Chapter 20 - A Voice

Ethan

“We’re done for the night Alpha,” Odis said with a smirk on his face. “Are you sure? Because you said that a few packs ago,” I asked, shaking my head.

After five hours of welcoming pack Alphas to my territory, I was ready for a break. If I have to shake another hand without rest, I swear I’ll tear it clean off.

Odis could barely hold in his laughter. What an asshole. I headed towards my office and he followed me.

Walking through the doors I went and sat on my chair, a sigh of relief as my back hit the seat. “How many soldiers do we have stationed around the pack grounds?” I asked as I leaned my head back and closed my eyes.

“We’ve got groups of 5 scattered around the pack grounds. Desert Moon was werewolf country. There was one ruler and that was me. I have raised my packs standing and more than doubled my pack numbers since taking over.

Beta Odis had a few Deltas that helped him when he was overworked but most of the time he handled his own. Olivia my Gamma, took care of different sections of Desert Moon. Thankfully we were big enough that she had chosen leaders to run the three divisions.

We’ve detected small movements outside of our territory. It’s nothing alarming but one can never be too cautious. I will not have any unnecessary issues arise. Especially while I have outsiders on my territory.

“Make sure the soldiers are on high alert, even those stationed inside during the Crescent Ball,” I tell Odis. “I’ve got in handled Alpha, I won’t disappoint, but if I may give you a suggestion?” He says with a chuckle.

Odis was the best Beta an Alpha could ask for but when I say that he does his job too well. I mean it. “What?” I growl.

“You stink. You definitely need a shower before the Crescent Ball starts, which is in 30 minutes,” he says holding his nose. “Can’t have you scaring your mate off.”

If it was anyone else I would have thrown something at him but I’m close with Odis. “Can’t have the ladies smelling me like this now can I?” I joke back.

Odis scoffs and walks to the door. “If that’s it, I need to go freshen up myself.” I wave him goodbye and he shuts the door on his way out.

Walking into my bathroom, I turn on the jetted tub. I need a quick relaxing soak before I go out there tonight. I’m running on zero fucks and I can’t have Odis thinking I’m going to start a war.

I take off my jacket first, then unbutton my suit. Unfastening my belt, I let my pants and underwear drop. Stepping into the tub, the hot water causes my muscles to unwind and relax.

My cock twitches and I close my eyes trying to ignore it. “I don’t have time for this,” I say with a sigh.

“We need to find our mate,” Elijah complains.

“I’m not too focused on finding her right now,” I tell him as I finish washing.

“What we need to focus on tonight is finding our mate and claiming her,” Elijah growls.

“I’m tired of your quick lays. I want our mate,” he bites at me. Grabbing a towel, I start to dry myself off. I scratch my head as I try to think about a mate.

“I wouldn’t get your hopes up,” I tell him.

“We will find her,” he urges me.

“Fine, but if we don’t find her, we’re going to have to consider a chosen mate.”

He growls but I cut him off, “The others will see us as weak, and as much as I love a good fight, I don’t want to deal with a fight breaking out here with all of these visiting packs.”

“And if we find her? What then?” He asks me and I can hear the pain in his voice. “Enough talking. I need to get ready,” I say as I push him to the back of my mind.

***

Adea

Nikki cracks open a bottle and our night starts off by filling a few glasses. I’m sitting with Gabe on my right with Sasha, and Shane on my left with Nikki and Mavy. Passing us our glasses one by one, she smiles and raises her glass, “Cheers to Desert Moon!”

I take a few small sips when Shane leans down and whispers in my ear, “I want you.” Gabe stills next to me and I think he heard.

“So does Gabe have a girlfriend back home?” Sasha asks nonchalantly. Mavy looks at her, “No, he doesn’t. He’s always busy so… no time for a girlfriend.”

I feel Shane’s hand on my thigh and I cringe internally. “I can’t wait to check out the hotties from the other packs!” Nikki shrieks before throwing back the rest of her drink.

“Let’s take a picture!” Nikki says grabbing her phone. We all squish in and smile as she takes a few pictures. “Yasss, we are killing it tonight girls! Oh and guys! Gabe, Shane, flawless as always.” She says blowing them kisses.

The ball is being held just fifteen minutes away, we arrive at a beautiful open clearing that leads to the hall. Gabe and Sasha head in first, followed by Nikki and Mavy. As soon as they’re in, Shane wraps his arm around my waist.

“Thanks for escorting me, Shane,” I murmur as we walk in. I’m blinded by the beautiful lights and stare in awe at all of the werewolves gathered.

There are so many people, I don’t know all of them but I recognize a few. The women and girls are dressed in beautiful different colored dresses and the men all look handsome.

The hall is tall and vast. The decorations are a light touch around the hall. The music is flowing but is low and beautiful. I’m sucked in by the beauty that is Desert Moon.

I feel Shane’s grip tighten on my waist, “You look so fucking amazing tonight.” He leans down dangerously close to my neck.

The girls and Gabe huddled around us in a circle. “Look at all the fine men here tonight!” Nikki squealed. “Right? I can’t wait to dance with a few of them.” Mavy giggled.

We wandered over to the pastry table and filled up on a few snacks. Nikki filled her glass and waited for Mavy to pop the last pastry in her hand into her mouth.

Grabbing Gabe and Mavy, she leads her to the dance floor and started dancing. “Do you mind if I steal your date?” She asked me batting her eyes promiscuously.

“Go for it, I’m going to eat a few more,” I told them with a smile. The little cream puffs made my mouth water. I watch Sasha lead Shane to the dancefloor and start grinding on him.

What a relief. I get a break from Shane and get to indulge in my sinful pleasures. I smile as I bit off half of a cream puff. The chocolate melting in my mouth.

Pure bliss. A sweet smell fills my nose and I look down at my plate. “What is that smell?” I say aloud. After searching my plate, I realize that the smell isn’t coming from my plate. I freeze.

“Mate!” A voice calls out in my head.