At the beginning

Chapter 3

Will

I had only been away from the pack for two days and mum still insisted on throwing a family dinner to celebrate.

Sitting her, staring at the pile of paperwork on my desk and the training schedule for the week that needed finalizing, family dinner was the last thing on my mind. But I would do it. Mum doesn’t ask for much. I can attend dinner with my family.

My attention was locked on the contents of my desk and I didn’t even notice my office door open and click shut.

A hand running along the back of my shoulders alerted me to someone else’s presence. Instinctively, I reached around and grabbed the hand, twisting it around and locking it in place. I stood from my desk chair and loomed over the figure who was now hunched over. It was instinct.

“I’m sorry! It’s just me!” The voice rushed in panic and fear. I let go of the hand instantly and sighed. Kelly.

“Oh.” I huffed, sitting back down. “What are you doing in here?” I asked. Kelly just seemed to be everywhere. I didn’t want her. I had never given her much attention, but she was persistent. I vaguely remember a drunken kiss ages ago, but that’s about a far as our relationship ever went.

“I heard you were home and thought you might like a surprise visitor.” Kelly replied in a breathy voice. I scrunched up my face in confusion. I was quickly shown just what she was talking about when she let her shirt fall just enough to display her racy, lace bra. I rubbed the palms of my hands on my eyes. I really needed to get my work done. I can’t deal with this right now.

“Kelly, now is not a good time…” I groaned, pulling my chair back in under the desk and turning my body away from her.

“I can be quick?” She suggested, winking.

Throw her out the door! Danger, my wolf mind-linked me. I almost laughed out loud.

To her credit, she is very persistent and resilient! I laughed in reply.

Kelly simply stood there, making what she must have thought was a sexy expression but almost looked like she was constipated, completely unaware of the conversation Danger and I were having.

“I think you need to leave.” I said coldly. Kelly’s expression faltered only momentarily before she smiled back at me.

“Yea sure...” she winked before sliding her hand down my chest. I stood up instantly, standing tall over her.

“I’m not asking again.” I all but growled at her. She bowed her head slightly before turning to scurry back out the door. That was when we heard my Mum calling out to me from downstairs.

“Will! Dinner is ready!” She called to me.

Suddenly, Kelly’s eyes lit up, and she followed me down the stairs towards the dining room. I walked in a sat down at my usual seat.

“Hi Winnie!” Kelly said sweetly, poking her head in the doorway. My mum glanced at me questioningly before replying, politely as ever.

“Hello Kelly.” Mum smiled sweetly, but everyone at the table knew she was internally groaning.

“What a wonderful meal you guys are having tonight!” Kelly admired, stepping into the dining room.

“Thank you. Family dinner tonight.” Mum nodded in agreement.

“I think it will be packet noodles for me tonight…” Kelly sighed, dramatically. It was at that point that I figured out what her plan was. Guilting my mother into an invitation.

“Oh… well…” mum was having an internal battle, but we all knew where this was going. “Would you like to join us?” Mum suggested. Before she had even finished the question, Kelly had stepped further into the dining room and was pulling out the chair beside mine. Liam, my younger brother, was making no attempt to hide his distain and disapproval of Kelly at our dining table. I envied that. As the Alpha of our pack, I needed to remain mutual. A leader should never make it blatantly obvious that they can’t stand someone in their pack. Each pack member is valuable and welcome.

Sometimes I just needed to remind myself of that for particular pack members. Kelly, in particular.

I sat quietly and listened to the conversation flow around me. Liam, the usual center of attention, kept the mood light despite the presence of Kelly beside me. Frequently, she attempted to rub her hand up my arm or along my leg, but I quickly pushed them away. I was not interested.

It wasn't until Mum asked me a question directly, that I was pulled out of my mindless state.

"We should invite her around for a family dinner, don't you think Will?" Mum asked, but her eyes told me she was not willing to accept any answer other than 'yes'.

"Who?" I raised my eyebrows. Dad chuckled from the other end of the room at Mum's reaction.

"Ivy!" Mum groaned, shaking her head at me. I smirked.

"Ivy who?" I questioned again. I could almost see the smoke coming out of my Mum's ears.

"Ivy Storm!" Mum whined.

"Ivy Storm?" Kelly piped up beside me. Instantly, everyone at the table glared at her warningly. Ivy was like another member of the family. Especially to Liam. Kelly didn't seem to care.

"Why on earth would you want to invite her for dinner?!" Kelly laughed mockingly. A low growl vibrated from Liam's chest.

"I think you might have finished your meal." I muttered, picking up her plate and sliding my chair back to walk it to the kitchen. Kelly tried to protest but I was already gone. Not giving her an option. I could hear some quick 'goodbyes' and by the time I returned to the dining room, Kelly, thankfully, was gone.

"She's a real prize..." Liam muttered under his breath. He knew full well that everyone on the table heard him loud and clear.

I need to get out of here... I groaned to Danger.

Something smells good! Danger howled. He was right, something in this room smelt really good, but it wasn't the food. I couldn't figure it out.

I don't have time for this. I need to get some work done. I huffed, some of my frustration was towards Kelly and some was towards the unknown scent that wafted my way every now and again.

"I have to get back to work. Let me know when the family dinner with Ivy is." I nodded before turning to leave the room.

"Will?" Mum called me back. I faced her and raised my eyebrows.

"Beta John needs you to watch Evie for an hour in the morning before their new nanny starts." Mum explains.

"Right. Just let me know what time I need to be there." I nodded before exiting the room.

I think I need to go for a run first... Danger pleaded.