I looked at the time. The day had flown by me. I needed to get ready for my date. My dad commented, “I’m still waiting for an answer on why Lexi isn’t here with you.” I shrugged, “I hope you enjoy waiting because I’m not explaining anything about her to you. I will say we just started dating.”

My dad frowned, “Your mate should be here with you.” I reminded him, “I haven’t said she’s my mate.” My dad raised an eyebrow, “You still don’t have to. Will you at least let me apologize to her? I started my relationship with my future daughter in law on the worst possible foot.” I growled, “No.” I walked out of my office, but I still heard my dad sigh.

I put on nice slacks and a buttoned down shirt. I quickly got in my car and drove to my restaurant. When I got there the staff were anxious for my approval. I smiled when I saw their work, praising them, “It’s perfect, thank you all.” They all seemed relieved.

One timidly asked, “Are the rumors true, Alpha Chase? Is she our future Luna?” I questioned, “Where did you hear that, Nia?” Everyone dispersed except Nia. She admitted, “Everyone said it has to be because you fought your dad for her.” I chuckled, “To be fair, that was more than about her.”

Nia smirked, “Just so you know as a female, I pick up on what’s not being said. I got it.” I rolled my eyes as she started to walk away. I cautioned, “That gets you all in trouble, you know? You think men say things we didn’t say.” Nia teased, “Whatever you say, Alpha.”

I answered a few emails while I waited for Lexi to arrive. Kincade linked me, “We are leaving her office. The Luna looks beautiful.” I responded, “Of course she does.” Matt linked me, “You are not ready.” I asked, “For what?” Matt admitted, “I’m not allowed to tell you. You will know shortly though.” I joked, “Some help you are.” Matt replied, “I’m simply following my Luna’s instructions.” I shook my head then told him, “Enjoy your evening.” Matt smugly told me, “I’d say enjoy yours, but I know you will.”

I heard the car pull up. I stood up from the table waiting for Lexi to come inside. The hostess turned out to be Nia. I almost went to my knees when Lexi came around the corner. She looked stunning. I linked Matt, “I’m told Haley is responsible for this dress. How can I give her a gift basket without her knowing or asking why?”

Matt snorted, “Ted said Haley discovered Pinterest. There are two more dresses they didn’t look at yet. As far as the gift basket off the top of my head under the guise of wanting her to like you.” I said, “Send her one. This dress needs a gift basket.”

I couldn’t look away from my mate if I tried. Her dress hugged all her curves. Her boobs were a beacon beckoning me to never look away from them. Nia linked me, “You’re drooling over our future Luna.” I didn't even look at her, but I wiped my mouth. She wasn’t joking. I was honest to god drooling.

I forced myself to get through the date even though I wanted to take her on this table. That was a moderate problem since I’d shut the place down. I could easily order the staff out, but I wanted to do this right. I wanted her to have the perfect date.

I thanked the Moon Goddess for my perfect mate. I didn’t deserve her, but I’d do everything I could to make her happy. The second Lexi swallowed the last bite I had her out of the chair and out to door. I linked the staff, “Thank you for the set up and the service. Have a good evening.” They all responded, “Our pleasure, Alpha.” I drove as fast as I could to Lexi’s place. Bolt growled, “Pull over wherever we are and claim mate.” I gritted my teeth. I could do this. I could make it Lexi’s place.

When we got there Bolt linked, “The yard is her property it counts.” I agreed with him because I couldn’t resist her lips anymore. Bolt agreed with my actions of tasting her outside too. She moaned my name, and that was it.

I couldn’t stop until Matt linked me, “The entire pack gets its. Lexie may be all ‘Don’t stop Chase please’, but the rest of us want you to STOP AND GO INSIDE! Seriously! INSIDE!” I smirked and came out from under her dress. I picked her up and ran inside.

Matt linked, “We all thank you.” I retorted, “Watch it or we will go back outside.” Matt snorted, “They’d hear you two all the way over in Alpha Eric’s territory. I swear that man has to have ALL his damn people avoiding our shared border.” I asked, “So what if he does? That’s his problem. Goodnight, Matt.” Matt was grumbling but I shut my link down.

I was planning to build a shrine to this dress. I was fucked for whatever mating ceremony dress she picked out. I’d have to have Haley conjure her multiples because I’d probably destroy it. Repeatedly. I set out to worship her the way she deserved. There was no inch of her I didn’t kiss. She was perfect. I fell asleep perfectly content holding her to me.

