Chapter 8 Something Rotten pt 2

Duncan

“Of course, please follow me,” she said, eyes downcast.

As we headed into the packhouse, I heard Julian take in a deep, sharp breath. ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’ I linked him immediately.

‘My mate is here somewhere. I can smell her on this omega,’ he replied, shock in his tone. I don’t think any of us actually expected to find our mates at this pack.

‘Okay, we’ll figure out who it is—if it’s a pack member or maybe someone she’s already directed to their rooms. We’ve got some time,’ I replied to him. ‘Notice how subdued this omega is, though? I get being respectful, but she acts as if she’s scared to lift her eyes. At least in front of Alpha James.’

‘I saw. Man, I can’t wait to be done with this weekend. I already want to grab my mate and go home,’ he answered.

‘Yeah, yeah, Casanova. We need to find her first.’ I laughed. Louise glanced up at me at the sound. “Sorry, ma’am. My Beta here thinks it’s a good time for jokes,” I said lightly. Her face softened a bit, little lines crinkling beside her eyes as she smiled.

“Oh, no worries, Alpha Duncan. Laughter is good for the soul, and we take all the pleasant moments we can around here.” She smiled at Julian. “Beta Julian—“

“Wait, you know my name? Alpha James never introduced the rest of us,” he asked, confused.

“Of course! As the head omega, it’s my job to make sure we offer the best hospitality, and the best way to do that is to be aware of the leadership that is joining us,” she responded. “I made a point of looking at all the RSVPs and pack leadership when I was helping Luna Claire with the planning. She’s so new, and still learning, you see, and I know the Royal Pack specifically requested that we expand the invitation list for this ball. Now, I’m going to have my daughter come and show you to your room on the alpha floor, Alpha Duncan, while I take Beta Julian, Gamma Lucian, and your warriors to their rooms. Just one moment.” She looked down the hall, clearly looking for her daughter.

As a slender she-wolf came around the corner in the hallway, she called out, “Kayla! There you are!” relief clear in her voice. Something was obviously going on there. The she-wolf looked up at her name, a small smile on her face, and then she froze. Her gaze went to Julian, and I looked at my friend. He was watching her, a question on his face at her response to him. Then he took a deep breath and stepped forward.

“Mate,” he said, staring at her down the hallway.

“Mate,” she responded, then sent a panicked glance at Louise. Her eyes were enormous, and the smile fell from her face when she realized we were incoming ranked wolves for the mating ball.

“Mom?” she said.

We looked to Louise, who was standing there with shock on her face. She quickly gathered herself, gave a small shake of her head, and smiled widely. “Well, then, let me introduce you to my daughter, Kayla Rayne. Kayla, this lovely young man is Beta Julian Everhart from Crescent Moon Pack. It’s okay, sweetheart. They’re a good pack.”

At that, alarm bells rang in my head, and Conn let out a small growl. For her mother to clarify that, clearly something was wrong here in Blood Moon Pack. And we would find out what.