SEPTEMBER

Mika woke up fairly early. She heard soft sounds of sleep next to her. Jayce held her close as they slept. Her skin felt so good against his. Wait. What? She peeked up at the window to make sure no one was around it, and then under the blankets.

Her cheeks flushed rather deeply. She wasn't sure why, but she felt embarrassed to be naked next to him. She eased away from him, and slid out of bed.

Mika made her way to the bathroom to get her morininglies out of the way before she stepped in the shower. The hot water washing over her skin felt nice. She still hadn't managed to get much restful sleep since he marked her. To much kept popping up.

She sighed. It would be easy to just go back to bed with Jayce. He would like it too, but she decided against it. She didn't want a repeat of sleeping a day away, and Jayce most likely wouldn't wake her. Not if he knew she was tired.

She stood under the hot water for a while longer before washing her hair and body. She climbed out to dry off and towel her hair a little so it wouldn't drip. She brushed it, and gathered it to twist it up into a bun. Mika used some hair sticks to keep it in place before going to get dressed.

She dressed quickly, and honestly in her normal clothes. She could care less about dressing nice for a bunch of rowdy boys. Jayce maybe. Them nah. She just grabbed her thick leggings and one of her long shirts.

Mika slipped out of the room with her key, and down the hall. She was quiet. She had to be. All she could hear was soft snores and groans. She felt bad for them. She knew Ricardo was missing his Luna at least. Surely the rest of them were missing their others as well. It was probably hard to sleep without them.

She smiled an idea popping into her mind.

She skipped on down to the kitchen. The chef had just arrived not long ago it seemed. " Hey! I wanna make breakfast for everyone! Can you help me? I've never made it for so many. I don't know how much of what I'll need. "

He smiled at her, and nodded amused. " I'll pick up the slack and gets supplies. It takes a lot to feed a bunch of alphas. " He answered. " Be right back. Pull out every skillet we own. We're going to need them. " he chuckled leaving through the kitchen's glass door.

She did as he asked and grabbed every skillet plus a few pots and pans. She washed up, and took flour down for biscuits. The chef should be bringing eggs, sausages, bacon, and stuff like that.

She grabbed the biggest mixing bowl she could find and started whipping up batter for biscuits. Mika planned on making pancakes, biscuits, eggs, sausage, bacon, cutting fruits and squeezing orange juice as well. A breakfast for for Kings surely.

Chef returned when she had just slid the batch into the oven. He smiled sitting down arm fulls of ingredients. " Geez, you'd think we're feeding royalty! " She exclaimed helping him sort the food into piles.

" In a way. We are. " he mused as they went about busying themselves. He mainly washed dishes, checked the oven, and opened things for her as she ran around the kitchen like a crazy mad woman.

He admired her determination. She learned quick. Now she was maintaining a six burner stove top full of meat, a double oven full of bread, and squeezing juice at the same time. " You are a mini tornado Luna. "

She smiled and laughed a little," Nah. I needed a distraction. Way to much going on right now. " she said waving a little. " I probably look like a wreck though. " she giggled.

He smiled, " Wreck or not, the Alphas will be drawn to this delightful feast soon enough. I believe Alpha Farven is already outside training with some of his friends. Heard them talking about how delicious it smelled when I opened the windows. "

She chuckled a little. " They do love to eat. Grandpa Farven always loved to throw huge feasts for the neighboring packs. He would gather us all around a lake where the kids could swim, we could all eat without having to worry about being to far away. . " she sighed flipping sausage as she reminisced about it.

She drained the bacon next, and started the last of it as well. " Take the biscuits out of the oven will ya?"

He nodded, and went about helping her. After the oven he started helping her finish the sausage. " You've got a talent to pick up on things so fast. I still believe it. " he shrugged. " The griddle is set up for pancakes. Better get going. "

" I guess. " she shrugged softly. " Thanks a ton. I almost forgot them! " she hopped around him and to the island where the griddle sat waiting on her. " Good thing the batter for this is easy..." she mixed it well, and added vanilla for flavor before pouring them onto the hot surface.

One batch, two batches, three batches, and finally four batches done. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and smiled. Mika plated them all up, and brought them to the counter next to the biscuits.

