The inside of the building was cold. I followed behind Dominic. Lucas and Ethan followed behind me. They were snickering and joking with one another. I turned and gave them a look and they shut up quickly. I lightly shook my head as we continued through the different parts of the Business Center. Suddenly someone else's smell filtered to me.

“Alpha, there is someone else here.” I whispered. He turned and grinned at me.

“Of course there is. We are meeting the beta of another pack.” He said. I nodded in understanding. I was glad I was wearing my fighting leathers. I could sense the nervousness of the two behind me now. We rounded into the big conference center. Lounging in one of the chairs was another male. I stepped forward.

“I would like to introduce Dominic. Future Alpha of the Moonlit pack.” I said, giving a slight bow towards Dominic. The other male stood and raised a single eyebrow at me. I took my place behind Dominic who was currently showing his frustration at the beta not bowing.

“Thank you for inviting me, Dominic. What did you want.” the beta asked, sitting back down and leaning further back in his chair. Dominic stood there dumbfounded for a moment. Lucas and Ethan lightly growled. I turned and gave both a strong stare. They grimaced before bowing their heads in submission. When I turned to face the other beta both his eyebrows were raised.

“Excuse my gamma and delta. They don’t like the obvious disrespect.” Dominic said, sitting down beside the beta. I stiffened at his comment. The betas eyes flashed in anger before he made eye contact with Dominic.

“You are not my Alpha or even the current Alpha of this pack. I will not bow to you.” He said. My eyebrows shot up in shock. No one ever talked to Dominic and lived long enough to talk about it. Dominic just started laughing.

“Fair enough.” Dominic said. I tried not to react, but Ethan gasped behind me. I took a deep breath. This meeting was too tense for my liking.

“I will ask again. What did you want? I wasn’t particularly thrilled at leaving my pack for such a late meeting. I would much rather be eating dinner with my family.” The young beta said totally relaxed. I had never seen someone not be at least a little tense around Dominic.

“Yes, well, I wanted to formally invite your pack to my birthday next week. I was hoping our packs could mingle. We both have many unmated wolves. Maybe we could find some pairs between us. You could sit down with Aria and plan out guards if you wish. I am certain her plans could be adjusted to accommodate.” Dominic said, waving his hand in my direction. I smiled at the beta whose eyes slid back to mine. He tilted his head back. From where I was sitting I could see the distant look in his eyes. He was communicating with his Alpha through their wolves. I shifted back and forth.

“I will work with Aria to see if we can come to an agreement on security. If we can, my pack will be here. May I stay the week while we work together?” The beta finally said. Dominic sneered.

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“ He can stay in my home Alpha.” I offered. Dominic and his father were never big fans of other packs staying here for long stays. I was never sure why.

“Very well. You can stay.” Dominic muttered. I shifted back and forth again. I was waiting for the dismissal from Dominic. Dominic stood slowly. He cocked his head to the side before turning to me.

“I expect you to show Bryce how welcoming our pack can be.” He said to me. I nodded. His wolf whispered to mine.

“Make sure to invite him on the run tonight. You will show him true power while he is here.”

I nodded slightly while smiling at Bryce. Bryce was now standing. I waited until Dominic left. I nodded a dismissal to Lucas and Ethan. I waved Bryce a head. We walked out of the building in step with one another.

“Would you like to join us for a run tonight?” I asked. He thought for about half a second.

“Are you asking or is your prick of an Alpha’s son?” He asked. My heart raced. My mouth gaped open before I snapped it shut and I took a deep breath.

“My Alpha asked for you to come, but I think it is a good idea.” I said carefully. Bryce stopped directly in front of me and turned to face me.

“Listen. Dominic has a very interesting reputation. If he tries anything my pack will unleash hell.” Bryce's threats went unheard. I could smell something very interesting on him. It smelled of cedar and rain. I had never smelled something like it before. I tilted my head slightly. It certainly wasn’t Bryce. He smelled awful.

“What is that smell?” I asked, confused. Bryce blinked.

“What smell?” He asked sniffing the air. His nose wrinkled slightly.

“I smell cedar wood and rain? I have never smelled that here. No offense, but it definitely isn't you.” I stated, still confused. Whatever threats Bryce was ready to reiterate fell quiet as his face looked shocked for a half second.

I shook my head and continued walking to my house. I told Bryce about my sister and father so he knew what to expect when we arrived. He listened to me without saying much.

“I will run with you guys tonight. Thank you for inviting me.” Bryce said. I grinned. We stepped across the threshold of my home. Immediately Lila ran into my arms.

“When are we going on our run! I am so excited. Who are you?” She spouted off faster than anyone could think. I laughed while Bryce grinned.

“This is Bryce. He will be staying with us this week. He is a beta from another pack.” I said. She let go of me and ran to my father who looked a little pale.

“Bryce, this is Lila and my father Tom.” I said waving in their general direction. I glanced at the clock while Bryce and my father said hi to one another.

“Lila doll, we will be leaving in about an hour for the run. Can you help me set up the guest room for Bryce?” I asked her. She practically sprinted down the hall giggling the whole way.

“She is so happy. Is she always like that?” Bryce asked, surprised. I chuckled.

“I swear I don't know how we keep up with her. She has limitless energy. Her happiness is infectious though. A nice break from all the doom and gloom of everyone else.” I joked. My father cleared his throat and shot me a warning glance. I rolled my eyes.

“Let me show you your room. Feel free to do anything here. Our home is now your home.” I said, making my way down the hall towards the guest room. I could hear Bryce falling behind me. The next week was certainly going to be interesting.