We stood there a while, panting and staring at each other. Kane's eyes darted down to my lips and he kissed me again, not as hard this time, soft but firm. It wasn't as long and I was like a pathetic puppy chasing after his lips when the kiss broke. He pulled back, looking at me the way I always hoped my mate would.

"You're so fucking beautiful," he said, bringing his hand up, his thumb rubbing over my bottom lip.

My heart fluttered and I couldn't stop the smile. He smiled too, brushing loose pieces of hair out of my face. I moved my hand down to my stomach but he caught my wrist, growling.

"Don't clean it up," he said. "I want everyone to be able to smell me on you. I want them to know you're mine."

"Trust me," I said, moving my hand down to my stomach.

I swiped up some of his cum with two fingers, bringing it up to my lips and licking it off while keeping eye contact. His eyes darkened and he growled, fixing my tank top.

"Let's get the fuck out of here," he said, pushing off the wall and wrapping his arm around my waist, pulling me to his side as he started to the exit.

"I can't," I said, stepping back. "I have to go to the meeting."

"Fuck the meeting. I need to be inside you," he said, pulling me against him.

"You can have me after. I need to be there for all the meetings today. It's important to me," I said, sliding my hands down and fixing his jeans and belt.

He groaned and pressed his forehead against mine. "Fine. But as soon as the meetings are over..." he said, his hands holding my hips tightly.

"Agreed," I said. "But, fair is fair," I said, sliding my hand down between my legs.

He watched me, his breathing getting more ragged. I moaned softly when I touched myself, getting my fingers nice and wet before bringing them up, sliding them under his shirt and leaning close to him as I rubbed the wetness over his abs. "I want everyone to know you are mine, too."

"Fuck, you couldn't be more perfect if I made you myself," he groaned, grabbing my hand and bringing it up to his mouth, sucking on my fingers. "So fucking sweet. I can't wait to eat your pussy for every meal, baby."

I clenched, feeling even more wet now. I ached for his touch, craved to be with him. But I had a job to do.

"Soon," I promised, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. "The tension from waiting will just make it sweeter," I whispered, nipping his ear before walking away.

He groaned and followed after me, grabbing me and pulling me back into his arms and back into a melt-worthy kiss. "I've been looking for you for so long, Tess," he murmured against my lips before hugging me, guiding my head into his chest and wrapping his arms around me tightly.

I wasn't a crier but I could've cried with that gesture. The last few months while Addie was sick had been so fucking hard. I'd kept it together at every single turn and never slowed down but in that moment, in his arms, all the pain and stress didn't feel so overwhelming. I sunk into the hug, relaxing my head in his chest and wrapping my arms around him. He nuzzled into my hair and inhaled deeply, holding me even tighter as they gave a one minute warning for the meeting.

"I've been waiting for you too," I said, pulling back and kissing his cheek before backing away. "But I do really have to go to these meetings today. After that, I'm all yours," I said, winking and turning around. With him still behind me, I made sure to add a sway to my hips. It had the effect I wanted, I heard the growl. Goddess, I wanted him. But I had to focus. This was an important mission and I was Xander and Addie's Gamma above all else.

So I forced myself not to look back at him and made my way into the giant conference room. There was a huge, round table that had assigned seats. I found the pair meant for our pack and sat down, smoothing my hands over my skirt and trying to remind myself how to breathe.

Thank Goddess they had waters on the table. I filled a glass and drank one, then another. Kane had me ridiculously hot and bothered despite him finishing me off. Kane. Yeah, I could say that in the bed while he thrust into me over and over...

"You all right?" Renzo asked, taking the seat next to me and looking over curiously.

He could smell me. I knew he could. I nodded and he chuckled. We were not shy about these things, if we were things would get awkward real fast with our sensitive hearing and smelling.

"Really all right I guess, huh?" He said, wiggling his eyebrows. "Who's the wolf that was able to distract you? You're usually so focused."

