Chapter 4

Tristan

The night air was crisp as I stepped out of the SUV, the gravel crunching beneath my boots. I surveyed the quaint pack house nestled amongst the rolling hills and forests of this rural territory. It was a humble dwelling compared to the opulence I was accustomed to, but adequate enough for a small pack like this. My gaze drifted over the assembled members, taking in their nervous excitement. I recognised the Alpha, Ewan Hartwood, by his salt and pepper beard and steady brown eyes. He inclined his head respectfully as I approached.

"Alpha King Tristan. Welcome." His voice was steady, betraying none of the anxiety that saturated the very air around us. I gave a curt nod in return.

"Alpha Ewan. Thank you for extending your hospitality." The pleasantries felt hollow on my tongue. I already wanted this visit to be over. Being surrounded by such a small pack set me on edge. Their way of life was so foreign to me, so far removed from the cutthroat politics and opulence of the Royal Court. I almost envied the simplicity of it. At my side, Bianca let out an exaggerated shiver, pressing closer against me. 

"Let's get inside, darling. It's positively frigid out here," she preened, her voice grating on my nerves.  I tensed, irritation flaring. Bianca was a useful ally, and adventurous in the bedroom, but her cloying possessiveness was beginning to wear thin. Outwardly though, I remained impassive, allowing no reaction to show on my face. A young woman who looked to be pregnant came out of the house looking flustered, followed by a man who from the way he looked at her was clearly her mate. The woman came to stand with Alpha Ewan and his Luna and something about the woman tickled my wolf senses, although I wasn't sure exactly what it was. I eyed the woman with curious interest and felt Bianca stiffen at my side. Such jealousy really was no becoming of a wolf of her status. Alpha Ewan got the hint and introduced the woman as his daughter Lysa and the man beside her was indeed her mate Niall. Ewan went on about how Lysa and Niall would be taking over the pack when he chose to step down. I smiled at Lysa and nodded to her growing belly.

"How far are you?" I asked, and she smiled and rubbed the swell. 

"I am just over six months and all ready for the pup to be born," she said. I felt a familiar ache at the idea of a pup running around. It wasn't out of sentiment that I want one so much, although the need to continue your bloodline was strong for any werewolf. But for me the need was more urgent. I needed an heir to secure my throne, and before my weasel of a brother sired his own runt. Ewan was talking about something, although I didn't hear a word of it as my wolf sense tingled again and I had the distinct feeling that I was being watched. I looked around the courtyard and saw various people but I knew that none of these were causing this unfamiliar feeling. It felt like something just on the edge of my vision and caused my wolf side to become agitated. My eyes snapped up to the window above the door and for a moment I could have sworn that I saw a shadow in the window. But it was empty now. I shook my head and dismissed the thought. It was probably just a maid of some sort trying to sneak a look between chores.

Gabe, my beta and closest friend, came to join us from one of the other cars and I introduced him to Alpha Ewan. Ewan greeted Gabe and suggested that we head into the house and that there was a feast that awaited us. I nodded my acknowledgement with a hidden smile, I was two days early for the arranged visit. I highly doubted that the Alpha had anything prepared. I chose to do this on purpose to see how the packs in my territory fared under pressure. I was in no doubt that there were numerous staff members rushing around in panic trying to get this feast all ready at such short notice. Bianca stepped forward and linked arms with an uncomfortable-looking Lysa and in a sickly fake voice started asking questions about the upcoming birth of her pup. I glanced at Gabe who rolled his eyes and wore his own amused expression. 

As we entered what I assumed was the main hall, I noted the simple yet abundant feast laid out on the tables. Chicken and beef, freshly baked bread, roasted vegetables, the rich aromas filled the air. I was impressed, and it wasn't an easy thing to do, either they had just been setting down ready to eat or someone had been tipped off about my penchant for surprise arrivals. Given the flustered state of Alpha Ewan I assumed the former. I had heard that despite the pack being so small; they were fortunate to have a good supply from the farm that they called their territory. I had arranged the visit with their surplus of crops and wares as a reason, but it wasn't the real reason that I was making a point to visit every pack under my rule.

