Chapter 2

The trip to the conference was long. We were smart to get the limo. It allowed us to spread out and rest during the 6-hour ride. Jax spent the time texting, and I was getting prepared. Kai is sure something will happen while we are at the conference. I'm not sure, but you never know. We finally arrived at the hotel that was hosting the conference. It was a vast, modern-looking building that should hold all in attendance. Not every pack is represented at this conference, but many of us try to show. It is held twice a year to build and maintain relationships among the packs. Not all of us get along, but many of us have found a working relationship with one another.

When the limo stopped, two representatives were at the door to let us out. Jax got out first and held his hand to me so I could step out. I made sure to get my game face on. I try to keep a neutral demeanor when I am among other packs. I don't want them to think I'm weak or a pushover. We were given our room assignments and headed to the elevators. The lobby area was elegant and adorned in gold and silver tones. We entered the elevator with two other packs. Jax and I stayed silent, but I could feel the eyes on me. The elevator quickly filled with tension, and I couldn't wait to get out. Finally, the elevator stopped on the 10th floor, and I promptly made my way to my room. I have time for a nap before the banquet tonight.

~Dominic~

I swear I hate these stupid conferences—all of these packs here acting like they are of importance. The elders and former Alphas show up and give their two cents as if anything they have to say matters. I hate that Alpha made me come, but what am I to do? I have to do as he requests. He will meet me here later; he had some matters to attend to with his Luna. I swear, sometimes she is more trouble than she's worth, but you will never get me to say that out loud. I pull up to the hotel and get greeted by two assistants. They took my bags and let me know where we would be staying. They look shocked to see me, and I'm not surprised. It's rare for the Blood Red pack to attend these things, but Alpha insisted on coming to this one for some reason. I informed them that the Alpha would be arriving later on, and I will represent the pack in the meantime. I head to the elevator and catch a whiff of something. The smell is faint, and I can't quite place it, but it has my wolf Victor in a frenzy. I swear he has been getting more and more worked up on our journey here.

What's going on, Victor? You are starting to give me a headache.

I don't know, but I feel like something important is going to happen, Dominic. Something is stirring in me, and I can't place it.

Well, do me a favor and calm down. I want to rest before the banquet, and it will be hard to do with you being so antsy.

I will do what I can.

~Kehlani~

Hearing a knock on the door, I tried to hurry and answer it while not messing up my look. The banquets are usually a formal affair, so I went with an emerald green, off-the-shoulder mermaid dress. I wore the silver locket my father bought me on my 16th birthday. It contains a picture of my mom and my dad. I included some silver, dewdrop threader earrings and was about to put my silver pumps on when I heard the door. I opened up to Jax, fixing his cufflinks. He was wearing a classic black tux with an emerald green bow tie. Yes, we matched simply because the pack colors are emerald green and ivory. We try to wear our pack colors when we are at events with other packs.

Jax had his blonde hair gelled back, and his face was clean-shaven. I already knew the ladies would swoon with his ocean-blue eyes and chiseled chin. They didn't have a chance. Jax looked up and smirked at me. "Gorgeous as always, Red."

"Yeah, yeah, man...let me get my heels on, then we can go," I responded. We make it downstairs and into the banquet hall. Round tables are set up all over the room, with a small space empty in front of a stage. The hotel went with black and gold for the colors, and it all went together nicely. Jax and I walk to our table, where we are seated with three other packs. We all slightly nod at each other, with no one really saying much. This is what usually happens when I'm around other Alphas. They feel I'm too young, and since I'm a woman, I definitely have no business in my position. As soon as I sit down, a smell hits me. It's a wonderful scent; I smell leather and forest. I look around to see if anyone else notices the smell, but it seems like it is only me.

I smell our mate Kehlani.

Well, where is he, Kai?

I think he is getting closer. I look around as discreetly as possible. I don't want to alert anyone that something is going on. Jax notices that I'm preoccupied, and mind links me.

Is everything ok? Do you sense danger?

No, there is no danger, but I think I'm smelling my mate. I have caught this amazing scent and am trying to see where it comes from.

Jax smirks at me just then and points to my left. I slowly turn in that direction, and that is when I see him.....staring at me.....