Running with the Pack - 37. Chapter 37

The season’s first snowfall arrived shortly after Thanksgiving. It was only a few small flakes visible as they blew around illuminated by streetlamps. By morning, trees were blanketed in white, and the storm showed no signs of letting up. Ethan looked out the kitchen window and could not believe how beautiful everything was. The change from the previous day was dramatic. A good eight inches of brilliant-white fluff covered everything and more kept falling. It was the first snow in several years where he was not living outside trying to find a way to keep warm. As much as he liked the beauty of it, weather like this was something he had grown to loathe—along with anything associated with the bitter cold. Being able to view it from the warmth of the house felt like he was seeing it for the first time.

It was Aiden’s day off. He trudged into the kitchen for his morning coffee, happy to be in the warm house and not on the roads. His faithful old Jeepster could easily plow through most anything, but it did not mean he liked driving when the roads were bad. Rafe had called to say the crew would not be working since streets had not been plowed yet. After breakfast, and knowing they had the day free, Ethan could no longer contain himself and shifted inside the house. Aiden opened the door, and the white wolf bounded into the yard. He playfully jumped around, diving into deeper mounds, and rolled in it only to spring to his paws and shake. Grabbing his phone, Aiden took pictures and video of his pup’s first snow as a wolf.

Casey and Cody stood in their doorway, arms wrapped around each other as they watched Ethan play. It was like seeing a puppy with a new toy. Aiden shifted and joined his mate in the wintery wonder. The contrast between the white and black wolves in the frozen fluff was beautiful. Casey took pictures of them, wanting to capture this experience for the couple. He grinned as Cody stripped in preparation for his shift. Soon, a coyote was running around the yard. Out of the corner of his eye, Casey noticed movement and turned his camera to catch the lion carefully moving down the stairs from the loft. After taking a few more pictures of his friends, Casey set the phone inside and joined the rest in his fur.

With everyone in animal form, they took off for a run. The crunch of the snow was barely noticeable as they moved stealthily through the woods. After several miles, the group emerged from the forest at Alex and Nathan’s farm. Stopping at the edge of the parking lot, Aiden gave a howl to let the guys know they were there.

Nathan emerged from the barn to find the small group playing in the drifts that had built up. “We’re just finishing up our morning chores. Give us about twenty minutes, and we’ll join you in the back field.” He caught most of what Aiden asked with woofs and barks. “No, it’s okay. We’re almost done, but thanks for the offer to help.”

The black wolf howled his response as he led his friends to the field and went back to playing in the white powder. The storm’s strength was increasing as still larger flakes fell. Ethan was having fun trying to catch them on his tongue. Aiden’s outer coat was specked in white, giving his pure black fur a much different appearance; he stopped to shake. With his legs spread for balance, a cloud went flying off him in all directions as his powerful body cleared itself. Just as he finished, the smaller coyote came darting towards him. Cody slid on a patch of ice, rolled onto his back, and ended beneath the black wolf. Giving a little yip, the coyote licked under Aiden’s chin before zipping off in the other direction. The white and auburn wolves gave off a chuffing sound as the massive wolf gave chase. When he caught him, he placed his powerful jaws around his friend’s neck as the coyote lay motionless. Pulling back, Aiden licked the side of Cody’s muzzle before returning to Ethan’s side.

The colossal lion rested on his side, enjoying the chill against his body. He rolled around in the soft powder as the auburn wolf stalked towards him. Reaching out with one of his enormous paws, Darius pulled Casey down with him and wrapped his front legs around the wolf. The warmth against his limited fur felt good. He licked the auburn wolf’s head in the loving way only a big cat can do. There was no play for power, no show of dominance, just friends and part time lovers embracing and holding each other in the snow. Aiden wished he had his camera to catch the tender moment; fortunately Alex was taking pictures of their friends before shifting.

Before too long, a grizzly bear and a tiger emerged from the rear of the main barn. All five of the younger shifters ran over to greet their friends. Ethan and Aiden sat under a tree watching the others. They marveled at the diverse selection of animals playing as if it were an everyday occurrence. The bear disappeared as the others sat to rest. All of a sudden, the snow on the tree the young couple was under let loose and rained on them. They glanced up at the tree and then behind them. Nathan’s bear was smiling, his paw still raised from where he had hit the tree. The rest of the guys rolled around laughing.

