76

I catch the dark glare that Harlow is giving me, daggers shooting from her brooding eyes as she leans against the back wall and casually sips her drink.

"Not everyone loves me." I turn back to the two in front of me, but find them already lost in their own little world. Discreetly leaving them alone, I go in search of my mate.

I wander around, receiving hugs and well wishes from members of my new pack, and I am so happy that everyone is getting along and respecting each other. I join Malachi and he slips his arm around my waist, pulling me close against him.

I nestle in under his arm and look up at his face. His eyes are shining at me, his mouth pulled wide in a bright smile. His skin is vibrant, clear and tanned golden, no pale marks or sallow expression. Every trace of darkness has been washed away, every haunted crevice that marred his handsome face is gone. In their place is a peace and light that astounds me every time I look at him. His beautiful and handsome looks take my breath away.

I watch him for a few moments as he talks to Kaiden and Chesca, only becoming distracted when Aunt Chesca places baby Hunter in my arms. He squirms for a moment before settling. His little body curls into me and I grin at him, wiggling my brows in an attempt to make him smile. Hunter makes a soft cooing sound that makes me giggle, before he turns back to his mother and reaches out to her with his little chubby arms. Just as I've handed him back, Hamilton catches my eye from over Kaiden's shoulder.

I excuse myself and join him. "What is it?" I ask in a whisper when I reach his side.

"Have you seen my sister? I swear that girl is trying to make my life miserable. I saw her laughing by the drinks table with a few guys, a bottle of questionable substance in her hands." He runs his long fingers through his tangled curls, and sighs in exasperation.

"Well, I did see her glaring at me a few moments ago. I think, despite her best efforts to be okay with this, she's still upset with me and Malachi."

Hamilton looks at me sharply. "She knew from the start that he wasn't hers to have. If she wants to keep acting like a spoiled brat, I'll have to ship her off to our mother's. I don't have the patience or energy to look after her like she's ten years old again," he grounds out through clenched teeth as we walk amongst the crowd of wolves.

I can't see her in the main hall or kitchen, so we head down the corridor at the back that leads to some meeting rooms. The light is dim in the hallway, but the smell of alcohol is strong and it churns my stomach.

Soft laughter reaches my ears, and Hamilton growls lowly.

Two shadows emerge from the wall at the end of the hall, and Harlow's face appears pouting and sultry. "Come to interrupt my happiness, brother?" she drawls lazily, then giggles when the male who has her pinned against the walls nips her on the neck.

"Get off of her!" Hamilton reaches them in two long strides, then tears the man away with a ferocity that surprises me.

"No, Hamil! He's my mate!"

We all stop cold at her words. I peer closer at the male, who has his arms up in defence. His long fringe flops over his forehead and obscures his face. Despite his efforts to wrench himself free from Hamilton's grip, his strength fails to match that of the Beta.

"What's your problem, man?" he growls, and I recognise his voice.

"Max?"

"Oh, hey, Ari. Sweet party you got going on. Even found my mate. She's so much more fun than you— wait, I didn't mean—"

His words end in a shrill cry as Hamilton slams him up against the wall. "Don't you dare insult my Luna or sister, you hear me?!"

"I'm sorry!" he throws his arms up again in surrender. Though smart, his posturing disgusts me.

"Hamilton, knock it off!" Harlow tugs at her brother, who reluctantly releases Max, dropping him in a crumpled heap. "We were only getting to know each other! You don't have to babysit me all the time. There's nothing to worry about, so leave us alone," she argues, her eyes spitting venom as she looks between us both. Then after helping Max to his feet and taking his face between her hands, she checks him over for injury.

I roll my eyes and tug on Hamilton so he takes a step back. "She's right. They're mates. You can't keep on shielding her, now that she's found the right man to be with."

"Is he?" Hamilton still glares at Max suspiciuosly. "Is he the right one?"

"I swear, I'll treat her right," Max nods profusely.

Still, I can't help my own frown as I study the two impulsive and graceless wolves who have their arms draped all over each other. I pull Hamilton away and try to give him hope, "God must have some plan in motion for pairing these two together. I don't understand it, but we have to leave it up to Him."

It doesn't reassure him completely. "So this guy Max... you know him?" Hamilton asks, his fists still clenched by his side and his feet pacing in restrained agitation.

"Unfortunately, yes," I rub my forehead, hating to tell him about the true nature of Max and his boorish ways. "But I hope they'll be good for each other, and bring out the best in each other. I know you care about her, but that's all we can do. Hope." I pat his arm comfortingly, wishing to ease his concern for his sister. I know all he wants to do is protect her, but only time will tell if Max can mature and be a good mate to her.

"Thanks, Ariella. I'm sorry for losing it just then," he apologises, his breath becoming easy as he calms down. "You're a good friend."

