JEREMY
The next two hours blur into a haze of work and studying within the confines of my office. Time slips away as I immerse myself in the wealth of knowledge I must acquire, leaving me with little patience for interruptions. Anyone seeking my attention during this critical period will simply have to wait until I emerge.
Eventually, I decide it's time for a break and ring the kitchen for lunch. As I make my way toward the dining area, Dustin, my beta, unexpectedly enters. He offers a respectful bow before launching into a somewhat impertinent inquiry.
"Good afternoon, Alpha," he begins with a sly grin, "What's this news I've heard about you bringing a female home? I've never known you to keep one around past sunrise. Was the sex that remarkable?" The degoratory way he spoke of Diana made my blood boil.
In the blink of an eye, I land a punch squarely on his cheek, the sudden force of the blow taking him by surprise. "Never refer to her in such a degrading manner, try it next time and you'd be dead before you get the last words out," I say, my chest heaving as I struggle to control the beastly urges coursing through me. Carlton, my wolf, is furious and eager to assert dominance, his thirst for blood growing by the second.
"Let me out, I'll slit his throat. How dare he?" Carlton's voice resonates through our shared mind link, his violent impulses raging.
"Calm yourself, Carlton," I implore, trying to rein in the wolf's aggression. "I believe I can handle this situation."
Turning back to Dustin, I address him directly, "Prepare the hall; we'll be hosting a small banquet to introduce her to the pack. Invite only those residing in the pack house; I don't want outsiders privy to this information. Go."
Dustin nods respectfully, responding with a courteous bow before departing to carry out my orders. As I attempt to regain control over my emotions, I head to Diana's temporary room to inform her of the upcoming banquet.
Upon entering her room, my focus shifts entirely to the sight before me. Diana's petite frame is curled up in slumber, her vulnerability evident in her innocent expression. I find myself drawn to her delicate features—her gracefully closed, oval-shaped eyes adorned with long lashes, the soft snores escaping her cute button nose, and her slightly parted, succulent lips that render her utterly adorable. Gazing at her in wonder, I brush a strand of her luscious golden hair behind her ear before gently rousing her from her peaceful slumber.
"Hey there, Princess," I murmur, tapping her softly. "It's time to wake up. We have a banquet waiting for your radiant presence to grace us so we can begin."
Confusion clouds her features initially, but slowly, the reality of what I said dawns upon her. "Did you say a banquet? People?" She inquires, dread seeping into her voice.
I offer a nod of confirmation. "Yes, Diana. I'd like you to meet the entire family and help you settle in as comfortably as possible. Trust me, it won't be as terrible as you may think, and I'll be right by your side every step of the way."
"Your stylist will arrive shortly to offer you a makeover, but only do what you're comfortable with," I add, hoping to reassure her. Her skeptical expression speaks volumes, and I can't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her plight.
Still, I understand the importance of this event. It will set things straight and grant her the opportunity to assert her Luna authority. I promptly mind-link Dustin, instructing him to ensure no one discusses our wolf nature—a rule everyone must adhere to.
Recalling my recent conversation with Diana's father, I'm reminded that it wasn't just about a bargain. During our fight, he had recognized the telltale signs of my healing abilities and enhanced strength.
"You're a wolf," he had stated, clearly intrigued. "Fascinating."
Curiosity was piqued, and I had probed further. "How do you know?"
He had shaken his head solemnly. "My late wife, Diana's mother, was a wolf. She passed away when Diana was only eight years old. She was attacked by a rogue wolf and killed."
I understood the profound loss that came with losing a mate, the sense of emptiness, and the subsequent thirst for vengeance. But this couldn't excuse his treatment of his daughter.
"Diana, does she know?" I had pressed.
He had admitted, "No, I always thought we'd tell her together, but then her mother died, and I couldn't bring myself to do it alone. So, I've been hoping that one day she'll shift, and everything will become clear."
I had delivered a stern judgment, "You're a terrible father, you know that?"
For now, the revelation remains a secret, and I'm determined to be the one to tell her. Tonight promises to be both overwhelming and intriguing. Overwhelming as she'll meet the entire family—an unruly bunch at times—and intriguing because she'll encounter my ex, the woman my parents had intended for me to marry. That woman is certifiably insane, and I have a strong inkling that she might do something rather crazy.
Tonight, I need to be on high alert to prevent any unforeseen complications.