Darius walked over to another tree to shake the snow off it, but miscalculated and brought most of it down on his head. Being a good sport about it, he sat with his mane covered in white. Casey moved to his side, nuzzling him. The lion picked that moment to shake, covering his companion in the soft powder.

The group went for a run in the woods. Since they were near Alex and Nathan’s home, Aiden pushed them to the front as the others fell in step behind the older shifters.

Knowing there was still work to be done on the farm, they returned about an hour later. Everyone nuzzled as they said goodbye. The younger lycans again offered to help with any work since they took their friends away from their duties.

Alex shook his head as he returned to human form. “We don’t have all that much left to do. No one is going to go riding today, and it was our pleasure to go running with you guys.”

The pack of five headed into the woods for their trip home.

Everyone shook well before shifting to go inside the house. Ethan grabbed towels for each person to dry off as Aiden brewed coffee and boiled hot water for anyone who wanted tea. Soon, they moved into the family room where Casey was building a fire so they could relax and warm up.

Ethan was still giddy from the experience. “That was so fun. I used to hate being out in weather like this. It was great not getting cold for a change. I guess you eventually get used to the wet dog scent. At least it doesn’t carry over when you shift back.”

“Another comment about wet dogs, and it won’t be snow that has you wet, Pup.”

“Don’t tease me in front of an audience, Big Bad.”

The other three giggled at their friends playfulness.

Cody decided now would be the best time to bring something up he wanted to clarify. “I know there’s been some teasing several times. Like on the night you asked if we wanted to live here. When we stripped Ethan. And today when I slid under you, though that was more from a miscalculation due to the ice. Even though I’ve been friendly with a lot of wolves, I’ve never been around a mated pair who were as comfortable allowing others to touch or get close to a mate as you guys. Let alone be naked with a group of people like we are now.” He glanced around at the guys, the smirk building at the corner of his lips. “I’m not complaining since you’re both incredibly sexy, and I’m enjoying the sight and company. I also don’t want to overstep any boundaries and hurt our friendship. You guys are too important to me for that. I’m not trying to hit on you here, but I also don’t want to screw up.”

Ethan nodded at Aiden to indicate he wanted him to answer for them. “When I first realized Ethan was my mate, I felt the typical overly protective streak running through me. I got jealous a few times if Casey would make one of his dick jokes I’ve heard for years, and I threatened to castrate him. Even when they hugged like brothers, I wanted to rip Casey’s throat out.” He extended his hand to his best friend. “I realized I had no need to be jealous even though I’ll always feel protective of my mate. He also didn’t grow up wolf, so I have to make adjustments so I’m not unfair to him.” He kissed the back of his pup’s hand. “We’re comfortable around you guys. We trust you with our lives and in our lives. And we know that no matter what happens we are secure in our relationship.” Aiden glanced at his best friend. “I teased Casey when we asked him to live here. He mentioned the guesthouse, and I said I figured he’d want the room next to us so he could join in or watch from the corner.”

Cody burst out laughing. “I would have given anything to see his reaction to that.”

Darius was biting his lip as his body shook from holding in the giggles.

“Wasn’t funny at the time. You know how many times I had to jerk off to get my dick to go down?” Casey made sure to use the obligatory hand motion. “Not nice making your buddy sore.”

Darius stroked his fingers through the auburn hair. “We’ll make sure if you’re sore again, it’s from other reasons.”

“Seeing you guys like this, I feel perfectly at ease, and I really can’t explain why. While I’m not sure either of us would do anything with you guys, we’re not going to rule it out either. If something were to ever happen, both Ethan and I would be there, and we wouldn’t let it hurt our relationship. Or how close we are with you guys. Best I can say is if a five man orgy breaks out at some point, I won’t be going all Doctor Jekyll like most mates would and try to kill any of you. He’s hot! How could anyone resist looking at him?”

“I’ve always been a jokester and like to tease as much as be teased. That sets good boundaries for me to understand.” Cody snuggled in between his two lovers. “And I don’t want to do anything to hurt these guys.”

