The Change (Fated Series: book1)

Brandon

(in his car departing from Blackwood)

Brandon, Alpha of the Rover Grove pack, was pissed.

Ruthlessly, endlessly, enraged.

To even think she had been a part of his pack? That he had cared for her, looked out for her, supported her even through her non-sense novel! How did she repay him? She ran her trashy mouth at him the first chance she got!

His fist landed on the steering wheel, as his foot slammed on the gas. Not only did he have to deal with the overwhelming feelings of the public diss, but now he had to depart prematurely. In a rush!

“F*ck, f*ck, f*ck!” He swore, hitting the dashboard as he drove.

He glanced at the dashboard.

6.12 pm.

He couldn’t believe he wasted two valuable minutes fetching a car. For someone who could afford the luxury, Ned should have hired a valet!

Eight minutes.

Brandon had no doubt Ned had instructed the bordering patrols to attack as soon as his ten minutes were over. After all, dealing with Alphas on daily bases taught you how to think on your feet. If it had been any other Alpha, Brandon would have informed Juliet personally.

But it wasn’t.

It had to be fucking Ned, who took pride in punctuality! Brandon had no doubt the bastard even counted down the milliseconds.

Brandon linked with his Beta, Yanis, and summoned him to Juliet’s side. It was the only thing he could do at the time. He quickly raised his guard, effectively blocking any attempt to link him. He could feel Juliet’s frustration at her failed attempts to link. But Brandon had to ignore her. He didn’t have time to lose focus and explain to her the gravity of the situation. He was racing for his life.

Speeding down the roads and skiting on turns, leaving burned rubber markings on the pavement was not a concern he was willing to discuss with his chosen. If Ned had said it would take 15mins to drive out of his territory, Brandon did not even doubt for a second the accuracy of such a statement.

He would come up 7mins short and he was doing to race for his life. If only he could make up the time with the speed. That had to be the answer. Saving your own life was quite the incentive.

Technically, Brandon knew Ned would not sanction a kill on his territory against a fellow Alpha, especially with Pack Law breathing down his neck. However, he could instruct his border patrol to intercept him. If he was feeling particularly revengeful he might even allow silver bullets to be fired at will. It was no secret the outer perimeter patrols in Blackwood were armed with guns and silver bullets necessary to persuade rogues and intruders to turn the other way. Brandon did not want to nurse a silver bullet wound, which would only add salt to his wounded Ego.

Damn it! Why had her words affected him so strongly? He knew she had accepted his rejection that night he felt the shift in his inner peace. He swore he could feel the serration then. So why was it bothering him so much?

He still felt protective of her.

Brandon shook his head to clear his thoughts.

6.17

As the speed increased, he let his wolf senses take over. No point in wrapping the car around a tree now. He had to leave alive. That was the only way he could ever come back. And oh, yes, he will return. His wrath would be known!

He still couldn’t believe the audacity of the situation. There he was trying to protect Nessa from the mistake of a lifetime, while she was adamant to stay strong-headed. He couldn't just let her bury her head in the sand. He could have done it with grace, but there was no time. She would not be able to resist the HEAT. He shook his head. He should have known she would be stubborn and question him. After all, she was too proud to admit she had made a mistake.

She was a lost pup, who was fighting with nails and teeth to stay on the surface, while the world was drowning her in its complexity. How she could not see that everything he did was for them, was beyond Brandon.

But that wasn’t what irked him the most.

He glanced at the dashboard as soon as he could hear the howls over the roar of the engine.

6.19

No surprise there. The border patrol was announcing their presence.

The onboard navigation system was estimating the time of arrival at 5 minutes 34 seconds.

Damn it!

He had a target painted on his back for the next 5 minutes or so. He doubted the patrol would cease fire if he simply approached the outskirts. That would mean he was complying with their Alpha’s wishes. But Brandon suspected they would be as anal as their Alpha.

Anal, now that was a suitable word.

The howls were now closer.

He glanced through the window, making out the silhouettes of the wolves running alongside the road, matching the speed of his Range Rover. As long as they were shifted, he would be just fine. He was already reaching 80 miles per hour on the rugged terrain.

Then the first shot came.

Brandon could have mistaken it for thunder if he did not know any better.

Another one zapped through the air, smashing his left side mirror.

These were the warning shots. Encouragement if you will for him to step on the gas. And he did.

83….86….88…

He was past the dirty roads. He could only thank the Goddess dusk had not yet settled. He could easily navigate his way.

Estimated time of arrival: 1 minute 47 seconds.

The shot that came next shattered the back window and sizzled, glazing his right shoulder.

Brandon hissed. Damn it, it burned like hell.

Oh, she would pay for every little insult, for every glare, for every poison she used to brainwash Vanessa. His innocent feisty mate was under her influence.

