Chapter 2

The alarm blared, waking me up with a jolt. I stared at it, bleary eyed, as I tried to pull myself together. It was already seven a.m. according to the damn thing. I groaned and shut it off, whimpering softly at the thought of having to get up.

Last week had ended wonderfully for my first week on the job. I had gotten up, even on Wednesday after the night out with Jenna, and got to work on time with no issue. Now, with the start of the new week, it felt like it was going to be going downhill. I couldn't decide if it was because of how late I stayed up, or the fact that I let myself sleep in until eleven over the weekend. My mom had warned me Friday that putting myself on a schedule would work wonders for getting up and going to bed, but I hadn't listened.

Would it be inappropriate to call in sick before I had been there a full month?

Figuring it would look really bad for me to do that, I forced myself to roll out of bed.

Twenty minutes later, I was running down the stairs and into the kitchen. I grabbed a package of s'mores pop tarts and yelled bye to my parents as I rushed out the door. Thankfully, my mother taught me how to run in heels without hurting myself.

I made it to work, damn traffic, with only five minutes to spare. I was scarfing the last piece of pop tart down as I hurried inside, trying to smooth my clothes out. The black high-waisted pants with the navy shirt and navy heels made me look really good, especially with my blonde hair half up in a black hair tie. I waved a quick hello to Veronica as I rushed to the elevator, making it on right before the doors closed. I smiled apologetically at the man I had accidentally pushed, murmuring my apologies.

I got logged in at my desk right at eight, making me feel a little better about rushing through the building. I shoved my purse into a drawer and looked over the calendar, making notes to read to Rowan at eight-thirty. He had a morning meeting with the accountant firm, and then a lunch meeting with a potential client. There was a meeting with the elders of the pack at two, and at four... My eyes widened, jaw dropping as I reread the name written in.

Lyrik Gray, alpha of the Moonstone Pack.

The name was infamous, more because of the bloodline and the pack but also because of how young the alpha was. If I remembered right, he was only two years older than me, making him twenty-six. With werewolves living longer than the average lifespan, to be about two hundred years old, the reins of a pack weren't typically handed over until the next in line was closer to fifty. In this case, Lyrik was also the head of the first pack ever made, the one in charge of the moonstone. I couldn't help but wonder why Lyrik had taken over the pack at such a young age.

I also couldn't wait to find out if he was as hot as the rumors said he was.

With a smile of glee, I texted Jenna, freaking out about how Lyrik was going to be in. Her answer didn't disappoint as she demanded I sneak a picture of him, and that maybe he was exactly her type now that she was back on the market. Laughing, I finished my notes. It would be just like Jenna to demand a photo to believe what I was saying and be ready to take on a challenge like Lyrik Gray. I kind of was curious if it was even possible to photograph him with how little photos there were of him.

I stood as eight thirty approached and went to Rowan's office, knocking softly before entering. He was on the phone, listening to whoever was talking on the other line, and held a finger up for a moment. I nodded and sat in the chair in front of the desk, setting my notepad in my lap. I looked out the wall of windows behind him, longing to go outside and enjoy the sunny day as birds flew by.

"I'll see if I'll be able to. My assistant just came in, so I should be able to let you know within the next half hour," Rowan said, bringing my attention to him. I was surprised by how formal he sounded, especially after hearing him be more playful with his other clients. Though, maybe playful wasn't the right term. I chewed on my lower lip, thinking maybe it was more he was just informal with those he was comfortable with. "Yes, sir. I'll have her call. Thank you."

He hung up, rubbing his forehead. I frowned, worried. "Is everything okay?"

Rowan looked up at me and smiled. "Yes, it's fine. I'm assuming you've seen the calendar for today?" At my nod he stood and walked to look out the windows. "I'll need you to call the accountant firm to see if they can come in later. The alpha of Moonstone needs to move our meeting up if at all possible. He would like to come in at nine thirty. If the accountant is okay with coming in at four, call the Moonstone Pack back. The number should be either by his name in the calendar or I think we have a contact book somewhere."

I blinked, shocked. That was quite a switch to the day. "Yes, sir. The other appointments you have today are an eleven-thirty lunch meeting with Charlie Darning, and then with the pack elders at two."