I couldn't stop the smile as I shook my head. I was about to tell him it was because I found my mate but the words stopped when someone addressed Renzo and I felt Kane staring at me. I looked up and he was directly across from me on the other side of the giant, round table, his eyes narrowed at Renzo. Oh boy. He was one of those possessive types. I'd be lying if I said him being possessive over me wasn't a little bit of a turn on but I was afraid in his case, he might take it too far. It would have to be a discussion but for now, I wasn't keen on triggering his jealousy in a room full of people I had to present in front of and so I scooted my chair over a little, away from Renzo, sending him a reassuring smile.

Kane was still tense but he relaxed a little. His eyes coming to me instead. I ran my fingers along my neck where he would mark me and mouthed 'yours'. That helped him relax more, a smile tugging on his perfect lips. Lips I wanted on me again.

His gaze on me was unfaltering, intense. That eye contact was going to be the death of me. My heart started racing and I clamped my thighs together. His eyes darted down as if he knew. A smirk played on his lips when his eyes came back to mine. I wasn't one for smirking normally but on him? It looked good. And I guess he might've earned a little smugness from getting me off so ridiculously fast.

I reminded myself he couldn't be the only one in control. So I rested my elbows on the table, setting my chin in my hands and rubbing my finger over my bottom lip, letting my lips part a little bit. His eyes shifted to my lips, his hand flexing. I darted my tongue out and he sat up straighter in his seat. Yeah, it was exciting I could affect him like that. I took it a step further, sliding my finger inside my mouth and biting down.

The way he looked at me held all the promise of what he would do to me when this was all over. The thought left my core throbbing. He was intense. I bet he was a dream in bed. I wasn't the kind of girl that liked it gentle and he didn't seem like the kind of guy that did gentle. Perfect for me. My mate.

I wondered what his pack was like. His aura was so intense I bet he had a strong pack. The thought excited me and also made me nervous. How would he react knowing I was only a Gamma when he was definitely an Alpha? What would he say when he found out I was born an Omega and didn't even have leader blood in me but had to work up in the ranks? He probably assumed I was at least a Beta, most the ranks here were Beta and above. Goddess, I hoped it wasn't going to be an issue because I already felt an incredible connection to him.

I didn't even realize the meeting started because I couldn't keep my eyes off him. But then Renzo was nudging me, looking at me curiously and inclining his head to the Elders. It was then I realized all eyes were on me. Shit.

"Blackstone pack?" One of the elders said in a tone that implied it wasn't the first time he said it.

Shit. Focus, Tess. Addie and Xander's Gamma above all else. I couldn't be meek, I couldn't be timid. I had to let them know I belonged there.

It wasn't easy, we were the only pack that didn't have at least a Beta present and I knew it wasn't going to go over well. I couldn't think about what Kane would think when I announced my title. I had to keep control of the conversation. I rose from the chair and met the Elder's gaze unapologetically.

"Tess, Gamma of the the Blac-"

"Gamma? Where's your Beta?" The Elder interrupted.

"Our Beta couldn't come," I explained, gesturing to Renzo. "I'm the Gamma and this is our head Delta, Lorenz-"

"What kind of slight is this?" Another Elder hissed. "The pack leaders from Blackstone rarely come to these events as it is and now we hear they're sending their lowest ranks. Surely one of them could've been here."

All right, nervousness gone. Pissed off here I come.

"Perhaps age has made you forget that Omegas are the lowest rank," I said, slamming my hand against the table to get his attention. "I'm not the lowest rank in my pack and for your information, I'm the best fighter in the pack. So unless you need someone to brush up your memory on pack hierarchy as well as the proper way to speak to the higher ranked wolves that live in the pack house, or if you want to test my claim as the best fighter yourself, I would suggest you do not interrupt me again."

Yas queen, Renzo said, almost making my stern expression falter. I kicked him under the table and he stifled laugh.

