Helping Odette bring the last of the salads out to the table, I turn back and smile as I watch the Pine Moon wolves that will be initiated into the back next week mingle with the Crescent Phoenix wolves. They look like a pack already, the two groups happily chatting about training with some wanting to join the patrol shift tomorrow to get a feel of the territory. Unfortunately the cheery atmosphere ends there as many of the Crescent Phoenix wolves that used to be Golden Fang stare at the few Onix Moon wolves with distain and hatred as our guests stick to themselves. I knew tonight would pose a challenge as there was no arrange seating at our bonfires, but to see so much hostility really worries me.
“Brynlee!” Turning to the left, I see Quest, Quincy and surprisingly Tristan walking towards me, the three looking thick as thieves as they each hold a glass of moon shine in their hands.
“Enjoying yourselves?” I laugh out, watching Tristan take a swig of the alcoholic drink.
“Very. Who knew your pack knew how to make alcohol.” He muses, a rosy tinge to his cheeks. It seems this visiting Beta can’t handle his liquor.
“We didn’t at first.” I admit, turning to watch as some of our new wolves approach Onix Moon with jars of liquor, offering them the drink. These are the ones that came from Pine Moon. Asteria knew the original wolves of our pack would have a hard time interacting with our guests and asked those we initiated from Pine Moon to help smooth things over between Crescent Phoenix and Onix Moon. It was a smart decision she made as these Onix Moon wolves tentatively accept the alcohol before opening and chugging the bottles without a glass. I wince, watching as a Warrior starts coughing from the strong alcohol while everyone laughs.
“So how did your pack gain this awesome drink?” Tristan pulls me back from watching the terse interaction become friendly and relief fills me.
“Our pack has grown and we have a few experts.” Quincy answers, sending me a wink. I roll my eyes but sent him a thank you through the link knowing that the information of Pine Moon wolves joining Crescent Phoenix is sensitive. Not just anyone can know about them for their and our own safety.
“Well, when you decide to open up a liquor store at the borders of you pack, let me know. I’d love to purchase this.” Tristan waves as he waddles over to his pack mates and I turn to glare at my friends. No wolf should be that drunk when we only set out the weaker of the alcohol.
“Quincy did it.” Quest instantly rats his friend out, making Quincy glare at him.
“it’s only the thirty-five percent proof. Not my fault Tristan can’t handle alcohol meant for werewolves.” He shrugs in defense before excusing himself to grab some of the meat roasting in smaller spits by the bonfire. I send a link to Asteria about our pack intentionally getting Onix Moon drunk and catch her trying not to laugh as she talks to a few of our wolves. Of course she would find this situation funny.
The sudden feeling of being watch forces me to suppress a shudder. The gaze contains desire, greed and dominance and if it weren’t for my own strong blood, I would have caved under the pressure. Turning to where the source of the gaze comes from, I notice Alpha Viren staring at me, lust clearly shining in his eyes. He doesn’t hide is intention towards me and instead smirks when he notices I caught him. Rasing the bottle of moon shine in a cheering motion, he brings the bottle to his lips and takes a long drag, not taking his eyes off me. Quest comes to stand beside me, his own anger radiating off of him and I warn him to reign in his emotions.
“I don’t like him.” My friend states and retract my gaze from the visiting Alpha and turn to look at my friend.
“Neither do I.” With a tacit understanding, Quest becomes my guard as we mingle with the wolves. By now the Onix Moon wolves have become more amicable with the drink and were dancing with the other drunk wolves to the music Holton plays. I image that Tristan and Alpha Viren will be shocked to know our D.J. is also our lawyer tomorrow and suddenly think that getting our guests drunk was a brilliant plan. It will leave their actions wide open for us to scrutinize at the meeting.
“What made you so happy?” Quest asks as we grab some soda from the cooler.
“That I could kiss Quincy for his pettiness in getting Onix Moon drunk.” I giggle out, taking a sip of the Coca-Cola.
“He would like that.” My friend dead pans, causing me to nearly spit out my drink. Deciding to ignore that comment and not open up the discussion to the box of ‘what are we’ that is happening between Quincy and I, I tell Quest to enjoy the party as there seems to be no threat. He is about to leave my side when my cellphone rings and I take the device from my pocket. Caspian’s image shows on screen and I smile.
“Hey-”
“Hey Lilac. I just want to let you know I am forwarding an email to you.” Caspian cuts me off, using my pseudonym and alerting me that Rune is in the room. I pause and grab Quest by his arm, dragging him into the pack house and away from prying ears. Another ping from my phone alerts me that I have an email and look at the screen for a moment before bringing it to my ear once again.”
“Got it.” I state cheerily in a British accents that makes my voice sound a little high pitched than usual. Caspian lets out a chuckle before explaining he needs to go but to share the email with my Alpha. Before I can say good bye, the line clicks off and I sigh. Crisis averted.
“So what did he send you?” Quest asks as I look at the time on my screen. Eleven at night.
“An email. Want to hide in my office for a bit?” I ask in turn, grinning. What ever Caspian sent has got to be good.
“Sounds like a plan. Should I link Asteria to join us?”
“Nah, let her play diplomat. Onix Moon’s Alpha gives me the creeps.” I shrug, trekking up the stairs. Quest and I quickly make our way to my office and I instantly make a beeline for my desk. Signing into my computer, I pull up my email and find the newest one Caspian sent. Quest and I look at each other when I realize the original sender is Rune and I pause. Caspian wouldn’t haven sent this to me unless it was important.
With a sigh, I click on the email and the first thing to start instantly is a very lewd video that has my jaw dropping.
“Is that?” Quest asks as my shock morphs into a grin.
“Yes it is.”