Rowan sighed, nodding his head. He didn't turn around, so I got up from the seat and quietly walked out. Shutting the door, I wondered why my uncle was so distant and... uncomfortable. Was it because of the Moonstone alpha?

I quickly got to my desk and made the calls, laughing with the receptionist of the accountant firm as they were thinking of trying to move the meeting as well. So, it actually worked out on that end! Ending the call, I pulled the calendar to me to look up the number for the Moonstone pack. It was right under Lyrik's name, and I quickly typed it in, listening to the ringing with a sense of anticipation.

"Hello?"

A shiver went down my spine at the deep voice. "Hello! My name is Raveena, with Cemche Inc. I'm just calling to let Mr. Gray know we were able to move his meeting up."

The silence on the other end gave me pause, wondering why it was taking so long for the man to answer. "Thank you."

I was about to respond when the line went dead. I pulled the phone from my ear and stared at it, wondering what I did to make the call end so abruptly. I knew I was nice! Well, whoever it was, hopefully they wouldn't be coming with the alpha. I might just let them know how rude I think they are.

Slightly slamming the phone back into its place, I stood and walked to Rowan's office. He had his door open this time, typing something on his computer. I knocked softly on the door just to let him know I was there and he glanced up at me.

"Everything worked out to move the meetings, sir. Mr. Gray will be here within the hour."

Rowan nodded, continuing to type. I hesitated, wanting to ask if he was alright, but left, a frown on my face. I had never in my life seen my uncle so serious. It was actually a little frightening. Maybe I didn't want to be around when Mr. Gray arrived. He was seeming more terrifying than not the more time my uncle stayed somber and extremely quiet.

As the phone rang at my desk, I shook my thoughts away and quickly answered. Patching the call through to one of the executives, I stood and went to the filing cabinets. Looking through, I found the files Rowan would need, along with the contract for the client lunch meeting. There hadn't been a note on what he would need for the meeting with Mr. Gray, though.

I went back to my desk, setting the papers down, to look over the notes for the meeting with the alpha. Rowan nor the previous assistant had anything written about what file or papers would be needed. The computer dinged, signaling a new email. Looking at it, I found Rowan had literally just emailed me the list of things he needed. A couple of which were based more between werewolves then between businesses, and had to be typed up.

Looking at the time, I sent a glare towards the open office behind me before turning back to the computer. It was annoying for Rowan to wait until almost the last minute to let me know what was needed. It made it hard to answer the phone and direct anyone who came up to the third floor. I muttered some choice words under my breath, starting on the contract that needed to be typed up by nine thirty.

As I rapidly typed up the three page contract, continuously going back to reread and correct errors, my phone buzzed two times. Glancing at it, it looked like Jenna may have texted me, but I couldn't stop to check. The time was going by too damn fast and the alpha would be here way too soon. I grit my teeth, printing off the contract before typing up the next forms that Rowan needed.

The elevator pinger, signaling its arrival. I glanced up, the doors opening, before focusing on finishing the last paragraph of the last form. Thank whoever made the Earth that the assistant before me had templates for forms. Otherwise it would have taken me much longer. My heightened sense of smell told me it was more than one person, was actually a group of three, and one of the scents had my stomach tightening with emotion, my heart yearning for something. Frowning, I narrowed my eyes to focus on what I was typing.

Steps approached my desk, stopping right in front of it, and I sent a smile towards the group without taking my eyes off the screen. "I'll be with you in just one moment. If you'd like you can have a seat until I can."

They didn't move away, making me feel a little boxed in, but helped me quicken my typing to finish the form. I pressed print and stood, lifting my head to greet the visitors. As my eyes met deep amber ones, my breath hitched and I froze. The scent that had had my stomach tightening belonged to the man right in front of me. Dark chocolate, amber, and spice. Tall, over six foot, hair as dark as night, eyes the color of polished Tiger's eye stones. The pull to touch him made me tighten my hands on the edge of my desk, butterflies erupting in my stomach. My mate. Of all places to meet him, I never would have expected to meet him at work.

