Alpha Hole

Ch. 22

Jenna and Eric burst into the room, arms overloaded with shopping bags. It was like they'd brought the outside world crashing into our little bubble of tension. They started unpacking their haul on the table, making everything feel a bit more normal. Jaxson's casual "Did you get everything?" pulled us back from the edge.

"We'd have been here sooner, but Jenn forgot you're at the pack house and went to your place first," Eric said, dropping into a chair.

"This isn't where you live?" I blurted out, unable to hide my surprise.

Jaxson looked at me with a hint of amusement. "No, I have a private residence," he replied. "But I stay here when duty calls."

"Oh," I mumbled, taking it in.

Eric smirked. "He didn't want your wolf freaking out over the scents of other females."

That hit like a ton of bricks, disrupting the fragile calm between us.

A growl rumbled in my chest, and my eyes locked onto Jaxson. I quickly masked my anger, but it simmered beneath the surface.

Jaxson was at my side in an instant, his hand gripping my hip and pulling me close. The anger evaporated.

After a moment, he let go. I turned to face him. "Don't let me get in the way of your past relationships."

Jaxson's gaze turned icy as he looked at Eric. "What Eric means is we sometimes have guests at my place—people you don't know. I didn't want their scents to overwhelm you. I want you to feel at home." The tension was palpable, but I couldn't let it go.

Jenna saved the moment by holding up a blue bag. "This is for tonight." She pulled out a red silk evening gown.

I was so stunned by the dress that I forgot our argument for a second. "What for?" I asked Jaxson. "What's happening tonight?"

Jaxson rubbed his chin, looking tired. "If you're willing, I want to introduce you to the pack formally."

"Tonight?" I stammered. "Why?"

"It's tradition when something big happens. We need to stop the gossip."

"Oh my god," I muttered, sinking onto the bed. "There's already gossip?"

Jaxson sat beside me, his presence calming. "Gossip spreads fast here," he said gently. "We need to present a united front."

The thought of being the center of gossip made my stomach churn. "So this introduction...it's necessary?"

"It is," Jaxson said, his eyes meeting mine. "It shows you're with me, that you deserve respect."

"But what if they don't accept me?" I whispered.

"They will," he said firmly. "I won't let it be any other way."

Jenna stepped closer, the red gown sparkling. "You'll look amazing in this, Layla," she said warmly. "You should be excited."

I took the gown from her, feeling the smooth fabric, and managed a smile.