" I'm going to go make the table! Will you finish taking the sausages and bacon off the heat?"

The chef nodded, " The linens are in that closet. Set it up how I showed you okay?"

She nodded excitedly, and hopped off after grabbing a deep burgundy large table cloth and a beige runner. She set it up just like the Chef showed her, and set the runner up as well. Easier said than done on such a large table. Mika had to weave in and out of chairs for a good fifteen minuets, but she got it done. " Finally. " she huffed.

" You'd think i was training a scullery maid or butler with how much she's doing." He shook his head chuckling to himself watching her to make sure she was doing alright.

She turned to see Chef bringing plates of food into the dining room. She smiled and rushed over to help. She arranged it all so that down the length of the table everyone would have a chance to have each food.

They brought butters, syrups, salts and peppers out to sit in between each dish. All that was left was to get plates set up for everyone. Chef reassured her he would get them, and forced his tired Luna to sit in her place at the head of the table.

He went to the kitchen as she sat down. When he returned she had already laid her head on the side of the table, and fallen asleep. He shook his head smiling as the sound of footsteps started to fill the stairs. Alpha Farven popped his head in as well.

" Good morning Alpha Farven. " he called with a bow. " I trust your training was fun?"

The old man chuckled. " Yes. It was enjoyable. What happened to Mika?" He asked curiously eyeing the Chef up.

" She is just tired. We've been busy all morning with this." He gestured with one hand to the mountains of food. " Honestly I've just been picking up the slack. She's done everything. " he shrugged as he continued to set the table. He carefully placed her plate next to her, and his alpha's as well.

Farven laughed warmly. " Sounds like her. " he took a seat, and then stood immediately again. " I'd better wash up. Keep my place? I like to be close to her. It's been a long time since I've spent time with her. Granted I understand the Northern boys sitting around her. Just as long as I can talk to her. "

Chef nodded, " Of course. " he smiled leaving room for him, and a small place card.

Jayce entered the room looking around. Axton was following him like a puppy. Both were in their pajamas, and Chef couldn't help but think about what Mika would say about that.

He chuckled softly gaining their attention. Jayce was about to ask him something when he put his finger to his lips. He pointed to Mika. " Don't be loud. She's napping." He mused.

Jayce sighed softly. " Honestly. If she didn't want to sleep next to me she ... it smells delicious... Mika cooked.." his eyes instantly trained on the table.

Axton looked confused. " I mean yes it does, but how did you know?"

Jayce smiled softly at Mika. She had flour across her cheeks and nose, her hair was a little wild in its bun, and she was going to have a red spot on her face. Still, she looked amazing. " Her food, no offense, tastes more amazing than Chef's. " he said in awe.

Axton snorted a little. " Chef is a pro though. How is that a thing?"

"Because, I've been teaching her Alpha. " Chef responded quietly. " Honestly she's taken off. I think she's better than me in areas. Still learning in others. She taught me how to get my own herbs and seasonings. How to dry them out and grind them. She would make an excellent doctor or cook. " he smiled.

The rest of the alphas had came down. Even Farven sat in his place. " My alpha is right. She made everything. I just handled heavy lifting, supplies, and over flow."

Jayce walked over to Mika, and scooped her up. It made her wake immediately. She blushed. " Oh.. crap. "

He laughed as he carried her towards the kitchen. " As much as I like to see you like this... let's get you cleaned up. Then we can all eat that delicious breakfast you made. " She gave him a sheepish smile. " You know you didn't have to do that. . "

" I know. But, I know you boys like your food. As far as I know none of us really ate yesterday. We could all use it. " She sat still as he took a wash cloth to her face.

He sighed, " I didn't think of us eating after they arrived. I probably should have. " Jayce smiled. " Come on.. you look more presentable. " He joked playfully.

She smiled, " Hold on, I have a secret weapon. " she said taking her hair sticks out of her hair. It went cascading down her back in waves throwing her beautiful scent right at him. Honestly, after she fixed it a little, it looked like she'd never been cooking or dirty in the first place.

His eyes mixed with black, he hummed softly, and closed his eyes for a moment. " Love, I didn't get to have any fun last night with you. I can make that happen and skip breakfast. Be careful how much you tempt me. "
Jayce walked her backwards into the counter, and took her face in his hands.

