This story is a work of fiction, none of the characters are based on real people, any similarities with people or places are coincidence, this story contains sexual activities with consenting adult males, if the content of this story is illegal in the area you are in to read this content read at your own discretion it is illegal to copy this story all right are reserved to the author
For comments and feedback contact me at markalarner@live.com.au
Chapter Ten
Ben woke and stretched, he had woken briefly earlier when Jerry had gotten up, apparently his father had wanted an early meeting with him before the ceremony in the afternoon. Ben smiled to himself thinking of the pack ceremony he was excited and nervous at the same time, Gary had assured him the night before that, that was normal. The ceremony itself was a way for a bounded pair to announce to their pack that they were bonded mates. It had taken longer for Ben and Jerry to have theirs as it took time for Jerry's pack to organise transportation to the Crystal Moon packs territory. It was not uncommon for two packs to intermingle it was however unrecorded where an Alpha elect and the son of an Alpha were mated. As a result the Western Pack had made the choice to attend in large numbers, not just a few family members and close friends.
Ben sighed there were still a few issues that needed to be smoothed out, but that could wait, both pack Alphas had agreed that all the issues could be dealt with after the ceremony. With a bang the bedroom door was opened by Linda who was carrying a tray of food, Ben smiled at his sister. "Today's the day Benny", Ben grinned as he sat up, Linda placed the tray on his lap, it was filled with food twice the amount a normal large male human would eat, Ben just dug in. "So, how's the head today", Ben smiled around a mouthful of food, Gary had insisted on him drinking the night before, he said it was traditional. "Better than Gary's I think, he was getting right into it last night", Linda frowned but looked away to hide it from her brother.
"He can be a bit over enthusiastic about what he calls traditions; I remember some of the things he did when we had out ceremony". Ben's face fell for a moment, he was happy for Gary and his sister, but still that day had been hard for him. Linda pretended not to notice, she knew just how hard it had been for her brother to see Gary with her. "Not to worry he will be ready and waiting to stand up for you today as will I", Ben nodded and smiled; he leant over and hugged his sister. "Well I had best leave you to it; I still have a few things to tidy up before I get ready". Ben nodded and watched his sister leave, he put the now empty tray aside and headed for a shower it was going to be a big day.
Linda gently knocked on the door to her father's office, "Enter Linda"; Linda entered and nodded to her father and Alpha Damon in greeting. "Have you told our guest yet Alpha", Jacobi was surprised at his daughters formality, however he understood her nerves about explaining the unique situation to Alpha Damon. "I was about to", Damon raised an eyebrow he wasn't sure he wanted to know more, what he already knew was confusing. "I'm going to speak plainly as there is no easy way of putting this", Damon nodded his understanding. "As you know Ben is my son, however Linda is my Elect, that being said she wasn't always up until two years ago Ben was". Not giving Damon a chance to jump in, "Now before Lind returned my son had a secret lover, the whole pack knew he had one we just didn't know who he was. In the time that they were together they had started to form a bond", Damon thought he was starting to understand, and thought that Jacobi was going to tell him that Ben had a jilted lover that would not be happy with the ceremony.
Linda saw her father struggle for the words he needed to go on, she took up where he stopped, "Upon my return it became apparent I was the stronger and as such should be Elect. However then I met Gary and our bond was instant; the problem is that Gary was Ben's lover". Damon was surprised but still wasn't following what the problem was, "The lesser bond that Gary and Ben shared was never broken". Damon was shocked, "We were going to first when I and Gary became mates, at that time I couldn't take that from my brother as well after all I had already taken his position, I couldn't take Gary away from him completely." Damon nodded, he could understand how the situation had come about, "we had been back here for a very short time and Gary and Ben were going to break the bond, however myself and Jerry stoped them. The bond meant to much to them".
Damon sat silently in shock he had obviously heard of the kind of bond that Gary and Ben had, however never had he heard of it being maintained after one of such a bonding found there true bond mate. "I feel that if my son can let it be, that myself and our pack will just have to understand as well", Linda let out a breath she had been holding. "I am curious how does your pack find it", Linda looked at her father, "They don't know, Ben and Gary have always been very desecrate", Damon nodded his understanding, "I see so if the pair remain desecrate it shouldn't be an issue", Linda and her father nodded. "Then we will keep things as they are", Linda sighed she had hoped this meeting would go well, and truth be told it had gone much better than expected.
Gary looked up from the email he had been reading as Linda entered, he had a large energy drink on the desk, Linda took one sniff and raised an eyebrow, "Is more wise". Gary shrugged, Linda looked at her mate and hugged him, Gary hadn't realised how much emotion he would feel due to the upcoming ceremony. "You knew one day he would find the one, and you yourself helped him find Jerry", Gary nodded Linda was right and he should be feeling nothing but happiness for Ben and yet he did not. "Come on we need to get ready", Gary nodded finished his drink and followed her out of the office.
