Addie's POV:

It was annoying how much my body was on edge since my encounter with Xander. I couldn't believe myself. For a second time, I was basically humping him right out in the open.

God, Addie at least take it to a fucking room.

I tried to focus my attention on cooking with Ginny. Katie had warmed up to me quite a bit after we had a talk and planned the dinner. They were all very forthcoming with information after that. That's how I learned of Mateo's pack and how he helped Xander get me and Kaden. I was surprised to learn Xander was in some basement doing God knows what to get someone to talk but their nonchalance about it made it seem like it was normal and necessary.

And it just got weirder. Tess advised me to call Lynn by her title. It was odd for me to address someone "Luna Lynn" but it seemed to work. She sounded happy to talk to me and accepted the invitation, saying she would be bringing ten pack members with her.

What was ten more? This pack was much bigger than I realized. There were hundreds of them. Katie managed to convince me to limit tonight to Deltas, scouts and above since it was mostly to thank them for protecting me. So instead of being in the hundreds, tonight would be just over a hundred. Which was why Ginny was also cooking at her house after I showed her the recipe for my spaghetti.

The idea of meeting that many people at once made me sick but it was the right thing to do. Tess warned me they would be addressing me as Luna all night and given the circumstances it would be better if I accepted it for now. I didn't see Xander much after our encounter which was really for the best because I was busy up until a few minutes before six.

I had no idea how I should dress so I asked Katie to come to my room with me and help me pick something out. She looked through my clothes and chewed on the inside of her cheek, moving the hangers back and forth.

"What do you think?" I asked, wringing my hands together.

"Honestly? With two pack leaders coming over I don't know that you have anything quite... Nice enough," she said timidly.

"You're not offending me," I giggled. "I didn't anticipate needing nice clothes so I didn't bring any."

"I think..." Katie surveyed me a moment. "I think Gina is closest to your size. I bet she would lend you something if you want."

"That's a great idea," I nodded. Gina helped a lot today and I really liked her. She had a good sense of humor.

Katie smiled and went quiet. I recognized that look, the look they all had when they communicated or, mind-linked, Katie told me they call it.

"She'll be here soon," Katie nodded. "I'm going to help Anna move Felipe. Unless you need something?"

"No. I'm good. Thank you for everything. Couldn't have done tonight without you."

Katie smiled and nodded before walking over to my door. She opened it but paused in the doorway, turning towards me once more. "I know you're just doing the Luna thing for now because you don't have another choice but... I wanted to say I think you're handling it really well. I was a little upset yesterday but it wasn't fair to you. I appreciate how sweet you were to Felipe and how you've stepped up. We'd be lucky if you stuck around."

Her expression was genuine and I didn't know why but her words warmed my heart. I smiled at her and nodded. "Thanks, Katie. I needed to hear that before I meet a bunch of strangers tonight."

"Don't worry. Just be yourself. They'll love you. If for nothing else than for the way you stand up to Alpha," she said with a wink, giving me a small smile before going out the door.

I let out a shaky breath and laid back on my bed. This was the right thing to do after everything that happened and it was a good idea to become friendlier with others that could help, but I was scared shitless at the thought of meeting so many people and acting like I knew what I was doing. Katie's words helped a little but it didn't keep the nerves at bay.

A knock at my door had me jump. I set a hand on my chest and tried to control my breathing. I was still jumpy with everything that happened. I opened the door to find Gina with three dresses and a bag.

"Hey Addie," she greeted, walking through the door as I stepped to the side. "I brought shoes too, just in case. I was thinking we might be the same size. I may have been checking our feet sizes while we cooked today because I kind of want to steal those boots you wore the first day you were here."

"You can borrow them any time," I giggled, following her over to the bed.

She laid out the three dresses and I instantly picked up the green one.

"Favorite color?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.

"It's always been blue but green has been much more appealing for some reason," I said, frowning as I held the dress up to myself, checking the length.

"I have a guess as to why," she said, wiggling her eyebrows.

I frowned in confusion before I understood what she was saying. Xander had green eyes. I rolled my eyes and went to pick another dress but she snatched them up.

"Nope. You already picked. And he's going to love it," she winked, walking towards the door. "Take your pick of the shoes. See you in a bit!" She rushed out the door before I could properly argue with her so I was left glaring at the closed door.

