Chapter 45: The weight of protection

Beta Michael and Elijah pulled into the driveway, finally returning home after Elijah has been discharged from the pack hospital. beta Micheal step out of the car and went around to open Elijah's door for him, gently helping him out, together they linked hands and walked to the door.

Beta Michael looked at Elijah and smiled , "welcome home baby." 

As they stepped inside, Beta Michael helped Elijah settle onto the couch, his eyes filled with concern.

"Why don't you go to the bedroom and rest?" Beta Michael suggested, "I want to meet with Alpha Thane and discuss some things with him. You can lie down and sleep, I'll wake you once am back, you still need to take things easy to recover."

Elijah nodded, but as beta Michael stood up, he grabbed Beta Michael hand with a serious expression. "Michael, can you sit down please, I'll like to tell you something?" he asked.

Beta Michael's eyes locked with Elijah's, and he sat down next to him on the couch. "I'm listening," 

Elijah took a deep breath before speaking. "I know that every pack has their own ways about mating ceremonies, and I don't wish to undermine the Silver-mist pack's culture. But, Michael, I was thinking... I wish for our mating to be something private, I want it to be between us. I don't want a big ceremony with the whole pack watching. I want it to be a tender and intimate moment just for us."

Beta Michael's eye softened, and he reached out to take Elijah's hand. "I understand what you're saying, and I have to admit, I've also been thinking about the same thing, the thought of sharing our mating with the whole pack makes me a little uncomfortable too. I don't want a big ceremony, I just want to be alone with you when we mated I want our moment to be special and intimate, just for us."

Elijah's face lit up with relief, and Beta Michael smiled. "Don't worry, my love, I'll talk to Alpha Thane about it. I'm sure he'll understand."

Beta Michael leaned in and kissed Elijah's forehead, "I'll be back soon, okay? I won't be late. Just rest and take care of yourself. I'll take care of everything else."

With one last squeeze of Elijah's hand, Beta Michael stood up and headed out the door, leaving Elijah to rest . 

Beta Michael arrived at Alpha Thane's office, knocking on the door before entering. Alpha Thane looked up from the papers on his desk, a warm smile spreading across his face.

" Ah, Michael, come in. How's Elijah doing?" Alpha Thane asked.

Beta Michael took a seat in front of the desk. "He's been discharged from the hospital, and he's at home recuperating. He's doing well, considering."

Alpha Thane's face lit up with relief. "I'm happy to hear that. Please give him my best wishes for a speedy recovery."

Beta Michael nodded, then cleared his throat. " I will Alpha, but for now I have something to discuss with you."

Alpha Thane leaned back in his chair with his hands folded, "Go on, beta. What's on your mind?"

Beta Michael rubbed his hands together before speaking , "I don't want to perform a mating ceremony, Alpha. Elijah and I have discussed it, and we both feel that we want our mating to be a private and intimate moment, just for us."

Alpha Thane nodded understandingly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I understand your desire for a private mating ceremony, Michael. And it's okay if that's what you both want, but after you and Elijah have finished the mating process, we'll need to organize a small party to welcome and introduce Elijah to the whole pack as your mate."

Beta Michael nodded his head with a nod of acceptance. "That's okay, Alpha, I really appreciate you for understanding us . I'll inform Elijah about the welcoming party once I get home. I'm sure he'll understand the importance of being introduced to the pack."

Alpha Thane's looked at his beta with a concern face, "It's not just about introducing Elijah to the pack, Michael. It's also about solidifying your bond with him in the eyes of the pack. I want to show them that even though your mate is a man, your bond with him is legal and recognized by the Alpha of the pack, you'll both enjoy the privileged of a mated couple in our pack and I'm sure Elijah will understand the significance of it too."

Beta Michael nodded, "Thank you Alpha Thane, I really appreciate it ."

 After their conversation about beta Michael's mate, Alpha Thane told beta Michael about his and Luna Lila's conclusion concerning Aiden's travel "Is there anything else you'd like to discuss, Michael?" he asked.

Beta Michael shook his head, "No, Alpha . That's all for now."

Alpha Thane nodded and leaned forward, his expression turning serious indicating that the conversation they were about to have is important. "Michael, I wanted to let you know that I've spoken to Luna Lila about taking Aiden out of the country. She's agreed, and we've also spoken to Aiden about it. and he's willing to go or almost willing to."

Beta Michael's expression remained neutral, but a flicker of interest sparked in his eyes. He nodded, acknowledging Alpha Thane's words. "I see," he simply replied.

Alpha Thane's gaze held Beta Michael's for a moment longer, as if searching for any sign of concern or objection. But as Beta Michael's expression remained calm, Alpha Thane leaned back in his chair, "I want you to research some good and safe boarding schools that are far away from us. We need to find a place where Aiden can be safe and happy."

Beta Michael nodded, his eyes already thinking about the task ahead. "I'll make my findings and get back to you very soon, Alpha."

With his task clear, Beta Michael stood up from the chair and made his way to the door. " if that is all, then I'll be going home, Alpha. I have some things that I need to do."

Alpha Thane chuckled with a teasing glint in his eye. "You can't leave your mate, Michael. You're already addicted to him."

Beta Michael smiled, his face flushing slightly. "I'm already missing him, I couldn't wait to get back home and hug him. Being away from Elijah for even a short time is hard for me."

Alpha Thane throws his head back and laughed, "I remember those days Michael, even till now being away from my mate for a long time makes me cranky, Meeting your destined mate is the best thing that can happen to any werewolf and you finding yours is a blessing from the moon Goddess, don't let the criticism of anyone stop you from enjoying every moment with your mate. love him and cherish him, and I wish you happiness in all your days. "

Beta Michael felt a warm feeling spreading through his chest as he listened to Alpha thane words, He looked at his Alpha with eyes shining with loyalty, Respect and Appreciation, He felt grateful for Alpha Thane's acceptance and support. " Thank you Alpha , your support means a lot to me and Elijah. and With a nod, he turned to leave closing the door behind him.