“Us sitting here in just towels or naked since Casey dropped his, doesn’t cause any jealousy for me.” Aiden pulled his pup onto his lap. “I’ll joke about him trying to get people naked when we go for a run, but I know it’s the run that’s the focus at the time. In a way, I see you three as an extended part of our relationship. You’re more than bodyguards or friends. Now, if it were someone outside of you three, it would be another matter entirely. But you guys are family. You’re our pack.”

“It was funny seeing you slide under him and lick his muzzle. I wouldn’t mind looking up at him like that while furry. I didn’t like him wrapping his jaws around your throat, but my wolf explained it to me, so I understand what it meant.” Ethan laced his fingers with his mate’s. “Aiden and I talked about it a few times and like he said I’m not sure if we would do anything, but we’re not going to rule it out either. It would only be with you three. Talking about it has led to some hot fantasies, but we’ll save those for another time. Besides, he knows I like seeing you guys naked and even though he won’t admit it, I know he likes it just as much as I do.” He reached under Aiden’s towel and a thud against the abdomen was heard. “From the look of Casey, he likes it too. Or it might have been the comment about a five man orgy that’s got him all happy and hard.” Ethan playfully joked.

“Don’t worry about Casey, I’m sure Dari and I will be taking care of him soon enough.” Cody leaned his head against his auburn haired lover.

******

The guys climbed into Casey’s truck and headed out with one mission on their mind: finding a Christmas tree for the house. They stopped at several tree lots and did not see any they liked. The price on several of the trees caused concern for Ethan’s frugal nature. “We don’t have to get one.”

Aiden shook his head with his arms crossed. “Nope. It’s our first Christmas together, first Christmas in the house, and first Christmas with the guys. A tree is required, and I will not be denied my fun. Besides, they each want one for their places too.”

At the fourth tree lot, Aiden found one he liked and showed it to his pup, who nodded happily. It was a beautiful seven foot tall noble fir. Casey, Darius, and Cody found one around six feet tall that would fit perfectly in the guesthouse, and a second tree that would work well in the loft. None of them were overly expensive like at the previous lots. On the way home, they stopped at the nearest Walmart to town and two other stores where they picked out boxes of lights, ornaments, and other holiday requirements.

When they finally got things home, everyone helped get the big tree into the living room and situated in front of the large window. The colored LED lights went on, and they walked outside to see how it looked. Satisfied it was centered in the window, Aiden and Ethan opened the boxes of glass ornaments, hanging one on each branch until the tree was full. When it was finished, they relaxed to admire their work.

Casey went out to the garage to get a ladder and headed around to the front of the house.

Ethan watched his brother from inside. “What’s he doing?”

Aiden reached for his pup’s hand. “Grab your coat, we need to go outside and help.”

Along the roof of the front porch and the higher one of the second floor, Aiden and Casey strung large colored lights. After completing that, Aiden handed Ethan, Cody and Darius a box of lights. “Wrap the lights around each of the columns lining the porch with the plug at the bottom. When we’re done with that, I have still more strings for along the railing.”

A couple of hours later, they were finished. Aiden pulled a wreath hook out, placed it over the top of the front door, and went to Casey’s truck to pull out a wreath Ethan had not noticed him purchase. He handed it to his pup and pointed to the hook. With it hanging on the door, the last touch was done. The day was clouded over enough to see the lights when the switch was flipped. The wreath had small, twinkling, white lights on it. From the street, the house looked amazing. They could not wait to see it after dark.

“Thank you.” Ethan hugged his big bad, before doing the same with the others.

Now that the main house was done, they started decorating the guesthouse and the loft. Each one had their Christmas tree in a window and outside lights where they could. Ethan never had anything like this growing up and could not get enough of staring at all the lights.

After a full day of decorating, Aiden built a fire in the living room fireplace while his pup went to the kitchen. They all sat around mostly staring at the tree while dinner cooked. Ethan was relaxing on his big bad’s lap. Casey and Darius arm in arm on the sofa while resting their other arm on Cody who laid on their laps.

When the timer in the kitchen went off, Ethan pulled the dish out of the oven. Casey’s nose began to twitch. “I smell Mom’s lasagna.”

“She gave me the recipe along with a loaf of her garlic bread. Come get it while it’s hot.”