I gave up on the staring contest with the door and changed into the dress. I just got the zipper up when I heard my door open and close. I turned to see Xander leaning back against the door, his eyes going up and down my body. I tried to ignore the flutter I felt under his gaze and how goddamn good he looked wearing dark jeans and a button up black shirt. I loved the way he had the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, just like at the rehearsal. I hated how much I liked it. 

I tried to focus and set a hand on my hip. "Ever hear of knocking? What if I wasn't decent?"

He pushed off the door, a half-smile on his face as he walked towards me. "Well, then, that would've been a lot more fun."

He stopped in front of me and took my hand, spinning me around. He somehow managed to make me feel naked under his gaze. It didn't help that he was looking at me like he wanted me just as much as I wanted him.

"You're incredibly irresistible, you know that?" He said, tugging me closer to him.

I almost fell into him so set my hands out. It was a bad idea because they landed on his chest and feeling his hard body was not going to help me focus.

"You look pretty good yourself," I murmured, darting my eyes away.

"What happened?" He said with a half-smile. "You were so assertive earlier and now you won't even look at me."

His hand went under my chin and tilted it up. I brought my eyes to his and he smiled. Except it wasn't a normal smile. It was a confident smile that told me he wanted me and he was going to get me somehow. I should be bothered by his arrogance but for some reason, it turned me on even more.

"So," he said, tucking my hair behind my ear. "My favorite color used to be blue but I've recently gained a greater appreciation for brown. On the rare occasions I have time for fun, I like video games and pool. I like classic rock and eighties movies. My parents died when I was seventeen and I inherited the pack at that point, I have no other family to speak of except those in my pack. I've seen the first Die Hard about a million times and yes, it's a Christmas movie. Kaden and Tess are my best friends, I consider them family. I hate and am allergic to cats. My favorite food is French toast. I've never traveled outside the United States and have rarely traveled outside of the state. The only illegal thing I've ever done is steal a CD when I was twelve and it was on a dare. I love to read. Science Fiction is my favorite. If I wasn't alpha of this pack I probably would've gone to school for environmental science. And I hate asparagus. And green beans."

He wrinkled his nose at the last two statements, making me laugh.

"What was all that for?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"You said we didn't know each other enough," he shrugged. "Since I never got a list from you, I decided to get the ball rolling."

"I didn't get a list either."

"Oh, but I have it here," he said, a glint in his eyes as he reached into his back pocket.

"Seriously?" I asked, impressed he took the time to do it when he seemed so busy all the time.

"Of course. I told you, I want to know everything about you," he said, lifting his eyes to mine. "Favorite movie?"

I chewed on my lip and laughed, shaking my head. "Say Anything."

"Oh, an eighties movie. Look at that, something we already have in common," he teased, winking. "If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?"

"Australia."

"That was a fast answer," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"I've always wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef. Where would you want to go?"

"Iceland," he said, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Why Iceland?"

"I hear they have the best views of the northern lights," he said. "We sometimes get a glimpse of it here but nowhere near what other places get. Now don't change the subject, I'm the one asking the questions. What's your favorite breakfast food?"

I smiled and shook my head. "Eggs benedict, definitely."

"I've never had it," he shrugged.

"Seriously?" I gaped.

"Seriously. Favorite meal?"

"Umm..." I frowned, biting my lip. "I guess I would have to say tandoori chicken."

"I've never had that either," he admitted.

"Dude, how sheltered are you?" I sighed.

His lips quirked into a half-smile. "Guess you'll have to educate me, love. Favorite dessert?"

"Why are you asking about food so much?" I asked, tilting my head to the side.

"Because I want to give you everything you want and I can't if I don't know what it is and food is the easiest way to anyone's heart," he shrugged. "So, favorite dessert?"

I tried not to smile but I couldn't help it. I shook my head and cleared my throat as his confident smirk only grew. "There's this seven layer raspberry chocolate cake from a bakery in Seattle right next door to my gallery. Eating it is like a religious experience."

He chuckled and nodded. "Got it. Favorite song and band or artist?"

"Ugh, can anyone even really say that? Who can narrow it down?" 

"Try," he said, seeming amused by my protest. "Come on, at least give me an album you were most recently obsessed with."

"Umm... Okay," I relented. "I've been listening to a lot of You + Me. It was an album Pink and City and Colour did together."

"I haven't heard of it but I'll look it up," he said, giving me one of those heart-stopping half-smiles. "When was you first kiss and with who?"

"Isn't that kind of personal?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. That's the point." He said it as if it was obvious.

I shrugged and made a face. "I can't tell you."

