Nia

The past few days had blown by. I managed to keep myself busy with work and pack duties up until about an hour ago. Meghan showed up at my place complete with a bottle of Fae Wine and snacks. It was our tradition, pre party and snacks while we help each other get ready. We've been doing this since we turned 16 and I was allowed access to the alcohol in our pack house.

Meghan was already dressed in a tight red dress with thin straps that seem to do nothing for holding her breasts in place. The dress went to her knees but had a slit going up the top of her thigh, stopping just before you can see anything fun. I'm positive Kyle has no idea what she's wearing tonight.

Meghan got us reservations at some new restaurant downtown that's supposed to have some amazing entertainment and it's very Rouge Friendly.

I looked at Meghan through the mirror as she sorted through my secret sexy outfit stash. Her usual routine. Now that she's got a job at the moonstone pack, she hasn't been able to raid my closet in a while.

She sighed, "I've always been so jealous of your sexy outfit collection..." she shook her head as she held up my black lacy body glove. I shrugged, "what can I say? I like to be dressed up..." I winked at her while I put my finishing touches on my hair. "And it's not as much fun without plenty of options!" I wiggled my eyebrows at her, and we both laughed. She knew what I meant. She grabbed the lacy body glove and looked up at me smiling. She was silently pleading me to let her borrow it.

I sighed, rolling my eyes, "ok girl, you can borrow it, but if Kyle rips it to shreds, you're buying me a new one."

She laughed. "Yay! Thank you!" She runs up, kisses me on the cheek, before stuffing it in her bag.

I move past Meghan to my walk-in closet. I see my outfit hanging in the back. A cute golden hook my dad put up so I could plan my outfits the day before. It's a little wiggly now but no matter how many times Nigel has offered to fix it, I can't seem to let him do it. It just that, a part of me always hoped my dad would walk through my door ready to fix it for me.

I smiled when I looked over the outfit one last time before I put it on. This is one of my favorite drop dead gorgeous outfits. It leaves any wondering eyes wanting more.

I am going to make a statement with Jax. I know he could have any woman he wants. I just want him to want me. I promised myself after last time, I wasn't going to just hop into the arms of some gorgeous, powerful, dominant man without making him work for it. I have a lot to offer and I'm not going to let this Jax Rand think he can smirk his way into my panties.

"But he's so yummy, we can always have just a little taste, right?" Barbie whined inside my head.

"Wow Barbie, since when did you become such a horn-dog?" I giggled.

"Since last year, when I smelled our mate... I can't help it. It's been too long and we have needs." Barbie huffed.

I shake my head and chuckle. She has been awfully quiet these last few days and I haven't had those dreams for a while either. When I try to ask her about it, she's silent. She's perked up since Meghan got here though. I'm sure it's because the faint smell of my mate was on her again.

Meghan peeked inside the door watching me change, "Can you hurry up! I'm dying to see what you're wearing tonight!" She has a huge smile on her face. She was bursting with excitement the moment she got here. I wasn't sure why this double date with Jax was so different compared to other double dates or blind dates she's sent me on.

I quickly pulled on the tight black dress. Similar to Meghan's, except for the gold stripes that went down the sides, and the V cut in the front. I grabbed the stockings I pulled out early and put them on. The thin, gold stripe that went up the back of my stockings really finished the look.

"Listen Meg, there's something I've been meaning to ask you..." I wait a moment for her to respond. When she doesn't, I realized she probably knew what I was going to ask already.

"Why do you have my mates scent on you? I know you don't like to talk much about what you do for the moonstone pack. It's all very hush hush to us outsiders..." I nervously chuckled as I sensed her anxiety grow, " and why Jax? What's the real reason you and Kyle want us together?"

I heard her sigh, "Nia, let's just have fun tonight ok? I promise I'll answer your questions soon enough."

I finished getting dressed pulling on my short ankle, black and gold boots. The short black leather jacket pulling together the ensemble perfectly. I took a deep breath before walking out. What was Meghan hiding from me?

"Let's go!" Barbie jumped up and down.

I smiled as I made a grand entrance out of my closet twirly around and blowing kisses at Meghan. Her sad face lit up excitedly when she saw me. I saw her gaze roam up and down my body. The fae wine was kicking in. I looked over at the clock- 4:20pm. Shit! The bottle is half gone! I giggled as the thought of the boys picking us up already sloshed crosses my mind.

Jax

The last few days have been Interesting. Thor has actually been calm. The dreams are gone, but I can sense Thor trying to reach out. I try to talk to him but he's been quiet. Not gone, just quiet. I get the sense it's the calm before the storm.

Kyle was leaning against the wall scrolling through his tablet, when I heard him growl low in his throat.

"Your father is coming. He's not happy." His eyes flashed his signature purple and golden color as he straightened up rolling his shoulders.

I chuckled, "You preparing for battle?"

"Alpha Jasper is." He was completely serious as he said this. Fuck.

"Tell him to fuck off! Go to our mate..." Thor roared in my mind.

I growled trying to brace myself for whatever might be coming. You never knew what to expect with my Father. He may not be able to shift much anymore, but his ability to control magic in human form is still incredibly powerful.

I saw the door open quickly, and watched my fathers guards walk in first, followed by his latest assistant of the month. She looked worn down, exhausted, I give her another week at most. My father entered the room and walked right up to me. I could feel his power radiating from him. My brother's challenged him regularly but I knew better, and I had somewhere to be tonight. I need him to say his piece and leave.

"Hello father." I said flashing him an innocent smile.

"Jaxson. Have you seen the latest report numbers of missing Creatures in the US?" My father asked glaring into my eyes.

"No. I haven't had a chance to look at that file yet." I cleared my throat as I felt Thor try to growl. Thor and my father don't really get along anymore.

