Winning Over the Alpha

Chapter 20

~Tessa~

The air was thick with humidity as Tessa looked over the warriors who lined the staircase of the packhouse. Their expressions reflected the anger burning within, but for now, everything needed to appear business as usual.

"Everyone listen up. Greet all of our guests and escort them to their rooms immediately. While they settle in, Zander and Elijah will brief you on the extra security measures we will be taking during the meeting. If you have any questions report to them. Then gather in the ballroom for the official briefing before dinner. Understood," she asked, meeting their eyes.

"Yes Alpha," they yelled proudly in unison.

Gravel crunching in the distance signaled the brigade of cars were approaching with bright glares from the sun reflecting off their windshields. Tessa moved to the bottom of the staircase as the first SUV pulled up, eager to convince her allies to help her pack win.

The greetings and small talk seemed to take forever, especially with the elders. They were a little too happy to hear she finally found her mate and were already asking when she and Dainin would have their first pup. Thankfully, Cadence moved them along.

"At least they can focus on more important issues now," Cadence stated sarcastically through the link.

"Right? They've been so obsessed with playing matchmaker as if I were the last unmated female," Tessa responded, internally rolling her eyes as she smiled at the last elder moving on. She just wanted to get down to business so they could start planning. These pleasantries seemed to be a waste of time with the imminent threat on their doorstep.

Growing impatient, Tessa searched the crowd for Dainin. She saw the elders surrounded him as well, but it seemed to be a pleasant atmosphere. He was perfect at socializing, whereas Tessa always felt stiff and annoyed, an emotion she had a hard time hiding.

"He completes us," her wolf teased, drawing a mental heart around Dainin's head. They both enjoyed a light laugh until she heard her name in the distance.

"This might not go well," her wolf stated, and they both watched Cadence fail to hide her laughter.

"Tessa," her name was called again, but this time much closer.

Tessa narrowed her eyes at Cadence, but quickly composed herself before turning to face the approaching Alpha with a kind smile plastered on her face. "Alpha Davis. What a surprise. I thought you were away on business," she asked, keeping her voice flat as she met his deep blue eyes.

As expected, it was none other than Alpha Ronan Davis of the Moon Rise pack. His pack had been Blue Ridge's closest ally until White Sand moved in and, ever since they came of age, he never stopped trying to convince Tessa to be his mate. He had tirelessly declared his love for her over the years, but Tessa knew he was only thinking with strategy since he had the second strongest pack in their region.

With him closing in, Tessa gave his appearance a quick once over. He was nice to look at, with his unkempt yet strangely perfect blonde hair, and his perfect smile. Any other she-wolf would swoon at the sight of him, but despite his professional career and position, Ronan was dressed casually, in simple jeans and a t-shirt, which of course accentuated his impressive build.

Although he seemed relaxed and down-to-earth, Ronan was a brilliant and professional businessman. He was the main reason every pack in their region had been so financially successful.

Ronan approached Tessa with excitement. "Please drop the formalities, love," he chuckled, pulling her into a bone-crushing hug. "You shouldn't be surprised that I came back from my business trip early to attend your meeting. I wouldn't miss it for the world," he winked, but she kept her face neutral, feeling a certain pair of intense chocolate eyes watching her every move.

"Oh, you shouldn't have gone through the trouble," Tessa said, trying to dismiss him while removing herself from his arms, but her comment was met with a scoff as he feigned offense. Before she could escape, Ronan took her hand and pulled her back into his chest.

"If we weren't surrounded by all these Alphas, he'd be tasting dirt," her wolf thought, growing tired of his arrogance.

"I am never too busy for my future mate," he declared, looking deep into her eyes, but Tessa suddenly felt Dainin's angered presence behind her and couldn't help the audible gulp that escaped her throat.

"Actually, Ronan," she spoke, pushing herself away from his body to move to Dainin's side. "I have been letting everyone know I found my destined mate," she informed him while taking Dainin's hand to keep him calm. If there was one thing that would start a fight it would be to claim a mated she-wolf as your own.

"This is Dainin Monroe the Alpha of White Sand. His pack recently moved here," Tessa introduced him, but the air between the two Alphas grew tense while Dainin and Ronan remained silent during their staredown for dominance. Tessa felt she could cut the tension with a knife.

Looking around, she was relieved to find everyone else had made their way into the packhouse and after what seemed like a lifetime, Ronan broke their eye contact with a frustrated growl before looking at Tessa with baffled disbelief.

"All these years you've told me you never wanted a mate. Now you're telling me it only took a few weeks for him to change your mind," Ronan questioned. It was hard for Tessa to feel guilty when all those years she honestly never wanted to find her mate, but Cadence was right, she couldn't fight fate.

Tessa met Ronan's eyes with confidence. "Yes, Ronan. He is my destined mate, which you and I both know is the strongest bond since he and I were made for each other. If you and I mated the bond would have been weak and who knows the problems it would have caused," Tessa casually explained, business as usual.

Dainin growled low at the mention of her being mated to Ronan, but Tessa squeezed his hand hard, silencing him. "Once you find your destined mate you'll understand," she promised, leaving no room to argue anymore.

"Well as long as you're happy, then I'm happy for you," Ronan sighed in defeat as he extended his hand to Dainin. "I apologize, Alpha Monroe. I didn't mean to disrespect your bond. You're a very lucky man," Ronan smirked.

"I know I am," Dainin stated smugly, shaking his hand. They both held each other's gaze once again, thick tension returning to the air.

This time, it was Tessa's turn to growl in frustration. "Can you both stop? We have more pressing issues to worry about than your egos," she declared, and before they could rebuttal Tessa turned on her heels, leaving them alone on the stairs as she went into the house.

Leaning her back against the heavy wooden door, Tessa closed her eyes, already exhausted, but a certain laugh interrupted her moment of peace. Opening one eye, Tessa saw Cadence standing in the hallway with a smile on her face.

"Alpha Hayes, you seem to be in high demand lately," she teased.

Tessa walked to her and playfully bumped her shoulder. "Beta Turner, I always imagined you were above eavesdropping on my conversation," she asked, and they both laughed as they walked together to the ballroom. Tessa was grateful that she could laugh before the hammer dropped, shattering her perfect world.