Smiling, I give him a quick hug. "That's what Lunas are for. And don't apologise. You're just being a good brother to her."

He nods again, then his head turns sideways abruptly. His eyebrows furrow, his jaw ticking in confusion.

I look down the hall to where the loud chatter and music is coming from, and see Gabby slowly approaching us. I wave her over and pull her close. "So?" I ask, looking between her and Hamilton. He stares through her, his eyes unfocused and his body still locked in a state of tension.

She twists her fingers together. "I spoke to my King."

"And?" I prod.

"And He said that he did make us mates, as a kind of experiment."

"Experiment?" I repeat, this explanation taking me by complete surprise. I need more details. "What kind of experiment?"

"He wanted to see how much Hamilton believed in Him and His angels. Hamilton can't see us, but he's definitely sensed us."

"Uh huh," I nod, glancing at the Beta who is looking at me strangely.

"Are you okay, Luna? What's going on? Who are you talking to?" he asks, his hands on my arms as if to catch me if I suddenly pass out in a seizure of some kind.

I wave aside his concern. "You really don't see her?" I slide my eyes to Gabby in an exaggerated motion, nodding my head in her direction.

He looks to where I'm pointing, beginning to shake his head before his eyes narrow. He squints as though trying to see a magic 3D image, then he takes a sudden step back. "Wow...." is all he says, and I bite my lip to keep from screaming in happiness.

Gabby smiles demurely. "Hello," she says, extending her hand in a formal greeting.

"Oh, come on," I nudge Hamilton who still stares at her in shock. "Kiss the girl," I urge, and I'm sure I see Gabby's face blush at the idea.

Hamilton steps closer, and tilts his head. "Have I met you before?"

Gabby plays nervously with a strand of her long blonde hair. "Well, not exactly..."

"She saved your life. Don't you remember?" I tap my head, indicating Hamilton should use his brain.

"Maybe...No, I'm not sure... I thought it was just a dream..." his voice is soft and wistful, his eyes locked with Gabby's as he flips through his memories.

"Nothing is ever just a dream. Just ask Ariella," Gabby replies, her lips trembling as Hamilton takes both her hands in his. I can only imagine what she must be feeling from the first contact, the sparks that erupt between them and begin tying their hearts together in an unshakable bond.

"But I feel as if I've seen you around before. Are you from Ariella's pack?" he asks.

"In a way," she responds cryptically, and I see the small twinkle of mirth in her eyes as it only increases his confusion.

"I'll let you two lovebirds sort it out," I pat them both on the shoulder before walking back to the celebration. I spot Hendrik leaning against one of the food tables, his posture slumped and his expression moody. "And what's your problem?" I grab a cracker topped with cheese and sundried tomato, popping it in my mouth after asking the Gamma a very important question.

"Nothing."

"Hmm sure," I eat another cracker, grabbing a whole plate and settling in next to Hendrik. This is either going to be either a short or very long conversation, and I want him to know I'm ready for when he is.

"Girls," he eventually mumbles, a dark frown creasing his forehead.

"Tell me about it," I roll my eyes, unoffended by his stereotypical utterance. Then my eyes follow to where he is staring at glumly. "Oh! That girl!" I see a young woman standing near Asa and Danella. She looks like the Luna, and I deduce she is her younger sister. I heard the story of when they and their brother escaped Alpha Kaiden's old pack and sought asylum on Alpha Chesca's territory many years ago, only to meet Asa and realise the bond between them. They all moved to Asa's pack, Danella becoming Luna, but I don't know what her sister and brother have been doing with their lives since. I watch the young shewolf talk animatedly with the man by her side, her hand resting on his arm in an intimate way. "Is she your mate?" I ask Hendrik.

He rubs a tired hand down his face. "She doesn't seem to think so. I walked right past her and she didn't even look at me."

"That's terrible! But why not? Can't she sense the bond?"

Hendrik shrugs. "I guess not. Whoever that guy is beside her, he's messing with her senses. They're so wrapped with each other, she doesn't even notice what's going on around them. Just look at her, all self-assured and confident under that man's slithery gaze. She's probably not my type anyway. In those heels, I doubt she'd be able to walk even a hundred meters, let alone ten miles. And look at that fancy suit. She'd never survive on this territory."

"What on earth are you blabbering on about?" I begin to get annoyed with the Gamma's pessimism.

"She wouldn't even care for someone like me, especially when she doesn't even know I'm here," he pouts, staring into his drink and sighing dramatically.

"Let's change that."

"What—?"

Before he can protest, I grab him by the arm and pull across the room, right up to the young woman in question. "Hello, I'm Ariella. Thank you so much for attending my ceremony. It's so good to see friends and family here from all over."

"Thank you for having us. I'm Karla," she extends her hand and I take it. Immediately, I sense the confidence that Hendrik could see, but underneath that is a feeling of doubt, insecurity, and maybe even fear.

