Chapter 5

~Jayden~

My phone rings no sooner than we step out of the car in front of the Lunar packhouse. I look at the caller ID, and it is home. It can only be one person, Brooklyn. I turn to Issac and tell him: “Your goddaughter must be in need of something.”

Issac chuckles and smiles as he says: “Aww….she is just missing her dad. Be nice to my godbaby please.”

I laugh at that. I swear he spoils that child almost as much as I do. After I greet Alpha Jack, I ask if I can step out back to make a phone call. He agrees, and I am led through the kitchen to the backyard. The packhouse is situated among a lush forest, and the trees are beautiful and big. You can see a little lake in the clearing ahead. I can imagine sitting out here and looking at that view during sunsets. How lucky they are. I dial home and wait for my little one to answer the phone.

“Daddy!” Brooklyn answers breathlessly.

“Hey my love. What’s up?” I responded. I barely just left her. It is only an hour to these packlands, and I left her in good hands. She is with Laura, an Omega that often takes care of her.

“Well, daddy, um…..” She must want something. Usually, she takes a bit to get to the point when she wants something.

“Love, I need you to come out with it. I have an important meeting with Alpha Issac, and they are waiting for me to start,” I try to push her.

Brooklyn sighs and says: “Can I stay at Stacy’s house tonight? Her mom said I could.” Stacy is one of Brooklyn’s best friends; her parents love having her over. Just as I was about to answer, I received a text from Stacy’s mom saying they would love to have Brooklyn stay over. This is what I would have insisted upon before agreeing, so it's good that it happened already.

“Of course you can love. Please be good, and I will see you tomorrow.”

“I love you a million hershey kisses, daddy.”

“And I love you a billion skittles my love.”

I hang up and start to walk into the kitchen. I catch a whiff of a scent that I haven’t smelled in ages. It smells like cotton candy and funnel cakes. You notice that amazing scent when you are at a carnival, and you know you will have the best time. I wonder where that scent is coming from.

I follow it through the kitchen out into the hallway. I turn to my left, where it continues to guide me down the hall. I see big, double oak doors on my right, and the scent seems to be coming from just beyond. A warrior is standing at each door, and as I approach, they open the doors for me. As soon as I step into the room, I am drawn to the beautiful light-skinned woman sitting at the table. She turns to look at me, and her beautiful brown eyes captivate me.

Mate! Mate! Mate!

I know, Jace. I see her. This is a disaster.

What do you mean?! I want mate!

I know, Jace, but remember what happened last time? Remember what we went through?

“Ok, everyone, now that Beta Jayden is here, we can get started. This is Alpha Kehlani Masters and her Gamma Melanie Richmond.” Alpha Jack makes quick introductions before starting the meeting. I nod toward the ladies and take my seat next to Alpha Issac, which happens to be across from Kehlani, my mate.

Ok. Now I'm really screwed, Jace. She is an Alpha! What in the hell would she want with me? I'm only a Beta and a single father. This is not going to work!

The Moon Goddess has her reasons; you have to know that. She will accept us, and she will accept our pup.

Jace, I know you want to love again, but you are too optimistic. The best thing I can do for us both is to reject her. That way, she will have a better chance the second time.

NO!!!! No rejecting mate!!!

I look up to see those beautiful brown eyes staring into mine, and I swear I stop breathing. She is breathtaking, but I can not put her through this. She deserves so much better than me.

~Kehlani~

It's so hard to concentrate on this meeting with his scent filling this room. I keep glancing at him, but he is not returning my gaze. I highly doubt that he can’t smell, that he can’t feel the pull. Just what exactly is going on in his head because it makes it seem as if he has no idea who I would be to him.

I'm trying to talk to his wolf, Kehlani. Maybe I can see what is going on.

Ok. Maybe his wolf will respond to you.

I try to concentrate on the meeting that is occurring. Jayden’s face keeps popping into my head. He is so beautiful. He has a robust and chiseled chin that sports a short beard the same color as his short hair, black. He has some hair that continually falls into his eyes. He has a prominent nose and those eyes...I can drown in those eyes. His eyes are green, and they are so soft. You could read his every emotion in those eyes if you tried. He is wearing grey slacks with a crisp white shirt unbuttoned a few buttons with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He has tattoos on both arms, and I would love to see what they are in detail. Hell, I would love to have those strong arms wrapped around me and my legs wrapped around him with my…….

Down girl! You're getting me worked up thinking like that, though I do agree.

Oh, my goddess Kai, I can’t help it. This man is mouth-watering, to say the least. Did you get in contact with his wolf?

Yes...well, a bit. His wolf, Jace, is there but isn’t saying much. I get the feeling that this is going to take some work.

I'm more than willing…

“So what do you think, Alpha?” Alpha Jack says, looking at me. I got completely swept up looking at Beta Jayden that I zoned out and had no idea what was happening.

“It would be helpful to be able to count on the Summit Mountain pack if things get bad,” Beta Jayden said, staring at me. I try to convey my thanks because he just saved my ass.

“I completely agree. I think it will be good for all involved to have that type of relationship,” I follow with.

“Well it's settled then. I will draw up the papers and get them to each of you. I think it's great to come together and form this alliance. I would love to invite everyone for lunch; my Luna made sure it will be an event.”

Alpha Jack chuckled, and it made me think this may happen more often than we believe. As the other Alphas and Betas stand up to go, I mindlink Melanie to go without me. I maneuver towards the door to catch Jayden before he walks out. “Um….hello,” I speak timidly because I'm still trying to figure him out. Jayden looks down at me, and I swear I can't breathe. He is easily 6’2, so he definitely towers over me. I may have gotten the Alpha blood but did not get my dad’s height.

“I guess we should talk about….things,” Jayden replies while running his hand across his beard. I'm so nervous. I rarely get nervous, but this man has me absolutely flustered.

“I think that will be a good thing. I want to get to know you. What do you like...what don’t you like...what are your…..,” I spilled all of this quickly, but he interrupted me.

“We shouldn’t do this. I mean... “ he sighs and looks around the room before gazing back at me. “I don’t think I'm the best for you. I think you should reject me and find your second chance.”

What the hell is with these men the moon goddess keeps pairing me with? The first one was a complete asshole, and this one wants me to reject him before we even speak to each other. Well, damn that! I'm not about to let him walk away so easily. I stand up straight, cross my arms over my chest, and look him square in his eyes. “If you insist on stopping things before they start, I will require an explanation. A true and clear explanation, and then I will decide if it is plausible or not.” Before he has a chance to respond, Melanie pops her head into the conference room.

“I'm sorry to interrupt Alpha, but I just got off the phone with Jax. We have trouble at home, and we need to get back immediately. I have already informed Alpha Jack, and the car is ready.” I reach out and rub my hand down Jayden’s arm. The sparks are so intense where our skin is touching; I don’t think they were this strong with Dominic.

“You, I will see later,” I say to Jayden, turning and walking out of the room to head back home.