***
Philip’s head shot up when he heard the distant sound of a chopper. His brow creased with a frown when he clicked on his calendar on his laptop. They didn’t have any visitors booked for that day. Alphas still called on Jeremy and Ryan to pay their respects for the birth of their son but no one was expected that day.
‘Winnie?’ Philip called his secretary on his mind-link as he stood up and left his office. ‘Do we have any alpha visiting today that I’m not aware of?’
‘We have no one booked for today, Alpha.’ Winnie responded.
‘Thanks.’ Philip muttered as he walked briskly out of the building. His destination was the east lawn when helicopters that came to the pack-house usually landed.
Philip noticed that Stan, Pete, George, and some others who were all part of the welcoming team for alphas were converging on the lawn with surprised looks on their faces.
“Didn’t know we were expecting anyone today,” Stan called out.
“We’re not,” Philip responded as he looked up at the Sikorsky S-92 Cougar that was circling above their heads. “Expensive.” He muttered. “Wonder who it is.”
The Sikorsky S-92 Cougar was an expensive helicopter and a favorite of several heads of state around the world. Although regarded as a mid-size helicopter, it was capable of taking up to nineteen passengers. Philip wondered how many people were on board and whether they were friends or foes.
‘Lip, I didn’t know someone was scheduled for today.’ Jeremy said on his mind-link with Philip.
‘We’re not expecting anyone but someone has decided to show up.’ Philip drawled. ‘Without an invite or a heads-up but with a very expensive chopper.’
‘I’ll be right there.’ Jeremy muttered.
“Think I should call for backup?” Stan asked, his arms folded across his broad chest as he looked up at the chopper that was about to land.
“Don’t bother,” Philip responded. “Jer is coming.” Only an ignorant fool would try anything in the presence of an alpha of alphas who also happened to be an Ojah. “Hey, sis.” He called out when Paige joined them.
“Hi, sweetie.” Paige went to stand between Philip and Stan and folded her arms across her chest like the guys. “Troy back from lectures?”
“In…” Philip looked at his watch, “an about an hour.” He said just as Jeremy materialized beside them. “Ryan and Sylver okay?”
“Shower time,” Jeremy responded as he kissed Paige on the cheek. “Ryan didn’t look happy.” He bumped fists with Stan as his friends laughed. “Hey, guys.” He called out to the others who gave respectful nods in acknowledgment. “What do we have here?” Jeremy muttered as the blades of the chopper stopped spinning and the hatch opened.
“Vamps.” Philip breathed immediately after the first person stepped out of the hatch. “What the fuck do vamps want on our land?”
In as much as the Stanwood Pack didn’t have any problem with vampires, it was a known fact that vampires and werewolves didn’t really see eye to eye. Both species saw themselves as superior to the other. But both were, in their own right, forces to be reckoned with because whilst vampires were very fast and could swiftly wound a werewolf in a battle, the tiniest bite from a werewolf would kill a vampire. The Stanwood Pack was definitely not happy about their visitors and their demeanor said as much.
The werewolves watched with lethal expressions on their faces as eleven men and two women stepped out of the helicopter. Unlike werewolves, vampires didn’t age so it was difficult to tell who was old and who was young. However, one of the men, who was drop-dead gorgeous, looked very young. He also looked the most anxious. It was also obvious to the gathered werewolves that their unexpected visitors were very well to do. Apart from one of the ladies who was dressed to kill, all the others were dressed casually. But they all reeked of class and wealth.
“Who are you?” Philip’s deep voice boomed out. “And to what do we owe this unannounced visit?”
One of the ladies stepped forward and raised her hand in a gesture of peace. “We come in peace.” She said in a sweet voice. “I’m Aurora Jilani. This is my daughter, Gaia.” She pointed at the other lady who looked absolutely beautiful in a sexy blue bodycon dress with really high heels. She smiled and gave a wave. “And that is my son, Enzo.” She gestured at the gorgeous, anxious-looking man.
He looked totally fabulous in blue ripped jeans, a black t-shirt that fit him perfectly, and boots. “That is Piero Jilani, my husband’s brother.” She said, pointing at a stern-looking man who gave a curt nod. “The others are coworkers and family.” She said politely. It was obvious that the others worked for the family. “We would have booked an appointment but I didn’t think you’d have agreed to see us. Apologies.”
“Nice family.” Philip smiled because he could sense that they genuinely meant no harm. “What brings you all the way from Italy?” Their names certainly gave them away.
Aurora gave a soft laugh. “We’ve been living here in the States for centuries actually.”
“I knew it.” Stan bellowed. “Y’all are probably over a thousand years old, right?” Everyone except Piero and Enzo laughed.
“No, we’re not that old.” Aurora chuckled.
“Okay, you over there…” Stan pointed at Enzo. “You look like you’re the youngest. How old are you?”
“One hundred and…”
“Sweet Mary the mother blessed!” Paige gasped, her hand flying to her chest.
“And Joseph the carpenter too,” Stan added in a voice so comical everyone burst into laughter. Even Piero.
“Alright, now that we’ve gotten the names and…ages out of the way, care to tell me what you’re here for, Aurora?” Philip asked. “I’m Philip…”
“Harrington.” Aurora finished. “You’re the alpha, we know.” She said even as she threw a quick nervous look Jeremy’s way.
“Oh…k.” Philip muttered. “So…”
“You’re not going to believe this but we don’t even know why we’re here.” Aurora chuckled.
“You’re right. I don’t believe you.” Philip responded smoothly.
“My son…” Aurora gestured at Enzo, “has been insisting that he has to come here, for weeks.”
“For what?” Philip addressed Enzo who simply shrugged.
“I don’t know,” Enzo responded.
“Dude…” Stan rasped with disbelief. “Come on…”
“I’m serious, I don’t know why.” Enzo looked flustered. “I just felt this strong compulsion to…”
“Wait, wait, wait aren’t you lot the experts when it comes to compulsion?” Philip drawled.