Katrina

~Why did you lie to him Adri?~

I mind link her as we make our way further into pack territory, I can feel Seth's electric blue eyes on my every step, taking advantage of being behind me to stare. I'd be a liar if I said that I don't like it...it's just making it difficult to restrain myself. I shouldn't feel this way about him...I already found my mate, even if he isn't mine at all. So why do I feel the same pull, actually a stronger one, with this Alpha?

Unless, maybe...no, it's not possible.

~Because I know you don't want to talk about it...besides, it wasn't a lie, it just didn't happen to me.~

I stay quiet, trying desperately to sort out my tangled up emotions. Feeling the pull to both my ex-mate and Seth is confusing me, even if the former is weaker and the latter can't be real. Even Ziva is confused by the turmoil, leaving her quieter than usual.

~I think Alpha Seth has a thing for you, he's been staring at you since he showed up.~ Adri giggles inside my head. ~He's pretty sexy if I do say so myself.~

I try my best to hold it back, but me and Ziva let a faint growl through the link.

~Kat? What's wrong?~

I bite my mental tongue, not wanting to go into this now. Not with him right here.

~Come on Kat, talk to me...please?~

I groan, knowing there's no point in prolonging the inevitable.

~Something's wrong Adri. I'm feeling something I'm not supposed to.~

~Feeling what?~

~Something for the Alpha...~

~As in attraction? Honey I can tell. With how good he looks, I'd be worried if you didn't.~

I brace myself for the explosion of questions.

~More than attraction...like...a mate bond...~

Ten seconds of silence.

~WHAT!?!?!~

I physically wince at the volume of her voice.

~Are you sure?!~

~It feels stronger than the one I had with 'him', so I'm pretty sure...~

She's silent, but I can practically hear her wheels turning.

~I don't know what to do...this shouldn't be possible...the only way I can possibly have two mates is if they're in a triad...and we both know that isn't the answer here.~

~Kat, you know what this means. If you feel a mate bond then so does Alpha Seth, that's why he's been so focused on you.~

My mind whirls faster at the information, and I try my best to keep a straight face as we continue walking. How do I end up in these complicated situations? What do I do now? How am I supposed to handle this?

~Kat, you have to do something...you can't ignore it and hope it goes away.~

~What if it's not really a mate bond? Acting on instinct then realizing it was a mistake would hurt both of us...I can't risk that-~

~Listen here, I'm gonna tell you something and you better listen! You DESERVE to be happy, so if you have a second chance at finding a mate, go for it!~

Before I can reply, we reach the clearing, exposing the large central pack-house. I can tell it's bigger than the other one I've seen, meaning Red Fang has a larger pack.

In the corner of my eye, I watch as Seth and Tyron discuss something briefly before the Beta returns to the forest with the wolves who ambushed Adri. I turn my gaze over to a group of pups playing in front of the pack house, not wanting the Alpha to catch me staring. As I watch I remember when me and Adri were that age...and how much trouble we got into.

"I remember when we were that young, we got in so much trouble, didn't we sis?" Adri laughs while elbowing me, and I scoff lightly, risking a glance in her direction.

"You maybe, as I remember, you were too adventurous for your own good. And still are."

She gasps, faking offense.

"Excuse me! If I recall, you were right beside me on those 'adventures', so don't you try to act innocent."

"Yeah, to keep you out of trouble...or at least try to anyway." I chuckle a bit, almost forgetting that the Alpha is still staring at me...almost. His soft laughter reminds me of his presence ten-fold, sending tingles through my body.

"I believe I'll be giving you the grand tour, so if you would follow me."

He says as he walks in front of us, and I start to miss his staring, for it would be much easier to handle. Him being in front gives me a perfect view of his broad back, the well defined muscle visible through his t-shirt, and not to mention-

~Mmm, I'd follow that fine ass anywhere.~ Adri suddenly chimes through our mind link, eliciting a very loud and possessive growl from me. I can only pray to the goddess that I didn't do it out loud.

~Easy Kat, I know he's yours. But damn, if that isn't a mate bond talking, then I don't know what it is.~ She picks a little through my thoughts. ~And, no, you didn't growl out loud, you just deafened me.~

I sigh internally, in relief mostly.

~But you are blushing, and staring, by the way.~

Damn it all.

I reluctantly pull my eyes from his muscled arms and back, and attempt to suppress the deep crimson staining my cheeks. Since when have I been the blushing school girl type? Get it together!

As we walk inside the pack house, I turn my attention to everything but the god-like werewolf in front of me. Forcing my attention away from his deep voice and onto the room he was describing...who knew a man's voice could be so...distracting.

We made our way quickly through the first floor and up to the second floor. The first consisting of a large kitchen, a large dining room, and an equally large living room. The second was composed of bedrooms and adjoining bathrooms, used for guests or some pack members who hadn't found their mates yet. Mated wolves live in separate houses to have more personal space for their families.

The only mated pair that lives in pack house long term is the Alpha and Luna...the entire third floor is specifically for them and their pups. This holds the office where meetings are held, the master bedroom with an adjoining master bathroom, and up to eight slightly smaller rooms for the future pups.

