Wolf #2: The Beast Within [COMPLETED]

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

"Alpha," The Beta of the Mount Logan settlement shakes hands with Adrian, smiling widely, "It's good to have you with us one more time before the summer lull."

"Aye—how're the kids?" Adrian returns the warm welcome with his own grin, turning to shake hands with the female that stands beside the Beta, "Hello, Annika."

"Alpha," She is absolutely stunning. She has golden-brown hair that cascades down to her hips, dressed in form-fitting activewear. Her hazel gaze flicker among us, taking in Rachel and myself with guarded curiosity, "The kids are well, thanks—disappointed that Eamonn wasn't coming for another visit."

"He wasn't too happy about me leaving him home," Adrian chuckles, "That one is getting very opinionated. And adventurous."

The Beta looks at Annika, who I assume is his mate, "Babe, show the new ones to their room."

She kisses his cheek and calls over her shoulder to us, "This way."

I do but Rachel is more hesitant. She stays further behind, glancing around us as if she's trying to memorize every single detail. She's on-edge, though I don't blame her. None of the Wolves in the settlement had been particularly thrilled to see us. I suspected that would be the case, but I'm still filled with trepidation on how staying in Diurnal will go.

The wolf inside me has her hackles raised halfway, ready to take on anyone. I instinctually begin to breathe in deeply, identifying the number of Wolves around us. I can smell their own trepidation. The packhouse buzzes with agitation.

"I hope you don't mind sharing," Annika opens a door halfway down one of the hallways, "It's not cramped and there's a balcony. The bathrooms are at the end of the hall. There's also one downstairs next to the kitchen."

"Thank you," I set Mallory's chest and my handbag on the bed. I left my bags in the car, planning to just grab a change of clothes when I need to.

Rachel steps into the room and sets herself on the edge of the second bed. She mumbles her thanks to the woman before shutting her eyes. She looks exhausted and in deep thought, so I leave her to herself.

"I'm Amelia," I offer her my hand, "This is my friend, Rachel."

Her long, delicate fingers wrap around my forearm, "Annika. I'm the Secundus Beta of this settlement."

I nod like I understand what she had said, "Thank you for letting us stay here."

"Mm...Why are you here?" She surprises me with her abruptness, but only presses in my silence, "I haven't been told who you are, or why you're here."

"We're from Breccia," I snatch my wrist back as her grip tightens around my arm, "Our Alphas decided it was a good idea to—"

"Stay here in Diurnal—why?"

I'm regretting having talked to her, "My family...was attacked."

"By who?"

My gaze narrows. She glares at me warily, as if I'm a poisonous snake. She begins to take a step towards me when Rachel's growl cut through the air.

"If you have questions then ask your Alpha," She looks menacing as she seethes at Annika, head bowed slightly and eyes glowing emerald-green. Her skin ripples and she barks, "Leave."

"I'm the Beta—"

"And so is Amelia. So that means shit to us," Rachel's shoulders hunch up. Her spine is beginning to cave in as she Shifts.

"Rachel," I hold my hand up to her and she pauses. I open my mouth but Beta Annika pushes past me, "Wait!—"

A confrontation is about to start, but is interrupted as Kiana waltzes in, "How're you guys settling...in?"