"I promise that you shall be my First Mate, and to be a loyal Mate to you," Kim said, standing in the main hall of the Manor. She felt nervous in the forest green cocktail dress she was wearing, her hair done up in what might not have been a salon level style, but still much more than the practical ponytail she preferred. She was even wearing high heels, something she swore she would only do for Gathering level events.

Then again, the event was, she thought. The ceremony was attended by close to thirty people, including Keith, Melanie, Ben Stormstout, Akiko Thornblood, and representatives of various Clans that were either close by or allied with the Lockwoods. She had seen Peter Alces earlier, and exchanged greetings with him, along with some of the others who could travel. Some of them were there for the reformed Gathering, which was scheduled to start at the Lockwood Towers in one week. A more secure location, the only negative was that it wouldn't coincide with a full moon. However, all agreed with the Gathering taking place in a city, it was safer for all concerned to not have too many Lycans who couldn’t control their change in the same place during a full moon.

"You shall be honored amongst all the Lockwoods, and amongst all Lycanthropes," she finished, completing her part of the pledge she had worked out.

"I promise to be a noble and honorable Mate and to protect both Clan Lockwood and the Aklark People. May our Mating become a bridge between our two peoples, and create peace for all."

The ceremony was nothing but stage play, both Kimberly and Edward knew it, but it did serve a purpose. With this public declaration, it would answer a lot of the rumors that were sure to swirl around the reformed Gathering. For Kimberly, it took a load of stress off her mind. Now that Melanie was safe, she had to focus on her duties as Alpha Female, and that meant having as few distractions as possible. Even with the temporary unity that the Silver Bringer attack had forced, she was sure that there would be issues to deal with at Lockwood Towers.

The ceremony completed quickly. After all, they had only a few minutes to try and ad-lib something together during the drive from the airport, and the assembled group broke up into a casual party, complete with cocktails for the 'happy couple.' Melanie, of course, made sure that her drinks were totally non-alcoholic, sipping at a tall fruit juice blend that looked a little bit like lemonade but contained a few other flavors. Kim thought she looked beautiful in the cream colored dress she had worn, even with the swell of her stomach pushing out the fabric slightly. I wonder if I'll ever look that radiant if I get pregnant? she thought as she sipped her champagne.

You'll look even better, Sister, Melanie replied. Tonight is about you, though, remember?

Noted. I just need to peel my fiancée away from his father. Don't tell anyone, but as nice as Edward is, I really don't like my future father-in-law.

I know. By the way, not father-in-blood?

We'll see how it goes.

Melanie and Keith both gave Kimberly a sympathetic smile, Keith sweeping in to help his sister. "Ben Stormstout, if I could have a word please," Keith said in his most official tones, clearly speaking not as Keith Waldwyck but as Alpha of Clan Lockwood. "In private, of course."

The assembled group watched Keith lead Ben over to a corner of the main hall, while Kimberly came over to stand next to Edward. "How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," Edward replied under his voice. "I'm not too good at this cocktail party stuff."

"Don't worry. I just helped Melanie get used to it, we can help you too," Kimberly said with a chuckle. She reached out and squeezed his hand momentarily before letting it go. "I was wondering if you'd like to get out of here for a bit?"

"I'd love nothing more," Edward said, clearly relieved. Even though Kimberly thought he looked very handsome in the suit that he was wearing, she could see he was clearly uncomfortable and smiled encouragingly. "Where would you like to go?"

"A little bit of politics," Kim said teasingly, before leaning in and whispering in his ear. "We're supposed to be betrothed. As Bonnie Rait said back when I was in college, let's give them something to talk about."

* * *

"Ben, I wanted to thank you again for sending Eznho and his men. I regret that the Aklark have suffered a loss because of it."

Keith saw from the corner of his eye as Kimberly led Edward upstairs, and closed off his Link with her. Whatever was going to happen, his sister was a grown woman and was smart enough to do what was right.

"I thank you, Keith," Ben replied. "Eznho said that you fought with great skill and honor. I’m happy for our people to fight by your side.”

"You flatter, Ben. I just did what is natural. But I want to talk to you about an economic tie-up. Peter and Edward have said that your People have quite a lot of agricultural knowledge, which you mostly employ in the area of forestry."

"Yes, it’s one of our primary ways of creating income to offset the cost of having supplies sent all the way up to our lands," Ben replied. "Even with the Aklark who are outside of our territory earning money in other ways, it’s difficult.”

"I understand. What was on my mind was in fact the very tea that we bought at the shop when we visited. Tell me, are all of the ingredients grown locally?"

Ben smiled and patted his stomach. "All of them. We have quite the indoor growing operation. While some of the People may be using those grow lights for other purposes, I know nothing about that."

Of course you don't, Keith thought, hearing Melanie's chuckled reply in his head. "I see. In any case, one of the Lockwood investments is a small chain of coffee houses in the Tri-State area. I was wondering, would it be possible for your People to grow enough of the ingredients for the tea to make it available in my shops? It could be a win for both sides."

You really want to tie up business wise with this guy? Melanie asked him over their Link.

Not in the least. However, it gave Kimberly the distraction she needed. Just watch, this man may know how to force my hand when it comes to one deal, but I've been dealing with those like him for a very long time on the business side of things.

"I'm sure we could expand our production. How much would we be talking here?"

Keith considered to think, then shook his head. "Honestly Ben, I don't know. I just own the shops, I don't get involved with the day to day operations. But, I'll get with my people who do know that sort of thing, and we can talk about it later. Do you think you might be able to give me an estimate on your production capacity?"

"I'm sure. You know Keith, this could be the beginning of a very good relationship between our two groups."

The groups, yes. You and I? I think I'd rather do business with a rattlesnake. At least it warns you before it tries to poison you, Keith thought as Ben clapped him on the shoulder. A regular old shoulder-clapper was Ben Stormstout, and his claps tended to be the type that were meant more as a way to show off his strength than to foster good feelings.

Just remember, Edward is his son. So not all Aklark are like him.

Keith smiled and clapped Ben on his back in reply. I know, It's why I haven't thrown Ben into the river.