A/N: A long chapter just for you!
Humphrey's POV
Kate and I arrived at the small stream where we found Lilly at just the other day. Not a single wolf was there which was normal considering not everyone knew about this place unless they found it on their own. I immediately walked into the water to rinse off my fur. The stream was cold causing me to shiver a little from the feeling of the flowing water. Kate had walked into the water as well a few feet away from me and began soaking her fur. I dropped lower in the water until I began to go beneath the surface then quickly rose back up and got out of the water. I shook myself off sending drops off in every direction before sitting on the bank of the stream. I groomed my fur to make it look sleek and neat, I was too busy with this that I hadn't noticed that Kate was already done somehow. I heard her laugh softly which caught my attention "Come on Humphrey, I think your clean enough" She said. I looked over at her to see that her fur was mostly dry and clean, 'How did she manage to clean up faster than me?' I thought to myself.
"Hey your lucky that your fur is always kept neat, mine doesn't want to stay straight for long." I argued before fixing a few more hairs that were standing on end. "Oh come on now, you're an omega, your fur is so post to be untidy. Besides I think it makes you look cuter when your fur isn't cleaned up, it makes you look fluffy like a pup." She said. I smiled from her compliment "Well thank you, but tonight is special so that's why I'm cleaning up." I said.
"Is it now?" She said wondering what I meant by special, "Hello! I get to howl with the girl I love the most in the world, of course it's special." I said making it sound like a big deal, it really wasn't because I knew we could howl at any time we wanted. She smiled "And I get to howl with the most handsome wolf in the world" She said as she moved up right next to me. I smiled back before the distance between our noses closed to nothing. We our kiss lasted longer than just a quick touch of the noses, we pulled away and just remained silent. Kissing her always left me in a daze, not that we didn't kiss much, we did it on a more than daily basis, it was just magical to me. I could hear her giggle since my daze was showing on the outside "Come on Mr., we got a wedding to attend" She said pulling me to reality for the second time today. "Right behind you" I said as we began to the leaders den where we would meet up with Kate's family. Actually I should start saying my family since that is what they are now.
Wolves were still running around and having fun playing games together, I could see my three best friends all teaching some alphas how to play berry ball. I wanted to go and join them but I would have plenty of time for that later. Maybe at the howl we could all catch up since I had only done that with Salty so far since I got back. There was an hour left until the wedding was scheduled to begin so soon everyone would be making their way down to the valley. But I would be coming last since I was part of the bride's family, we will meet everyone down at the valley. Arriving at Winston's and Eve's den I could hear them talking to Lilly about something. We walked inside and I could see Lilly with a purple flower in her hair that matched the shade of her eyes. Her mane was pulled back behind her ears which was a first, normally she always kept one of her eyes covered with it. I could see that she was full of excitement for what was about to come, I would be acting the same way if I was in her position. They all looked over at us as we came up to them "Ah there you two are, we were just discussing to Lilly about the wedding." Eve said.
"Yeah just reminding me how the whole marriage process works since I'm having trouble remembering." Lilly agreed. I sat down joining the circle everyone was sitting in "There's nothing too hard about it, I'm sure Garth will help you out." Kate said. Lilly nodded her head "Just anxious is all" She said "Oh believe me that's normal, I was the same way on your fathers and I's wedding. Don't worry it will be over before you know it and you two will be married." Eve said.
Lilly perked right up after she said that, seeming to gain confidence from hearing that it would be over and done with fast. The conversation between us continued for the remaining time we had left before sunset. Winston looked outside as did I to see that the sun was beginning to vanish behind the tall mountains on the other side of the valley. Everyone else noticed this as well "Well Lilly, are you ready?" Winston asked looking over at his white furred daughter "Yes, let's do this" Lilly replied getting up and walking past us leading the way to the valley. We all followed right behind her, I could see the crowd of wolves that had gathered at the bottom of the valley. Both packs were there as expected "Wow that's a lot of wolves" I commented. Kate looked over the ledge that was in front of the den to see what I was talking about "Yeah that shows you just how big our pack is going to become very soon." She said.