The phone rang, jarring me out of my thoughts and into action. I took in a breath and held up a finger, avoiding the man's gaze as I picked the phone up. "Hello?"

"Raveena, are our guests here? It's nine thirty."

Closing my eyes, I grit my teeth as I realized we must have stared at each other for a couple of minutes. "Yes, sir, they're here. I'll bring them back."

Rowan confirmed, still quiet and refrained. I hung up, smiling brightly at the gentlemen in front of me, looking over the shoulder of my mate. My mate, who was probably the alpha of the Moonstone pack. My heart raced at the thought.

"If you'll follow me, Mr. Cemche is waiting for you in his office."

I turned and walked towards my uncle's office, not bothering to look behind me to see if they followed. I opened the door to the office, stepping inside and putting my hand out as I turned to welcome them in. The amber-eyed man was right behind me, catching me off guard as I turned to find him right there. My eyes were caught by his again. I swallowed thickly, my throat dry, and smiled as I nodded my head to him.

Rowan stood, coming towards us as we stayed in the doorway. He put a hand on my shoulder, immediately getting the attention of the man as his eyes focused on that instead of staring me down. "It's good to see you again, Lyrik, Adam, John."

I looked behind who I assumed was Lyrik at the two who followed him. The three of them were all in suits, looking absolutely stunning. I couldn't tell which was Adam and which was John, but I smiled my own welcome at them. The blonde wore his hair short on the sides and a little longer on top, wearing a dark blue suit. On the other hand, the brunette had hair to his jawline and wore a grey suit with a white suit. A low growl vibrated the air, making my skin tingle as I shot my eyes at Mr. Gray. His eyes were still focused on my uncle's hand on my shoulder.

Rowan, concerned, pulled me away to stand slightly behind him as he stood in front of me protectively. I saw a flash of something in Mr. Gray's eyes as he faced my uncle, and I chewed my lip worriedly as the tension in the room increased.

"Lyrik, what in the world are you doing?" The gentlemen with the gray suit behind Lyrik stepped forward, a frown on his face as he put his hand on Lyrik's shoulder. "We're here to meet about the peace treaty and business contract. What is wrong with you?"

I cleared my throat, gaining the attention of all four men. I smiled tightly. "If you'll sit, I'll get some refreshments. Water okay with everyone?"

Without waiting for an answer, I weaved my way quickly behind everyone to stride down the hallway towards the break room. I felt eyes on my back as I walked away, knowing it was my mate who followed my movement. I heard the men talking softly to one another, moving further into the office. I stepped into the break room, letting my breath go as I sat abruptly in the closest chair. The tension from the office had followed me down the hallway, but out of the view of the alpha and the rest of the men, it drained away. I took a deep breath in, shutting my eyes. If my uncle, usually a very upbeat and fun man, would be so strained by a meeting with Lyrik, what would the man be like as a mate? What about the rumors surrounding his succession into his position? I trembled slightly, worry and fear mingling in my stomach to form an uncomfortable knot.

I have to stay positive. You know how easily rumors can spread and how wrong they can be. He's your mate. You have to believe in him and what he tells you, not the things that other people whisper.

I took a deep breath, feeling better after giving myself a pep talk. Getting up, I got the serving tray from the cupboard and put together the glass cups with the glass serving jug. I took another deep breath, hoping to calm myself, before lifting the tray and walking back. As I entered the office, all eyes immediately were back on me, though the only ones that stayed were my uncle's and the alpha's. I smiled, setting the tray on my uncle's desk between my uncle and the group of men from the Moonstone pack. It felt dangerous sliding between Lyrik and the desk, keeping my back to him as I set out the glasses and filled them halfway before setting the pitcher back onto the tray.

"Here is the water. Rowan, I just need to grab the forms and my notebook real fast, if that's alright?"

My uncle nodded, his eyes shuttered from me telling what he was thinking or feeling. As the alpha, my uncle could reach out to me telepathically, but it appeared he wasn't going to do so. I could also reach out to him, but by the way he kept himself apart, I didn't want to try. He felt like he was thinking hard about the reason why the Moonstone pack was here, but also trying to show he wasn't going to stand down to another Alpha.

