The Alpha's Bride

Chapter 876: The fair mixer (1)

Gideon's addictive scent of lavender stirred Mindy's lust and her mind started running wild.     

Will they go at it behind a food booth? Or maybe they jump in a crate full of plush toys? There was a stage with live music, and Mindy knew one dark corner where she could go down on Gideon. Ah, so many possibilities!     

Mindy felt like a naughty teenager who was planning to sneak around with her crush, and the playful mood from Gideon told her that he approved.     

Mindy was confident that people would be shocked to find out how bad their Shaman is, bad in a good way… bad in the best way possible. She was happy that only she got to see that side of Gideon. Others could see him as a tranquil wiseman, but Mindy knew better. That man was fire and ice in one, and he was hers.     

…     

The fair was organized on a clearing at the virtual border of the Dark Howlers pack and the Spring Leaf pack.     

Not long ago, that land was unclaimed, used by the rogues to move between territories without being noticed. Since packs combined borders, they agreed to use this no man's land like it belongs to all of them. The only condition was that no one would create settlements on it, and for any resources found there, negotiations would be needed before they could be harvested.     

This event was for several packs, so Damon and Cristian agreed on the location. Of course, they did because Talia worked with Zina and Mindy to make this happen.     

Mindy called her sister-in-law (aka Tatiana), and they immediately thought of this event as something that could cheer up people currently finding refuge in the Blue River pack. People from the shelters were assigned to help with stalls and games, and they assured plenty of breaks for everyone to enjoy the event.     

Mindy and Tatiana hoped that those poor souls would find their mates, as that would be the best chance for them to heal mental scars that were etched deep into their existences.     

Michelle was coordinating members of the Spring Leaf pack who were responsible for kid-friendly games and snacks, which made the fair more family oriented.     

Other than members from three packs, they had people from the Midnight Guardians pack, and Tony and Kalina arrived with two full buses of the Lightclaw pack members.     

The event swelled into something no one could predict, and the most impressive part was that the fair was organized within a few short days.     

Talia and Damon emerged from between bushes, following the makeshift trail many feet before them created.     

The duo was fully dressed in comfy casual clothes, and Talia had a small backpack.     

Talia paused at the sight in front of them.     

Only two days ago, she came here to check if the clearing was suitable for the event, and she provided guidelines, yet she didn't imagine it would turn into this. There were stalls and booths as far as her eyes could reach, the smell of various delicacies filled the air, there were music and cheers and laughter, the whole area was lit up with string lights, and it was all buzzing with positivity. It was fantastic.     

Damon pulled Talia to lean on him, and he kissed her temple.     

"You did a fantastic job, kitten."     

"I had help."     

Damon clicked his tongue. "This is not the time for modesty. Of course, you had help, but without you, this wouldn't happen."     

Talia didn't want to argue. Besides, he was right. This all started because she wanted to organize a mixer for members of the Midnight Guardians pack.      

'Meg?' Talia called through the mind link. 'How are things going?'     

'Fantastic!' Meg exclaimed. 'Amelia is giving rides every thirty minutes. So far, we have had twenty-two people from our pack mated, and more are coming! Oh, and we are not the only ones scoring here. Everyone is finding mates. They are everywhere! This event is a huge hit! You probably don't want to go into unlit areas of the forest, if you know what I mean.' Meg ended with a giggle.     

Talia's heart expanded at the thought that many people found their mates, and it was all thanks to her organizing this event. It was a big deal.         

Talia's expression froze when Meg spoke through the pack link again, 'After tonight, everyone will talk about Malia!'     

'What Malia?' Talia asked.     

'Your mate-finding service. We are low-key advertising you. I received business cards from two other packs interested in your…'     

'Meg!' Talia interrupted Meg. 'How about you and Kai go to the pack hospital? Take the next shift so Keith and Arya can come to the event.'     

'Did I do something wrong?' Meg asked, this time with much less enthusiasm.     

Talia couldn't believe Meg had asked her that. How many times did she tell her not to spread the Malia nonsense? 'Yasmin is in labor. As a Beta of the Midnight Guardians pack, you should watch over her.'     

'Yes, Alpha Talia,' Meg responded respectfully, and Talia could feel that Meg felt guilty because Talia reminded her of their positions.     

'Is it OK if I ask Sandy and Tyler to join?' Meg asked reluctantly.     

Talia knew that those four were getting along well, and she could imagine them chattering the night away. 'As long as you make Yasmin's safety a priority, you can.'     

'With the four of us there, we can keep each other company and stay until morning…'     

After hearing this, Talia felt less guilty for punishing Meg in the spur of her anger.     

Talia turned to look at Damon, who didn't show an intention to move from the edge of the clearing.     

"Is something wrong?" Talia asked.     

Damon looked at Talia seriously. "I want to introduce you to our people. Can I?"     

Talia's lips lifted into a smile. "I would love that."     

Damon turned toward the fair, and his hold on Talia tightened.     

'This is your Alpha speaking!' Damon's voice boomed in the head of every member of the Dark Howlers pack. 'You are aware that I found my fated mate. Tonight, Talia officially became your Luna. I expect that you will support her in the same way you are supporting me.'     

'Welcome, Luna Talia!' Caden and Maya exclaimed in unison through the pack link.     

"AWOOOOO!"     

The ground shook as hundreds of attendees raised their heads and howled to welcome Talia.     

Talia was overwhelmed. The joyous event became better.     

'Thank you, everyone,' Talia spoke into the pack link. 'The Moon Goddess gave me Damon as my fated mate, which made me your Luna. I promise to do my best to be the Luna you deserve.'     

"AWOOOOOO!!!"     

This round of howls was louder than the previous one.     

Talia raised her head to meet Damon's eyes smiling at her. She thought that her heart would burst with happiness.         

"This whole evening was fantastic, and it's getting better by the minute," she said. "Thank you, Damon."     

"No, no, kitten. Thank you," he said and leaned to capture her lips with his.     

Before their kisses turned steamy, Damon inched away, and they had matching smiles on their faces.     

"I have my Luna and a pup on the way, and our pack is celebrating. Life doesn't get better than this."     

"It can get better," Talia said and glanced sideways in the direction of the fair. "How about we attack that food? It smells delicious, and I'm eating for two."     

Damon chuckled. "Your wish is my command, kitten."