"Oh, just wait Nicole Bernard. You will pay!"

Frank Heinsfeld

Frank Heinsfeld was livid.

Of all people, he would have not suspected Stevens to even dare show his nose on Blackwood territory. Apparently, the cocky bastard entrusted Pack Law with his life.

Frank, on the other side, would not blindly entrust his life so easily.

True, Joel Rifkin was nothing but honest, but he was still young. Stevens did not even suspect good old Frank was the Lead Interrogator for Pack Law.

Frank Heinsfeld was a force to be reckoned with, as he was on a hunt! A hunt that just got a tad bit personal.

Frank fumed. The nerve Stevens had to call Teresa by her maiden name Gerald. Nobody had associated that name with her for the last 35 years!

Frank took a deep breath, inhaling Teresa’s scent which quickly calmed the rage inside of him. Even after so many years, Stevens somehow got under his skin. Maybe his pursuit for Marcus was based on their common hatred for the Alpha who just implied Teresa was still mateless!

“Because she is OURS,” his wolf supplied.

The possessiveness between a mated couple never haltered.

Teresa glanced at him, smiling. Goddess, she was beautiful. Even after all these years, her beauty never faded. It only increased, if he could say so himself! Her eyes sparkled as their eyes connected and the slight grin forming on her lips held a promise of endless adoration. She was beyond happy.

It was no secret, Tery wanted a settled life. When he was first named Lead Interrogator for Pack Law, they had called it an adventure and adopted the nomad life. Traveling was always on their bucket list and they did it on Pack Law's dime. Discovering new sunsets and helping packs was truly rewarding.

Tery was proud of Frank. Proud he was assisting Pack Law, pleased she could watch Alex grow into a man, and overjoyed at spending time with her distant nephew Jonathan. Tery followed Frank to the End of the World, one interrogation at a time.

But now, things had clearly changed. He could see the yearning for family dinners, the longing to be part of a pack and to have her family together like this. There was no doubt - Teresa loved the youngers and often involved herself too much in their mating choices. Between the boys in Pack Law and the girls in Blackwood, Alpha Ned's offer to stay and help out Vanessa only intensified her wish for endless family dinners filled with laughter and banter.

Frank thought about the family house, sitting vacant in Rover Grove. Despite his protests, Nessa had paid the mortgage for them. His baby girl had worked hard to make it theirs! How was it she was so smart, yet she had not seen through the smoke, the real reason why they put the house for sale? There was no financial trouble. They cut ties with Rover Grove so that she would finally be able to put distance, move on, and break free of Brandon’s authority. It was heartbreaking to see her hiding away in her room, languish over a rejection, becoming a shadow of the person she once was.

His eyes glanced back at his daughter. Nessa was in her element, teasing Alex with the close relationship she had with Jonathan and Joel. Her cheeks were flushed and he had no doubt that it was because of Ned who was intently staring at her.

Mind linking.

In a room full of weres with sharp hearing, mind linking was the only option for a private conversation. By the looks of Nessa's bright red cheeks, it was indeed personal. She suddenly swatted Ned's shoulder and earned a chuckle from him, before his hand dropped down under the table. Frank held the growl from his chest. Ned would definitely need a little reminder of what was proper!

“Honey,” Teresa tried catching Frank's attention. Or in this case, distracting him from the obvious glare at the exchange. She had heard his growl and knew what had provoked it. “She’s happy. I want grandkids! Don’t mess it up!” her voice sounded through their mind link.

“She is still my daughter. He could at least keep his hands to himself in public!”

“Oh, please, we did much worse!” Teresa smiled.

“I still need to talk with him.”

“They’ve both been through enough heartache and know better than most mated couples,” Teresa’s irritation showed in her tone.

“You should be on my side, mate!”

“But I am! Even when you’re just being an old prune, who refuses to see our girl is happy and finally surrounded by strong loving hands!” Teresa teased him and he quickly covered her hand with his on the table. “I wonder what Alexander’s mate will be like.”

“Feisty. Like a true Heinsfeld,” he quickly replied.

Shortly after the dessert was served, Juliet and her Beta excused themselves. Frank’s eyes lingered on the retreating couple, wondering about Brandon's absence. Had he finally given up on Nessa? And what would be more important than being by the side of his Chosen?

Ever since Frank discovered Brandon's cowardness, he found it hard to hide his animosity towards him or the whole pack. It was one of the major reasons why Frank accepted the position of Lead Interrogator of Pack Law. Out of respect for his friendship with Alpha Grey, he did not retaliate the way he wanted to. Instead, he had lashed out at his own pup’s spineless behavior. He still could not believe Alex knew beforehand! And why on Earth would he trust Brandon to do the right thing? If only Frank knew, he would have swiftly ushered both males into the Pack Law program. Some military training would have done them good, preventing their silly mistakes.

