Keegan's POV

"Again!" I instruct my warriors, as I stand before them watching their form. When they finish this set of drills, I call them all in close. "Okay guys, get cleaned up and have some lunch then get to work on setting up for Asher's party. Ivy has already told you what she needs from each of you, so get it done. Those without duties are with me. We need to be extra vigilant guarding the borders, I don't want even one of the Black Forest Pack stepping a single paw onto our lands. Especially today. Also, don't forget, Ivy has invited her roommate. Her human roommate, so once they arrive there will be no shifting anywhere near the house. Dismissed!"

I head inside the house and go to my room. Technically I should be living in the Alpha suite by now, but I've decided to remain on the unmated floor with my warriors until I find my mate. It is kind of concerning that I haven't met my mate, yet. I am trying not to be jealous of Ivy, but she is only 18 and already found her other half. I'm 22 and I haven't found mine. I was concerned momentarily when I had to retrieve that crazy shewolf from Ivy's dorm a couple of months ago because for a moment I thought I had caught scent of my mate and the only two people near were my sister and that psycho, but the scent disappeared and I was left as I always have been, alone.

When I get to my room, I take a quick shower and then dress in a pair of jeans and a blue t-shirt, not that I will be in them for long but I will need something to put back on when I have to shift to join the festivities. I carry my black boots and a pair of socks with me and make my way to the kitchen. I spend about a half hour enjoying lunch with my men and then I take 4 of them with me to patrol. We head outside and then sprint through the trees until we reach the guard station where we strip down and leave our clothes for safe keeping.

I've gotten to the point that I almost hate coming here to the guard station because seeing Felix scares me. He is already 36 and still unmated. What if I end up like him? I need a Luna to help me care for my pack. We stand 98 members strong, now that Brandon and Brock have been officially accepted into the pack. I am a strong Alpha and a good leader but I don't have the empathetic and nurturing spirit that the pack needs so my mother has been continuing to take on the duties of the Luna, even though I know my father is ready for her to step down.

Instead of dwelling on what I don't have, I throw myself into a shift and take to the trees so that I can protect what I do have. I spend the first hour doing a slow, steady trot right at the edge of the border of my territory, stopping frequently to refresh my scent with my warriors following diligently behind. When we make it back to our starting point, I allow Aidan to take over so that he can get some time with the other wolves. I sit back and enjoy as he leads them on a merry chase through the lands.

'Are you done toying with them, my friend?' I ask him after a while.

'Aw, come on Keeg, you know it's funny when they start panting and whining like pups. We need to push them.' Aidan lets out a wolfy chuckle.

I huff. 'They are all in excellent condition, and you know it. The only wolf that would have a chance at catching us is Ivy.'

*Hey, where are you?* Ivy suddenly sends through the pack link.

Aidan snickers, 'Speak of the devil and she shall appear, eh?'

I roll my eyes at him. 'You really shouldn't talk about our sister that way.' I scold but I can't hold back my own snicker because it is kind of true. She can become the devil when properly provoked. I peer up at the sun, and deduce that it is already past four. I hadn't realized that it had gotten so late.

*Just with a few warriors doing a perimeter run before the party starts. We've still been seeing wolves from the Black Forest Pack hanging around just outside our boundaries and I want to make sure none sneak past while the party is going on. I was hoping that the warning that I sent back with the shewolf that you caught in your room would stop this nonsense. But don't worry, I will shift back and get dressed before I come close to the house. Don't want to scare your little human friend.* I tell her sulkily. It's not that I have a problem with humans, I don't. I just don't particularly enjoy being made to hide who I am in my own home, but oh well, it's only for the night.

*Aw, cheer up buttercup! This party is going to be fun and you know it. And Emily is nice, you'll like her.* Ivy responds with laughter lacing her voice. I swear, this girl has become so lovesick over Asher that she tries to spread it on everyone. At least she isn't trying to spread the same things as Brandon and Brock. I shiver at the thought. Ugh, those two are insane.

*Yeah yeah. When Asher arrives, I will head that way.* I concede and she thankfully leaves me be.

I take control of our form back from Aidan and lead my wolves around the edges of my territory for the next couple of hours. After a bit, Aidan started urging me to go back to the house, though he wouldn't, or couldn't, tell me why. I eventually agree so that he will stop nagging me, so I head back to the guard station and leave the warriors to continue the patrol.

As soon as I get to the guard station I shift and pull my clothes and shoes on before starting an easy jog down the lane toward the house. When I am about halfway there, I begin to feel a sense of unease from the pack link. As Alpha I am able to sense the strong emotions of my members, it is a necessary power so that I can ensure the safety and happiness of all of my members. I trace the feeling back to Ivy just before she reaches out to me again.

I can hear the same unease in her voice when she says, *Keegan, Asher isn't here and I have a bad feeling about it. Could you send a couple of warriors to scout the road? I don't want him to be stuck out there broken down or something.*

Ivy isn't one to overreact so I don't question her. *Daryl, Noah I want you both to head toward the guard house. Start there and head toward the direction of the college. Asher is possibly missing. Find him.* I send out immediately then let Ivy know what I've done and that I will be there shortly.

I immediately pick up my pace and am back at the house within about 5 minutes. I run up to find Ivy pacing out front. I go straight to her and pull her into a tight hug. Suddenly the most amazing scent hits my nose and I step away from Ivy trying to place it. It's like fresh cherries and vanilla and it is intoxicating.

'Mate!' Aidan growls out.

I'm confused at first until I remember that Ivy brought someone with her. Her roommate. Emily. I finally have a mate. Now I just need to figure out how to make her mine.

A/N: Thanks for reading! So, something that bothers me in other books is when a story contradicts itself. I am doing my very best to keep from doing that with my books, but no one is infallible, so I ask that if you notice something that I miss, please let me know so that I can correct it. Also, Please Comment and Vote. Happy Reading!