The council members of Wolf Hounds and some noble members of the pack gathered to see us off, and a few warriors came with us to protect their princess. Lila stood by the car, her belongings being loaded by the silver-haired omega.
"Ready?" I asked approaching her.
She nodded, her stance wilful "Yes, Alpha Kaelen."
Dorian, ever the troublemaker, leaned over. "You know, Lila, he doesn't bite. Unless you're kinky like that"
She burst into laughter, her cheeks brightening, "Dorian, I swear—"
"You said you wanted me this way," he said, throwing an arm around my shoulder. "Make up your mind already!"
"You're going to get punched."
"I can take it," he replied.
"When we get back home, take a few days off to be with your wife and leave me the hell alone,"
"Pssh!"
We got into our own car, three Wolf Hound warriors riding in a car in front, Lila's car in the middle and ours following behind.
Dorian kept his gaze on me, clearly amused.
"What now?" I asked, exasperated.
"She likes you," he teased.
"What's not to like?"
"Arrogant much?"
*****
We arrived at Blood Hounds Palace late in the evening, taking some time to unwind and prepare for dinner. Lila was assigned a room at the far end of the palace and the help she had brought with her was given accommodation with ours.
I invited her for dinner that night but I was still too tired and weak to have a decent conversation with her.
After dinner, I escorted her to her quarters.
"Thanks for dinner. And thank you for allowing me to visit. I have felt quite welcomed since I got here,"
I nodded. "We'll see where it goes."
She smiled softly. "Goodnight, Alpha Kaelen." I reached down and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"Goodnight, Lila."
As I walked away, the silver-haired omega walked past me, holding a tray of tea her head bowed.
"Stop," I said authoritatively. She instantly came to a standstill, her gaze still fixed on the floor. "What's your name?"
"Arianna, Alpha," she replied.
"Make sure the princess is comfortable. Would you like me to move you to a room closer to her?"
"Of course. It would make attending to her easier,"
I nodded and walked away. I felt Damien steer, a flutter of pain flowing through my blood. It wasn't intense but I could feel it there.
*****
I woke up that morning feeling a bit of my energy come back to me. I wasn't as good as new but at least Damien was feeling a bit more talkative. I got an unwelcome surprise though as I entered my living room hoping to see Dorian so I could give him a list of things that needed to get done but instead, I found Magnus, Councilman Morrison's son, waiting. My eyes narrowed as to who gave him permission to enter into my personal quarters.
"Good morning, Alpha Kaelen," Magnus greeted, bowing his head.
I raised an eyebrow, "Where's Dorian?"
Magnus cleared his throat, looking slightly uncomfortable. "He requested a few days of leave. Research, he asked me to inform you."
"He didn't think to inform me?" Of all the times to leave his alpha, he chose now? What research was more important than helping Lila settle in and familiarise herself with the pack?
Magnus shifted on his feet uncomfortably. "He instructed me to assist you with whatever you need, Alpha,'
"Fucking idiot!" I muttered under my breath. 'Let's get to work then… first things first, Lila's help, Arianna, I need you to move her closer to Lila's room. She should be her primary help. Also, gather the council members in the conference room for an introduction. Tell the kitchen I will have breakfast with coffee in my office,"
Magnus nodded and made to head out of the living room but stopped. "If it's any consolation, Alpha, Dorian did say you would finally get some peace and quiet for a few days but not to get used to it,"
I barked out in laughter, I couldn't help it, it just slipped out. No one besides Dorian knew this side of me. I was supposed to be a terrifying alpha, "Peace and quiet indeed," Magnus smiled in return before turning to carry out the tasks I gave him.
*****
I arrived at the guest area in the palace and found Lila already waiting, her hair let down again this time, dressed in a pair of loose jeans and a shirt tied firmly below her breasts. The first three buttons weren't fastened and I could clearly see her cleavage.
Her art of seduction was bold. It's a good thing she had no competition, I wonder how many buttons would be unfastened.
"Good morning, Alpha," she greeted bowing slightly.