Several minutes passed as the five of us all walked quietly through the evening forest, there was a light breeze that I felt pushing against my side. A few birds could be heard from above, talking to each other before disappearing for the night. Plenty of flowers were in bloom giving the forest a new type of beauty, it was late spring and hot days of summer would be following soon. The heat wasn't an issue since most wolves would be at the river cooling off during their free time. Soon we were walking across the valley floor over to the large group of wolves I saw earlier, most were busy talking to each other to notice that we had walked past them. The group was actually was split in two, western wolves on the right and eastern on the left. I could see Garth already up on the flat rock where all weddings took place waiting for his bride to be to arrive, Tony was by his side. Kate, Eve, and I all sat down in the front of our side of the group while Winston led Lilly up to the rock. Everyone was now silent and looking at the four wolves that were standing on the rock. The light from the sun was slowly fading into darkness but it wouldn't get too dark since the full moon loomed just overhead ready for the nights howling.
Winston cleared his throat before beginning to speak with Tony right next to him. "As I'm sure you all know, we are gathered here on this fine evening to witness not just the joining of two lovers. But also the joining of two strong packs that will now work together as one. The joining of Lilly and Garth as mates will also serve as the bond between us two packs. I can see nothing but good things in our futures and even though we came very close to war, a long term peace has only just begun. I would like to thank my other daughter Kate for sharing with me the fact that these two wolves loved each other. If it wasn't for her we would all be deep into a war of uncertainty, luckily the conflict was avoided." Winston said as a few wolves began to cheer for Kate. The two of us just smiled as Winston finished his speech "So with no further delay, Lilly and Garth you may now begin the marriage ritual" He said before Tony and him stepped off of the rock and joined with crowd leaving just the bride and groom.
The whole group became very silent so they would be able to hear the soon to be couple speak. "So do you want to go first or should I?" Garth asked looking at Lilly. "You can go first" She said in a light voice, I could tell she was a little nervous by the way she spoke. Garth started with smelling her scent with her doing the same after him. Next came the nibbling on each other ears, I had no idea why you had to do half of the things you needed to do to become mates. I could understand accepting each other's scents and rubbing noses but everything else was just odd. I watched as they progressed through the many stages of the ritual. I was thinking about Kate and I soon being up there doing the same thing in the matter of a few days. I was excited about it, we would finally be called true mates who were married. Garth continued to lead with Lilly mirroring his actions, the process took five minutes until they reached the final and most important final stage. By rubbing their noses they will not only become mates but also untie two large packs into a much greater one. It felt like everyone was holding their breath waiting and watching as their noses closed in on each other. The noses touched as they shared a kiss, once this happened wolves began to howl and cheer.
A new chapter had begun, the packs were now officially united and every wolf was happy about it. The newly wedded couple just stood where they were looking at each other savoring the moment. The two leaders got back up on the rock and faced the crowd, the cheering subsiding a bit. "As your leaders, we are now truly united as one pack" Tony said "Now let's go party, the moonlight howl has begun for those who wish to attend" Winston said. The two had to talk loudly in order for everyone to hear as wolves continued their celebrating. I watched as the group slowly shrunk some heading towards the mountain at which the howl was to be taken place. The rest, mostly older wolves, headed back to their homes. Kate and I stayed where we were sitting next to Eve who had been silent this whole time yet suited a smile. Winston, Lilly, and Garth all walked over to us from their position on the rock, the couple still had smiles on their faces happy and excited that they were now married. "Well now that that's over with, Garth and I are going to party at the howl" Lilly said stopping in front of us "Humphrey and I will join you" Kate said getting up. "Awesome, mom, dad, are you coming?" Lilly said looking over at them "Of course! It is a moonlight howl after all, a special one too" Winston said. Eve laughed before saying "You guys go ahead, we'll be there soon"
"Alright, come on we got a party to attend" Garth said as they began following the wolves that were all exiting the valley and climbing up the distant mountain. Kate and I walked close side by side following the new couple as they lead us to the howl. I was pumped up and ready to howl the night away in the good company of my friends and my mate. It was already night time but you could still see a little bit of light left from the now over day. The moon shined brightly above giving everything a bluish silver color, it was bright enough that I even had a shadow. The sky was also clear of any clouds showing off the many stars that were scattered about. The voices of wolves howling in tune together began to grow louder as the four of us climbed out of the valley nearing our destination. There was a crowd of wolves at the bottom of the mountain all socializing. At the same time couples could be seen howling on the many ledges that made a stair case all the way up to the top with a pathway in the middle. This was the most crowded howl I had ever been to or seen.
