Chapter 12: At Long Last

Hours passed and the sun began its decent towards the ground, the storm had passed leaving nothing but clear blue sky and scattered clouds. The day continued on like normal with wolves performing their jobs or relaxing, word was already out that there would be a pack meeting at sun down. No one knew what it was about but some were starting to take notice of the fact that Humphrey had returned from his trip as a lone wolf. No one knew the real reason of why he left other than his close friends but they did know through gossip that he had left to simply explore the world. Humphrey found himself in the center of attention from wolves welcoming him back, most were omegas but there were a few western alphas that did as well. He smiled and thanked them each time as he followed Kate along with Lilly and Garth through the den grounds.

"You know I think this coming howl is going to be the best I have ever been too." Kate said, the two young couples have been talking about the upcoming moonlight howl which was two days away.

"I wonder why that would be..." Humphrey said sarcastically

"I bet a handsome boy will ask me to go as his date" She played along, giving him a wink causing him to only smile.

"Well it sure will be an interesting howl, since alphas and omegas can howl with one another." Garth said

"And that I get to go as your date" Lilly added, walking close by his side.

"Yeah that too, for once we don't have to howl far from anyone else." He agreed

"Was that because you didn't want to hurt other wolves ears with your howl?" Humphrey teased with his goofy grin.

Garth laughed "Oh silly coyote, you made be surprised to hear that I've worked on my howl." He smiled

"Whatever you say... barf" Humphrey said, seeing that Garth still wanted to use the nicknames they gave each other.

Both the females just rolled their eyes and smiled. "Oh you two, you better not make those names stick." Kate said with a shake of the head.

"Not my fault you're soon to be mate is quite the jokester" Garth defended.

"Well he does have a point about your howling..." She teased.

"Hey!"

She and Humphrey both laughed "Take it easy Garth, were only kidding" Humphrey replied.

"Yeah loosen up a bit, we won and now we get to live our dream lives. I know you're excited and relived about that." Kate added, trying to cheer him up.

"Don't worry hun, you can impress them with your wonderful howl in two days." Lilly smiled, receiving a nod from him.

"Of course I'm excited about it, but the pack still has to learn about us and to be honest I'm worried about my own father hating me because of this." He replied.

They group all stopped and turned to face him after hearing that. "Don't worry sweetie I'm sure he'll come around and get over the change." Lilly said.

"Yeah he can't stay mad at your forever, you are his son and surly the only thing left of his family" Kate agreed.

"I suppose your right..." He said.

"We are right Garth, family is family even if theirs conflicts" Humphrey said.

"Besides you always have me by your side" Lilly said.

He smiled and looked at all three of them "Thanks guys I needed that, I just want him to apologize to me about it."

"How about we just forget about it and focus on enjoying ourselves for the rest of today, I've had enough of being trapped in my thoughts." Kate said. Humphrey nodded in agreement.

"Yeah we should, I shouldn't be a stick in the mud when I got the one thing I've wanted the most in the world." He said before nuzzling Lilly affectionately, causing her to giggle.

Kate smiled, she was happy for her sister because Garth was just the kind of wolf she needed and deserved. She was shy, quiet, and funny but she began to notice that she was more confident and social after being around Garth for a few months. The same could be said for her, she learned how to have fun again and even become a bit of a jokester thanks to Humphrey. The opposite couples learned from each other, it's amazing to think they match up perfectly together despite opposing ranks. Love always seems for find a way, even if that way was forbidden to happen by law.

Ever since the end of the meeting in the east the two couples have been wandering around the den and feeding grounds just casually talking before they needed to be and Winston and Eve's den for the pack meeting. They had won the right to take their relationships to the fullest, there wasn't a doubt in their minds that they packs would disapprove of their love. Tony was no longer a threat and you could say they were very thankful of Winston and Eve being cool with all of this. Of this worked out then the central pack would stand as a strong example of how alphas and omegas can live together in harmony instead of having a define line between them. Other packs could learn from them and maybe follow in their paw steps, but that was for the future to decide. The sun was getting lower and the four wolves made their way to meet up with Winston and Eve at their den. This was it, soon the whole pack would know of their hidden relationships and will get the news that alphas and omegas were freely allowed to pair up as mates. Surly Kate, Humphrey, Lilly, and Garth wouldn't be the only ones to take advantage of the law being lifted.

Some wolves were already gathered in the clearing below the alpha den as the four climbed up the side slope to see Winston already on the overhang waiting for them. Shortly after their arrival Eve walked out of the den and joined by her mate's side as orange-yellow sunset glowed off of their fur. One by one the pack began to accumulate below and began to talk and murmur amongst each other, some just socializing and others wondering what was going on. The sun hit the tops of the distant mount peaks and Winston signaled for all the wolves to settle down and pay attention.

"Alright everyone, I would like your attention please" He said with his paw raised.