Jerry had finished with his father early and had sort out a couple of his own pack mates, the ceremony required two close friends or family members to stand up for you. Jerry entered the guest house and saw that it had a more traditional pack house feel to it, Jerry knew where the pair he was looking for would be, they would without a doubt be eating. The dining area was a dining hall that could sit thirty people, apparently the Crystal Moon pack had been prepared to host an entire pack if they had to. Jerry scanned the hall and saw his brothers Liam the older at twenty two and Zach the younger at nineteen the three brothers shared the same hair colour and build there was no mistaking them for anything other than brothers.
Jerry loaded a plate and joined them, Liam stood and hugged his younger brother first, the pair had not always been close, due mainly to the fact that Jerry had been chosen as Alpha Elect over Liam the older son of the current Alpha. Zach who also demanded a hug had always been close to both of his older brothers, "So a mate from this pack of freaks". In the past Jerry would have been offended by his brother's comments however they had gotten over their differences a few years back instead he laughed and punched his brother in the arm. "I don't see how that's different from being related to you pair of freaks", the three laughed and ate.
Jerry returned to the room he had been sharing with Ben to find it empty, Ben was no doubt getting ready with his sister. As he closed the door Gary appeared from a shadow growling softly, Gary realized what he had been doing and shook himself trying to get rid of his anger. If Jerry was being honest with himself at that moment Gary scared the shit out of him, "Hear you will need this". Gary handed Jerry a long heavy white gold chain with a disk hanging on it, "It is tradition in our pack that a bonded pair exchange a bond chain, if you look you will see that the disk has your family crest on it". Jerry looked at the disk and was impressed with detail that had gone into making it. "Thank you", was all Jerry could say, Gary shrugged uncomfortably, "Linda was the one who organised it, she knew your pack didn't have this tradition and felt we should let you know about it". Jerry nodded and looked at the disk, he looked up again but Gary had disappeared without a word.
Gary entered the Alpha's office, he knelt before the Alpha and bowed his head, Jacobi was shocked at his behaviour. "Alpha I wish to make a request", Gary spoke in a soft strained voice, and he was fighting tears as he looked up. Jacobi sighed he was sure he knew what Gary was going to ask, "I request to be absent from the ceremony this afternoon, I ask that you give me some task that takes me away from the pack for a time". Jacobi looked at the young man that was clearly in pain, it had been him that had comforted Ben when Gary had had the ceremony with Linda. As with his son Jacobi could not grant Gary's request, "I am sorry but I cannot let you leave, as Ben stood and watched you so must you for him". Gary's shoulders slumped and he began to sob quietly, Jacobi knelt down and took Gary into his arms, he stroked his hair and rocked him like you would a child. He murmured softly to the young man until he had finished crying, "Now you must get ready, this is going to be difficult but remember you are more loved than most, I have never heard of someone having two mates". Gary nodded and sniffed loudly as he got up and ran his hands through his hair, "As my Alpha commands".
Jacobi watched Gary go and returned to his desk he looked down the top document was a verdict of exile for five years. Jacobi hoped he would not have to use it, however he felt that before the week was out he would have to issue it.
Linda looked at her reflection; she had piled her long blonde hair elegantly a top her head using jewel tipped pins to hold it in place, she wore a long pale yellow dress, she twirled and liked the way it swirled around her. Ben looked at his older sister and smiled, he could see that she was very attractive, he wore black pants a pale blue shirt. Linda saw him and smiled, "it is time", Linda felt a cold chill as she left the room, she shook it off as nerves. Ben saw her shiver and frowned, "what is it", Linda smiled and shook her head, indicating he shouldn't worry.
Linda entered the hall and sighed with relief, Gary was already in his place, she could sense something was wrong with him. Gary smiled at Linda softly as she approached him; Linda hugged her mate breathing in his scent, he seemed to calm as he clung to her. The pair separated, Gary kept hold of Linda's hand, and she was his stable point in a sea of emotions.
Liam watched the pair embrace, something seemed very off with pair to his senses, he sniffed the air, but there were too many unfamiliar scents for him to get anything from it. Zach saw his brothers reaction, "What's wrong", Liam didn't respond he was still watching Gary and Linda, he knew Linda was the Alpha elect and figured the male had to be her mate. That however didn't explain why they seemed off, "I'm not sure".
The two alphas entered and took their seats, an elder entered next he would be the one to perform the ceremony, the last to enter were Ben and Jerry, both only had eyes for each other, the pair knelt before the elder who placed a hand on each of their heads. The ceremony wasn't a long one, it consisted of the elder asking for the moon goddesses blessing for the bonded pair. And for the approval of the two packs.
Linda felt Gary tense up when the elder asked for the tokens to be presented, Ben pulled a long chain with a disk out with his family crest. Jerry smiled happily as he retrieved the one that Gary had given him earlier. Ben placed his around Jerry's neck first and smiled at Jerry, Ben bowed his head and Jerry was about to place the chain around Ben neck.
Linda felt the instant Gary was gone, his Shadow crystal was strong, he vanished and reappeared between the two. Linda gasped as she saw madness in Gary's eyes; they should have broken the bond. "No, he is mine", Gary glared and summoned a wall of fire, Jerry put his arms up to protect himself, Linda knew that would do no good. She cried out and threw a shield around Jerry, Gary saw what had happened and changed tactic, and he blasted Jerry with air throwing the other man across the hall. Jerry struggled to gain his feet and glared at Gary, Ben cried out, "No Jerry stay down you can't beat him". Ben ran between his two mates facing Gary, "Gary you have to stop", Gary looked at Ben; he saw the pain he was causing him. He then saw Jerry stand and refocused his power, Ben may have been a sorcerer however Gary was far superior when it came to using his power. He very gently shifted Ben out of the way.