As soon as I came back with the forms and my notebook, sitting down in a chair behind my uncle, the meeting began. Most of the talk was between my uncle and one of the other two who had accompanied Lyrik. I kept my eyes on my notepad as I took notes, knowing that Lyrik was watching me. His stare was so intense that I felt like he could see everything about me, making me blush.

"Alpha Lyrik, if you expect me to continue letting you stare at my niece like she's your next meal without saying a word, you are wrong."

My uncle's loud, angry, alpha voice had my head snapping up. Rowan's hands were fists on the table, nails slightly elongated. I stood, worried for him, as Lyrik's eyes focused on him.

"Alpha Rowan," Lyrik spoke, making me realize that he was the same man I had spoken to on the phone. A shiver went down my spine as the pull between us suddenly strengthened, making me gasp in surprise at the tug I felt in my stomach. "I'm not staring at her because I believe she'll be my next meal."

Rowan stood, hands at his side as he considered the man. I stepped forward, putting a hand on his arm. When he looked at me, I smiled. "I'll leave the room. I can have Jen come in to take notes if you'd like, and-"

"She stays."

The words, spoken low in that deep voice, had me and my uncle looking at Lyrik. The man was sitting there like there wasn't a problem in the world. His eyes were blank of emotion along with the rest of his face. He sat with his legs crossed and hands folded in his lap. The black suit he wore was custom fit to cling to his body, showing how lean and fit he is. I bit my lower lip, keeping myself from speaking as anger rose. This man was supposed to be focused on the meeting at hand, for the peace treaty between our packs and the business deal he had initially proposed to my uncle. Now he was being obstinate and irking both myself and my uncle. I couldn't help but narrow my eyes slightly at him.

A small smirk lifted the corners of his lips as he stared back at me.

Rowan, confused, patted my hand and with a movement of his head had me going back to my seat. As I sat, Rowan poured himself a full glass of water then sat himself. He sighed softly before getting back to business, going directly back to the peace treaty.

"As I was saying, Mr. Gray, our treaty has always been up to date and renewed at the end of every year for the past ten years. Is there something amiss that we need these changes to the treaty? We've never once held up arms against the Moonstone pack, and I promise that we have no intentions of doing so."

I kept my head down, posed to make notes, as I wondered the same. Our pack was peaceful. We held back from fights as much as we possibly could unless it was to the rogues who tried to trespass and claim parts of our land. I knew that our treaty was a strong one with the Moonstone especially, saying we would come to their aid at any moment of time. The treaty basically said that my pack would stand beside them through anything, even if we have an agreement with a pack that was after them. The Moonstone pack was the first pack ever made, where the line of purest werewolves emerged. They were sacred. Why would we ever try to end the pack that started it all?

I frowned, glancing up to find Lyrik's eyes on me once again.

One of the other men spoke. "Mr. Cemche, I understand your concern. The Alpha wants to make these changes as it's become known that there is a pack of rogues gathering as many as they can in an effort to take the moonstone. In their effort, they've started taking control of smaller packs under the protection of the larger packs in California and Nevada. We would just like to ensure that our allies will promise not to hold anyone who holds the beliefs of these rogues in their homes. It could be a danger for your family and pack, as the rogues are undeniably bloodthirsty in their mission."

Silence fell on the room, my eyes wide at the news. I swallowed my terror down, trying to stay calm in the face of demise. The moonstone. The rare gem that fell from the heavens and into Driftwood, the town where the Moonstone Pack was based, turning all humans in the town and surrounding area into werewolves. The rogues were wanting it. Would probably kill as many people as they possibly could in order to get their hands on it.

I stared down at the notebook, gritting my teeth. My father, as the beta, should be in the room listening to what the other pack was saying. He was in charge of making sure the warriors were prepared and ready for attacks from rogues. Others had come to our pack seeking his guidance because of how well our warriors fought, something that had been passed down through all the betas since the first.

Rowan was quiet, probably thinking, and I glanced up to see what was happening. Rowan's hand was clenched around the arm of his chair, the arm cracking.

"How long have you known about this?"

