Chapter 3 - Zoe

I knew that Ironfur was essentially in the middle of nowhere. I hadn’t considered what that entailed until I exited the plane. I hadn’t expected a metropolis or anything. It was a private airstrip, again not uncommon for werewolf packs with the space to build one. The three Sicilian packs use the same private airstrip. It helps avoid possible issues with humans.  

There was nothing to see besides two buildings: the hangar and the other for people traveling. It was all trees as far as I could see. I enjoy nature as much as the next werewolf, but I suddenly missed civilization and worried about what we would be walking into.  

“This way, Beta Damon and Beta Zoe. There is a car waiting.” Dean waved us on as he and another Ironfur pack member grabbed our bags. 

It had been cold in Massachusetts, but it had been tolerable. It was below freezing as snow was on the ground, and I could see my breath in the air. I was happy to get into the warmth of the running SUV Alpha Finn had sent to pick us up. Despite the warmth of the car and the fact that, as a werewolf, I naturally run hotter than a human, I was still rubbing my arms through my jacket as I watched the snow-covered trees pass by on our drive from their small airstrip to town.  

We drove past a quaintly carved sign, ‘Star Lake Est 1885.’ The carving was of the mountains and lake. The only subtle indication this town had anything to do with our kind were the wolves that flanked the sign’s text. I was only half paying attention as Dean gave us the ‘grand tour,’ pointing out the businesses as we passed. 

This was very, very rural compared to Nebrodi. Everywhere, you could see people milling about. Some, I’m sure, are here for the gathering. The ones busy decorating to make the still wintery landscape feel more like spring were obviously from Ironfur.  

Eventually, we passed through an iron gate that brought us down a private road. This time, I took more notice of our surroundings. Past the trees, I could see the lake on either side of us. It was like a narrow peninsula, or that’s what it started as, till we crossed a bridge and were officially on an island. 

“This is what we call Kilbourn island, after our Alpha family. It’s the heart of the lake and home to our ranked wolves and our pack meeting house.” Dean explained. 

“That house we passed before the bridge is the Hamele’s house. They have been our Delta family for generations. You’ll meet Delta Richard and his mate Jeanne at the pack meeting house.” Dean pointed back to the rustic mountain home fading in the distance of the back window. 

“Here on our left is the Tate’s house. Like Richard and Jeanne, you’ll meet Gamma Ted and Rae Louise shortly.” He continued the tour as we passed a modest but lovely home. 

“And here on the right is the Folsom’s house. Beta Clarence and Kathrine will be with the others waiting to greet you at the meeting house.” Dean nodded to the next house as we passed by. 

This time, I noticed what I’ll assume is a nanny outside with four young children. The older two looked to be in a snowball fight while the nanny was helping the younger two build a small snowman. It was good to know and to see pups playing so freely. For being a small pack in a rural area, it was obvious Ironfur was a safe place. Dean even said they haven’t had rogue issues in generations.  

The private road ended in a large loop before two wood and stone homes. Again, it was very rustic but still beautiful to look at. I assumed the slightly smaller building was the meeting house, where four males stood waiting for us. I’d put money on being Alpha Finn, the tallest and broadest of the quartet. Something about how he was standing and, in general, the size compared to the others.  

“Welcome to Ironfur Beta Damon and Beta Zoe.” The one I assumed to be Alpha Finn greeted us as we exited the SUV. 

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Alpha Finn.” Papa nodded his head. 

“And for the assistance in securing transportation on such short notice.” I chimed in, bowing my head. 

“We hope whatever called Beta Alexander home wasn’t too serious.” A second male smiled as he stepped forward. 

“My son will handle his Alpha’s emergency,” Papa assured him. 

“Allow me to introduce everyone.” Alpha Finn smiled as he gestured for the others to come forward. 

“I am, of course, Alpha Finn. This is my Beta Clarence Folsom.” He gestured to the dark blonde who’d commented on Alexander’s absence. 

“And this is my Gamma, Ted Tate. And Delta Richard Hamele.” Finn gestured to the other two men. 

Ted and Richard had darker brown hair and brown eyes—some features, such as Dean having a facial structure similar to Finn’s. So, I’d assume the Tate and Hamele family are related. I shouldn’t be surprised if all four ranked families are somehow connected. This is a smaller pack, and I’ve found that the ranked wolves are family in many smaller packs.  

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all.” Papa smiled. 

“Dean gave us a bit of a rundown on the drive. It’s nice to have faces to go with the names.” I smiled, bowing my head respectfully to the other three men. 

“Well, I’m pleased my cousin was such a good host.” Finn glanced at Dean, something silently being communicated in that look or their pack link. 

‘He’s probably trying to see if his cousin and you hooked up. I mean, if your reputation preceded your arrival.’ Viatrix scoffed. 

‘Oh, shut up. For all you know, Alpha Finn checked if we’re mates.’ I rolled my eyes at my mate. 

“It was my pleasure to be of service, Alpha.” Dean bowed. “Unless you need something further, I should check in for my patrol duties.” 

“No, that will be all, Dean.” Finn nodded, dismissing Dean. 

“I hope you enjoy your stay in Ironfur, Beta Damon and Beta Zoe.” Dean smiled before he got back in the car and drove away. 