She blushed deeply. The way he backed her up with no escape, held her close, those eyes... The humming .. Mika was frozen on the spot, at his Mercy.

Jayce leaned down, and gave her a passionate kiss before letting her straighten herself up. She took his hand, " I'm almost tempted to do that as well.. " she whispered softly.

The alpha smirked before letting out a sigh. " I wouldn't be taking very good care of my Luna if I did that now would I? You are right. We need some food." He brought her hand up and kisses it gently before leading her back to the dining room.

~~~~~~~

Jayce felt like cracking some heads. Farven was holding Darius by his collar away from Jason. His foot firmly pressing Jason to the floor. That was a fight he didn't want to see. " What happened now?" He asked with a huge sigh as he pushed Mika in at the table. He sunk into his chair and raised a brow at them.

Farven scoffed. " Seems they are just a little to hot headed. Both wanting to test each other. Don't worry. I got 'em before they caused any damage or ruined breakfast. " he beamed. He was far to chipper. It was creepy.

The old man brought them together in a hug and they knocked heads groaning. " Now, hug and make up or I'll have to beat the snot out of you two for trying to destroy my lovely grand daughter's hard work.~"

They both shrunk back a little, and kind of patted each other's shoulder. Jayce laughed watching them. " I may have you move closer old man. Jason isn't easy to rein in. "

Farven gave fruity, and rather flamboyant bow and flourish before he sat down. " Boys are boys. He'll calm down when he finds his true Luna. "

Jason rolled his eyes. " I don't think she is out there. " He murmured softly. Mika smiled at him, and he caught it. For a moment he kind of felt.. hope?

" Maybe she is.. I won't be in the run for two years though. So if I don't come across my Luna before then... maybe I will during it. If Jayce can do it.." he trailed off in thought.

To be honest something kept tugging at him. Someone here felt fake. Like they didn't belong and didn't want to. He just couldn't pin down who. Jason pushed it away.

She smirked a little. There was more to Jason than he let show on the surface. He gave a little snippet, but it was something. Just like Carter had done last night. These boys were growing on her rather quickly.

Jayce cleared his throat. " Alright, if we're all done being nutcases, let's eat. I'm starving and I haven't eaten Mika's food in days...." He drooled. Literally, the deadly northern alpha drooled in front of everyone.

Axton had a devil's smirk watching them. He clearly found it amusing. His attention snapped to Jayce when he mentioned eating. The angelic boy smiled, " Ladies first. After all, you made it all. "

She blushed. All eyes on her. She shuddered hating so much attention. " Thanks.. I hope you do enjoy it though. " she smiled dishing her plate. Once filled with her favorites the boys dug in. She smiled and laughed at it.

" Its like you are all starving or something. " she commented playfully nudging Jayce. He gave her a small smile in between stuffing his face with the rest of them.

Farven shocked her. He managed to eat just as fast as they did, but with class. The man was cutting his pancakes and sausage with a fork and knife. He even paired it with fruits, and never dropped a crumb!

She devoured her own plate slightly slower than they did. It was surprisingly quiet, but with food in everyone's mouths that wasn't a shocker. A truce of the packs. Mika thought it was nice, and much needed. For the moment she felt at ease. Everything felt better.
Everything seemed like it would be alright.

Most big alphas in the states came together to avoid being snuffed out. They could see reason. She finished her plate off listening to them talk with each other.

The buzz of conversation filled her mind, and she yawned. Mika stretched, moved her plate. She put her head on her arms, and closed her eyes. Tingles went through her back, and she knew Jayce was rubbing it gently. " Thank you Jayce.."

"What for?"

" For getting her the best sleep since you marked us." Nina replied causing everyone to jump.

Jayce simply smirked. Mika hadn't realized that she was being listened to. Alpha's were nosy as hell. " Hello Nina. Go rest. "

" Hmph. Don't tell me what to do alpha." She replied in a rather sassy tone.

