Chapter 3

~Tessa~ 

*Mature Content*

Tessa sighed as she sifted through the reports. She found it odd that there was no history from his childhood, but based on the sheets in her hands, nothing in Alpha Monroe's file that warranted their suspicion. He seemed to be a respected Alpha who ran a reputable business and didn’t even have a speeding ticket on his record. 

The next folder on her desk, labeled photos, piqued Tessa’s interest. "Let's take a look at this "perfect” Alpha. He's probably some sissy raised with a silver spoon in his mouth," her wolf teased. 

Tessa chuckled and leaned back in her chair while unraveling the string around the folder. “What would this perfect man look like,” she smirked, but there was a knock at the door before she pulled out the first photo.

"Come in," she announced to her visitor, placing the folder on top of her desk as the door opened. "Oh, what brings you here Elijah," she asked, stretching her arms above her head.

"I brought you something to eat since you missed lunch, Alpha," he answered, gesturing to the tray in his hands and the steaming coffee mug.

Tessa looked at the clock on her computer and couldn’t believe the time. "You’re right. I can’t believe I lost track of time," she yawned, bringing her hand up to massage her neck. The hours of sitting over paperwork were catching up to her. 

A soft click brought her attention back to Elijah and she didn't miss the way his eyes tracked her movements or that the door was now locked behind him. He carefully placed the food on the table and he began walking toward her desk. Tessa could tell by his lust-filled gaze that he was looking to fill more than just her appetite for food.

"Naughty boy," her wolf purred with anticipation when he rounded her chair, placing his large hands on each of Tessa's shoulders, then he began massaging.

"Mmm, maybe I should have made you the pack’s masseuse instead of Delta for the Elites," she teased, her eyes closing while his fingers worked their magic.

A growl rumbled from his chest as he lowered his face into her neck, inhaling her scent. "If I can serve you personally, I'd be more than happy to give up my position," he whispered, planting a soft kiss behind her ear. His finger drug along her collar bone, exposing her shoulder. 

Tessa couldn't help but enjoy the feeling of his lips as they left a trail of kisses down her neck. "An Alpha has needs," her wolf purred with excitement as Elijah slowly turned Tessa's chair to face him. 

He pulled her jacket behind her back, trapping her arms at her sides, then freed her blouse from her skirt. Tessa admired his strong arms and the fitted t-shirt hiding his defined chest, before meeting his darkened eyes with hers.

Elijah pulled her close, claiming her lips, but growled with satisfaction when Tessa's tongue invaded his mouth, demanding dominance. She loved the way his rough hand moved over her toned stomach and how a simple touch made him putty in her hands. 

Control was one thing she always had during these flings with Elijah. She loved hearing him beg for release by her hand, but she had no intention of completely mating with any wolf, even if she found her "destined" mate.

"But having a little fun never hurt anybody," her wolf growled.

Elijah pulled Tessa's blouse over her head, his lips trailing down her chest and over her cleavage. His other hand snaked around her back continuing to work its magic by unclipping her bra, letting her breasts free.

He took her nipple into his mouth, running his warm tongue over the sensitive bud until it peaked, then he pulled it between his teeth, palming and squeezing the other before switching to give both equal attention.

Tessa's back arched in pleasure. She lifted her hips from the chair, letting him know she wanted more, and he listened to her body's plea by moving his hand between her legs and slowly up along her inner thigh.

Tessa roughly grabbed his hair pulling him closer to her, making him growl in pleasure against her chest. The feeling of his hand skimming along her tights gave Tessa goosebumps, but when his hand was about to reach her center, she received a mind link from Cadence. 

"Alpha, we have unexpected visitors at the gate," Cadence announced, but Tessa didn't respond. She was too focused on the feeling of Elijah's claw carefully ripping her tights as he pushed her skirt further up her hips. This was just the release she needed today of all days. Whatever was happening at the gate Cadence could handle.

Elijah moved her shirt up, exposing her stomach to leave wet kisses in his wake as his head traveled lower. His fingers grazed the entrance to her core, which was more than ready to receive his attention. 

"Tessa, it's the Beta of White Sand and a few pack warriors," Cadence informed her again, causing her eyes to snap open and her body stilled. Elijah looked up at her with concern and when he saw the look on her face he stood, ready to act. 

"They want to deal with you directly. Their Alpha is running late but is close by. Supposedly, there was an emergency which caused their visit to be pushed up," Cadence continued, and

Tessa's eyes narrowed with suspicion.

"Just wonderful," she mumbled to herself, her eyes fogging while her mind linked with Cadence. "Tell Beta Monroe I will be there shortly. They must not have phones where they come from," she added sarcastically, pulling her ripped tights off and adjusting herself. 

"Have them go through the screening protocol. If they want to be treated like guests they will comply. If not, we have a couple of cells they can wait for their Alpha in," she ordered before

finally turning to Elijah. 

"Contact your warriors and have them follow us to the gate. We have some visitors," she snapped, heading for the door.

Stepping out of the packhouse, Tessa shifted into her wolf and took off for the southern border. "I guess we'll have to unwind with a different kind of release," she thought to her wolf, enjoying the way her large paws beat against the earth and the way the wind felt against her fur. It had been a while since she let her wolf out for a run. 