"Why not?" He asked, frowning.

"It's embarrassing," I sighed. "Most people have their first kiss young and I didn't."

"Well it's not as if you're old," he pointed out.

"Fine but don't make fun," I said, darting my eyes away. "I was eighteen and I didn't know his name. It was just some guy I had to kiss during truth or dare."

"That must've been a terrible first kiss," he chuckled.

"It wasn't high up there," I agreed, giggling. "What about you?"

"I was twenty."

"Liar," I said, smacking his arm.

"Why would I lie to you?" He frowned.

"You didn't have your first kiss until you were twenty?" I asked doubtfully.

"That's right. Julie Fiker from Lynn's pack. I was shit-faced and barely remember it," he shrugged.

"Okay, hold on," I said, shaking my head. "You," I gestured to him and all his perfection, "didn't have your first kiss until you were twenty?"

"You told me not to make fun of you," he scowled.

"I'm not making fun of you! I'm just shocked," I said, frowning in confusion. "And still think you're lying."

"I'm not lying," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I was saving myself for my mate. For you."

Oh. Now I felt bad. My cheeks heated in embarrassment and I couldn't help but look away.

"So... uh... what changed your mind about waiting?" I asked, looking over at him nervously.

"Nothing really," he shrugged. "Like I said, I was very drunk and I barely remember it. After it happened I felt so bad I hid out in my room for two days until Tess dragged me out."

"Seriously?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. 

He was way more sensitive than I expected. The mate thing meant a lot to him, more than I even realized. I knew he said it but damn, waiting for even just a kiss?

"I told you, mates are sacred. At that point in time, I was convinced I'd find my mate just as my parents found each other. Kaden and Tess knocked some sense into me that finding her might not be as easy as it was for my parents, especially since I never left the state. My parents found each other young, at least by mate standards. They were seventeen and happened to be on the same mission from different packs. Once I passed twenty I started to think I wouldn't find you, so I stopped waiting," he said, frowning. "But the first time I didn't wait, I felt terrible and Tess had to pick my ass up again. I suppose if I'm being honest I never stopped feeling guilty with someone else," he said, shrugging.

"Wait, you're not..." I trailed off. If he was a virgin, I'd die right there.

"No, Addie, I'm not a virgin," he said, seeming amused. "I only waited until twenty and then I started losing hope so I stopped waiting."

"Were you expecting your mate to wait for you, too?" I asked, chewing on my lip.

"No," he said honestly, bringing his hand up and running it through my hair. "It wouldn't matter as long as she wasn't with anyone after me."

"It wouldn't have bothered you that you might've saved yourself and she didn't?" I pressed. I couldn't help the guilt for some stupid reason.

"No," he said, shaking his head. "Mates aren't easy to find. My younger self only thought that because of my parents but the truth is, there's a lot of people on the planet and finding your mate isn't always easy. You can't find them until sixteen but finding your mate that young practically never happens. It's easiest for Alphas and Lunas but even then, it's a right people in the right place kind of thing and I've known a few Alphas and Lunas that never found their other half. I couldn't expect mine to wait forever. I just wanted to wait. Until I grew up and realized how silly it was to wait around for something that might not happen."

His words hit me a lot harder than I anticipated. He'd waited a long time to find his mate, only to have it be me.

"How did you know she'd be worth the wait?" I asked, wringing my hands together. "I mean, weren't you ever worried she wouldn't be compatible with you?"

"No," he said with a small smile. "Never. The Goddess puts us with our other half. She knows what we need to complete each other, to be whole, to challenge each other to be better. That's why packs with both leaders are stronger. They bring out the best in one another and when they thrive, the pack thrives."

"So you really have a lot of faith in this Goddess, huh?"

"I know you don't believe in any of it. But it's hard for me to doubt when I am actually capable of shifting into a wolf," he said, his lips twitching into a smile.

"I guess that makes sense," I nodded, glancing away. "I suppose we should get down there before people start arriving," I said, stepping around him.

"One last thing," he said, grabbing my hand.

His hand wrapped around my waist and pulled me against him, his head diving into my neck and hair. Goosebumps erupted all over me at the feel of his breath on my neck, his hand holding me so easily against him.

"What are you doing?" I breathed out, bringing my hands up to his shoulders and trying to ignore the way he warmed me in every possible way.

He nuzzled into my neck and brought his other arm around me, holding me tighter against him. "You're not going to like it," he said, pressing a kiss against my ear before moving his head to the other side of my neck and repeating the process, nuzzling into my neck.

