Across Enemy Lines

Chapter 3

My father's pack and the Dark Moon pack had been at odds for decades. I never knew the true reason why but rumor had it that it was over a woman. Aside from the dispute between the two packs, the Dark Moon pack was notoriousl for being ruthless, cruel, and merciless. Its alpha gainedwi notoriety for stringing rogues up in the trees that bordered their lands as a way of warning others not to chance stepping into their territory.

"Dr.Wood, what did I do?" Jared's face was littered with hurt.

"I can't be mated with you!" I felt May recoil at my words, the pain crushing her.

"Why the hell not?" I could feel anger begin to radiate off of him.

"Because you're not only from Dark Moon, you're the alpha." I turned to leave but he put his hand on the door.

"So?" He sounded annoyed but I refused to turn around to see.

"So… I'm the daughter of Alpha Joseph Wood Senior, alpha of the Blood Moon pack."

Jared moved his hand. I opened the door and left the room. I felt my blood running colder the further from my mate I was. I walked straight into Dr.Fine's office.

"Dr.Wood, what is-" he stopped suddenly and his eyes glazed over. How could I not know what he was?

"Chloe, I think we have to let you go. Please clean out your desk."

"Excuse me? Have I done something wrong?" I was in shock.

"I think you know why we can't have you here any longer. Had I known, I wouldn't have had you here at all." His eyes were hard and unfeeling.

"So, because of who I am, I'm fired?" I fumed.

"No. Because of your pack, you're fired. Because of who you are, you're walking out of here." He coldly stated. I narrowed my eyes at him and went to my office to pack my things. When I opened the door, Jared was standing inside. His pine and strawberry scent lulling me into a false sense of security.

"How can I help you, Mr.Black?"

"Drop the formalities, Chloe. You are my mate and I'm trying to figure out what to do about it." I rolled my eyes at him as I packed up my belongings.

"What are you doing?" He said while I placed my things in boxes.

"Well, Mr.Black what does it look like I'm doing?"

"Daddy?" I mind-linked my father.

"What's wrong Chloe Lynn?" I never mind-linked him so he was instantly on alert.

"Daddy can you, Joey and Uncle Henry come up to my office and help me?"

"When, little one?"

"Now, Daddy and fast." I felt the mind-link cut out.

"Who were you talking to?" Jared asked.

"My father." I said simply.

"Chloe, you didnt…"

"Mate is angry Chloe…" May whispered.

"You know, I don't give a s**t, May."

"Who's May?" Jared asked. I didn't realize I had spoke out loud.

"My wolf."

"Oh? What did she say?"

"She said you were mad." I told him not looking up. I could feel the smirk on his face.

"What else she say?"

"She said this is still my office… and if all you're going to do is get on my nerves you can leave." He stood shocked. It was apparent no one ever spoke to him that way.

"Listen, princess, no one talks to me that way. So unless you want to be taken down a peg or two-" he stopped when he noticed my father, brother and uncle standing in my door way.

"Oh no. Keep going. I'd love to hear how you will take my sister down a peg or two." Joey growled out.

"Joey, get Mr.Cuddles." I told my brother.

"But I-"

"Joey, get the goddamn turtle!" I snapped. Huffing, Joey grabbed the aquarium and walked out. Daddy just stared sternly at Jared. Uncle Henry walked around my father and began grabbing boxes.

"Henry?"

"Yes,Alpha?"

"Go ahead and put them boxes in the truck. Chloe Lynn is coming home."

"Daddy, no."

"It ain't up for debate anymore, little one." I knew there was no arguing with my father when he was like this. I just sighed and kept packing.

"I thought you wasn't datin', Chloe Lynn." Daddy said through the mind-link.

"Daddy, I'm not."

"Then who's this feller?"

"My mate daddy." I whispered through the mind-link. Daddy's eyes tore away from Jared and he looked at me, his eyes wide in surprise. Daddy's face lit up and he walked up to Jared and bear hugged him, giggling like a child.

"Shoot! I reckon I may get grandbabies yet! Henry! Henry look here! This is Chloe Lynn's mate! Son what's your name?" My father beamed. I could feel the heat coming off of my face.

"Jared, sir."

"Jared! Henry! This is Jared! Chloe Lynn got a mate!" My father was absolutely radiating. His eyes went blank for a second before my phone began to ring. My father had Jared in a half hug when Dr.Fine walked in. I answered the phone and my mother's voice filled the room.

"You found your mate! Oh Chloe Lynn I'm so happy right now I could die. Joe? Joe what does he look like?"

"Alpha are you alright?" Dr.Fine said looking confused.

"Hell, we're fine, whoever you are! My baby girl has finally found her mate!" My father responded staring proudly at Jared. Jared just gave Dr.Fine a nod.

"Joe? Dammit tell me what he looks like!" Momma demanded through the phone.

"Oh I'm sorry Evelyn, darlin'. Well, he's built like an ox, sturdy and he's tall. Hell he's bigger than me!" Daddy chuckled.

"Oh my. Is he good lookin'?" Momma asked.

"Momma!"

"I reckon he's good lookin'. He's got dark hair and dark eyes. Ha! Chloe Lynn's face is red like a tomato so I reckon she thinks he's good lookin'." Daddy chuckle.

"Daddy!" My face was burning from embarrassment. Jared and Dr.Fine just seemed amused with the situation.

"Oh! I'm tickled pink. Bring that boy for supper Joe. I wanna get a look at him."

"Momma, no." I was mortified at the situation. I had just gotten fired, my mate turned out to be the alpha of the Dark Moon pack, and my parents were trying to invite our enemy for dinner.

"Don't you tell me no, Chloe Lynn. Joe?"

"Chloe Lynn, listen to your Momma." Daddy gave me a stern look. I knew better than to argue with my father but this was something I couldn't just let slide.

"Momma, Daddy no. He's not coming for supper. You don't even know who he is! He's-"

"Excited about supper. What time should I be there?" Jared cut me off with a sly grin. I was stunned into silence.

"Oh, that angel voice. I'm so excited.. Well, we usually eat around 7:00 or so. Why don't you be here about 6:30. Joe will tell you how to get here." My mother said. I just stared blankly at Jared while he smirked at me. This man was already on my nerves.

"Then it's settled. Henry, grab the rest of Chloe Lynn's stuff and I'm gonna tell Jared here how to get to the house. Come on, son. Oh I like the sound of that. Anyway, walk me out so I can give you directions." My father still had his large arm across Jared's broad shoulders as he lead him out. Jared shot me a mischievous smile as the two of them walked out. Henry walked over to me as Dr.Fine went back to his office.

"Miss Chloe, why do I get a bad feelin' bout this?" I sighed and turned to Uncle Henry.

"Because Daddy hasn't realized who Jared is yet."