We finally roll into the Diaz Pack territory just after the sun has set. Considering we left at the crack of dawn, it’s about time we got here.
Their patrol wolves pick up our scent and intercept us before we can make our way down the road to the pack house.
We stay put in our vehicles as they approach the one Alpha Trent is in, exchange a few words, and then wave us through.
At least they had the sense to check us out. The Diaz pack isn’t exactly known for its stellar reputation. The word on the street is they’re a bit disorganized, which is why rogues have a field day on their lands.
That’s probably why we’re going to be here for a while—either to help them learn how to fend off the rogues or to do the dirty work ourselves.
Honestly, I’d rather do it myself. Training inexperienced pups is a pain in the ass.
They get all riled up and lose their cool when they’re taken down, then they lose control of their wolves, things get messy, and they end up hurt.
If they don’t throw in the towel after that, they might just have what it takes. I guess we’ll find out.
We pull up to the pack house and I have to admit, it’s pretty impressive. Not as grand as our pack house, but it’s got its own charm.
There’s a sizable porch out front with a roof supported by large white pillars. It reminds me of a mansion. Actually, it is a mansion. All pack houses are basically mansions, just with different architectural styles.
We get out of our vehicles, and I grab my duffle bag, sling it over my shoulder, and stuff my hands into my jeans pockets.
I trail behind the rest of the guys as Alpha Trent is led into the house by who I’m guessing is the pack’s beta. I didn’t catch his name, and frankly, I don’t really care to.
We all gather near the entrance and take in our surroundings. The walls are painted a soft cream color and adorned with pictures of what I assume are pack members.
I glance around without much interest. All I really want is to be shown to my room so I can get some shut-eye. That drive was a real slog.
Suddenly, my nose twitches as I catch a whiff of a peculiar scent—a blend of lavender and sandalwood. I take a few more sniffs as the fragrance envelops me and soothes my senses.
Damn, whatever it is smells amazing. It must be a candle or something, but damn, I want it. I want to take it back to my place and light it just so I can bask in its scent every damn day.
I can feel my wolf urging me forward, and I hold him back, but not before he nudges me to the front of my warriors, standing beside my alpha.
Then I snap out of it, planting myself firmly in one spot. I have no idea what’s gotten into my wolf, but I can’t disrespect my alpha’s orders, and I can’t just go snooping around to find that candle.
I’ll just have to ask one of the pack members here where I can buy it once I get settled in.
The scent hits me stronger here in front of the crowd, and I look around to see if I can pinpoint where it’s coming from.
I freeze when my gaze locks with the most stunning girl I’ve ever laid eyes on, making her way down the stairs. Tessa has nothing on this girl.
Her flawless ebony skin looks so smooth, unmarred by any scars or marks. Her curly brown hair cascades perfectly down her back, practically begging my fingers to run through it.
And those eyes. Damn, those deep brown eyes are pulling me in and making me never want to leave.
Shock courses through me as I realize what’s happening. No. No. NO! Not again. Not this shit again. I can’t do it. I won’t!
But I can’t move. All I can do is stand there, wide-eyed, and stare at the beauty who has made her way to the bottom of the steps and hasn’t taken her eyes off me once.
As soon as her feet touch the bottom step, she throws herself at me, wraps her arms around my neck, buries her face in my neck, and inhales deeply.
I find myself mirroring her actions, inhaling her sweet scent, running my nose up the side of her neck, causing her to shiver involuntarily.
I smirk at her reaction, but before anything else can happen, Alpha Trent is yanking my girl away from me, eliciting a harsh warning growl from me.
I know my eyes are flashing gold as my wolf tries to take control and reclaim our mate from our alpha, but I hold him back.
Trent growls back, and his eyes reflect his confusion as he looks down at her.
“What the hell is going on here?” he demands, his gaze darting between us.
She smiles sweetly, gently placing her hand on top of his, which is wrapped around her upper arm. She lowers it but doesn’t let go of his hand.
I glare fiercely, hoping she’ll drop it soon before I lose my cool.
“I think I can explain,” she says. Her voice is like a gentle rain, soothing and calming. Before she can say anything else, her mirror image comes bounding down the stairs.
Confused, I look back and forth between the two girls.
The only difference between them is that the one coming down the stairs is wearing a pink dress and the one beside Trent is wearing a blue one. But the dress itself is identical.
Alpha Trent and I share a similarly puzzled look. The girl in the pink dress wraps her arms around Trent.
The one in the blue dress moves closer to me, looping her arm through mine. What the fuck is going on?
The one in pink stands on her tiptoes to kiss Trent before smiling sweetly at me. She looks up at Trent before speaking. “Trent, this is my sister, Cora.”
Cora, smiling sweetly at me, continues her sister’s introduction. “And this is my sister, Nora.” Cora turns back to face Nora and Alpha Trent.
“And this is my new mate!” She intertwines her fingers with mine and holds our hands up for everyone to see.
Behind me, I can hear gasps and murmurs from my pack as I stand, frozen in shock. Only one thought crosses my mind: Not this shit again.