The wolves immediately stopped their talking and looked up at their two leaders and company, the eyes of twenty some odd wolves were focused on them. Just about the whole pack was here since Winston announced earlier that it was mandatory for all wolves to come this evening. Every member was here, except for Tony, but he already knew about what Winston was going to announce.

"I have gathered you all here today to talk about something that has recently come to my attention." He said in a loud voice. "As I'm sure you all know my daughter Kate and the sun of Tony, Garth married in order to unite our two packs as one."

Humphrey looked across the crowd as Winston continued to speak and eventually spotted his their best buds Salty, Shakey, and Mooch. Shakey of course knew Humphrey was back but Salty and Mooch were shocked to see that he has returned. Shakey just sat back quietly and smiled. Humphrey knew he had some explaining to do with them after this, perhaps he could hang out with them tomorrow since Kate did have alpha duties in the morning.

"This marriage was forced, which is known. Tony, Eve, and I just figured they would go with it and eventually they would fall in love with one another and actually act how regular mates would. However we were very wrong to assume this because yesterday evening they both admitted that they were both in love with someone else." A few gasps sounded from the pack during a short pause in Winston's speech.

"Kate has been sneaking out of the pack territory during her free time and spending time with Humphrey who had become a lone wolf, they are both very in love and have been ever since before our packs united three months ago. Meanwhile Garth has been seeing my youngest daughter Lilly for the same amount of time but within pack borders. They are very much in love as well despite them all knowing the law." The pack was shocked to hear such a thing, never had there been a case of an alpha and omega couple in either pack prior to this. Some wolves didn't like the idea of seeing an alpha and omega couple in the pack while others feared what was going to happen to the four by law.

"The law clearly states that and alpha and omega couple in the pack are to be banished." Winston continued "However I couldn't just kick my two beautiful daughters out of the pack along with their loves. The law may state it but family should always stick together regardless of the situation."

Some wolves began to look at each other trying to figure out where their leader was going with this "That is why Eve, Tony, and I have agreed to remove the law the keeps alphas and omegas from becoming mates. Allowing Garth and Kate to divorce and marry the one that they truly love, they deserve to have the life they want and not be forced away from it just for all of our benefit. Our packs will stay united and everything is to continue as normal besides the fact that the law is lifted. Any objections?"

A majority of the pack nodded in agreement, some clapped their paws together and some howled with delight at the news. But there were some who didn't really agree to the idea of Kate and Garth divorcing and marrying omegas, it didn't feel right. As the cheering and clapping settled down one wolf recognized as Hutch stepped up a bit before speaking.

"But sir, don't Kate and Garth serve as the bond that holds the east and west together? Meaning that when they separate the packs do as well?" He said looking up at Winston, generally that was the main reason some wolves were skeptic about hearing the news.

Winston knew one of them would ask about that, and earlier today during his lunch he saw how that bond could still be maintained. "Good question Hutch, but come on. Do any of you want to see the packs separate because of this and eventually turn into a war?" Winston replied.

The wolves looked around before pretty much all of them shook their heads 'no' causing him to smile "I figured as much, there's no need to go through with the drama if no one wants it to happen, but if you want to see a physical bond then let Garth and Lilly's marriage serve as that. Now I hope to see you all at the moonlight howl in two days where we will celebrate the packs new alpha and omega couples. You are all excused." He finished as his long speech came to a close. Again there was some cheering and applause, the two new couples just smiled down at their pack mates and waved. As quickly as it began the meeting was over and wolves went back to doing whatever they were doing before the meeting. It was all over now, peace was kept and alpha and omega could be one. The hardships were over and Kate, Humphrey, Garth, and Lilly were already to experience their new lives here within their home.

There was silence between the six wolves as the wind blew by, light was fading and the stars slowly appeared one by one. Winston let out a sigh and looked at his two daughters as they sat by their soon to be mates. "I'm so proud of you girls" He said.

"Thanks dad, but we were only following our hearts" Kate replied while leaning against Humphrey's side.

"Yeah it's you that we should be thanking" Lilly said.

"You don't have to thank me, there was no way I would ever force you four to leave, no matter how much the pack opposed to it." He said.

"I'm just glad to see that my daughters are both happy again" Eve said.

"And I'm glad that all the stress is over and no longer will I have to leave the territory every chance I get" Kate said.

"Yeah, I'll admit you were all pretty good at keeping this a secret from us for the past three months." Winston said.

"Well I wasn't going to give up my love for Humphrey easily, same for all of us. I do feel bad about having to lie to you about it all." She said.

"No worries deer, it's all in the past now." Eve smiled.

