Sylar, Gunner and Seth lifted the table and adjusted it back into its rightful place—I couldn't believe one person had lifted the bloody thing but it took three to put it back in its upright position.

Damn, my mate was strong! Hold up, he wasn't my mate... yet!

Sylar picked up the picture frame, now broken, the table having crushed it.

'Willa!'  he said as his gaze cut to mine.

That's it, I remembered the name... Duh!  Sylar had mentioned the name Willa on the plane.

"That's her... the girl from your dreams?"

The fine lines around Seth's lips drew tight as he walked around the table and took the picture from Sylar. "You know Willa King?" he asked, frowning before looking towards the open doorway where the Alpha had left. "How, how do you know of her?"

Sylar shot me a wary look. "You need to tell him, Sylar. The Alpha was asking if I knew her and seemed mightily fucked off that I didn't."

Seth's mouth popped open, obviously he wasn't used to females with a potty mouth. "Listen Seth, I drop the F-bomb quite a lot—get used to it sunshine."

He raised an eyebrow and then smiled, cocking his head to the side. "As I said. You make quite the impression Pearl Du-Ponte."

"Hmm, but apparently not a good one on your Alpha."

"Give him time, he's not a people person. He's—" he stopped.

"—What?" Perhaps if I could learn more, I could understand why he'd flipped out.

"My apologies, Pearl. He will need to tell you himself—but please be patient with him. He stood for a moment pondering and then laughed.

"What's so funny?"

"Having you as our Luna will never be dull."

I blushed but doubted me being their Luna would happen soon—if at all.

He returned his attention back to Sylar. "Tell me what you know of Willa?"

Sylar told him everything up to the last dream, including his concerns over her safety. Seth soaked every word and never once interrupted.

"The Alpha will need to take you to the Elders. This could help us find Willa?"

"What happened to her?" asked Sylar.

Seth ignored Sylar's question. Why was everyone so secretive? But I knew Sylar was already taking a peek inside Seth's head.

We all turned towards the door as a beautiful woman stood in the doorway, her eyes roaming until they landed on Gunner. She sucked in a breath. "You said it was urgent?" Her question was directed at Seth, but her eyes remained on Gunner.

"It was just a precaution." Seth's eyes drifted towards me. "A redundant precaution."

"Where's the Alpha?" she asked, strangely a little breathless.

Weird... but her attention remained glued on Gunner. I took a moment to look her over, and along with everyone else I'd encountered since arriving here, she was breath-taking and tall—very tall.

There was a deep richness to her black skin. Hair wild and free, her eyes the deepest of dark chocolate, with lips that would be the envy of any woman. In sharp contrast to her fierce beauty, and beautiful she was, I imagined she looked this way from the first rays of dawn to the serenade of every moonless night. A homely, welcoming vibe flashed through her smile as her eyes remained locked on Gunner.

Gunner stepped forward offering his hand? "Gunner," he announced, but his voice wasn't the usual deep and threatening tone. No, it was almost a squeak.

Well, shut the fuck up!   I'd never seen Gunner greet or introduce himself to anyone. But then again, everyone knew Gunner back home and made a beeline for the door to avoid him.

The woman glided towards him as if some invisible line pulled her. "Eve," she replied placing her hand in his as they both stood studying each other.

Me and Sylar glanced at one another as a grin as wide as the parting of the red sea sat on his face.  'Mate!'  he said via mind-link and my mouth dropped open.

Well, spank me pink. This was Gunner's mate?

I stood there holding my breath. Then it just happened. He grabbed her or she grabbed him; they moved so quick I wasn't sure. I took a step back as his grunts and her moans heated the room. "Jeez, get a room, you two."

They sprang apart, both looking like they weren't sure what had just happened, and Gunner looked a little shell shocked.

"I think it's better if we took this somewhere else." she implied looking towards Seth, who nodded but looked thoroughly amused.

Gunner turned towards me... looking a little conflicted. I guess the big man had given up on finding his mate. I would make sure his mate didn't feel the sting of rejection that I'd felt. "Go, you big oaf. I'll be fine."

.He grunted but turned back towards Eve and gestured with his hand. "Ladies first," he said.

Fucking hell... now he's a gentleman too? Wonders never cease!

Shaking my head, I was happy for Gunner and it looked like Sylar may have found his mate—although she was missing?  I was sure there was a story there. But it made my loss feel even more physical as my wolf whimpered... Mate.

I hear you, girl.

We needed some breathing space. "Do you mind if I clear my head—I'd like to head out to get some fresh air?"

"Do you want me to come with you?" asked Sylar and Seth in sync.

I held up my hand. "No, it's okay. Could do with a little down time if that's okay."  Heading out the same way the Alpha had left, my wolf's head shot up, hoping for a run.

Find Mate...

Oh no, no, no. He already knows where we stand. He can bloody well come to us and apologize, and then we will take it from there.

I knew full well. If I let her loose, she would track him down and throw herself at his wolf's feet. Therefore, at least one of us had to maintain some dignity.

