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"Reject him. Or I'll kill them all," he ordered, like a demon's whisper. "Why? Why can't you spare me?" "Because you're MINE. Mine to claim. Mine to destroy." ------ Empty Three Years Before Present Date Ellie Lark I run through the front yard to my door glancing quickly inside the silver car. The wind blows my ash blonde hair into my face and I swipe it away impatiently. Empty. Why didn’t she pick me up from school? Not like my sister at all. At almost twenty, she's three years older than me and the most responsible big sister ever. I shut the door dropping my backpack on the floor. “Maura?” I call out heading for the kitchen. Empty. I race upstairs and hear faint music behind her door. Ah, she’s here, just didn’t answer me. She’s got werewolf hearing, so she knows I’m home and that I called her name. I knocked on and opened it a crack, calling her name. When I opened it wider, I saw her phone on the bed, the alarm playing the sound. I walk over to her bathroom. Empty. When I don’t find her anywhere, I walk out onto the porch avoiding the hole by the front door. “Maura?” Maybe she went for a walk. Or maybe Lesley picked her up and they went to get lunch. Usually she texts me though. She knows I worry that something happened to her otherwise. Three hours later, nothing still. Staring at my phone as I sit on the couch my unease continues to grow. I feel a weird tugging pain right below my left collarbone. It’s been there since right after I got to school this morning. Maybe I need to adjust my backpack strap or stop carrying so many books. It lingers though and I rub it absentmindedly. I lay down and close my eyes taking deep breaths trying to relax. I texted everyone looking for her. Her phone sits on the coffee table next to mine. When I open my eyes, it’s morning. I fell asleep. My phone is ringing, and I see Lydia’s name. “Anything El, she come home?” “No. I fell asleep on the couch. I’m scared Lydia. She left her phone here. This isn’t like Maura.” “It isn’t. Listen Harper is gone too.” I sit up straight my heart pounding. “What? When did she go missing?” “Yesterday, she never made it to school, and Nate said she didn’t come home at all either. She has her phone, though. Her parents went to Alpha Burton to report her missing." Lydia’s voice trembles, which means she’s really scared. She’s never unconfident. “Mom seemed really scared, too.” And Rose is always calm. She’s been acting as our second mom for years. “I’ll call you El as soon as we hear anything. Mom is keeping her ears peeled at the packhouse.” All day, we hear nothing. I struggle to figure out what to do. The next morning, someone is banging loudly on my door. I hurry down from my bedroom and open it to see Nate, Harper, and Lydia standing there. Harper has been crying and they rush her inside. “Oh, Ellie. I’m so sorry. I saw it. Maura… she was banished from the pack.” “What?! Why?” I kneel in front of her. Harper’s big blue eyes are full of tears. “I have no idea why. But I saw Kincaid in wolf form haul her to the border and toss her over. Alpha was there and he banished her. Said something about her crimes against the pack. She was crying, begging to tell you goodbye. They wouldn’t let her. Burton said if she didn’t run, he was going to let the warriors hunt her for being a rogue on his pack border.” I sit back stunned. “I wanted to come tell you, but they saw me. I had to stay at the packhouse, and they questioned me about whether or not I was involved with her. Ellie, they never said what she did. She looked hurt though, like someone attacked her. I didn’t get close enough to really be able to tell.” Harper is sobbing now, and Nate holds her, rocking back and forth. What is going on? My sister works at the library for crying out loud and has never been involved in anything questionable. god, she never even broke curfew when our parents set it. An hour later, Harper is calmer, and we all sit in silence, trying to figure out what happened. A loud knock on the door has all of us jumping. Everyone recently got their wolves, but our heightened senses haven’t completely kicked in yet. I open the door and find Alpha Burton standing there. He looks past me at Harper and smiles slightly. “Ah, I am guessing Miss Simmons has already told you what I came for. May I come in, Ellie?” I bow my head nodding. “Yes, Alpha.” Like I can say no… He steps in, and they all rise quickly to bow their heads. “Ellie, I regret to tell you we discovered your sister was involved in a treasonous act with another pack. She has been banished per the pack laws and may not return. I must insist you let me know if she contacts you or