9 - BRENDA KENNEDY

RYAN'S POV

I wasn't able to get her name in the midst of the joyful chaos, caused by the pack members. It seemed everyone was just as happy as I was, to have found their new Luna. Too excited to make out clear words, I decided to just bring her with me. I had been about to take her to where I sat, when Elsa Kennedy suddenly interjected, saying it was wrong for her to sit amongst the chiefs, when she wasn't yet coronated as Luna. I guess I was more surprised when Elsa asked my mate to follow her, and my mate responded with, 'yes mother'. I had no freaking idea she was a Kennedy! But this wasn't the best time to dwell on the fact that the Kennedys were not on my favourable side.

It was so obvious to everyone how smitten I already was, but I could care less. The very thing I had prayed for, had finally come after a long wait. And what made me more psyched was the fact that she appeared to be way better than I had imagined. Gosh! The moon goddess was a genius creator, because I doubted I would be able to go to sleep from now onwards, without seeing her beautiful face in my dreams.

I had impatiently stayed through the closing ritual of the festival, extremely eager to be with my mate. The moment Hazel said the last line of the ritual, I was literally fleeing.

'Ryan, chill!'. Ralia's voice filtered through our mindlink, and I could tell she was laughing as I stood up from my seat and began making my way to my mate.

'Sorry, I can't. You can do so when you find your mate'.

'I cannot believe you right now'. She chuckled, before closing off our link. I quickly got to the special area reserved for the Honourable families, and I could see that the Kennedys were already conversing amongst themselves. I could also tell that my mate was the center of that discussion.

"Alpha!" They all chorused, the moment they noticed my presence.

"Congratulations Alpha." Someone said to me, and I turned to my side to see Dean MacQuoid.

"Thank you so much, Dean." I released a wide smile. Dean had also been a friend of my father's, before his death. And he had shown me nothing but kindness and support since my parents demise.

'Your anchor is finally here'. Dean's voice filtered through our mindlink. 'And it's no surprise she is a member of an honorable family. Do not let your biase towards the Kennedys, complicate your relationship with your mate'.

'Of course not, Dean. Thank you for your wise counsel'.

'Anytime'. He nodded. Just as he was about to turn and leave, the rest of the MacQuoid family joined us.

"On behalf of the MacQuoids, congratulations Alpha. And another congratulations to the Kennedys." Hazel MacQuoid said, managing a small smile.

"Thank you, Hazel." Elsa Kennedy gave a stiff nod. I could see some of the MacQuoids exchange knowing glances between themselves, which made everything so awkward.

After the MacQuoids left, the Craigs came forward. I was rather surprised to see that they wanted to congratulate the Kennedys as well. The Craigs had always been that Honourable family that just didn't give two fucks. After the clash the MacQuoids and Craigs had with the Kennedys, for being part of the plan to oust my bloodline from the Alpha position, it was safe to say that the Craigs weren't a fan of the Kennedys. Neither was I. But then, here I was, mated to a Kennedy. To crown it all, she was Elsa's daughter!

All the while the Craigs said their bit to the Kennedys, my eyes had been on my mate. She on the other hand, seemed to be avoiding my gazes. It seemed to be that she was a shy type, and it only made her appear cute to me.

Finally, the Craigs walked off and I was left alone with my mate's family.

"We are pleased to traditionally be a part of the Alpha's family now." Elsa grinned, looking between my mate and I. I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

"Congratulations Alpha." Angus; the present power custodian of the Kennedys, said.

"Thank you Angus." I gave a curt but polite nod. I had to take Dean's advice to heart now. I couldn't be showing animosity towards the family of my mate, right in her presence. "I suppose I could take my mate with me now?" I queried and almost immediately, my mate looked at her mother in.... worry? Realizing she may have misunderstood my statement, I quickly cleared the air. "I mean.... just a private moment for us to talk." She still looked a bit unsure, and I quickly added. "I don't even know your name yet." I chuckled, finding it awkward that I had to explain myself, for wanting to be with my mate.

"Sorry...." She rushed out, a small but uneasy smile on her face. "I'm just surprised and kinda nervous." She wrung her hands together in unease, making my heart soften immediately.

"Here." I stretched my hand out to her. "Come with me." With a small nod, she placed her small hand in mine, and I gently pulled her away with me. We both walked hand in hand, almost approaching the entrance of the hall, when she released a small gasp.

"The king." She whispered, and I looked up to see the king walking towards us. I thought he had left the hall already.

"Your majesty." We both bowed in respect.

"Please lift your heads." King Xavier demanded softly. "Ryan..." He called me with a small smile. "I am happy that you have found your mate."

"Thank you, your majesty."

"Hmmm!" He nodded. "And I can see that she is a Kennedy."

"She is!" I wore a tight smile, rubbing her arms soothingly. I knew she was not naive about her family's standing, in my court. But then, she was my mate now, and I didn't want her thinking the progress of our bond, would be dependent on that.

