Aiden woke up still feeling a little groggy, his head felt like cotton balls had invaded, and decided his head was as good a place as any to occupy.

He stretched out feeling his muscles heat up and relax but there was a dull aching pain in his back. He groaned and gingerly sat up. You would think his body would have healed by now, but no such luck.

His butt was still sore even after a whole week of healing from his heat ending. He waited till his hips adjusted to the soreness before getting up.After his heat, he had slept for a hole day not even waking up for meals, which had freaked out Martha, who he later found out was put in charge of looking after him while he recuperates.

He looked at himself in the mirror before hoping in the shower, there were still remnants of bite marks and the occasional bruse from sharing a rut with Malachi but almost all have already healed and disappeared. The only one remained was on the back of his neck.

After a nice hot shower, Aiden brushed his teeth before downing on a warm white sweater and a pair of black leggings with a fluffy interior and a pair of swayed ankle boots.

Malachi had his hands full at the moment, there would be be hosting the Pack Meet before the new year, this year the Blood Moon Pack would be hosting it so Malachi had his hands full.

A package had arrived yesterday from then Campbell Pack it had contained all of Aiden's belongings and a not from Mike which read:

Aiden

I'm sorry, I hope one day you will understand and forgive me.

M.C.

Aiden had read and re-read the note a hundred times already but no matter how many times he read it, it never lost its sting. He stuffed the note back in the box and retrieved his phone. Thank the Goddess he had the decency not to burn all his things.

He fumbled with the device noticing that it had no more power and he didn't have his charger,  he decided to see if Malachi may have one laying around.

He knocked on the door lightly a frustrating come in came through the door. Aiden peeked his head in, Cid, Gray, and Malachi were all crowded around the table their heads turning towards the intruder.

Aiden cleared his throat "Do you maybe have a minute? He asked shyly his eyes downcast.

"For you of course,” Cid spoke up with an amused smile playing across his lips.

Aiden didn't move and looked to Malachi for confirmation at his nod of approval he slid through the door shutting it behind him.

Malachi sat his full attention on Aiden now, fidgeting he made his way over until he was next to his Alpha.

His mark tingled as Malachi’s eyes racked over him sending delicious little shivers all over his body. His face turned a deep shade of red as he took out his device asking if by chance he had a charger he could use.

Malachi took it and examining the cell. It was an old model flip phone that was only good for calls and only supported  six numbers.

His best friend Tyler, his mom and dads, his older brother Felix and Mike’s of course. Which he planned to delete the moment he got it turned on.

"Who in the world gave you this?" Malachi asked frowning down at the device.

"My mom. Just before I left."

It had been in case of emergency because in his old pack Omegas who weren’t mated didn't receive any electronic for one reason or another. But his mother had insisted on it saying she felt safer with him having one.

Like it had done much good , but it would be nice to be able to finally call them and reassure them he was fine.

Malachi seemed to lighten at his confession and placed the device on his desk shaking his head.

"I'm sorry but this is a far too old, our pack no longer uses this model."

His hopes dashed he nodded in understanding and reached for the device. A big warm hand wrapped around his, drawing Aiden’s attention back to Malachi.

"How about you tell me the name of your pack and I’ll see if I can contact them for you, maybe even get your mom's number. Hum?"

Aiden nodded his head as he bounced excitedly. He thanked him with a big goofy grin on his face. His hand slipped ever so slowly from Malachi’s as he walked to the door with a skip in his step.

After he left he made his way to the kitchen, Aiden loved to cook so he was thinking of making lunch for Malachi to show his appreciation for helping him with his phone.

Malachi watched Aiden leave, he looked so sexy in those damed leggings. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the gentle sway of his hips until he closed the door behind himself.

There was a familiar tightness in his pants as the door clicked shut. He cleared his throat and adjusted his position in his chair as he felt two pair of eyes scrutinizing his every move.

He glared at his two friends, their heads wiped to opposite sides of the room trying to look anywhere accept at him. He leaned forward in his chair so they could continue continue there work. He looked at the device one last time before putting it in one of the desks drawers. 

He smiled to himself as it occurred to him Aiden hadn't told him the name of his previous pack. He would have to make time to meet them parents eventually, but for now, the number would have to suffice he made a mental note to get it by the end of the day.

By noon they had finally contacted all the Packs who would attend and the consensus was December ninth. It had taken three days but they had finally got the guest list done. 

There was a lot to discuss during this upcoming meet,  especially the recent increase of Rouge wolves sighted near their border. No attacks have been reported as of yet but it was a looming threat they could not ignore.

Malachi’s shoulders had started getting stiff from hunching over then numerous papers on his desk, countless lists about Alphasthst would be  attending and their families, orders for food that would be required for the event, as well as the location of the event. It was all a big hassle he would have loved to avoid. But this year it was his pack’s turn to host the Pack Meet. 

