Page 4 of Night with a Gamma (Golden Strings of Fate #2)

A CAT AND A WOLF WALK INTO A PACKHOUSE…

Wren

I can hardly believe I’m finally here, the place my mate calls home.

As I drive my butter yellow Volkswagen Beetle through the gates of the Waterton Pack, excitement bubbles within me like the effervescent fizz of a freshly opened soda.

The sprawling landscape unfurls in front of me like a lush green tapestry, dotted with majestic trees and the rustic charm of the packhouse.

My heart races at the thought of seeing Harrison again.

The anticipation makes my fingers drum nervously against the steering wheel.

In the passenger seat, Shadow, my midnight-black cat, mewls from his crate, his voice a soft reminder of my connection to home. I glance at him, the way his golden eyes gleam with curiosity and a hint of mischief.

“It’s going to be alright, Shadow,” I reassure him, placing my hand gently on the top of the crate. “We’re going to our new room soon.”

He responds with another meow, as if he understands every word, and I can’t help but smile. He’s not just my pet; he’s my confidant, my familiar, my little bundle of magic in a world that sometimes feels overwhelming.

As I pull up to the back driveway, I spot Dalton, the Beta of the pack, striding toward my car. He’s tall, tattooed and muscular, with an easy confidence that radiates from him. I step out and greet him with a bright smile. “Hi, Dalton! It’s great to see you!”

“Wren,” he replies, his voice deep and warm, like a comforting embrace. “Glad to have you here. Harrison is in Wyatt’s office on a call, but he’ll be along shortly. He hasn’t shut up about you all morning. In the meantime, let me help you with your bags.”

I open the passenger door and reach for Shadow’s crate, but Dalton flinches slightly as he catches the scent of my feline companion.

“Is that a cat?” he asks, laughter dancing in his eyes.

“Yep! This is Shadow,” I say, holding the crate a little higher like a trophy. “He’ll be staying with us in the suite.”

Dalton chuckles, shaking his head. “A cat in a house full of wolves? This should be interesting.” There’s a knowing smirk on his face, and I can’t help but wonder what he’s thinking.

“Don’t worry,” I assure him, my tone slightly defensive. “I’ll keep him in the suite. I think it’ll be fine.” But deep down, I’m aware of the potential chaos. Wolves and cats aren’t exactly known for their harmonious coexistence.

Dalton’s smirk deepens, dimples pop in his cheeks, and I roll my eyes. These hot wolfmen and their smirks could send lesser women into a faint. I grab my boho brown leather purse and Shadow’s crate, following Dalton as he leads me up the stairs to our new suite.

The packhouse is everything I imagined and more. The wood beams overhead are rich and dark, the scent of cedar lingering in the air. I can hear the distant sounds of laughter and conversation filtering through the walls, a reminder that this place is alive with community, with family.

When we reach the door to our suite, Dalton pushes it open, revealing a cozy space filled with warm light and inviting decor.

There’s a large king bed draped in soft maroon blankets and navy pillows strewn about, a sitting area adorned with plush cream chairs, along with a small kitchenette tucked away in the corner. It’s perfect.

“This is amazing!” I exclaim, stepping inside and setting Shadow’s crate down on the floor and opening the cage door. He pokes his head out, surveying his new surroundings with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

“Glad you like it,” Dalton says, stepping in after me. “Harrison will be here soon. Is there anything else you need help with?”

I shake my head, feeling a flutter of nerves in my stomach. “No, I think I’m all set. Thank you for helping me with my bags.” I give him an appreciative smile.

Dalton nods, but his expression shifts slightly, a hint of seriousness creeping into his demeanor. “Just… be careful, Wren. The pack dynamics can be complicated. I know you and Harrison have a strong bond already, but things can get tricky.”

I frown, sensing the weight behind his words. “What do you mean?”

He hesitates, glancing toward the door as if considering whether to say more. “Just… wolves can be territorial, especially when it comes to their mates. And there are those who aren’t as accepting of outsiders . Just keep your guard up, okay?”

A shiver runs down my spine at his warning. I know that being a witch among a pack of wolves can be challenging, but I’m determined to make this work. Harrison is my fated mate, and I won’t let anything come between us. “I appreciate the heads-up, Dalton. I’ll be careful.”

With that, he gives me a reassuring smile before stepping out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I take a deep breath, letting the reality of my surroundings sink in. This is it. I’m here, and soon I’ll be with Harrison.

As I unpack my bags, I can’t help but feel a mix of exhilaration and trepidation.

Shadow explores the suite, his little paws padding softly against the hardwood floor.

I watch him, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence.

He’s my anchor in this new world filled with towering wolves and the magic they wield.

Just as I finish unpacking, the door swings open, and there he is — Harrison.

My heart skips a beat at the sight of him.

He’s everything I remember and more. His honey blonde hair tousled in that effortlessly handsome way, his piercing blue eyes sparkling with warmth.

The moment our gazes lock, I feel an electric connection that sends a rush of warmth through my veins.

“Wren,” he breathes, a smile breaking across his face. “You’re here.”

“I am,” I reply, my voice barely above a whisper.

He strides toward me, his presence filling the room with an energy that’s both comforting and exhilarating. As he gets closer, the familiar scent of sea and sunshine envelops me, stirring something deep within my soul. It’s like coming home after a long journey.

“I can’t believe you’re finally here,” he says, reaching for my hand and pulling me into a gentle embrace. I melt against him, feeling the strength of his arms around me.

“I missed you so much and it’s been less than twenty-four hours,” I confess, my voice muffled against his shoulder.

“Me too, Little Bird,” he murmurs, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. “I’m glad you brought Shadow.” He glances over at my cat, who has claimed a sunny spot on the floor, oblivious to the world around him.

“Dalton warned me it might be an interesting adjustment,” I say, a laugh escaping my lips. “But I figured we could handle it.”

Harrison chuckles, the sound rich and warm. “You have no idea how right he is. But I think it’ll be fun to have a cat around. Just be prepared for some chaos.”

I grin, feeling the excitement bubbling up again. “I’ll take on the challenge. I’m ready for anything as long as I’m with you.”

He steps back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, I hope you’re ready for pack life. There’s a lot going on, and I want you to be part of it.”

My heart races at his words. “I want to be part of it. I want to know everything about you, your world.”

“Good,” he says, stepping closer again. “Then let’s start with dinner. I want to introduce you to some of the pack members. They’ll love you.”

“Dinner sounds perfect,” I reply, excitement coursing through me.

As we head out of the suite, hand in hand, I can’t help but feel a sense of belonging wash over me. This is my life now, my adventure, and I’m ready to embrace every moment of it.

As we step into the bustling atmosphere of the packhouse, I can feel the energy shift. The laughter and chatter of the pack members fill the air, and I know that this is just the beginning of my journey. A journey filled with love, magic, and the untamed spirit of the wolves.

And as I look up at Harrison, his gaze steady and reassuring, I know that I wouldn’t want to face it with anyone else by my side.