Rumors of the beat down between Brandon and Ned reached Frank and Teresa, just as Brandon called them. Teresa was been ecstatic at the news of Nessa’s mating, completely ignoring Brandon’s accusation of a forced claim. It was not until they have arrived and seen for themselves, that Frank had calmed down. His baby girl was happy and had even managed to mark an Alpha. He grinned.

Frank might have scolded Teresa for her ways, but when it came to protecting their pups, he was ready to throw caution out of the window.

Jonathan, Joel, and Alex stood up as one and thanked their host for the dinner. Frank smirked as Joel’s hand rested on Vanessa’s shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze before he took his leave. It still amazed him how Joel acted more like a brother to her than Alex ever did. Frank sometimes wondered how he could have raised two completely different children.

Alexander completely missed the interaction, as his attention was aimed at Alpha Ned, his childhood role model.

“I’ll have a word with Ned,” Frank linked with Teresa.

“Don’t do anything that I wouldn’t do,” Teresa smirked as he stood up and kissed the top of her head. Nessa’s eyes locked on his as he made his way to her and kissed her cheek.

“Honey, I will have to steal your Alpha,” Frank said.

Nessa looked at Ned and then playfully teased her father, “You promise to return him in pristine condition?”

Frank chuckled. Of course, he would not fight Alpha Ned. Only rattle him. In-laws were good at that, right?

“Changed your mind for the pups?” Ned quickly teased her back.

Nessa gulped, unsure what to say. Teresa beamed. Of course, she would be eager for such development.

“I am yet to be swept off my feet, dear," Nessa took a moment to reply back.

Alpha Ned’s playful attitude disappeared, something calculating flashing through his eyes. Nessa however rolled her eyes at her mate, her cheeky smile illuminating her face, “Dad, he’s a bit grumpy already. Please, don’t keep him past his bedtime.”

Frank looked at his daughter. Did she really set a bedtime for an Alpha? Before he could scold her, Ned placed his hand over hers, focusing her attention on his person.

“So we have a bedtime?” Ned asked innocently, while Nessa's cheeks reddened. “Please, do tell me when I am expected to be in bed?”

“Eleven,” Nessa replied.

Marcus stood up and pulled her in a heated kiss, which earned a wolf whistle from his Beta.

“Make it ten, Love, and wear something you don’t care about!”

“Marcus!” Nessa scolded him. “My parents!”

“Your mom already asked for a grandpup or two," Marcus shrugged innocently.

“If you leave it up to her she'll want a whole football team,” Nessa cringed at the thought.

“Mrs. Heinsfeld, apparently, we are not having a whole football team,” Marcus seriously announced, earning a grin from Nessa.

“Oh, please, Mrs Heinsfeld was my mother-in-law. I’m Teresa for you, hon. And by all means, Frank won’t keep you long. Right, dear?” Teresa asked Frank, who awkwardly nodded.

Marcus led Frank towards his study, only to hear Teresa’s voice, “And Nes, you better not wear anything!”

Marcus

Marcus chuckled as he heard Nessa scolding her mother, telling her to behave. Beside him, Frank chuckled and shook his head. As entertaining as it was to see his mate on the receiving end of pup-retorts from Teresa, Marcus could not help but feel anxious for leaving her. True, he knew he had gained a worthy ally in his soon-to-be mother-in-law and that Cameron would stay to protect her. Yet he could feel the budding irritation coming from Nessa through the mindlink, which only meant trouble.

Marcus understood where Nessa was coming from. She needed to feel loved, to be whisked away by her mate after her sour fated pairing. She had missed out on all the romantic moments, and he vowed to properly court her starting tomorrow.

But now he had to focus.

While Teresa had shown her support for their relationship, he knew it would not be as easy with Frank. Frank was… deadly. And that was putting it lightly. Marcus had no doubt that the Lead Interrogator for Pack Law would strongly inquire about Marcus’ intentions for Nessa.

Marcus understood such protectiveness. If he had a daughter, he imagined he would be ten times worse! Overprotective, overbearing, overcautious… that would not begin to glaze the surface of how protective he would be!

Frank comfortably settled into the guest armchair in Marcus’ den, while Marcus filled two glasses of scotch. Handing one to the older werewolf, Marcus prepared himself for the inevitable lecture. Fathers were always overprotective of their daughters.

“Who would have guessed you’d end up with my daughter,” Frank chuckled then drank from his glass. Marcus sat on the sofa and shook his head.

“I was surprised too when you entered my office,” Marcus honestly told him. He was definitely not prepared to see Lead Interrogator Frank storming into his office in broad daylight, and even less so to discover his family name.