"I hope you have been comfortable,"
"Everyone has been going above and beyond to make sure I am. Thank you," she looked behind me briefly and then back at me, "I didn't see your shadow this morning,"
"He has been swallowed by the darkness," I chipped and held out my hand. "Follow me, I need to introduce you,"
"Oh, I was headed for the training ground. Am I okay dressed this way?" she put her hand in mine, looking up at me hesitantly.
I moved closer to her, my height towering over her, hoping to intimidate her, "you planned on going to the training ground in that?" I gestured to her clothing. She nodded as a wicked smile crept through my lips. "I can see half your boobs, you don't think that will be distracting for my men,"
She looked up at me, replicating my evil smile, "I think you are more attracted to me than you care to admit if you notice a few buttons open. I always train in these and I look hot while doing it,"
I chuckled. Sassy, I like it. Confident, even better.
*****
We arrived at the council chambers, but not before Lila had fastened her buttons and untied her shirt, making her look a little bit formal. The council members were already seated their expressions curious.
"Everyone," I announced as soon as I entered. "This is Lila, daughter of Alpha Duncan, and a guest of our pack for the next two weeks. She is here with the permission of her father. If you agree that she is fit to be your Luna and the people agree, then I have no choice but to do as my people expect of me," I dared not call her my Luna or Damien would throw a tantrum so I chose my words carefully.
Lila stepped forward gracefully, "It's an honor to meet you all. I look forward to getting to know everyone."
Kaelen's eyes swept the room. "I want her to spend time with the people. Assign someone to accompany her—someone capable of answering questions."
"Yes, Alpha,"
"Councilman Tarzin, can I have a word?"
"Of course, my alpha," Lila and the other council members left the room and I took a seat on the edge of the table.
"Is everything alright with Dorian?" I asked
"I was planning on asking you the same thing. He came to see me last night to request the keys to the ancestral library. I could feel his sadness and so I worried that something might have happened during your trip," Tarzin said, his eyes holding more questions.
"He took time off. He hasn't taken one since I became the alpha,"
"He didn't say anything to me,"
I nodded and signaled he could join his colleagues.
"Kaelen," he said. "I know the idea of someone other than your mate as your Luna is the last thing you want. The council members are quite pleased that you are finally keeping an open mind,"
"Thank you, Tarzin," I patted him on the back before leaving. They all didn't understand. I don't know how much time I have; I had to secure my pack as soon as I can. There was no hope of finding my mate; I might as well spend the time I had left giving my pack their next alpha.
*****
Late afternoon, I took a walk through the palace gardens, my thoughts scattered and Damien still recovering. I imagined life without me in it. Would my son become alpha even younger than I did? Would it be a female alpha? The thought of a girl that looks like Lila being alpha of the Blood Hounds pack was an interesting idea. She would have to be strong, tough, stubborn, and beautiful. I had so many things to teach them and just so little time.
As I turned a corner, I felt a body crash into mine, trays and cups flying one way and the black liquid flying the other way. A full head of silver hair fell away from me. Instinctively, I reached for her but an electrifying feeling coursed through my nerves, throwing me off balance, I fell backward holding Arianna close as she landed on me with a loud oomph and a loud crash from the tray and cups.
Her face inches from mine, I stared into her eyes as a jolt shot through me, I had seen those eyes before. Damien stirred in my mind, alert.
"I'm so sorry, Alpha. I didn't see you there," she tried to pull herself away from me but my grip around her hip stayed. I was trapped in her eyes, something inside pulling me in. What was happening? "Alpha….Alpha!!!"
I snapped out of my trance and quickly helped her up, my hand brushing her long silvery hair. Dejavu.
"uhh… be careful,"
She picked up the tray and some other things that weren't shattered before hurrying away. I stared at my hands; I could still feel the electricity buzzing. 'Damien? Is she…?'
'No, Kaelen, that's not how it feels. The mate bond is the strongest attraction ever. It's not fleeting. You can smell it from miles away. The pull is undeniable,' Damien responded.
'Then what the fuck just happened?' He didn't have an answer for me.