if she sneaks into the pack. She is now a rogue, so that would be very… unfortunate for her, as you well know. Do I make myself clear?” “Yes, Alpha. May I ask what she did?” I ask timidly, hoping he will tell me. “No, I am afraid you may not. It is a matter of… security. I also came to offer you a room at the packhouse if you would rather stay there.” I look up into his expressionless eyes and begin, “I would rather remain here, Alpha. I will be ok.” “Very well. The offer is always open. I will be going. I trust I do not need to tell any of you that this is not to be discussed publicly.” We all agree quickly and watch him leave knowing we will never get an answer for why Maura had to leave. The hollow, empty feeling in my chest begins to be replaced with something else: rage. I hate this pack and cannot wait to leave it! Our Assignment Riley “Most vague complaint I’ve ever heard. Couldn’t they at least give us a little more info.” I grin as I listen to my cousin Brody complain. “All five complaints have been information challenged. ‘Possible Alpha power abuse of pack members mostly underage.’ First of all that sounds reprehensible even if vague. Does anyone think they left the word female out of that sentence?” Landon, our other cousin, adds. “Dad says the Alpha is an bottom so I wonder if there is a fear of retaliation. He has a son, Kincaid, but not much is known about him. It could be the son causing the issues. Conquest list and they won’t join.” I muse. “The Luna was killed in a rogue attack a long time ago. There are hardly any rogue attacks in twenty five years and they got his Luna?” Landon speaks up as he reads the file we made on the Blood River Pack. “Sounds like he couldn’t or didn’t protect his mate.” Theo, my Beta chimes in. “ ‘Multiple witches assist the Alpha.’ That’s just great. We’ll have to ask Aira for more than just mate and aura shielding potions.” Walker, Landon’s Beta looks thoughtful as he speaks. “Oh Goddess, I’d rather it be vampires than witches.” Beau mutters as he thumbs through the file. I watch Brody’s enormous Beta shudder. Theo grins, “You just want someone to try to bite your n**k!” Beau throws a pencil at his younger brother making him laugh. Brody: “Current Beta has only been there for two years. Anything on the last Beta? Especially as the Luna was killed under his watch.” “He died four years ago in a car crash while traveling to another pack. They functioned without one for two years while Burton searched. I found a Beta’s second son who applied and went in to meet with them. He’s twenty-six, thought he would be able to start there and continue as Beta to Kincaid when he steps up.” I pause, digging for a paper. “Have you talked with him?” Walker says. “Yeah, his name is Ian Keller. His father is Beta Steven of, where is it, let me see.” I quickly scan the page, “Trinity Falls Pack in vi'rginiа. I asked him about his meeting. He said Burton never offered him the spot but he would have refused it. Said he couldn’t stand the son; guy was lazy, dangerously arrogant and he got the feeling the pack is not unified. Burton also gave him an off vibe. Beta Keller and his family are known to be honorable and above board. He found another pack and says the Alpha there told him to be glad he isn’t in Blood River. His current Alpha says Burton is trash.” “Speaks volumes.” Brody says quietly while rubbing his n**k. “Are we taking this assignment as our next investigation? There’s not a lot of meat to this complaint.” Landon asks. “Dad sent two warriors recently undercover to check it out. They were found in a human hospital one hundred miles away with no memory of the last month of their life. Aira tried but she could get nothing except magic was used to wipe their memories. So it’s a little more serious than what you are reading. Also, Dad had Aira check the letters. There was also a voicemail from an untraceable number direct to Dad’s office. Aira says the writer and the caller feel impending danger, fear, and regret. She said there is a reason we need to go.” I tell them. “Good enough for me.” Walker says leaning back. Beau: “Maybe we’ll find our mates. Wouldn’t that be...” he sniffs and wrinkles his nose in disgust. “Incoming.” He mutters. I smell her and watch as Brody scowls angrily when the door opens without a knock. “There you are. I missed you at breakfast Riley.” that grating sickly sweet voice sets my teeth on edge as her extremely nauseating perfume assails my nostrils. “Alpha Riley to you.” Theo quietly rebukes her. “Oh, Riley doesn’t mind, do you?” She smiles coquettishly, and I want to snarl. “I do mind. It’s Alpha Riley to you.” I say firmly. “In that case, Allllppphhhaaa." She tries