Finding Love

Newbie - Ceren POV

Kade is almost finished with his speech. Then he has to mingle a bit before we can head out.

I'm still not sure why we do these updates every time we return from a long trip, but Kade insists it's good for moral and makes everyone feel included. I guess it doesn't hurt anything, but I would much rather be on a run right now than standing here while he gives another speech. But with my King I go. I sometimes wish I hadn't fought for position as his Beta. Then we go through something or he starts changing the world, and I remember why I wanted to be by his side.

I scan the room again as he wraps up his speech. Just a bit longer and I can go for a run. I've missed being home.

Kade dismisses everyone to get refreshments and we wait while people begin filing out. Most will head home but a couple hundred will stay, wanting to talk to Kade or enjoy the mingling.

Mason, the head alpha and Jake's father, who watches over this pack and borders, remains behind with a few others.

Jasmine catches Jake's eye and grins, knowing enough not to wave or attack him while he's on duty at this point. She's done it before though. It took some getting used to for her - having her twin brother as Royal Gamma.

Next to her is someone I haven't seen before. She has blonde hair pulled back in a loose French braid. The only reason I can name the style is because of the many random Jasmine-conversations I've been party to.

The woman is slim but looks toned. Tan as if she's spent a lot of time out in the sun. I can't see her eyes color from here nor can I figure out which scent is hers, if it's even wafting my way. The air conditioner is right above us so chances are she can smell me, but I won't be able to scent her.

Jasmine doesn't usually bond with people easily. Curious that she's allowed someone new into her fold.

I would mind link Jake and ask but he'd probably get the wrong idea. Plus, we've only just gotten back; Jasmine probably hasn't had time to fill him in on all the gossip yet.

I watch as Jasmine, Naizie and the rest of the group follow Mason out of the room. We wait until everyone has left before making our way out towards the ballroom where the refreshments are set up.

Time for Kade to mingle.

Kade nods at Jake, and Jake breaks away from us, while I stay by Kade's side. Jasmine rushes him as he approaches the refreshments. If he was any less of a wolf, he probably would have stumbled, but he takes it in stride as she latches onto him. She pulls away and starts talking a mile a minute, Naizie and their new friend coming up behind her. Then she's introducing the newbie and Jake smiles at her. Most women and some men about faint when Jake smiles at them, but she just smiles back as he brings her in for a hug. Huh. Maybe he knows her.

Half my focus on the interaction and the rest on everything else around me, I follow Kade around the room as he greets pack member after pack member. How he remembers everyones' names is beyond me but he does.

We mingle a bit more - well Kade mingles and I stick to his side. Then Jasmine and co come over, wanting to talk to Kade I assume. My nose catches a scent. Berries and vanilla and cinnamon with an undertone of wolf shifter. I can feel my eyes shifting. Shit. I have to get control.

The scent is coming from the new girl.

She's introduced to Kade by Jasmine. Alliah - her name is Alliah. Then she's being introduced to me. Her eyes lock with mine. I know mine are still black. Hopefully no one else will notice.

Who is this girl?