Page 12

We walk hand-in-hand to the meeting until we’re near the hall, and Ivy breaks away, entering first. Waiting outside, I take a deep breath, knowing there’s going to be some pushback. My mother and Kyle have issues with Ivy being Luna, so I’m preparing for more. Once inside, everyone is socializing, even the women we saved, and when they see me, all the werewolves bow their heads. I move toward the front of the room, checking over the meeting notes from last time and also today’s agenda.

I clear my throat and say.

“Let’s start. The sooner we get this done, the sooner we can eat.”

Everyone takes their seats with Tibald and Kyle to the right of me. Kyle records the meeting. Since my mother is part of the Alpha line, she sits up front to make sure the meeting runs smoothly.

“First on the list are introductions. We haven’t had a meeting in a month and a half, so we never made formal introductions.”

I search out Tara, Mandy, Louisa, and Ivy, waving them over to introduce them. The sound of clapping drowns out my words, so I put my hands up for them to quiet down.

“These ladies wanted to join our community, so please make them feel at home and help them out whenever possible.”

I glance at the women and then the crowd.

“They’re aware of our werewolf community.”

I address the ladies.

“We meet about every month or so to discuss issues in the community. If there’s anything you’d like discussed or have issues with, please ask my mother to add it to the agenda.”

They walk back to their seats, but I grab Ivy’s hand to bring her back to my side.

“There’s another matter to discuss regarding the new arrivals.”

My eyes scan the entire room, looking for signs of anyone guessing what I’m about to reveal. When my eyes land on Kyle, he bows his head, hands folded in front of him, and my mother assumes the same posture in a seated position. My jaw tightens from their behavior. The two people I trust the most refuse to give Ivy a chance. Fuck that. She’s my mate.

I inhale, blow it out slowly, and say.

“You all know I’ve been waiting to find my mate since I turned eighteen. It’s been a long road, and although many of you wanted me to choose one, I’ve been adamant on waiting for the mate our Moon Goddess chose for me.”

My head shifts downward to see Ivy staring at the floor, tightening her grip on me, and the other hand shoved into her coat pocket.

“Well, I’ve found my mate.”

I bring her hand up to my lips and kiss her knuckles.

“It turns out, Ivy is my fated mate.”

There are gasps, and a slow wave of whispers spread across the hall. My mother shakes her head and sighs but doesn’t look up. Kyle clears his throat, giving Tibald a sideways glance, and then stares straight ahead. I fucking thought they’d at least support me once I told everyone.

To squash any gossip or disapproval, I continue.

“Ivy and I are well aware of the hurdles we face. First off, she’s human, which isn’t a normal werewolf pairing, and second, she’s gone through a lot of trauma. After spending time together, we know she’ll need time to heal. I expect each of you to guide and assist Ivy in any way possible.”

I hear a couple of claps from the back area, which turns out to be Louisa, Tara, and Mandy, and then others join in. This has Ivy glancing up, finding the women and smiling. She stands a little taller.

I’m about to continue when there are more gasps and squeals near the door. Then I see what has some people excited. Shayna steps into the room and locks eyes on me, offering a small wave. The place turns into a sea of people gathering around and hugging her. She walks toward me, periodically stopping to give someone a hug, until she’s standing in front of me. I hadn’t noticed Ivy release my hand and disappear. Shayna bows, and says.

“Alpha Larc. It’s good to be back.”

I’m stunned because I don’t recall her returning today. I thought she would be at the other packhouse for another month.

“It’s good to have you back.”

Her eyes peruse my body and meet my gaze.

“Is that all I get?”

My eyebrow rises.

“Don’t I get a hug?”

With one arm, I give her a hug and see Ivy slipping out of the mess hall. I step back to make room for my mother to dote on her. Shayna has been a pack favorite. They’ve wanted me to choose her as my Luna. We dated for a while, but it never felt right. Shayna is one of the most beautiful werewolves I’ve seen. Her dark hair, now cut into a bob, accentuates her perfectly angular jaw. Eyes as dark as her hair. Tall and muscular, she is strong and would make an excellent Luna. Just not mine.

I declare to the room.

“Since Shayna is here, we’ll reconvene the meeting tomorrow.”

Everyone talks over one another while I dash out of the room to find Ivy walking toward the lake. I catch up and walk next to her, remaining silent.

