Chapter 3

I grind my teeth noisily, blocking out the memories of the other night. "Honestly Dad, I'm kind of surprised you've gone behind Kurt's back." Reese interjects. I can see his gaze on me through the rear view mirror. Thankful for the change of subject, I shoot a small smile back.

"My obligations to my children will always defeat my Beta duties. Considering Kurt's involvement in this situation, I'm sure he'd be wise against questioning the decisions my daughter or I take. Once Aly is settled, I'll respond to any dissent." Dad replies stiffly, gripping the steering wheel.

"Settled?!" I repeat, smoothing my dress out. "This is just an introduction, Dad. A friendly hello, to prove you guys wrong!"

"Whatever you say." Dad shrugs, dismissing my protest.

I open my mouth to argue, deciding against it. Glaring out at the passing scenery, the unfamiliar territory sprawls out, dense and overgrown compared to our manicured lands. I spot a streak of fur flickering between the distant foliage.

"Dante's Betas are escorting us through the lands." Dad informs me dryly. "Though he and I are on solid terms, the rest of the pack are wary of us, due to Kurt."

"I don't blame them." I mutter.

"We're here." Reese announces, as Dad puts his foot down, gunning up the sloping pathway hidden between the dense undergrowth.

I can't help but feel a little intrigued, sitting forward in my seat to examine the concealed pack house. As we slow down to accommodate a wide bend in the road, two grey wolves appear on either side of our vehicle, trotting along.

"Wow, he's pulled out all the stops to impress you, Aly. Even got your own formal escort on the lands." Ryan whistles, poking the back of my head.

"And so he should. First impressions mean everything and you don't come across your mate everyday." Dad announces, nodding to the wolf within touching distance of his window.

Here we go with the whole 'mate' debacle again. Part of me just wants this formality over and done with, so I can prove that I have no destined other half and return to the comfort of my bed.

"Wonder where the man himself is..." I mutter to myself, eyeing the grey wolf beside me with curiosity. He refuses to meet my stare, his attention on the road ahead.

The pack house emerges and I'm taken aback. The main house of our pack-- Kurt's house; is pretty much a mansion. Cold, modern, almost inhospitable, there's no warm or friendly vibe that makes you feel like the doors will always be open to you, as a member. No informal gatherings or parties...just the odd meeting.

Dante's lands are the complete opposite. The main building is a statuesque, five story cabin, renovated to include a mix of brick and glass. It's like a modern, picturesque cabin in the woods...just on a monumental scale. I can already feel the homely vibe, ready to approach the building as I've seen it a million times.

"Wow--" I catch myself before I can give the compliment, not wanting to see the smugness from the rest of my family.

"It gets better. There's a reason why The Midnight Fire pack are predicted to eclipse the others. Their way of life is enviable." Dad agrees, resting a hand on the wheel.

The wrought iron gates are pulled back, allowing us entry. The wolves stay in their positions, passing through the entrance with us. With an unusually practiced attempt, Dad parks the truck in a row of parking spaces to the left of the cabin, as if he's been here before.

As he turns the engine off, I begin to freeze up, the reality of the next few moments sinking in. I realise that I'm absolutely petrified, with no ability to gauge how this will pan out.

"Come on, Alanna." Dad cajoles me gently, patting my shoulder. "You can't sit here by yourself." "I wish." My reply is a whisper, barely inaudible yet I know Dad will hear.

The boys have already exited the car, hovering around my side in anticipation. Before I can steady myself, Reese flings my door open, hauling me out of the seat.

"Don't be shy, little sis." Ryan grins, patting my head. "Though if he gets a little too friendly, I'll be ready to kick his ass."

"Dante will wipe the floor with you, boys. He's an Alpha." Dad smiles.

All this lighthearted talk is doing nothing to calm me. I feel a whole host of eyes on me and with a quick ruffle of my hair and a quick check of my reflection in the car window, I turn around cautiously.

The wolfy escorts have disappeared and to my surprise, there's no-one in sight. The wide oak doors are pulled open, a small figure waiting in the distance, waving at us.

I follow meekly behind the men, letting Dad handle everything. The air is cool, almost frosty and I tighten my jacket, eyes on the ground. Hoofing up the steps in my uncomfortable wedge boots, I hide studiously behind Reese and Ryan.

"Beta Evans, it's a pleasure to see you again!" A soft, female voice declares.

"The pleasure is all mine, Grand Luna. You already know my sons, Ryan and Reese." Dad puffs proudly.

"Of course! How could I forget these handsome boys? Forgive me dears but for once, your presence alone isn't enough for me..."

Dad turns around, frowning in disapproval at my reluctance to show myself. With a strong hand on my back, he guides me forward as Ryan and Reese step aside.

I'm face to face with a petite, middle-aged woman. With loose blonde curls and glassy grey eyes, she's absolutely gorgeous. The telltale crinkles around her eyes are the only giveaway to her true age and I'm even more taken aback to see her surveying me with a warm smile.

"Finally!" She exclaims, jumping on the spot in apparent delight. "I've been waiting all day to meet your daughter, Beta Evans."

"This is Dante's mother, Nora." Dad introduces me, stepping back slightly.

"So glad to meet you, Aly. Do come in, dear." Grabbing my hand, she pulls me into a light hug, over the threshold.

"Nice to meet you...Grand Luna." I exclaim, startled by her warm welcome. Thankfully, I remember my manners.

"Please, call me Nora." She insists, positively radiating happiness. Scanning me from head to toe, she pulls me along the wooden foyer, to the first door in view. "Do come through." She gestures to us, letting me go and waving us in. "I'll just fetch some snacks. Dante will be here soon, he's just dealing with some pack duties."