"Why not?" I asked, my hands tightening on his shoulders.

"Because you don't get it and when I try to explain it, I don't get very far."

His statement caught me off guard, putting a hold on the lust I was feeling from the contact. It was kind of a punch to the gut but I couldn't be mad. As much as I didn't like him getting mad at me about the mate sacrality thing, I couldn't blame him. I wasn't being sensitive about it or thinking about it from his perspective and if I was going to be here I needed to at least be aware of their way of living. I pulled away and he grumbled, holding me tighter.

"Xander," I said firmly, pushing him back.

He relented, his arms loosening around me. He pulled back, looking at me with a strange sense of vulnerability considering the confident smirk he had a few moments ago.

"I'm trying really hard to be understanding, okay?" I said. "Just tell me."

He frowned, his thumb rubbing circles in my back as he looked away. "There's going to be a lot of leaders here tonight. Typically you would be marked or at least mated by now and you're not and it just..." He paused, looking over at me skeptically.

"Trust me," I said, setting a hand on his face. "I won't shut it down. I may challenge it but I won't be rude about it."

He smiled slightly and set his hand over mine, turning to place his lips against my palm. "It puts me on edge to have so many males around you. Especially leaders. And we'll have Mateo who is unmated, and his Gammas. And Lynn's beta and Gammas. It's just a lot of males to have around my mate when she's unmarked and unmated so I'm covering you with my scent."

I tried. I tried so hard to not laugh. I bit back the smile and set my head in his chest so he wouldn't see.

"So you're um... Like... Marking me with your scent?" I said, desperately trying to keep my voice even.

"I can hear the laugh you're holding back," he grumbled, stepping away from me.

I clamped my hands over my mouth. "I'm so sorry. I just... I wasn't expecting that. That's like a thing? If they smell you on me they know to back off? Like you're marking your territory like a dog?"

A giggled escaped and he narrowed his eyes at me.

"Yes it's a thing," he growled. "Forget it."

"No, no, no," I said, reaching for him. "I'm sorry. Really. I'm still getting used to this. You gotta be patient with me too, you know," I said, setting my hands on his face.

He softened at my touch but still looked annoyed so I did the only thing I could think of and pulled him into a hug. It took him a second to respond but his arms came around me tightly.

"Go ahead," I encouraged, setting my head in his chest.

"You're being a lot more accommodating than I expected," he said, nuzzling into my neck once more.

"It's a mate thing," I shrugged.

He stopped and pulled back, looking at me curiously. "What?"

"It's what I'm saying about things I don't get right now. Even if it seems weird to me, it's a mate  thing so I'll accept it and move on," I shrugged. "Although I do have to say this seems quite a bit territorial. You realize you don't own me, right?"

"Don't be ridiculous. This also gets your scent on me for all the unmated females," he said, nuzzling into my neck once more. "And there will be a lot of those as well. Lynn is unmated and was making quite a few passes the last time I saw her."

It shouldn't have bothered me. It shouldn't have bothered me at all. I was never the jealous type before so why did I feel so jealous? This mate thing sucked.

"Relax. She won't now that you're here. I was just making a point," he said, placing a kiss against my neck.

"It wouldn't matter. It's not like we're together," I said, breathing shakily as his lips brushed against the base of my neck.

His hands tightened on me and he lifted his head, pressing his forehead against mine.

"No? So it wouldn't matter if I did this with someone else?" He asked, pressing a kiss against my jaw and neck before nibbling on my ear lobe. "Wouldn't matter if I touched someone else like this?" He asked, his hand sliding down, his fingers brushing against my butt.

I was simultaneously annoyed that he would even say it and hot and bothered by his touching.

"No," I grumbled, inhaling sharply as he place a long kiss against my neck. "It wouldn't matter because you aren't with me. You're not mine to feel possessive over."

He laughed against my neck and brought his head around once again, placing a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

"Oh, love, I'm definitely yours," he said, cupping my face. "Possess all you want. I welcome it."

He brought his lips down on mine and I melted against him. His tongue darted out along my lips and an involuntary moan escaped out of me. His tongue slid inside and I leaned into him, tangling my hands in his hair to bring him closer.

Part of me knew it was crazy. I wasn't like this, making out with a guy I hadn't known that long. But kissing him, touching him, it all felt so right. My body fit against his so perfectly.

