But Cora had already started forming plans in her mind. A large gathering would be the best time to introduce Keisha as Dmitri's wife. She told Keisha to dress up appropriately for the occasion the next day.
"I will introduce you to all the chieftains Keisha. You will make an excellent wife for my son," said Cora, looking warmly at Keisha. "But do you really not remember why Adrianna called you?"
"No Cora… she sent me a message through someone… I don't remember who gave that message to me…" she replied, trying hard to remember.
"Don't worry. That girl will have nothing to do with Dmitri from tomorrow onwards," said Cora determinedly.
Keisha smiled innocently.
That night, even though he wanted to go and be with Adrianna, he didn't. He had to discuss things with Nate. He called Nate and Liam to his room. Liam had recovered within a day and, along with Nate, he had been extremely busy with the administrative jobs of the pack. They were planning to form a special army of wolves who would keep a watch on the neotides. They had called several chiefs to discuss their plans and had asked them to send some of their people to partake in this new army. When Dmitri had discussed the plans before, it had been decided that the army would work from their own territory rather than working from one place.
Nate was worried about Dmitri's safety. When he arrived at Dmitri, the first thing that he said without even taking a seat was, "Dmitri, do you know you were found injured near the wizards' territory? It seems that our enemies have multiplied in numbers and now they have attacked Adrianna too!"
Dmitri pursed his lips. He had to tell Nate and Liam the truth. "I know who the rogue wolf is," he said anxiously.
Nate and Liam were shaken. "Who is it?" asked Liam.
"Adrianna…" replied Dmitri in a very soft tone so that no one could hear them.
Nate was so surprised that he actually stumbled onto the chair he was standing in front of while Liam gaped.
"But- but-…" Nate couldn't find the words to say.
Dmitri exhaled hot air. "You won't tell anyone," he said sternly. "Withdraw the orders regarding catching the rogue wolf. We will find a way to deal with this situation."
"So did you fight with Adrianna and get injured or did she attack you?" asked Nate.
"Yes, I had to distract her attention because otherwise, she would have been killed by hunters on the prowl." Dmitri went on to narrate the night's incident to them.
"She is extremely powerful!" exclaimed Liam. "As a matter of fact, she is the most powerful wolf we have ever seen!"
"Yes, I think so too. We have to protect her at all costs because she, herself, is not aware of her power. I think I know how to tame her rogue behavior though," said Dmitri with hope in his eyes.
Nate and Liam became excited. Adrianna was the rogue wolf! They were finding it hard to digest the fact. That demure girl who was always so low key was the rogue! The ROGUE!
"I am going to her house right now. She needs to be protected," said Liam, getting up from his place, inviting jealous looks from Dmitri.
"No!" shouted Dmitri. "You will not go there! You will arrange for the party we are having tomorrow."
"Yes Liam, you arrange for the party, I will go instead," teased Nate. Dmitri looked at his beta as if he would kill him there and then, which made Nate laugh at his friend heartily.
"None of us will go there tonight. She needs to catch up with her health," said Dmitri seriously.
"I am worried about one thing though…" said Nate. "Since both of you were found near the wizards' territory, it is possible that they may have noticed you…"
---
Adrianna waited for Dmitri for a long time, but when he didn't come, she went to sleep. She woke up pretty late the next day. From her bedroom, she could hear Ed talking merrily with some people. They were laughing about a joke perhaps. Curious, she brushed her teeth and without taking a shower, she went out. Her face broke into a huge grin when she found Nate, Liam and her love, Dmitri. She was filled with so much warmth upon seeing him that she shone. It was at once noticed by all of them and once again, Nate and Liam were stunned. Dmitri smiled at her.
Ed coughed loudly to break her reverie. Adrianna's trance was interrupted and she controlled herself. Shyly, she walked towards them and sat beside Dmitri. Ed went out on the pretext that he had to run an errand.
Not able to resist her, Dmitri pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately. "Did you miss me?" he asked.
"Yes," she nodded bashfully.
"Ahem! Hi Adrianna," greeted Nate and Liam, who were being ignored by the lovebirds.
Adrianna laughed softly and said hello. She tried to get down from Dmitri's lap, but he had locked her in. He rested his head on her arm and said, "Today, you have to come to attend a gathering at my place. It will be a huge gathering."
Adrianna remembered that Ed had asked Dmitri to introduce her as his wife to the chiefs and his people. She nodded and placed a kiss on the crown of his head.
"But I don't have anything to dress for the occasion," she lamented.
"Doesn't matter. You can even come wearing jeans and a t-shirt"
"No! I will go to the town to buy a dress for myself."