There is a basement floor, which is a gym for training and exercise purposes, along with a large laundry area, as well as a small attic for storage. But considering they're pretty self explanatory, we skip them and head to the second floor.

"There are only two bedrooms open, we have a couple of mated pairs that haven't moved out because their homes aren't quite finished. So you'll have to decide amongst yourselves which one you want."

Seth explains, pointing at an empty room at the far end of the hall near the stairs to the first floor, and the other next to the stairs that lead up to the Alpha floor. Before I can even reply, Adri gives me a devious grin and shoots towards the room furthest from the third floor stairs.

"I call this one!" She calls out as she slides in, her flats slick against the hardwood halls.

~You'll thank me later sis.~

I suppress a growl of frustration. That little...she planned this!

I let out a sigh. "I guess I'll be taking the other room then, since Adrienne can't even wait."

We both chuckle at the same time, the act giving me an oddly pleasant sensation.

I walk over to the room, ultra aware of Seth's presence behind me the entire time. Just as I enter the space, he clears his throat and I foolishly turn around too fast, my face almost hitting his chest. Calming myself down, I look up from my height of 5'6 to meet his at least 6'5.

One arm leaning against the door frame, a small smirk lingering on his mouth, and eyes completely on me, I have to remind myself to breathe.

"After you get settled, could you and your sister come up to my office? There is some paper work that has to be done before the ceremony that makes you official members of the pack."

Not trusting my voice, I nod, making his smirk deepen.

"Good, I'll see you then."

He pulls up straight, and I quickly change the guess of 6'5 to 6'7...goddess, what did his parents feed him?

I watch as he walks away, noticing the flexing of his arms and shoulders as he moves. Snapping out out my stare, I quickly shut and lock the door behind me before he see's me drool. Real smooth, Kat, real smooth.

~He is very strong...would be a great father...~ Ziva muses, her voice reappearing for the first time since we first locked eyes with the Alpha. And she's right, any pups of his would be strong, well loved, and well protected...not to mention, be as good looking...

I zone out, thinking of a little dark haired boy with Seth's blue eyes...

I shake myself from the fantasy. I really to control myself, daydreaming about his pups is not helping my self control in the slightest.

I take a look around the well furnished room. The large bed made with chocolate and cream colored bedding, matching the tan walls and  dark hardwood floors. The large glass door has a set of brown blackout curtains, open to reveal a view of the forest...and a small balcony with a table and rocking chair.

If the room is this nice, I wonder what the Alpha floor could look like? I think to myself as I drop my bags and jacket on the bed, unpacking my clothes and putting them in the dresser or closet.

I don't have much in personal belongings, but what I do have I put in its place. Bathroom supplies in the bathroom, where else? The charger for my iPod and the device itself in the nightstand by the bed. The three pairs of shoes I own, besides the ones I'm wearing, in the closet.

Adrienne always tries to convince me to buy more, but I've never found anything outside of sneakers that I like to wear, except the pair of Wonder Woman bedroom shoes she bought me for my birthday one year, and the black flip-flops. I don't have a great love of heels, mostly because I need something I can fight in.

The only things left are two picture frames, which I set on the desk near the window; and the only piece of jewelry I own. Taking the long stainless steel chain in my hand, I gaze at the small gold band that used to belong to my mother. After a moment I put it around my neck, letting the ring fall inside my shirt.

Just as I put what cash I have inside a pair of socks in my dresser, Adrienne's scent comes through the door shortly before she knocks. I shut the drawer quickly before heading to the door and unlocking it. Pulling it open, I'm met with the little trickster putting on her infamous puppy dog face.

"I'm still a little upset with you."

Her pout increases as my eyes narrow. I don't want to admit it, but I've never been completely immune to that face of hers.

"Come in." I sigh, giving up. I need to save my poker face for the meeting with Seth.

Her pout becomes a bright smile as she skips inside. I wonder why I've never been unhappy with her in my room, considering most werewolves can't stand anyone other than their mates and pups. I suppose it's just how close we are, and our wolves.

"Nice, mine is blue." She says while gazing around my room as I shut the door behind me. I go to snatch my jacket off the bed just before she flops on it, and hang it on the back of the chair.

"Well don't you look comfy?" I turn to her, crossing my arms. She gives me a sheepish grin, folding her arms behind her head.

"Well don't get too comfy, we have somewhere to be."

She pops up, her eyes curious.

"Ooh, and where are we going?"

"Upstairs. We have paperwork to fill out before the ceremony."

Her face drops, she probably was hoping I'd say shopping.

"Come on, lets get it over with. The faster it's done, the faster we become pack members." I call as I walk out the door, the sound of her dragging footsteps are followed by the door clicking closed.

"Can you try to be excited?" I ask on my way up the stairs, preparing to be bombarded by Seth's scent again.

~Easy for you to say, you're the one that's getting more time with your mate.~ She replies, a bit of teasing in her voice. I sigh and continue climbing, bracing myself for at least one hour of Seth looking at me in a way that would make any woman blush.

Goddess help me.