******

Following the weekly pack meeting, Aiden and Ethan chatted with friends as they waited for Helen Vale to finish talking with another council member. When she was free, they excused themselves so they could speak with her.

“Judge Vale, may we have a moment of your time?”

“Of course, boys. What can I do for you?”

“Ma’am, we’re planning to have a small wedding for family the day after Christmas.” Aiden was uncharacteristically nervous. “If you’re available, we were wondering if you would be willing to marry us?”

“I would be honored. Thank you for asking me.” She gave them both hugs. “Just give me the time and location, and I’ll be there.”

“Thank you, Ma’am. Bear Creek Farm, December 26th at 2:00 P.M.”

She typed away on her phone and beamed with joy. “I’ve got you down. I’d like to meet with you about a week before to go over the details.”

“We will work around your schedule for that. Thank you so much.” Aiden was having a difficult time holding in his enthusiasm.

The Alpha approached shortly after Helen left. “So, a small wedding?”

“Yes, Alpha.” Aiden dipped his head in respect. “We’re getting invitations ready to send out to our closest friends and family about it. We hope you and Jackie will be able to make it on the twenty-sixth.”

“Just try and keep us away.” John patted him on the shoulder. “You know if you have a small wedding, there are likely to be a lot of hurt feelings from people who would like to celebrate with you. Not saying you have to include everyone, but some will feel left out.”

“We talked about that when we decided to do this. We’re having a small one soon, just so it is finally official. In the spring, we’re going to have a bigger one we can invite the pack to.” Aiden pulled his mate against him, smiling at the small vibrations he felt from Ethan’s building excitement.

“That sounds like a good idea. It’s actually what Jackie and I did.”

They were getting ready to leave when one of the she-wolves Aiden had gone to school with approached them. “Could I speak with you guys privately for a moment?”

“Sure, Shelly. Let’s go into one of the side rooms.” Aiden led the way.

Once the door was closed, she seemed unsure about what she wanted to say. Aiden could easily pick up the change in her scent. “Whatever it is you wanted to talk to us about, you can come right out and say it.”

“I never got a chance to say thank you to both of you for bringing my mom home from the rogues. I know you’re already mated, and you’re going to be getting married at some point.. I don’t want this to sound creepy, but I wanted to offer myself as a surrogate if you two ever wanted to have a child. I’d sign whatever was needed so I wouldn’t have any claim on him or her in the future. It could be done by IVF too. I’m not trying to get you guys into bed.” She buried her face in her palms. “I can’t believe I said that. I’m sorry. This is so much more embarrassing than I thought.”

Aiden was taken aback. “I don’t know what to say, Shelly. That’s an incredible offer. We hadn’t really thought about kids yet. Do you mind if we talk about it some?”

“Take all the time you want and if you say no, there are no hard feelings. With what you two did for my family, I just wanted to offer something to your family.” She leaned in and kissed Aiden on the cheek before doing the same to Ethan. In moments she was out the door.

The two stared at each other for a while, not sure what to say and not really wanting to be the first to speak. It was Ethan that finally broke the silence. “What do you think?”

“I’m not really sure. I mean, it would be great to have kids with you, but I thought we’d just keep trying to have them the old fashioned way.” He joked trying to lighten the mood. “I don’t know if I’m even ready to be a father. We’re just starting out.”

“I know. I’m scared of becoming a father. What if I turn out to be like my biological one? I think you’d make a great dad, but I still feel too young.”

Aiden pulled his pup into his arms. “How about if we just leave it for now as something we need to discuss more?”

Ethan nodded, breathing in his mate’s scent to try and calm himself.

******

“Gaelan, it’s time.” Darius stood with the former spy.

Escorted by three hunters and Darius, Gaelan was taken into the full meeting hall where he stood before the alpha and council members.

Dan read off the charges as part of his duties as beta, while the enforcer took up position behind the prisoner. “Gaelan Envierre, you stand accused of acts of espionage against this pack. Providing information to a hostile group for the purpose of attacking us. And entering our territory without identifying yourself as a fellow shifter. How do you plead?”

“I plead guilty.”

“Your plea is accepted.” The alpha’s expression remained neutral. “Do you wish to make any statement or call anyone to provide testimony on your behalf before we decide on sentencing?”