He held me tightly and turned us, pressing me into the wall. His hard body pushed against mine and I whimpered at the sensation of a powerful body pinning mine. He growled lowly and his lips trailed down to my neck where he started sucking, kissing and biting. I threw my head back and he growled once more, his hands dropping down and gathering my dress up as his hands caressed up the back of my legs to my ass. There was something about that growl of his that turned me on even more.

"Xander," I whimpered as he sucked particularly hard against a sensitive spot on my neck.

He brought his lips back to mine with a new ferocity that had me tugging on his hair to bring him even closer. "I want you so bad," he murmured against my lips, lifting me up.

He carried me over to the bed and I threaded my fingers into his hair. He never broke our kiss as he dropped me down on it, settling firmly between my legs and bringing a hand up just under my breast. I arched my back into his touch as he slowly made his way up, brushing his fingers against my breast.

I ached for his touch everywhere. Not even just between my legs. I wanted his hands all over the parts of me that begged for attention. To hell with not going too far, we were already going too far. So I set my hand on his and brought it up to my breast. He groaned and squeezed me, rocking himself between my legs.

I whimpered and he broke out of the kiss, biting down on my lips as he pulled away. "Fuck, Addie, I could kiss you all day," he groaned. "Touch you all day," he murmured, pressing his lips against mine and sliding his hand up from my breast to the strap of my dress, tugging it down and kissing the spot it was at before. "Fuck you all day."

His teeth grazed against my skin as he dragged the strap down, exposing more of me. I moaned when he cupped my breast again and I wrapped my legs around his waist. I was awarded with another one of those low growls and he pressed his hardness right up against me in just the right way, leaving me wishing there was no clothes between us.

A loud knock at the door had me stiffening and him growling so loudly it actually scared me. I unwrapped my legs from around him and sunk back into the bed. He opened his eyes and his face crumpled as he brought his hand up, stroking my cheek.

"I'm sorry. That wasn't meant for you. Don't be afraid of me," he pleaded, placing a kiss on my cheek.

The knock came louder a second time and I saw him inhale deeply although his anger was evident. He lifted off me and was at the door faster than I could fathom.

"What?" He snapped.

"I've been trying to link you. Mateo is here and it would be rude to keep him waiting."

I heard Tess's voice and another growl from Xander.

"We'll be right there," he grumbled, shutting the door.

I started to sit up but he came back to me quickly, offering a hand. I accepted it and he pulled me up, setting his hands on my face.

"Adira, don't be afraid of me," he said, a concerned frown on his face, all evidence of the anger gone. "I'd never do anything to hurt you. You're so precious to me. You know that, don't you?"

Although the growling did scare me a little, the way he looked at me, so worried and genuine, it put me at ease. That and I believed him when he said how much mates meant to him. I hadn't known him that long but as I looked into his eyes, felt his hands on me so gently, I somehow knew he wouldn't hurt me.

"I know."

The smile on his face was worth it. He pressed a light kiss to my lips and then my forehead before pulling back and taking my hand.

"Please stay close to me tonight." He squeezed my hand. "I'll go crazy if you're off without me."

"It's a mate thing?"

His lips quirked into a smile and he nodded.

"Okay. Just don't growl at anybody."

I pulled my hand free and went to the bag of shoes Gina brought. I pulled out the ones with the shortest heels and sat down to put them on but Xander was knelt in front of me in a second, taking the shoes away. He lifted my foot and slid the first one on, then the other.

It was such a sweet gesture. He didn't even slide his hands up my legs, just stood and offered his hand to me. I took it and he pulled me up, lacing his fingers with mine and offering a smile before walking us to the door.

It hadn't been long since I met him but it already felt so easy to be with him.

A/N:

Hiii! Man, this chapter was long haha. I try to keep it a pretty consistent length but... I couldn't help it with this one. Also, the song I linked at the top is just perfect for them so if you have a chance, take a listen <3 We are super close to 35K reads! I'm so excited. Thank you so much for the love and comments :D Let me know what you thought of this long chapter!

Looks like they've made up enough, how about their moment getting to know each other?

Or better, how about that moment on the bed?

Man, the pack-leader life is busy *sigh* One of these days, I swear they won't get interrupted and by one of these days I mean that honestly very soon, like maybe the next chapter soon ;)

How do you guys think this dinner is going to go?

ALSO!!! I finished writing the book, it just needs some edits. That means possibly as soon as this week, I'm going to be updating twice a week, look for my announcement :D

Don't forget to follow me on Instagram <3 Jaide.Harley