Pack Law valued the anonymity of its high-rank officers. Family names and past pack affiliations were never to be spoken of. It was almost as if they were erased during the service to Pack Law. Marcus still remembered the first time he met the rugged older man, who had all but informed him he was to be the next Lead Pack Interrogator. Marcus had declined and Frank had to leave, vowing he would tire Marcus down until he accepts the position. And here they were… seven years later.

Frank was the first to break the comfortable silence.

“What happened with Brandon?”

“Your daughter,” Marcus replied and grinned at the memory of his fierce mate, “commanded him to immediately leave pack grounds.”

“And?” Frank prompted.

“I gave him incentive to hurry the hell out, before I could overrule her and kick him out of our territory…. personally,” Marcus smiled.

“He’s one annoying little arse,” Frank replied, “but he would have never called me if there wasn’t some truth to his accusation for forced marking.”

“I did mark her without her verbal consent,” Marcus admitted. Frank stiffened in his chair and glared at him.

“You sure didn’t have her parental consent, so do tell me why I should not file charges against you or dispose of you?” Frank hissed coldly.

Now that was a good question.

“Because Ness has us both wrapped around her finger,” Marcus softly replied and drank from his glass.

Silence settled between them, until Frank started chuckling and then flat out laughed loudly.

“You got balls, son,” Frank said and then raised his drink at him. Marcus saluted back. Hopefully with that this topic was closed. “You do know that if you make her cry, I will tear you piece by piece.”

“It goes without saying,” Marcus agreed and Frank nodded.

“Good. Now please do tell, what the hell is Stevens doing here?” Frank said.

“You share my annoyance with him,” Marcus started only to earn a growl from Frank. Marcus tested the waters. “He came to inform me he is dying. Toxin Argentous from rogue friend of his. I first thought he was searching for a quick suicide death, until he opened his big mouth. He had quite an interesting story to tell about plots, murders and the rise of the Monarchy.”

Frank’s eyes shot at the mentioning of the Monarchy. As Marcus did not continue Frank asked:

“Cautious now, boy?”

“What is it to you?” Marcus asked trying to trade his information for clues.

“Ron Stevens has been a sore torn in eyes for years. He dated Tery before we mated and still thinks he has a shot with her,” Frank informed him.

It was interesting to follow how the once closed and direct Pack Law Official was warming up to Marcus and sharing information with him.

“He denies any part of Emma’s death and blames Pack Law for siding with Riverhill’s Northern Hills Pack in their dispute back then. He even suggested the arranged mating of Juliet was an attempt to unite Northern Hills and Rover Grove against him,” Marcus continued.

“What did he want from you?” Frank prompted and Marcus grinned. He had never lost his touch of leading the conversation in a precise and efficient way.

“Permission for Aaron to search for his mate on my territory. You know Nicole and Nessa’s friendship might be the foundation for pack alliance.”

“Interesting. What about the Monarchy?”

“He thinks the mastermind behind this instigated the events to look like accidents. The conspiracy’s plan was always to conquer. First Moonlight and then mine, while I am spiraling out of control over the loss of Emma. I would say it slightly changed now. He’s dying from silver and I have Ness, so she would be a likely target if they still want to assimilate my pack.” Marcus continued.

“And then slowly push the smaller packs to accept the Monarch,” Frank concluded. “Did he have a theory as to who will be appointed for the seat?”

“No, but does it matter,” Marcus argued and was just going to explain his point, when Frank interrupted.

“That’s where you are wrong. It’s vital to know who we are up against.”

“We?”

“You can’t seriously even entertain the idea of unraveling the conspiracy of the century by yourself!” Frank scolded Marcus playfully.

“As long as I get to kill whoever is responsible for Emma’s death, I don’t care much who gets the credit or whose appointed to rule the Monarchy,” Marcus coldly informed him.

“You should as you might have just dined with the most capable of their lot,” Frank deadpanned.

Juliet

“What did he exactly say to you?” Juliet questioned.

“To escort you to dinner tonight,” Yanis replied.

“Just that?” Juliet prompted, while Yanis nodded. “You may go now. Let me know if you hear something pertaining to his departure”.

“Yes, Alpha,” Yanis bowled and closed the door.

Juliet took off her heels and threw them aside, lifting her legs on the couch.

Why was he so insistent to give her a headache? Could he not just mindlink her? Different scenarios crossed her mind. What was so urgent for him to dash out without even talking to her? She was worried she could not mindlink with him. What was he keeping this time? Were they attacked? Why didn’t he link with her? What was so urgent? Did anything happen to Roland?

Her fingers quickly slid across her cell and dialed his number. She had to get to the bottom of this fast, before her headache could progress into a migraine. She did not need one of those to further complicate her life.

The moment that he picked up the phone, she quickly asked, “Bran, what’s going on? Is Roland all right?”

Brandon’s voice came through the speaker, “Jules, Roland is fine. I just had to leave in a hurry.”

“Why?” She quickly asked.

Silence.

