Five

PHOENIX

The spring breeze drifted through the Californian air, but I could barely appreciate it. Caleb and I stood, nerves shot, anxiously preparing for the arrival of the most ruthless Alpha in the United States.

I peered into the refrigerator, notepad in hand, trying to organize the cuisine for our short-notice visitor. Beside me, Caleb bounced on his feet, his nervous energy contagious. My own nerves spiked as the severity of the situation sank in.

I breathed deeply, steadied myself, and handed him the revised menu.

He looked confused, his brows furrowing.

"Short time. Limited ingredients. We better get moving," I said.

Caleb nodded.

---

Warm fragrances greeted me when I walked into the dining area. Flowers hung beautifully around the restaurant, booths neatly cleaned. Caleb had outdone himself.

He turned his green eyes on me when I cleared my throat.

"I'm done cooking. Everything looks great, Caleb," I said, knowing he needed the encouragement.

He sighed. "I just want everything to be perfect, Nixy."

I was taken aback by the nerves in his voice. Caleb, who always seemed on top of everything, sounded unsure.

Something was up.

The bell chimed. I turned to see icy blue eyes smirking at me.

Kyra.

"Look who we have here," she said, turning to Caleb. "You called her over, Cally?"

Caleb ignored her, raising a sardonic brow as he surveyed her outfit.

"What are you wearing?" he asked, none too nicely.

I stepped to the corner, grateful for the shift in attention.

Kyra giggled flirtatiously. "Clothes. I heard the Alpha of the Blood Red Pack would be coming."

Caleb sighed. "Kyra, this dinner is important—to me and the entire pack. We're hoping to make a good impression."

"You shouldn't tell that to me," she interrupted, throwing accusatory glances my way. I cowered.

"What I'm trying to say is—today has to go as planned. And your outfit doesn't match the importance of this," he concluded.

Kyra huffed.

The bell chimed again. Heels clicked against the floor. I looked up to see anxious brown eyes.

Caramel.

She threw a half-hearted smile my way and turned to Caleb.

"They're here, boss."

---

The clanking of silverware filled the kitchen as I busied myself, trying to block out my shot nerves. The Alpha and his entourage had arrived—their presence domineering. Though I hadn't seen them, an unsettling feeling had settled in the pit of my stomach.

I passed the entrées to Caramel, pausing to shake off the feeling spreading to my fingertips. Something was wrong.

I breathed deeply. This is for Caleb. Pull through.

I turned, warm dishes in hand, only to find Kyra powdering her already-made-up face. I set the tray in front of her, silently telling her to serve. She huffed. I snatched the powder from her fingers, smearing some on her shirt.

I was done with her games.

She glared but relented when she saw I wasn't backing down. She picked up the tray and walked out, swaying her hips dramatically.

She was something else.

An exhausted feeling settled over me. My eyelids drooped. I sighed, telling myself it would soon be over.

Kyra walked in moments later, a twinkle in her eyes.

"The Alpha is asking who prepared the meal," she said, too happily.

My heart went into a frenzy. What could be wrong?

I walked quietly to the dining area—then paused. A dark rumble reached my ears. My heart fluttered. My wolf, Lisa, stirred for the first time in two years.

I had no time to ponder.

I stepped into full view and put my head down. I heard Caleb telling the Alpha he'd made the dishes. He was trying to protect me. I couldn't let him.

"I did, sir. I made the dishes," I answered.

Silence. Pin-drop silence. The tension stretched painfully.

I looked up.

The room was filled with domineering men in formal attire. But my gaze met deep sea-blue eyes—already fixed on me. I looked back down immediately. I knew he was the Alpha.

"Look. At. Me," he growled.

I jumped back, fear coursing through me. Lisa began pacing in my mind—scared or excited, I didn't know.

Caleb stepped slightly in front of me, knowing how badly Alphas intimidated me.

"I apologize for any defects in the food. It was all done in a hurry," Caleb said.

I looked up just in time to see Kyra's cold blue eyes staring at me with glee.

I huffed and looked down.

Another growl rumbled through the room. The Alpha was angry.

"Get away from her," he growled.

Caleb stared him down, challenging him. The air grew thick.

The Alpha growled again. I looked up—and regretted it. Our gazes locked.

One word sent my heart into a downward spiral.

Mate.