My father sighs before walking over to Kyle. "You are supposed to be your father's heir. As Delta you are to make sure your Alpha and Beta are always well informed."

"Yes Alpha Jasper." Kyle gritted out.

"Father, come on, he handed me the file this morning and I got distracted with training. Leave him alone." I crossed my arms and continued, "what's so important about these numbers?"

He turned and looked at me again. "They are quite low for our alliance, only 15 missing last five years."

My eyes got wide, "wow father! That's great news! We've never been under 20 before." My excitement was cut short when he picked up the file and told me to read it. Now.

I flipped open the file and looked at the first page. 15 missing this year for the Moonstone Pack alliance. I smiled at that. I continued to read;

Bloodmoon pack alliance: 26 missing

Sunstone clan alliance: 39 missing

Luna Crest pack alliance: 69 missing

Mother Rey Clan alliance: 42 missing

I couldn't believe what I was reading. Every other alliance in the area had their missing numbers go up, quite a bit, in the last 5 years. These numbers must be wrong. I continued to read through the pages.

Alerts:

Due to the high levels of missing persons within our rouge packs and clans, heighten security is highly suggested. Please make sure all in your command are given the names and photos of all those missing should you run across any unnamed persons roaming your territories.

My mind was swirling with information. How could this be possible?

"Why is this happening? I thought things were getting better..." I stopped mid sentence lost in thought for a moment before my father spoke again.

"I need you to contact the other Rouge alliances, set up a date for a council meeting, preferably next week." He looked at me with that look in his eye. This was not something to be tolerated. My father's life work was all about protecting rouges from this tyranny. I was angry too. I balled my fist at my side.

"Of course father." We stood in silence for a moment before his assistant spoke.

"Alpha Jax, I sent the information needed to your assistant." He voice sounded horse, very worn. My father's phone rarely stops ringing. She must be on the phone a lot. I wonder how Meghan will handle that level of stress.

"Jaxson, listen to me. With numbers like this, the council will argue war is needed. We may have to do what needs to be done. I can no longer lead us to battle. Our alliance will be looking to you for their leadership, for their future. Now is not the time to be distracted. Stay the course son. Do you understand?" He moved a hand to my shoulder, he was searching my face for something.

"I understand. I am ready to what should have been done years ago." I growled deep in my throat. I let my emotions bring Thor to the surface as my canines dropped down.

"No, you're not ready yet." He said this so matter of fact, even Kyle growled in response.

"I am the best warrior we have! I've spent the last three years going to meetings, studying our ancient texts, playing music all over the world bringing millions to this pack. You dare tell me I'm not ready?!" My whole body was tense, I saw kyle's eyes glimmer. My father's guards stood a little straighter as his assistant moved a little closer to the guard by the door.

"Remember who you're speaking too. There's no need to raise your voice, you're scaring the poor girl." He turned back to face his assistant, "you are excused Carla." He quickly turned back around to face me.

"Um, it's Krista alpha." She quickly turned on her heel and left the room.

My father didn't seem to notice, he continued on with his speech. "You're not ready because you're still unable to control your beast. You're a slave to your emotions Son..." he put his hands on my shoulders again, searching my eyes for something. "You're full of raw power just waiting to escape, stop fearing it, own it." He moved to the door, stopping for a moment. "It was when I met your mother that I really reached my full potential. Good luck in your date tonight." He turned back and flashed a silly smirk. "I hope you don't plan on wearing that stupid leather jacket tonight. Try to look more "alpha-like" huh?" I crossed my arms and sighed. He quickly walked out, his guards trailing closely behind him.

Kyle and I exchanged looks after he left.

"Your dad is crazy. You gotta wear the leather jacket. The ladies love it." I heard Kyle say in my head. I looked over at him, and he smiled.

"Looks like your mind link abilities are getting stronger." He flexed his muscles, while laughed.

"I can mindlink when I can see the person, but still can't receive much of anything." He shrugged, "being with Meg has definitely made me stronger. I'll keep training. I'm sure I'll figure it out."

I moved to my bed, sitting down to put on my shoes. We spent some time discussing what "going to war" could possibly mean. Going to war with the Fae wasn't that simple. I know everyone thinks we can't just storm the place, but with how organized the rouge alliances have become, I don't understand why we couldn't.

I sat at my piano playing while Kyle was reading through more legal documents on his tablet. Shit I don't envy his job. He was really better suited as my Beta, he's not meant to be a paper pusher. I was deep in my thoughts when I heard Kyle curse, "fuck!" Knocking me back to reality.

I looked over at Kyle while he stared at his phone.

"What's up bro?" I asked.

"It's Meghan.." he continues typing furiously. He hits the send button and looks up at me. If someone dared to lay a finger on sweet Meghan, my pack brother's mate, there would be severe consequences.

"Her outfit will mean I have to deal with so many wondering eyes tonight." He sighed as he showed me the picture. Then I clapped a hand on his back.

"Come on bro, she could be dressed from head to toe in rags and you'd still have to beat men off of her." I laughed as I said it. Kyle did not.

"Kyle, come on." I grabbed a bottle of whiskey off of my rolling bar and took a few swigs. "Here, drink this, calm down, we just might meet my mate tonight and I don't need your crazy behavior to scare her out of wanting to mate with me." He choked on his last swig before handing it back to me.

"Oh Nia is your mate. I already know it. Just don't fuck it up with your "I'm going to be alpha and I'm so awesome" talk." I rolled my eyes and looked at the clock on the wall. 4:00.

"Let's get out of here or we'll be late." Kyle nods in agreement and heads towards the door. I do another look in the mirror, then grab my leather jacket before walking out. Time to meet my mate.