Beyond The River

4

Grant and Evelyn made their way down the first flight of stairs and onto the bottom floor of the house to see a small group of people meandering about in the living space. Mila and the other girls were already snacking on cheese and crackers they likely got from the kitchen, with red solo cups in their hands too. Every person in the house was someone Evelyn recognized as either old classmates or friends. The pack was small enough in population that all of the students attended the same school, except college. The pair quickly joined up with Mila and the girls, talking and swaying with the music some. As time progressed, more people joined, and the DJ began to play louder music. Eventually the party was in full swing, and Evelyn was dancing with her friends and Grant.

At some point during the dancing, Evelyn noticed two well-dressed men in the back of the room, standing side by side, arms crossed, and blank expressions on their faces. One looked to be in his mid-thirties, and the other looked to be in his twenties. Both were handsome, but the younger one had a strange draw to him, like he commanded the space he was in.

"That's Hunter and one of his Gammas, Brayden, I think is his name." Mila whispered in her ear, startling her for a moment. She saw her friend make eye contact with her new mate, and saw how his expression softened. However, he did not move from his spot by the wall. Mila gestured to them, "Would you like to meet them?" she asked, pulling on Grant's arm, "Could you help me get our friend to be a little more social please?"

Grant rolled his eyes behind Evelyn, "I thought we were trying to keep her comfortable here. Not introduce her to new people that might do the opposite."

"But it's my mate, Grant. Why wouldn't she want to meet my mate?"

"I'm literally standing right here, guys." Evelyn poked the two of them in the arm. "Take me to meet your mate, Mila. I want to meet who is taking you from us next week." She showed a sly grin and Mila blushed, causing Grant to chuckle.

"Come on you two," Grant linked his arm with Evelyn's again and let Mila lead them over to the two men leaning against the wall. "Hi Hunter," Mila said shyly, and the younger looking man leaned forward, "Hi Mila," he said, pulling her gently into his side, turning to face Evelyn and Grant, "And you must be friends of my mate's?" he questioned with a matter-of-fact tone.

"Yes," Evelyn answered with a small smile, Grant reaching his arm out to shake first, "I'm Grant, son of the Gamma of this pack." Hunter smiled and shook the man's hand, turning his eyes onto Evelyn, "And you must be Evelyn." He smiled warmly at her. "My mate has said wonderful things about you," he spoke and shook her hand gently.

She blushed a little at the compliment, "I'd sure hope they were good things," she countered. "For all the things that have transpired between us speaking ill wouldn't bode well for her." She winked at her friend who laughed in return, "Oh, please. You know you can't do anything even if I did, which I did not."

Evelyn rolled her eyes and the two males chuckled. "I've heard that you are the daughter of this pack's beta, Evelyn. Do you have plans of taking on his role or helping him out in the future?" Hunter asked innocently.

Mila elbowed her mate before she could even reply, "Ow, Mila." He complained in a childlike manner. "That was rude." She whispered harshly, but Evelyn spoke up, "No, Mila, it's okay." She smiled, looking back up at the alpha, but not making eye contact, "I've been helping my father at home for the last six months, so finding my place in the pack hasn't really been much of a priority for me. But I did turn eighteen a few days ago, so maybe that will change soon."

"Wouldn't you have time to help out in other things besides helping family though? Like being more involved in the pack?" He questioned further. "Forgive me if I'm being intrusive, but as the beta's daughter, wouldn't you need to be involved with pack matters regardless?"