chapter 37

~Tessa~

The weather was hot as Tessa looked over all her warriors lining the staircase of the pack house from top to bottom. She could hear the gravel crunching in the distance as the brigade of cars approached. “Okay, everyone listen up,” she called out. “This meeting will run business as usual. All Alphas will be greeted and escorted to their rooms immediately to settle in. Then we will all meet in the ballroom for the official briefing before dinner. Understood,” she asked. “Yes Alpha,” they yelled in unison. “I understand Beta Turner informed you of the grim events that are coming our way. Zander and Elijah will brief you on all the extra security measures we will be taking during the meeting. If you have any questions report to them. Is that also understood,” she asked, looking to the other warriors. “Yes Alpha,” they responded, crossing an arm over their chest with a bow. Tessa moved to the bottom of the staircase as the first SUV pulled up. It was time to convince her allies to help her pack win.

The initial greetings of small talk seemed to take forever, especially with the elders. They were a little too happy to find out she finally found her mate and were already asking when she and Dainin would have their first pup. Thankfully, Cadence moved them along. “At least now they can focus on more important issues,” Cadence stated sarcastically through the link. “Right? They’ve been so obsessed with playing matchmaker they also failed to notice a war brewing,” Tessa responded, internally rolling her eyes as she smiled, watching the last elder move on. She just wanted to get down to business so they could start planning. These pleasantries seemed to be a waste of time with the imminent threat on their doorstep.

Growing impatient, Tessa looked among the crowd for Dainin. She saw the elders have surrounded him as well, but it seemed to be a pleasant conversation. He was perfect at socializing, where Tessa always felt stiff and bothered. An emotion she had a hard time hiding. “He completes us,” her wolf teased, drawing a mental heart around Dainin’s head. They both enjoyed a light laugh until she heard her name in the distance. “This might not go well.” Her wolf stated and they both watched Cadence fail to hide her laughter. “Tessa,” her name was called again, but this time much closer. 

She narrowed her eyes at Cadence and she quickly composed herself. Turning to face the approaching Alpha, Tessa plastered a kind smile on her face. “Alpha Davis. What a surprise. I thought you were away on business,” She asked keeping her voice flat as she met his deep blue eyes. As she expected, it was none other than Alpha Ronan Davis of the Moon Rise pack.

His pack had been Blue Ridge’s closest ally, until White Sand moved in. He has been trying to convince Tessa to be his mate since they both came of age. He’s tirelessly declared his love for her over the years, but Tessa knew he was only thinking with strategy since he had the second strongest pack in their region. With him closing in, Tessa gave his appearance a quick once over. He was definitely nice to look at, with his unkept but strangely perfect blonde hair, and his perfect smile. Any other she wolf would swoon at the sight of him. Despite his professional career, Ronan was dressed casually, in simple jeans and a t-shirt, which of course accentuated his impressive build. Although he seemed relaxed and down-to-earth, Ronan was a brilliant and professional businessman. He was the main reason everyone in their region had been so financially successful.

Ronan approached Tessa with excitement. “Please drop the formalities love,” he chuckled, pulling her into a bone crushing hug. “You shouldn’t be surprised that I came back from my business trip early to attend your meeting. I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he winked, but she kept her face neutral, feeling a certain pair of intense chocolate eyes watching her every move. “Oh, you shouldn’t have gone through the trouble,” Tessa said, trying to dismiss him but her comment was met with a scoff as he feigned offense. Before she could avoid his grasp, Ronan took her hand pulling her into his chest. “If we weren’t surrounded by all these Alphas, he’d be tasting dirt,” her wolf thought, growing tired of his arrogance. “It is never trouble to make time for my future mate,” he declared, looking into her eyes.

Suddenly, Tessa felt Dainin’s angered presence behind her and she couldn’t help the audible gulp that escaped her throat. “Actually Ronan,” she spoke, pushing herself away from his body to move to Dainin’s side. “I have been letting everyone know I found my destined mate earlier this week,” she informed him while taking Dainin’s hand to keep him calm. If there was one thing that would start a fight it would be to claim a mated, she wolf as your own. 

