Chapter 4

The sun hangs low beneath the horizon, on our drive back to the pack house the trees stretching for hours The road stretching endlessly, flanked by towering trees that blur into a dark green haze as we speed along. My shoulders relaxing finally letting the stored up tension slip off the events of the day I had only a  few minutes before I would have to go play politics with Blackwood pack.

The air holds the scent of pin and lilies my mind lingering in the gardens with her.

As the car approaches the gaint black gates of the pack house, I exhale, watching the looming gates glide open.

We drive into the large black gates that lead into the pack house, the drive way stretching deeper into the large compound gardens and flowers lined along the sides leading up to a gigantic duplex with large oak doors. The car pulls up to the front of the house with Jason the packs Gama waiting by the entrance of the house

 “Alpha, we've got a problem.”

Those words hit me like a punch to my gut, there was always a problem I step out of the car the weight of my responsibilities settling on my shoulder. Jason leads the way to the study for head straight and focused the tension of whatever he has to say settling between the three of the us we walk though the study door for privacy.

 “What is it? I ask cutting straight to the point immediately the study doors close “What is the emergency?”

Jason's jaws tighten “we caught some wolves spying on us along the border lines and after some interrogation we found them to be spies sent from Blackwood pack sent to asses and report back whatever Intel they find on our security, strengths, weaknesses and loopholes. What we have failed to asses is what they need these informations for and if Blackwood intends to attack or not.

My blood runs cold. “where are they now?”

 “In the dungeon alpha,” Good! I snap Leave them there for now they leave with us when we head to the ceremony they would make a good example at the ceremony.

 “okay alpha”.

I pace for a while my mind spinning in a whirlwind of endless possibilities of what has been planned and what might happen with the spies in my territory, who knows what has already been sent out and how much they know.

“ Jason, double  the security along the boarders and ensure that everything that happens along the outskirts of my territory is reported to me I do not want to any surprises understood?” I say finally getting some sense of control on my thoughts.

With a nod from Jason I turn towards the window steadying my breath.

 “How was the meeting with jewels and pearls? I ask trying to return some form of normalcy to the room.

“ A success alpha” I hear Jason say “ they are no longer pursuing for a partnership but want to open a store in one of our building complexes, the company is already running background checks and accessing the risk factors involved”

 Very good, excellent job Jason let me know if anything changes. Gather the men and let them get ready we leave in half an hour.

 The drive to Blackwood is long and endless the thrum of music reaches my ears before the actual pack house comeme to view a subtle reminder of the evenings real purpose. I glace down on my hands placed on my lap, steadying my breath. It's been a long day of diplomacy and calculated moves but this? this is different with too much at stake.  

 Breathe, Jackson you’ve got this.

 The nights air is cool against my skin, as I step out taking the view in front of me the moon lighting the night skies casting shadows where the night lights cant reach; Alpha Damien a slightly older man is standing with his Luna in front of the drive way dressed to impress and ready to welcome us with one look at Devon I could tell that our men are in position and ready for instructions. Alpha Damiens eyes catch Mine a hit of curiosity mingling with something more sinister I close the gap between Alpha Damien and I with Devon and Jason flanking me one at my left and the other at my right.

“Alpha Jackson, welcome,” Damien greets me, his voice warm, but the gleam in his eyes tells a different story. “I trust the journey was uneventful?”

I force a smile” if you consider long and stressful uneventful then yes, it was a breeze.”

Alpha Damien smile widens, a flash of white teeth showing under the beautiful glow of the night sky. His smile widening both welcoming and knowing like though I had just stumbled on a private joke and I just blended in.

Hands gesturing towards the sounds of lively chatter and upbeat music that grew louder with every step “come, the night is far spent lets join the ceremony then talk business.

 Entering the grand hall, the atmosphere transforms from that of the dull somber shadows of the outside to a vibrant sea of colors and sounds. The room is alive with a light burst of soft lights, flowers and drums flickering lanterns casting a golden hue over the guest, their faces a blur of happy laughter and casual conversations.

 The celebration looks well put together a game of power and politics such an intricate dance of festivitiea and Alphas from all corners of the realm creating a blend of power, respect and intrigue. The scent of fragrant flowers and rich food fill the air, adding to my already over stimulated brain.

Confidently leading me through a maze of people some of which I recognize some of which I don’t we head to a group of men standing together in a semicircle.

 “Alpha Jackson, Alpha Damien began, allow me to introduce you to Alpha Aspen of the shadow pack” his voice both friendly yet formal “they run the entire construction business in new york city” he says gesturing towards a tall stiff looking man with distrusting eyes and guarded posture. Giving a curt nod of acknowledgement, Alpha Aspen shifts his gaze a clear dismissal.

 “And this, Damien continued, moving to the next individual,” is Alpha Thorin of the silver pack, indicating to a more bubbly man with a friendly smile and firm handshake that both spoke of strength and friendliness He handles and owns the biggest security company in North California- This was definitely a man I would like to have in my corner—a potential ally, if he can be trusted.

As the introductions continue, I keep my senses sharp, cataloging every shift in posture, every glance. Alliances are formed and broken in rooms like this, and I can’t afford to let my guard down. My wolves remain on high alert, feeding me information through the mind link. Their steady presence is a constant reassurance.

 “Alpha,” Devon’s voice cuts through the link, tense and direct. “Scouts found something.”

What is it?” I ask, my expression remaining neutral as I continue listening to Damien talk.

“A group of wolves. They’re not from Blackwood. Should we intercept?”

No! Get a taile on them I want to know who they are and where they are heading. Also, get the scouts out of here and make sure they are not seen. We will converge back at the pack house tomorrow morning.

 “Yes alpha,” severing the mind link I turn back to Damien, who was watching me with a curious expression, “Alpha Damien, as much as I’m enjoying this ceremony, I fear we must discuss business,” I said, my voice decided and firm as I stand from my seat.

 With a glimmer of understanding in his eyes alpha Damien’s smile falters slightly “of course, alpha Jackson, Lets go to my study, it is more suitable for this conversation he gestures for me to follow, moving away from the festivities and chaos.