The Demon and His Plaything

25| The visitors

Samantha felt her phone vibrate indicating she was getting a call. She ignored it, instead standing patiently next to her mother and father as they waited for the visiting New Moon pack members.

They hadn't prepped her much, just to be present. Derek was already at the training grounds with his father as Beta, ensuring it was ready for the tour. Samantha thought it strange her mate and future Alpha was not present but assumed her parents wanted the tour to be thorough.

Their cars approached, the Crescent Moon Packs security at the head and tail of the procession, Delta Simon exiting the leading vehicle after they pulled up. Half a dozen men exited the escorted cars.

Samantha made sure to pay attention to introductions, paying special attention to the Alpha, Jason and his brother and Beta, Gareth– they were older than her so she had not interacted much. They had been at her eighteenth birthday, like most unmated male wolves of any prestige. But apart from the cursory check if she was either of their mates she hadn't talked to them.

The brothers were similar, with Jasons size and prowess reflecting his Alpha station. Gareth had an alpha wolf too, but the pack's strength did not flow through him. Both had dark brown hair and standard rugged good looks–both looking like lumberjacks.

They both regarded her with interest as her father introduced her. She noticed their eyes lingered on Derek's mark on her.

"Still no Luna?" She mindlinked her mother.

"No. Not yet."

Samantha felt a pit develop in her stomach. She attempted to mindlink Derek but he didn't connect.

"Samantha, please show Beta Gareth around while we meet with Alpha Jason."

Samantha watched her parents as they walked away with Jason. Jason glanced back at her and met her eyes for just a second. She felt his wolf. She focused on her breathing to steady her heart, feeling strangely agitated by the interaction.

She took Gareth through the ground floor. "With the increase in children in the pack, we are going to extend the communal areas," she motioned through a bay window that faced the back courtyard. "We'll be pushing the outdoor space out here." She had no idea what her parents wanted, she hoped it was just to keep him preoccupied while they spoke with Alpha Jason.

"This is a lovely packhouse," Gareth commented.

"Thank you," Samantha spoke formally.

"Do you remember meeting before?" Gareth asked her.

Samantha smiled lightly, practiced. "Yes. My birthday was only a little over half a year ago." She directed him toward the lift. "I can show you the office floor."

"Alpha floor, is the top floor, I assume?"

"Yes," she nodded. "My parents live in the Alpha penthouse and my mate and I live in one of the suites. We have a number of suites for esteemed guests–I don't believe my parents said if you and your brother were staying tonight."

He was studying her. "Your mate is..?"

"Derek [last name], our Betas son."

Gareth leant against the wall, "Not fated?"

She summarily ignored him as she directed him to walk towards the ballroom. "We have our ballroom through here where we have our pack meals–we also hold our events there."

He caught her hand, stopping her in her tracks. The touch shocked her and she pulled her hand back, defensively putting it behind her.

"Sorry," he looked sincere. "I only mean that I had heard your current mate was through an arrangement."