chapter 37

~Tessa~ 

*Mature Content*

Tessa released a sigh while leaning back in her chair. There was absolutely nothing out of the ordinary that warranted her suspicion in Alpha Monroe’s file. He seemed to be respected by the other packs in his state and ran a reputable business. The man didn’t even have so much as a speeding ticket. “He’s probably some sissy,” her wolf teased, she normally leaned toward the bad boys. Tessa chuckled at her wolf’s words while stretching her arms above her head. She has been avoiding the clock, but finally peaked over to see it was well past 1:00pm.

Out of the corner of her eye, Tessa noticed the folder which held the Alpha’s photos. She picked it up leaning back in her chair, but when she was about to look through the photos, of the “perfect” Alpha, she heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” she announced to her visitor. The door opened, revealing one of her Elite warriors. “Oh, what brings you here Elijah,” she asked, pushing her hair back out of her face. “I’ve brought you something to eat since you missed lunch Alpha,” he answered, gesturing to the plate in his hand and the coffee mug. “Thank you so much. I seemed to have lost track of time,” she yawned, bringing her hand up to massage her neck.

Elijah watched her movements and locked the door behind him. After placing the food on the end table, he began walking toward her desk. Tessa could tell, by his lust filled gaze, that he was looking to help her with more than just her appetite for food. Rounding her chair, Elijah placed his large hands on each of Tessa’s shoulders and began massaging. She closed her eyes as his fingers worked their magic. “Mmm, maybe I should have made you the pack masseuse instead of Delta for the Elites,” she teased. A growl rumbled from his chest as he lowered his face into her neck, inhaling her scent. “If I can serve you personally, I’d be more than happy to give up my position,” he whispered, planting a soft kiss behind her ear, while his finger drug along her collar bone, exposing her shoulder.

Tessa couldn’t help but enjoy the feeling of his lips as they left a trail of kisses down her neck, an Alpha has primal needs after all. “He has been helpful so far,” her wolf purred in agreement. She smirked as he slowly turned her chair to face him. He pulled her jacket down off her arms while untucking her blouse from her skirt. Her gaze followed along his strong arms, over the fitted t-shirt that hid his defined chest, and finally she met his darkened eyes with hers. He moved in, placing a kiss upon her lips, causing her to hum in approval as his lips parted and his rough hand moved over her toned stomach. He pulled her closer to him as her tongue invaded his mouth in a demand of dominance.

Elijah was the only wolf in the pack she allowed to occasionally be intimate with her. He never asked for favors in return and knew it was nothing more than a way for her to release tension. On multiple occasions, he has made it clear he only wants to please his Alpha and Tessa always had full control. She was always careful not to let it get to far, staying true to the promise she made herself years ago. She had no intentions of mating with any wolf, even if he was her “destined” mate, but having a little fun here and there didn’t hurt.

Elijah pulled her blouse up over her head as his lips trailed down her chest and over her cleavage. His other hand snaked around her back continuing to work their magic by unclipping her bra, letting her breasts free. Elijah took her nipple into his mouth, running his warm tongue over the sensitive bud until it peaked, then he pulled it between his teeth. He palmed and squeezed the other, pinching and rolling her nipple between his fingers, before switching sides to give both equal attention. Tessa’s back arched in pleasure as she lifted her hips from the chair, letting him know she wanted more.

He listened to her body’s plea by moving his hand between her legs and slowly up along her inner thigh. She roughly grabbed his hair pulling him closer to her, making him growl in pleasure against her chest. The feeling of his hand skimming along her tights gave Tessa goosebumps, but when his hand was about to reach her center, she received a mind link from Cadence. “Alpha, we have an unexpected group of visitors at the gate,” Cadence announced, but Tessa didn’t respond. She was too focused on the feeling of Elijah’s claw carefully ripping her tights as he pushed her skirt farther up her hips. This was just the release she needed today of all days. Whatever was happening at the gate Cadence could handle.

Elijah had moved her shirt up to expose her stomach, leaving wet kisses in his wake as his head moved lower. His fingers grazed the entrance to her core, which was more than ready to receive his attention. “Tessa, it’s the Beta of White Sand with a few pack warriors,” Cadence informed her again, causing her eyes to snap open and her body stilled. Elijah looked up at her with concern and when he saw the look on her face he stood, ready to act. “They want to deal with you directly. Their Alpha is running a few minutes late but is close by. Apparently, there was a pack situation that needed his attention and caused the visit to be pushed up,” Cadence continued, and Tessa’s eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“Just wonderful,” Tessa mumbled to herself, her eyes darkened as she mind linked with Cadence. “Tell Beta Monroe I will be there shortly. Apparently, they must not have phones where they come from,” she said sarcastically, pulling her ripped tights off and adjusting herself. “Please have them go through the screening protocol. I want no weapons brought into the pack borders. If they want to be treated like guests they will comply. If not, we have a couple cells they can wait for their Alpha in,” she ordered before finally

turning to Elijah. They were both back to business. “Contact your warriors and have them follow us to the gate. We have some visitors,” she snapped, heading for the door.

As soon as she stepped out of the pack house, Tessa shifted into her wolf and took off for the south border. “I guess we’ll have to unwind with a different kind of release,” she thought to her wolf, enjoying the way her large paws beat against the earth and the way the wind felt against her fur. It had been a while since she let her wolf out for a run. “I’d say. All this stuffy office business has me pacing. I’m glad they’re here early,” her wolf said. She enjoyed any excuse to exude her strength.

