The Contract (My Perfect Mate Continued)

One Down, Two to Go

The fourth floor seemed so quiet without having someone to share it with. I grew up in this apartment, but mom and dad decided to move down a level for the time being. With them planning on retiring within the next year or so, they were in the process of building their own house on the outskirts of the territory. Dad had reminded me that he wasn't going to be the Alpha much longer and that I needed to get used to my new lodging. It just seemed too big for me.

I was planning on shaving but ultimately decided against it. I didn't mind the stubble, I feel like it made me look older and more distinguished. I tousled my curls with some light paste before pulling it all backwards. I didn't realize how long my hair was getting, but I didn't mind the long curls, my hair hadn't been this long since I was a teenager. I brushed my teeth quickly before heading towards my closet. I had already picked out my black suit and paired it with a navy blue dress shirt. I feel like the dark hue complimented my copper hair and green eyes. I grabbed a pair of blue and green argyle socks and slipped into my patten leather dress shoes.

I stepped in front of the full-length mirror for final inspections but as I examined my appearance, I realized something was missing. I reached for the top drawer of my dresser grabbed a polished mahogany box. I cracked the top and admired my watch momentarily. I pulled it from the velvet-lined box and slipped in onto my wrist.

This watch, along with many other heirlooms, have been passed down through the generations. It once belonged to my great-great-grandfather. Although it has had many tune up over the years, I only like to wear it on special occasions.

I must have been feeling sentimental because I also decided to put on my family ring. A solid gold ring with the family crest hand engraved on top. I was quite small for my ring finger, so I always slipped it onto my pinky. I looked at myself once more as I straightened my lapels. I hope mom will approve of my appearance now. I was about to head downstairs when I got a link from my dad.

Hey, if you are ready, your uncles are here. Can you head to my office?

Sure. Give me two minutes.

I spritzed my cologne and headed for the door.

The room was already full when I arrived. I could hear the thunderous laughter on the other side of the door. I nodded sharply to Cade as he opened the door for me. Cade has been in our family guard for as long as I can remember, and he was quickly promoted to Chief of Staff. I don't think that we could function without him. I can't count how many times that Cade has saved my life or prevented me from doing something stupid over the years.

The second I walked through the door, I felt intimidated. I was surrounded by the most powerful Alphas in the region but I was lucky to call them my uncles. My mom always made the joke of calling us 'the wall' when we stood shoulder to shoulder. I went around the room and greeted everyone before taking an open seat next to Uncle Kevin along the wall. He slapped my knee and smiled. "Much better. You clean up good kid."

Now that I was the last one in the room, dad took the floor, "Alright guys, I know that the party starts in about 20 minutes and we have a lot of catching up to do, but I arranged an impromptu meeting with Alpha Blane and Alpha Lawrence. I wanted to present a strong front and what better way to do that than have my brothers with me? You are all strong pillars of our community and I wanted to show our strength and security, so they know that they are making the right decision by joining our pack. They should be here soon."

We continued to chat as we awaited our honored guest's arrival. Soon enough, there was a knock on the door, and we all turned to watch Cade usher them in.

The two Alphas strode into the room. They were nothing compared to the rest of us. Nonetheless, you could tell that they were Alphas. Strong build, features, and intimidating to look at. Father went around the room one by one with introductions. The air in the room was professional but still polite. We all chatted, taking our turns talking about our packs and getting to know one another. I checked my watch periodically to make sure that we didn't run over on time. Like clockwork, mom sent me and dad a link.

I know that you are both in a meeting, but our guests are starting to arrive.

Dad nodded tightly in my direction. If neither of us could sneak away, he would send me out to the firing squad first. I gestured back and headed for the door.

I knew that I would need a stiff drink in order to make it through the rest of the evening. I headed directly to the bar when a captivating scent invaded my senses.

It filled the surrounding air like fog. I felt disoriented suddenly, and I heard Apollo pipe up in the back of my head.

It's her, she's here. I know she's here, we have to find her.

Not now, Apollo, we have bigger fish to fry.

Apollo was not happy with me when I tried to brush him off, but I had to make an appearance, quickly. With my mind refocused, I headed down the stairs faster than I should have.

The main floor was overflowing, I couldn't focus on a single face, I was in the middle of a sea of people. There was lively chatter and laughter all around me. I had to zero in on something, so I wouldn't get dizzy. My gaze landed at the bar on the far side of the room. Bryce was conveniently perched against the counter.

