I go numb, shutting away all emotions. This is the same state of mind I go into when I'm running or being stealthy.

Zorrick Is a similar build to Brodie; it's clearly an Alpha thing. His jet back hair and matching eyes are cold. His tanned skin seems to shine against the black of his tuxedo. He's annoyingly attractive. I have no idea of his age, but he looks no older than 30.

This is supposed to be the man who killed my parents over 28years ago.

"So Stella, it's lovely to finally be acquainted", he drawls. Reluctantly placing my hand in his, he grasps my waist pulling me in firmly. I stifle a gasp!

What's with the arrogance of his hold on me? I look around for Brodie, praying he's not watching us.

"He'll be watching my darling; that's why I did it!" he chuckles, and I scowl at him from the inside. My face stays neutral, and I absorb every given expression of Zorrick, learning his facial expressions for different emotions. With the gleam at the moment, I attach it to both amusement and triumph.

Good girl, but you can't be a robot; you have to talk and get him to loosen those lips. He has no mate remember.

We start to move to the new music, and I'm thankful it's not a slow song and something more upbeat.

"Well, my dear, you certainly are everything they promised you to be. Just stunning," Zorrick hums, taking a good look at my cleavage. My insides crawl but instead, I give him a confident smile.

"Thank you. Do tell me who they are, though?" I can't help the hint of attitude in my tone. He gives me a fake shock, mock face.

"My lovely, whatever do you mean? You must know how these werewolf clans gossip. I can't be held accountable for listening to rumours of your beauty." Anger flares, and I can't hold back any longer.

"Indeed, so Alpha, rumours have it you might have slaughtered my parents many years ago. What do you have to make me laugh about that?" Now I let him have the full glare of my eyes.

Well shit! And we were doing so well. May as well let him have it now! Amber growls, the last part of her statement matching my anger towards this man.

"Ah, Zorrick already managed to upset Brodie's new Luna, I see. It's my turn then." Another unfamiliar voice joins the party.

"Regan, perfect timing as always" Zorrick is clearly unhappy with his timing. I turn to look at my next dance partner and have to swallow. Someone help me! Another gorgeous man stands before me. Reagan is tall, broad-shouldered blonde hairs and looking like he just waltzes off a movie set. I stare, and he gives me a grin that can only be described as knowing.

Before Zorrick leaves me in the hands of another adonis. He leans in close to my ear.

"If I am the cause of your parent's deaths, I am sorry. However, they did not die by my hands, darling. If you are indeed the blue mountains infant daughter, I played no part in their demise" He turns and walks away, leaving our conversion to end on that note.

Sleazy, slimy, lying, Alpha piece of a hunk! I mean, honestly, what is with all these guys being so damn hot! Man, it's frustrating. Can't they just suddenly get vomit coloured skin or something! Amber hisses, just as annoyed as me.

A soft hand caresses my own, and a gentle arm replaces Zorricks dominant firm one. So it would appear Alpha Reagen is more respectful than Alpha Zorrick.

"Though I'd rescue you from Mr Hulk" I let out a laugh and then realized. I'm meant to be numb again. Reagan's eyes gleamed with humour. He's pleased that he broke the ice with his little joke.

"So, how long have you been attending these parties?" I roll my eyes around the room to emphasize my point. He chuckles.

"As long as Zorrick, but don't let that earn me a nasty little glare of yours too!" His eyes sparkle, matching my own enthusiasm; his dancing is exceptional, just like Brodie's. We fly across the floor, and I don't even notice we're dancing anymore.

"Not unless you piss me off", I throw back at him with a neutral look. I haven't forgotten he's one of mine to interrogate. However, considering my last dance partner, he Is harmless. We glide around the room, and I'm surprised to find I am enjoying myself again, relaxing into the arms of this Alpha. He's not as good a dancer as Brodie but better than Zorrick.

"So I hear you only found out about your werewolf side recently?" He tilts his head curiously, eyes dancing with burning questions. Guess it would be pretty interesting to come across someone like me in this supernatural world.

"Yeah, it was an interesting week. Poor Broide didn't know what to do with me" I laugh, remembering how he restrained me to a hospital bed.

"I'll bet he didn't" His tone was off, but I couldn't place the emotion.

"So you have no idea how or why you ended up in Cleardale?" I was careful with my reply. Alpha Regan sure was curious about my situation.

