The Beta's Human Mate

Just Like That?

  Alpha Peter wanted to be gone as soon as possible but had been convinced to spend a few hours of sleep before driving back to his pack, which gave Serenity time to pack. Not that she needed much time. Most of her clothes were either workout clothes, all in black, or black t-shirts and jeans. She had enough room in her suitcase to take the couple nice dresses and shoes she owned, but even with that there was a lot of room leftover.

  It barely took her thirty minutes before the suitcase was zipped up and she sat on her bed and gazed at her room. Even though she had no fond memories of this room, it had been her and hers alone for over ten years. She knew the plan was to only be gone for a few months, but with how long the night had already been she had the feeling it would feel like years before she was back in her twin sized bed.

  For the second time tonight, she wanted to go for a run. Once she and Damien had talked, she had been ushered into Alpha Peter’s room. She told him Vlad knew about her and Damien and gave her his blessing to leave.

  “Just like that?” Alpha Peter had asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “He understands the mate bond and wants me to go with good-will. If you wish, I can see if he is still in his study.” She offered. She wasn’t sure what to say to convince him. Part of her hoped that he would speak with Vlad. He would know exactly what to say to soothe the Alpha’s obvious hesitation.

  Luna Melissa was not as skeptical as her partner. Immediately when she saw Damien leading Serenity into the room, holding her hand, she jumped to her feet and grabbed Serenity’s other hand.

  “Looks like you two worked it out quickly. I’m so glad, it’ll be great to have another girl in the pack-house. Not that there aren’t other girls, its just most are focused on their training, and there aren’t very many anyway.” She gave Serenity a small hug and grinned at Damien.

  Serenity had been hugged more tonight that she thought she had been in the last ten years combined. She didn’t know what to say to the enthusiastic woman. Though Melissa was half a head shorter than her she seemed to have a bigger than life enthusiasm.

  “Thank you, Luna.” She said the only thing she could think of.

  “Oh, don’t worry about that. When it’s just us you can call me Mel. And this is Peter, of course.” She led Serenity to were Peter was still standing before the window. Serenity noticed that behind the boyish face she had noticed before, Peter had the look of someone carrying the world. She could tell he had spent quite a few sleepless nights behind a desk.

  “The council leaders will be seeing us off in the morning, before sunrise. I trust you’ll be ready to leave by then?” Alpha Peter shook her hand and looked her straight in the eye.

  “Yes Al-Peter.” She had still wanted to call him Alpha but a quick glance at Mel told her to change to Peter.

  “There!” Mel clapped. “We’ll all be a big family in no time! Would you like me to help you pack?” She started to head for the door immediately.

  “No, thank you. I don’t have much, and I’m sure you’re tired.” She gave Mel a small smile and moved past her to the door, Damien still following her closely. She said a small goodnight and made her escape.  Now to deal with Damien, following her like a pup.

  “So…I’ll see you in the morning.” She tried to pull her hand away, but his grip tightened.

  “I’ll walk you to your room.” He said lowly. Serenity looked up at him. He still looked grim and unmoving. She could tell he would be trouble.

  “You sleep on this floor, and I have to pack.” He didn’t look convinced. Damn mutt, can’t you leave me alone? “I promise, I’ll be the first one downstairs in the morning.” She put her hand on his cheek and looked in his silver eyes. When he leaned down she could see his eyes darken for a moment before going back to normal.

  He nodded, but didn’t let her hand go till the last second. Serenity sighed and went to the stairs at the end of the hall, taking them two at a time. She knew wolves were protective of their mates, but Damien looked like he could tear apart a mountain when she left his side. Part of her wanted to giggle at him, but the warrior in her said that he would be a problem if she wanted to spy on his warriors. Then again, she hadn’t revealed that she was a warrior too. Maybe she could use that.

  As promised Serenity was the first one down…from the wolves’ group of course. Vlad met her at the bottom of the stairs. He looked her over, showing no emotion. He motioned to one of the servants to take her bag from her and then stepped close.

  “Remember where you come from, child. I expect good information from you each week without fail. Make sure you deliver…I saved you before, I will not hesitate to take your life now.” He whispered the last in her ear. When he pulled away from her she saw the truth in his blood red eyes. She was used to these threats though, and just nodded.

  A low growl sounded from the stairs and she felt Damien step behind her before she saw him. She wondered if that warmth she felt around him would ever fade.

  “Ah, good morning all.” Vlad put all the fake enthusiasm into his voice he could muster. Serenity turned to see Melissa and Peter still at the top of the stairs. Did Damien teleport too?

  As if on queue Katrina, Markus, and Ramon stepped into the hall from whichever shadows they had been hiding in. Katrina ignored the others and walked up to Serenity, taking one of her hands gently and squeezing. “I hear you’ve found a mate, darling. I wish you the best, and you will keep in touch, correct?” Katrina smiled. Serenity gave her the best smile she could muster. Although Katrina was much nicer than anyone else on the council she knew what the plan was. This was all an act.

  Markus looked as bored as always and hardly glanced at her, while Ramon glared at Alpha Peter. Serenity had heard those two had some run-ins before. Not surprising since Ramon had been a rogue since birth and loved attacking packs. It was his favorite hobby.

  “We should be going. Thank you, council members, for your hospitality.” Peter said formally. He completely ignored Ramon and offered Melissa his arm to walk her out.

  “Of course Alpha Peter. We’re more than happy to accommodate you if you ever decide to visit. Or if you change your mind about our previous discussion.” Markus drawled, earning a glare from Ramon, that he also ignored.

  The six hour drive to the pack was boring for Serenity. She wished she had been able to go on a full run last night, maybe then she would have been able to sleep last night, or now. Instead she stared out the window. Damien sat beside her, while Melissa sat next to Peter, who drove. Every now and then she could feel Damien look over at her, but she was still wasn’t sure how to act around him. She could feel his presence in her skin, and quickly got addicted to his scent. She wanted nothing more than to hold out her hand in the hopes that he would take it.

  Likewise Damien hated the distance between them. He looked at her as often as he dared, but she seemed fascinated by everything outside the car. Although he had been around women before, something about her seemed so different. He couldn’t place it. Was he just excited for finally finding his mate? He needed to know everything about her. How she ended up at the council, where was her family. Grim was satisfied just having her near, for now, though he had been angry with Damien for letting her leave them alone last night. He didn’t want to keep waiting to claim her, but Damien knew as the Beta of the most powerful Alpha around, he needed to find out sooner rather than later. They would have to have a long talk.