Chapter 2

"They have arrived."

That sentence, although short, was powerful enough to get the whole pack running around. Immediately, I heard my mom begin to dish out orders on how to welcome them. She was in full Luna mode, and there was no stopping her. I quietly retreated to my room to avoid clashing with people working and disturbing them.

I got to my room, cleaned it up, changed into a nice dress, fixed my hair, and hopped into bed, waiting to be called up. I picked up my phone to check the latest gist. I was instantly bombarded with notifications from all my handles. I clicked on the annoying popup and the hashtag, #They have arrived" was trending.

Oh my god! Check out this hot alpha from Asia.

I also heard he is single.

I call dibs on him.

#They have arrived. One read.

The tweet was followed by an image of the said "hot Alpha." It was probably taken in a hurry because it was unfocused and blurry. I wasn’t even able to see the "hotness". And so, it continued, with different people tweeting about the Alphas they want to see and the ones they have seen. The pack got busy welcoming them. All schools were closed for the week. They would be around next.

The next day was no different, as Alphas from North and South America arrived and some from Australia. Finally, the noise began to die down, although not completely. There will be a special performance for them tomorrow to properly welcome them to the Ravenwood pack. It would be held at the football field. Preparations were ongoing; the dancers and presenters were already getting ready.

I wasn’t going to be participating in any of the events; I would just be going as an audience. In order not to draw attention to myself, I sat at the back with my friends, instead of at the front with my family.

The welcome party was awesome! There were dances from different packs, dramas, fire-eating men, and a lot of cultural displays. We were trending on Twitter throughout the whole day. I was feeling proud that we were able to accomplish such things.

Now that the festivity is over, it is time to get down to business. The meeting was a closed-door affair, to be conducted in the hotel’s hall. Although I wouldn’t be able to attend, my brother did, as he would be the next Alpha, so he had to start learning.

All the rave started dying as the Alphas were busy, either in the meeting or in their rooms, except the unmated one, who would occasionally stroll around the pack to breathe in the fresh air. Everyone knows that the whole fresh air thing was a hoax, they are just in search of their mate. I busied myself in the hospital since there was nothing to do and sometimes, I let my wolf out for a run.

I always feel refreshed after my run. Nothing could beat that feeling of your paws hitting the soft earth, the wind on your fur, with your tongue out in the air and just being free. I sometimes went on a hunt during such a run, as that was the only time, I could embrace my inner animal.

I heard my mom call after I came back from one of my runs. I must admit I wasn’t in a good shape for a werewolf. Just this little run and I was panting like a deer that narrowly escaped a kill.

"Yes," gulp, "mom," gulp. I said, between mouthfuls of water. I started walking towards the sound of her voice. I stopped in front of her and looked at her. Her beautiful face was showing some creases.

"What happened?" I questioned her.

"Where have you been all this time? I haven’t seen you around, and your father has been looking for you to introduce you to some of his friends."

"I have been helping out in the hospital since there was nothing I could do here. I know that dad just wants me to find my mate there. Besides, I can’t bear to listen to and laugh at their dry jokes."

"Belle!" my mom gasps. She looked around the hallway, then at me, and we both burst out in laughter.

"You are right. Well, they will be out of our hair by next week, so you won’t have to put up with any of them. Besides, I can’t put up with some of them; they are just entitled pricks."

"Mom!" Now I couldn’t hold myself. I burst out into laughter, that unladylike careless laugh, that sounds like a dying engine, yes, exactly that one. You just have to love my mom.

"It is the truth. Lest I forget, we need more hands in the kitchen, so you should go join them. If you see your brother, tell him to come see me. He blocked me out of his mind. Again."

"Alright, will do."

I went to my room for a change of clothes. I took a quick shower and got dressed in polo and trousers. I checked myself in the mirror. It wasn’t too fancy or shabby; it was just the right fit for the job. I went to the kitchen in the hotel and started helping with the food packaging and distributing.

I was still in the process when I feel something, Kiayra (pronounced Kai-ra) said from deep inside me. I could sense her rising from where she had been sitting and began to pace around. I can’t remember when she has been like this.

How do you feel, Kiayra? Is there danger ahead? Should I notify Dad? I asked, getting a bit worried as Kiayra continued pacing about. She gave a vicious shake and continued her pacing.

Before I knew it, my legs were leading me towards the hallway. Kiayra is trying to take over my body. What are you doing? Where are you taking me to? Give me back the control! I demanded, but she didn’t listen. So, I watched her as she began to sniff the air and started following a trail.

What the hell is going on, Kiayra? I asked, already getting irritated. And in the blink of an eye, she has given me control. 

Focus Bella and sniff the air. I think he is here. I can feel it.

He? I asked in puzzlement. Which he? I lifted my nose and sniff the air. Citrus. That was all I could smell; he smelled like citrus mixed with those sweet-smelling herbs my mom usually prepares. I know it is a weird combination, but I love it. I began to follow that intoxicating smell blindly.

When I came out of my haze and noticed my surroundings, I was in front of the hall that was used for the meeting. Before I could start retracing my steps, my eyes locked onto one of the most beautiful brown eyes I have ever seen. They are so light that they almost look bleached.

OK, maybe I was exaggerating, but it was beautiful to me. He also must have noticed me because he started moving towards me. Any thoughts of backing off fled as this man strides purposefully towards me, throwing his long legs one at a time.

He engulfed me in a cloud of citrus. It smells natural, although I can perceive the faint scent of his cologne. It is weird to say, but he smells like home. A warm home on a rainy day. The scent was intoxicating. His brown eyes were glowing like a little firefly.

"Hello, mate." His deep voice sent a rumbling down my stomach. I could literally orgasm from his voice alone. I closed my eyes and moved closer to him, taking a deep sniff just to be sure he was the one and mostly to inhale that heady scent. He smells of masculinity and strength. Like a dominant, there is no doubt that this man right here is an Alpha, most especially my mate.

From his accent, I could guess that he was part of the European pack. "What is your name, mate?" His voice broke me out of my thoughts.

"Isabella," I blurted out, not thinking. I mentally smack myself. You have to stay focused, Belle.

"Bella," he said softly, as if he were tasting it. He seemed to be satisfied with how it sounded because he gave a slight nod. "I love it."

A faint blush creeps from my ears to my cheeks. If I was lighter in complexion, I would be so red. I tried to mask it, "and to whom do I owe this pleasure?" I asked with a wide smile. Kiayra was dying inside with laughter as she laughed at my expense.

I will bring you forward if you don’t behave. I threatened. That promptly shut her up, as she retired back to her place. Wimp, I called out.

"Having a conversation without me?" Mr. Mysterious flashing his teeth at me broke me from my dialogue. "My name is Richard; it is nice to finally meet you." His mouth parted into a smile as he stretched out his hand for a handshake. I took a deep breath and prepared myself as I shook his hand. But no amount of preparation could prevent me from the onslaught of electricity I felt between us.

I gasped as my body shook lightly from the wave of current that just ran through us. I took a big whiff of the air and held on tighter, not wanting to let go of that warmth.

"Relax, mate; we've got all the time in the world to be together." His voice broke me out of my reverie. I immediately recoiled, removing my hands from him. I just met him and I am already acting like a cat on heat.

"Pardon my manners, please."

He waved it off with his hand. "Isabelle, that name sounds familiar. I wonder where I heard it from."

"Hey Richard, can you leave the women for a second and get your arse over here?" A voice from inside called out.

He rolled his eyes and looked at me. "I would love to continue this, but we have to finish up with some things. I will come get you when I am through." He took my hands and gave me a light kiss on my hand, then left.

"What the hell just happened??"