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As the moon hung in the sky at its brightest, Axel and Wyatt stood opposite each other. They each spoke, making promises and humbling themselves before the Goddess. They each shed blood as a sacrifice in their oath, and for the first time, Wyatt kneeled before Axel and pledged to follow him.

Ashleigh watched as her father passed his leadership to her brother. She was surprised by the swelling emotions in her chest.

Corrine smiled brightly from beside Ashleigh, and soft tears fell from the sparkling emeralds of her eyes. Ashleigh couldn’t help but notice what seemed like the happiest expression she had ever seen on her mother’s face.

Looking at Axel, she could see the nerves that were overwhelming him as the ceremony started, but as it continued, they made their pledges and swore their oath. Ashleigh felt as though she had seen her brother grow up before her own eyes.

By the time Wyatt took a knee and bowed to Axel as his Alpha, Axel was changed.

Ashleigh was choked up by the pride she felt in how her brother had grown. She knew that the road ahead would be bumpy, but he would lead Winter with strength and honor.

She felt the pull of their bond. Ashleigh glanced over at Caleb, who gave her a smile filled with warmth and love.

He had shown her how to ease the flow of their bond, and she knew they were both holding back at this moment. But even now, she wanted to be in his arms.

“Breathe,” Bell whispered beside her.

Ashleigh looked at her friend, who smiled and again told her to take a breath. She did as was instructed.

“This ceremony is a big deal, Ash, don’t let your parents or Axel catch you undressing your boyfriend with your eyes.”

Ashleigh felt the flush spreading over her face. Just when she thought she had been doing an excellent job of reigning it all in._.

For the rest of the evening, she avoided looking at Caleb.

Though as she lay in bed a few hours later, she was tempted to try and project herself into his mind, like he had done for her before. But the more she thought about it, the more she got nervous and embarrassed.

In the end, she settled for dreaming of him.

***

Winter was a flurry of activity by the afternoon of the next day. Corrine had arranged for celebrations all over Winter.

There were games, prizes, food, and drink. Even in the Southern Territory, they had an entire festival running over several days. After the official ceremony with the alphas this night, Axel and Wyatt would travel south to perform a symbolic ceremony.

Ashleigh had never seen so much excitement.

It was still early in the day when the alphas from the lesser packs began to arrive. In total, including Spring and Autumn, there would be twenty-eight alphas gathered to celebrate and swear to peace for the next six months.

Ashleigh couldn’t help but wonder if there would be any problems.

When she had come up with the idea of asking her father to retire, a large part of the decision was based on what Caleb had said about a war brewing between the packs. He hadn’t given her all the details, but he gave her enough for her to be concerned.

The declaration wasn’t a solution. It would only delay the problem, but she was hoping it would give her the time she needed to solve the mystery of Alpha Cain.

The answers to these questions could unite Summer and Winter.

Ashleigh was lost in thought and didn’t notice when Galen and Caleb approached.

“Ashleigh?” Caleb called out to her.

She jumped and then laughed when she saw him.

“Sorry,” she said. “Just daydreaming.”

“About me?” he smiled.

She laughed again. Galen rolled his eyes.

“Wow… that is just so–” Galen began, quickly changing his attitude when Caleb gave him a dirty look, “beautiful. Just precious, really.”

“Uh-huh…” Ashleigh laughed. “Bell is waiting for you.”

“She is?” Galen perked up. “Where?”

Galen looked around excitedly as though he might spot her himself.

“Hmm… I don’t know,” Ashleigh said, bringing her finger to her chin like she was genuinely thinking about it. “My memory seems a little shot….”

Caleb chuckled.

Galen fell to his knees before her dramatically.

“I am sorry, my gracious Luna, please forgive this humble wolf,” he said with his hands together, begging.

“Ok, ok. Get up,” Ashleigh laughed.

Galen got to his feet with a goofy grin on his face.

Ashleigh looked him over for a moment, genuinely considering him. Everything she knew about him led her to believe he was a good man. Caleb had said it himself.

If there was anyone worthy of Bell, it was this adorable puppy of a man. He would keep her safe and laughing for as long as she let him.

Ashleigh smiled to herself.

Galen waited for her answer, practically bouncing at this point.

Caleb, however, didn’t love the smile Ashleigh was directing at Galen. He cleared his throat, drawing Ashleigh’s attention.

“Sorry,” she laughed. “Bell is waiting for you at her office. She said she had a few patients she needed to check on this morning, but then she would be free for the day.”

“Thank you!” Galen shouted as he started to run towards the hospital.

He stopped abruptly. Turning back and returning sheepishly.

“My Alpha,” he said with a respectful bow towards Caleb. “If it is alright with you, I will take my leave….”

“Oh, just go!” Caleb grumbled.

“Thank you!”

Once more, Galen took off running in the direction of the hospital.

Ashleigh laughed after him until her hand was tugged, and she fell into Caleb’s lap. He wrapped his hands at her waist and buried his nose against the crook of her neck.

“Caleb!” Ashleigh cried out, looking around to make sure no one was around. “Someone is going to see us!”

He said something, but his mouth was pressed against her throat. Sending a not exactly unwelcome vibration through her nerves.

“What?” she asked. Still looking around in case someone came in their direction.

He pulled back just enough, so the warmth of his breath danced along the sensitive skin of her throat when he spoke.

“Smile for me,” he said.

Ashleigh furrowed her brows and pulled away from him enough to look him in the eyes.

“What?” she asked again

“You smiled for Galen…” he pouted.

She smiled when she saw how he looked away from her yet held her just a little bit tighter.

“Are you really jealous that I smiled at him?” she asked.

“It looked like you were cherishing him a little too much,” he replied, still pouting.

“I do cherish him,” she said, “for Bell.”

Caleb shrugged.

Ashleigh had always felt uneasy and suffocated by Granger’s jealousy. But somehow, seeing how Caleb held her so tightly and the pout on his lips. She couldn’t help herself.

She leaned forward and kissed him tenderly. He reacted to her immediately.

They savored their moment together before pulling apart and doing their best to maintain a proper distance until after their announcement that evening.