41

41

(Tyler’s POV)

I walked into my office with a smile on my face. There were a few chuckles. I sat down at my desk and signaled to Camerin to start the meeting. Camerin started his weekly routine and I zoned out. I had thoughts of the night before with my wonderful mate. I guess the grin on my face didn’t match the topic at hand. Camerin cleared his throat to get my attention.

“Alpha, we still have two prisoners from Jaxson’s pack in our cells. What should we do with them?” Camerin asked again.

“Both are still alive?” I asked. Camerin nodded. I thought for a moment. “We no longer need them, take them to the board of Jaxson’s land and let them go.”

“You want to let them go?” Micah asked.

“I have enough problems with Jaxson in regards to my mate. Maybe I could calm the waters a little, by returning his nephews, live,” I explained.

“He might not like the scar you left on the younger one,” Camerin smirked.

“Maybe that pup will remember everytime he looks in the mirror that he should show more respect to an Alpha, including the ones that are not from his pack,” I said.

“If it doesn’t,” Camerin asked.

“Remind him before he leaves that I can still take that tongue from him.” I chuckled, “So, is there anything else we need to talk about.”

“The weekend run, we haven’t decided on the path that we are going to take and the security for Luna while we are gone,” Micah spoke up.

“I will talk to Kate, I think she would be willing to let us run the perimeter of the entire lake.” Everyone seemed excited about the news. “As for the security, I want ten of your best warriors to be at the pack house to watch over her. It would be the perfect time for Jaxson to try to take her,” I gave my order.

“May I suggest that if we are going to run the lake, we might have the night watch team run an hour earlier, so they will return sooner and could assist with the protection of Luna until everyone else returns,” Micah offered.

“I like that idea, arrange it,” I ordered. “During the day, before the run, Luna and I will be going over to her house to meet with an old friend of hers that is coming for a visit. I will be taking my security team and they will conceal themselves so that the guest doesn’t see them. We are trying to avoid questions. Make sure the day watch is aware that we will be at the house, in case we need them.” Micah nodded as he finished taking notes. “Anything else that we need to discuss?” no one said a word. I signaled that everyone could leave. Camerin stayed behind.

“So she is going to have a friend come and visit and you are going with her. This visitor wouldn’t happen to be a guy would it?” Camerin asked.

“The truck driver friend of hers,” I answered.

“Ahhh, that friend,” he chuckled.

“I know there is more between them than she is letting on. So I don’t want to leave them alone,” I growled.

Camerin stood up, “Mates, this is why I am single.”

“I can’t wait until you find your mate, I will enjoy watching you go crazy.”

“That is never going to happen,” Cameron said as he got up to leave. “I am destined to be alone and I am enjoying every minute of it.” He left the room, leaving me to do all the paperwork by myself. I just shook my head and started to work.

*****

The week was full of excitement, word got out that the run was going to take place around the lake. Many who hadn’t gone on the run before decided to join in, the numbers of the runners grew to an all time high. The run was adjusted to accommodate everyone. The adjustments also helped out with the security for Kate which made me very happy. I know how Jaxson thinks, so the run would be a great time to take Kate since most of the warriors would be busy.

The day before the run I received word that I was expecting a visitor from a northern pack. Alpha Jones was in charge of one of our allies, he was also the one who visited when there was a concern from the other allies. He must have gotten word about my mate.

I had a talk with Kate to let her know that she might have to prove again that she was not weak. She didn’t mind the sparring, but she was getting tired of proving her worth.

Kate was in our room getting dressed when Alpha Jones arrived. Camerin joined me in greeting him. Five SUVs pulled up in front of the packhouse. I stood there with twenty warriors behind me.

Four of the vehicles emptied and the warriors of the Red River Pack surrounded the SUV in the middle. The back door opened and out stood a man 6 foot 5 inches tall. Long blonde hair, dressed in a black suit. I knew he wasn’t here for a social call.

I walked over to him with my hand extended. “Welcome to the Lunar Lake Pack Alpha Jones.” We shook hands. “This was an unexpected visit, but like always, I am happy to see you.”

“Good to see you as well Alpha McCombs,” he said with a smile.

