*** "We shall resume the talks on the way forward with regards to the Rogue crisis from yesterday's meeting. Due to yesterday's events, we are sure that some of you may have a new outlook on how to tackle everything. Before we hear from you all, I'd like to ask the individuals who were involved in the events of yesterday to give us a recounting of what occured." Ian said, turning to me and the rest of my friends with a small, reassuring smile. All eyes were on us, including Rhys who squeezed my hand that was still in his. He seemed reluctant to let go and for a moment, I was deathly afraid that he wouldn't considering I had had to eat with one hand.  Thankfully, though, he let go and allowed me to stand with the rest of my best friends and Gary who all got to their feet, preparing for to give a recounting of last night's events. I turned to my father once Reed spoke up, his small smile warm and reassuring as he gave me a simple nod to proceed wit

*** "Thank you for coming with me, Lexi. You didn't have to and considering your new responsibilities, this is going above and beyond for me." Sebastian stated, his small smile warming my heart as I interlinked our hands. I knew that he felt uncomfortable somewhat to put me in between my mate and himself but that was the furthest thing on my mind. My friend needed me and that's all that matters to me. "You don't need to thank me, Seb. I am ALWAYS going to be here for you, no matter what. You have always had my back and I intend to do the same for you." I responded, meaning every word as we walked towards our destination. Evan and Luci glanced back at us, the two seeming to be in deep but silent conversation about something. Confusion engulfed me at their secrecy, more so their small smiles as they turned back to us. "Alright, big brother. I feel like you need some guy time and I need to hug my best friend and get some pretty interesting detail

*** Luci and I paused outside the Meeting hall that was now clearing after the end of the meeting. Anxiety swelled from within me at the prospect of seeing my mate once more. His words before I left earlier had been swirling within me, adding onto my original anxiety. It was not that I did not understand what he meant. It was that I knew what he meant and it filled me with a sliver of fear as to how drastically my life was about to change. "Hey...It's okay. I doubt your delicious looking mate would deny any of your requests with the looks he's been giving you and the way he vowed to protect you in front of a bunch of Alphas from the various territories. It's pretty clear he's smitten with you and despite his bad boy status, He might probably worship the ground you walk on." Luci joked, her words making me chuckle nervously. "Let's not push it...Also, what do you mean by 'bad boy' status?" I inquired, genuinely confused by her words. I was yet

*** The meeting hall was packed to the brim with many of the remaining Alphas who had opted to remain behind for the celebrations. Champagne flowed freely as did soothing Jazz music that was a perfect background for the conversations all around. Rhys seemed to be in his element as he engaged many of those who approached, each of the Alphas with one request/inquiry or the other. I could not help but be in awe of his efficiency as he enagaged each and every single person who approached him, listening aptly before giving relevant replies. He was certainly not the man who he had been a few hours before, a man filled with lust and desire. No, now he was Lord Rhys Hayden, the Lord of the Northern Territory and contender to the throne of the Werewolf King. Learning that had sent shivers of anxiety through me, appalled by the great position he held in our world. Everything seemed to become clearer, most especially the great respect he garnered from all who were aroun

*** A five hour plane ride later, we were settled inside a heavily tinted Chevrolet SUV fleet of three as we headed towards what I could only assume was the Hayden Manor. My tears had long dried, my body slowly growing accustomed to the shift in time zones. My small naps during the flight had helped somewhat and also kept me from having to discuss how I had taken comfort in his embrace. In that moment, he had become my solace. The only person who could calm me and, indeed, it had worked. A flush took over my features as I recalled how closely he held me and soothed my back, his words of comfort filling me with a warmth unlike any other. Oh goddess, why did I have to go and make it awkward? It's been years since I cried, let alone while snuggled into my mate's chest. A mate I shouldn't even be cuddling with! "This time of year is usually pretty cold but I promise that Summer is absolutely amazing!" Beta Ian interjected, a small smile o