They continued to talk for another ten minutes until the only light left was from the near full moon that hung high in the night sky. Garth and Lilly decided to call it a night and left into the den grounds, Kate was beginning to feel tried so Humphrey decided that they should head back to her den for the night. He ended his conversation with Winston about the omegas, he told him about how the omegas of the pack became somewhat lost after his departure. Kate had told him about this but he didn't realize just how much of an effect he had on the omegas of the western pack, it's no wonder that he was referred to as the leader of the omegas. Kate's eye lids were beginning to droop as she rested against Humphrey's side letting his warmth bring her great comfort. Humphrey nudged her back to attention and stated that they should head to bed for the night, she agreed and they both said farewell to Winston and Eve before walking down from the overhang.

While Kate was feeling tired from the day's activities Humphrey was wide awake, there was something he needed to get off his chest even if the answer was obvious. He waited nearly three months to pop this question to his love and finally, now he can. He looked over at Kate while she walked by his side, her fur glowing beautifully in the silver light. She was his angel and all he ever wanted in life, and now he had to make sure that she was his forever even if there was no reason for her to ever leave him. He saw a nice overhang with the moon centered above and thought it was perfect, the moment needed to be just right in order to ask for her paw in marriage. Kate was special to him and he wanted to make her feel just that way, he always knew he was the romantic type.

"Come on sweetie, let's admire the moon for a bit before going to sleep." He said with a smiled.

She turned her head and looked at him with a smile as well before nodding her head, she didn't say a word and only followed her love as he led her to the overhang. They both stopped and sat down at the edge of the small cliff, the wind continued to blow lightly causing everything to dance around them. Kate's eyes focused up on the moon to admire its beauty, she may see it all the time but it never seized to amaze her. Humphrey did the same but felt his insides tighten up as he prepared to ask the question, he was nervous, even if he knew Kate wanted to his as much as he wanted to be hers. He took a few deep breaths before turning to look at her, he didn't know what was more beautiful, the night sky or how the light of the moon made Kate shine like an angel. Humphrey was lucky to have such a wolf like her in his life, the moment was right so he went for it.

"Hey Kate, can I ask you something?" He said while turning to face her more.

She switched her gaze from the night sky and met her eyes with his, she smiled. This was all she ever wanted, to have Humphrey back in Jasper and be able to be a couple, it was private moments like this with him that made her melt. "Of course Humphrey, you can ask me anything" She said softly, leaning in a bit.

Humphrey leaned in to the point where their noses were a few inches apart, he reached down and took on of her paws in his before locking his eyes with hers. "You know that I love you more than anything in his world and our dream of living here in our true home has become a reality. I want to spend the rest of my life by your side and have you be mine, so with all the meaning in my heart and soul, Kate... will you marry me?"

His words echoed in her mind and she could feel a wave of joy and happiness crash over her. She longed to hear those words ever since she confessed her love to him and now the moment has come. He didn't even need to ask the question, no matter what they would be mates for life even if things went terribly here in Jasper. She wanted to say yes right away but her desire to kiss him took over and she leaned in till their noses touched, she let out a sigh as she got lost in the moment. They were like this for several moments until she slowly pulled away and opened her eyes again to see the ice blue color of his looking right back.

"Yes Humphrey, a thousand times yes, I will marry you" She said loudly and happily.

Humphrey felt his hard beat increase and a large grin appear on his face, this was it, Kate would be his forever. This time he was the once who leaned in for a kiss, he filled it with all the passion he had as a way of saying thank you. Kate did the same and savored the moment here on this ledge with the moon shining on their pelts. She felt like the happiest alpha in the world at this moment now that she and Humphrey would become mates for life. They pulled away and looked into each other's eyes yet again.

"I can't even begin to describe how I feel right now, your love is amazing Kate and all I've ever wanted was for you to be mine, I'll love you forever." He said.

"I love you too Humphrey, you don't know how much you mean to me and I'm so glad that you're the one I get to spend the rest of my life with." She replied, oh how she didn't want this moment to end.

Her words made his insides melt, never did he dream that we would actually become mates with Kate, her love is something he will forever be thankful for. They sat in total silence for several minutes just enjoying each other's company, no longer did a barrier keep them apart. Eventually Kate could feel her tiredness set in again and decided that now it was time to head to bed, having Humphrey ask her to marry him just made her day that much better. She couldn't wait for the kinds of things they would experience together as mates, they may be married soon but that didn't mean their adventure as lovers was over. Little did the two lovers know that elsewhere in the forest Garth had asked Lilly the same question. Lilly was ecstatic to hear it and of course said yes, there was no reason for her not to say it, and with that they retired to the world of sleep as well.
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A/N: Ahh such a nice ending to this chapter, always love doing the lovey dovey stuff! So the pack agrees with the idea and now everything is how it should be, but this story ain't over just yet. There's still a marriage to go through among other things until this story will come to its conclusion, I'd say chapter 15 is the last chapter. I appreciate the support, you guys always go above and beyond with your reviews and I enjoy reading them. Cya.