"My adopted parents thought I was a miracle; they'd been trying for a baby for years with no luck. There was no note or explanation. Just a baby abandoned on their doorstep." An unfamiliar ache grew in my chest. I really wanted answers about my birth parents; now more than ever in my life did I want to understand my heritage.

The song comes to an end, but the Alpha doesn't let me go as expected, instead awkwardly holding me until the next one starts. Clearly, we are not done getting to know each other. Like the flick of a switch, he's back to the amusing lighthearted Alpha who joked with me before. He asks no more questions about me, and we instead chat back and forth about him. He's from a pack called Oakton. I already knew this, having done my research on him.

Oakton was a small pack, and Reagan was loyal to Zorrick. They had an alignment or trade agreement that stopped Zorrick from taking control many years ago. Other than that, this Alpha was uninteresting when It came to war stories.

The song came to an end, and we parted ways as friends. The success I had undetectably interrogated and gained a friend simultaneously. I had a feeling I could get more information about Zorrick out of Reagan, but that would take time. My bladder was screaming at me. I headed to the nearest bathroom wanting relief and some time to gather myself. Dancing with attractive Alphas is mentally exhausting.

As I round a corner, I see Travis and Kelci eating each other's faces. Ew. They almost fall through what I know is the bathroom door. Excellent, just what I need. I pause outside the door contemplating the long trip to the next bathroom; my bladder practically screams inside my abdomen. It's no use; I have to go in there.

This will be interesting. Amber chuckles, amused. I groan out loud. Entering the bathroom, I regret my life choices. An assault of sexual noises attacks my eardrum. Quietly making my way to an empty stall, I do my best to get this over with undetected.

"Uh, god, Travis, harder baby!" I hear Kelci cry out familiar thumping and slapping sounds also echoing around the room.

"Yes, yes, Yesss!" she screams, and I put my fingers in my ears to drown them out. I skip washing my hands and just leave the scene of the crime. Exiting the bathroom with a loud sigh of relief. Unfortunately, I'm stuck standing in front of a beautiful young woman in a blue gown. A long sensual scream echoes from the slowly closing bathroom door, and she winces.

"I was desperate," I shrug. Lanie laughs, amused.

"I think I can last the walk to the other bathroom," she says grimly.

"I'm Stella."

"I'm Lanie", she beams, clearly knowing who I am by name. We both wince at the loud groan clearly coming from Travis inside the bathroom. Smiling and holding out my arm for her to take.

"It's nice to finally meet you. I'll walk with you to the other bathroom," I giggle. Lanie takes my arm, and we make our way down the corridor. Lanie is tall, blonde and fabulous. Our conversation flows easily.

"So sorry I haven't been up with Josh to introduce myself. The restaurants have been crazy; I barely have time for Joshua, let alone anyone else."

"That's ok, I should come by and try some of your fantastic cuisines" I smile.

"That would be great," she beams. We reach the bathroom, and I go in with her deciding to wash my hands and freshen up at the same time. Still need a minute alone. We walk out together, and my eyes instantly land on the retreating figure of Zorrick; he rounds a corner before I can confirm it was definitely him.

Is he following us

I'm not sure...

Deciding I haven't seen Brodie for a while, I walk back to the ballroom with Lanie by my side. So much for increased security tonight Zorrick could have just snatched me from that bathroom a moment ago; it looks like I'm going to have to be more careful.

"There you are" We turn to see Josh making his way over to us; the way he looks over Lanie makes her blush, and I long to find Brodie.

"I've had the pleasure of finally meeting your better half" Josh chuckles and places a possessive arm around her.

"I don't like that, Alpha Regan; he keeps staring at you both like your meat. Even with his date on his arm." I flick my eyes to where Josh is glaring and am met with the brown eyes of Alpha Regan; he smiles and nods, turning his attention to his date. A stunning dark-haired female in a crimson dress decorates his arm. She's the type of woman you're immediately insecure about; everything is perfectly in proportion to her canvas of a face.

"He's harmless, Josh. Who's the piece of artwork with him?" I cough while still staring at her.

Lanie laughs. "That's Raven; steer clear of her. She's a man hunter."

"Great, not another one. Thankfully Ravens with Zorrick then."

"That won't stop her", Lanie growls, and I see Josh cringe.