“No, Alpha. I will accept whatever is decided.”

Ethan stood. “Alpha, I’d like to speak if permitted.”

“Ethan Tucker, your request is granted.”

“Gaelan is taking responsibility for his own actions and won’t ask for leniency. But he provided a lot of information this pack used in going after the gang. Without his help, it might have taken a lot longer to get our people back. If we would have gotten them back at all. I know he needs to be punished for what he did. But when we needed it, he did the right thing and helped us. I might have never seen my mate again without him.”

His former supervisor from the mill spoke next. “Whatever Gaelan was doing in his off hours against the pack, while he was at work in the mill he was an exemplary worker who assisted the pack. He tried to fit in with everyone and was a great addition to the work force.”

Several more stepped forward to discuss their interactions with Gaelan before he was captured and how he was well liked by everyone who met him.

After the last one spoke, the alpha focused on the solaris spy. “For someone who did not want to present any type of defense, you seem to have many supporters. We stand in recess while we discuss your sentencing.”

An hour later, the alpha and council returned. “Mister Envierre, given the seriousness of your crimes against our pack, you are hereby sentenced to eight months in confinement, including time already served. You will be given time during your incarceration where you will be allowed to shift into your animal form as well as time in the light of the sun. In addition, when released from jail, you will be on supervised probation for a period of two years, subject to electronic monitoring. During that time, you will be prohibited from leaving our territory without permission or escort. You will provide eight hundred hours of community service, and you will maintain gainful employment. I believe your former supervisor is holding a position for you at the mill. Should you violate the terms of this sentencing, you will be returned to the jail until such time as this council feels you may be eligible for release. We stand adjourned.”

Shock filled Gaelan’s face. “What just happened here? Why aren’t they putting me to death?”

Darius patted him on the back. “I told you this is a remarkable pack with amazing people. Just because they’re wolves doesn’t mean they are intent on destroying our kind. It would seem they see the potential for redemption in you and are offering you a home in this territory for at least the next two and a half years. I suggest you embrace this chance you’re being given, and you might just surprise yourself.”

******

The month passed by quickly. There were not as many snow storms as normal, but enough fell to give them a white Christmas. Craig and Marsha arrived on the morning of the twenty-fourth and stayed with his son and son-in-law now that they had an extra bed in one of the spare rooms. Darius insisted on cooking Christmas Eve. He enjoyed being able to provide for his new pride. Nathan and Alex came over for dinner and to discuss last minute wedding details. Ethan walked around the house like a kid who had already gotten the best present.

Christmas morning, Aiden woke to find he was in bed alone. Glancing at the clock, it was just after five o’clock. He went downstairs in search of his mate. Sitting on the sofa, with his chin on his knees, the blond was transfixed by the lit tree. Aiden pulled the small body to him as he sat.

“Morning, Pup. I wondered where you were.” He kissed the top of his mate’s head as they snuggled. “Had a feeling it might be here.”

“Couldn’t sleep. For some reason, I really wanted to see the tree with all the other lights off. I can’t get over how beautiful it looks. Thank you for insisting we get one.”

“Like I said, it’s our first Christmas together and in the house. So there was no way I was going to let it pass without a tree or doing the house up.”

“I know. I keep looking at it and feel like I’m in the most wonderful dream. Everyday I’m with you, it keeps getting better.”

“Do you want me to grab us a blanket or build a fire? I can feel you shivering.”

“I feel warmer with you next to me. Unless you want to go back to sleep for a little while, how about a blanket so we can cuddle here? The fire would be nice, but it would take away from the tree’s lights.”

Aiden grabbed an extra blanket from their bedroom to cover them. He did doze off for a little while. Ethan sat being warmed by his mate, looking at the lights, and studying how they reflected off the ornaments. It was a couple hours before he heard Craig and Marsha getting up.

******

Christmas dinner was at Rafe and Mary’s. Guestwise, it was a copy of Thanksgiving. Ethan was giggling when he answered the door. “Uncle Alex! Uncle Nathan!” He hugged them both.

“I think I like the sound of that more each time I hear it. We always wanted nephews and I guess we’ve got them now.” Alex ruffled the blond’s hair.

