Chapter 7

• Cain's point of view.
• I'm getting ready for the evening's events in the shower. I lean against the cold wall, trying to calm myself; my mind has been racing since I ran into that redhead. I spent the entire night on the ground outside her house, just in case a rogue wolf decided to try his luck. She has me in pieces, just the thought of her and I'm as hard as wood.
• "For God's sake! "Damn her, wolf!" I can't take it any longer and resolve to solve the problem myself, stroking my hand down my body and tightly gripping myself. Never before have I felt so out of control and desperate to bed a woman I don't even know. As I get closer to the edge, the shape of her body, those bright eyes, and plump luscious lips all flood my mind and finish me quickly, and I pound a fist into the wall at my indiscretion. That hasn't helped me at all; if anything, it has made me want her even more. Oh, goddess, please make this day end soon. I check the time as I quickly exit the shower. I just need to get ready and get through the night.
• ________
• Chelsey's point of view.
• "You ready, little bear?" My father called from the basement.
• I'm standing in front of my mirror, inspecting myself. The dress I chose is a deep green that contrasts with my scarlet hair; it's long and formal in a soft silk that hugs my curves, highlighting them and pushing my boobs high on my chest. I don't have a big chest, but this dress gives the impression that I do. To bring out my coloring, I used thick mascara and silver shadow on my eyes. I've chosen silver heels to go with it; I won't be wearing any of it for long, but I still look like a sheik. With one last touch-up, I've straightened out my waves and it's now down to the middle of my back. Okay, I think I'm ready...
• "Coming!" I take my time walking down the stairs. I don't wear heels very often; they're only appropriate for formal occasions like this one. My father's eyes meet mine and he smiles warmly; I removed his chain when it was time for him to get ready. He can't stay in here all night. Every member of the pack is required to attend.
• "Your mother would be so proud of you right now." When I reach the bottom of the stairs, I notice a small tear form in the corner of his eye. For my comfort, he maintains a small distance between us. He has assured me that he will be fine on our way to the Alpha's mansion, where the festival will be held. In the car, I'm nervous and bouncing my leg in the foot well furiously.
• "Everything is going to be fine. "You can do it." I nod in response to my father's soothing words. 'Goddess, please keep me safe,' I pray.
• When we arrive, two security guards separate my father and me. When he said there had been rumors of bumped security, he wasn't kidding.
• "Mated or family?" My father winces when one of the guards asks him.
• "Daughter." He stated clearly while one of my hairs remained at my side.
• "First or second shift?" He asks me out of nowhere.
• "Yes, sir..." I respond quietly. The scents of all the wolves begin to invade my senses, and the pain in my limbs intensifies.
• "This way, sir." The other guard grabs my father's upper arm and begins to lead him away.
• "Don't worry, sweetie. I promise you'll be fine." My father calls over his shoulder, and I can hear him worried.
• "This way, miss...?"
• "Oh please, no miss... just call me Chelsey..." my guard says with a warm smile.
• "Chelsey. Everything will be alright. Please do not be alarmed; these are the new Alpha's orders that she wolves be accompanied during the shift this evening." As my wolf stirs under my skin, I nod, feeling my anxiety flare inside me. It's as if she's clawing at every brown in my body, and it's a struggle not to whimper in pain. "My name is Hanz, by the way. As I can tell, you're in pain, which means your wolf is on her way; once she appears, all you have to do is call to me in your mind. During your shift, you will join the pack link..." I nod once more. Words appear to have deserted me. "I understand it's a lot to take in. My first time was terrifying..." In awe, I look up at the massive hulking guard. How could someone like this be terrified of anything? "Don't look so surprised, or you'll wound me." He winks, which makes me feel a little better.
• "What happens now?" Through the pain, I whisper as loudly as I can.
• "You will join the unmated she wolves and the others coming of age, and as a formality, you will be presented to the new Alpha..."
• "Oh, my goddess..." I shift uncomfortably from foot to foot, attempting to alleviate some of the pain.
• "We should go inside right now, miss... sorry, Chelsey." I nod and follow him to the Alpha's mansion.
• -------
• Cain's point of view.
• I was standing on the main raised platform, next to my father and beta. I gaze out over the wolf swarm. Everyone was dressed to the nines, but no one could compete with the beauty I discovered...
• "Do you have a sense of your mate Alpha?" Josh inquires from my side. I need to talk to him right now, before it's too late.
• "Josh, I have something I need to tell you..." When that scent smacks me in the face, I pause. I look up to see the crowd parting like the Red Sea as the beautiful little redheaded she wolf is led down the middle.
• I examine her defenses. She's lucky to have Hanz, who did exactly what I asked. He is a fiercely obedient warrior who would walk into fire if I asked him to. Looking at him now reveals my answer. He is the beta I need for effective leadership. He is well-liked by everyone and is an honest man whom I trust to be around that stunning woman.
• "Oh fuck..." my gaze is drawn to Josh, who is staring at her and licking his lips like a wild dog. I give a low warning growl to get his attention.
• "Sorry, Alpha."
• "Get to know a woman before gawking at her, Josh!" I can smell his desire, and it bothers me and makes me angry.
• "Alpha... I recognize her. Chelsey is my ex-girlfriend..."
• Oh my fucking God...