Jacobi stood, "Gary stand down", Jacobi didn't often use his Alpha voice to command his pack it was rarely needed. Gary had no choice but to kneel, Linda rushed forward and knelt down and hugged her mate she could feel the hurt and pain coming off of him in waves. "Break it love", she whispered to him, Gary knew she was right that what he had to do was break the bond. He bowed his head and retrieved an old cheap chain from under his shirt; he yanked it free and threw it to the ground. He stood, "I, I cannot", Gary shifted and ran out the door before anyone could respond. Linda sighed and picked up the chain, she walked to her brother who was holding his heavily injured mates head in his lap. She handed the chain to her brother and focused on Jerry, in moments Jerry was healed and his clothing repaired.
The rest of the ceremony was finished quickly and without incident, the Alphas and their children went to Jacobi's office. Jacobi handed out strong drinks to all, "Firstly I would like to extend my deepest apologies to your pack Alpha Damon. Never did I dream that Gary would react so badly, he is normally so in control". It was Liam who looked at the Crystal Moon packs Alpha and spoke sharply, "With all due respect he nearly killed our Alpha elect and you knew he was unstable". What followed was a lot of heated words, "Enough", Ben yelled, "This is my fault", the room fell silent, Linda went to her brother and hugged him. "No Benny you are not the only one at fault, I should have forced the braking of your bond", Liam and Zack looked at Linda in surprise, they had never heard of someone having two mates.
"This I assume is why you warned me earlier", Damon spoke quietly, Jacobi nodded and went to his desk, and he retrieved the document he had hoped not to need. "I hope this will satisfy all", Jacobi handed the document to Damon, who read through it quickly; his eyebrows went up when he saw how long the exile would be for. "Five years seems to be a bit harsh", Jacobi shook his head, and swallowed the last of his drink. "No he used his power against someone who had no way of fighting it, and to that, that the bond was made in secret, five years is fair". Jerry sat up straighter and seemed to focus more, "No it's too much", Ben turned to his mate, "A year will be enough, Gary did not act alone and we are all in part responsible for the position that we now find ourselves in". The room fell quiet, Ben went to Jerry and hugged him tightly, "Thank you" was all he could say.
Jacobi looked at the others, "If that is all the wounded party wants who are we to disagree", as he spoke he sent out a mental call for Gary to return. The mental summons was something all Alphas had; Gary appeared almost instantly his ability to travel in the shadows. Gary knelt before his alpha; all in the room could see how perfect he was in form even knelt as he was. "Stand Gary your punishment has been decided, you are exiled from the pack for a year, and you are to be known as a stray, you are to have no contact with the pack or enter the pack lands. When the year is finished you may return and ask for entrance to the pack once more". Gary's shoulders slumped as he felt his connection to his pack being removed he gasped when it was done and felt a wave of loneliness he had never felt before. He sobbed quietly, Damon, Liam and Zach stood and left, Jerry approached Gary and hugged him. "I'm so sorry Gary", Gary hugged Jerry back tightly he straightened his shoulders. "No it is I who is sorry, you are his alpha mate I should not have challenged that", Jerry grinned, "It means more now that I was challenged for the position, stay safe", Gary nodded as Jerry left Gary spoke softly. "Keep him safe for us" Jerry nodded once and left.
Ben stepped up to his Bata Mate and sobbed; Gary pulled him into a tight hug and let the younger male cry into his shoulder. "I'm sorry Benny", Ben nodded and gave Gary his chain back, he then cried again, it was hard for Ben to think he would not have Gary for a year. "Stay strong, I will be back in no time", Gary kissed Ben deeply on the lips as way of parting Ben sobbed once more and left the room.
Gary smiled at Linda who was silently crying the pair didn't need to say anything they knew that their love would endure. The pair embraced and kissed passionately, "I will count the days" was all Linda said as she left, "As will I".
Gary turned to his Alpha, "I don't like this", Jacobi smiled, "I know I was going to leave for a time, but to be cut off from the pack is hard". Jacob nodded his understanding; he had once been cut off from the pack and knew how it felt. "You have a year to find out as much as you can about this sorcerer cult without pack rules and responsibilities". Gary understood and grinned at his former Alpha, "One more thing Gary, I am sorry that I didn't grant your request it would have prevented this", Gary nodded. "True but as they say everything happens for a reason", Jacobi nodded, "well I had best be off, I am an exile stray after all", Jacobi grinned and shook his head as the young man vanished into the shadows.
It was a week later, Linda entered her father's office, and Jacobi saw a smile on his daughters face for the first time in days. "I have news", Jacobi raised an eyebrow, and Linda smiled and placed her hand on her abdomen, "I am pregnant".
To be continued
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For comments and feedback contact me at markalarner@live.com.au