Jayce couldn't help but laugh. " No wonder she's got such an attitude. "

" Just like her mother. " Farven commented leaning back happily relaxing. " Made a wonderfully delicious breakfast to. "

Ricardo had to know, " How did you keep up with everyone eating that way?"

" Years of practice. I also use precision with every cut. " he smiled. This smile didn't reach his eyes though, in a way it was way of revealing one of his many tactics. It showed his trust in Jayce at least. " Precision is something I enforce in my pack. Just like late Alpha Tripp enforced agility. " he shrugged a little.

This caught Jayce's attention. " What else do you know about other packs? " He leaned forward his hand still on Mika's back protectively.

" Many things. You were obviously known to be ruthless. Yet I know your family's secrets. Used to be friends with your grandfather. Not that I wanted to be. He was a cold man.

The ten alphas that left should be watched. They want nothing to do with this arrangement. I'm skeptical, but I do believe in Mika. The fallen packs though.. now there is an interesting topic. They all had specialties. Agility, healing, gathering, speed, trading... you get my point.

In short, someone is most likeybehind the rouges. That someone is trying to cut off all things that could make us strong. They are stupid though, leaving a trail of trophies. It isn't a trap from what I gather. More like a young dumb boy thinking he can rule them all. The rouges will tear him to shreds when they are done with him. " Farven picked a peice of lint off of his perfectly tailored vest.

"You are a scary man. " Jayce commented watching him. So calm. Her grandfather was cunning and smart. He gathered Intel, made plans, held family high. He trusted him, and wanted him in his inner circle. " Mika would love to keep in touch with you." He mentioned using it as a way to invite him to be closer.

He nodded, " I imagine she would. I'll be sure to give her my contact info. When she wakes up that is. " He stood with his cane under his arm.

Jayce could see this guy twenty years ago murdering rouges and dusting his sleeve off as he flourished a top hat and that cane. Yet, another issue that he had to address plagued him. " Alpha Farven?"

" Farven will do. Yes?"

" I don't mean to be rude, but you are old. " Jayce said bluntly.

The old man laughed. His laughter was rich, and deep. It startled several others at the table. It made him seem so young. Like he was immortal. " Yes. And your point kid?"

" An heir. " He answered disturbed and calm at the same time.

" My young warriors aren't ready for that. Oh, I wish Mika had a brother... I'd take him as my heir. But alas, we wouldn't be able to handle two of them. Not to mention my daughter stopped with Mika. " he smiled warmly at the sleeping girl.

" I will find one eventually. I'm not trying to keep the title to myself, but I have little family. I don't have siblings, so Mika is my last relative besides her mother and father at the moment. "

Jayce nodded, " I can send someone to you. Several young men in my pack show a lot of promise when it comes to natural ability. They could relieve the pressure your under. " From the look on Farven's face he figured his offer would be turned down.

" I will think it over. I'm no spring chicken. Nor do I try to act like one. I still have pep in my step, but I do get worn down easily. My mate would kick my sorry butt for letting myself get so overwhelmed. " A spark of sadness hit his eyes and flavored his voice.

" Thank you kindly Master Jayce. I look forward to calling you family. " he nodded before turning to walk off. " Oh, and my pack is running recon right now. I'm assuming you want to know if I hear anything?" He slipped through the doors before letting the boy answer.

Jayce shook his head, and softly smiled. " That is a scary old man. To think he's the strongest alpha in the states.. oldest, but strong." Several murmurs of agreement sounded through the men.

" You should rest before you head back. Give my Luna a chance to wake up, and we'll see you off. Get ready for her to show up at your door step. Only my inner circle will know how she will travel for sure, and where she'll go next for her safety. "

He stood, and scooped up his sleeping mate before leaving the guys to themselves. He took her upstairs, laid her in bed, and he let her rest.