Shortly, Tessa was flanked by her Elite squad. Elijah snapped his jaws, growling at the other wolves to keep up. When they were getting closer to the gate, Tessa could hear the frustrated voice of a man. “How much longer must we wait for him? I understand this was unexpected but surely all this questioning and searching is unnecessary. We are no threat,” Alan swore, throwing his hands up when Cadence continued directing the other warriors to search their vehicles and duffle bags. It was amusing to see her blatantly ignoring the Beta’s complaints.

Tessa let out a quick bark, signaling the squad to slow down. “This is going to be interesting. They’re not even through the gate and they’re already questioning our protocol,” Tessa’s wolf growled pushing her ears back as she slowed to a walk. The Elites formed a protective line in front of her as Zander joined them, taking lead in his human form. “Finally! You must be the Alpha,” the Beta said with a sigh of relief as he walked closer, extending a hand to Zander, but Tessa could see him eyeing the line of wolves with concern.

Tessa shook her head. She was used to outsiders assuming Zander was the Alpha, especially since they were the same age. “Aren’t they going to be in for a surprise,” she sent through the pack link. They all responded with short laughs as Tessa shifted back into her human form and straightened out her clothes. “Actually,” she started, stepping in front of Zander. “That would be me,” she declared proudly, standing eye to eye with Alan at 5′11” herself.

Alan’s eyes widened and she had to fight to hide her smirk as she watched his Adams Apple bob nervously before he bowed his head in respect. “My apologies. I was not told the Alpha of Blue Ridge was a female,” he said, justifying his actions. Tessa rolled her eyes and heard Cadence scoff beside her. “Does that make a difference? An Alpha is an Alpha no matter the gender,” she asked him harshly, but when he started to reply Tessa waved him off dismissively. She has heard every excuse before.

“Let’s start over shall we,” she asked while extending her hand. Her tone was friendly enough, but she kept her face expressionless. “Welcome to Blue Ridge. I am Alpha Tessa Hayes,” she introduced herself. “I am Alan Monroe, the Beta of White Sand,” he said, shaking her hand firmly before stepping back to introduce his six warriors. Tessa could tell they were eyeing up her squad as they stood behind her now in human form. She was proud knowing they gave off a strong sense of intimidation, warranting a watchful eye.

After acknowledging everyone, Tessa moved onto her own introductions. “Beta Alan, you have already met my Beta, Cadence,” she said, motioning to Cadence, who tilted her head as she looked him over. It was obvious she was sizing him up. “She will be showing you around during your stay,” Tessa announced with a smirk. “She’s going to tear him apart,” her wolf laughed. They both knew Cadence wouldn’t put up with the attitude Alan displayed earlier.

Tessa brought their attention to her left side and continued. “The man, you assumed was the Alpha, is actually my Gamma Zander. If you, or your warriors, would like to participate in any training please talk to him,” she explained, watching all their heads nod in understanding. They all broke off, when they noticed she was done, and went around shaking hands with the Elites. “They're all clear Alpha,” Cadence informed her through the link. Tessa saw it didn’t take long for Zander to stand next to her, with a possessive arm around her waist. She couldn’t keep from rolling her eyes and laugh to herself.

Taking a deep breath, Tessa noticed the atmosphere began to lose its tension. Everyone seemed to be getting along, which was a great sign. She saw Elijah was starting to direct the visitors to the pack’s guest house, but when he noticed her watching him, he sent her a wink. “Delta, this is not the time for your playful antics,” she snapped. He quickly returned to what he was doing, not risking a second glance.

As they all started getting back into their vehicles, Alan walked over to her. “I’m sure our sudden arrival came as an unexpected surprise, but I want to thank you for taking us in,” he said gratefully while bowing his head in respect. Tessa was about to respond when a dark Jeep Rubicon pulled up to the gate, catching their attention. “It’s about time he showed up,” Alan stated in relief. When he started heading toward the vehicle a tall, well built, man stepped out.

Tessa could feel her wolf anxiously pacing back and forth in her mind and her senses were suddenly overwhelmed by an intoxicating aroma. “No way,” she gasped in shock as her eyes grew wide with the realization of what was happening. Tessa instantly glared up to the sky. “Mom, Dad...I know this has something to do with you,” she grumbled as her gaze fell back on their newest guest. Tessa realized she was still zoning out, taking in his impressive build, when she noticed his broad shoulders rise and fall with a deep breath. She was frozen in place and her breath hitched in her throat when his head suddenly snapped in her direction.

His warm chocolate brown eyes met hers and her body heated up with the intensity of his gaze. “He looks just as surprised as us,” her wolf mentioned, enjoying the way he was looking at them. “I could get lost in those eyes all day,” she continued with a sigh. Tessa rolled her eyes, forcibly breaking their connection. She was able to think clearly when she wasn’t being lured in by the pull of the bond. “That is not the point. You know what happens when an Alpha female is mated to an Alpha male. I’m not letting this happen,” she declared,

turning on her heels to join Cadence and Zander for a briefing.

When she approached the group, both Cadence and Zander sent her a questionable glance. Thankfully, a White Sand member approached her. “Alpha, Beta Alan informed me we are going to settle in before the meeting. If that’s okay,” he asked nervously. Tessa nodded, keeping her expression hard. “Understood, you may go,” Tessa dismissed him, clearing her throat when she saw Cadence and Zander were still staring at her in suspicion. 

“I think Elijah and the Border patrol have it handled here. Let’s head back,” she suggested, trying to avoid their questions. She ran off shifting into her wolf form and headed straight toward to the pack house. She could still smell her mate and was fighting for control with everything she had to keep her wolf from glancing back at him. The more distance there was between them the calmer she felt, but she knew they’d have to cross paths eventually, and she was dreading it.