Standing in the foyer of the pack house sipping on a hot cup of coffee, I keep an eye out of the vehicles that belong to the Alpha of Onix Moon. Last night I barely slept with the news of Rune being on house arrest. I was right to assume there was another reason as to why he rejected me, but to learn this reason I would have to meet him face to face.
“Do you need a refill, Beta Brynlee?” Turning to see an Omega named Greg coming my way, I smile and hold out my nearly empty mug. He pours freshly brewed coffee into it and I thank him before taking a sip of the straight black coffee.
“You seem on edge.” Greg notes and I sigh, turning to look outside the open doors.
“I am.” I admit, watching pups run outside chasing a ball.
“Between the Onix Moon Alpha and a situation we were made aware of, Crescent Phoenix will be busy for the next few weeks.” Greg hums as he stands beside me, his calming presence lowering my anxiety.
“Well, what ever it is that is bothering you, we have your back.” With these departing words, Greg resumes stocking the dinning hall with food. Lunch time is almost here and with a total of eleven new wolves joining us, the Omegas are busy preparing everything to be perfect so that we can show these Onix Moon wolves that their pack did not break them.
[Brynlee, we are coming in hot with Onix Moon.] Quincy’s voice slips into my mind and I frown. They are early by about thirty minutes.
[Got it. Asteria is still in her meeting but I am at the pack house.] I quickly down the rest of my coffee and place the mug on a side table by the door before making my way outside. Pack members have begun to gather as Quest jogs over from Goddess only knows where. He gives me a nod in greeting before silently standing behind me on my left. We wait patiently for the arrival of Onix Moon and spot their vehicles emerging from the tree line ten minutes later. The cars are surrounded by Warriors and Hunters from Crescent Phoenix, the wolves making sure the drivers stay on the designated path. Quincy is the one leading them, his russet brown wolf just ahead of everyone else.
[Clothes are in the first-floor bathroom for you.] I link him as Quincy reaches the pack house first. He rubs against my leg, making me laugh as his fur tickles my side before he enters the pack house. My wolves slowly come to stand on either side of the crowd, their fur slightly raised as unease fills them. I let them be knowing that the men exiting the vehicles are the very same ones that killed their friends and family.
Men and women of various heights step out of the vehicle, forming two lines of five and standing at attention. A man with long black hair tied loosely with a ribbon is the last to exit with another man who’s blond hair is cut short. I study these two and send a link to Asteria that the Alpha brought another person that I assume is the Beta judging from the power radiating off of them. She tells me to behave and I hold in my scoff before the link closes.
“Welcome, Alpha-” I begin, stepping forward and holding my hand to the man with long hair.
“Alpha Viren. It is a pleasure to meet you-” He takes my hand, giving it a firm shake and I hold in an eye roll. He is squeezing my hand harder than necessary.
“Beta Brynlee. Alpha Asteria is in a meeting right now as we did not expect you to be here so soon.” I squeeze his fingers just as hard as he is squeezing mine and relish in the slight wince Alpha Viren tries to hide. It seems I am stronger than him.
“Well, we wanted to make a good impression after what my father did.” I hum in acknowledgement as we release each other’s hands and smile when I feel Quincy come to stand behind me.
“This is our Head Warrior Quincy. He is one of the original wolves when this pack was known as Golden Fang.” I motion to my friend who steps forward and shakes Alpha Viren’s hand, a look of unease crossing the new Alpha’s face as Quincy stays silent and returns to his spot just behind me.
“This is my Beta Tristan.” Alpha Viren introduces the blond man that stands just behind him. He steps forward and I shake his hand, feeling a little hostility coming from the man before me.
“He was just made my Beta two nights ago and since we were celebrating, I forgot to send word of bringing him along.” The lie flows smoothly from Alpha Viren’s lips but I decide not to call him out. Right now we need to gain some perspective of what these men really want.
“congratulations Beta Tristan.” I praise as we release the hand shake and step back.
“Omegas have created a nice welcome lunch for your arrival if you are hungry.” I smile as friendly as I can while keeping an eye on Quincy and Quest. I am worried these two will be the one to cause a fight. Right now we cannot afford to deal with the fall out. Crescent Phoenix is still growing and we just received a bus full of people escaping Pine Moon last night to sort out.
“Lunch sounds great right now Beta Brynlee. Lead the way.” Beta Tristan answers, his grim look becoming a full smile. Trying not to appear taken aback, I lead the Onix Moon wolves into the pack house, telling our guests that after lunch we will show them to the guest house to settle in.
Thankfully, Asteria is waiting in the dinning room and introduces herself to Alpha Viren and Beta Tristan, apologizing for being late due to a meeting with an ally pack. She gives me a smile as she takes the Alpha and Beta pair to our table while I pull Quest and Quincy aside.
“I need you two to behave. We have a situation with Pine Moon and Asteria will fill us in with what Jett told her later.” I whisper to the two, watching their hands clench and unclench.
“I don’t like them being here.” Quincy grinds out between clenched teeth and I wrap my arms him. He buries his face into my hair, taking in my scent and calming down.
“I know you hate them, but what they are offering us is a good deal.” I remind him, pulling away and giving Quest a hug as well figuring my friend needs one.
“We know Bryn. We will keep our opinions to ourselves and work on keeping the pack in line while you and Asteria play politics.” Quest voices as he releases me. I sigh with relief and thank them, promising them that they can come and vent to me or go for runs if need be before I make my way to the buffet and load up a plate.
Joining Asteria, Gale, Alpha Viren and Beta Tristan, I sit in my usual seat to the right of Asteria and take a sip of the water that Gale hands me.
“So Miss Brynlee.”
“Beta Brynlee.” I correct Alpha Viren, watching his smile falter for a moment before it returns as if nothing happened.
“My apologies, Beta Brynlee. Do you have a Mate?” He asks looking around the room, his eyes landing on Quincy. I can feel his hostility towards my friend and nearly let out a growl. Yes, things between Quincy and I are not normal, that I am closer to him than anyone else I have met in Crescent Phoenix, but having a wolf show their hostility to him, even discretely, pisses me off.
“I do actually.” I admit, my tone frosty and causing Alpha Viren’s gaze to snap back at me.
“But he rejected me for another and so I am happily single for now.” I continue while scooping potato salad into my mouth. My eyes watch a flicker of greed flash behind this young Alpha’s eyes and the suspicion I have for him grows.
“Oh. What a shame. Clearly your Ex is an idiot.” He shrugs before taking a bite of his burger. I can tell there is a hidden meaning to his words but ignore it for now.
“Alpha Viren, how long do you plan to stay?” Asteria asks, her tone short and curt like the business woman she is.
“Five days. It gives your Lawyer time to go over the contract I brought and for me to see if my Mate may be in your pack if that is alright with you.” Alpha Viren smiles sweetly at Asteria and Gale and I give each other a knowing look. It seems we will be able to help Jett and avoid Alpha Viren finding out about them.
For now that is.