Chp 7: Hobnobbing

Richard Wolfe

Richard held up his wristwatch to look at the time. It was noon. Two hours had gone by since they left Los Angeles. That meant two hours of silence, which continued even as they alighted from the plane to get into Alpha Jett's SUV.

Richard could sense the anxiety in both of his companions. Tessa sat with both hands fisted on her thighs while the Alpha's hands were tight around the wheel with his eyes focused ahead. The two were troubled.

Alpha Jett's mood did not bother Richard. Although he was mildly curious about his relationship with Sophie.

Richard's sole concern was the female in the backseat. His mate. When they left L. A, she'd been nervous, but quite cheerful.

She had gradually become anxious with every passing moment as they came near Louisiana. Glancing at her on the rear view now, he thought she looked a little bit scared.

Richard was an only child. He could not imagine what reuniting with a long lost sibling felt like. But he never thought such a memorable event could inspire fear and worry.

Weeks ago, he'd taken her out of the pack to see the streets of Los Angeles. She tried to run away. When he asked why, she claimed it was because of her sister.

Now, Richard found himself wondering if that was the truth. It's not that he didn't trust his mate. But they had a very interesting history.

The first time he met her, she was about to get rãped. He'd saved her, of course. The second time they met, she was among the captives brought to the pack by Forest Moon warriors. Which meant they caught her outside the borders.

Next, she'd seduced him and tried to use him to get her freedom.

They were past all of that now. But Richard was still learning about her, and he couldn't help but wonder how she and her twin got separated years ago. Maybe he would find out soon.

The past month had been a busy one for the both of them. In fact, mere days ago, she was not just a captive of the Forest Moon but an alleged enemy of his Alpha.

What a relief that all of that was behind them now.

Richard felt like he didn't yet know his mate well. He hadn't had the opportunity to ask important stuff about her life in her former pack. Maybe there was no need to.

Alpha Jett was right here. He'd shown up after a very important ceremony and was now taking them to meet the twin.

Tessa was supposed to be thrilled, but she looked the opposite right now.

Richard turned around again to look at her. She forced a nervous smile.

"We're almost there," Alpha Jett mumbled.

Moments later, they reached a highway as the Alpha sped towards the motel ahead.

"I thought she'll be in the pack," Richard muttered.

"I can't believe she's in Jefferson," Tessa said. Her voice was a whisper. "All those years..."

When Richard looked her way again, he wanted to take her hand, but she was in the backseat. He was about to reach out anyway but froze when he spotted a figure ahead.

Female. Werewolf.

His heart gave a violent jerk at the sight. Her profile was the first thing he saw. Then he reminded himself that he was prepared for this moment. His mate, Tessa, had an identical twin, and he was ready for their first meeting.

The girl was walking hurriedly towards a small camry as they drew closer to the motel. Jett made a reckless turn and skidded to a stop right in front of the car. That was when Richard saw her face.

Jett had gone pale with shock when he first laid eyes on Tessa. It was Richard's turn to feel the same. He sat unmoving in the car, taking in the girl's features as Jett opened the door and climbed out.

****

Jett POV

I could not say I was surprised that the little bird was about to run away. In fact, I was more surprised by the fact that she'd waited until now.

According to Clove, rather than try to leave, she'd actually ordered food, relaxed, and enjoyed herself in the hours that I was away.

Strange chic, indeed!

Something had her attention now. Or someone. She froze with one leg inside what could only be her taxi. Her face blanched from shock.

The sound of my car door opening was distant and faint. I followed her eyes to find Tessa jumping out of the backseat with teary eyes on the raven.

"Tess," she gasped.

"Oh, Soph..." Tessa moved with faltering steps towards her twin.

Meanwhile, the human cab guy had grown impatient. He got out of the car, muttering to himself before yelling,

"What the hell is going on? Lady, do you know these..." he forgot the rest of the words as he looked from Tessa to Raven.

Clove was also speaking now,

"Miss, I'm afraid I can't let you leave."

I reached for my purse and began to retrieve cash to pay off the human when all of a sudden, something caught my eyes.

Claws.

Raven was no longer shocked. Her eyes shone with hostility. Her claws and fangs were visible as she spat the words,

"This bitch!"

She slammed the car door with such force. With a snarl, she charged towards Tessa to attack.

"Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!" Richard sang while rushing out of the car.

He and Clove were too slow. Tessa didn't see the blow coming until Raven's fist landed on her chin and sent her reeling backwards.