And there was no way on this goddess's green earth I would throw myself at his feet.

No. Fucking. Way!

She huffed and sank back down, and I followed a dirt path through the woods. The beauty of the surrounding woods almost seemed magical, beautiful and serene. Pine, Nutella, and Cinnamon lingered. His smell was everywhere and as frustrated and pissed off as I was with him, it was also comforting.

Fifteen minutes later, the smell that was now ingrained forever in my brain and part of me became stronger.   Fuck!  Was he close by?

My traitorous body and my wolf began urging me to track him down.  No—Stick to the plan. He can come to us.

Carrying on walking, changing direction. I saw an opening to reveal a small ravine. I could hear running water—a stream?  I could relax there for a while. Catch a moment. But it appeared fate had other plans. Stepping into the opening, I came face to face with my mate.

Stop calling him that... Idiot!

My eyes drifted from his to hers... he wasn't alone.

Oh no, the sneaky bastard had some she wolf rubbing herself up against him.

What the Fuck!   No way was this shit happening.

My heart beat faster than a hummingbird's wings as I stayed rooted to the spot. Anger rose in waves as I curled my small hands into fists.  I had been honest and open with him, poured out my goddamn heart, and he came out here to meet another wolf?

That was it.  Bollocks to being patient.

My eyes narrowed. Heat flushed my cheeks as I raised one hand, pointing then stabbing my finger at him. "If you so much lay one paw on that she-wolf." I huffed.  "Then there is no taking that back."

They both stiffened and glared before he growled, baring his teeth... and so did she.

Nausea hit me in waves. And he didn't move away from her.

Fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck!  Was he choosing her?

My wolf was ready to challenge her, bating me to shift, wanting to rip her throat out. My head began throbbing, as my eyes shifted, and fingernails extended.  If I stood here a moment longer, I would have no control.  Then something else stirred...a rippling up my spine.   Fuck!

My squatters awoke, beating a drum along my skin. I thought they were asleep or numbed... or whatever that damn injection did.   'We wantssss himm,'  the voices hissed.

What the hell?   Did they speak again?

'We wantssss him,' several voices repeated.

I couldn't risk them being loose.  And what did they mean—they want him?

This was becoming too overwhelming and as much as I wanted to rip his balls off with my teeth. I feared much worse would happen if they escaped.

It left me with little choice but to run, and I did, ran as quick as my little human legs could carry me... only slowing when his scent lessened, and my lungs burned. Collapsing to my knees, repeating the manta.  I'm okay... I'm okay... I'm okay,  as my nails gorged my palms and finally tears stung my eyes.

My control returned as I blew out a puff of air. Looking around, I was alone, which was fine by me.

Mate.  My wolf growled.

Don't think we're going back!   Especially as all of us wanted him!  My body deflated. Urgh... Screw him and all his sexiness.

But why would they want him? What the hell was going on?

One problem at a time, Pearl.

I picked myself up and started walking. A mixture of emotions tugging at me, each as confusing as the next. I was so fucking mad at him, but still wanted him. I wanted to kill him but kiss him silly at the same time!

Argh!

As I saw another clearing up ahead, I'd obviously lost my way. I could hear voices and laughter. It was another pack house—but Seth had said they had several dotted around. A few faces looked my way. They smiled but didn't approach me, which suited me just fine.

Glancing around, I saw a huge grey wolf step from the tree line close to me. His amber eyes locked onto mine. He howled as he shifted, bones cracking, fur receding. And just like everyone else in this pack, the wolf gave way to a gorgeous, well-built, drool worthy man.

He flexed his rippling muscles, running his hands through his thick dark messy hair. Another pack member threw him some jeans as he pulled them on. His eyes returned to mine as his mouth kicked up in a rather sexy smirk.

This was what I needed—A distraction.

I waited for some sparks or any acknowledgement from my body that I was in the presence of a hot and very sexy man and this should have affected me—hell; he was gorgeous, no denying that, and was blessed in the fun department too.

He walked towards me with the swagger of someone whose middle name was 'player' and any other day I'd be drooling by now.

But I felt nothing—Nada! Not a slight stirring from my girly parts.

Fuckity-fuck!  So not only had my mate rejected me, but he ruined me for anybody else. Argh! Could this day get any worse?

"Please tell me you're looking for me beautiful" he said, standing only inches away, and I tipped my head up slightly.

"Maybe." I gave him my best flirty smile. But I still felt nothing. Pushing that aside, my dented ego needed a shot of adrenalin and if my mate could parade with a she-wolf. Then I was also free to do as I chose.

He stepped closer and bent down, sniffing my neck. "Damn, you smell good."

He smelled good too. Nothing like my crazy Angry Alpha.  He's not yours, Pearl!   "As I'm sure you've realised, I'm new around here. How about showing a girl the highlights to this pack of yours?"

Seth had already given me a tour—but it wouldn't hurt to be shown around again... by someone who thought I was worth his time. His eyes ran over me more than once while he licked his full lips... that looked quite similar to my mate's. And still, nothing stirred in the pussy department!