to drag the word out pointedly trying to be cute and all I can think is that hopefully someone is about to set the building on fire. Ghost, my wolf, grumbles, “Hand me a match, I’ll do it. A good border breach would work too. I’ll even let the rogues go unscathed, maybe buy them lunch.” I chuckle at him. “Steak dinner later on me too.” “I missed you at breakfast.” She comes close and puts her hand on the back of my chair. I swivel it quickly, forcing her to move and respond, “I eat in the dining room, Brienne, while you insist upon room service.” Unfazed, she leans in, “You could always join me. But I did come down this morning just for you.” I look at her with undisguised disgust. Brody: “Did you miss the closed door on your way in? We are having a work meeting.” Brienne spares him an annoyed glance. “There is no need for you to be so rude to me. I am…” “Interrupting in a very important meeting is rude, Brienne. You need to leave so I can talk to my boys.” I look gratefully at the door and see my father and brother standing there. My father’s royal aura brooks no argument, and she bows her head begrudgingly and leaves. As the door slams behind her, he lets out an irritated breath. “I will speak with the Queen. It is beyond time for her to leave.” I agree vehemently. My identity as a prince is kept a secret meaning we have to be careful how we speak around visitors. This room is soundproofed but with Dad here now, we need to watch our words. He and Ollie sit down, and I look at them. “We were finishing up the assessment for the Blood River complaints. How is Adela?” I look straight at my brother. “She’s better. Her strength is returning, and she can finally feel her wolf again.” Ollie looks less stressed than he has in a long time. He’s been so frazzled the last three weeks hoping his mate recovers from an attempted assassination attempt. “Any leads on who poisoned her?” Landon asks. Ollie and Dad both shake their heads. “We were hoping to trace the poison back as it was such a large amount of wolfsbane mixed into it but so far nothing.” Ollie looks angry just talking about it. “Let’s discuss Blood River. I take it you know Aira wants you to go even though the complaint is lacking details. And now Riley has told you about the warriors. Ollie and I have discovered that there is more to this. Ten other warriors have been found dead on the road leading to their pack or in the neighboring woods between them and the closest pack over the last three years. All dead with evidence of torture. The reports never made it to us.” He scowls and I wonder who almost lost their head at the Elders Council when he heard that. To hide something from the Werewolf King is begging for death. He looks thoughtful “You will be going under the cover of wanting to observe his male training program. He has a specialty program, and you are interested in it for the two dummy packs, Trojan Forest and Mirror Bay. You will be there for four weeks to observe. That i***t Burton was oozing arrogance when I had Martin make the arrangements.” The way Dad says specialty program makes me think it is the exact opposite. “When do we leave?” Landon asks. “In three days. Aira should have your blocking potions prepared by then and she wants to talk to you about other precautions with the witches mentioned. This will not be an easy investigation. It would seem that telling you the true nature of what is going on could have endangered the messenger. I do not have to tell you to be cautious and watch each other’s backs.” My father speaks gravely. “We’ll be ready for anything.” Brody tells him. “I have complete faith in you as always.” Dad says. “And I hope some of you bring back your mates to liven this dull place up.” He says the last part jokingly, and we all laugh. We keep it plenty lively on our own. The next three days are busy with packing and getting our packs in order to leave for a month. My dad and brother will be able to handle everything along with my uncles lending a hand. But it never feels right as an Alpha to leave for so long. The morning we are leaving, we meet with one of the witches who lives in the Royal Pack. Aira literally floats into the conference room moving. To me I’ve always thought she appeared like she would disappear if you t***h her. Her hair is a long flowy mixture of silver and black. Her deep blue eyes sparkle and she appears relaxed and serene at all times. Her mate is one of Dad’s head warriors and has always been remarkably helpful. “Good morning Alphas, Betas, Your Majesties.” Aira inclines her head with a smile. “Morning Aira, you know you don’t need to bow or use such formalities here.” My father says smiling back at her. “I