Seth

I skim over the paperwork, reading through the information my mate wrote down. For once, I appreciate the menial task, it gives me a chance to learn more about her.

The only thing really required for new members is to fill out a sheet that gave their name, former pack name, parents name and species if they aren't both werewolves, and previous rank. It seems a little tedious and unnecessary, but considering how many rouge criminals have snuck their way into packs by giving a fake name, or the name of a dead werewolf, it's become mandatory.

Katrina Barsotti
Age: 22
She-wolf

Former Pack: Blue Mountain

Former Rank: Warrior

Father: Leo Barsotti
Species:Werewolf

Mother: Maria Urbina Barsotti
Species: Human

My eyes jump back to her fathers name, sounding extremely familiar for some reason. I know I've heard it before, but where?

I tap my pen against the desk rhythmically, not stopping even when someone knocks on the door.

"Enter."

I glance up to see Tyron walk in, and quickly return to the paper in front of me.

"So, how much dirt are they hiding?" He asks, a curious note to his tone.

"Nothing that I can tell. The only real thing is that they aren't biological sisters, which was pretty obvious."

"Sure are protective of each other though." He grumbles under his breath, and I can't help but laugh a bit at his irritation.

"What ticks you off more Tyron? The fact that Adrienne called you stupid, or the fact that my mate kicked your butt?"

He growls, and I take that as a 'both'. I look at the name Barsotti one more time before turning to my Beta.

"Does the name Barsotti ring any bells for you?"

His head snaps up, surprising me that it didn't snap off.

"Barsotti? As in, Leo Barsotti?"

I nod, and he stares at me wide eyed.

"You don't remember him?! Dude, he was a legend! He was Blue Mountains Gamma!"

It finally clicks, the story of how Blue Mountains Gamma wolf went down in a blaze of glory the day a large pack of rouges attacked the territory. He died in a vicious fight to the death with the rouge alpha, saving countless lives with his sacrifice.

"His mate was human and died in a car accident, his only known surviving family was his child, but no one knows who or where they are."

I push the paper towards him, still a bit shocked.

"We just found them."

He glances at the paper and his eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

"You mean, your mate is the child of Gamma Leo?"

"It appears so, I still have to check records, but I'm pretty sure it's legit."

"How so?"

"What was Gamma Leo's eye color according to the story?"

"Purple...holy shit..."

I turn to my computer and deftly search through the pack records. Sure enough, there is the birth certificate: Katrina Barsotti, Born November 3rd, 1996.  To say I'm surprised, and impressed, would be an understatement.

"This explains why her wolf is so huge, Leo had both Alpha and Beta blood in his lineage, he was just never first in line for the Alpha position." I muse, and he pushes the paper back to me, still awestruck. I fill in my half of the document, verifying the information and approving her admission to the pack along with her 'sister' Adrienne.

"It's probably the reason she became a warrior wolf, both to live up to her fathers reputation and the strong desire to fight."

"Does that mean you're gonna push up the ceremony?"Tyron asks, wiggling his eyebrows.

"You and I both know that I can't. Even if she is my mate, the ceremony has to be held on a full moon. But considering the next one is three days from now, it's not that long of a wait."

"Good point, so I assume you want to put the thing in motion?"

"Yes. It's going to be a big event, so we need to start soon."

He pauses, looking at me as if he has a question on his mind.

"Yes?"

"Are you going to announce that she's your mate and the future Luna as well?"

At that, I hesitate. To be honest, I don't really know, something about the way she's been behaving has me concerned. I know she can feel the mate bond, that fact is obvious. So why has she been so...careful, and restrained in my presence? Most mates can't keep their hands off of each other the first time they meet, so why has she been fighting it so hard?

Realizing I still haven't answered, I clear my throat.

"As much as I want to spread the good news, I figured I'd give her some time to adjust to pack life again, and give us time to get to know each other. Once it comes out that she's my mate and Luna, everyone will be unable to leave her alone."

He nods, knowing the chaos that'll break when that announcement is made.

"But you do remember that the Alpha Summit is in a month, right?"

Right, the Alpha Summit. The gathering of the Alpha's and their mates that is held once a year. The event gives the pack leaders a chance to promote good relations and strengthen alliances across the US and all over the world. It is mandatory for all Alpha's and, if they have one, their mates to show up for the event. Which means Katrina will be required to go, now that she is my mate.

"Yes, I do. Everything should be settled by then." Hopefully.

I don't plan on dropping this on her at the last minute, nor do I plan on rushing it. Whatever is going on with my mate, we can figure it out together.

"Cool. So, you done for now? Because Nana is about to call for dinner."

My stomach growls at the mention of food, reminding me that I skipped lunch today. Dinner sounds pretty damn good, especially since Katrina will be there as well. I remember her behavior in here over an hour ago, on edge and distracted. Like she was trying to control herself...I want to understand why, so maybe I can change it.

