chapter 37

~Tessa~

Pacing the length of her bedroom in a silk robe, Tessa couldn’t believe how fast the day went. Last night she barely slept because of her nerves and during the day she tried to keep herself busy with the planning for the annual Leadership Conference. All the packs in the northeast were coming together to discuss issues and threats in the Werewolf Community and every newly appointed Alpha introduced themselves to the Elders to be sworn into council. When she found the planning only took her a few hours she moved onto helping her Grandmother plan for the ball they held afterwards. Of course, her Grandmother was instantly suspicious since any other year she’d avoid party planning like the plague.

Eventually, Tessa was tricked into admitting what was really going on and sent off to her room to get ready. As she begrudgingly left the ballroom, she cringed hearing her Grandmother carry on with the other she wolves about how she couldn’t wait to see her future “Grandpups” running around.

It was a few hours later and she wasn’t even close to being ready. “I feel like a pathetic teenager,” Tessa growled to her wolf as she held a couple dresses up to her body in the mirror. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to dress to impress or make it seem like she put as little effort as possible into her look. Her wolf simply laughed at her dilemma then continued to daydream about their mate. It seemed she knew exactly what she wanted out of this night. “Don’t be easy,” Tessa scolded. Her wolf seemed to forget they were trying to avoid being submissive. It seemed she was already to roll over for him and that made her even more anxious.

Tessa closed her eyes and prayed to the Moon Goddess to calm her nerves. All these years she’s never had any interest in dating, besides her complex no strings attached relationship with Elijah. When her thoughts drifted to her mates potential dating history, she found herself becoming filled with jealousy. It was probably safe to assume her mate had plenty of experience in the dating field, and she despised the feelings those thoughts brought onto her. It was not only jealously but vulnerability, a feeling she swore she’d never fall victim to. “He better not compare us to other she wolves,” she growled. “Trust him,” her wolf encouraged, but that was easy for her to say and a lot harder for Tessa to do.

Speaking of mate and other unwelcome feelings, she was surprised to find Dainin waiting alone in her office this morning. As soon as she opened the door she was overcome with the smell of citrus. Peering inside, she saw his long body stretched out on her couch, obviously making himself comfortable. “Is he trying to tempt us? Because I will gladly take over and give him what he’s asking for,” her wolf challenged, practically drooling just at the sight and smell of him. If Tessa wasn’t careful, she might actually drool herself.

She had to push down the urge to growl out in satisfaction as her eyes began traveling up his body. “I think I’m addicted, and I haven’t even had a taste yet,” her wolf purred. As her gaze continued higher, she saw his midriff was slightly exposed giving her an eyeful of his lower abs and the chiseled “v” line at his hips. She shuddered licking her bottom lip as she imagined her tongue traveling over his tanned skin heading south. Tessa was pulled out of her daydream by a deep growl coming from her mate. She snapped her eyes to his and saw them swirling with lust, “I am really trying to be a gentleman here, but your scent and arousal are pushing my wolf to his limits,” he growled out in a warm husky tone.

She took in a deep breath as her stomach tightened filling with butterflies. As she tried to clear her thoughts, she found she could only imagine him pushing her against the door of her office and taking her. His strong leg between hers pushing them apart as he held her hands over her head while he ravished her mouth. “Tessa,” he warned as another growl rumbled in his chest. She quickly shook her head moving behind her desk, desperately needing a barrier between them. “What can I help you with Alpha Monroe,” Tessa asked breathlessly, releasing a breath she didn’t know she was holding. He narrowed his eyes at her but gave her his signature smirk.

He stood, walking closer to her desk and Tessa fought to keep her eyes locked on his as he spoke. “I would like to take my pack members to our potential territory to see what we are working with today. I was wondering if Zander can be our guide,” he asked, placing his hands on her desk while leaning forward. Tessa nodded her head in understanding and averted her eyes to the clock. “I don’t see why not. He should be done with training by eight o’clock. I will let him know to meet you at the border,” She said calmly, trying to ignore his scent as it invaded her space. Dainin smiled and walked to the door. “I appreciate it. Also, I will be back for our date with plenty of time. In case you were worried,” he paused as he looked back at her with a playful wink. Now it was her turn to narrow her gaze as he walked out the door.

Releasing a sigh of defeat, Tessa threw herself on the bed beyond frustrated. There was only one person close enough to help her with this and that was her Beta. Tessa hoped her learning she’s giving Dainin a chance didn’t come with an “I told you so.” She hesitated but decided to mind link her anyway. “Cadence, can you please help me,” she asked and in mere seconds Cadence burst through the door ready to attack with her wolf at the surface. Seeing Tessa sprawled out on the bed caused her to straighten up and look at her with confusion. “I decided to take your advice and at least have dinner with Alpha Monroe,” Tessa quickly admitted, covering her face with her hands to hide her blush. She peaked between her fingers to see Cadence smiling as she walked closer. “I would be honored to help you. Let’s blow his mind,” she declared, pulling Tessa into her walk-in closet. “What have we gotten ourselves into,” she asked her wolf, who betrayed her with a howl of excitement.

