Chapter 9

It's been two months since Richard and James had their discussion. In that time Richard was making preparations for his birthday party which will be held this weekend. He already asked James for everyone, and he means everyone to have the night off. Except of course for those wolves patrolling the borders. He even organized the food so Trishanna will be free. James of course wanted to know how Richard was going to help with his strange behavior towards her, but all he said was for his Alpha to trust him.

James was a bit hesitant at first, but his sense of restraint grew weaker after two more months of crescent moons and stalking Trishanna every time she went to the lake. He wondered what Richard had in store but all he said was "Trust me. They don't call me Rowdy Ricky for nothing". Just what was Richard up to?

It took Richard a few weeks to convince the Gamma's mate to help him out. Sabrina was well versed in the knowledge of herbs and even helped out the pack doctor when she was younger both in the old pack and even when she first joined them. Sabrina was the one the she-wolves went to when they had concerns or just needed some help. She knew what herbs to give to help with matters from being unable to conceive to having a healthy baby and everything in-between. But what they mostly seek for was the herb that would bring a female into heat, especially if she is trying to mate with someone in particular. Of course, herbs could only do so much.

James knew that omega's bodies essentially functioned just like human ones, so if he was able to get a she-wolf who hasn't reached eighteen as yet to go into 'heat' This way he can help his Alpha act on his manly instincts and finally rid himself of his pent up stress without the fear of pregnancy. All she-wolves omega or not will only become fertile at the age of eighteen. That's why many of the she-wolves start sleeping around before then in the hopes that the male they prefer will develop feelings and choose them even if their mate appears.

It is now Saturday morning and preparations for Richard's birthday bash are well underway. Since the event will begin at dusk, there was much to be done. Thankfully, Richard had no problem recruiting a lot of the unmated she-wolves to help. He usually celebrates his birthday at a club or bar, so many saw this as an indication that he was getting tired of that life and was hoping to settle down. Their backyard where they usually train was now party central. From lights being strung from the trees, rows of tables being set up, and large coolers being brought in for the bar area, it was an exciting affair.

Richard was nice enough that he allowed the first two hours for the pups to be able to take part. This of course earned him brownie points with the females, so he had no shortage of women to spend the night with. And if he got them drunk enough on the werewine he ordered, then an orgy could also be in the cards. In fact, he has a bet running with some of the other warriors who want to be part of that action. They are betting on who will join in and who will not.

The food is scheduled to arrive at five, the ice at four. This will allow everyone to be able to eat and enjoy the start of the festivities. From six to eight, the pups will be around, but after that, the adults will play. Now all James had to do was to get Tishanna to wear the dress he tricked her into taking. Richard wondered how that task was going.

James knew what Richard had told him to do. The problem was he didn't know how to do it. How could he just tell Trishanna to go and change? Before it might have been easy, just say something insulting about what she was wearing, but since he no longer treats her like that, it's hard to do. He could use his Alpha voice on her, but he really doesn't want to. Sighing, he walked to the window in his office and looked down. Everyone seemed excited. Has it been so long since they held anything other that the ceremony for those who had their first shift? Maybe he should try planning some events so that his pack has something to look forward to.

Someone knocked on the door and he bid them entry. It was his Beta Juda with his Gamma Steve. "Hello Alpha. I've brought you an update of what you asked for." Steve said

James was a bit lost, so he looked at Juda for some clarity. "You asked the Gamma to find out some information about our new neighbors, the Goldmoon Pack.

"Ah, yes Gamma. Please tell us what you've found."

"There's nothing strange or unusual about them. They were a very small pack years ago, with the former Alpha. They moved around a bit, but always let the council know about it. Former Alpha was a very successful businessman and built an empire. With that, they bought a large building in the city, and not only did it hold their offices, but it was also the pack's living quarters as well. They would have monthly trips to the wood so those shifting for the first time during the full moon, could do so without being discovered.

They have a very high birth rate, as well as finding mates, from outside the pack. On many occasions, the family of the mate moves to Goldmoon as there is job security. Even a few rogues have been accepted. Their business has branched out into other areas so they were looking at finding another building. That was five years ago, but the Alpha got sick and retired from the company. His son took over, and their plan for a new building was put on hold.

Then two years ago, he passed away, making his son the new Alpha. A few months later he began searching for a large parcel of land per the council's guidelines and that's how they are moving next to us. All the details are in the report." Steve placed a folder on the Alpha's desk.

"What is the name of their company?" James asked. He was sure he heard of it.

"The company is called Goldband Electronics."

Trishanna was at a loss. It was so weird not to be doing anything this close to dinner time. Usually, she would be busing prepping, and cooking to feed the pack. It came as a shock when she was informed that she will have the night off. Wringing her hands, she shyly walked up to one of the she-wolves and asked if she could help. Trishanna was expecting to be scorned, but it seemed as though there was some special in the air as the she-wolf just smiled and handed her a box of light with a point of where to put it.

Feeling better, she went off to assist anyone she could. Trishanna helped set the tables and lay out the tablecloths, packed the coolers with drinks, and set out utensils. There was even blowing up of balloons and the pups were the most excited about it, talking about what they wanted for their next birthday party. It was the first time that Trishanna felt like she belonged in the pack. The happiness that she felt was so strong, that she didn't know how beautiful her smile had become. So much so that many of the males took notice and began discreetly looking at her.

It was such a difference from the shy omega that they knew. Soon the mind link was buzzing. With everyone commenting on her radiant smile and glowing cheeks, it wasn't long before the Alpha got wind of it.