“I understand you are hosting eleven packs for a mate ball tonight. Are there so few that they can all fit in your packhouse?” I gestured to the building behind them. 

“Ah...” Finn glanced back at the house.  

“No. The packhouse is used more as a hang-out for our pack members, and the rooms are reserved for ranked visitors. We had three of the six bedrooms prepared for your party.” He explained. 

“So, it will just be Papa and I staying here?” I arched my brow as I saw someone taking our luggage inside. 

“No, Beta Zoe. We have a full house. There are two females and a male staying here as well.” Clarence explained. 

“The male, Emmett Nelson, is the Gamma heir of my older sister Barbara’s pack in Nova Scotia. Then there is April Tyrell, the daughter of Blackpaw’s Delta, and Séréna Tailler, the daughter of les Griffes Gelées’ Gamma.” Finn explained with a heavy sigh at the mention of Séréna. 

“Speak of the devil, and she shall appear,” Ted muttered as the doors of the pack house were thrown open, and a raven-haired girl walked out. 

Objectively, she’s pretty, but something about her aura left a bad taste in my mouth. She reminded me of the snobby bitches that used to look down on my cousin Katrina for being a hybrid. I’ve run into my share of them during our trip, so I’ve become something of an expert in spotting bratty bitches a mile away. Some can hide their true nature, but it always surfaces. Mostly when my brother made it clear they weren’t his mate, so they could fuck off.  

The girl looked livid, her hair damp like she’d just recently left the shower, yet her overall appearance didn’t match that. She was wrapped in a heavy blanket, and her teeth were chattering, though she leaned into the exaggerated side. Her eyes locked on Finn, and with more confidence than a visiting Gamma’s daughter should have stormed forward. 

“I demand that Gunnar be punished along with that insolent bitch Holly, or I will be telling my father what kind of treatment I’ve received here,” Séréna demanded. 

“Take one more aggressive step toward my Alpha, and I’ll be calling your father to tell him to come collect you from the hospital,” Clarence growled, getting between the girl and Finn. 

“Learn your place. You do not ever speak to an Alpha in such a manner. Nor do you get to make demands or threats.” He scoffed. 

“I can handle it, Clarence,” Finn assured Clarence and patted his shoulder. 

“Séréna, you chose to bed my younger brother. You also chose to bad-mouth a member of the Beta family. These were your choices, and I am certain your father will agree that you must take responsibility for them and deal with the fallout.” Finn calmly responded. 

‘Papa, do you think she means the Holly Darren and Isis know? The warrior she-wolf that left Bloodmoon after her mate tragically died to save Isis?’ I asked in our family link. 

‘Possible. Though I wasn’t aware that Holly was of Beta blood.’ Papa answered. 

 “Return to your room and behave yourself the rest of your visit. You are making a fool of yourself in front of visiting dignitaries.” Finn instructed, gesturing to Papa and me. 

The girl at least had the good sense to blush as she realized her pirate life was being laid bare for strangers not involved in the mess. She pulled the blanket tighter around her as she looked at us. She at least bowed her head in respect to Papa. She looked at me as if I was a possible threat or competition. 

I don’t know or care who Gunnar is beyond apparently a member of the Kilbourn family. If he’s not my mate, I’ll abide by my words and not touch him. Whoever Gunnar is, he isn’t her mate, so she can get over herself. I don’t care if she thinks I’m competition for this Gunnar or any other male here. She’ll spend the day as a statue if she keeps up this. 

“Do you have a problem, girl?” I asked, folding my arms.  

“What? Why would you think that?” Séréna scoffed. 

“Because you bow your head in respect to my Papa yet glare at me. We are both Betas representing our packs. Learn your place and start showing the proper respect.” I warned her. 

“Or else what?” Séréna rolled her eyes. 

“Or you spend the day as a statue.” I glared, her feet already starting to turn to stone. 

“Zoe….” Papa warned. 

“What will it be?” I arched my brow, ignoring Papa as the stone effect crept higher up the girl’s legs. 

“My…my apologies, Beta… Beta Zoe.” Séréna stammered, bowing her head. 

“I think you’ve made your point, piccolo uccello.” Papa sighed.

I nodded in agreement. The effect of my power disappeared, leaving only the crumbled stone around Séréna’s feet as evidence. 

“I believe Alpha Finn told you to go to your quarters.” I smiled.  

Séréna nodded and, without a word, rushed back inside. A boisterous laugh and applause caught my attention as I dusted my hands off. Papa and I turned to see four females approaching. Based on how they carried themselves, I would assume they are the ranked females. It was the dirty blonde that was laughing and applauding. 

“Well, that was fucking awesome. I’m going to like you, Beta Zoe.” She greeted, offering her hand as she reached us. 

“I’m Katherine Bryant, Clarence’s mate.” She smiled, introducing herself as I shook her hand. 

The surname sounded familiar, but it’s probably not all that uncommon a name. So, I didn’t think much of it. Soon, the other ladies introduced themselves. The busty blonde was Luna Lorna, the other dirty blonde was Gamma Rae Louise, and the dark brunette was Delta Jeann. After our introductions, plans were made to meet with Alpha Finn before the ball to talk politics, and then the ladies showed us to our rooms.