~~~~~~~~

Mika waved to the last of the alphas as they left through the trees. Farven had taken about ten hand picked unmated boys back with him. They would help him until he chose his heir.

Jayce trusted them enough to help her grandfather, and she guessed it might help him choose an heir. Most packs around knew he was old. He might even be the oldest so far. The boys would mature under him, grow, and learn under him. He might even trust them enough to carry on his legacy.

Mika had a few months before she started traveling. It was enough time to make sure her parents were settled, see her friends, help with the town renovations, and get some time with Jayce. Goddess knew she wanted it.

Axton came up, and tightly hugged her. Growls came from behind her, and he smirked. " Your just grumpy she let's me hug her..." He stuck his tongue out, and Mika laughed. " Keep him in line. I'll be back in a few months sis! "

She nodded sad to see the boy go. " Make sure you get here for my birthday! I'll be twenty!" She called causing them all to stop. The group of the four alphas turned to look at her. She tilted her head wondering what they were waiting on. " Umm.."

Jayce'd face paled a little. " Shit... I didn't even ask when your birthday was... " he sighed disappointed in his own attention to his beloved mate. He always planned. Got every detail. " I'm still learning.." he murmured to himself. " They want to know when it is. " he said softly to her.

" Oh, its October 16th! I just wanted to see you guys again for it. Call me childish?" She shrugged a little.

They shared a look with Jayce and all kind of smiled. Except Axton. He had a huge grin. " I'll be here for it! "

Ricardo nodded. " I'll bring my Luna, and my Abuela makes some really nice treats and gifts. I'll see what I can get her to make you as a present."

" Out do us all Rico..." Carter rolled his eyes and smiled.

" I'll have a ball for you Mika. Let's see if you really cant pull off a full length dress. " Jayce mused.

Jason smiled sadly. " I'll come. Maybe it'll keep my mind off things. I'm ditching that drama queen calling herself my Luna. All I've been getting since I got here are mind links and texts about what she's doing. Its insane... power went to her head for sure. " he shook his head a little.

They all shared an awkward moment. " Be safe guys. " Jayce spoke up. They nodded, and started off in separate ways.

~~~~~~~~~

Mika watched until she couldn't see them anymore. Something was eating at her though. Jayce rubbed her back gently. " Go. I'll wait here for you. Just dont cross the boarder. "

She smiled brightly, and kissed his cheek before running on foot towards the trees. She stripped, shifted, and picked up her clothes. Then took off after Jason.

He was walking still, taking his time. It had taken Mika no time to catch up. As if on cue he turned around when he heard her. " Mika?" He asked unsure. He'd payed attention for the most part, but not to her coat color. When they spared she was in human form same as him as well.

She nodded before trotting off and dressing. She poked her head back out, and walked over to him. " Sorry to slow you down."

" No it's fine. Did you need something? "

" Well.. to be blunt.. it's about your Luna."

" She isn't my rea-"

" I know. I meant about when you find your real one. . "

He gave her a questioning look, " Yes?"

" Well, my grandfather didn't know for a long time that his Luna was literally his best friend. He had a female and all, but it never went anywhere. He didn't want her. He refused to touch her. One night it just kind of happened.

He told me when I turned fifteen. Helpless romantic and all. Anyway, he said it happened suddenly. They were drinking after rouges attacked. Decided to spar. He started to feel happy like all his problems melted away, and said other feelings stirred inside. Once he made contact with his friend... they both knew. My point is, your Luna might be male. "

He watched the sky as she talked, " I've thought about it. Jayce had to when he went to his last run. Unfortunately I have that to deal with as well. So, if my Luna is a guy from a different pack, I might never know. Or at least not until I start traveling to find him. " he smiled again.

" I'm pretty sure your right though. I've never felt right in the company of a woman. Like that. " He shrugged a little. " I'm going to find him in time. " His voice held a much stronger resolve.

She smiled. " I'm glad to hear you won't give up. "

" I do feel better about it. Talking helps. I just don't know how to give in being a stubborn alpha and all. " he said playfully.

Honestly he was thrilled that she came to talk with him. He needed someone to talk with about it. Needed to get it off his shoulders and all.

" I look forward to a rematch soon. Go back home. I'll make sure your safe until I cant see you. " They were far to close to the boarder of Moonwater for him to leave her alone. Especially after her killing a rouge so recently. Not to mention his suspicions about the other Alphas.

Something nagged at him to mention it, but the alphas had been tight asses around each other for years. Probably due to the age difference. The young and old tended to clash pretty hard at times.

She nodded oblivious to his thoughts. " Okay. Call us if you need anything!" She waved as she ran back home. It was nice to know she had friends. Even if they were a bunch of pervy screwballs.