Chapter 9: Jamie

9

JAMIE

M y shaky legs carry me through the old forest on autopilot. While my subconscious focuses on not tripping up, my thoughts are stuck on Dean Reynolds.

I can’t believe that arrogant asshole isn’t even going to bother escorting us to the packhouse. That’s how little he thinks of us.

Aside from the fact that he's showing no interest in claiming me, what kind of alpha leaves two rogues, who snuck onto his territory uninvited, in the hands of his beta to go back to a party? Especially when one of them is as strong as my brother. Does he really not see us as a threat?

And to add insult to injury, Dean hasn’t even gone back to the party. At least, not yet.

Every nerve in my body is fixated on the intriguing alpha, who is, in fact, travelling further into the depths of the ancient dark woods, the opposite direction to the party that grows louder with each step we take.

I raise an eyebrow at Wyatt who merely shrugs, unconcerned by the mysterious alpha’s behaviour. We’re in. That’s all he cares about.

My wolf, on the other hand, is not impressed. In fact, she’s downright insulted that he’s chosen not to accompany us. What I thought was him being a pompous ass, she chose to interpret as flirting, not understanding that an alpha like him has no interest in a rogue like me.

I don’t share the same desire to follow the man into the trees that my wolf does, I will admit that despite his brutish attitude, he's easily the most attractive man I’ve ever met. His hypnotic silver eyes pull you in. And that scent, a heady combination of outdoors and strong alpha pheromones, had me weak at the knees.

Not that it matters. He might be handsome but he’s clearly a dick. And I’m here for answers, not a man.

Instead of dwelling on why my wolf is so smitten, I focus on the fact that Wyatt and I have achieved our primary objective. We’re in, with the added bonus of getting to sleep in a real bed for the night. And Dean’s suggestion that I leave the competing part to Wyatt makes me think my brother has a chance.

Wyatt doesn’t look happy, though. He’s got a strange look on his face as we trudge through the overgrowth. The noise from the crowd inside spills out through the open packhouse doors as guests come outside to get some fresh air, their laughter reaching us as we make our way through the gradually thinning trees.

“What?” I ask, irritated when he shoots me yet another judgmental look.

WYATT: Don’t antagonise him, Jamie. He let us stay. Just leave it at that.

Does he really think I’m stupid enough to ruin this now that we’ve gotten this far?

“Wait here,” Callum instructs, pointing at the ground unnecessarily and fixing us with a stern gaze as we walk up to the front of a huge, rambling mansion. It’s an impressive packhouse, not where I’d have expected Dean would live. Somehow, it doesn’t fit with the serious, uptight alpha we just met.

It’s showy and pretentious, designed with only one thing in mind: letting everyone know how much money it cost to build. Impressing others doesn’t seem like it’s high on Dean’s priorities.

His shaggy, dark-haired beta walks inside, long rangy legs taking the steps two at a time, while the other enforcers stay behind to keep an eye on us. They’re still suspicious, and rightly so, while their alpha is apparently recklessly casual about his guests' safety. We could be the vicious, marauding type of rogues, the ones who live to cause trouble and mayhem.

We’re not, but Dean Reynolds doesn’t know that.

Ignoring their blatant stares, and well used to attracting mistrust, I drift closer to the door, brushing my fingers over the ornately carved handle.

I picture my mother standing here, right where I am, looking out over the landscape, and imagine what it must have been like that first day she arrived. How did she feel, coming here all alone? Did she love the view of the mountains in the distance and the river to the west? Or, without her children by her side, did this feel like a prison, albeit a luxurious one?

There’s a strangely peaceful feel to this place, despite its troubled history. It’s untouched and wild, and the air buzzes with electricity, like the atmosphere after a big storm. I thought it would be dark and depressing, that the ghosts of the past would make this place feel creepy. Much as it pains me to admit, it’s anything but.

I feel lighter here. Maybe it’s being close to other wolves, and the prospect of getting some much-needed social interaction with other shifters. Or it could be the feeling that things might be looking up, after feeling powerless for so long.

Giggles and hushed whispers announce the arrival of three teenage girls, who immediately fall silent when they spot me, Wyatt, and our two guards. Mainly focused on Wyatt, they stare wide-eyed as they absorb his sheer size before edging past us to the welcoming party. It’s getting more and more raucous as the anticipation for tomorrow’s event builds.

They should be tucked up in bed, resting the night before a competition, but with wolf recovery so fast, they’re opting to play fast and loose with their preparations.

Not very alpha-like behaviour.

Leaning forward, I peer into the ballroom as the girls walk through double doors, arms linked. Pure, unadulterated joy flows from the room, and for a second, I choke up, overwhelmed by being so close to it.

As always, Wyatt and I are on the outside, looking in. I long to go inside and join the fun, but I stay put, unwilling to do anything that might risk our place here. Soon. We’ll be in the thick of it all soon.

My excitement fades though, as I imagine their horrified faces when we join the party. That familiar feeling of not being wanted burns inside me. Every time we get moved on by another pack no longer willing to ignore our presence on the outskirts of their land, it’s another nail in the coffin of my dreams of being part of a pack again.

But here, within our grasp, is a second chance.

Dean pops into my head once more, and I briefly wonder whether our arrival is the reason why he’s not here. He has no intention of defending our inclusion when the inevitable uproar begins. He’s leaving us to face the angry mob alone.

I don’t care how much my wolf drools over him; he hasn’t done anything to impress the woman in me.

“We need beds for these. Dean wants them in the packhouse, not the dorms.” Callum appears with a beaming she-wolf at his side and points at us. His instructions are curt, but the woman hurrying forward doesn’t seem bothered at all by his tone. She’s his polar opposite, smiling brightly and offering me a huge hug, before giving Wyatt an admiring once over, and doing her very best to make us feel at ease.

