Ironside

~Houston~

“Tell me again why we are arriving today when the gathering doesn’t start until tomorrow. Do you really want to spend any extra night at that pack?” I know I’ve been saying this for days, but it’s important. We are arriving at the Mystic Wolves pack tonight, even though the gathering doesn’t start until tomorrow. That means we will have to spend an extra night at this place, and I hate that. 

“For the last time, Killa, we are getting there early so we can leave early. I have no desire to stay there any longer if I have to. They won’t say anything bad about us leaving a day or two early, you know?” I guess there’s some logic in his explanation, but I still don’t like it. 

This pack is about 10 hours away from ours. We flew on our jet, but still had to drive two hours to the pack. The nearest airport isn’t very near. I’m ready to stretch my legs.

I know we aren’t too far from the pack now, and my wolf, Colby, has perked up in my mind. Colby is a strong wolf, but he’s on the quiet side. If it doesn’t concern him, he tends to stay out of it. Since learning about this trip, he’s been much more alert. I guess he’s as on edge as I am to go to this pack. 

I look out the window and watch the vast wilderness breeze past. I have to say that it looks like they are well situated: an isolated territory that has a lot of room for wolves. It’s almost as nice as our own territory. 

We pull up to the gate, and our driver talks to one of the warriors who are manning the station. They take our invitation, and the gate is opened for us to go through. We proceed, moving forward to the packhouse. 

Colby is alert, watching the scenery as it passes. I’m not sure what has his attention, but whatever it is has to be major. Maybe Tyrice was right, maybe I will find my fated mate while I’m here. 

~Alayasia~

We’ve greeted two visiting packs already. Luna Olivia mentioned that we should have one more arriving, and there’s been no sight of Maxim. The Luna has an issue with his absence, but Alpha Axel seems to have no issues, as usual. I feel something. Do you feel it?

What do you mean, Clover? Before she can respond, arms circle my waist and pull me in close. His warm breath touches my ear, and I fight hard against my instincts to flinch away. 

“What the hell are you doing here?” I can’t mindlink him because we aren’t marked, and joining the pack as a human doesn’t grant me the ability to mindlink. At least, that’s what they think. I just don’t mindlink so I can keep up appearances. 

“Lu… Luna Olivia needed me to help welcome the Alphas arriving early.” I ate the tremor in my voice, but I’m scared. He can do anything to me, and no one would stop him. I’d be an idiot not to be scared.

“Do you have an issue with the Beta female fulfilling her role? It isn’t like you were here to do it.” Maxim straightens up behind me, keeping my body flush against his. His fingers are starting to dig into my side, and I know it isn’t an accident. I also know that if I show any type of pain or discomfort, things will get worse for me.  

“No issues here, Luna. I think she’s doing a great job.” Luna Olivia huffs and turns away. Maxim’s head pushes into mine, his mouth so close to my ear. “We will discuss this choice of dress when we get home.” My breath hitches as realization sets in. There’s no way I’m going to make it through the rest of the night unscathed. I need to prepare my mind to deal with that. 

A car can be heard in the distance, and all of our attention is pulled that way. Clover is becoming more and more anxious, and I have no idea why that is. The car stops in front of the packhouse, and the engine is turned off. The driver gets out of the car and walks around to the passenger side. The front door opens, and toned legs step out of the car. I guess toned is an understatement because the legs are built like tree trunks. The rest of the man is lost to me as Clover pops off in my mind. MATE!

~Houston~

I step out of the car with Colby eerily quiet. I look over to see two couples standing and waiting. I step to the side as Tyrice steps out of the vehicle. Let’s do this, Killa. I internally roll my eyes and turn toward the group. 

“Hello. Welcome to the Mystic Wolves Pack.” A hand is extended to Tyrice, but my attention is elsewhere. 

“Thank you. I’m Alpha Tyrice Brown of the Ironside Pack. This is my Beta Houston Lowe.” I’m brought back to reality as my name is called. 

“Nice to meet you both. I’m Alpha Axel Wentworth, and this is my Luna, Olivia. Back there is my Beta, Maxim Grim and his mate, Alayasia.” Maxim fucking Grim. I’ve seen him around and heard some things. Nothing I’ve seen has been favorable, and it’s the same with everything I’ve heard. 

My eyes move over to his mate, and I feel a flutter in my chest. Well, that’s just wrong, scheming on another wolf’s mate. The conversation flows, and my eyes stay on her. She’s about 5’6 with beautiful, dark skin. She looks a bit pale, but maybe it’s the lighting. She’s wearing a stunning black dress, but it looks a bit too loose for her body frame. Her hair is down, messy and brittle. Her heart-shaped face is cute, but she looks like she could gain some weight. She has long lashes and big, light brown eyes that hold a lot of emotion. She turns her head slightly and I see a scar under her left eye that travels down to her jaw. 

I have to say that this woman may have been attractive once, but right now she’s giving homeless and emaciated. So why am I responding to her? Why do I want to look at her more and get to know her? Well, Colby. Is she our mate? I have to ask because there could be no other reason. I’m not someone who is full of themselves, but as she looks right now, she’d never be my type. 

I don’t feel anything from her. She’s a human, but that’s all I get. Maybe that’s what it is. Maybe her being a human has me enthralled. I don’t deal with humans too often, so maybe I’m just caught up. 

“Uh, hello?!” I’m startled back to reality to find the couples walking toward the packhouse and Tyrice waiting for me to follow along. “What the hell is wrong with you?” I clear my throat and shake my head. 

“Nothing. I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.” Tyrice chuckles as his hand lands on my shoulder. 

“Clearly, but I’ll let it pass this time. Let’s get inside. We are going to our rooms for a bit before dinner.” I nod and follow everyone in, trying to figure out what the hell is going on with me.