“This is Dainin Monroe the Alpha of our new neighboring pack White Sand,” Tessa introduced him, but the air between them grew tense while Dainin and Ronan remained silent during their stare off for dominance. Tessa felt she could cut the tension with a knife but rolled her eyes at how childish it was. Looking around, she was relieved to find everyone else had made their way into the pack house.

Finally, after what seemed like a lifetime, Ronan broke the stare off with a frustrated growl. He looked at Tessa in baffled disbelief. “All these years you’ve told me you never wanted a mate. Now you’re telling me it only took a few weeks for him to change your mind,” Ronan questioned. It was hard for Tessa to feel guilty when all those years she honestly never wanted to find her mate, but Cadence was right, she couldn’t fight fate. 

Tessa met Ronan's eyes with confidence. “Yes Ronan. He is my destined mate, which you and I both know is the strongest bond since he and I were made for each other. If you and I mated the bond would have been weak and who knows the problems it would have caused,” Tessa explained, business as usual. Dainin growled lowly at the mention of her being mated to Ronan, but Tessa squeezed his hand hard silencing him/ “Once you find your destined mate you’ll understand,” she promised, leaving no room to argue anymore. “Well as long as you’re happy then I’m happy for you,” Ronan sighed in defeat as he extended his hand to Dainin. “I apologize Alpha Monroe. I didn’t mean to disrespect your bond. You’re a very lucky man,” Ronan smirked. “I know I am,” Dainin stated smugly, shaking his hand. They both held each other’s gaze once again, thickening the tension in the air.

This time it was Tessa’s turn to growl in frustration. “Can you both stop this? We have more pressing issues to worry about then your egos being hurt,” she declared and before they could rebuttal Tessa turned on her heels, leaving them alone on the stairs as she went into the house. Leaning her back against the heavy wooden door, Tessa closed her eyes already exhausted, but a certain laugh interrupted her moment of peace. Opening one eye, Tessa saw Cadence stood waiting for her in the hallway with a smile on her face. “Alpha Hayes, you seem to be in high demand lately,” she teased. Tessa walked to her and playfully shoved her shoulder. “Beta Turner, don’t you have more important things to do than drop eaves on my conversation,” she asked and they both laughed as they walked together to the ballroom. Tessa was grateful that she could laugh before the hammer dropped shattering her perfect world.

~Dainin~

The ballroom boomed with conversation as everyone settled in. Dainin and his pack leadership sat at their designated table in the front of the ballroom. Alan tried to lighten the atmosphere, but Dainin couldn’t help but still feel sour about the encounter with Alpha Davis. “We shouldn’t be surprised that our mate had potential suitors,” his wolf said as he tried, but failed, to find the bright side of things. He was being strangely calm about this whole situation. “I was just beginning to accept Elijah and now there’s Alpha Davis,” Dainin grumbled with his fists clenched on the table as his eyes met Ronan’s from across the dance floor. “He’s lucky he’s been placed at a distance,” he stated to his wolf, but the sweet voice of his mate entered his mind, calming his anger. 

“Dainin, please stop shooting daggers across my ballroom. You and only you are my mate. There was never a chance it would have been any one of these Alpha’s. I swear it,” Tessa swore. Dainin turned his gaze to the head table, meeting Tessa’s eyes, which were filled with emotion. “I know, but I told you I was the jealous type. Maybe I should mark you again in front of everyone to be safe,” He chuckled to himself as he watched the blush fill her cheeks. “You are just so beautiful,” He sighed and smiled when she quickly broke their eye contact. Despite her silence, Dainin chest puffed with pride that he was the only male that could genuinely make her feels these emotions, but he gave a smug look to Ronan any way, to be sure he knew it too.

When everyone was settled Tessa stood beginning the meeting. At first it started with the usual pack business. The Elders announced when the Royal visits would be happening, and Ronan explained how every pack's finances were secure and will be increasing even more in the next year. Dainin was sure to make smart investments in this area before his pack arrived. He wanted to ensure his pack’s wealth would be just as successful and not fall behind the others. Unfortunately, with the good news out of the way it was time for the bad news.