“Nessa threw me out of their territory,” his voice was regretful, yet unclear of motives.

Juliet massaged her forehead to ease off the headache. She should have known this would happen. Brandon had been more than obsessed with Nessa over the last couple of days. She wondered how Ned had put up with such advances.

“What did you do?” She asked.

Did she really want to know?

No.

But she had to know before she walked into whatever trouble Brandon had managed to stir. An Alpha needed to be prepared not surprised.

“She did not want to hear the truth from me, so I had to show it to her. As her Alpha, I owed her that much.”

“Right,” Juliet rolled her eyes at his statement. He was no Alpha. An Alpha did not pick on a fight that couldn’t be won.

“I made my choice,” Brandon informed her. Silence settled. The pause was for emphasis and Juliet wanted to strangle him over the phone. He already had her attention. This was a quick conversation that he dragged into an emotional roller coaster.

“You made him chose. Gave him freedom,” her wolf offered.

Juliet didn’t need to hear his polished non sense. It was clear to Juliet. His heart belonged to Nessa and that was why he had tried to explain himself, effectively making Juliet his back up plan. Fated matings intertwined the pull and stability that Choice matings took effort to achieve.

But it still hurt.

Nessa had chosen Ned, and Brandon settled again in the comfortable coexistence of their mating.

“I choose you. I choose our family,” Brandon calmly told her.

So now he cares for their family?

“You wanted the time to make YOUR own choice,” her wolf supplied.

“Jules, are you all right?” Brandon prompted her reply, displeased with the silence on her end. So much for attention pauses.

“I am fine.”

“I can feel your headache,” Brandon quickly contradicted her.

“I was worried,” Juliet sighed. She heard shuffling.

“Careful! Did you brush your teeth?” Brandon’s voice sounded hushed.

“Yes. No cavities,” Roland’s sweet innocent voice replied the whispered his question, “Mommy?”

“Hey, pumpkin. How are you?”

“I miss you, mom. Dad and I are having some man time together. I am sleeping in your bed,” Roland told her excitedly.

Juliet tried to hide a sob.

She had the perfect family. The perfect house. The perfect life. Only it wasn’t perfect.

Her husband was in love with someone else, and she had been a plan B.

Her inner voice nagged at her own hypocrisy. She wasn’t fully committed to her life anymore. Not after she met Jonathan Graves and the what ifs resurfaced. What if she met Jonathan earlier… What if she never mated with Brandon… Her life would be different.

Roland would not have been HERs.

And she loved her little man to bits!

“I wish I was there with you,” Juliet told him. She wanted to go back and relax. The stress and political tiptoeing we’re exhausting. Plus there was Jonathan.

“Why didn’t you come home with daddy?” Roland exclaimed.

Juliet rolled her eyes. She should have seen this question coming.

And that was when she made her decision.

Nicole

Nicole caught Nessa’s eyes and the brunette all but grinned at her. Nicole swiftly dashed towards the head of the table, leaving confused Aaron behind. As soon as she flopped on Alpha Ned’s seat she grinned at Nessa, who rolled her eyes.

“Why do I always get stuck with the three of you?” Cameron shook his head.

“What’s wrong with us?” Michelle asked.

“Babe, you three are a handful individually,” Vince replied as he followed Aaron who picked up his chair and stalled casually to the head of the table and then softly walked casually placing it behind Nicole’s. Vince bent a bit over his plate and said “When combined, you’re an epic vortex.”

“With a side of cra-zy,” Alpha Lee agreed only to earn a growl from Aaron, who casually placed his hand on the back support of Nicole’s chair. “And with that, I am leaving.”

“Good night, Lee,” Nessa smiled at him and Alpha Lee blushed, nodding at her. As soon as he was out of ear’s shot, Nicole arched an eyebrow at Nessa.

“What was that all about?” Nicole asked and then at Nessa’s widened eyes, she said “No shit!”

“Nicole Bernard,” Teresa scolded her across the table.

“Sorry,” Nicole apologized and then looked at Nessa. “You weren’t joking the Alpha over shared.”

“It happens,” Nessa replied and waved at Teresa to come over. “Ma’, come on over. I won’t be able to rein in Nic for much longer!”

Teresa swiftly made her way towards her daughter. Nessa looked at Aaron and pointed Nicole with her eyes and then him. Aaron smirked and quickly pulled Nicole into his arms, vacating the chair for Teresa.

“Mrs Heinsfeld,” his husky voice did a number on Nicole, evaporating all determination to scold him for manhandling her in front of everyone.

“Your boy is a charmer,” Teresa giggled at Stevens Jr, and sat on Nicole’s chair.