forget sometimes. Now, my friends, I have your aura shielding potions, so they will think you are just normal Alphas, Betas, and Gammas. Riley, your Alpha aura is strongest, followed by Landon, so you two will be going as Alphas. Brody and Theo are the betas, and Walker and Beau are the gammas. The second one is a shield to keep the witches from being able to command you. It should protect you from them being able to do serious harm to you but only you. This third one is the mating shield. It will allow you to recognize your mates, but they will not recognize you. Subconsciously, they might, but it will be weak. It will keep your wolves from going feral by not claiming them immediately. But be aware the more time you spend with them, the more your wolves will feel the pull. The potion will not wear off until you drink the antidote. Then you will both recognize each other. You will drink both now, and I will recite the incantation to keep your wolves as calm as possible. Riley, you have one possible issue. Your twenty-first birthday will fall during the trip. I am not sure if your mate's shield will break due to the date. I have never had one to cross it while on the potion. It should be close to the end of your trip though, so that will work in your favor if it does end. Also Alphas, you will all need additional royal aura shielding.” “I guess I’ll be your guinea pig then.” I grin at her. I really hope I do find my mate. I am the youngest of the group but my birthday is in a little over three weeks. The rest of the squad as we are called is past the age to find their mates, but none of them have. Aira finishes her incantation and we load up into the massive SUV to make the six hour drive to Blood River Pack. First Impressions Riley Landon is driving, and Beau is looking intently at a map. Beau: “There are three packs near Blood River. If we don’t find our mates there, we can stop in at those on the way home. By then Riley will be old enough to sense his too.” Brody: “Not a bad idea. We’ll research them once we get to Blood River and make sure we want to visit them.” We arrive at Blood River, and a tall man, I presume to be Alpha Burton, is waiting at the front of the packhouse we were directed to. He is built more like a Beta, but I could be wrong. As we all climb out, he walks forward. “Hello all, I am Beta Nichols. I hope you had a pleasant journey. The Alpha and his son will be down soon.” While waiting we introduce ourselves to him. His manners are impeccable. Ten minutes later, a tall man with light brown hair comes down, followed by a younger version of him. I study them as they walk up. Burton is in his mid-forties, and his hair is slightly graying on the sides. He has the typical Alpha build but seems a little soft in some spots. His smile is somewhat cold, and I notice he exudes arrogance. The son is taller by about an inch, maybe two. He has cold light green eyes and his arrogance level is off the charts. Not sure why as I can see he has the muscular Alpha build, but there is a lot of “fluff” too. Like the guy skips out on training, he walks like he’s not in charge too. I see his father make sure to be partially in front of him, showing who is clearly the current Alpha. “Gentlemen! So glad you could make it. I’m Alpha Burton and this is my son Kincaid.” He flashes those white teeth and all I can think is the whole pack probably needs to be liberated from this guy. I shake it off for now as we all introduce ourselves. When Kincaid shakes our hands, his grip tries to be firm but it’s weak and fishlike. Brody quickly links us, “Guess he doesn’t teach his son the important things.” “Beta Nichols will get you set up in your rooms. Please join me in the private dining room for dinner tonight at six. Would you like any guests with us tonight? I have a few lovely young ladies in this pack who can provide pleasant dinner conversation, nothing more. It can get rather tedious with just working males at the table.” He smiles almost benevolently like he’s conferring a favor and I feel a strong shiver of revulsion I repress. Even Ghost grumbles in my head. "This an Alpha or a slug. He's making me feel like I need a shower." Landon answers first “Actually we are pretty exhausted after such a long drive. Conversation might not be the best idea. Would you mind if we just eat and get some sleep? Sorry Alpha, we had to make a few extra stops along the way.” He inclines his head, “Very well, I understand. Also nothing as nagging as a tedious female voice when you are ready to be done for the day.” Kincaid is nodding his head along with that. Landon links us, “Talk about a one eighty there…” We all agree and are in a hurry to follow