Tessa stood with a hard expression as she looked over the crowd. “Man, that woman can demand attention,” his wolf shivered in delight with the pleasant reminder of how strong an Alpha their mate was. The silence was deafening as everyone sensed a shift in the atmosphere. “Although I would like nothing more than to celebrate this wonderful news, I’m afraid it is all not rainbows and sunshine,” Tessa spoke coldly as she moved to the center of the dance floor. “There has been a great betrayal within my pack and I’m afraid it may threaten all of yours,” she paused as the Alphas and Elder began murmuring amongst each other, each one trying to guess what the threat might be. Raising a hand Tessa silenced the room. “I won’t leave you guessing,” She stated. Dainin watched as she took a deep breath, “You can do this Tess.” He assured her through their link.

With a slight nod Tessa continued. “When my family passed away it was not a car accident like we led you to believe. We originally thought they were ambushed and gruesomely murdered by Rogues,” She paused as responses in acknowledgement were made. “John was the first to discover the scene and later convinced my Grandmother to tell everyone my parents were killed in an accident to prevent widespread panic.” More murmurs filled the room, but Tessa spoke louder. “This morning we discovered the truth. John has betrayed and fooled us all. He confessed to murdering my family in cold blood with his loyal army of Rogues. By the will of the Moon Goddess, I was spared that day due to my Warrior obligations. If it wasn’t for her will, I too would have been murdered alongside my family.” Dainin sat quietly scanning the room. Some Alphas were silent, while others stood outraged at the accusation.

The elder Dainin spoke to earlier moved to stand in front of Tessa. “Where is he now,” he simply asked. Dainin could feel her frustration growing through their mate bond. “He got away,” Tessa stated, causing an uproar in the ballroom. “How could you let him escape,” one Alpha yelled out. Cadence and Zander were quick to move to Tessa’s side. “It wasn’t like that! This morning John targeted Alpha Hayes when she was alone with the intention to kill her. John attempted to carry out this plan with a squadron of Rogues. They were trained and their attack was organized. After defeating the first group, we were about to capture him but more appeared out of thin air. There was no scent and no sound just their sudden appearance,” Cadence defended her Alpha. The Elder spoke breaking the silence of the room. “Alpha Hayes,” he paused trying to process his thoughts. “Is this true?” Tessa stood tall hardening her gaze. “Yes, everything Beta Turner said is true.” Dainin watched the room and saw everyone was frozen in disbelief. If he didn’t see the fight for himself, he may not have believed it either.

Tessa, Cadence, and Zander took their seats once more. “I wish it wasn’t true but there is evil at work here. John is not happy with the peace we have achieved together over the years. He has been planning to take over Blue Ridge, even while my late father was Alpha,” Tessa said in outrage as she slammed her fist on the table. Dainin saw many warriors jump in fear at the action. “He is blinded by power and cannot see how successful we have been since working together. He intends to kill me and my mate, Alpha Monroe. Once we’re out of the way he’ll combine our packs to take control of the region and become the next kingdom.” She paused, letting her words sink in. “John is not only working with Rogues in this region, but he could have connection across the states," she added. An Alpha rose in the back. “What do you need from us,” he asked plainly. Tessa rose taking a steady breath. “I hope, with your new knowledge about these events, you can help me gather intel on what we can possibly be facing. Then when the time comes, I would like you all to stand with us to fight this enemy. I need to know who I can count on,” she stated and Dainin felt chills run through his body as Tessa scanned the room once more. With her demeanor there was no denying what she said was true.

Dainin stood first.  “Of course, you have my packs support,” he called out, declaring his allegiance, but his moment was short lived as Ronan stood too. “Of course, we will fight with you Alpha Hayes,” Ronan promised. Eventually, everyone declared their allegiance to Tessa’s cause. Dainin was honestly surprised at their quick response, normally Alpha’s took forever to make a decision, but with the severity of John’s crimes and the involvement of Rogues there was no denying the size of this threat. 

Each of their pack’s future was being threatened and they knew it. “I’m proud of you love,” Dainin said, knowing she needed his support, even with her strength. With their bond growing stronger each day, Tessa was starting to let him in more and more. “I’m guessing there’s going to be a lot more training,” Alan asked quietly, when Dainin sat back down. “Oh, I’m sure of it.” Dainin chuckled, slapping his brothers back as Alan placed his head on the table in defeat. Unlike Alan, Dainin was filled with anticipation with the days to come. The closer to the battle, the sooner his wolf could sink his fangs into John. “Bring it on,” his wolf growled out, sharing in his excitement.