Without his Luna by his side meant the work fell all to him. He had entertained the idea of asking Victoria to help but had instantly driven it out of his mind. He didn't want to give the girl false hope or hope at all for the matter. 

His head was starting to pound and a break for lunch was in desperate need. Both Gray and Cid sighed a sigh of relief, the way they rubbed their temples gave Malachi some satisfaction, now they would think twice before messing with his personal life again.

After his night with Aiden, Cid had confessed he had slightly coerced Aiden into entering the room but when he asked Aiden he insisted it had been of his own accord. 

It hadn't set well with Malachi so he decided he won't be sharing his bed with his omega until he truly came on his own. Which so happened to have been the stupidest idea in the universe of ideas. He craved the feel of Aiden next to him. 

Was it bad that he wanted Aiden next to him? Was he betraying Mara by wanting him? He had lost himself countless times in his memories of her and their short life together. She had been his soul mate, he had felt it the moment he had laid eyes on her. 

He could still feel the connection they once shared. The memory of Balthazar howling for his mate and Mara’s wolf answering his call had been the best day of his life. When he was alone he could still hear her howl. 

His dark thoughts slowly slid from his mind as he made his way down the hall toward the stairs.

They made their way downstairs to the packed hall a delicious aroma  greeted them As they descended. The pack members who had taken the morning shift for patrolling were eagerly eating the food in front of them with moans of approval sounding now and then.

Malachi took his seat at the head of the table, instantly everyone stood and waited as he waved them back to their meals. He looked around noting several plates containing the same round dish that supported a rounded crust around the edge. 

Before he could ask what they were eating a plump woman rushed up to them with a quick greeting she placing in front of them each a pie with a delicious looking flaky crust. Both his Beta and Delta looked at him and each other shrugging their shoulders and picked up their spoons broke the domed shell.

The sent of stewed chicken and vegetable permeated the room causing Malachi's mouth to wate, both Cisd and Gray immediately digging in moans of satisfaction leaving their lips. Picking  up his own spoon Malachi broke the shell glistening pieces of chicken and vegetables greater him in a creamy white sauce his nostrils flared in approval as he devoured his meal. 

No words were spoke as they finished their meal, Malachi even asked for a seconds, he moaned at the well-seasoned vegetables and the roasted chicken, the crust was so amazingly flaky, it crumbled in his mouth at a year brush of a tongue.

His stomach filled to the brim he was more then satisfied as were his pack mates some paddling away from the table to the couches by the fireplace to digest while others filled their seats eager for food.

Aya and Lucas ran up to him their faces flushed, smudges of flour on their cheeks and hair. They were buzzing with excitement, they both spoke at the same time eager to tell him what they were doing.

Malachi only managed to get half of what was said as the twins spoke over each other. Apparently, they were helping Aiden in the kitchen. Well, that explained why they were covered in flour. 

"Daddy we helped Aiden make you a cake!It's this big!" Lucas said and spread out his arms to show how big it was.

"We told him we missed your birthday because you were sick." Aya chimed in with the same excitement Lucas had.

Malachi smiled at them as they clambered onto his lap all the while chatting about their day, what they learned and playing outside, and finding Aiden in the kitchen. He slowly lost track of what they were saying as Aiden walked out of the kitchen. 

He no longer wore his sweater but instead was replaced by a loose-fitted black t-shirt with a floral apron around his waist. He looked around spotting him and the twins at the head of the table.

His face flushed red and he averted his eyes and started heading their way. Malachi caught the eyes of some of his men watching his omega with a little too much interest. A low rumble sounded from his chest and all eyes snapped away, their attention now on their plates or the floor.

He caught Cid hide a smile behind a spoon full of his third pie and looking in Gray’s direction who was conveniently drinking. He glared at both before returning his attention to Aiden.

Aiden's cheeks were an ever deeper shade of red, if that were even possible, then when he came out of the kitchen. A shy smile danced along his lips, as he approached, he had smudges on one cheek and another on his forehead.

"Would it be alright if I took the little.ones.outside for a minute there's a surprise I want to show them," Aiden asked his eyes bearly meeting his.

"What.do you think?" he leaned in and asked the twins. Lucas jumped off his lap instantly sliding his hand in Aiden’s. Aya for up and looked up at Aiden.

"Can Papa come too?" she asked in her sweetest voice.

"S...sure I...I don't mind." he stuttered.as all eyes turned to them.

Malachi heard Victoria scoff at the top of the stairs but decided to ignore her as he followed his daughter, who was trailing after Aiden and Lucas.

Aiden waited for them to catch up before.henopened the door and stepped out with Lucas and him and Aya close behind. Malachi stopped in wonder as his children squealed in excitement.

"It's Snowing!" they grabbed each other's hands and spun around as the big puffy snowflakes drifted around them. 

Malachi watched as Aiden folded his arms around his chest smiling, a lump formed in Malachi’s throat at the sight of his beautiful omega standing with him, the first snow clinging to his hair.