Ivy’s good at keeping quiet. She must have mastered it from.... I shake my head to dislodge the thought. Her steps are heavier than normal, crunching on the snow-covered path. I let her think. It’s important for her to take in everything and understand it. When she’s ready, she’ll ask me whatever it is she wants to know.

Which is now when she asks.

“Who is she?”

Ivy’s eyes remain forward.

“She must be someone special since everyone was happy to see her.”

Her head raises to look me in the eye.

“And you didn’t notice I released your hand and left.”

My head angles downward.

“Is my little mate jealous?”

She turns away, batting her eyes to keep the tears at bay. I stop walking and say, “Ivy,”

but she continues. It doesn’t take much for me to be right next to her again.

“Mate. There’s no reason to be jealous.”

She bites her lip, gazes straight ahead, and whispers.

“You didn’t answer the question.”

I shove my hands in my jacket, sigh, and respond.

“Her name is Shayna. She’s part of our pack and has been helping another pack who had lost a field trainer.”

Her eyebrows tic upward.

“Shayna is one of our fight trainers. We dated years ago.”

Ivy remains silent, so I continue.

“I’ve waited a long time for my mate. Many of the pack members wanted me to choose one, and Shayna has been their choice for Luna.”

Ivy stops and looks at me with tears in her eyes. It kills me to see her sad.

Her voice cracks when she asks.

“Why, Larc? Why would you put me in this position?”

I pick her up and carry her to my home.

Neither of us speaks until I place her on the kitchen island, removing her hat, gloves, and coat.

“Because you’re mine, Ivy.”

I cup her face in my hands.

“We talked about this, and I told you I’ve waited to find you. Shayna nor anyone else won’t change the fact that you’re my mate, and the one I want.”

She wrenches her head from my hands to gaze out the window.

“Why didn’t you tell me about her?”

I place a kiss on her cheek, leaving my lips against her skin.

“Because I’m Alpha. It doesn’t matter who the pack wants as my mate.”

I breathe her in and close my eyes.

“Ivy, I didn’t expect her back so soon. I assumed she’d be gone another month. You and I are still getting to know each other, and I’m sure it would have come up in conversation at some point.”

My eyes open to her staring at me.

“She’s beautiful, Larc. Strong and—”

I shut her up with a kiss. My tongue pushes past her lips and teeth, claiming what’s mine, proving to her we belong together. She moans into my mouth, which has me grinning. Tucking my hands underneath her ass, I slide her forward, and over her jeans, I massage her clit with my thumb. This leaves her breathless. I’m ready to be inside her. Ivy’s propped up by her arms, legs wide. Our mouths are thirsty for one another. There’s a knock on the door, and I consider mind-linking who it is but that will only make Ivy more insecure.

Pressing my forehead to hers, I command, “Come in.”

Shayna enters, walking into the kitchen to find us close together. Her eyes widen, flicking between me and Ivy as Ivy presses against my chest and slides off the counter. I refuse to release her, so I drape an arm across her front.

“Ivy, this is Shayna, one of our top fighters. Shayna, this is Ivy, my mate.”

Shayna’s eyebrows crinkle and she purses her lips together.

“Your mate?”

Her eyes land on Ivy.

“She’s human?”

“Yes.”

Slowly swallowing her sadness, Shayna comes around the counter, puts out her hand, and says.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

Her eyes flick to mine before returning to Ivy.

“Larc has been waiting for you.”

This ignites tears in Ivy’s eyes as she takes Shayna’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, too.”

They release their handshake and Shayna smooths down her skirt.

“Well, I won’t keep the two of you.”

Ivy hugs her midriff.

“We could go to the mess hall together.”

Shayna offers a small smile.

“Thank you, Ivy, but I’m heading to my home. I’m kind of tired.”

She leaves the house, and Ivy turns in my arms.

“She’s nice.”

My mate collects smiles from me like coins in a fountain. “She is.”

I bend down, rubbing my nose against hers.

“Let’s go eat.”

“Uh, maybe we should eat here.”

“I thought you wanted to go to the mess hall.”

Ivy rests her head on my sternum.

“Everyone’s going to talk about us.”

Holding the sides of her head, I say.

“Do you love me, Ivy?”

“Yes.”

“Am I worth the struggles we’ll face to have the life we deserve?”

“You’re worth so much more, Larc. I’m—”

I tug her head closer.

“From now on, I don’t want to hear you put yourself down. Understand?”

She sucks in her bottom lip and nods.

“Good. Then it’s time for us to meet everyone as mates.”