the Beta upstairs. Once settled in, we walked down to the private dining room he gave us directions to. I hear Brody muffle a sound with a sudden coughing fit and exchange glances with Theo and Beau. When we get in, I see why. Kincaid is there with his father, and there are two girls fawning all over him like one in his l*p and the other one making out with him. His father sits there impassively until we sit down. “Kincaid our guests are here.” He says sharply. I see the girls move to a chair and Kincaid joins in the conversation as little as possible. His father tells us all about his pack and how wonderful of a training program he has. “We will have you start observing on Thursday. I figured you would need the day off tomorrow to rest from your long travels. And my head trainer is out until then.” We assent quickly and leave dinner as soon as we can without seeming rude. Although we all agreed once in our suite that Burton and Kincaid don’t have manners enough to know if we were being rude. Beau starts, “I didn’t like...” Theo immediately clamps his hand over his mouth and links all of us. “Link only. I don’t trust they don’t have their visitors rooms bugged considering the allegations.” “The long drives and I think my body is about done.” Beau finishes easily. “The Beta seems like a normal individual. I’ll do some digging into his background.” Landon muses. Brody: “The fact he let his Beta greet us first is his way of putting us in our place. We aren’t that important.” “Kincaid is a total sleazeball.” Theo adds. “Yeah, having two girls all over you at the first dinner with an Alpha group is way off.” Brody says grimly. “He’s old enough to have met his mate. Wonder if he hasn’t or he rejected her because she’s not what he wanted.” I tell them and see Walker press his l**s together. “I thought the same thing. He’s more than old enough so those two girls he took up to his room….his father was totally fine with that being on display tonight?” Walker asks. “Both exude arrogance and total uncaring. Notice also there was no happy laughter in the groups entering the packhouse. No joking or shouting. All subdued.” Landon points out. “Noticed that. This is going to be a game of observation.” Theo sighs. Pack Warnings Ellie Lark I get up early so I can make my way to the preschool even earlier than normal. Wednesday means arts and crafts projects for my three year old class, so I need time to set up. It’s also going to rain and I don’t feel like walking in it today. I walk into the bathroom and get my quick shower. Coming out I pull my wavy ash blonde hair into a quick ponytail and throw on some jeans and a blouse. Dark green eyes look back at my reflection and I sigh. Good enough for today just like every other day. I’ll be covered in paint by the time I leave. I hurry downstairs and grab my backpack to start walking. Lydia should bring me breakfast, so no need to grab anything. I hurry choosing my usual path, skirting the training grounds and the packhouse. I am happily walking along when I see Alpha Burton out talking to some warriors. I slither to a halt and decide to take a different route. I weigh my options and decide I'll take the path to my right. It will take me past the packhouse, but I shouldn’t run into Kincaid as early as it is. He sleeps in. The first Alpha allergic to early morning sunshine I think rolling my eyes internally. "And training of any sort..." My wolf snorts. I scurry past it quickly breathing a sigh of relief as I get completely away without seeing anyone except for Nate who linked me a good morning. I could only smile at the ground as I replied to him. It’s lunchtime and I join Lydia outside the preschool to eat. She looks at me. “Ellie, do you need me to go pick up cocoa powder for you today? I know you have to make brownies for the party on Friday.” I shake my head. “No, he promised I would have a replacement bag today. If not, I’ll text you and see if you can grab some. He should have to replace it, not anyone else.” Her pretty hazel eyes look at me warily. “Will it be delivered in person, or did he say?” “He didn’t say. I don’t plan on opening the door though. I am hoping it will already be there when I get home…” I trail off as I now start thinking of all the awful possibilities. She tosses her straight golden blonde hair over her shoulder, “Then you will go to Harper and Nate’s until you know it’s been dropped off. Swing by the house, and no delivery means no Ellie home alone.” Lydia’s lovely face is stern. She has pale golden skin and is tall around five ten. I agree knowing she will call Nate and have him follow me. She’s been my sister since we became best friends in preschool. Closer than