“Okay, so you’re our late arrivals. I heard you made quite an entrance. Follow me.” With a big grin, she leads us inside and straight up the wide staircase.

I let my fingers trail over the ornate carvings, marvelling at the smoothness. It’s all so fancy compared to our usual digs.

“Dean mentioned that you’re light on supplies after going for a dip in the river. I’ll find some spare clothes and have them sent to your room.”

It’s not just because we were crossing the river, but I keep that to myself. Eyeing up our sole backpack, slung across Wyatt’s back, Lynn continues to talk over her shoulder as she turns right, leading us down a long corridor. The jumble of scents from the party melts away the further we walk.

This part of the house is rarely used. Nobody else is staying here, and nobody has for a long time, although it’s recently been cleaned. It smells like furniture polish and fabric softener, and not the engrained scents of regular occupants. It’s an entire wing of guest rooms, left empty, while me and Wyatt search for somewhere to lay our heads most nights.

“He’s keeping us hidden here so we can’t get into trouble then?” I ask, earning myself a poke in the ribs from Wyatt.

Lynn stops in front of one door and hands Wyatt a key, before turning to me with another, considering my question.

“I don’t think that’s why Dean’s put you here. These are better rooms than anyone else has. Maybe you just look like you could use a comfortable bed for the night?” She looks genuinely confused as to why I would think his intentions were anything but pure. She didn’t hear him telling me to quit because I’m just a girl with no hope of winning.

But I’m really excited about sleeping in a soft bed, so I keep my thoughts to myself.

And while this lovely woman might not be offended by our presence, some will be. Dean’s probably trying to avoid any conflict by keeping us separated from the main group. That seems much more in keeping with his character than a kind gesture.

“What Jamie really meant to say was thank you for your hospitality, especially at this late hour,” Wyatt says, all but apologising for my snarky attitude.

I smile at Lynn, suitably chastened, and mouth sorry . Lynn doesn’t deserve any attitude from me just because her alpha was somewhat abrupt.

Wyatt nudges me in the back, hard, when Lynn opens the door wide. She gestures for me to go in and I stumble inside from the force of his shove, my jaw nearly hitting the floor when I see the luxurious bedroom before me. I’ve never seen anything like this, let alone slept there. It's been weeks since I had a bed anywhere but the forest floor, and I could cry just imagining crawling into those crisp sheets for the night.

Aware that Lynn is staring at me and waiting for me to come further inside, I step toward the picture windows and stare at the magical scenery before me. My head swivels from side to side, scarcely believing this is real, as I take in the huge windows, giant four-poster bed, and a clawfoot tub in the corner of the room.

“You should have everything you need, but just holler if you want anything. Once you’re settled, come down to the party. There should still be food. If not, let me know, and I’ll rustle up something.” She points out the unopened toiletries in the massive ensuite, and a shower that could fit an entire football team. “Alpha Steel will be addressing everyone about what’s happening in the morning, so at the very least, try and make it down for that.”

Handing us two printed sheets and a wristband each, she suddenly gets serious.

“The rules here are simple. Conduct yourself as you would if you were an alpha. Assume that someone is always watching. Every second of your stay here is part of the competition, the judging isn’t just confined to the challenges.” We both nod, and she continues. “You’re guests here. Respect our home and remember that many in our pack haven't seen a stranger in decades. Be considerate of that.”

Wyatt blinks, looking at me, then back to Lynn. “That’s it. No laundry list of things we can’t do or places we can’t go?”

Lynn shrugs. “We’re back to the ‘assume someone is always watching’ part. You’re all grown-ups. If you don’t know how to conduct yourself while visiting another pack, you won’t last long.”

Holding the page up, I scan the schedule, noting the start time for the first challenge tomorrow, and more worryingly, the lack of information about what any of these events are. It’s all very mysterious, and while I’m looking forward to testing myself against these pack powerhouses, I’m also nervous.

It’s happening. We’re here, and we’re really going to do this.

“This is all very reasonable. I thought Alpha Reynolds would be more…” Wyatt begins, but frowns, trying to find the right words to say what he means without insulting her boss.

“Of a dictator? Jackass?” She helpfully supplies, with a knowing smile. “Graham Reynolds? Yes, absolutely, he was as awful as you’ve heard. Dean? No. He’s a good man. Things are different now.”

I’m so confused.

Dean allowed us to come onto his lands, begrudgingly, but he did. He’s downright surly about letting me compete, and then abandons us to apparently go for a walk in the woods in the dark about his intentions.

Yet he sends someone to fetch us more clothes. He keeps us close by and puts us up in the finest accommodation, away from those who might torment us. Is he keeping an eye on us, or keeping us safe?

Running my hands along the luxurious bed sheets, I can’t figure out which he is, grumpy and overbearing, or generous and protective.

My wolf disagrees with my cynicism but she’s hardly impartial. She’s going all starry-eyed at the mere thought of him.

Clapping her hands together, Lynn snaps my attention back to her. “I’ll leave you alone to get settled. I’m on the top floor if you need anything.”

My gut clenches and I grip the table beside me as my stomach rolls.

“The alpha suite?” I guess, something dark and ugly raising its head inside me.

Lynn seems to feel my wolf’s agitation, but she finds my reaction amusing rather than offensive, her lip twitching in a half-smile. “That’s the one. If I’m not in the alpha’s office, I’ll be there.”

My wolf is not happy. In fact, she’s downright furious. We suspected he might be mated when he didn’t react to the other wolf’s heat, I don’t really understand why.