I selected a portion of meat and began eating, more out of obligation than any real appetite. Bianca chattered incessantly in my ear about trivialities, while Ewan's mate Mara attempted polite conversation. I responded only when necessary, preferring to observe in silence. 

I noticed as distinct tension in the air. I was used to some tension from packs due to my visits, but this seemed more heightened somehow. I sensed Ewan's carefully contained anxiety and noticed the way his pack members looked to him for every minor decision. And there was something else, a subtle wrongness I couldn't quite place. I probed gently with my senses, but found nothing that I could put my finger on. Still, an unease lingered at the back of my mind, and I could feel myself getting restless.

I had already visited all the larger packs, but had yet to find what I was looking for. My fated mate. Of course I kept that little part to myself, but I had been hunting for my fated mate for the last three years, ever since my father had suddenly and suspiciously passed away. The death of my father made me the Alpha King, being the eldest of three heirs, but true tradition dictated that if a younger heir was able to produce a continuation of the bloodline before the current heir then they could challenge for the throne and title. My brother Darius was trying to exercise such a clause as we spoke. I knew he was confident that he would be able to pull it off as well, given his man whoring tendencies, but also given that he was one of a very select group of people who knew the curse that plagued me. 

I half believed that my brother had been the one to put the spiteful witch up to it, but I could also tell true rage when I had broken things off with Rebecca. They say that there is nothing like a woman's scorn and if that woman is a witch then they got it exactly right. She cursed me to only be able to sire an heir with the one fated to be with me, my fated mate. Then she told me she hoped that I never found the girl. Blasted witches, I hated the lot of them. And so the search was on. And it had been for three years, with no luck. I had consulted with Madame Sylvie, a powerful seer who served the elite amount the supernatural society, for a price of course, and she had told me that my fated mate was on my lands somewhere. She also said that I would need to be open when I did meet her. I had no idea about that last part, but I knew the seer had to be listened to. 

"Tristan," Bianca purred, trailing a possessive hand along my arm, and drawing me from my deepening thoughts. "When can we leave this dirty hovel? I'm longing for a hot bath and some proper wine." I tensed, biting back a growl. Her insolent tone grated, but I merely gave her a quelling look. Appearances had to be maintained. Across from me, Ewan's eyes flashed with restrained anger at the insult to his home. I felt an unexpected spark of respect for the mild Alpha. Though he hid it well, his devotion to his pack was evident. I attempted to smooth the tension with some questions about his pack.

"So," I asked with a forced smile. "Where is the rest of your pack?" I was used to the packs pulling out all the stops and everyone wanting to get a piece of the Alpha King, but instead there were only a handful of people at the dinner. I felt Ewan's anxiety spike before he coughed to clear his throat.

"Oh, the other families are in their own homes," Alpha Ewan responded, "But they will be back for the party, tonight." 

"Party?" I asked and Gabe laughed beside me. 

"Of course Alpha," he said, his voice dripping with amusement, "Alpha Ewan has planned an evening of festivities in your name." I bit back a groan, and the sudden need to punch my friend in his smirking face. He knew full well how much I hated public engagements and only did them because of tradition and formalities. I had been hoping the smaller packs would have been less inclined to force me to go to their attempts at such events. I grimaced but tried to force the expression down and smiled at Alpha Ewan.

"Oh, well, I look forward to meeting them." Whether Alpha Ewan saw my reaction or not he acted delighted at my response while I shot a glare at Gabe, who was sniggering to himself.