Ok seems like they have history.

I agree; she can stay away from Brodie.

Agreed, Amber growls at the thought.

A familiar muscular arm wraps around my waist, tugging me off my feet temporarily. I stifle a squeal, not wanting to draw attention.

"Finally, I have you back in my arms" the warm air of Brodie's voice on the nape of my neck sends shivers through me. He kisses his marks, and now I have to stifle a moan. Brodie chuckles.

"You must be hungry by now, little mate" he's right; I'm starving—Brodie waves, over a waiter holding some delicious looking orderves my mouth waters. I take four, the first one in my mouth with a very unladylike approach. Now everyone's amused by me.

"What? I got stuck dancing with some many Alpha's I couldn't eat anything".

"My apologies to the new Luna" Zorricks familiar voice sends ice up my spine. I feel Brodie stiffen with me also. Even Josh and Lanie change their stances.

"Didn't mean to starve your newfound mate Brodie."

"She's always hungry, Zorrick; no need to stress yourself. I doubt your dancing is what caused her a great appetite" Brodie says it so smoothly, not an ounce of emotion, but I have to stop myself from laughing at his words.

Go! wolf-man

Shh, I'm trying not to laugh here

Sorry, but it was a good one.

"Newly mated Alphas are such fun, wouldn't you agree, Regan" I see Reagan's eyes flitter to my marks, but before I can look or listen to anything else. Raven decides to take a good look at Brodie, even licking her lips. Eww.

Does she have no shame? Amber hisses.

Clearly not.

Unlike last time when a female ogled my mate, I elegantly cough instead of growling at her. I'm so proud of how far I have come. She looks away, getting the hint. Flicking my eyes back to the two Alphas who have uninvitedly joined our group, I see both stoned faced and expressionless. I zoned out of the conversation; rather than try to catch up, I lean into Brodie and quietly devour the last three of my horderves. A look at the clock tells me it's 10:30pm; wow, this night has gone fast.

Raven standing in all her magnificent glory causes me to wave over and grab another glass of champagne, downing half of it.

"Everything alright there, young Stella", Regan's knowing tone just continues to piss me off.

"Just tired", I fire back and continue to brood in Brodie's embrace. Brodie leans down mid-conversation with Zorrick and pecks at my marks again, cheering me up. They're talking about rogue management strategies. More interestingly to me is the look that crossed Reagan's face after Brodie kissed me. Was that annoyance, anger, rage? It was so quick I almost missed it.

Think he's got a thing for us

I'm not sure he's hard to read.

Well, Zorrick staring at your boobs isn't hard to read.

I cough on a sip of champagne, choking.

"Sorry, excuse me", I mutter, walking away and making my way over to a water station. After clearing my throat, I head to the buffet table, still starving. I take a plate and load it up with as much food as possible. Finally, I'm over this shenanigan of a night. Walking outside the packhouse and out onto the lawn, I start to consume some much-needed sustenance. Moaning out loud with pure delight when I place a chocolate-covered strawberry in my mouth.

"Wow, that strawberry could make me jealous" relief that it's Brodie and not another unwanted Alpha.

"It's delicious", I mumble in between chewing.

"You shouldn't wander off out here alone, Stella" I roll my eyes and sigh.

"I know, sorry, I've just had enough, to be honest" He smiles. It's stiff as he surveys our surroundings. He's checking and watching for danger.

"I'm sorry. You're right; I shouldn't have wandered off on my own like this. It only takes one lapse of judgement; I do understand that. I'm just exhausted with it all already."

"Well, in that case, he takes my plate, making me frown; let's collect some more strawberries and bring this to the suite. I can't help the huge grin on my face. Butterflies dance in my core at his words.

"Really, we can leave?" I narrow my eyes.

"We've done our dash. Let's go, little mate" I beam at him and stuff two chocolate covered strawberries in my mouth. He snatches the last one as we make our way back to the Buffett.

"Ok, you load your plate with savoury, and I'll load mine with the desserts", I instruct him. Brodie willingly grabs three plates, loading them up with a range of delicious salty options. Then, loving his idea of multiple plates, I casually load three of my own with a range of fudge brownies, chocolate covered fruits and cheesecake bites. Finally, we both finish our assault on the buffet, and I have to stifle a giggle looking at the ridiculous amount of food we have.

