am only introducing myself since you will be running our pack with the Alpha.” Mateo agrees, backing up two steps most likely to avoid Tate and his possessiveness.

“Well thank you, Mateo. Is there anything else we need to know?”

“Yes, we’ve also doubled security patrols since this morning’s incident and Beta Louren is currently entertaining the Elders. Should I bring them here or would you like to meet them at the pack house?” Mateo answers, updating us on the situation at hand. I look to Tate, wanting to hear his input but he shrugs before wrapping his arms around me.

“They caused this mess because they wanted to detain you, so you decide.” Tate states, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

"Then bring the Elders here and inform someone to bring refreshments and snacks as well.” I order, pressing myself closer to Tate as I feel him shudder. This situation must be hard on him.

“I understand Luna. With his agreement, Mateo bows before leaving, his six-foot-something frame crossing over the stones nimbly once again.

"I hate it when males look at you. You're mine." He growls to himself, holding me tighter.

“And I hate when females look at you. But Mateo is a high ranked warrior, his concern is of my safety, not what I look like without clothes.” I state with a chuckle, Tate rolling his eyes as he takes in my scent.

“I know, but I can’t help how protective I am over you.” He grumbles into my hair.

“I know Baby. How about we sit and wait for Mateo to bring the Elders over.” I suggest, pulling away to take his hand in mine. He nods, leading me back to our seats as we listen to the soft waves crashing below us.

"When they come, let me talk. It’s my story to tell and I need them to know that I am a Luna and an Alpha wolf, that they can’t intimidate me nor get away with placing a hit on me or anyone without knowing the full truth." I watch Tate’s face as I voice my need to speak. My life was torn apart because of a law that the Elders got rid of and did not maintain. Had they done their jobs and traveled to each and every pack over the years to make sure Breeders were abolished, I would not have been in this situation.

"Fine, but if I feel that your life and Julia's is in danger, then I step in." He agrees after a few minutes pass. I can tell that allowing me to take the lead is hard on him, but he also knows that I am right and that I have to be the one to confront the Elders.

"Okay, deal!" I smile and kiss Tate happily. With this topic settled, we quietly wait for our guests to arrive. Another hour of waiting passes with a few Omega’s bringing snacks, coffee and tea for us to enjoy. Chris came once with the baby bag and a few bottles in tow for Julia before leaving to resume managing the Council Guards. Finally, Mateo returns with Louren beside him, the two wolves leading a group of elderly looking wolves through the trees and towards us. I recognize the Council of Elder’s insignia on their jacket immediately. Louren and Mike stand on either side of the pathway leading to the gazebo, motioning for the elders to cross first. I watch the interaction, spying an Elder that protests at first before Louren says something that causes the Elder to shrink into himself in defeat before crossing the stones with the others.

With all the elders crossing the stones, Louren follows before Mateo does, the two large wolves making sure that they cant turn around. With everyone now here, the Elders join Tate and I at the table, sitting down without shaking our hands or giving us a simple greeting. It takes everything in me not to growl at them, the disrespect they are showing rubbing me the wrong way.

“Two more Omega’s are on their way with more refreshments.” Louren states as he takes a seat beside Tate, glaring at the elders before us. Sure enough, as soon as Louren sits, two Omegas accompanied by two Warriors appear. The Warriors help to bring the refreshments to the gazebo, placing trays before us before they cross the stones and stand guard, preventing anyone from disturbing us once the Omegas leave. Mateo stands at the entrance of the gazebo, waiting for orders and scanning his eyes over the surroundings for any threats.

"Mike, we need another witness other than Louren to stay here while we converse with the Elders." Tate says through gritted teeth, his eyes glaring at the wolves that sit before us. I reach for his hand under the table and squeeze gently, knowing exactly how he feels. This is our territory, and their disrespect has us on edge more than the incident of their lackeys crashing into our kitchen.

"Yes, Alpha. It’s why I have all of the appropriate equipment ready." His eyes glaze over for a moment before two more wolves appear in our line of sight. They carry what looks to be a camera set as they too enter the crowded gazebo and begin to set up the electronics, including a voice recorder, around the gazebo with precise movement. With a bow of respect to us, the wolves turn and leave the vicinity. Mateo double-checks everything before sitting beside Louren, his own gaze a glare directed to the Elders.

"Now, let’s get this started." I say with everything settled, folding my hands neatly on the table while staring at the Elders.