~Dainin~
"This is going to take some getting used to," Dainin thought, enjoying the tranquil ride through the thick, luscious green forest. After the chaotic week his pack endured, Dainin felt hopeful their situation would only improve, but then Alan told him how they were being treated at the border of Blue Ridge.
Dread began digging a pit in his stomach, souring his mood with each passing mile. “If they’re expecting us to kiss ass just to win this guy over, it’s not happening,” he growled, wishing they could have stayed in Arizona where there was no one to answer to.
"Enough! That’s what got us here in the first place," snapped his wolf. "This needs to work out for the pack's sake," he justified.
After much hesitation, Dainin reluctantly nodded his head in agreement. "At least there’s plenty of space between our future pack land and theirs. Hopefully, we'll never have to deal with them once this is over," he hoped, but immediately felt a foreboding chill snake down his spine.
“You’re so stubborn,” his wolf sighed in defeat. He knew Dainin didn’t answer to authority well and he’d be the last person to kneel before another Alpha, no matter how desperate he was. Despite the human’s shortcomings, his wolf admired Dainin’s pride and dedication to his pack after all he’s been through.
His family had nothing left after his father's negligence as an Alpha destroyed the credibility of the Monroe name and their home. Their saving grace was joining White Sand in Arizona. Their new Alpha was an older man, well past his prime, who quickly took Dainin under his wing as his heir and molded him into the Alpha he is today.
“Those days were like a breath of fresh air. I never imagined we’d be starting over because Rogues pushed us out,” Dainin growled, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles were white.
"We got lucky with that last Rogue attack. If our warriors arrived a minute later those families would have been slaughtered, instead of walking away with injuries. There are no allies to help us if we stay. That’s why we’re here," his wolf growled in frustration.
"As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. We need this to work because I'll be damned if my father's history will repeat itself," Dainin declared, setting aside his pride.
The Rogues executed their attack with precision as if they had it all planned out. Their synchrony had everyone on edge and White Sand members feared what would happen next. It was the catalyst that triggered Dainin’s meeting with the Werewolf Council.
Their only solution was to relocate the pack to a more promising and peaceful area and, after addressing all of Dainin’s concerns, they settled on a piece of land in Maine. The neighboring packs were close enough to help if there was trouble, but far enough away to not interfere with another Alpha's business. It was perfect on paper and everyone voted for a fresh start.
"But based on Alan's report it doesn't seem like we're off to a good start," Dainin's wolf sighed, prattling on about every worst-case scenario.
"I get it. I get it," Dainin finally snapped, rubbing his temple as he turned up the dirt road that connected his future territory to Blue Ridge. The path was overgrown, but fresh tire tracks were cut through the brush, leading to a wooden checkpoint.
The rest of the drive was silently broody until Dainin felt his wolf's attitude begin to perk up. "Someone is feeling positive all of a sudden," he mentioned, taking in the sight of everyone shaking hands and welcoming his men. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he mumbled.
"Just get us out of this damn car," his wolf growled, pacing around in his mind.
Dainin took his time pulling in to assess the situation. He noticed a tall man, who almost matched his build, ordering his warriors to load up their cars and pull past the checkpoint. "That must be the Alpha," he assumed, watching the man wink to a woman with her back to him.
Witnessing their affection made his wolf growl, but Dainin didn’t notice. He was too enthralled by the stunning woman in front of him. "Hello, Luna," he muttered in awe, taking in her long bare legs, strong figure, and beautiful hair. He could feel a strong sense of authority rolling off her, even from inside the car. He noticed she was talking to Alan, who was bowing his head to show respect before heading his way.
"Trying to earn brownie points, bro," Dainin judged, rolling his eyes as he parked before getting out to stretch.
When he inhaled the fresh air, a refreshing scent of wildflowers and spring flooded his senses. The aroma entranced him and Dainin found himself watching Alan talk but he couldn't make out his words.
Suddenly, he felt a heated gaze burning holes into his skin and his wolf was begging him to turn around. When he did, the sight made his heart nearly stop. The woman's beauty put the Moon Goddess to shame. Bright hazel eyes sent a heat, like no other, throughout his body. He was captivated by her flawless skin and full lips, just begging to be kissed.
“She’s our mate? I never thought she’d be this far,” Dainin thought. He had been searching for her since he turned 18 and finally, after six years as Alpha, he found her.