The question was asked low, almost nothing but a growl. I watched as Lyrik's eyes narrowed at Rowan, becoming darker as his own alpha tendencies rose. The other two stood, hair raised. I stood up as well, standing up for Rowan since we hadn't thought of having another warrior with us in the room. Lyrik's eyes immediately were on me, holding me in place. I stared back, unyielding to his look, standing by my uncle's side with my head raised.

Lyrik slowly unfolded himself from the chair, eyes still on me. "Rowan, we've known for a very short time. You're the first we've come to since we've decided what to do. In full, it's been less than two weeks."

Silence fell on the room, tension thickening. A soft sigh escaped Rowan, his fist loosening on the arm. He stood as well, sliding his chair back. Lyrik's attention switched, settling on my uncle. The men behind him glanced back and forth between themselves, setting back. I assumed they didn't want to seem threatening, keeping the tenuous peace. I stayed standing.

"I would like to call my Beta in to witness this meeting. We should be prepared and start planning for the attack as well," Rowan said, turning to look at me. "Raveena, go get him. As far as I remember, Draden didn't have any meetings planned for this morning."

I nodded, relieved he was thinking the same thing I was. I hurried from the office, keeping my eyes away from Lyrik. If his eyes alone could make me hold still, what would his touch feel like? The thought made me blush as I almost ran down the hallway to my father's office. I could barely think of anything but having the luck of finding my mate. At the ripe age of twenty three, I was one of few to meet our mate before we were thirty.

Stepping into my father's office, I gave a small smile, feeling a bit breathless. He had been looking at something on the screen of his monitor and looked up at me. He frowned, immediately standing.

"Rowan needs you in his office. We have visitors from the Moonstone pack."

My father's face darkened, a look of anger crossing it. He quickly stood, following me back to Rowan's office. We walked back quickly but silently. My father slid his hand over my shoulder as he walked past me, immediately going to stand beside Rowan. After shutting the office door, I continued to my seat, determinedly keeping my eyes away from the Moonstone pack members.

"Draden, this is Alpha Lyrik and his companions, John and Adam," Rowan gestured with his hand to each one. I noted the blonde with the navy suit was John, and the brunette with his grey suit was Adam. "We are renewing the treaty between us and their pack, updating the terms to include capturing any who are saying anything against the Moonstone pack, and being prepared to fight with them the moment the rogues attack. We are also adding in a stipulation that we will help train those of age who would like to become warriors for the pack. They've requested that we allow one of their higher ranked members to stay at the pack house with the Alpha's family."

I wrote everything down, determined to have careful notes about all the changes in the treaty. Hearing they wanted to leave a member of their pack had me pausing though, wondering if there was any chance Lyrik would be the one to stay. As the alpha, surely he could if he wanted? It wouldn't be hard to work his pack business from the pack house. There were plenty of rooms he would be able to use for his business so that it was still private.

Biting my lip, I continued writing as the men spoke, going over the story and details again for my father. It also gave me the opportunity to write more details about the situation. They had learned of the rogues' plan after one was caught after they attacked an outlying town in the Moonstone territory. They had been going after a smaller pack, but thankfully had been intercepted in the process. The rogue had apparently yipped all the details quickly, trying to save its own hide. I couldn't help but feel sorry for them, knowing they may have been in a pack at some point in their life before becoming a rogue. Those born into a rogue pack were much more hardened. They even had a different smell.

"Instead of having one of our members stay here, what if one of your members came to Bridgewell?"

The question, asked by Lyrik, had the room going quiet again. My breath hitched at the thought of going to my mate's home, idly hoping that was what he was thinking of when posing the question. I looked up through my eyelashes at the man in question, feeling my cheeks turn red when I saw his eyes on mine, amusement shining in them.

"That's... an odd request, Alpha Lyrik," Draden spoke, looking at Rowan, who had sat back down. Rowan leaned forward in his chair, listening as Draden continued. "I understand you having a member staying here more than if you take one of ours with you."

The edge of Lyrik's lips rose, a quirky little smirk. He slowly let my eyes go, turning his attention to Rowan as he turned serious again. "I've found my mate."