He was about the only one. The tension in the room lifted about a thousand percent at my outburst but I didn't care. They would treat me with respect or I would make them.

The two Elders that gave me shit were not happy. I could feel their anger but I made sure they could feel mine, too. I refused to break eye contact with the one who questioned my presence. He glared back at me and the rest of the room remained silent. Finally, another Elder tugged on the man's sleeve, making him break first. I let the smile slip through. I won that round.

"Gamma Tess," the Elder who was trying to calm the other two spoke up. This one I recognized. Freya was her name. "It is most unusual that the pack leaders would not at least send their Beta. I understand and respect your place in the pack but you have to admit, it doesn't look well considering Blackstone pack has been absent from the last five meetings and has a history of not following the rules."

Yep. Saw that coming.

"Elder Freya, I understand the problem. I was about to explain the situation before I was interrupted," I said, sending a warning glare to the other two Elders. Freya gestured for me to continue. "Luna Adira is carrying a pup," I informed them.

The room went into a buzz of whispers until Freya raised her hand to get them to quiet down. She nodded and gestured again for me to continue.

"As you know, Alphas and Lunas are protective over their mates as it is, especially if a pup is involved. Alpha Xander didn't like the idea of Luna Adira traveling while carrying the pup. It also happens to be their anniversary and he has taken her on a short trip where they also intend to meet one of the best pack doctors in the north-western territories. This leaves our pack an Alpha and Luna short. We all know the rogue attacks have become more intense. So Beta Kaden stayed behind to run the pack and they sent Lorenzo and I to the meeting. On behalf of Blackstone pack, I apologize for our absence for the last five years. We have good reason for it, I assure you."

"I understand your predicament," Freya nodded. "However, we haven't heard the reasons for your absence so how are we to know there was a good reason and this isn't Alpha Xander being the same Alpha he's always been, never following or respecting our rules?"

"I would ask you to not disrespect my Alpha," I said, narrowing my eyes. "Alpha Xander and Luna Adira are the best pack leaders anyone could ask for. Part of the reason they are so good is because they place their pack over everything else and that includes these meetings. It's not a lack of respect, it's a presence of love and respect for their own. The reasons for our absence is private."

"Privacy can only go so far, Gamma," the first Elder spoke again. "We need a good reason."

Shit. I maintained my composure and tried to decide which lie I came up on the way over here was the best one.

"Gamma Tess," Alpha Mateo spoke up.

I glanced over at him and nodded.

"If I may have the floor with you," he requested, rising from his seat.

"Unnecessary, Alpha Mateo, I can handle this," I assured him.

"I have no doubt of your ability, Tess," he said with a small smile. "I've seen it firsthand. But as our closest ally, I cannot allow Blackstone pack to be under scrutiny for Blue Moon Pack's benefit."

"Alpha Mateo, are you implying Blackstone Pack's absence was your doing?" Freya asked.

"Yes," Mateo nodded, sending me a reassuring smile. "We went through a rough patch five years ago. The rogue attacks were intense and we nearly lost our territory. Blackstone Pack stepped in and helped us regain control. They sacrificed much to help us and the reason they were absent was because I lost my Beta and Alpha Xander stepped in to help run my pack, volunteering the services of his Beta and Gamma as well so I could come here and make sure our pack still had a face. You understand some packs take advantage of weakness, Alpha Xander and his pack sacrificed their presence at the meeting to allow us to come so we wouldn't be attacked while we rebuilt and having a presence here would not give away the fact we were vulnerable. I would also like to add that Tess singlehandedly saved the lives of many of our children that were cornered by the rogues, a brave act that we have never forgotten and truly showed her character and ability. Her title may be Gamma but her character speaks of a much higher rank."