“He’s lucky, auntie, he did this for you or he would have seen my wrath,” Nicole said, but winked at Nessa and mouthed her thank you. It was exhilarating to feel the sparkles that erupted as his big hands brushed hers, encasing her in his warmth. Having a mate was definitely proving to be useful. He still had to learn a lot, but Nicole was confident, it would be fun. “Hey, auntie, how do you know them?”

“I used to belong to Moonlight Pack before I mated,” Teresa explained and then smiled, tapping on Nicole’s chin for her to close her mouth. Nessa rolled her eyes.

“Ma’, you have to take a class with the pack in confusing short names,” Nessa shook her head.

“Regretting calling me a pervert already?” Stevens chuckled.

“Dad!” Aaron exclaimed.

“Nessa!” Teresa countered and glared at Vanessa, who only shrugged.

“Not as much as you will, when Ma’ finds out how you were ogling me while I was trying to kidnap my Alpha on a romantic getaway. And mind you, I was so carried away, I haven’t even thought of protection!” Nessa retorted back at Stevens.

“Ron!” Teresa scolded and Nicole giggled. This was going to be so much fun. “You know, how much I want to have grandpups!”

“You know, I love to bicker with Ned. She defended him and got caught in the crossfire,” Stevens explained.

“You were drooling over her and disrespecting our Alpha, of course, she’d lash out!” Cameron supplied. Nessa grinned as Teresa narrowed her eyes on Stevens promising to deal with him later.

Aaron rested his chin over Nicole’s shoulder. She could feel his breath fan across her neck and cheek and quickly started reconsidering her position. Sitting on his lap, certainly did a number on both of them. He did not do anything to hide his obvious desire for her, which was currently poking her behind. So he wanted to tease her? Well, she would gladly return the favor. Wiggling in his lap she bent down towards the girls ignoring the vibration from Aaron’s chest.

“So auntie, Ness tells me that you are staying in the Alpha’s suite,” Nicole said and Aaron groaned, pulling her back into his chest. “What’s up Suga’? If you are going to growl, you can leave.”

“Nicole, stop wiggling!” Aaron hissed and Nessa laughed at his discomfort. Vince chuckled, while Cameron patted Aaron’s back only to receive a growl. “Keep your hands to yourself, pup!”

Cameron moved his hands in surrender and told Nicole,“Nic, he’s frustrated!”

“Of course he is! Do you want to come over and check exactly HOW much?” Nicole asked Cameron, giving him a wink, which made him flush crimson. Nessa chuckled.

“NICOLE,” Aaron more or less growled at her. “I am not gay!”

“Of course, you aren’t,” Nicole said and shifted in his lap.

“THAT’S IT,” Aaron hissed and stood up quickly, settling Nicole on her feet, and then bent over the table and offered his hand to Nessa. “Luna, thank you for everything, but we are retiring for the night.”

“You are retiring,” Nicole retorted, while Nessa shook his hand.

“See you in the morning,” Nessa replied and grinned at him wiggling her eyebrows at Aaron encouragingly. He smiled back before picking up Nicole bridal style, carrying her out of the dining hall.

“Nes, you, TRAITOR!” Nicole yelled.

“You’ll thank me tomorrow!” Nessa’s voice carried through the corridor.

“You’ll pay for this!” Nicole shouted back and then as her eyes locked onto his entertained face, she narrowed them down. “Aaron Stevens, you better put me down right this minute!”

“Not yet. Your room?” He asked for direction.

Nicole glared at him. If he thought for a second, that he would muscle his way with her, he had another thing coming. He kept on staring at her for a long while as he was climbing up the stairs.

“Fine, I am sure that my pa will allow us to bunk together!”

“Gross,” Nicole hissed.

“So your room it is then,” Aaron prompted.

“I am not sleeping with you,” Nicole gave in.

“Sure,” Aaron sarcastically agreed with her chuckling.

“I am serious!”

“Nicole, which floor, damn it?” Aaron asked.

“Don’t you swear at me,” Nicole scolded him.

“We need to talk, don’t make it any less difficult for me to hold off my wolf, or he will mark and mate you. So which floor?” He groaned.

“Second, happy?”

“Yes,” Aaron said and utilized his werewolf speed to climb up the stairs. Nicole gritted her teeth and quickly snatched his neck with her hands. “You are too precious to me to drop you. Relax. Which room?”

Nicole narrowed her eyes at him and nodded towards the end of the corridor. As she opened the door, he pushed his way in and closed the door with his foot.

“Let me down now!” Nicole said. His eyes scanned the room and then slowly lowered her, letting her heels touch the floor. Aaron casually sat on the foot of the bed and looked up at her.

Oh, this was going to be a long night!

Teresa

“Nes, you, TRAITOR!” Nicole roared as Aaron carried her out of the room. Teresa shot Nessa a look before her daughter grinned and shouted back in a very unlady-like moment.

“You’ll thank me tomorrow!”

Teresa was sure that Nessa’s voice carried through the corridor.

