I pull up to the edge of the Moonstone Pack's property where several guards were on duty. There's a chill to the air, the first signs of winter nipping at my underdressed skin, but I welcome it.

"Warrior Rey, welcome," one of the guards approaches me, hand outstretched.

I accept it and give him a firm handshake in return, but I can't help the apprehension that crosses my face.

"You were expecting me?" I raise my eyebrow at him.

He motions for me to follow him as he heads towards the pack house.

"We were told to expect a Warrior. I recognized you the second I saw you. You're famous."

"I'm not famous," I roll my eyes.

"Please," he scoffs. "Not many people, even Warriors, can boast a body count quite like yours."

I simply shrug and nod my head, unable to deny it. I try not to be cocky about my skills, but confidence is strength, and I can't let anyone see my weaknesses, especially a complete stranger.

"Are you going to ask me my name?" He grins down at me as he leads me through the kitchen to the back yard.

"Wait, why aren't we going to Alpha Killian's office?"

"Alpha Killian isn't in his office. Are you ignoring my question?"

I wave him off like some annoying mosquito.

"I don't care. I'm not here to make friends, I'm here to do my job."

"Thank you so much for asking, my name is Patrick. I'm the beta of this pack," he continues cheerfully.

Great. Just great. I've managed to get myself stuck with the most chipper person on the planet.

"Well aren't you just a ray of fucking sunshine," I mutter under my breath.

He laughs, but luckily he's smart enough to keep his trap shut this time. As we walk out into the backyard, I'm instantly on high alert. Every pack member besides those on guard duty is standing around in a circle where two young wolves are fighting in the middle.

"What the fuck?" I growl.

Before Patrick can stop me, I push my way through the circle, trying to evaluate how to break up the fight without getting my throat ripped out. As soon as the smaller wolf lunges for the other one, I make my move, throwing myself into his side and knocking him over.

"Are you guys crazy?" I scream, grabbing them both by the napes of their necks. "And all of you," I continue, turning to face the crowd while maintaining my grip. "You're all just going to stand around and watch your own kill each other?"

The crowd is silent, staring at me like I'm some bomb ready to detonate. I don't even realize I'm breathing heavily until I'm hit full force with the most enticing scent. Jasmine and Bergamot. I'm completely caught off guard.

"What do you think you're doing?" My eyes follow the sound of that deep, sultry voice and my stomach drops.

Mate. My wolf practically drools.

Fuck.

"Alpha Killian," I nod, ignoring the tightening in my chest and the sudden urge to pounce the man in front of me.

He stalks towards me, the look in his honey gold eyes telling me I'm about to be his prey.

"Is there a reason you broke off that fight?"

He towers over me, taller than even most of our male Warriors.

"Is there a reason you're allowing your pack to stand around and watch two pups tear each other apart?" I counter, lifting my chin at him. Even if my insides feel like mush staring up at him, I'll be damned if I let him see it.

He laughs, a deep, rough sound that drives my wolf crazy.

"This is how we solve our problems. We fight it out. They wouldn't hurt each other...much. But that's not why you're here, Warrior."

"Can we discuss this in private?" I huff indignantly.

"I'd love nothing more," he simpers.

There's a mischievous glint in his eyes as he stares down at me.

Stupid pretty boy.