I glance quickly to her male companion who has slipped his arm possessively around her. In his gaze I see a warning, but I lift my chin and turn back to Hendrik's mate as she says, "We were just visiting my sister and her mate, and they insisted we join them for this celebration. Our congratulations to the happy couple," she smiles genuinely, but I see an almost imperceptible look of pain in her eyes. "This is—"

"Rex," the man offers me his hand, his deep obsidian eyes holding mine intently.

I shake his hand, feeling a pulsing darkness under his skin, a lurking malice that crawls through his veins. A strange light swirls in his irises, and I get the impression he might not even be aware of the dark hold over him.

"We met in the city where I work as a lawyer. Rex has been such a Godsend, helping me settle in and find my way around," Karla says, her eyes shining up at him.

"I'm sure he has," I hear Hendrik mutter under his breath. I step back and nudge him discreetly in the ribs.

"The city, how wonderful! My good friend here, Hendrik, has been planning a trip to the city. I don't suppose he could get a ride there with you?" I smile at them sweetly.

Rex immediately frowns, but Karla openly brightens. "Of course, that would be fine. We're leaving tomorrow morning. Could he be ready by then?"

"Definitely!" I enthuse, clapping my hands with how well this is turning out. Hendrik will go with them and rescue his mate from the clutches of a possibly very dangerous man.

Karla gives a furtive look over Hendrik, her eyes trailing up and down his tall and muscled body while Rex wraps his arm tighter around her waist. I don't know what she senses of Hendrik, but I'm tired of waiting to find out.

"Well, aren't you going to shake on the deal? That's normally how we formalise agreements," I explain, shoving Hendrik forwards.

He mutely holds out his hand.

"Sure, why not," Karla laughs in an easy-going manner, and I like her personality even if she is a bit snobby for our country ways. She places her hand in Hendrik's despite Rex trying to subtly pull her back. I watch as her expression morphs into bewilderment, a frown puckering her perfectly arched eyebrows. Hendrik pulls her closer, his jaw clenched as he stares into her eyes.

"Do you feel anything?" he asks in a husky and restrained voice. I see he is aware of Rex's proximity, but the Gamma's body is tightly wound and ready to move should the slimy man advance any more on his mate. "Do you recognise who I am?"

"I.. uh..." Karla falters, her confidence seeping away and confusion filling her eyes. She casts a furtive glance at Rex, who is scowling deeply. When her eyes return to Hendrik, I see a flare of something light her irises. She bites her lip, but can't seem to find the right words. I guess she is fearful of Rex.

"I'll explain everything, if you give me the chance," Hendrik says, waiting for her to nod before taking her swiftly away and guiding her out the front door.

Rex moves to follow, but I grab his wrist. I hate the shivers that his touch elicits, but I hold on tightly. "Don't even think about it."

"But she's my fiancee!" he protests.

"My advice?" I lean in and whisper close to his ear, my voice dropping to a deadly timbre. "Never get between mates."

Rex glares at me, but I see him back down. "This isn't over," he threatens, but his voice is no longer steady, his certainty lacking.

"Oh, yes it is," I release his hand, and watch as Alpha Asa draws him back into conversation, nodding his thanks to me for defusing whatever situation we had going on. I plan to explain to the Alpha alone, but I feel two strong arms wrap around me from behind and I am pulled against a very firm chest.

"Are you alright?" The voice that I have fallen in love with murmurs against my ear.

"Of course," I turn in his arms and smile up at Malachi.

"So..." he pulls me closer and places small kisses on my forehead, nose, and beside my lips. "Are you done matchmaking, because this wolf is getting desperate for some alone time with his mate." His voice sends tingles of pleasure through my body, enhanced by the small trail of kisses that lead to my mark. I am aware of those around us, but I can't help growing consumed by his touch on my skin.

"There's nothing more I want right now." Gathering my sense of dignity, I pull back and hold him at arm's length.

He gives me a wounded and confused look, but then when my thoughts and desires vibrate across our bond, he nods in understanding. Twirling me around until I fall back against his chest, he tells me, "Then let's get out of here."

We say goodbye to my parents and the other Alphas and their families, before hugging our closest friends and thanking them again for their kindness and support.

With a racing heart full of excitement, I step out the front entrance with Malachi right behind me. He plans to drive me somewhere for a week of romantic seclusion, and though I've asked numerous times, he won't tell me where. The mystery only makes me more excited.

"Not so fast." A deep voice startles us both, along with the tall body of a well-built man, dressed in all black, greying hair at his temples.

We come to an abrupt halt before running into him. "Excuse me?" I glare up at him, then look beyond to the four men flanking him and a black sedan that's pulled up to the town hall. I wonder briefly who approved their entrance and passage into our territory, but the stranger is already speaking again, looking down at me sternly.

"Luna Ariella, you're going to have to come with us."