Kate and Weylin had moved back into their old house and showed up shortly after Alex and Nathan. Dinner was wonderful as always, and Ethan marveled at the amount of food Mary cooked for the family. After dinner, they opened presents. Around eight o’clock, Rafe decided it was time to work off some of their big dinner. “Who’s up for a short run? It isn’t often we get a full moon on Christmas. I know Ethan will need to shift soon.”

“Sir, I’ll stay here with Zach so you can all go if you’d like.”

“Darius, military training or not, you don’t have to call me sir,” Rafe teased. “Mom, Dad, you coming?”

“We’re not as fast as you younger wolves.” Weylin stood to get ready.

“You know the rules. The speed of the run is set by the slowest member. No one’s ever left behind.”

Everyone except Darius and Zach went to the mud room to strip and go through their change. When they were outside, Rafe, with Mary at his side, led the run. They only took about an hour. Part-way through the run, they found a clearing that had enough of a view of the moon through the clouds. The group stopped to howl, singing to the Earth’s companion. From several directions, they could hear a response from other families also on their run.

When they returned to the house, everyone dressed to head home.

Aiden pulled his pup aside. “You’re staying here tonight?”

“I know it’s an outdated tradition, but it’s still tradition.”

“So that means the next time we see each other we’ll be standing in front of Judge Vale getting married.”

“Then I guess I better make this goodnight kiss count.” Ethan pulled his big bad down so he could kiss him long and hard. “I love you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I love you too, Pup. More than words will ever express.”

******

Standing before the mirror, Ethan felt uncomfortable and extremely overdressed. He planned on wearing a nice shirt with a tie and jacket. Maybe some dressier pants then he usually wore. When he went into the clothing store with Mary and Kate, he thought he was getting measured and fitted for that. Instead, when his clothes were picked up, what he found in the garment bag was a tuxedo. The bow tie and matching vest were a stunning blue that set off the color of his eyes perfectly. He was just having trouble with the tie.

Ethan was still trying to get it on straight when Mary checked on him. “Let me help you with that.”

“For something you just have to clip, it shouldn’t be this difficult.”

“Well, if you’ve never used one before, it can be a challenge to get it sized right. Which means it won’t sit where it should.”

Mary took a few moments to make the needed adjustments before trying it on him again. “There, that looks better. Be happy it isn’t one you have to actually tie yourself. I’m not sure there’s anyone in the house that’s used one of those, unless your grandfather has. Now let’s see, you have something new, I would say the tuxedo covers that, the tie and vest are blue, so that’s covered too. What can we do for something old or borrowed?” She pulled out a gold lapel pin in the shape of a wolf head with diamonds for eyes. “This was my grandfather’s. He wore it at his wedding. It’s passed around the family for each male’s wedding, and I intend for all my boys to wear it when they get married, so it’s old and borrowed.”

Weylin walked into the room with a small box in his hand. “You can’t do old and borrowed for the same item. My old Tucker cufflinks should do the trick.” He opened the box to show Ethan the jewelry with a fancy script “T” set into black onyx. “These are for you. Hopefully, someday you’ll pass them down to your pups.”

“Thank you, Mom. Thanks, Grandpa.”

“Now, I need to go see that your younger brothers look presentable.” Mary laughed as she walked off.

“Ethan, I just wanted to say that I’m proud to have you as my grandson.” Weylin patted him on the shoulder before walking out of the room.

******

Aiden was showered and ready to get dressed when he walked into the hallway in sweats. “Dad, I think you picked up the wrong clothes from the cleaner. This isn’t my suit, it’s someone’s tux.”

“Oh, really? I wonder how that could have happened? Have you checked to see if it fits?”

“Dad, I’m not going to try on someone else’s clothes. That’s just weird. Can you call and see if the cleaner is open so we can get my clothes?”

“Let me call.” Craig walked out of the room and came back a couple minutes later. “Sorry, they’re closed today.”

“What am I going to do? That’s the only suit I own.”

“Well, you do have a tux sitting there. Let’s take a look at it.”

“This isn’t funny, Dad. I’m getting married soon, and I don’t have the clothes I was going to wear. I guess if I have to I can wear my department dress uniform. Ethan does like me in it.”

