"Alpha King, please allow me to introduce to you my daughter, Ludhiana. She recently turned eighteen and is now accompanying me on pack's business in order to gain valuable experience," Alpha Glary of Silver Moon presents his youngest offspring before me.

She is beautiful, I must give her that. Shy and uncomfortable with the situation, I can tell this was not her own idea. This was her father’s doing, embarrasses her publicly by pushing forward like a merchant showcasing goods for sale.

All eyes are upon us as they eagerly anticipate my usual act of rejection towards such advances. My heart goes out to Ludhiana, after all, she is my subject and should be treated with respect just like any other woman including my mate.

Taking Jasmina's hand, I plant a gentle kiss on its back. "Hello there, Jasmina. You are truly stunning," I remark. “My only hope is that the other Alphas don't present their daughters to me in this way too, but shall we have a drink in the back?”

This is uncommon for me, the packs have never actually seen me in female company. That's why many suspects I'm gay. But Ludhiana also gives me the opportunity to tear myself away from the pushy Alphas here. I put her hand on my elbow, look up and nod to my mate. Drina immediately understands my intention and removes herself from the circle of men that has gathered around her.

With Ludhiana on my arm, I politely nod my way toward my mate. When we get there, I introduce the women to each other.

“Drina, this is Ludhiana, the daughter of Alpha Glary. Her father just introduced us and I thought we could have a drink together."

I get close to Drina, wanting to inhale her scent. But I still have to delay the urge to hide my face in the crook of her neck. I'll have plenty of time for that in a few hours. My wolf Hunter is ecstatic at the thought of embracing and kissing our mate but logic prevails. This isn't quite possible, especially now I already took the chance by walking directly to Drina and showing that we are acquaintances.

My mate extends her hand to Ludhiana who stares at her with relief.

“Hi Ludhiana, glad to meet you. That was an awkward moment, your father didn't show any diplomacy to introduce you to Enrick," she states softly. I sense all were-ears are now on the three of us. I can feel the agitation in the room, everyone is now wondering how Drina and I know each other, what relationship we share and how Ludhiana fits into that. And Drina also addressed me by name, not many have this privilege. So they all assume she must be pretty close to me.

The curiosity in the room yanks up.

"Is that his mate?" I hear someone whisper before a buzz goes through the room. The gossip machine goes into full force because none of them has ever seen me with any mate, nor has there been any official announcement about that.

Drina and I are rarely in public like this. We've been on dates and intimate dinners at restaurants in Human Town, outside the packs, were always discreet, with no affection in public. Once, an online magazine posted a photo of us together but referred to her as an unknown lady at a casual meeting. No one has attached a romantic label to it.

Alpha Glary happiness is unprecedented.

His daughter has been able to keep the attention of the Alpha King, which is more than many were able to achieve. He's likely already arranging her Luna ceremony. Poor guy. He has caused his daughter almost irreparable damage.

If I had rudely rejected her, she probably would never find a mate in the future. I think I need to have a serious talk with the Alphas about this way of mating off their daughters, it gets worse every year. And as more daughters come of age, these annual meetings also get more crowded with horny she-wolves rather than high rankings who are supposed to talk business here.

Within minutes, Ludhiana feels entirely at ease.

My mate has managed to relax her, Ludhiana now even laughs profusely at her jokes. The two women chat comfortably while I stand by and enjoy the pleasing voice I haven't heard for so long. It caresses my senses, tempting me to move closer to her body and absorb more of her heat. With iron willpower, I hold back, but still know this can't go on for too long.

'Alpha King, everything is ready. The pilot is waiting for you', I suddenly hear my Beta in the mind link. 'Come in the ballroom and let's leave with the women. When we are outside, you will take care of Ludhiana. Treat her with respect until her father gets her,' I tell him.

Half a minute later, Jace joins us.

I take Ludhiana's arm as Jace walks out of the room next to Drina. On our way out I greet some guests, wish them a good time in my pack and leave the place. Everyone guesses I'm going to finish the night with the Alpha’s daughter. Not me.

When we're outside, I give her hand to Jace. “Ludhiana, dear, my Beta will make sure you have a great time and will take you back to your father later. If you need anything, feel free to contact Jace or me,” I offer her graciously.

I turn to my mate with a nod at Jace. I take her bridal style to walk with her to my car. Carefully I place my mate in the passenger seat, fasten her seatbelt and press a kiss to her forehead. Sitting next to her, I take a hand in mine, softly kiss every precious finger and drive at high speed to the airstrip of my pack.

“Where are we going, my love?” Drina asks when she notices the Jet’s engine running.

I respond with a grin and lean in for a passionate kiss. With my lips still on hers, I whisper.

"That is a surprise"...