Meeting her eyes, Dainin found they were also wide with surprise, but it was mixed with disappointment. He never imagined their first meeting would end with his mate rolling her eyes in disgust before walking away.
"I always thought there would be fewer clothes," his wolf whined, feeling the distance grow between them.
"Me too. What just happened," Dainin wondered, fighting the urge to run after her and stake his claim.
"Why shouldn’t we go after her," his wolf growled. Dainin’s fists clenched at his sides as he fought his wolf’s dominating nature.
"Dude, are you okay," Alan’s asked with a raised brow. “She something you like? I notice you’ve been staring at Tessa, but I don’t think you’re her type,” he teased.
Dainin glared down at his brother, about to answer when he suddenly remembered what he witnessed pulling in. "Do you think she gave up waiting for us and became this Alpha’s chosen mate," he asked his wolf, leaning against his car door in shock. His wolf snarled at the thought and Dainin snuck another glance in her direction.
Another breeze, carrying her scent, left him entranced and he was elated until he saw the Alpha standing too close to her for his liking. His wolf growled in anger and Dainin found himself fighting for control once again.
"I don't care what their arrangement is. Chosen or not, she's ours," he roared, and it took all Dainin had not to shift and tear that man apart.
After a few deep breaths, Dainin turned his attention back to Alan. “Let's get the warriors settled first, then I'll introduce myself to the Alpha at their packhouse," he ordered, opening the car door.
"Of course, Alpha. I'll have a warrior let them know," Alan nodded before walking away.
Dainin sat behind the wheel with his mate’s name ringing in his ears. "Tessa," he whispered. Just the sound of her name made his heart race. He watched his warrior approach her and wondered why Alan was having him report to the Luna.
"Doesn’t a Luna normally coordinate things," his wolf wondered, but Dainin wasn't sure. He just watched her nod, her gorgeous hair shining in the sunlight, and her shoulders relaxed with relief before she ran off and shifted.
~Dainin~“Look at this place,” Alan admired as they drove through the small town within Blue Ridge. Their pack land was beautiful and well-kept with a packhouse, resembling a five-star hotel, plenty of private housing, and even their own working farm. The landscape was vibrant and Dainin wondered how his pack would adjust to moving from the desert to a lush forest. “They’ll love it. We’ll all be able to run and live freely here,” his wolf assured him, and he was right. The chance of being discovered by humans was slim this far in the forest and Blue Ridge proved there was potential to live comfortably. Dainin and his warriors turned up a long-hidden driveway behind the large black wolf who was escorting them. At the end was a three-story French colonial surrounded by beautifully maintained property and a breathtaking garden in the center of the rounded driveway. While they exited their vehicles the wolf shifted back into a man and waited for them at the door. “Dainin, this is the Ga
~Dainin~ Dainin paced the conference room, growing impatient the longer he waited for the Alpha to arrive. His mate's scent overwhelmed his senses from the moment he stepped into the packhouse and he needed to see her. "Are you in a rush to be ignored again? Don't forget why we're here," his wolf growled. "Well, the sooner we get this settled, the sooner we can get answers from her," Dainin snapped, pointing out the obvious. "You don't think I want to find her as desperately as you do? I'm choosing to focus on the pack's needs first," his wolf exclaimed, and Dainin took his seat before his fist flew through the nearest wall. He wasn't trying to be selfish, but he needed to know the relationship between his mate and the Alpha. He wouldn't accept losing her after they just found each other. He just needed to catch her eye. "You definitely caught someone's attention," his wolf stated gravely and Dainin turned to see the Beta staring him down. She wore the same judgmental expression
~Tessa~ Tessa left the conference room fuming. Dainin was already proving to be like all the other weak Alphas and Betas who have tried to tame her over the years. He wanted a submissive Luna. Someone who'd sit around all day quietly raising pups and be ready to please him when ordered, but that would never be her. "You'd think the Moon Goddess would have paired us with someone less shallow," Tessa sighed, stopping to watch the Warriors train outside from the large picture window. Deep down, she felt disappointed. "Well, I don't think a 20-minute meeting is enough time to decide. We can only find out if we give him a chance," her wolf whispered. "Since when have you gone soft? Are you ready to roll over for him already," Tessa snapped. Her wolf whimpered in response to her hostile tone. "I'm sorry. It's not your fault," Tessa apologized with a frustrated sigh. She knew her wolf was only trying to help. Groaning in defeat, Tessa turned away from the window to press her back again