As the meal progressed, I observed Ewan's pack closely. They seemed like a close-knit group, their affection for their Alpha clear in the glances and smiles they exchanged with him. And yet tension simmered beneath the surface. More than once, I caught Ewan exchanging loaded looks with his mate when he thought I wasn't paying attention. Each time, Mara would give a subtle shake of her head, her lips pressed in a thin line. A warning perhaps, or a plea for patience. My unease grew. It was evident they were keeping something from me. But what could warrant such secrecy? I probed gently again with my senses, seeking anything amiss. There wasn’t anything that seemed out of place. By all accounts, Cragg High was a small, unassuming pack just trying to survive. And yet there was something niggling on the edge of my mind. Maybe I was just in need of a run. I was sure that Alpha Ewan would be fine if I chose to stretch my wolf form on his territory later on. That was one thing about the rural packs that we didn’t have in the city. So much space to truly immerse myself in my beast.

A petite blonde woman entered the hall carrying a pitcher of wine. She moved with easy confidence, refilling glasses as she circulated among the diners. There was a defiant spark in her bright blue eyes that I found intriguing. As she approached our table, Bianca snatched a glass from her hands with a haughty sneer.

"More wine, servant." The blonde's eyes narrowed, but she poured the wine without comment before withdrawing. Interesting. Not only was she unafraid of Bianca, she seemed to actively dislike the woman. I found myself fighting a smile, which only deepened when Ewan shot the girl an apologetic look. She shrugged and winked at him before skipping away. I found the interaction sweet, comforting, there was a true family feeling in this home. Alpha Ewan noticed me watching and quickly straightened his expression.

"Forgive her enthusiasm," he said to me. "Cassie is still young, but a promising member of our pack." I nodded thoughtfully. Yes, this Cassie was definitely worth keeping an eye on. She reminded me of my own sister, Aria, who never hesitated to speak her mind. If anyone would let something slip, it was likely to be her.

I turned my attention back to Ewan. 

"Tell me, Alpha, what plans do you have to expand your territory? Your lands seem ample enough for a small group like yours." Ewan's smile faltered almost imperceptibly. 

"Expand? Oh, we have no need for that. Our pack is content as it is." I raised an eyebrow. 

"Contentment leads to stagnation. Any good Alpha must seek to improve his pack's fortunes." Ewan's jaw tightened. 

"Perhaps. But I believe stability and community are more valuable than ambition alone. My pack is prosperous and well-cared for as is." Now we were getting somewhere. Ewan's commitment to his tiny pack was admirable, but his lack of drive was unusual. I sensed his defensiveness about maintaining the status quo, almost as if change itself was a threat. But why? I noticed the blond girl head up some stairs with another tray and watched her with interest. I tried to maintain conversation with Ewan but the clear anxiety from him was beginning to get on my nerves. I hid a scowl of frustration. The secrets in this place were starting to chafe. Perhaps it was time I did a little investigating of my own. I set down my glass and stood.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment," I said to Ewan. "I'd like to get some air before the...festivities. " I kept my tone light, but tracked Ewan's reaction closely. Was that relief in his eyes? Or just resignation that his secrets would soon be laid bare? Gabe looked over to the stairs and then shot me a knowing look as I exited the hall. 

"Don't get into too much trouble," he called after me. I smirked in response. Trouble had a way of finding me, whether I went looking for it or not. The real question was whether Ewan and his pack could withstand the storm when those secrets came flooding into the light.

As I was leaving the room, I caught the delicious scent of candy apples, I wondered if they had planned such an enticing dessert on purpose. It was only when the scent seemed to grow stronger that I realised that it wasn't coming from the kitchen. I looked up to see the young blond rushing down the stairs straight towards me. She halted to a stop with the look of fear in her eyes, but my wolf had already caught on and it was like some inner voice howled inside me to break free. 

"Mate." The words left my lips before I even realised what I was saying. The girl's eyes widened, and she began to back away. I grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her into me so I could drown myself in the scent. She squealed as I buried my head into her hair and took a deep breath. But something wasn't right. I could tell that this girl's scent wasn't the scent of my mate. I could smell the warm bread scent of her, but also the overlay of candy apples that had me salivating. She wasn't my mate, but from the look on her face she knew who my mate was.