Chapter 4

~Dainin~

"This is going to take some getting used to," Dainin thought, enjoying the tranquil ride through the thick, luscious green forest. After the chaotic week his pack endured, Dainin felt hopeful their situation would only improve, but then Alan told him how they were being treated at the border of Blue Ridge. 

Dread began digging a pit in his stomach, souring his mood with each passing mile. “If they’re expecting us to kiss ass just to win this guy over, it’s not happening,” he growled, wishing they could have stayed in Arizona where there was no one to answer to.

"Enough! That’s what got us here in the first place," snapped his wolf. "This needs to work out for the pack's sake," he justified.

After much hesitation, Dainin reluctantly nodded his head in agreement. "At least there’s plenty of space between our future pack land and theirs. Hopefully, we'll never have to deal with them once this is over," he hoped, but immediately felt a foreboding chill snake down his spine.

“You’re so stubborn,” his wolf sighed in defeat. He knew Dainin didn’t answer to authority well and he’d be the last person to kneel before another Alpha, no matter how desperate he was. Despite the human’s shortcomings, his wolf admired Dainin’s pride and dedication to his pack after all he’s been through.  

His family had nothing left after his father's negligence as an Alpha destroyed the credibility of the Monroe name and their home. Their saving grace was joining White Sand in Arizona. Their new Alpha was an older man, well past his prime, who quickly took Dainin under his wing as his heir and molded him into the Alpha he is today. 

“Those days were like a breath of fresh air. I never imagined we’d be starting over because Rogues pushed us out,” Dainin growled, gripping the steering wheel until his knuckles were white. 

"We got lucky with that last Rogue attack. If our warriors arrived a minute later those families would have been slaughtered, instead of walking away with injuries. There are no allies to help us if we stay. That’s why we’re here," his wolf growled in frustration. 

"As much as I hate to admit it, you're right. We need this to work because I'll be damned if my father's history will repeat itself," Dainin declared, setting aside his pride. 

The Rogues executed their attack with precision as if they had it all planned out. Their synchrony had everyone on edge and White Sand members feared what would happen next. It was the catalyst that triggered Dainin’s meeting with the Werewolf Council. 

Their only solution was to relocate the pack to a more promising and peaceful area and, after addressing all of Dainin’s concerns, they settled on a piece of land in Maine. The neighboring packs were close enough to help if there was trouble, but far enough away to not interfere with another Alpha's business. It was perfect on paper and everyone voted for a fresh start. 

"But based on Alan's report it doesn't seem like we're off to a good start," Dainin's wolf sighed, prattling on about every worst-case scenario. 

"I get it. I get it," Dainin finally snapped, rubbing his temple as he turned up the dirt road that connected his future territory to Blue Ridge. The path was overgrown, but fresh tire tracks were cut through the brush, leading to a wooden checkpoint. 

The rest of the drive was silently broody until Dainin felt his wolf's attitude begin to perk up. "Someone is feeling positive all of a sudden," he mentioned, taking in the sight of everyone shaking hands and welcoming his men. “I wasn’t expecting this,” he mumbled. 

"Just get us out of this damn car," his wolf growled, pacing around in his mind.

Dainin took his time pulling in to assess the situation. He noticed a tall man, who almost matched his build, ordering his warriors to load up their cars and pull past the checkpoint. "That must be the Alpha," he assumed, watching the man wink to a woman with her back to him. 

Witnessing their affection made his wolf growl, but Dainin didn’t notice. He was too enthralled by the stunning woman in front of him. "Hello, Luna," he muttered in awe, taking in her long bare legs, strong figure, and beautiful hair. He could feel a strong sense of authority rolling off her, even from inside the car. He noticed she was talking to Alan, who was bowing his head to show respect before heading his way. 

"Trying to earn brownie points, bro," Dainin judged, rolling his eyes as he parked before getting out to stretch. 

When he inhaled the fresh air, a refreshing scent of wildflowers and spring flooded his senses. The aroma entranced him and Dainin found himself watching Alan talk but he couldn't make out his words. 

Suddenly, he felt a heated gaze burning holes into his skin and his wolf was begging him to turn around. When he did, the sight made his heart nearly stop. The woman's beauty put the Moon Goddess to shame. Bright hazel eyes sent a heat, like no other, throughout his body. He was captivated by her flawless skin and full lips, just begging to be kissed. 

“She’s our mate? I never thought she’d be this far,” Dainin thought. He had been searching for her since he turned 18 and finally, after six years as Alpha, he found her.

Meeting her eyes, Dainin found they were also wide with surprise, but it was mixed with disappointment. He never imagined their first meeting would end with his mate rolling her eyes in disgust before walking away.

"I always thought there would be fewer clothes," his wolf whined, feeling the distance grow between them.

"Me too. What just happened," Dainin wondered, fighting the urge to run after her and stake his claim.

"Why shouldn’t we go after her," his wolf growled. Dainin’s fists clenched at his sides as he fought his wolf’s dominating nature. 

"Dude, are you okay," Alan’s asked with a raised brow. “She something you like? I notice you’ve been staring at Tessa, but I don’t think you’re her type,” he teased. 

Dainin glared down at his brother, about to answer when he suddenly remembered what he witnessed pulling in. "Do you think she gave up waiting for us and became this Alpha’s chosen mate," he asked his wolf, leaning against his car door in shock. His wolf snarled at the thought and Dainin snuck another glance in her direction. 

Another breeze, carrying her scent, left him entranced and he was elated until he saw the Alpha standing too close to her for his liking. His wolf growled in anger and Dainin found himself fighting for control once again. 

"I don't care what their arrangement is. Chosen or not, she's ours," he roared, and it took all Dainin had not to shift and tear that man apart.

After a few deep breaths, Dainin turned his attention back to Alan. “Let's get the warriors settled first, then I'll introduce myself to the Alpha at their packhouse," he ordered, opening the car door.

"Of course, Alpha. I'll have a warrior let them know," Alan nodded before walking away.

Dainin sat behind the wheel with his mate’s name ringing in his ears. "Tessa," he whispered. Just the sound of her name made his heart race. He watched his warrior approach her and wondered why Alan was having him report to the Luna. 

"Doesn’t a Luna normally coordinate things," his wolf wondered, but Dainin wasn't sure. He just watched her nod, her gorgeous hair shining in the sunlight, and her shoulders relaxed with relief before she ran off and shifted.