The four of us walked up to the group of wolves sitting at the bottom and suddenly they all looked at us. They all began to cheer once again for Garth and Lilly who quickly found themselves at the center of attention. They were caught in the middle of the group now, not that it was a bad thing. I could see them smiling and saying thank you, I couldn't help but laugh "Well while their busy with that how about we get an early start?" I asked looking away from the group and at Kate. "Let's do it!" She said sounding just as excited as I was to howl together. We moved around the crowd and began up the slope keeping an eye out for anywhere we could howl at. Along the way I was shocked to see Salty and Shakey howling with girls already, that was a first. Shakey was with Janice which made scene however I didn't know the wolf Salty was with, maybe they were from the east. We continued to climb up the mountains and I saw more wolves howling and not a single spot for Kate and I to go yet.
As I rounded a bend in the path I surprised to see Mooch sitting by himself "Hey Mooch, what's up buddy" I called out getting his attention as Kate and I stopped next to him. "Hey Humphrey, about time I get to talk to you" He replied looking back at me "Yeah it's been a busy few days, anyway howl with any girls yet?" I asked. As a friend I felt bad that he's never howled with any girls from what I've seen. "No not yet" He said "Really? Man their really missing out then" I said trying to lighten his mood up so that he would maybe start making some moves. "Maybe, I was thinking of heading back down and taking with everyone" He said, that's when I got an idea, perhaps I could help him out. "Nonsense, how about I help you get someone to howl with" I offered hoping he would say yes. "I don't know..." He began sounding like he didn't want that "Come on, it'll be easy" I said getting up "Alright, lead the way" He finally agreed.
"Great" I said putting my arm over his back leading him towards where I could see some omega girls from our side of the united pack. Before I began to walk away I looked and motioned to Kate to continue up the hill and find a spot for us to howl at. She nodded before turning and heading up the mountain. There were four omega girls all talking to one another and seeming to be having a good time. I had seen these girls around the pack before but never got to know their names well. I could feel Mooch slowdown a bit as he noticed where I was taking him to "Humphrey I'm not sure about this" He said. "Don't be nervous, what's the worst that can happen, if they say no then you can at least say you tried." I said which seemed to make him gain some confidence back. It didn't take much longer until we were right next to the girls and I cleared my throat getting ready to play match maker. "Hello ladies" I greeted getting their attention towards us "Hey Humphrey" They greeted apparently already knowing who I was. "So listen, my friend here hasn't howled with anyone before and was interested in changing that tonight, any of you interested? His name is Mooch." I said sounding like I was selling him off. They all looked at each other and I was surprised to see one of them walk up to him and hold out their paw as a greeting. "Hello I'm Tasha" The she wolf said "Mooch" Mooch said shaking her paw. "So are you east or west?" She asked "Western" Mooch replied. I smiled knowing that I got him talking with a girl, seeing that my work was done here I turned and headed up the mountain to find Kate.
I found her surprisingly near the summit of the mountain which was normally filled up during the whole howl. She smiled when she saw me and waited for me to join by her side "Done playing match maker?" She asked looking at me "Yeah I got him talking with a girl when I left him" I answered sitting right beside her. "That's a nice thing you did for him" She said "Anything for a friend" I said. We stayed quiet for a moment as only the sound of wolves howling in harmony with each other filled the cool night air. "So who's starting off?" I asked looking at her "You can" She replied before getting up and walking out to the edge of the overhang. I followed and could see the whole valley lit up from the silvery moonlight. We both sat again this time with our pelts touching. With me being the designated starter of our howl I waited for the right moment to begin since everyone at a moonlight howl sings along to the same melody. I raised my head to the starry sky and let my voice flow out starting to howl. I was going solo for a few moments hitting varying notes when I finally heard Kate's voice mix with mine. Her voice sent shivers down my spine just like it has every time we howled, I could literally melt from the sound of it.