"Definitely. I'll be down in a bit, don't eat it all."

"Then you better hurry up." He replies, taking off the second Andrea calls. Shaking my head, I try to organize the chaos on my desk briefly before giving up and heading downstairs. I'm not gonna risk missing another meal because I tried to organize that disaster zone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rolling over, I stare at the clock beside my bed, red numbers proclaiming it to be six in the morning. Sighing, I drag myself out my comfortable bed and pull some basketball shorts over my boxers. I don't bother putting on a shirt, considering my destination doesn't require one. After quickly brushing my teeth, I head down to the basement to do my morning workout. I usually save my run for around lunch time, spending the morning with the punching bag.

As I make my way downstairs, that intoxicating aroma of bourbon and strawberries assaults my nose again. The warm and sweet aroma has the faintest hint of sweat, which surprisingly makes it smell even better.

Katrina.

Damien and I growl in unison, and I nearly sprint down the stairs in my effort to see her quicker. I nearly throw myself through the open door, and stand in complete wonder at the sight before me.

On the top rung of the salmon bar, my mate continues doing chin-ups with her back facing me, the music thumping in her earphones masking my less than quiet arrival.

My workout long forgotten, I lean my shoulder against the door and watch. Tracing over her damp skin eagerly, my eyes lingering on the low slung basketball shorts and the black sports bra, I tighten my hand into fists. With her hair tied up in a messy bun, and her clothing exposing even more of her tan skin than yesterday, I take in the elaborate and bold tattoo etched into her skin.

The swirls and trails of the tribal pattern seem to start at her right wrist, covering all of her arm, shoulder and the lower part of her neck before going down the edge of her back and stopping at her right hip. I wonder if it goes past her hip, my mind trying to imagine what the rest would look like if it went down to her knee...and suddenly my shorts don't feel as loose as they should.

I let out another growl, that thankfully she doesn't hear. This woman has already gotten me hot and flustered, and she isn't even aware of the fact that I'm here.

Trying to calm myself down, I focus on the ink that is in my sight. Hidden discreetly inside the seemingly patternless design, the part on her upper arm has a well placed outline of a wolf head, thrown back in mid-howl.

I recall the stories about how tattoos like this are popular among warriors. The more ink you have, the more badass you are considered, not to mention it is almost like a right of passage in most packs. Something about pain tolerance and unity. Still, she's the first girl I've met that has more ink than me.

Just as I think I can get myself back under control, Katrina starts to descend, the metal ringing every time she gets lower, her muscles flexing with each movement. As she gets closer to the ground, I walk inside, standing next to the punching bag three feet behind her.

Dropping to the ground, she stretches, pulling her arms taunt before turning around quickly. She jumps after almost colliding into my chest, and pulls her earphones out before looking up at me. I don't miss how her eyes trail slowly up my bare torso before reaching my gaze, her darkened eyes telling me she enjoys the view.

"Good morning."

My voice lower than usual, I enjoy watching her body's reaction.

"Morning." She replies, her voice coming out as an almost purring sound. So much for calming down.

She shifts nervously, eyeing my bare chest and the ink on it. As she bites her lip, I can't help but tease her a bit.

"Do you like what you see, Angel?"

My teasing earns me the sight of her blushing face, and my mouth pulls into a smirk. Noticing a drop of sweat rolling down her cheek, I can't stop my eyes from following it down her neck and past her collar bone to the fabric that clings to her like a second skin. And I can't lie, I enjoy the view as well.

To my surprise, she steps closer, our bodies nearly touching. I can feel her body heat swirling with mine as her scent all but consumes me. I return my eyes to hers, which are now completely black with lust. Another growl rumbles in my chest as her lips form a very devious, flirtatious smile.

Taking advantage of the raised step to lean her head up near my ear, I notice the slightly golden gleam in her black eyes.

"That depends. Do you like what you see, Alpha?" She whispers, returning my words with that same purring tone. My growl rumbles even louder, the urge to close the last bit of space between us and kiss her senseless is almost feral in strength.

~Our mate likes to tease back...she's going to be a handful.~ Damien's pleased voice echoes, his thoughts a mirror image of mine. I lean down, placing my mouth so close her ear that my lips brush against it.

"You have no idea, Angel."

She hums, her mouth brushing my ear now, sending sparks through my neck and spine.

"Oh, I think I do." She murmurs, before swiftly walking around me towards the exit. I follow her movements as she stops in the door way, turning around to look me over once more before smirking.

"See you later, Alpha." She teases as she struts off, the sway of her hips hypnotic. I grip the bag tightly in my effort to not chase her down, not surprised when it rips.

Looks like I'll be taking a cold shower this morning.