“You’ll pay for this!” Nicole voice came back which only made Michelle and Nessa giggle.

“You know she’ll get you for that,” Beta Cameron warned Nessa who just waved him off.

“She is naming her kids after me and Marcus, she loves us. Which reminds me, Alpha Stevens, you better link Aaron and tell him she barks but doesn’t bite, ” Nessa shot at him and then returned her attention to Teresa, explaining. “Nic means good, but she doesn’t know when to stop talking!”

“Kinda’ reminds me of someone,” the Beta interjected only to earn an eye roll from Nessa.

Teresa chuckled.

“I’m not that bad,” Nessa protested. “I take care of my pack and Aaron is adopted by proximity."

Cameron chuckled, while Stevens beamed a smile at her.

“Honey, Nicole, and Aaron will proceed with their relationship at their own pace, as do you with Alpha Ned,” Teresa started.

“Ma, we know you want grandpups. Marcus absolutely supports the idea, but it's not the right time," Nessa told Teresa.

“Raising them will be fun, not a burden,” the Beta countered.

“Oh, yeah? Have you met me? Or Marcus? Any gene combo would be explosive! You say you want a couple of Alpha rascals running around here, but as soon as they start making trouble, guess who would you give them back to? Yes, me,” Nessa explained.

“Well, it comes in handy that you will be able to practice on ours first,” Michelle grinned at Nessa.

“You serious?” Nessa asked while Vincent beamed.

“Mission accomplished,” Vincent said, only for Michelle to smack the back of his head. Teresa gave Michelle a disapproving look and she quickly explained.

“My scoundrel here has an ongoing bet with his buddies of when we'd become parents. When I told him the news this morning, he arm-wrestled the pack doctor for an appointment. She just linked me with the confirmation of the blood test,” Michelle smiled.

“Marvelous,” Teresa smiled at the couple.

“Congrats man,” The Beta grinned wide at the Gamma.

“Congratulations, Gamma Vincent,” Stevens said before taking his leave.

Marcus

Oh, this was going to be a long night. Marcus ordered refreshments and waited for everyone to arrive. Who would have thought Jonathan Graves, Second in command of the Third Pack Law Battalion and twice removed cousin of his lovely Nessa was the Fifth most powerful wolf on the planet? What did that make his mate? Marcus hoped that she was no one important. The further down the succession line, the better. If the uprising of the Monarchy was as inevitable as it seemed, he wanted her safe and secure away from the court.

Though, he knew he wouldn’t be that lucky.

In fact, Marcus was anxiously waiting for another surprise.

He knew his happiness was too great and it would tempt the Fate to throw an obstacle or two his way. He would not be surprised if she indeed was someone important, someone, to be reckoned with! After all, her feisty character singled her out as a natural-born leader.

For goodness sake, she was cousins with a very powerful Royal!

It meant there was blue blood in her veins. She wolves never inherited the right to the Throne; however, their mates could state the claim on their behalf and rule as Prince consort, until the rightful male heir was born and of age. Blue blood strengthened the bloodline and it was not uncommon for ruthless rogues or Alphas to steal, kidnap, tempt, or mate with a she-wolf, even remotely connected with the Royals for the sole purpose of producing an heir.

And here he was going to actually send Cameron away to summer camp in Pack Law, while his mate was defenseless as she could be. She hadn’t even shifted yet.

Talk about complications.

Why couldn’t she be just a regular Gamma?

Cameron and Rifkin’s arrival brought him back to the task at hand. They needed to figure out the mastermind and eliminate him.

Cut the head of the serpent and the body would collapse.

But with their luck, the freaking snake would mutate and grow a new head!

Marcus glanced at Frank, who has been irritated, drumming his fingers against the leather surface of the armchair. Marcus wanted to know what was going on behind those fierce brown eyes. If Nes was in danger, it meant Teresa was too.

When Travis brought unsuspecting Nessa to his office, Marcus' stiff posture finally relaxed. Her eyes darted to him and then to her father. When nobody spoke, her frustration became tangible through the mindlink. Marcus patted the seat next to him and Nessa mumbled something about abnoxious Alphas, who change their god-dammed minds every two seconds. His eyes landed on the wall clock. It was past the bedtime he promised her. This evening was definitely not turning out the way he planned.

Nessa quickly settled next to him. Marcus wrapped his hand around her shoulders, his fingers trailing down the neckline of her hoodie, feeling her skin.

She was not burning. When she scooted closer to him, Marcus kissed her temple.

At least her Heat was in check.

As Travis proceeded to exit, Nessa’s curiosity got the better of her.

“You good?” Nessa asked Marcus, who nodded. She had changed her dress with a pair of jeans and a tank top and casually pulled up a hoodie on top. Marcus smirked as his eyes trailed down her cleavage and immediately zipped her hoodie all the way to her chin. It was a distraction he couldn't afford.

