CHAPTER TWO

Thane's POV

 It had taken the whole night to prepare, but by the next morning we were off.

 To distance myself from the city and pack I'd traveled a long way to reach the place that became my home. It didn't work in my favor now I had to return.Throughout the journey, I'd spoken to Renee, sharing my past with the pack. It was my way of keeping my anxiety both for his father and from returning from boiling over.

 We arrived in the city in the evening reaching the pack gate. Many things had changed yet others stayed the same. Was it just me or was the place bigger?

 Stepping out, the first person I met was my mother waiting outside. I didn't hesitate to hug her.

 “Where's Dad?” I asked

 “He's doing alright,” She said, smiling.

"The pack doctor is taking care of him,”

 “Can I see him?” I asked, and her face fell.

 “Your father…he's on bed rest and isn't taking any visitors, but he told me to tell you that for the time being you will have to act as Alpha in his stead.”

‘So this was why I was called here,’ I realized. Of course it wasn't a simple visit.

  Were it in the past I would complain, but I wasn't the same man I was five years ago. The carefree man who would balk at the thought of working.

 Resignation filled me as I sighed. For my father's sake, I would do this. The most I could hope was that he got better before I stayed for long.

 An arm suddenly wrapped around mine. I turned to find Renee smiling.

 “Good evening Ma'am, I'm Renee, Thane's girlfriend.”

My mother's face fell for a moment before turning to me. It was clear that she didn't like her.

Thankfully she simply turned away.

“Come, we'll talk while we're inside.” She said, leading me in.

 As we entered our home she instructed them to take Renee and our belongings up. Meanwhile my mother and I wandered the hallways as she shared everything I'd missed.

 After the first three months of my departure, did they confirm that I was gone for good. They ended the betrothal but the packs still merged. They worked jointly now, even though they were separate it was only in name. So far everything had gone well yet my mother sighed,

 “Felicity has been working so hard. After everything that poor girl went through, I'm happy for her.”

 I decided to shift the topic.

 “Nonetheless, I'm glad the alliance grew. Dad and Alpha Addams really worked hard. It's amazing how they expanded the pack.” I said sincerely despite it being a distraction. Seeing the difference in the pack, I was impressed.“

 Well, it wasn't them…” she trailed off,“What do you mean?” I asked, confused,

 Before she could answer, a servant suddenly interrupted, whispering about preparations. After sending her away, she turned and smiled at me.

 “You should rest now. We have arranged a three night celebration for you so you have to get prepared.” with that, she turned away leaving my question unanswered.….

"Do we really have to do this?” Renee whined, frowning as she lay on the bed.

   “It's a welcome party in my honor. My father won't be there so I have to represent him and myself. We have to attend,” I said, putting on the most casual shirt I could find.

  It was funny to say those words, especially here where the memories stood fresh. Whether it was my birthday celebrations or a festival, I would rather celebrate in a bar in the city than around the pack.

  “It's so inconsiderate. We'd just arrived a few hours ago and now we're expected to go to a stupid party?” She scoffed and I set my jaw.

 “Baby,” I called out, “how about this? You stay for half an hour, mingle with the pack and everything then go to rest.”

  She sighed, nodding reluctantly. I relaxed, before leading her out.

  The celebration was held in the open woods, between the border of the packs. I hadn't expected it to be as grand but it was. Decorations and lights illuminated the place in the night vibrantly.

  I was led to my seat along with Renee. My mother and Alpha Addams were the only people there. I understood my father's absence, but the extra seat confused me.

  “Felicity isn't here?” my mother asked, “She isn't joining the celebrations today. You know how she is.” Alpha Addams said, smiling my way after greeting me.

  I huffed. “It's okay. She's still a kid so she's probably running off with her friends or something.”

  I'd intended to assure my mother, yet she looked at me with shock before sharing a glance with Alpha Addams. They seemed to silently communicate.

  Why? I hadn't said anything wrong.

  Before I could ask why she relaxed, patting my shoulder.

  “Let's enjoy the celebration, it's all for you.” She said before calling on servants with platters of food.

  The celebrations went on and as the man of honor, I was left to sit and watch with them. Despite her initial complaints, Renee didn't budge, drinking and eating beside me. Although my mother tried to engage her in conversation once in a while, Renee was constantly curt. I sent my mother an apologetic glance.

   Suddenly the place quieted and a group of people moved towards the stage. The sight caught my eyes instantly as I realized there were all women, swathed in the same colored silk and jewelry.

  “Why do they look like prostitutes?” Renee scoffed, giggling.

  “Those are trained dancers, honorable members of our pack.” my mother spoke harshly. I stopped Renee from retorting.

  "She's just drunk mom, I'll talk to her later.” I excused. My mother frowned, making my insides sink. This wasn't how I wanted things to go between them.

  I was quickly distracted as the music began playing. One of the women stepped out, heading the troupe and suddenly my mind went blank.

  Soft golden blonde hair was braided around her like a halo or crown further illuminated by the lights and golden jewelry she wore. Just like the others, she wore a thin veil that covered the lower part of her face , revealing her eyes and her upper nose alone, but her beauty was undeniable.And her body.

   She barely showed much skin, but she didn't need to. The dress showed off her body, from flared hips and legs that could run for miles. Despite the others wearing the same outfits, only she looked like a seductress in them.Heat roiled south and I tried to control my reaction.

   Why was I so affected? I'd been with too many women to count and seen all there was to show.

   Yet I remained transfixed.

 As she danced, she shone amongst the group. Even when she wasn't in the spotlight I followed her.

  ‘Look at me.’

  Suddenly as the dance grew to its climax, her eyes flew to mine and I met a startling blue.

  It was like getting struck by lightning. Currents roved through my body like adrenaline while I remained frozen in place. The only thing that filled my senses was a rushing sensation and a single word.‘Mate’