my own sister, Maura and I were although she and I were close at one point. A packwide link starts, and I wince at the voice in my head. "All members of Blood River Pack. We have a group of visiting Alpha, Beta, and Gamma leadership here for the next three and a half weeks. I expect all of you to behave accordingly and allow them to observe the training program they came for. If not, you will report to me." Lydia speaks first, “Good old Alpha Burton, nothing like a linked Alpha command threat to make your lunch break go well.” I chuckle silently but then wince when I hear him boom in my head, “And you will make sure to steer clear of them, Ellie Lark, unless they need your help and no one else is around, doll. I'll be sure to tell your friends too.” Ugh! At least it wasn’t a command, I think. Lydia looks at me curiously. “I was warned to steer clear unless I am the only help available when they are around. He'll tell you too.” She scoffs and rolls her eyes. “Of course, you were. I'll be holding my breath for that link.” “Ok, I will head home and see if I have a delivery. Bye, Lydia.” I wave as I walk off. I make the long walk back to my house and see a huge box on my porch. I walk to it, and it has a note attached: “see what a good provider I am”. I gag a little. Opening the box causes me to roll my eyes. It’s a one hundred pound bag of cocoa powder. I can’t get this into the house. Not even with my wolf, Tempest’s help. I pull out my phone and text Nate with a photo of the weight on the bag. “Need help Nate if you can.” He replies back, “I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Do NOT try to move that.” “Yes, sir!” The tall blonde warrior shows up and gets it into the kitchen for me shaking his head. “Pisses me off, Ellie. If he hadn’t destroyed your other delivery this…” I place my hand on his arm to stop him. “Nothing can be done, so let’s move on. Hope everyone I know likes brownies for the next six months.” I grin at him and he shakes his head ruefully. “I gotta go Ellie just in case. Be careful. And I want a pan of them for helping.” “You’re on. I’ll make two because Harp will steal half your pan.” He grins saying, “And that’s why you are my favorite little sister. Make sure you tell Harp that too.” He walks out and I laugh. Harper, another one in our best friend group, is his twin and is younger than him by two minutes. They look so much alike even though they aren’t identical and have been my other two siblings since we were little. Harper, Lydia, and I should have been born triplets with Nate as our big brother my mom used to say. We all have some form of blonde hair. Our other friend, Ashley is a year older than us. We are a varied bunch personality wise. Nate is always serious unless we are playing a game. Then the goofball Nate comes out. Harper is a total bubbly girly girl. If you need fashion or makeup tips, she's the one you talk to out of us. She's smart though most think she's an airhead. Ashley is the quiet sweet one. But if you piss her off, look out; her temper is molten hot. Lydia is the sarcastic, brash, I don't give two sh'its about saying what I feel type. She's fiercely protective too. And then me, I'm the sarcastic overthinker that likes to laugh but usually does it internally. Easier that way. We compliment each other well though. I go to wave to him, but he stops at his truck, hesitating before jogging back over quickly. “Ellie… they found another one. He was a mile from the pack, still alive this time but clawed to god and back. From the Bloodstone Pack ten miles away, was here to observe last week with his Beta. Matteo or something like that, with black hair, tall warrior build. Make sure you lock up good. And tell Tempest to be on guard more than normal.” His concerned deep blue eyes rake over me and I nod while feeling a cold shiver pass through me. I hate living alone, but I don’t really have any other option right now. “You can always come stay at the house too. Mom loves having you. Or at Lydia’s. Ash is not really a good option right now, her parents are still out of town and she's at her aunt's house close to the packhouse.” “I’ll think about it. If I get really scared, I’ll take someone up on it. Don’t want to cause too much trouble.” Nate drives off and I think back to last week. I met Matteo, he was at the park one afternoon. He’d talked to me for a bit though I didn’t say much. Gave him directions to the best burger place in the pack. He seemed friendly. Wonder what happened to him. He at least kept his life unlike the others. I remember seeing one of them. I’d wandered too far off the walking path home that day and found myself at the pack’s border. I end up there a