CHAPTER 2

Alpha Mitch was a handsome man, that much was obvious. Standing a head above the majority of the pack warriors, he was ripped. His eyes were the most captivating Lana had ever seen, and he had skin that was the color of cocoa.

Yet, he was still sporting his characteristically haughty grin. Before he even started speaking, he had already made her angry. As soon as he fixed his gaze on Lana, a smile spread across his lips, and he moved toward her, holding out his arms in preparation for a hug. He received a throat blow from her.

Goddess, I figured you might be glad to see me! The video cameras don't do you justice, Miss Wilcott. He beams. In-person, you look even more beautiful. Although York uncomfortably glances at his sister, Lana continues to stare at him with her brows slightly arched.

He didn't want her to start a pack fight, but that wasn't going to happen because Moonstone was a generally calm and tranquil pack. Well, Mitch had taken over from his father, so they were.

"What do we owe the pleasure of your visit, Alpha Mitch?" Lana stares at the visitor as York growls. Without pausing, Mitch smiles and tilts his head slightly to gaze at Lana.

"On the phone, your sister used some strong language. They were pretty direct, but they were also accurate. Mitch says, erecting himself and putting his smile away, "I'm here to discuss a truce."

The Wilcotts move to the mental link while feigning astonishment. "What the fuck," York exclaims, putting on a composed demeanor. "I told him to suck his dicky, and he replied that he didn't appreciate me speaking that way," says Lana, who has a pinched expression on. I declared that I disagreed with his sacrificing his pack members.

When York accepts that his sister said these things to an Alpha who is significantly more powerful than her, he almost chokes.

"Well, okay. Then I guess we should invite you in. York says after two tense minutes, offering his hand to Mitch, who is more focused on Lana.

Mitch moves Lana's hand away from her side for a short period before dropping it, his face showing disappointment.

The tall man and Lana bring up the rear of the party, walking towards the house, saying, "I didn't believe them, you know." His face is touched by her perplexed look, so he immediately continues.

"I didn't think they were kidding when they said you were unfortunate." "Now that I see the brand, I'm sorry," he adds quietly as he pats her shoulder. Lana keeps silent, astonished by the empathy of this Alpha. His sympathy was unexpected, even though it was bothersome because they are all often fairly critical of her status.

She giggles, "But thank you." The pity gets old, really fast. I assume you came here thinking I was your partner. He nods and sighs, shaking his head later in remorse. She flushes when he says, "You would have been kickass, Luna." She gives him a shrug and says, "If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be," knowing this man far better now than she did two hours earlier.

Lana is depressed and feels the weight of her feelings pressing against her. She is aware that after this meeting, she will return to her room alone and cry or scream. It had been six years since she discovered she was single, but as everyone else in her vicinity found love, it became more difficult every day.

She reasoned that at least she had York, but she was aware that he would surely find him at the next alpha conference they attended. Well, she would at least have a new sibling, she thought, attempting to cheer herself up.

Everyone in her family attempted to be cheerful, and no one knew how she felt about it. They all understood, however, that she would spend the rest of her life alone and pass away alone. The fate of a rejected wolf was no worse than that of an unfortunate. If you were refused, you could continue after accepting the outcome. Accepting that I would die alone was impossible.

Even though scientists and medical professionals claimed it wasn't genetic, her aunt Faye was also unfortunate. Yet Faye was as joyful as she could be. Because the Goddess had abandoned her, she claimed to understand what it was like to be abandoned; therefore, she worked with the pack's orphaned children.

Lana couldn't do it because she wasn't a nurturing person. While sensitive, she was awkward when expressing her emotions because she was rough and violent.

Mitch is seated at one end of the table with his guards standing behind him, though Lana questions if he needs those guards given the appearance of his arms. Richard is seated across from Mitch, York, and Mitch.

She gave herself a hard blink to make her focus. York gave her a quick private glance before moving on.

Do you feel okay? Did he say something to you because you appear upset? His wolf touches hers as he whispers through their connection. My condition is good. He expressed his regret. She replies, her face turning into a snarl, "Shut up and let's get this over with."

York's expression softens slightly as he realizes that it would have been much more convenient for everyone if he had been the single person.

What prompted you to seek a cease-fire, Mitch? As he asks, York clears his throat and grabs his notes. The other man clasps his hands and leans against the table, smiling. "I like your pack." It is robust. And I appreciate your allies. After speaking, he reclines.

After a little moment of stillness, York nods and shrugs his shoulders. The council will likely be informed tomorrow, I suppose. We are grateful for your visit, and I hope we can speak further over the phone. The specifics of our agreement will need to be discussed, but I believe that can be worked out later. York smiles and hands Mitch the sheet across the table.

After writing his signature down, Mitch passed the document back across the table.

He nods, and the two guys shake hands after saying, "I'll see myself out." Lana is impressed that the two guys, who had largely avoided one another for the past two years, have now communicated.

Following Mitch outside, Lana gets up to do the same, but York takes her arm and pulls her in his direction. You know, he's 22 and hasn't found love yet, so I did it for you, he murmured. After giving him a long look and rolling her eyes, Lana shakes him off.

She easily catches up by moving quickly in Mitch's direction. Lana gives him a kind slap on the back and adds, "I'm sorry to hear about your lack of a mate."

He shrugs and follows her as he makes his way back to the pack boundary. "I'm tired of the sympathy, too. They move forward in a largely silent manner, splitting up at the boundary as they both transform into wolves.