Chapter 34

All ends well for Louise, her friends and the Wolf People Pack.

     As we approached the celebration site I saw it was on the far side of the Village instead of in the middle where most Pack activities took place. This site was away from all the routine daily activity of Pack Life. I held Armand and Mr. Hunter's hands. Armand wanted to be the big protective brother so he was holding Miss Starfire's hand.

      Pine, Mr. Stalker, Maple, Mr. Brown, Mr. Grey, Mr. Forest and his Mate Moonshine and their Wolf Daughter Miss Feather were already waiting there. Miss Feather had brown hair and black eyes. She was one of the few other Wolf Children of the Village and very close to Armand's age.

      I noticed Miss Snow was absent. That concerned me greatly.

      There was a large fire burning and wooden platters were set about with cubes of freshly killed raw deer and elk meat. There was a heavy mesh screen set over the platters of meat to keep the flies and yellow jackets off. This celebration was being held under a wooden canopy.

     “Hello Louise.” Maple greeted me with a smile.

     “Hi Maple.” Then I turned to Moonshine and said hello to her.

     Pine came and sat beside me as I settled on the ground. Everyone was busy finding places to sit now that their Pack Leader and Mate to the Pack Leader had arrived.

     Armand, Miss Starfire and Mr. Hunter sat close to me. They were closely watching Miss Feather who in turn was closely watching them. This was the first time they had met each other. The Wolf Children were kept in the protective circle created by the adults.

     Mr. Black sat beside me. “What's this celebration for?” I asked him.

     Before he could answer Mr. Stonevalley, Cerise and another Wolf Person from their Pack arrived.

    I was so surprised but glad. “Cerise.” I called. When she spotted me I waved her over.

    “This is exciting, isn't it? This is our first official visit with another Pack!” said Cerise. “I think this change is for the better. And it's all thanks to you!”

     I was a little surprised to hear her say. “Yes it is.” I agreed with her. I thought back to what Mr. Black had said just a short time ago about my changing Pack Traditions, that he had granted me my wish. I looked at Mr. Black and felt confused.

    “Okay.” Mr. Black called out. “This celebration is for a Mating between two of our Pack Members. We have guests here from another Pack, Mr. Stonevalley, Pack Leader and his Mate Cerise. Let's welcome them.”

    And everyone present at this celebration did just that, with a lot of howling and clapping. Mr. Stonevalley and Cerise waved and smiled, obviously pleased. I was pleased they were here and being treated so well. This was different. Having visiting Pack Members from another Pack was a big change in Pack Traditions!

    Then I wondered who in our Pack was being Mated with this official Mating Ceremony. Mr. Black hadn't said anything about this to me. Too much going on, I decided.

    Mr. Black continued. “This Mating was made possible by Louise, my Mate and your Mate to the Leader. It was her wisdom and continued determination that Pack Traditions sometimes need to be changed that made this possible. It took me a while but I finally heard her. She is wise, a wonderful Mate to me and a wonderful Mate to the Leader for you. I give Louise praise and thanks for this and for more needed changes to come. I expect praise for her wisdom from you, Members of this Pack.”

    The group at this celebration howled and clapped, all smiles as they looked at me.

    My head was spinning I was so stunned and shocked. I felt on the verge of fainting. I looked at Mr. Black, he was watching me smiling, he even winked at me! I was speechless!

    Pine grabbed a hold of my arm and started shaking it. She was laughing. “It was hard keeping this secret from you Louise! But Mr. Black wanted it to be a surprise! And I can see it is!”

    I looked at her. Now I understood what had been going on. Why she didn't seem at all upset over Miss Snow and Michar, why Mr. Black had been all smiles and seeming not to care at all!

    “Is Michar rescued?” I managed to ask her.

    Mr. Black leaned toward me. “He is and there will be an official celebration with the whole Village on him being accepted into the Pack. But first he and Miss Snow wanted to become Mates. I said this would be okay.” He took my hand and squeezed it. “You're my Mate Louise. I love and cherish you. You are a force to be reckoned with. Because of you I approached Mr. Stonevalley and he and I went to the Pack holding Michar. Just in time, I might add. They were ready to behead him. We intervened and convinced the Pack Leader to release him. Seeing myself and Mr. Stonevalley, two Pack Leaders working together for a common cause opened his eyes. He wants to be a part of this new Tradition of relationships between Packs. The days of isolation of Packs is ending. You, my sweet plaything, have changed Pack Traditions, not just for yours, but for many. And more change is on the way and you will be playing a big part in this.” He pulled me close to his side in a tight hug. “I wanted to surprise you and give you a very public acknowledgment of your wisdom and give you credit for all this, which you so much deserve.”

    I laughed. I couldn't help it. I was so deliriously happy at the moment.

    Michar was saved and soon to be an official member of our Pack. Miss Snow was getting her wish and hearts desire, Michar, and he was getting her.

    “This is wonderful!” Cerise said to me.

    “It is! It really is!” I said, feeling tears in my eyes.

    “Here come the new Mates, Miss Snow and Michar.”Announced Mr. Black standing up.

    We all stood up as Miss Snow and Michar came walking toward us holding hands. Their smiles were so brilliant and joyful!

    Michar looked a lot better than the last time I had seen him. He was completely healed from all the wounds he had received from his Lesser Punishment and he looked happy. His ordeal was over.

    We clapped and howled as they reached us. Then there was dancing, feasting, talking and laughing. We were celebrating a Mating and a changing of Pack Traditions that were for the better of all.

    I kept my eye on Armand and the twins, making sure they were close by at all times. I also noticed they had accepted Miss Feather as a friend. I thought that was wonderful.

    In the midst of the celebrating Miss Snow came up to me. She put her arms around me in a tight hug.

    “Thanks Louise. Thanks for this. Thanks for helping. I appreciate all you did for me. And that was everything.”

    “I'd do it all again for you Miss Snow.” I said back.

    “I'm glad you came here. I realize it hadn't been what you wanted but we're all better for it. So is Mr. Black.”

    I wiped tears from my eyes. “Thank you Miss Snow.”

    “We'll be friends forever. I owe you everything. I will be here for you, Louise, always.”

    “As I will be Louise.” Michar had joined us. “I owe you my life, twice. And I owe you for my new found happiness as well.”

    I smiled. Mr. Black was watching me. His off white eyes shone with pride. I felt happy and relieved. All was well at last. I hoped we all would have peace and harmony in our lives now. I hoped for always.

Author's Note

This concludes The Season of the Wolf. The next book in the Wolf People series is The Shadow of the Wolf which I will start posting soon.

Reviews

[Black Cat Fever]

I clap for the ending of this book! Mr. Black is now the Pack Leader and Louise is Mate to the Pack Leader. All's well that ends well. A book that was well worth the read. Now I must read the next in the series!

[Star Wolf]

One fantastic awesome book! I look forward to the next one as well.

[trish420]

Yay! I love happy endings! I'm so glad that Mr. Black finally came around and cannot wait to read more about adorable-a*s Armand!! :-)

[Eric Cox]

I very much enjoyed this book. Each chapter is written with such talent. Very cool. Love the characters and the adventures. A howling good write. Awesome job on this!!!

[Theresa]

I love happy endings. Such a great story. I'm wondering if the next book we'll be seeing more of Miss Feather and Armand? I agree with Evan on everything. A truly fantastic story. Look forward to the next installment.

I'd rate this at 1000 if I could, but the stupid rating thingy only goes to 100... lol.
Fantastic job Tina!!! I'm so glad I've followed your work like I have. You sure are an amazing and talented writer.
Peace!