"Ryan is like a son to me....." King Xavier began. "Please make him happy." He finished, patting her arms reassuringly, and making her give a small smile. It gladdened my heart to see her smile, and I was thankful that the king was kind to her.

"Congratulations to you both." Royal Beta Justin said, before walking away with the king.

"Where are we going?" She asked me.

"Just somewhere we can talk freely, without being bothered by the stares of others."

She didn't say any other thing, and just remained silent through our walk to my late mother's green house. I ushered her in, and we sat on one of the benches together. I guess from there on, was a silence competition, because neither of us were saying anything.

"I thought you wanted us to talk." She finally broke the silence after minutes.

"Of course." I rushed out, scratching my neck in slight confusion. Why was I at loss for words now? "Your name." I managed to say.

"My name is Brenda." She finally looked up at me, and I could see some tears in her eyes.

"You're tearing up, Brenda." I whispered in worry. I was beginning to feel like my mate didn't want me after all..... "Don't you want me?" My voice quivered in fear of her answer. For a moment, I felt like shit, until I heard what she said.

"Not at all!" She rushed out, cleaning off her tears that had dropped to her cheek. She scooted closer to me, and looked up at me. "I just cannot believe that I have found you. You're here, and mine now." More tears rolled down her cheeks, and I felt soooo good, knowing she had waited for me, just as long as I have for her.

I cupped her cheeks, cleaning her tears away. "You're so beautiful." I couldn't help but admit. "I also cannot believe that you're mine." I said, before engulfing her in my embrace. Slowly, her hands wrapped around me, as she returned my hug.

For the rest of the night, we didn't really say much to each other, as we just remained in each other's embrace. I actually had a couple more things to ask her, but somehow, it just seemed like she didn't want to talk. So I decided to enjoy the comfort of her embrace instead. After some time, she stood to leave, saying she had to join her family and head back home.

I watched as she walked towards the entrance of the greenhouse, and I couldn't help but ask.

"So..... when would you come to be with me? Permanently." I added. Slowly, she turned to me, and I didn't miss the way her heart skipped a beat. Yeah, I took note of that due to my vamp hearing. Was there something wrong? She had already mentioned being happy to have found me, so what made her so.... distressed?

"You want me to.... move in with you? Immediately?" She asked, making me frown a bit.

"Why not? You're my mate. The future Luna of my pack. Or am I missing something?"

"No." She exhaled deeply. "I just.... I know you do not really like my family, regardless of the fact that we are Honourables. I didn't know you were cool with...." She was talking when I covered the distance between us, and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. My wolf went crazy in that moment, and she went still. Her lips quivered in shock, and I was surprised when she suddenly pulled me closer and returned my kiss with an even deeper one. I felt sparks all over my face, and it felt so good. After a while, we pulled apart.

I realized I had been quite insensitive. I should have known that was a cause for concern to her.

"Brenda, you are my mate. I would love and respect you, regardless of what issues your family and I may have had in the past."

"And my family?" She whispered. "Would you love and respect them too?" I wasn't sure of how to answer her question.

"I guess that depends on what they want. If they want my love and respect, and act like they do, then I would show that to them."

"Thank you." She whispered. Taking my hands in hers, she squeezed them softly, before walking away.

As I walked into my wing of the castle, I was surprised to see king Xavier there. It looked like he was here to see me.

'Of course. Why else would he be here, and not resting?' My wolf muttered.

"Your majesty." I bowed, before walking up to him. "Is there a problem with your wing? Is anything not to your liking?"

"Typical of you, Ryan. Always worried for the warfare of others, but yourself." He sighed, and I became interested in whatever he had to say. "I want to talk to you, my boy."

"Of course, you needn't ask." I nodded in understanding. "Let me take you to my study, where we could have some privacy."

He nodded in agreement, and I led the way up to my study. The moment we got in, I shut the door behind us and offered him a seat. I sat next to him, patiently waiting for him to speak.

"Your mate is a Kennedy." He started, and I released a low sigh.

"She is." I nodded in agreement.

"You seem to be quite taken with her already." He observed, and I found myself smiling.

"She is my mate, isn't she?"

"Of course, my dear." He nodded, looking at me as if he was trying to read my thoughts. "I may not have ever had a true mate, but I respect the mate bond. And I am happy that you are ready to respect the bond as well. But then, how do you feel about her family?" He finally asked the question I had been expecting.

"The Kennedys may have been a part of the rebellion against my parents, but I would respect and love my mate regardless."

"You have spoken well." He suddenly stood up, and I wondered if that was all he had come to say. He began walking towards the door, but suddenly halted his steps.

Turning back to me, his expression turned deadly. "For your sake Ryan, I would give them a chance. But if they ever do anything to betray your trust, my fury would be too great for them to contend with." With that, he walked away, leaving me feeling so grateful for his unwavering support towards me. Now, I could only look forward to what life would be, with Brenda.