Chapter 9

9

DINNER’S READY

Octavia

I watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, as Wyatt and I finish up the last bits of work in his office. The smell of juniper berries, amber, pine and leather fills the air, a comforting reminder of the sanctuary we’ve created within these walls as I inhale our scents. Wyatt’s fingers run through his hair as he glances at the clock, and I feel the familiar flutter in my stomach. Dinner awaits, and I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation.

He reaches for my hand, his warmth enveloping me as we step out into the hallway. Together, we make our way down the stairs, the sound of our footsteps echoing softly in the otherwise quiet house.

As we enter the dining area, the atmosphere shifts. The room is alive with laughter and chatter, the long table adorned with an array of colorful dishes that make my mouth water. Wyatt’s parents, Jeanette and Camden, are seated at the head, their smiles welcoming. To the left side, Beta Dalton and Gamma Harrison share an animated conversation, their voices rising above the clinking of silverware.

“Octavia and Wyatt!” Jeanette calls, her voice bright and warm. “I’m so glad you could join us for dinner.”

I feel a rush of affection as I meet her gaze. “Thank you for having me,” I reply, stepping further into the room.

Wyatt pulls out a chair for me, the gesture both sweet and possessive. I sit down, feeling the weight of everyone’s attention. His chair is close enough that our knees almost touch, and I relish the connection.

“Octavia,” Harrison says, his tone shifting from jovial to sincere, “I wish you would have asked me to go with you earlier today. I feel like the situation could’ve been avoided.”

I shake my head, my heart tightening at the memory. “It’s not your fault, Harrison. I needed to make it known that Wyatt is mine. He’s my mate, and I won’t stand for anyone thinking they can take him away from me.”

Wyatt’s eyes darken, and he leans closer, a low growl rumbling in his chest. “That’s right. Baby, no one will ever come between us.”

The intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine, but it’s not fear — it’s a thrill of excitement. In a swift movement, he leans over the arm of his chair and presses his lips against mine, a possessive kiss that leaves my heart racing.

Jeanette watches us with a fond smile, turning to Camden. “We’re so lucky to have such a loyal daughter-in-law who loves our son so much. And we both know Wyatt can be a handful, so good luck to Octavia since he’s her problem now,” she says, her voice soft with humor.

Camden smirks at his wife and says with a laugh, “Jeanette, don’t tease the boy. He’s found his mate and I know we couldn’t be happier but give her some room to breathe.”

I feel the rush of tears prick at my eyes, the warmth of her words washing over me like a blanket. Family. It’s a concept I’ve longed for, something I’ve been without for so long. I blink back the tears, but they spill over, and Wyatt catches them with his finger, his touch gentle and reassuring.

“Mate,” he murmurs, kissing my hand and holding it tightly in his. The world around us fades as I focus solely on him, the way his presence calms my racing heart.

As dinner is served, the conversation shifts, and I’m grateful for the distraction. Dalton clears his throat, his expression growing serious. “We need to discuss the meeting I had with the warriors today. There’s been chatter among the other packs as I told you Wyatt, and they might see this as a time to strike.”

I can feel the tension in the air shift, the lightness of the moment dissipating with Dalton’s words. “What do you mean?” I ask, my stomach tightening.

“They see the Waterton Pack gaining a Luna as a sign of strength,” Dalton explains. “With you as Wyatt’s mate, they might think it’s the perfect time to challenge us. We need to up our security.”

Wyatt’s grip on my hand tightens, his jaw set in a hard line. “We will not let anyone threaten what we’ve built. I’ll double the patrols and ensure that everyone is on high alert. Make sure that morning training is extended an hour also.”

I look around the table, my heart pounding. This is my new reality, a world filled with power dynamics and the weight of expectations. But as I glance at Wyatt, I feel a surge of determination.

“Maybe we can set up a meeting with the other packs or even invite a few of the other alphas to our ceremony,” I suggest, surprising even myself. “If they understand our strength and unity, maybe they’ll think twice about challenging us.”

Wyatt raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “You believe we can negotiate?”

“Why not?” I reply, feeling a rush of confidence. “If they see that we’re not afraid to stand together, they might reconsider their options.”

Harrison nods, his expression thoughtful. “It could work. If we show that we’re united, it might deter any aggressive unnecessary actions.”

“Let’s arrange it,” Dalton agrees, his tone more optimistic. “But we’ll need to be strategic. Your representation as a strong Luna will play a significant role in this.”

I feel the weight of their expectations settle on my shoulders, but it’s a weight I’m willing to bear. This is my family now, and I’ll protect them just as fiercely as they’ll protect me.

Dinner continues, the conversation flowing between topics of pack dynamics and security strategies. I listen intently, my mind racing with ideas and possibilities. With Wyatt by my side, I feel more capable than ever.

As dessert is served — an exquisite triple layer chocolate cake that melts in my mouth — I can’t help but steal glances at Wyatt. He catches me looking and smirks, a teasing glint in his eyes.

“What?” I ask, feigning innocence.

“You’re thinking too hard,” he replies, his voice low and playful. “It’s supposed to be dinner, not a war council.”

I laugh, the sound ringing out in the room and breaking the tension that had settled earlier. “Maybe a little of both,” I say, nudging him playfully.

“Fair enough,” he concedes, but I can see the seriousness lurking beneath his playful demeanor.

As the evening wears on, I find solace in the camaraderie of Wyatt’s family and the sense of belonging that surrounds us. The laughter, the shared stories — these moments feel precious, and I’m determined to protect them however I can.

When dinner finally concludes, and we all move to the living room, I lean into Wyatt’s side, feeling the warmth of his body against mine.

“Are you okay, baby girl?” he asks quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, my heart full. “I am. I just… I want to make sure we’re ready for whatever comes next.”

He kisses the top of my head, a reassuring gesture that sends a wave of comfort through me. “We will be. Together.”

As the night stretches on, laughter fills the air, but beneath it all, I can’t shake the feeling that change is coming. The future holds uncertainties, but with Wyatt by my side, I feel prepared to face anything.

After all, I’m not just Octavia Bellmont, the lone wolf, I’m not alone anymore. I’m a part of the Waterton Pack, and I intend to fight for my place in this world. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I’ll face them head-on, fueled by the love of my mate and the fierce loyalty of my newfound family.