The Guardian Wolf And Her Alpha Mate
The Guardian Wolf and her Alpha Mate Bonus 13

Alex POV:

As Ophelia and I return to the pack house, I see Elder Martin deep in conversation with Jax's Beta, Laurence.

"Elder Martin, it's good to see you" I say as we reach him.

"I'd like to extend our thanks for ensuring Ophelia and the others were safe."

"It's our duty Alpha King" he replies with a polite smile.

"I wondered if I could have a few minutes of your time

Elder?" I ask, holding his gaze as he looks at me curiously.

"I will go and see to the other pack members that have returned" Laurence says, bowing his head and politely excusing himself. "Thank you again Elder Martin."

We both watch the Beta walk off, smiling and greeting those he passes, taking the time to interact with everyone.

"I have to say I'm impressed with the way he has helped

Alpha Jax recently" Martin comments.

"He's a brilliant Beta, has been for many years" I agree.

"You wanted a word?" He asks, turning his attention back to myself.

"Yes, let's go to the conference room. I'm sure Jax won't mind" I tell him, gesturing for him to follow me. Walking quickly to the back of the pack house, I soon open the door to the conference room and let Elder Martin enter first.

"Take a seat" I tell him. "I've just been speaking to Ophelia about a couple of different matters. I wanted your opinion on them."

"Go on.." he says slowly.

"First, is the matter of me stepping down from Alpha King" I tell him bluntly. Studying his reaction closely I see no hint of surprise, instead I see his eyes soften in understanding.

"You knew?" I ask, leaning forward on the desk.

"I had a feeling it would be happening sooner than later" he says with a small chuckle. "I'm well aware of everything you have been through over the years Alpha Alex, you may be young still but your experiences scream otherwise. I also know what Luna Ophelia has endured...I always had a feeling that when the time came you would step down willingly."

"And why's that?" I ask in amusement.

"You want a family" he says with a shrug. "Luna Ophelia has been very transparent with me over the last few years regarding her struggles, and I am more than understanding if the reason for stepping down is to focus on family. You have lost a lot Alpha King, there is no shame in focusing on the future."

"Hmm" I say quietly as a small smile plays on my lips.

"You're very observant."

"I'd hope I was" Martin laughs, "it kind of comes with the position."

"Very true" I muse. "I will be honest. Yes, Ophelia and I would like a family, we would like time to devote to our future pups especially due to it being through adoption. It could be a different path to many and I'd like to have the time to focus on that and be there for my mate. But there is another reason, Jax has the mark of the crown."

"As does Nova" Martin points out quietly.

"As does Nova" I agree. "I didn't mention the crown to Ophelia, but I'm sure she has already noticed it. Nothing gets past her. Although I am surprised Jax hasn't mentioned it to me yet."

"I'm not" Martin replied calmly. "He has a very good understanding of what to prioritise and focus on, with everything that has happened over the last few weeks..the crown isn't a priority. But now."

"Now it is" I finish for him. "I'd like to personally put Alpha Jax forward as a candidate for the next Alpha King."

With a broad smile Martin stands to go and look out of the window. "I'm not surprised by that."

"Is there anything you are surprised about these days?" I ask him in amusement as I stand to join him.

"Occasionally" he nods slowly. "To be honest, I can't think of any other Alpha currently worthy of being Alpha King, there are certainly no others with the mark of the crown."

"Exactly" I agree quietly. "So you agree with my idea?"

"I do" he replies, his eyes focusing on mine. "But I do have a request."

"And that is?" I ask furrowing my brows as I try to think of what it could be.

"That you continue to work alongside Alpha Jax throughout his transition, and to offer support when he does become Alpha King" he tells me.

That would be a given" I say with a shrug.

"That means staying involved Alexander..not on the front line when it comes to it. But to be there to offer advice whenever asked, especially in the near future. I have a sense the transition may not be as smooth as hoped after everything that has happened as of late" he explains. "I don't think that's too much to ask."

"True" I agree quietly. "If Jax is willing for me to continue working with him closely, then I will. However I will also highlight that my family is my focus. Ophelia and I will be looking into it, and when we think it's safe to progress we will." "Understood" Martin says immediately.

"I believe Nova will be a brilliant Luna Queen" I tell him, turning round and taking a seat once again.

"Without a doubt" he agrees. "Although I do think her being here means that life will not be easy for a while."

"Because a Guardian Wolf normally appears in tumultuous times" I say quietly. "They come to help bring peace and rectify wrongs that are made. I'm aware of that."

"I've taken the time to look through the information Elder Johnathon has, there is a lot. In the past there has never been a Guardian Wolf during times of peace, and never more than one at any given time. It is said that only one of their offspring can become a Guardian Wolf, and parents unfortunately die before their pups reach their awakening age. For both Kingsley and Nova to have been around at the same time is both a testament to Kingsley's ability to keep himself alive, and a warning from the Moon Goddess that whatever we have coming is going to be serious."

"Jax and Nova want pups, what will happen?" I ask in surprise.

"In the past, some only find out they are a Guardian Wolf at the age of their awakening, there was one recorded time that an individual found they were one when they were

39..the day their father passed away. There is no guarantee and no way of knowing if their pups will be a Gaurdian Wolf" he explains. "So I wouldn't ever stop them from having a pup. I've also spoken to Johnathon about Sophie." he mentions quietly as my brows raise in interest.

"What about her?" I ask in confusion.

"Her birth mark is rare, we have a feeling we know what it is but until she shifts I don't wish to elaborate. But when the time comes she will be of great help if that is the case, but she also cements my fears that our future is looking rocky" he says gravely. "I was going to ask her and Luca to take over the Rogue Pack" I mention quietly as I watch his reaction closely.

Seeing the corner of his lips quirk up in a small smile, I relax.

"I think that would be a very fitting idea" he praises. "Luca will be a fantastic leader, especially with Sophie by his side to support him. But I don't like referring to them as the Rogue Pack I have to admit. Not after hearing Kingsleys explanation as to who many of the members are. Laurence has also mentioned the reasoning behind some of the rogue warriors that came here and how they became a rogue. Rogues unfortunately have a bit of a history and a negative connotation, and what Kingsley has achieved is vastly different from leaders of the past."

"I want to change their pack name, and I believe them being formally recognised by the council will help" I say quietly.

"Then the wanderers as Kingsley called them, will be just that. Wanderers. Ones with no sense of home or belonging.

But I wish for Luca and Sophie to continue offering them a place to call home, and to continue the oath that all pack members swear to when they join. It's..safe."

agree" Martin says with a small smile on his face.

"I

"Will you tell me what you think is coming?" I ask him calmly as I lean back in my chair.

"When I know more, then yes. But until then it's just a theory" he says quietly, his face serious.

"Perhaps speak to Esmerelda" I suggest.

"I'd rather not" he chuckles, "she will come to me if necessary. Asking her questions will not always bring me answers, flearnt that a long time ago. Sometimes it just brings more questions." Chuckling I nod my head as I agree, "it does.

"I also need to speak to Mila and Alpha Jax" Martin says gloomily. "Bruno wasn't at his pack and he hasn't come to the Council buildings yet, I doubt he will be showing."

Heaving a sigh I rub my temples as concern for my friend rises, "Jaxon won't be happy."

"No..he won't" Martin admits.

"Well good luck with that." I mutter.

"So you really are ready to step down?" Martin checks as he observes my reaction.

"I am" I reply with conviction.

"It's time for a new Alpha King."