Our duet continued for several minutes still sounding amazing to me. I was in complete bliss and after ten minutes we concluded the howl bringing out heads and voices down from the heavens. I opened my eyes and kept a large grin on my face as I looked at Kate in the eyes. She looked right back at me as we slowly brought our heads closer together until we shared a kiss. A few moments passed until we pulled back and resumed staring into each other's eyes. Enjoying the presence and love we shared, the night might not be over yet but so far it was one of the best in my life. We didn't speak a single word for some time until she broke it "I love you Humphrey" She said leading her head against my side "I love you too Kate" I replied leaning back. I looked up at the stars and moon that had all witnessed our howl and became lost in my thoughts recalling our trip from Idaho. I still felt like I was dreaming everything that had recently happened but I wasn't. This was real, all of it was and I wouldn't have it any other way, this was everything I had ever wanted.
I remembered that I wanted to ask Kate to marry me tonight and I was still going to. As much as the place we were now was perfect I wanted it to be just us two when I did ask her. I thought of an idea to get us to somewhere that was more private then here "Feel like taking a walk darling?" I asked. "Sure that would be nice" She said getting up on her paws as did I. We walked down the mountain passing many wolves that were still howling and having a good time. I didn't see Mooch on the way down but I hoped that he had gotten to howl with someone. Soon we reached the bottom where we separated from Garth and Lilly earlier. They weren't there anymore leaving me to assume that they were off somewhere howling together. I had no idea where to go so I just headed in the direction of the valley with Kate right by my side. Not a word was spoken between us and I didn't feel the need to change that. I enjoyed the silence of the two of us walking through the moonlit forest alone.
The great valley that made Jasper so special opened itself up to us as we entered the large meadow. You could get an amazing view of the stars from down here. The sounds of moonlight howl slowly faded as we walked further away leaving nothing but quiet. There was a light cool breeze blowing through the tall grass as we passed through it. I looked next to me expecting to see Kate right by my side but she wasn't. I quickly looked behind me to find her but all I saw was a tan blur as I was hit and knocked over by something soft and warm. I regained my focus from the sudden blow to see Kate lying on top of me, all I did was laugh seeing it was only her that 'attacked' me. "I thought you said we were done hunting for the day" I said making her laugh in response "Sorry just couldn't resist" She replied smiling. I smiled back looking up into her amber eyes that had always made me melt on the inside from seeing. She looked back at me and at that moment it felt like it was just the two of us in this world. We had no worries anymore just a bright future ahead of us here in Jasper. I pushed my head up until our noses met for the second time tonight. The kiss became passionate making the moment that much better, we were really deep into our kissing that I had to pull away due to lack of air. "Wow" I said amazed by what just happened, Kate moonlit face was smiling right back at me "I'll say" She agreed.
Seeing that this was the best moment to ask I went for it "You know Kate I've been thinking lately" I began. "About what sweetie" She said softly "About us, Kate you're the love of my life and all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" I said opening the question to her. The light from the moon may have not been bright but I could see her eyes start to quickly water up. "Yes! Yes I will marry you Humphrey!" She said as if calling it out to the whole world. I smiled knowing that she truly felt the same way to me as she did to me. I brought my forepaws up and warped them around her embracing us, her soft fur up against mine. I could feel a few of her tears fall onto me as she cried from happiness I couldn't help but shed a few as well. This was it, I would soon be officially married to the love of my life and my life will be complete. "I love you" I heard her say resting her head on my chest "I love you too, and always will" I said. We laid there under the stars for a while sharing another kiss happy that we would become true mates.
"Come on Kate, we should get home" I said as much as I wanted to stay there with hey laying on top of me it was getting late and we should rest up to see what tomorrow had in store. "Alright" She said with a sigh probably thinking the same thing as me. We got up from our spot in the grass and began to head up to our den. 'Best night ever' I thought to myself before falling asleep with Kate curled up right next to me.
A/N: Longest chapter yet! And my favorite so far. Only a few more chapters left until this story will draw to a close. Stay tuned for the next chapter.