lot when I let my mind wander. I’d heard the commotion as Beta Nichols was directing warriors to lift him and cover him with a blanket. But they had moved and I saw he looked like he had been tortured. My hands had covered my mouth in shock. Burn marks covered his torso and there were deep scratches down his side. His feet appeared to have been cut off. His face was unrecognizable. Strangely, there was some familiarity to him. I couldn't figure it out. I had to back away quickly hoping our Beta didn’t sense me there. My scent is fairly weak so I usually have to be right next to them to be detected. “Tempest, did you hear Nate?” “I did pretty girl. I will be extra alert…if I can.” She tells me softly. For Mate's Sake Riley We decided to have breakfast in the packhouse today so we could start observing. I watch outside the window as I wait for the rest of my group to be ready. I see several members walking into the packhouse for breakfast and three males setting up the training area. One figure catches my eye. It’s a female walking quickly and glancing around her surreptitiously. She looks like she’s waiting for someone to appear and scare her. She has a backpack on and makes her way through quickly. Her shoulders almost sag in relief as she hits the path leading off next to the trees farthest from the packhouse. Interesting, I think. As we all walk into the dining room, everyone looks our way. We’re a large group and unknown, so it’s not surprising. I see several female eyes gleam, and some smiles appear, but no one really moves toward us. I hear Brody breathe a sigh of relief next to me and internally chuckle. We walk to a table and sit, but Beau is still standing, looking worried. Landon gently pushes him down into his seat, and I see them linking. Beau looks pained. Landon links all of us. “Beau just found his mate.” "Which one?” Walker asks him. “Female standing by the buffet table, blonde curly hair, blue eyes about five eight standing by a guy who I am praying is her brother by the resemblance. Rowdy is going nuts.” Beau g****s. “Well, let’s see if we can learn more about her and that guy.” Theo says calmly. “I saw that guy setting up things in the training grounds, so he is a warrior.” I offer. I watch as Theo gets up and walks over to the buffet table. Since he’s Beau’s brother, he is the only one of us who can approach her without Rowdy, his wolf, tearing our heads off right now. The guy walks off and finds a table while she grabs a few breakfast sandwiches. Theo knocks one off at her feet and reaches down. I see him talking to her and giving her an apologetic smile. He shakes her hand and talks to her for another minute before walking back. “Her name is Harper Simmons. No marks on her or rings.” Theo tells us. Beau visibly relaxes, but he’s still on edge. “I need to meet her myself.” “Let’s figure that out later. Not here in this crowded dining room.” Landon reasons with him. “Everyone notices that we are being stared at, but no one dares to approach us?” Walker asks as he looks around. “Yeah, it's a little weird that no one has said hello.” Brody offers. No sooner said than shattered though. An older woman with dirty blonde hair walks up. “Hello, you must be the visiting leadership group. I am Rose, and I run the kitchen here in the packhouse. If you should need anything special, please let me know.” She smiles pleasantly and it is reflected in her gentle brown eyes. I see Landon gripping his head like he’s in pain now. Him too?! A tall brunette with light green eyes approaches the table. “This is Ashley, and she’s good friends with my daughter, Lydia. If you have any questions about the pack, she can probably answer them while I get back to finishing in the kitchen.” Landon stares hard at her and Walker who is sitting next to him catches on quickly. “Hi Rose and Ashley. I’m Walker, this is Landon.” Beau: “Landon?” “That one is mine.” Landon grits out. “Two in one morning, that’s wild.” Brody says laughing a bit. Ashley smiles and the rest of us introduce ourselves. Landon smiles at her, and I see him reach out to shake her hand, but Walker spills his water on purpose distracting him. Rose runs to grab a towel and I see Ashley stare at Landon for another second before someone calls her name. I notice it’s Beau’s mate. She walks away slowly and those two go out the door together. “That’s providential.” I remark dryly. Brody chuckles, “They are friends. Talk about being meant to be.” Landon: “Three and half weeks of god is what we get to look forward to.” Theo: “Yeah, sorry, you two. Think your wolves will make it? Beau: “Do we have a choice?!” Brody: “Unfortunately, you don’t. But hey, you finally found them. Some