“If you wear your dress uniform, we’ll never get your mate pried off you long enough to have the wedding. Come to think of it, if this is the first time he sees you in a tux, he’s still likely to glue himself to you.” He tried his hardest to keep his merriment to just a smirk. “Hmm, looks like there’s a card in here with your name on it. Better check it.” Craig handed it over while trying not to laugh.

Aiden read aloud, “Just wanting to help you look your best for your wedding, love Dad and Marsha.”

“I only have one son, so I have to make sure I torment you all I can for this event. Even if this is just a small wedding, you weren’t going to just wear a suit.”

“You’re a cruel man, Dad. What about Ethan? We had both decided to wear suits and now I’m going to be in this.”

“Relax, I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to see you like this. Consider it your old man’s way of guaranteeing you get laid on your wedding night.”

“Dad!” Aiden burst out laughing. “You have met my mate, right?”

“Yep, short, little thing. Stronger than he lets on. Totally in love with you and going to have that I’m hunting look until you get him home. Which is why Marsha and I are staying at John and Jackie’s tonight. We’re getting old and wouldn’t’ be able to sleep with all the howling.”

“Yep, that’s my mate.”

“Now get dressed. I have something else for you when you’re ready.” He walked off chuckling at the pride on his son’s face.

Craig held out a small box as he reentered the room. “My dad bought these to wear when he married my mother and passed them on to me. Now it’s my turn to pass them onto you. Hopefully, someday you’ll continue the tradition and give them to my grandson when you give him the Jeepster as well.”

Aiden fought back his emotions as he embraced his father. “These will get passed to the next Jacobs when he gets married, but the Jeepster stays with me until I die. Ethan would never agree to give up his seat in it.”

“Fair enough. Since jewelry tends to be a pain for shifters, at least you don’t have to deal with your best man losing the rings.” Craig joked. “When you’re ready, we’ll head over. Casey and the others will meet us there.”

“Let’s do this.”

******

Alex and Nathan did a last check of the main barn they had prepared with the help of Cody, Darius, and Casey. They made sure it was spotless for their guests. It had been used for many parties, but this was their first wedding. While it was not a rental of their barn, it was for two people they felt exceptionally close to. Chairs were set out in rows and at the front two pedestals were topped with vases. Due to it being winter and at the groom’s request, those were the only flowers used. A large rock fireplace built into one side of the barn had a roaring fire in it, making the building toasty warm.

Nathan decided to handle the cooking for the reception himself and had a field day preparing everything over the previous few days. He was pleased with how the wedding cake turned out. It was a single-tier, traditional, white-frosted cake with chocolate wolf prints running around the bottom edge. The cake was topped with two spun-glass wolves. One white and one black, their tails met to create a heart. He had found a local artist to create them especially for the event.

While Nathan finished inside, Alex went out to run his snow plow through the parking area and made sure the snow blower and shovel cleared the walkways. By the time they finished, they had about an hour before guests would start arriving.

Right on schedule, the first few cars pulled into the parking lot. Aiden, Craig and Marsha were the first of the wedding party, followed soon after by Casey and Trevor. Trevor’s parents were only a few minutes behind. Aiden was ushered off to a small room to wait. Connor and Tyler were next with their dates, along with Anthony. Joe brought his three younger brothers and tried to keep them under control until their parents got there with Ethan. Weylin and Kate smiled as they watched their grandchildren. John, Jackie, and his parents arrived with two additional wolves.

Marsha greeted the newcomers. “Mom, Dad, I’m really happy you could make it.”

“Alpha, thank you for making the trip for my son’s wedding.” Craig dipped his head respectfully to Marsha’s father. “Alpha Stockdale, thank you for allowing my father-in-law to join us.”

“Okay, now that you’ve gotten the protocol out of the way, I hope it’ll go back to calling me Adam or Dad today. Not sure how long I can take you calling me Alpha. It’s not every day I have a step-grandson getting married. It’s John’s call on how you address him in his pack.”

“I think it’s kind of cute when he reverts to protocol after all these years of calling me John outside of official duties.”

“I’m going to go check on my son. I’ll see you gentlemen and ladies shortly.” He gave Marsha a kiss and left to find Aiden.