He bowed his head to me and the gesture sent the room into a flurry of more whispers. Alpha's and Luna's never bowed their heads, not even to other pack leaders, the fact that he did for me had me trying desperately to catch up with the shock. That was an insane show of respect, one that was almost never handed out and definitely never handed out to a rank as low as mine. I bowed my head to him, showing the mutual respect once his action finally caught up with me. He sat back down in his chair and although part of me wanted to jump up and down and squeal because that was so goddamn awesome, I maintained composure and turned back to the Elders who were still staring at Mateo in surprise. It was true his pack almost died but they came back with a vengeance and were now the second strongest pack in the northwest, a force to be reckoned with.

"And what of the other four years?" The second Elder asked, giving me a look that showed he thought he had me.

Prick.

I was about to speak when Luna Marissa did. "Gamma Tess, if I could share the floor with you?" She asked.

I smiled and nodded and then Alpha Geoff rose as well. "Gamma Tess, if I may also share the floor?" He inquired.

And just like that, every pack that we helped in the last five years, their leaders stood, requesting to have the floor with me and stating exactly why we'd been absent from the meetings. The Elders that gave me shit were frozen in shock and especially so when each one of them bowed their heads to me just as Mateo had.

Damn girl, you are in control of this whole fucking room, Renzo said, leaning forward with a stupid grin on his face.

I had to force the grin to stay down. I could be smug, but not giddy. Giddy would be too likely to show immaturity. Smug showed them not to fuck with me. I made sure to split my eye contact between the two asshole Elders until the last leader spoke and sat down.

"Well, Gamma Tess, it appears you have many friends in this room with loyalties not just to Blackstone Pack but to you specifically," Freya said, raising her eyebrows with an impressed expression.

"I take my role as Gamma and as a wolf seriously. If we can't stand together then we will fall together. It's what any wolf worth their salt would do," I said.

"Spoken like a true leader," Freya mused. "I would like to speak to you privately after these meetings. I think you have a lot of potential. We could use someone like you here."

"With all due respect, Elder Freya, I take my loyalty even more seriously than my role as a Gamma. I appreciate the offer but my loyalty lies with my own first and foremost."

That and I don't want to be a part of you corrupt motherfuckers.

"Respectable," Freya nodded. "Have you anything else to report besides the news of the new pup?"

"Not in this forum, no," I said, shaking my head.

"Wonderful. You may take a seat," Freya said, lifting a paper on her desk. "Black Moon Pack?"

I sat down and Renzo brought his fist up. I brought mine up and hit it against his, letting the smug smile slip, the giddy one I'd save for later.

Alpha and Luna are going to lose their shit when they hear about this, Renzo said, shaking his head and chuckling lowly. You did them proud.

Now at that comment, it was more difficult to keep the giddy smile down. All the excitement distracted me but now that I wasn't on the spotlight I could feel Kane staring at me again. I lifted my eyes to him and he had a proud look on his face. He brought his hands up just above the table and gave me a slow, silent clap.

Well, now the smile was definitely slipping out. Just like that, my fears slipped away. He didn't care I was just a Gamma, he was proud of me.

Renzo elbowed me and nodded to Kane curiously. What is going on with you two? Who is that? He asked.

He's-

I was about to tell him but then a rude awakening came. Freya called out for Blood Moon Pack and he stood. Oh no. Oh, please, Goddess no. Not that Alpha. Not the Alpha known for vicious killing more than anything else. Not that one. Please not that one. His stance silenced the room more so even than the pack leaders bowing their heads to me. No no no no no. An unpleasant feeling settled in my stomach and I prayed to the Goddess that he wasn't who I thought he was. All hope went out the window when he spoke and I felt my heart break a little at his words.

"Kane, Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack."

A/N:

Hey babes, let me know how you liked this chapter ❤

We're about 40 chapters in on this book in Patreon ❤

Well, Tess and Kane sure started off like 🔥🔥🔥 and they don't intend to slow it down 😏

What'd you think of how Tess handled the meeting?

Oop, a lot of you guessed this from the last chapter, was anyone surprised to learn Kane is the alpha of the pack Tess was just talking shit about?

How do we think this will affect their future interactions? 👀