~Dainin~

It was quarter to seven and Dainin found himself already waiting for Tessa in the pack house living room. Since it was well after dinner, he received a lot of curious glances and cautious greetings from Blue Ridge members. They all must have noticed their Alpha missing from the dining hall and his sudden appearance drew suspicion. He found it odd when a group of older she wolves looked his way then walked off giggling. One, who had the same eyes as Tessa, stopped and gave him a thumbs up before following the group upstairs.

Once everyone disappeared, he stood anxiously pacing before looking at his reflection in the large mirror hanging on the wall. He was questioning if what he wore was good enough to impress his mate. When he told Alan what was going on, after his over the top reaction, he helped him pick out black dress pants and a simple navy button up shirt. Alan insisted an informal approach would make the atmosphere more comfortable for a “first date.” “He better be right,” his wolf grumbled, sharing his nerves as Dainin inspected his hair. He wanted to be perfect for her.

Thinking back, he never felt this nervous when dealing with a female before. He received a lot of easy attention, as a young unmated Alpha male, and he used it to his advantage to help keep his adolescent wolf at bay. But, as he got older, he tried to take his dates more seriously, especially when the thought of finding his mate was becoming hopeless. None of his potential relationships grew beyond a physical fling, and once that fizzled out, none were worthy enough to be his Luna. Now he knew why waiting for one’s mate was so important.

Tessa was something special, and based on the very little information Zander shared, she was a great selfless leader. In the brief moments he’s shared with her, Tessa made him feel alive and excited with just a look. “Even if it’s a scowl I’ll take it,” his wolf chuckled, shaking with delight. After her reaction to him this morning in her office he was hoping it would go well.

Feeling a presence behind him, Dainin turned around and was met by Cadence. He was caught off guard by the genuine smile on her face. “Should we be worried,” he asked his wolf, who laughed nervously. “I can smell she was with Tessa so maybe not,” his wolf hoped as they both paused for a moment. “Unless they’ve planned our demise together,” his wolf pointed out. Now it was Dainin’s turn to laugh nervously. He cautiously walked toward her. “Beta Turner it’s nice to see you again,” he spoke confidently as her smile faded to a smirk. “I’m here to escort you to Alpha Hayes. Please follow me,” Cadence motioned for him to move through the hallway. Their walk together was filled with silence. Cadence kept looking him over, much like she did when they first met, but this time there was less hostility. “Maybe Alan was right about this comfortable approach,” his wolf hoped, and boy did Dainin hope so too.

As they reached the kitchen, Dainin noticed Zander was leaning against the large island waiting for them. His calculating gaze took him in, and he rolled his eyes with a huff, “Zander. Enough with this protective act. Tessa can take care of herself,” Cadence warned. With that he pushed himself off the island and stood in front of Dainin. “Just a warning, Alpha Monroe. All because you can’t see me doesn’t mean I can’t see you,” he threatened, walking around Dainin, eyeing him up and down. “I have eyes on her at all times unless she requests otherwise,” Zander continued. Dainin should have felt insulted by his brash behavior, but he knew these two were the closest thing to family Tessa had. “I swear to you Zander she is safe with me,” he declared, raising his head and sending out his strong aura.

He relaxed as Zander gave, what he thinks was a gruff of approval, before looking back at Cadence, who wore an impatient glare toward her mate. She shook her head and motioned to the double doors that led to the patio. “She is waiting for you outside in the gazebo. You can’t miss it,” she explained, and he nodded his thanks before walking off. When he heard a quiet shriek Dainin turned around and saw Zander had thrown Cadence over his shoulder and was carrying her off in the opposite direction. Cadence waved to him in defeat as she let her male have his macho moment. Dainin chuckled to himself as he stepped out into the cool night air.

Finally reaching the gazebo, he saw it was decorated with natural candlelight and a small table was set up in the center. Tessa stood facing him with a beautiful smile. In the candlelight her eyes glowed a beautiful gold and Dainin found he was frozen in awe just a few steps away. “She is the most captivating creature without even having to try,” he thought to his wolf, giving off a growl of approval. His eyes roamed over her body drinking in every detail. She stood confidently in a cream colored fitted dress that hugged every curve perfectly and ended just above her knees. Her honey blonde hair fell in long waves over one shoulder exposing her bare neck. “Imagine our mark there on display for everyone to know she’s ours,” his wolf purred proudly as Dainin found his senses and moved to close the gap between them.

In this close proximity he listened to her heartbeat and found it was beating just as wildly as his. He watched her chest rise and fall with every deep breath she took. Dainin found he was doing the same trying to take in as much of her delicious scent with the hope of remembering it forever. Running his hand down her bare arm, he slowly guided her hand to his lips laying a kiss just above her fingers. “Tessa, this is beautiful,” Dainin said in awe as he looked around taking in every detail. It was simple, yet welcoming and not over the top like he knew most she wolves could be. “Get it through your head. Our mate is in a class all her own,” his wolf defended her, not liking the idea of grouping her with others.

Dainin pulled her chair out using her hand to guide her down to sit. Her soft voice filled the air as he took his own seat across from her. “I’m glad you like it. I just love being outside under the stars,” she smiled again, taking in a deep relaxing breath looking up. He followed her gaze to find the roof of the gazebo was made of glass, with the stars and moon were on full display. Dainin looked back to his mate, taking in her gorgeous carefree face as she took in the sky. His heart was overwhelmed with adoration.