"I'd say. All this stuffy office business has me pacing. I'm glad they're here early," her wolf said, enjoying any excuse to exude her strength.

Shortly, Tessa was flanked by her Elite squad. Elijah snapped his jaws, growling at the other wolves to keep up. When they grew closer to the gate, Tessa could hear the frustrated voice of a man.

"How much longer do we have to wait for him? I understand this was unexpected but all this is unnecessary. We are not a threat," Alan swore, throwing his hands up when Cadence continued directing the other warriors to search their vehicles and duffle bags. It was amusing to see her blatantly ignore the Beta's complaints.

"This is going to be interesting. They're not even through the gate and they're already questioning our protocol," Tessa's wolf growled pushing her ears back as she slowed to a walk. The Elites formed a protective line in front of her as Zander joined them, taking lead in his human form.

"Finally! You must be the Alpha," the Beta sighed in relief walking closer with an extended hand to Zander, but Tessa could see him eyeing the line of wolves with concern. 

"Aren't they going to be in for a surprise," she sent through the pack link. Her Elite squad quietly growled in response. It was typical for outsiders to assume Zander was the Alpha, especially since they were the same age. 

Tessa shifted back into her human form and straightened out her clothes. "Actually," she started, stepping in front of Zander. "That would be me," she declared proudly, standing eye to eye with Alan at 5′11" herself.

Alan's eyes widened and Tessa fought to hide her smirk when his Adams Apple bobbed nervously before bowing his head in respect. "My apologies. I didn’t know the Alpha of Blue Ridge was a female," he admitted.

Tessa rolled her eyes and she heard Cadence scoff beside her. "An Alpha is an Alpha no matter the gender," she snapped harshly. “But, let’s start over,” she said, extending her hand to stop him from making up an excuse she’s heard before. "Welcome to Blue Ridge. I am Alpha Tessa Hayes," she introduced, exuding confidence.

"I am Alan Monroe, the Beta of White Sand,” he said, shaking her hand firmly before stepping back to introduce his six warriors. 

Tessa could tell they were eyeing up her squad, who now stood behind her in human form. She was proud knowing they gave off a strong sense of intimidation, warranting a watchful eye.

After acknowledging everyone, Tessa moved on to her own introductions. "Beta Alan, you have already met my Beta, Cadence Turner,” she said, motioning to Cadence, who tilted her head as she looked him over. It was obvious she was sizing him up. "She will be showing you around during your stay," Tessa announced with a smirk.

"She's going to tear him apart," her wolf laughed. Both knew Cadence wouldn't put up with the attitude Alan displayed earlier.

Bringing their attention to her left side, she continued. "The man, you assumed was the Alpha, is actually my Gamma, Zander Turner. Find him if you or your warriors want to participate in any training while you’re here or have security concerns," she explained, watching all their heads nod in understanding.

They all broke formation when they noticed she was done and went around shaking hands with the Elites, but Tessa noticed Zander took his place beside Cadence with a possessive arm around her waist as she spoke to Alan. The sight and thought of someone hovering over her like that made her internally gag.

In time, everyone seemed to be getting along and the atmosphere began to lose its tension, which was a great sign. She saw Elijah directing their visitors to the pack's guest house, but when he noticed her watching him, he sent her a wink.

"Delta, this isn’t the time or place," she snapped and he quickly returned to what he was doing.

While everyone got back into their vehicles, Tessa saw Alan walking toward her. "I'm sorry our sudden arrival came as a surprise, but I want to thank you for taking us in," he said gratefully, bowing his head in respect. Tessa was about to respond when a dark Jeep pulled up to the gate, catching their attention.

"It's about time he showed up," Alan grumbled, heading toward the vehicle where a tall, well-built man stepped out. Tessa could feel her wolf anxiously pacing back and forth in her mind and her senses were suddenly overwhelmed by an intoxicating aroma.

"No way," she gasped in shock as her eyes grew wide with the realization of what was happening.

Tessa instantly glared up to the sky. "Mom, Dad...I know this has something to do with you," she growled before her gaze fell back to their newest guest, taking in his impressive build.

She didn't realize she zoned out until she noticed his broad shoulders rise and fall in deep breaths. When his head snapped in her direction, she froze under his warm chocolate gaze, and her body became heated from the intensity.

"He looks surprised to see us too," her wolf noted, enjoying the way he was looking at them. As if he was removing every piece of clothing she wore. "I could get lost in those eyes all day," she continued with a sigh.

Tessa forcibly broke their connection when she felt her breathing become labored. "That is not the point. I'm not letting this happen," she declared, turning on her heels to join Cadence and Zander. She hoped they couldn’t sense her arousal, but from their questioning glances, they knew something was different about her. Luckily, a White Sand member approached her, postponing their interrogation.

"Alpha, Beta Monroe informed me we are going to settle in our rooms before the meeting. If that's okay," he asked nervously.

Tessa nodded, keeping her expression hard. "Understood, you may go," Tessa dismissed him, clearing her throat when she saw Cadence and Zander were still staring at her with suspicion.

"I think everything is handled here. Let's head back," she suggested, trying to avoid their questions. She ran off, shifting into her wolf form, and headed straight toward the packhouse.

She still smelled her mate and was fighting with everything she had to keep herself from glancing back at him. As the distance grew, Tessa felt calm, but she was dreading their meeting.