“Too much for your innocent eyes?” She questioned over the mindlink. The rumble from his chest made her peck his cheek and inquire. “Alphalicious, what’s going on?”

“When were you going to tell me your 'cousin' Jon is the Fifth in line for the Throne?”

“Oh,” Nessa exclaimed and her eyes darted to Joel.

“Of course, he knows. Do you have a title I am not aware of?” Marcus prompted.

“Only you would complain that you have a mate with some very diluted blue blood,” Nessa dismissed the matter.

“Can’t you tell? I am fucking ecstatic,” Marcus sarcastically agreed with her.

“Marcus,” Frank cautioned him sternly.

"... my mate has a bull’s eye painted on her back!” Marcus finished his thought as if Frank did not issue a warning.

“There are so many capable wares with much more blue blood in them that would gladly sit on the Throne. Nobody would mess with me, I am not important and definitely they wouldn't want to anger my badass mate. Alpha Ned is legit,” Nessa joked.

“Vanessa, do you seriously hear yourself?” Marcus yelled only for Frank to loudly growl his final warning. Marcus ignored him. “Your position might not be of significance for the Monarchy, but you are my life. So you better get it in your otherwise smart head you are quite important to me. The same badass rep gives me enemies. I’ve killed rogues and pissed Alphas off. And most of them are not cowards like Brandon, but real sharks. Influential, rich, strong Alphas. I was not joking when I told you there are shifters who would gladly assassinate you just to get back at me, which would be the perfect domino in the World Domination by some asswipe.”

“I know. I have Travis and I know how to look after myself. But I will not hide in a corner just because you pissed people off."

“Nessa, I swear sometimes you really make me want to lock you in our room until you finally see reason. I won’t risk losing you. I refuse to lose you. I can’t lose you!” Marcus roared, only to have her touch his cheek in reply.

“Oh, Grumpy. That’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever said to me,” Nessa replied as her eyes watering.

“You call that romantic?” Cameron asked only to receive a glare from the Alpha pair.

“I know I'm an easy prey, but I'm also resourceful and street smart,” Nessa told Marcus, rubbing her face into his neck in submission.

Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose and then shot at her via the link, “You can’t be seriously turned on right now!”

“It’s not my fault I am in HEAT!” Nessa huffed back only to have him crush his lips to hers.

“Better?”

“Yeah,” Nessa replied and avoided looking at Frank. “Joel, where’s Jon?”

“His guard is up,” Joel informed her while his eyes conveyed worry. Nessa’s eyes widened.

At the same moment Marcus was going to ask what else she was hiding from him, the engraved wooden doors opened and Teresa Heinsfeld stalled in followed by Stevens, who was more than reluctant to see the gathered people. His irritation spiked when Teresa casually pecked Frank, asking him what was going on. So the old bat really cared for Teresa? Didn’t he have a mate? Marcus kept on thinking about the significance of that so he missed when Frank actually started explaining to the newcomers.

“Stevens has accused Riverhill’s Northern Hills and Pack Law of plotting to raise the Monarchy by numerous events that seemed irrelevant at the time: Alpha Grey’s assassination, the arranged mating of Juliet Grey, and the Blackwood Luna Emma’s assassination,” Frank started. “Apparently the mastermind figured that by uniting Northern Hills with Rover Grove, they will be victorious over Moonlight, using their long-time dispute over Lands. Blackwood suffered a loss to undermine their power and to prevent Alpha Ned from siding with Alpha Stevens.”

As the silence settled Stevens sighed, “So you believe me."

“There are too many coincidences,” Frank shrugged.

“I knew that Ron could not have been so heartless to assassinate a Luna,” Teresa replied. Nessa rolled her eyes at the excitement of her mother and rubbed a circle on Marcus’ back as she felt the anger through the bond.

“My question now is who do you suspect to be the Monarch that they will appoint?” Frank asked.

“Fernando Alvarez,” Stevens said and glared at Joel as he was the representative of their corrupt government. Joel did not seem to be affected by the glare.

“Why?” Frank asked.

“It’s obvious. He is young, hotheaded, and thinks he would be able to unite the Alphas to back him up when he declares for change. We all know that the Spanish community has been behind the downfall of the Monarchy as it was. Fernando has actually a shot at uniting them once and for all. And who is to stand in his way? Bunch of privileged Aytons who would be easily betrayed by a servant and old Geary who has taken a human for a mate? Plus Geary has daughters. They cannot inherit the succession line. Even if he does not kill Geary, he doesn’t have the influence and would abdicate in favor of Fernando.”

“That sounds possible, but Fernando could not have orchestrated everything. He’s is barely in his mid-twenties,” Teresa piped in only to have Nessa hiss in disgust.

“Pablo Alvarez!”