He was chatting with a cute little blonde with a killer figure. He was leaning in close to her, lingering on her every word. I watched as he tucked a stray hair behind her ear and I could see her blush. They were enthralled in one another, and I knew it was a matter of time until there was no space between them.

I shook my head and made my way through the crowd, until I was able to pop up directly behind Bryce. It was a moment longer before either of them realized that I was nearby. I caught the woman's gaze first, and she separated herself quickly.

"Alpha, I'm so sorry." She began to sputter and glance around the room looking for an exit route. "Great party Alpha, if you'll excuse me, I think my friends are looking for me."

I found myself chuckling as she scurried off into the throng, disappearing from sight. I don't know what it is about me that makes people cower in fear. I'm not that bad, am I?

Bryce was at a loss for words as he watched his flavor of the night scurry away from him. He turned towards me and slapped my shoulder. "Dude what gives?"

I chuckled at him, "I didn't know that would happen, honestly."

Bryce scoffed playfully, "yeah sure." He said and ordered another drink.

"Make that two please." I said to the bartender.

"Yes, Alpha." He said with a nod.

Bryce took the glass right out of the bartender's hand and drained the contents. I looked at him curiously as he ordered another. He was not his normal self, something was bothering him. I wasn't going to say anything, that is until I saw him down another drink.

"Dude, what's up?"

Bryce didn't say anything at first, he simply closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "It's nothing." I knew that he was trying to change the subject, but he wasn't getting off that easily.

"No, see that's what we're not going to do. I can clearly tell that something is off. Tell me, or at least try to hide it better."

That brought a small smile to his face as he set down another empty glass on the counter. "Another, please." I eyed him once more.

"Bryce, come on. What the hell is wrong with you?"

He sighed dramatically and then gave me a side-eye. "I don't know exactly. I just feel on edge and River won't shut the f**k up. That's why I was trying to distract myself with...um..um" he started snapping his fingers as if trying to spring her name back into his head.

"Really? You don't even remember her name, you're terrible."

With a final snap of his fingers, "Shelby! That poor girl that you frightened away, her name is Shelby."

I changed the subject. "So, what is River saying exactly?"

Bryce didn't seem to notice the change and continued organically. "Nothing of importance, he's just constantly pacing inside my head. He won't stop whining and panting at me. He's taking up more space than usual. Making me feel like my skin is crawling."

I c****d my eyebrow at him. This sounded familiar. Dad had once described how it felt when he met mom for the first time. I shook my head, it couldn't be.

"Have you considered that your mate might be nearby?" I said in a teasing tone. Bryce rolled his eyes and scoffed.

"Please, the Goddess won't reward me, especially with my recent behavior." He winked in my direction and I knew exactly what he was referring to.

"Ah yes, I believe one of them was a redhead and the other a blonde?" Bryce started to laugh as he thought of his recent transgressions. I playfully nudged his shoulder, but he never wavered.

I polished off my scotch and was quick to order another. When I looked at Bryce again, he was fidgeting so much that I wanted to smack him.

"Dude, what the f**k? You're shaking the whole house." I gestured down to the leg that wouldn't stop bouncing. Bryce checked himself quickly but it didn't last very long. He was vibrating again. "Seriously! You need to stop or I will make you stop."

Bryce pushed against the bar in frustration. I can only imagine the battle that was currently going on inside his head.

"I think you need to let River take the lead on this one. He clearly is not going to leave you alone until you give in."

I could see the look of focus on his face, he was pondering the idea of letting River out. "Yeah, I think you're right. I'm going to go. I'll catch up with you later."

He turned around to face the crowd and then zoned out. He was staring straight ahead into the crowd and was stiff as a board. There was no trembling present and he was almost stoic. He made the room jump when a loud howl escaped his lips and I saw his fists clench at his sides. The whole room stopped to stare at him but they quickly forgot about the outburst. It wasn't unusual for wolves to suddenly release such a howl. I watched as the guests all went back to their mingling. Except for one person in particular.

She was quite striking. Her long chestnut waves were pulled to one side of her neck and tied in a loose braid. I could see her mega-watt smile from where I stood. She had bright, rosy cheeks adorned with delicate freckles. I watched as her large, chocolate-brown eyes traced the room with her gaze until she settled onto Bryce's anxious body.

One down, two to go.