of us might like to suffer for three weeks at least knowing they exist…” His voice trails off sadly... I look at him in sympathy. Brody has been waiting the longest. He and Landon are the oldest, but Brody has been impatiently searching for his mate. He has travelled and looked since the day he turned twenty one two years ago. Walker reaches over and claps him on the shoulder. We eat breakfast quickly and walk out to start exploring the pack. The next morning, we head down to breakfast and are talking. Beau and Landon are both watching for their mates to come in. Suddenly Theo g****s and I look over to see he’s staring at a blonde female who has come in with Beau’s mate. “Are you fking kidding me?” Walker says laughing. “No, I’m not. That one is MINE.” Theo says and Bandit has added his deepened voice too. “Better get ready because Landon and Beau’s mates are walking in. Dam, are all of them here somewhere?” I say incredulously. I watch as Harper and Ashley go sit at a table. Theo’s mate grabs two breakfast sandwiches and waves to them on her way toward the door. I hurry over to see what I can learn. I bump into her gently and make my tone apologetic. “Sorry I thought I stopped in time.” “No, totally my fault. Wasn’t watching.” “I’m Alpha Riley.” “Lydia. Enjoy your visit to our pack, Alpha.” She says bowing her head before walking away. Ah, that’s Rose’s daughter. Their table is right next to the buffet tables and I go pretending to consider my choices. I hear them whispering and Beau’s mate says “Lydia mentioned the rec park tomorrow after lunch. We can ALL go.” I walk back with a triumphant smile on my face. The mates all give me an impatient look. “Theo, your mate is named Lydia, Rose’s daughter. Also, I know where they will be tomorrow after lunch. Somewhere called the rec park.” “How did you get all that?” Walker asks. “I’m just that good.” I grin. Brody elbows me sharply, and I follow his eyes. Two women stand with Burton talking in the doorway. I look away as one of them starts turning our head. Pretending to glance toward the buffet, I catch both women staring at us. “The witches…” Beau mutters. Brody: “They seemed quite interested in us when they first arrived. And still keep glancing our way as they talk to Burton. Aira said that shielding potion to protect us from them is undetectable right?” Landon: “She did and I trust Aira, she’s one of the most powerful witches in the world. She did mention if we learned their names she could tell us more about them.” Walker stands up. “I’ll see if I can find out.” “Careful.” Theo cautions. “I doubt they are as friendly as Aira.” We all continue eating. Walker makes himself another buffet plate and turns acting like he just noticed Alpha Burton. He waves and Burton nods. Walker walks over and speaks to him then I see him smile and bow his head toward the witches. They laugh at something he says and I see him look down blushing a bit. Our Walker, he’s good at using the bashful boy charm. He comes back to the table slowly, and we all continue talking out loud, ignoring him. Only once Brody links that they’ve left do we start linking again. “Florina and Azeon. Burton introduced them as old friends here visiting on their way somewhere else.” “You have to f***t with them, or they f***t with you?” Theo asks with amusement. “Flirted with me, not shy those two that’s for sure.” Walker looks down swallowing hard. I send a text to Aira with their names. She replies quickly. “I know of one. I will send you their information in a few hours.” I linked them all. "Aira knows one. She’ll send us the rest of the info later.” Walker: “I’m pretty sure they tried to get into my head. I felt a squeezing sensation.” I text that to Aira also and wait. As we are heading out of the dining room she answers me. Her reply confirms his suspicions. “Aira says they did but will only see what she planted there for them to find with the potion. She says they are less powerful and were banned from their coven years ago for using their powers for personal gain such as changing affections toward themselves and selling their magic to an Alpha for dishonorable purposes.” Beau laughs. “She was after you, Walker.” “She got a name for the Alpha?” Brody asks dryly. “No, says they concealed his identity.” I raise an eyebrow and we all have the same thought. “I would bet it’s their old friend Burton.” Theo voices it for us. “At least we know that part of the complaint was true, and we can watch out for them and any tricks now.” Landon adds. I agree while wondering what the hll else we are watching for. ... Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉 (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)