Kieran POV
As soon as I step off the plane, the Texas heat hits me, and I am reminded of one of the many reasons why I hate it so much here. The air is suffocating, and I am overdressed. I take off my suit jacket and toss it in the backseat of my rental car, and then I roll up the sleeves of my shirt. It isn't the professional look I was going for, but it is too fucking hot.
Getting in the car, I turn on the AC full blast and head to the South Pack's pack house. The drive is short and boring. The skyline is bare, void of any mountains or trees. I see the pack house standing in the distance. Despite its welcoming appearance, I can't help but remember that the last time my family was here, my sister was attacked. This pack was at the forefront of resistance against Raven, and even though there is a new Alpha, I can't help but hate it here. I want to get Tish and get out of here as soon as possible.
I pull up to the pack house and see Alpha Fred and his Luna standing on the front porch. Fred is beginning to show his age. His hair is starting to gray, and his brown eyes are looking dull. Though he is trying to stand tall his shoulders are hunched like he is tired. He has been Alpha for too long, but from what I understand, his sons are in no shape to take over the pack.
His mate is his complete opposite. She looks young and vibrant. Her blonde hair hangs neatly down her back, and her makeup is done to perfection. Her light blue sundress is wrinkle-free, and diamonds glitter on her fingers. There is a fake smile on her face to hide her anxiety about my visit. She is no fool. She knows that if I am here, Raven may not be far behind.
I don't bother smiling as I get out of the car. I don't want to be here, and I know they don't want me here. There is no point in faking pleasantries. I am surprised that the twins are also not here to greet me as well. It isn't a good look for the pack.
"Alpha Kieran," Luna Scarlett says sweetly. "How lovely of you to come and visit us."
"This isn't a visit," I snap at her. "Apparently, it is a rescue mission."
Luna Scarlett's face falls, and she lowers her head. Alpha Fred steps forward and offers his hand. "If you will come inside, we have much to discuss."
"I am here for Tish," I tell him. "I made my position clear over the phone. I would like to gather the familiar and head back home as soon as I can. I have a mate waiting for me."
Alpha Fred swallows awkwardly. "Tish isn't here."
I chuckle loudly. Surely, he is joking. "What do you mean she is not here?"
"The human," Luna Scarlett says with disdain, "has chosen to leave with another werewolf."
I run my hand down my face and try to control my temper. "Where has she gone?"
"We aren't sure," Alpha Fred speaks before his mate has a chance to. His words are a lie. I may not have my sister's powers, but I know he is lying.
"Where are your sons?" I demand to know. "Surely they can track their own mate."
"Our sons are under punishment," the Luna replies stiffly. "They will not be joining us."
This time, I cannot hold back my laughter. "They are twenty-four years old, are they not? They are adults, and they are under punishment. That is nonsense. Go get them."
"Of course, they aren't under punishment," Alpha Fred says nervously. "They had a bit of a tussle earlier and are healing."
I stare at the Alpha and Luna, but neither of them leaves to go get the twins. "I wasn't joking," I say stiffly. "Go get your sons."
Luna Scarlett scoffs loudly. "I don't know how you run things at the North Pack, but I am positive you wouldn't allow other Alphas onto your pack territory and listen to their demands. We run things a certain way here at the South Pack, and I will not be bossed around by someone half my age."
"You are a fucking joy to be around," I spit at her.
My tone elicits a growl from Alpha Fred, and he pushes his mate behind him. "I will ask you not to speak to my mate in that tone."
"Fine," I grumble. "I will leave without Tish and let my sister know that you have let a familiar disappear."
Alpha Fred quickly changes his tune. "I don't believe that is necessary," he stammers. "After all, we weren't the ones that lost her in the first place."
"But when we let Tish out of our care, we knew where she was going, thanks to my mate," I inform them. "Now, her future is clouded and unclear. It is important that we find her immediately."
"Who says her future is clouded and unclear?" Luna Scarlett clips.
"My mate," I snarl. "Are you suggesting that her abilities are not what they should be?"
"Of course not," Alpha Fred interjects. "We will find Tish. If you will just come inside, I will call down my sons."
Luna Scarlett is fuming with anger, and I wish I had brought my mother with me. I could use her help taming the attitude of this bitch. Still, she leads me into the pack house and into a very formal sitting room.
The furniture doesn't look like it has been used for centuries, and I am honestly afraid that the chair will collapse under my weight. It creaks loudly as I sit down, and I shift awkwardly on the cushion. Alpha Fred has disappeared, presumably in search of his sons, but the Luna sits across from me and glares in my direction.
If I were a lesser man, I might be intimidated by her. I have heard that she used to be a formidable warrior in her prime, but there is something about her that isn't quite right.
"I can only assume you are not pleased that your sons mate is a human," I ask, trying to poke the bear.
She crosses her legs and smooths her skirt over her thighs. "What gives you that impression?"
"You obviously have a bias against humans," I tell her.
"Humans are beneath us," she responds. "I see no need for us to live in harmony with creatures that we could easily keep under our thumb."
"You are aware that my mate is half-human," I respond.
"Such a pity," she says through gritted teeth.