Chapter 40: Chapter 40

EVIE

I skipped down the corridor, not too upset about missing a dull meeting with an old man who had a prejudice against humans. As I approached the elevator, I could feel Noah’s gaze leaving me. I was certain he had retreated to his office, even without turning to check.

I chose to ignore the slight creepiness of it all. Instead of hopping onto the elevator, I spun around and began to explore the pack house. I didn’t feel like holing up in my room. I wanted to socialize with the pack members.

I made sure to steer clear of the main lobby to avoid bumping into the elder before he reached Noah’s office. I found myself in the rec room, surrounded by lively and enthusiastic werewolves. There were multiple games of billiards, darts, cards, and some sort of racing video game happening simultaneously.

Snacks were being passed around from the bar as teenagers and young adults darted around the room.

“Luna!” A brown-haired guy in his twenties whizzed past me.

“What brings you here?” Another brunette, trailing the first guy, asked.

“Boredom.” I shrugged.

He laughed. “Want to join our game?” He gestured toward the pool table that was just being set up.

“Sure. But I should warn you, I’m terrible at pool.” I chuckled.

“We all are.” He shrugged, leading the way. “I’m Jason, by the way. That’s Sammy and Chase.” Jason introduced the guys who were standing around the pool table.

“Nice to officially meet you, Luna,” the one Jason identified as Chase said.

“Please, call me Evie,” I requested.

The guys shared a laugh.

“Want a drink, Evie?” Sammy asked, heading toward the snack bar.

“Sure, anything is fine,” I replied.

Sammy returned with a pitcher of soda and cups for everyone. The pool game kicked off with us splitting into teams of two. I was paired with Jason while Sammy and Chase formed the other team.

Jason was right—we were all pretty bad. Nearly half an hour had passed, and we were nowhere near finishing the game. We had determined that my team was solids and Sammy’s team was stripes. That was about all we had figured out.

“Look alive, boys, the she-wolves have arrived,” Sammy grumbled, gulping down his soda as if he wished it were something stronger.

I glanced toward the entrance and recognized the brightly dressed girls who had just walked in. It was Lauren, Rachel, and Madison from the spa—the she-wolves who despised me and were infatuated with Noah.

“Those are our mates,” Jason whispered from behind me.

“Oh,” I responded, surprised.

Given the way those three fawned over Noah and threatened me, I had assumed they were mateless.

“We’re all chosen mates,” Chase added, watching the she-wolves strut across the room.

I paused for a moment, pondering the meaning of that phrase. I had heard it before, and I think it referred to a wolf choosing someone as their mate instead of waiting for their… I think it was called a ~destined mate~, like Noah and I.

I sighed inwardly. There was so much I still didn’t understand. I could tell the exact moment the three women noticed I was standing with their mates. They made a beeline for the pool table, shooting me hostile glances.

“So, stealing the alpha isn’t enough for you? You need our mates too?” The one I think was Rachel snapped at me, hands firmly planted on her hips.

Sammy approached Rachel and tapped her shoulder. “We’re just playing a game of pool, Rach,” he said, earning a glare from Rachel.

“What are you even doing here? Isn’t the alpha in a meeting?” Lauren smirked, with Jason by her side.

“She’s a *human*, Lauren; she isn’t welcome in any meetings,” Madison cackled, walking over to Chase.

“Shut up, Maddy.” Chase glared at her.

I was taken aback by his tone with his mate, knowing Noah would never speak to me that way. I was beginning to see the difference between a destined and chosen mate.

“Rude.” Madison pouted.

“He’s just defending his luna,” Jason chimed in. “You shouldn’t be talking to her like that.”

“I don’t see the alpha here to do anything about it,” Lauren retorted.

“No, but I’m standing right here,” I finally spoke up.

I remember being paralyzed by fear at the Wellness Center, but that was a thing of the past. Now, after spending quality time with Noah and within the pack house, I felt a newfound confidence surging within me.

Rachel laughed heartily. “Really? You’re so petite.”

I didn’t need Noah to fight my battles. “I am your future luna, and I won’t tolerate such disrespect. I’ve already handled the ex-alpha, Toby, and I won’t hesitate to deal with you three either,” I retorted, my arms folded across my chest.

The room fell into a hush, all ears tuned into my fiery declaration. I could feel the pack members’ eyes on me, but my attention was solely on the three she-wolves who dared to challenge my authority.

A low growl echoed from behind me. I turned to find Sawyer—his face a mask of menace—had entered the game room. He remained silent.

“Yes, Luna.”

“We’re sorry, Luna.”

“It won’t happen again, Luna.”

The she-wolves mumbled their apologies, heads bowed, eyes glued to the floor.

“I should hope not. Apologies accepted,” I responded, spinning on my heel and striding out of the room.

Sawyer was quick to follow.

“Evie, wait…” he started, but it was too late.

I collided with the very person Sawyer was supposed to keep me away from—the elder. He was tall, commanding, with graying hair, dull eyes, and a weathered face. He walked with the aid of a wooden cane, a slight limp in his step.

“So, you’re the famous human,” the old man stuttered.

Sawyer positioned himself protectively beside me. I glanced past the elder, hoping to see Noah, but was let down.

“I’m Evie,” I introduced myself.

“Luna, meet Elder Jacob,” Sawyer introduced, his tone rigid.

“Pleasure to meet you, Elder Jacob,” I responded as formally as I could muster.

“Wish I could say the same,” the elder grumbled.

Before I could take offense, something behind me caught the elder’s attention.

“Seems like the humans are multiplying,” he commented.

I turned to find Elijah and Molly strolling down the hallway. I noticed Sawyer’s eyes darken, a clear sign he was mind-linking Molly.

“This is my brother Elijah, Molly’s mate,” I explained, pulling my brother closer to me protectively.

“Remember, keeping our existence a secret from humans is our most sacred law. That includes your family, Miss Evie,” Elder Jacob scoffed.

“But revealing the werewolf secret to one’s mate isn’t a priority, right, Elder Jacob?” I countered, maintaining my polite tone and calm demeanor.

“That’s correct, Miss Evie,” he grumbled.

“Good, I’m glad we’re on the same page. Elijah only knows about werewolves because of his mate, Molly.”

If this guy called me “Miss Evie” one more time, I was going to lose it.

“The luna is well-versed in the rules and guidelines of our pack, Elder Jacob.” Sawyer emphasized my title.

“I see.” Elder Jacob tapped his cane on the ground. “I must be going,” he announced.

“Let me walk you out,” I offered.

“I can manage,” the elder snapped, jerking his arm away from mine as I reached for his elbow.

“Safe travels.” Good riddance.