Ann's stomach seemed to tie itself in knots as they descended the stairs together and made their way into the dining room.　　She had felt Adam's tension increase as he readied himself for a confrontation with the elders... but it never materialized. The hallway and dining room were empty apart from the usual Omega's scurrying about.　　The tension seemed to dissipate almost immediately from Adam's shoulders and he pulled a chair out at the dining table for Ann to sit at with a tight smile.　　They hadn't chosen to dress any differently, assuming that it may arouse suspicion if their usual styles had changed. Ann sat in a pale blue merino wool sweater with a high neck and her hair down, and Adam had stuck with his usual business suit with a high neck collar on his shirt.　　They chatted lightly about their plans for the day. After all, nothing had changed in their work lives and they still had important meetings to attend to. As they talked quietly between themselves, the dining hall beg

　　The faintest flicker of doubt crossed Tomas's face as he glanced toward where Esmerelda held Ann. It bothered him that Ann wasn't showing more resistance to this confrontation.　　If she didn't have a mark, then surely she would be struggling more.　　No... this had to be a ploy to lull them into a false sense of security. A false display of overconfidence to distract them and confuse them.　　That was it. That was all that was happening here. The priestess couldn't be wrong. Esmerelda had been instrumental in uncovering the Alpha's lies and she would be rewarded richly once this was all over.　　Tomas laughed disdainfully as he approached Adam and peered at his face through narrowed eyes before he pulled his arm back and released his fist at full force into Adam's face.　　Adam's head snapped to the side as he felt the burning sensation spread across his face. The humiliating jeers from the wolves behind Tomas ignited a cold fury in his stomach and for the first time in years, he felt hi

　　Ann rolled her eyes as she gestured to the wolves.　　"As much as I find it degrading to do so, I invite you all to inspect the claim that your Alpha has made upon my body. If that is what I must do to prove that this woman spouts nothing but lies, then so be it."　　A low murmur rose from the wolves as they took a step backward, clearly hesitant to offend either their Alpha or their Luna.　　"Please, don't be afraid to do so. I want to put a stop to this insanity. This Pack had been so welcoming to me when I first came, but I felt it only moments ago...the shift in your attitude toward me. If this will provide the reassurance you need then, as your Luna, I am willing to take that step." Ann said quietly.　　Not a single wolf moved towards her, all of them averting their eyes as one before a voice rose above them, strong and clear.　　"Forgive me for speaking out, my Luna, but, none of us ever doubted you. We have faith in our Alpha and you, as our Luna. Whether you were his fated mate or

　　They spent the day in each other's company discussing various aspects of her upcoming projects and Adam surprised her with his keen insight into some of the more nuanced aspects of her work.　　The sprawling mansion with extensive grounds that had been commissioned by the gorgons, for example, sparked an enlightening debate regarding what surfaces and materials could be used as nothing in the slightest bit reflective could be used in their decor or construction of the building.　　Allen had joined them close to teatime and brought them an update on the people held in the cells after this morning's insanity at breakfast.　　"Alpha, are you intending on questioning them today?" Allen asked as he laid his notebook on the table.　　Adam shook his head as he stared out across the garden from their position on the porch.　　"No. I'm worried that I might not be able to control my temper if I confront them too soon. It seems I've been a little...I don't know, 'off it' today, I suppose." He said a

　　Both Ann and Adam were late leaving in the morning. It was evident to all who saw them that they simply couldn't keep their hands off one another, even as they hurriedly ate their breakfast before dashing out the door.　　Anyone who may have had the slightest doubt about their relationship status would have had their worries put to rest at the sight of them together.　　Even the Omega's had noticed the slight change in them.　　Although they had been touchy-feely beforehand, their appetites for one another seemed to be insatiable at the moment and their loud performance in the bedroom yesterday as well as their public displays of affection over breakfast only fuelled the rumors about the possibility of the pitter-patter of tiny paws in the Packhouse.　　As Adam pulled up at the entrance of the towering block of offices, he glanced across at her with a frown, causing her to chuckle.　　"What's wrong now? If you're still wanting to have your fill of me then you'll just have to wait until to