Knocking before entering the room, he found his son sitting calmly, staring out the window. “How you holding up?”

“I’m good, Dad. Still feeling like I’m going to wake up from a dream and find we’ve put it off until spring. Or that it’s all been a dream.”

“I used to feel disappointed you didn’t move to Washington with me. I understood you wanting to finish school here with your friends, but I wanted my son with me. I’m happy you followed your heart on staying. Otherwise we wouldn’t all be here today to celebrate your wedding.”

“Thanks, Dad. It was hard not going with you, and I’ve really missed you. Besides wanting to be near my friends, I knew for some reason I needed to stay.”

Trevor stuck his head in the room. “Ethan and the rest just got here. It’ll be show time soon.”

Ethan was taken to a room on the other side of the barn from where his mate waited. Darius and Cody stayed with him while Rafe and Mary went to greet the other guests.

At 1:45 p.m., music began playing. Joe, Jack, and Ryan escorted people to their seats. John and Jackie Stockdale were taken to chairs in the second row behind the Tuckers. Marsha’s parents were shown to chairs on the opposite side behind where Craig and Marsha would sit. Mary and Marsha, followed by their respective husbands, were the last ones seated.

Fifteen minutes later, the music changed and everyone stood. Decided by a coin toss the previous night, Casey led the first procession down the aisle, surprising everyone at him being in a tuxedo. He was followed by Trevor and finally Aiden. They took up their places to the left with Judge Vale in front of them. Zach marched down the aisle carrying a small satin pillow with two red spun glass roses on it. He stepped in front of Casey who placed a hand on his youngest brother’s shoulder.

Once they were in position, Cody began the second procession decked out in his Marine Corps dress blues, numerous ribbons on his chest, and crisp white gloves. Darius was next, likewise in his Army dress uniform with an impressive array of decorations on display.

Ethan could only concentrate on placing one foot in front of the other, still not believing it was truly happening. His heart was filled with joy at how life had changed in the last year. Taking his place beside Aiden, he smiled as his eyes radiated absolute love for the man he was about to marry. Aiden’s eyes returned that love in equal measure. Reaching out, he took Ethan’s hand as they turned their attention to Judge Vale.

Helen looked at the young men before her, at their friends standing with them, and then at their friends and family present to witness this day. “Ladies and gentlemen, honored alphas, and friends. We are gathered here this day to celebrate with these two fine, young men who have chosen to extend their commitment to each other beyond the wonder and magic of being true mates, and to enter into the covenant of marriage. I would normally say at this time that marriage is not something to be entered into lightly. However, with the unconditional love I see in the eyes of these men we have before us, I know nothing they do as an expression of their love is done lightly.”

The Judge looked to those assembled. “If anyone has just cause why these two should not be joined this day in civil marriage, speak now at your own risk or forever hold your peace.”

The room remained silent.

“Aiden Richard Jacobs, do you solemnly affirm to take Ethan as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do!”

“Ethan Cameron Tucker, do you solemnly affirm to take Aiden as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, to love, honor, and cherish, in sickness and in health for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do!”

“Aiden and Ethan have chosen to exchange their own symbol of marriage and devotion.”

Casey gently tapped Zach on the shoulder, having him move to stand before the couple as they turned to face one another. Aiden picked up one of the glass roses. “Ethan, I offer you this rose as a physical symbol of my never-ending love for you. I never realized a part of me was missing until I found you and then thought I’d lost you in the forest. You are my mate, my soul mate, and without you I would never be complete.”

Ethan picked up the other rose, and Zach stepped back. “Aiden, I offer you this rose as a physical symbol of my never-ending love for you. I was lost before you found me. You guided me back towards life and have shown me what love truly is. My heart beats as one with yours. You are my mate, my love, and the one who completes my very soul.”

“Aiden, Ethan, having exchanged your vows and presented each with symbols of your eternal devotion, by virtue of the powers given me by the State of Pennsylvania, I now happily pronounce you married. You may now kiss your husband.”

The kiss expressed their love. For a moment, the only thing in the world was the two of them. When they finished, both had red cheeks.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is with the greatest of honor that I present to you Aiden and Ethan Jacobs-Tucker.”