"How do we get out unnoticed from here?" Brodie looks at me expectantly, and I beam.

"Just follow me. I'll get us out unnoticed" I wink at my wolf-man, loving the sexy smile I get in return. I adore how much Brodie respects my abilities. We make it out of the ballroom and into the suit in less than ten minutes. Admittedly Travis caught us leaving. I smirk, remembering how proud of himself Travis was.

He only caught us because of Mates clumsiness Amber huffs. I laugh, causing Brodie to frown as he sets his plates onto the kitchen benchtop.

Of course, also six plates of food did make stealth difficult. But, I'll admit it wasn't all my wolf-mans fault.

"Are you and Amber making fun of me?" Brodie smiles, amused, whilst stuffing a sausage roll in his mouth.

Yes! Amber sulks. Still irritated.

"Never", I mock, unable to stop another giggle. A salmon coated cracker catches my eye, and I proceed to inhale it. Brodie pours us an excellent wine. The alcohol helps clear my palate to enjoy the next delicious morsel in front of me. Were quiet while we ate, both of us not wanting to ruin the moment with talk of potential threats or assess information. It will need to be done, though.

"I can't believe we've nearly eaten six plates worth of food" I giggle so full I think I could burst.

"Surely now you've been fed. It's time for me to peel you out of that dress" Instantly, my body goes on high alert. I'd forgotten all about the sensual promises we'd made earlier in the night. Brodie is giving me a heated stare that sets my core on fire.

"You want me in it or out of it, Alpha", I purr whilst making my way into the bedroom. I feel slight guilt leaving the plates messily on the kitchen counter, but with Brodie's sexy vibes, I wouldn't delay us together for anything else any longer.

I stand in front of the bed and peel my full ponytail out of the way. Watching Brodie stalk over to me from behind. A shiver of anticipation at what's to come makes him smile. Then, turning my face, he claims my mouth, deepening the kiss as he slowly pulls the zipper of my dress down. The gown pools to my feet, and an appreciative growl has me smiling against his mouth.

I chose black lace underwear, hoping it would be put to good use. Spinning under Brodie's hands and making quick work of his now overdressed state. Our lips still locked, I manage to angle and push us onto the bed, Me landing on top. His erection is straining against his pants. Our movements are more hurried and needy now that most of the fabric between us has been removed. Finally freeing him, my panties are removed with one swift swipe of a claw. I'm momentarily distracted by the action. Wishing that I had enough control with Amber to shift individual body parts temporarily. It would come in handy.

"All in good time, Stella" Brodie brings me back to the now by bucking his hips.

I position myself over him and take him slowly into me. Savouring the feeling of fullness with a loud groan. My bra is removed next, and If I wasn't in ecstasy, I might feel a pang of disappointment at the loss of an excellent set of underwear. I ride Brodie pinning him with my thighs. Wanting it this way. Needing control over my release. He doesn't make a move to turn me or stop me, just urging me forward with his hands on my hips.

I hit my orgasm; first, surging Brodies to join me not too long after. Then, collapsing onto my wolf-mans chest with a contented sigh. I take a long inhale, letting Brodie's scent surrounded me. Feeling safe and content at last. I hadn't realized how on edge I was until the tension was gone.

We lay for a while, not speaking. Brodie rubs my back absentmindedly whilst his brain is elsewhere. My own hands tracing little patterns on his chest as my mind also wanders away. We are both no doubt churning the night's events over. Deciding not to break the silence in the room. Instead, I choose to use our mind link.

Are you still with me, Alpha? I feel his chest vibrate with a slight chuckle.

I am definitely not finished with you yet, little mate.

I was hoping that would be the case. But, then, a shower would be nice.

Agreed.

He lifts me from the bed with ease, taking me into the bathroom. Brodie sets me on my feet, then moves towards the shower. Making my way over to the vanity. I set to work brushing my teeth and using a cloth to remove some of the makeup from my face.

You coming in?

Duh, I'm not missing out on a shower with my wolf-man

Wolf-man? I can hear him laughing as I make my way over, sliding the glass door back to reveal Mr sex on his legs.

"It's my nickname for you. You call me little mate. I call you my wolf-man."

"Could be worse. I can live with that."

I'm enveloped in the shower's spray, getting the feeling we will be in here for a while...