~Tessa~ Tessa paced the length of her bedroom in a silk robe. She couldn't believe how fast the day went and she barely slept because of her nerves. She was only busy with planning the annual Leadership Conference for a few hours and then her Grandmother became suspicious when she tried to help plan the ball. Eventually, Tessa was tricked into admitting her plans for the evening and was sent off to her room to get ready. She cringed hearing her Grandmother carry on about how she couldn't wait to see her future "Grandpups" running around. Now, it was a few hours since then and she wasn't even close to being ready. "I feel like a pathetic teenager," Tessa growled, holding a couple of 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 in as little effort as possible. Her wolf laughed at her dilemma and then continued to daydream about their mate. It seemed she knew exactly what she wanted out of this night. "Don't
~Tessa~ Tessa took in the night sky as she tried to think of a way to start this conversation. "Can we truly be honest with him," she wondered, her heart racing at the thought of his reaction. "There is only one way to find out," her wolf urged, so Tessa looked back to Dainin and met his adoring eyes. A lump formed in her throat with the words she wasn’t ready to say. "Let's eat before it gets cold," she coaxed, removing the lid to inhale the savory aroma. They ate in silence for a moment before Dainin's deep voice resonated through the air. "It means everything to me that you would plan something so intimate," Dainin softly admitted and Tessa froze. "So much for thinking of it as just a meeting," she thought to her wolf, sheepishly drinking water. "Dainin there's something I need to say and it may be a game-changer for you. If it is, I will accept your rejection." "Okay, I'm listening," he said calmly, his happiness turning to worry with a deep nervous breath. "It's now or neve
~Dainin~ Dainin leaned with his palms flat against the shower tiles. The hot water running down his body soothed his aching muscles after a grueling sparring match with his mate. At first, he was excited to get his hand on her, but it quickly turned into a test of speed and agility. When Tessa gained the upper hand she took him down fast and hard with no remorse. “Probably getting back at you for leaving her against the tree,” his wolf growled, still upset with Dainin for refusing to finish what he started. "It wouldn’t have been what she wanted,” Dainin sighed, his jaw growing tense thinking about last night. He knew if their eyes met, he’d lose control. ”She made it clear she didn’t want to rush things during dinner. If we took advantage of her emotions from the bond how could we face her,” he asked. “You’re right,” his wolf admitted. ”Besides that, our pack’s training needs work. The few Warriors we brought could barely hold their own against Blue Ridge today. Once our pack is s
~Dainin~ On the patio, Dainin was greeted by a short woman who engulfed him in a hug. “Finally,” she exclaimed as she pushed herself away, to get a better look at him. “It’s about time you found her. Goddess knows this child wasn’t much help,” she scolded, glaring at Tessa. “She was worth the wait, Miss,” Dainin admitted, smiling down at the elderly woman. She simply laughed as a blush crept up her cheeks. “Oh please, call me Lori. I’m Tessa’s Grandmother,” she smiled, and her eyes were lit with affection. It was just like looking into Tessa’s golden hues. Lori took Dainin’s wrist and led him to a table with an abundant spread of pastries. “This all looks delicious. Thank you for putting in so much effort for my sake,” he thanked her, earning him a fit of giggles. “Please, don’t encourage her. She has a huge ego already,” Tessa whispered. Dainin tried to contain his chuckle but failed when Lori shot Tessa another playful glare and slapped her arm. “Let the boy say what he wants.
*Mature Content* ~Tessa~ Tessa closed her bathroom door and stripped out of her training clothes. Her mind raced with everything she's done since the Rogues were spotted a few days ago. She couldn't help but worry for her pack's safety, but it was obvious the Rogues were interested in White Sand and not Blue Ridge. "As the neighboring Alpha, it's our responsibility to protect them, but they are our mate's pack too," her wolf casually mentioned, but Tessa didn't have the energy to argue with her. All she wanted was a hot bath. Sitting on the cool edge of her large claw foot tub, Tessa turned the knob and became lost in the waterfall that cascaded from her faucet. When the water began to rise, she gently placed a bath bomb into the hot water and watched it fizzle into a satisfying pastel rainbow then stood in front of the mirror. Dark circles enhanced the exhausted look in her eyes and fly aways stuck to her cheeks from sweat. "This is a look," she cringed, pulling her long hair fre