Chapter 2
(Anis' POV)
All the breath within my body escaped as I gazed at the woman before me. Without realizing a low growl erupted from within my chest and suddenly her eyes, those of the man seated beside her were locked on me. The man in the second row had his arm draped around my mate and it made my skin crawl. I couldn't bear watching him touch her so casually, she was mine! Destiny had decided that upon both our births. Who was he to stake any claim over her?
She met my gaze for a split second and all felt right with the world. Yet just as quickly as the feeling had arisen it withdrew. Fear engulfed those beautiful emerald eyes and for what reason I couldn't understand. Of all people, she had no reason to be afraid of me. Together were two halves of one whole.
She threw the man's arm off her and moved to get up. Graciously removing herself she headed toward the door and upon making it took herself completely out of my sight. My wolf was agitated, he wanted desperately to chase after her and yet I could not let him. I had chosen my path many years before as my mate had failed to appear. Now I could see why, she was most likely in diapers when I came of age, perhaps not yet even a twinkle in her parent's eyes. How could the moon goddess have been so cruel to us both?
There wasn't a thing I could do about it now, I had my wife and with her three incredible children. Both of our lives appeared to be set, or at least I assumed the man seated beside her was her chosen mate. My wolf cringed at just the thought of him having her. I could've been wrong, though. After all he never once made to go after her when clearly she was upset. Even without being her true mate had he truly loved her he would have followed. Still now he sat in his chair clearly awaiting the continuation of the meeting as if nothing had happened.
The meeting....I had to focus. I was the new Alpha, I had to maintain my composure at all costs. First impressions are everything and if I ran out now it would be forever remembered. purpose could only be to learn her name, I would do so.
Looking back at Westmont's Alpha I nodded, urging him to continue. The other pack members now had their eyes on me, some surprised while others seemed infuriated. Whether that was because of my move to press on or because of the obvious connection between the girl and I, I hadn't a clue. At the moment it really held little relevance anyway. Business continuing as planned was imperative to remaining allies with the Westmont pack. There would be plenty of time for matters of the heart later.
"Without further interruption I formally present to you the new Alpha of the North-Valley pack, Adonis Smith and his trusted Beta, Evan James."
Westmont's Alpha sat himself down and all eyes were upon me anxiously awaiting my address. Up until the point I'd spotted her I'd had everything well-rehearsed and now my mind refused to work for me. Clueless I stood there for a moment, attempting to regroup before proceeding. Slowly my speech began to resurface in my mind, at least parts of it did.
"It is a great honor to have been invited here today to meet you all personally. Our packs have co-existed peacefully for hundreds of years and through a great many leaders as well. It is my hope that between Alpha Marcus and myself we can not only maintain that same level of peace, but also work toward forging an even better relationship. Future generations will have no fear of conflict between our packs nor of outlying threats. With your assistance as well as that of my own pack that will become a solid reality. I sincerely look forward to becoming more familiar with you all as time goes by."
It wasn't verbatim, but it was the best I could do in the moment. My goal was understood by all present, peace was the main priority. Based on the applause I received they were of a similar mindset. All would work itself out in time, I had no doubt about it. And now I could pursue the young she-wolf without interruption, Evan could carry on without my assistance at this point.
