Chapter 60 The Truth Never Stays Hidden
1213words
My little mate, I thought as I made my way down the staircase of the pack house. The way her pretty little lips took my hardness to the back of her mouth felt as if I had been made for her. I was eager to wear her mark on my neck, claiming to the world that I was hers and she was mine. Approaching the dining hall for lunch, the smell of wagyu steak and potatoes filled the air, a meal I was sure would be enjoyed by all our visitors.
I walked into the dining hall with my chest out and head held high, dominance radiating from me. Just a couple more hours, I kept telling my wolf, who wasn't interested in pleasantries and was filled with an urgency to return to our sweet little mate. Beta Don gave me a cocky smirk, clearly aware of where I had snuck off to. I took my position at the head table and stood up, clicking my knife against my champagne glass.
"Chef Mark from Midnight Moon Pack has put together a fine meal for you gentlemen today, one you will surely remember. No—he is not for sale, Alpha Christian," I said. Laughter burst out around the room, except for Alpha Christian, whose scowl I could feel directed at me. "It is an honor having you all here beside me once again. Please raise your glass in a toast to all of our packs. May we all thrive with strength and honor for generations to come." The men burst out in cheers, the sound of glasses clinking together filling the air.
Everyone settled back into their seats, the tension now replaced with playful banter and laughter. I felt my body relax into my chair as Alpha Blake approached and clapped me on the back in a friendly gesture.
"I can see the great Alpha Jaxon has returned much more relaxed, am I right?" he chuckled. "While I'm sad that you've chosen not to take Beverly as your mate, since I have taken a liking to her, I'm truly happy for you that you found your fated mate. I look forward to meeting the woman who has this effect on you."
I stood and shook his hand. "I appreciate your blessing, Alpha Blake."
The first course of lobster bisque was quickly served, and murmurs of approval could be heard along the table. Chef Mark stood impatiently in front of the kitchen doors, his hands tightly clasped behind his back. I sampled my soup and turned my head toward Chef Mark, nodding my approval. I watched as he visibly exhaled, looking more relaxed as he returned to his kitchen. I noticed Alpha Christian was sending death stares my way but would quickly look elsewhere whenever I caught his eyes. I assumed Beta Don had noticed as well when he mind-linked me, "Dude, you gotta relax. It doesn't matter how hard he tries—she's your mate. We're almost done and he'll be long gone." I shuddered, even though I knew he was right.
The second and third courses passed seamlessly, with small talk in between. I had always hated small talk, finding it a waste of time with no real conversation. Alpha Jacob approached me with a cup of coffee in his hand.
"Alpha Jaxon, please call out your chef. This has been an incredible lunch."
I mind-linked Chef Mark that his presence was requested, and he hurried out from the kitchen, forgetting to take off his apron. He stood next to me with his head bowed. "Yes, Alpha," he said, and before I could respond, Alpha Jacob shook his hand.
"Son, this has been simply delightful. Your wagyu steak was tender and seasoned to perfection. From now on, I vote that all Alpha meetings take place at Midnight Moon." His words caused the room to erupt in applause.
A smile formed on Chef Mark's face, but he kept his head low, his gaze on the floor in respect.
"Well done, Mark. We'll meet to discuss your performance at a later date. Thank the kitchen staff and tell them their Alpha is content," I added and stood up, making my way back to the meeting room.
As the men took their seats again, negotiations began between the packs. There were a few disagreements, but none that required my intervention. Beta Don pushed his chair back and stood up.
"This concludes the Alpha's meeting. Formal invitations to the mating ceremony of Alpha Jaxon to Adeline Taylor of Midnight Moon shall be sent out within the next few days. It—" But Alpha Christian, sitting back in his chair with one knee crossed over the other, interrupted.
"I believe there is one more thing that has yet to be resolved, Beta Don," he said with a sly grin. This asshole was really pushing my limits. He had gotten away from me once, but a second time—I wasn't sure I'd be able to restrain myself or my wolf.
"In terms of the mating of Alpha Jaxon and Adeline Taylor, I'd like to point out that I do not believe they are truly fated mates. I believe this is a ploy for Alpha Jaxon to keep his little pet in Midnight Moon and reject my offer," he continued. Whispers of debate started among the other Alphas until Alpha Jacob spoke up.
"I agree with Alpha Christian. If this she-wolf named Adeline is truly your mate, why has it taken so long for you to announce your rejection of Beverly?"
Anger boiled inside me. I could feel my claws starting to extend. Taking a deep breath, I tried to compose myself.
"I was the one who advised Alpha Jaxon to postpone the announcement. Our pack has become familiar with Beverly, and there was no need for gossip among the pack during the coronation," Beta Don answered diplomatically. A few wolves nodded, accepting his answer.
Alpha Christian stood up and leaned against the table. "They say one cannot resist their fated mate. How exactly have you had no issues in doing so, Alpha Jaxon? Funny, now that I think about it, I found her wandering the halls of the pack house last night. She seemed quite content with our moment together," he said, plastering the widest grin I had ever seen on his face.
The thought of Alpha Christian near my mate set something off inside me like fireworks. I launched myself across the table, grabbing his throat in my hand. I gripped his neck hard and shoved him against the wall. The drywall cracked, sending small specks of dust over his suit and onto the floor. I watched the oxygen leave his body, his face changing from red to light purple as I squeezed tighter.
"One more fucking word about my mate, Christian," I said with my jaw clenched and teeth gritted. I was ready to end his life right there.
I had been enjoying watching the color drain from his face and didn't hear the chairs scraping across the floor behind me. Suddenly, arms pulled me back—it took six shifters to peel me off the scumbag who was now gasping for air. My deafening roar shook the pack house as I yelled, "THIS MEETING IS OVER," before quickly exiting the meeting room.
