For the next two days, Clan groups arrived at the Lockwood Estate. While none were as numerous as Clan Lockwood, who had over a quarter of its members there to act as hosts, Melanie soon found herself swimming in a sea of werewolves. Each Clan was entitled by Gathering rules to bring the Alpha Male and Female, their children, and up to one bodyguard for each member. As some families had three or sometimes four children, this mean finding quarters for up to a dozen different werewolves for each Clan. Thankfully, the estate manor had seven different guest bedrooms, in addition to the quarters that served Clan Lockwood, as well as servant's quarters, guest houses, and the like. While some of the lower ranked members of Clan Lockwood would have to sleep in hastily built bunks down in the wine cellar, there was room for all.

Even more disconcerting for Melanie was the almost impossible levels of handsomeness and beauty surrounding her. Every Alpha male was tall and muscular, with broad, sweeping chests and commanding presences, while the Alpha females were rivaled only by the goddesses themselves in terms of beauty. Even the minor assistants were attractive. While Melanie was certainly attractive herself, it made her self-conscious.

"Don't worry," she felt Keith think to her, causing her to smile. Even while he was busy with final preparations on the far side of the Estate, he still was able to give some attention to her thoughts, and they often had communicated by their link.

"I'm here, Sister," Kimberly also replied. "While these Alphas may have a commanding presence, I know that none match your inner strength and will."

"You are too kind, Sister," Mel thought back. "Still, I am getting tired of having to literally look up to everyone here."

"We could get you some platform boots. Maybe some stilts?" Keith joked back, causing her to laugh under her breath.

Valeria, who was walking with her, noticed the chuckle. "Did they say something funny?"

"Of course. Your son is quite the joker for a man who seems so serious the times I've seen him working."

"He gets that from his Father," Valeria replied wistfully. "Oh, I wish you could have met him. He was an Alpha among Alphas."

"Would he have approved of me, do you think, Lady Valeria?" Melanie asked, invoking her title for the first time. Tomorrow night was the first night of the Gathering, and she wanted to make sure to keep to protocols. Although she wasn't sure what her title actually was, she decided to err on the side of caution.

"Two things, dear. First, as First Mate, you are subsidiary to no one. You owe no one a title, but if you wish, my title at these formal events would be Dame Valeria. Those outside our Clan can be referred to as Sir or Madam and the Clan name. Get used to it, you're going to be one of two Madam Lockwoods tomorrow, although some may refer to Kimberly as Mistress Lockwood as she has no Mate."

"Secondly, my husband would have found you very endearing. While some clans may be xenophobic towards normal humans, considering my own mother was a first generation wolf, Clan Lockwood can be seen as... progressive."

"Your mother was born human? So you are...."

"Second generation. In some of the European and Asian clans, I would never have ascended past Clan member, perhaps to Mate a third or fourth tier member if I was lucky or had shown great skill. Ah, but Bardulf was different. We were in love almost from the first time we met. I guess what I'm saying is, you are as equal to any werewolf that will be here tomorrow night. Do not let any of them make you feel otherwise."

"Thank you, Valeria. I am glad to see your son is as wise as your husband was."

"Either that, or both are just lucky in choosing beautiful women," Valeria joked, causing Melanie to laugh. For the rest of the afternoon, the two walked the grounds again, Melanie enjoying the tales of Valeria's travels while able to get out and enjoy the air. Winter was giving way to spring, and while the highlands were still frosted with snow at times, the daytime breezes carried with it the hint of warmth and new life.

Just as the sun set, Melanie was heading towards the main house to find Keith for some dinner when Kimberly met her on the back steps.

"You look hungry," Kim said, leading her inside. They stood just inside the entrance foyer, Melanie taking off her jacket to hand it to one of the Lockwood members who was serving as a coat-check person. "I hope you don't mind, but I was hoping to have dinner with you and Keith together unless you two have other plans. I know you haven't had much private time over the past two days."

Mel blushed at Kimberly's unasked question. "Kim, your brother and I are in love, and yes, we enjoy our private time. But he's a wolf, not a rabbit. We don't need to breed every few hours."

Kim blushed in return and dropped her gaze. "I apologize if I offended you, Sister."

Mel cupped the brunette beauty's chin and lifted her eyes until they were staring at each other. "Kim, you are my Sister. You have been a dear friend. Never, ever, feel ashamed for asking or saying anything to me. You're not going to embarrass me."

Kimberly's eyes softened, before flicking to the side, a sharp expression forming on her perfect features. Mel glanced over her shoulder, to see a group of six new werewolves making their way into the great entryway. At the front was an Alpha easily equal to Keith's in size and stature, with a full head of bright red hair, braided and stretching almost halfway down his back. With him was a woman who Mel assumed was his Mate, as she walked beside him while sporting raven black hair and Asiatic features. Behind him was a wolf that Mel thought was his bodyguard, and next to him two younger wolves, maybe about Melanie's age. One of them, a female wolf who stood as tall as Kim but maybe even more beautiful, carried herself like a princess until her eyes glanced around and saw Mel. Then, the auburn haired beauty's green eyes turned to fire, and Mel could see her teeth lengthen as she almost literally growled at Mel before the other young wolf bumped her in the shoulder, breaking her gaze. Melanie looked back at Kim, whose own face was written with worry.

"Who was that?"

"That was Clan Thornblood. Let's just say that the daughter will not be your best friend tomorrow night."

"Why?"

"Let's hope I don't have to explain. Come, we're both starving, and you've seen how I eat when I get hungry," Kimberly said, her smile returning.

"All right, but you should tell me about the Thornbloods," Mel cautioned, letting herself be led towards the kitchen.

"That should be Keith's duty, Sister."