When we woke my only feeling was dread. Lexi would be in danger today, without me. Again. Bolt sighed in relief, “Mate is coming to the pack.” That did make it better. I linked Matt, “Lexi is coming to help Ted set up.” Matt replied, “Thank the Moon Goddess. I thought I was going to deal with my moody mate and your grumpy ass all day without her.”

I ignored the jab and asked, “Are you at the pack already?” Matt answered, “We just pulled up with the supplies.” I ordered, “Let my dad know Lexi is coming.” Matt asked, “The reason you aren’t telling him is because…?” I admitted, “Because he will lecture me about her, and I’ll ignore him. It’s a thing we do now. Just tell him to make himself scarce.” Matt sighed, “Telling your dad not to be near Lexi.” Good.

I found Lexi dancing around while she cooked downstairs. I silently pulled out my chair and watched her. Matt linked me, “He’s pissed.” I replied, “I don’t care.” My dad linked me, “Why won’t you just let me apologize to Lexi? I’ll leave her alone after that.” I ignored him.

He pleaded, “Chase, please. I am sorry and I miss you, son.” My heart clenched because I missed him too. I pushed that aside. I focused on Lexi dancing as she made our breakfast. She was a great cook. Her pancakes were fluffy perfection. We both ate quickly. I could tell she was anxious to get everything set up at the pack so we got moving quickly. Ted was waiting with a bright smile for her.

Matt linked me, “Come on. Let’s go.” I asked, “Where are we going?” Matt raised an eyebrow, “You are going to get in a workout. You have so much energy I want to dance.” I sighed. He was right. I nodded to Kincade and Kevin who were coming into the school.

I linked Nadine, “Ted and Lexi are setting up for the Halloween party. I’m sure they’d love your help.” Nadine asked, “Really? You think they would?” I responded, “I do.” Nadine replied, “I’m on my way!” I could tell she was excited, and I was touched. She really didn’t know just how much she was valued here. I’d have to do something about that.

For now, I followed Matt. We worked out for a few hours before Matt said, “Ted linked me to let me know they are almost done.” I hit the shower and grabbed some clothes. We walked back into the school. The pack were all trying to sneak a peek at Lexi. I rolled my eyes because they were about as subtle as a wreck ball.

I smiled as I looked around at the Halloween house. They’d done a great job. Everything looked great. Everyone was buzzing with excitement. I wrapped my arms around Lexi. The pack link was basically screaming in excitement, so I blocked it out.

When I asked if she had time to eat lunch everyone leaned in waiting to hear her answer. Matt linked, “Dear Moon Goddess, please let her have time. For all our sakes.” Bolt sighed in relief, “She can stay. We can keep an eye on her longer.” I was right there with him along with Ted, Matt, Nadine, and several teachers. I guess my anxiety was catching on in the pack.

I took Lexi’s hand and led her up to the house. Nadine linked, “Your dad took Susie on a walk.” I smiled at her, “Thanks.” Nadine let me know, “I’m going to join them with a picnic basket I packed.” I nodded, “Have fun.”

Lunch was peaceful. I couldn’t help but think this was how it was supposed to be. Once Derrick met his mate, we’d all be here together as we should be. A warrior in my pack, Bob, walked in. He linked me, “Alpha Cameron is on the phone. Ten rogues just attacked them.” I needed to handle that, and Lexi had to leave. When she flashed out with Ted I couldn’t move. Was it harder to breathe? It felt like it.

Derrick nudged me, “Chase, Cameron’s on the phone.” I stared at the door Lexi had left through. Panic had gripped me. She was going out tonight alone. She could get hurt, and I’d never know. I’d have to depend on her brother to tell me. What if she didn’t come back?

Matt snapped his fingers in front of my face as my dad, Nadine, and Susie walked in. Matt said, “Earth to Chase. Cameron is waiting on the phone. Lexi is still with Ted.” I cleared my throat and turned, but not before I saw my dad's worried expression. I pushed that aside. I didn’t have to worry about him. Lexi was taking up all that space in my head.

I walked into my office and put my phone on speaker. I greeted, “Cameron, are you alright?” Cameron assured me, “I’m fine. Were you in Sophia’s territory? That was the slowest walk to the phone ever.” I replied, “Lexi was here, and she just left.” Cameron quietly told me, “She’ll be ok.” I snapped back, “We don’t know that.”

Matt jumped in, “We know Ted has told us she’s one of their best, and that her brother doesn't want her to get to hurt.” I changed the topic, “Anyway. Do you think these rogues were a test?” Cameron acknowledged, “I do. One shifted back before I killed him and said this is the beginning.”