“You have come at a good time, we are having a pack run tomorrow, you are welcome to join us,” I offered even though it would interfere with my plans to meet Kate’s friend.

“Thank you for the invitation, but I will need to return tonight to my own pack. I need to discuss a few things with you before I go,” he said as he lost his smile. “Could we talk in private?”

“Of course. Let’s go to my office,” I turned to Jake. “Please notify Kate to join us.” Jake saluted and walked to the packhouse. I then signaled that we were going to move inside. Two men who arrived with Alpha Jones followed us. Camerin and Micah joined the group.

Once the door shut, the demeanor of the meeting changed to a more casual manor. “Ty, we, and I mean the other Alphas and myself, have been hearing a lot of things coming from your pack and the pack next door, which have us very concerned.”

I half heartedly smiled and said, “Carson, I will try my best to put your mind at ease by answering any questions you may have. What have you heard?”

“Let’s start with an easy topic, I understand that you took a mate,” Carson started the interrogation.

“I didn’t take just any mate, I found my true mate,” I answered.

“I know you and Jaxson have been interested in the land between your packs, and it is convenient that your “true” mate happens to be the young lady who owns the land.”

“Trust me, I was surprised myself, but who am I to question the Goddess on her choice of mates?” I answered.

“True mate or not, you are an alpha, you should have thought of the consequences of taking a human as a mate,” Carson raised his voice.

“I did think of the consequences. I haven't taken marking my mate lightly. I assure you that she is a very special human that not only is capable of taking care of herself, but her strength doesn’t make me weak, it makes me stronger.” I defended my actions.

The door opened and Kate walked into the room. I stood up to introduce her and direct her to come and stand by me. “Let me introduce to you my mate, this is Kathryn. She would be willing to show you that she is strong and can take care of herself.”

Carson stared at Kate for the longest time. He then started to chuckle. “Is this some kind of joke, Ty? This woman is really your mate?”

I was confused, “This is not a joke, she's my mate and she wears my mark.” I pointed to her neck.

“So, you are trying to tell me that Kat Stevens, the professional MMA fighter, is your mate?”

“You know her?” I was surprised.

“Anyone who follows Mixed Martial Arts fighting knows Kat Stevens. To tell you the truth I have made a lot of money off of her fights.” Carson smiled. “You had a very bad accident a couple of years back. Have you recovered from it?” he questioned Kate.

“I fully recovered. I still train to keep my skills in top shape, I just decided to remain retired instead of fighting again,” Kate answered him.

“Too bad, there is no one like you. I always enjoyed watching you fight.” He praised her. He then looked at me. “The Goddess knew what she was doing when she chose her for you.”

“I hope knowing who she is puts your mind at ease. I am just as strong, if not stronger with her by my side,” I commented.

“That it does.” he then changed the subject. “Keep her training up, Jaxson has put a price on your head, he is wanting the two of you dead by the end of the year. I am sure it has to do with the land between the packs.” Carson stood up. “I am going to take my leave for now and I will be back for the Winter Solstice Ball. I hope you will still be around then.”

“We will be here,” I added.

“Good, contact me if you need our help dealing with Jaxson.“ He shook my hand and then turned to Kate. “It was an honor to meet you Ms. Stevens.” They shook hands as well and Carson and his men left. I looked at Kate, she didn’t seem happy.

“Kate….”

“Jaxson wants us dead?!” She backed away from me. “I shouldn’t be here, I should have stayed home and ignored all of you. Why did Leslie even leave me the house? I was happy in my little apartment in the city. I wish I never met you!” She was hysterical.

“Kate….” I reached for her.

“Don’t touch me! Leave me alone!” she stormed out of the room. I tried to follow her but Camerin stood in my way.

“Ty, let her calm down, I am sure the death threat is a shock to her,” Camerin said as to why he dared to stop me. “She didn’t mean what she said. She really cares for you, anyone can see that.”

“Fine, I will give her some space.” I agreed even though I didn’t like it. “Micah, go check on her and make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.” Micah left the room.

“What do you think she might do?” Camerin asked.

“Reject me or leave,” I replied.

Micah hurried back into the room, “I couldn't find her.”

“Damnit!” I ran out of the room to track her down.