"Gladly." He signalled with his thumb to the pack-house behind him as he offered me his hand...and why the hell not? I entwined our fingers. My wolf growled, but she could suck it up!

Twenty minutes went by as we headed up another set of stairs in this huge pack-house. He stopped at a door, leaning up against it. "This is my room."

"Ah, saving the best till last?" I giggled, much to my wolf's annoyance.

He grinned, opening his door. "Yeah, didn't want to make it obvious that I wanted to get you in here."

Direct!  I liked that.   But I didn't even know his name, and he hadn't asked mine. Did it matter? No, it didn't.

He stepped towards me and placed his finger under my chin. "Damn, you're beautiful."

"You're not so bad yourself."  My wolf kept throwing me images of my angry Alpha—it was bloody annoying!   "Are we gonna stand here for much longer, or is there something else you wanted to show me?"

He threw his head back and laughed before taking my hand and leading me inside, closing his door with his bare foot. "You're a feisty one for such a small thing.  I like it."

He turned towards me and pulled me closer, running his hand under my hair around the back of my neck.

I shivered at the close contact. "At least someone does." Forcing a smile.

A strange look shunted across his handsome face. "I can't imagine anyone not liking what they see when they look at you."

Sexy and sweet, I should have jumped him by now.  Why am I not working?   It's all his fault, Mr sexy, angry, beautiful Alpha... Curse him.  Apparently, my body would only be satisfied with him! "Oh, just your Alpha?"

He dropped his hand, stepping back. "Wolf?"

Ah, yes... Wolf. He'd never even bothered introducing himself. Then again, why bother when he had no intention of getting to know me, he couldn't get rid of me fast enough.

My blood boiled, and I reminded myself to stay calm.

"Please don't tell me you're his mate?"

I held up my hand. "No. He rejected me. So technically, I'm mate-less. " As the words left my mouth, my chest tightened.

"Wolf rejected you?" he laughed so hard he had to hold his stomach, grasping at air.

At least someone found it amusing. "Yes," I replied through gritted teeth as I rolled my eyes. So nice that someone found my heartbreak funny—heartbroken?  Was I?  The tightness across my chest showed that.

He stopped laughing, rubbing his hand across his chin. "Wolf wouldn't reject you—never in a million years."

"Yes, well, perhaps when he woke up this morning, he hit head or something?"

He ignored my sarcasm.

"And he said he was rejecting you?"

No, he hadn't said that. I threw my hands up. "I don't know, we had an disagreement."

"Ah." He nodded his head. "Yeah, I can see that happening. Sounds like my brother. He's stubborn, always thinks he's right and downright infuriating. And that's him on a good day."

Add gorgeous and mouth-wateringly sexy to that list.

But shit, I stood here with his brother?   Fuck!   "So, you're his brother?" Stating the obvious, but it didn't seem real until I'd said it out loud.

He held out his hand. "Orion King."

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you Orion, I'm Pearl DuPonte."

"Pleasure to meet you, Pearl. Although gotta say I'm a little disappointed to find out you're mated to my brother." His eyes raked over me and I could see desire in those pretty blue staring back at me. He let out a low groan, shaking his head. "Sit down and tell me everything that happened."

I sat on his sofa and started from the beginning. He interrupted as I was almost at the end of my tale.

"Fucking hell, Pearl!  You said that?" His eyebrows disappeared into his hairline.

"Said what?" Which part was he referring to?

"About being blind!"

"Why, why does that matter?"

He shook his head. "Fuck, no wonder he lost it?"

I tilted my head, not having a clue why that would have upset him. "Why would that upset him, Orion?"

He eyed me thoughtfully, his features softening. "You really don't know, do you?"

I huffed, shrugging. "All's I know is I laid my heart out—for him to stomp on it and then go batshit on me."

"Pearl, he's blind, so asking him if he couldn't see—well that would have gone down as well as a wolf at a tea-party."

Spank me pink!   "No, he isn't. He was sitting right in front of me. And his wolf was staring at me!"   He couldn't be blind.   I didn't believe it.

He shook his head. "He's not blind when he's a wolf—but as a man, he is as blind as a bat."

Fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck!  "Why didn't he say something?"

Orion shook his head, cursing under his breath. "His pride."

Pride?  I waited for him to continue.

"Yeah. My brother is a very proud wolf and no one outside the pack knows." He stood up. "Hence why no one had seen his human form for years. It's kept that way to ensure the illusion remains intact."

"The illusion?"

"Yeah. The all-powerful Alpha, with no weaknesses. He sees his blindness as a weakness." He paused. "But I didn't think he'd be stupid enough to hide it from his mate."

Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!  Me and my big mouth! But that still didn't give him the right to be so cruel.

Sighing, I stood up. "I need to find him!"

"Oh, I can help with that." Not hesitating a second, he pulled me towards me and kissed me.

Fuckity-fuck!