Boundaries

Chapter 33

Dylan is full of dread when he walks into the pack meeting. His mind lingers on that first, awful meeting where it felt like the rug was being pulled from beneath his feet.

Orion is quietly hopeful as he steps in front of the crowd.

Neither of them are surprised by the number of faces staring back at them, but both are pleasantly surprised by the quiet curiosity that settles in the air. Neither good nor bad, just contemplative, still and silent; waiting.

Dylan takes a breath as Orion's fists clench.

"Thank you, for giving up your time today," Dylan begins, his voice trying to tremble as it escapes his lips.

"I have some important news," Orion's voice is strong and sure.

"This news is good. But, it will affect everyone in this room,"

Dylan pauses, licking his lips tentatively. His hands tremble, and he reaches for the bond that is now theirs. He feels Orion on the other side, his steady presence soothing him as it always did.

Orion feels the tug on the bond, his lips curling upward.

"I have found my mate."

They each take a moment to gauge the room, the unsettled silence evolving with every word they say.

Murmurs of excited whispers echo through the rooms like ripples on a pond, coating the walls.

"He is strong and true." Dylan says, his hands gripping the wooden podium beneath him.

"He is smart and a natural leader." Orion says, his fingers trembling.

"And he is our neighbouring Alpha."

Dylan is faced with an eerie silence, whilst Orion faces uproar.

They both wish, not for the first time, that they had done this together. But their Beta's had advised this would be better. More personal for the packs. Less likely anyone would get hurt.

"What does this mean?"

The question is whispered by a middle aged mother in Bluewood, screamed by a grandfather in Ironhill.

Both Alpha's stand wide-eyed, their breaths caught in their chests.

"We have discussed our bond and propose the following idea," Orion says, glancing at the paper in his hands.

Dylan takes a shaky breath.

"Unification of the packs."

Ironhill pack fall silent, the blessed quiet doing more to unhinge Orion than their screams.

Bluewood fall into shouts of hysteria.

"Bluehill..."

"Or Ironwood..."

"Would be the conglomeration of the existing packs. We would remain dedicated to our people, maintaining the same responsibilities and upholding the vow we took when we became your Alpha."

The words are lost on the packs.

Questions bounce around the room, hysteria climbing as the thought of change, of the unknown wraps itself around everyone like binds, tying them to the time and place that they know and the comforts that they cling to.

It doesn't matter how many questions the Alpha's answer, there are two new ones to take their place. The fear is suffocating and it lingers like damp, coating the inside of your mouth and lungs with every soothing breath you attempt to take.

The Alpha's forge on, but with every complaint, cry and counter argument comes a fatigue that's as exhaustive as a surging current that they are helpless to swim against.

And all of a sudden, a terrible certainty washes over Dylan, just as it had nearly a year ago when he had seen Orion's eyes retreat in the gloomy lighting of the clearing, his moral duty overtaking the potential for joy, happiness, love. He is certain, just as he was then, that this is a battle he is destined to lose.

There's too much hate, too much fear.

In his euphoria, he had forgotten something that he had learnt a long time ago. Life, unlike books and films, is messy and painful. Happy endings are rare fruit, bitter-sweet to the taste and are never as they seem nor guaranteed.

Good people are the victims of misfortune, bad people forgiven and rewarded and there is no rhyme or reason for it other than the simple acceptance that life isn't fair.

His happy ending has never felt so out of reach and that black, bitter certainty coils, making a home in his heart.

Perhaps this had always been a battle he was meant to lose. But he doesn't regret fighting. He may be losing his grip on his future with every second, but he has something that nobody can ever take from him.

The knowledge that he fought.

That for a while, he had won, and for every second thereafter he had done everything, given everything to hold onto it for just a second longer. He has loved, and been loved in return.

He wonders if that will be enough.

It will have to be.

_

A/N

One more chapter! I really hope you guys have enjoyed this story, it's been a bit darker than my others, so I'm genuinely interested to hear your thoughts. Keep your eyes peeled for the teaser of my next story- it's coming real soooooon!

And happy coronation day to all my fellow Brits- Long live the King 

-F