Zara’s POV
“Are you sure you want to go alone, Zara?” Just as we stepped outside the packhouse, my worried father inquired. I was on my way out with Ronan to formally seal the agreement between the packs.
“Alpha, it was just a small misunderstanding,” Levi said, glancing at me. “I do not doubt that their disagreements have been settled.”
My dad arched an eyebrow in concern and looked from Levi to me.
I moved ahead, clasped his hand, and grinned.
“It is all good, father,” I said and squeezed his hands to reassure him that everything was okay. “Alpha Nicholas and I have moved past our disagreements.”
“It is helpful to know,” he remarked, refusing to accept my words. “I was concerned.”
“There is nothing to be concerned about,” Levi went on. “Zara and Alpha Nicolas seem to be gradually coming to terms with each other,”
With a nod, my dad looked at Ronan.
“You had better drive carefully with my daughter. Do you hear me?” He snarled at Ronan.
“Always,” Ronan answered, attempting to maintain his calm. “I am delivering special cargo, and I will not allow anything to happen to it.”
My father’s gaze shifted to Levi when Ronan’s response proved insufficient in terms of comfort.
“Beta, are you sure you can’t join Zara?” Clearly frustrated, he asked.
As the lone child and heir to the pack, I suppose there was a great deal of fear when I ran off in that manner.
Did my father worry that I would repeat that behavior?
“I am sorry, Alpha,” Levi said. However, I have a crucial meeting set for tonight. I am afraid I will not be able to go to Alpha Nicholas with Zara tonight.”
My eyes narrowed in surprise at something in Levi’s tone, and I turned to look at him.
Levi made no mention of the meeting that was supposed to take place tonight.
Was there something he was hiding from me?
Will he do that?
If he was, what sort of secret was he harboring?
I swept my eyes over the dashing Levi, taking him in.
He appeared dapper as usual, dressed impeccably in formal black pants, a light blue long-sleeve button-up shirt, and appropriate black shoes. Nothing seemed out of place or different.
Yet something does not seem quite right. There was something about Levi’s appearance that was a little off.
Attempting once more, I allowed my gaze to sweep over him, absorbing him.
I got goosebumps all over my body when I noticed the difference.
Was I seeing right? My eyes were not deceiving me, were they?
How could I have overlooked that?
Levi had his golden hair neatly combed back and styled. He wore his lucky shirt.
Could it be? Was he trying to make an impression?
I slightly raised my nose and took a sneaky whiff. Levi only wore expensive cologne when he went out, and it was evident in his scent.
That verified it. Levi was not going to just a meeting; it was more than just a meeting.
Did he meet someone special? Someone he likes or…”
“Do you think Levi found himself his second chance mate?” Kaya asked.
“I do not know,” I answered. “But if he did, I hope the goddess bestowed upon him a truly special person.”
“I agree,” Kaya said. “He deserves some happiness.”
“A meeting?” My dad questioned, looking surprised. “With whom?”
Levi maintained his poise, appearing at ease and confident. As usual, his demeanor exuded a little too much confidence.
“I have a treaty signed with the White Moon Pack tonight,” he said with a proud demeanor. They have consented to work with us to combat Alpha Noah and his pack. I received an invitation to sign the agreement.”
Is it possible that Levi and the Alpha of the White Moon Pack are mates?
“Excellent work, beta!” My father exclaimed proudly at the new developments. “Although shocked, I am proud of you! Who would have imagined that you of all people could pull off something like that and persuade a group of people to support us after they had expressed no interest in working with us?”
Levi grinned, happiness gleaming in his eyes.
“Thank you, Alpha,” Levi said. “I suppose it is time for me to give my lovely mate to Beta Ronan so she can arrive on time for her meeting with Alpha Nicholas. To avoid being late, I will also be departing.”
I took a step forward, perching on my toes, and planted a quick, comforting kiss on my father’s cheek.
“I will see you later, father,” I said.
With a sigh, my father nodded. We needed to leave before he sent someone else with me.
Taking my hand in his, Levi and I followed Ronan back to the car, where he unlocked the door for me.
“Have fun,” Levi said, planting a butterfly kiss on my forehead. “But don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”
“Like going out on a date but pretending it is a meeting?” I challenged.
Levi looked away, trying not to show off how embarrassed he was. His cheeks reddened instantly.
“Ah, so I am right,” I said, cocking my head to the side.
But why did Levi appear to be so ashamed of it?
Levi bit his lip and nodded.
“How come you did not tell me right away?” I asked, giving him a lighthearted slap on the arm. “Are you keeping secrets from me? Who is this guy? Is he one of the White Moon Pack’s pack members? Is he good-looking?”
Levi grinned.
“He is great,” he replied, ignoring the rest of my questions. “But there is not much to say, and right now we do not have time to talk about my personal life. You need to leave before Alpha Nicholas phones and asks questions. You can’t keep him waiting.”
“But I am curious,” I argued. “Does he treat you nicely?”
Levi gave a nod, and a smile spread across his lips.
“He is amazing,” he remarked. “I swear. Now get into the car. I will fill you in on everything later.”
Levi tensed up and cast a cursory glance over his shoulder. Beta John had joined my father and was staring at us.
“All right!” I gave in, a little let down by Levi’s refusal to divulge any information. “But you will have to reveal all the juicy details later tonight.”
With a nod, Levi assisted me in getting into the car and shut the door.
Levi knocked on the roof of the car and said, “Drive safe.”
With a nod, Ronan engaged the vehicle in drive and departed.
By the time we arrived at the Midnight Moon Pack, it was well past six.
Nicholas, dressed appropriately in a blue tie and black suit, was waiting in the parking lot. His hair hung loosely around his shoulders.
The moment the car stopped, my heart raced. My mate looked so handsome when he had his hair loose.
Ronan stepped out and opened the passenger door for Nicholas.
As Nic got into the car, the interior was filled with the aroma of his honey and vanilla.
He turned to face me right away, reaching out and clasping my hand in his.
I gasped, feeling small sparks running between our skins-it was more intense than I could recall.
Was the bond doing this?
“You look beautiful tonight,” Nic said, his eyes darkening as he kissed my hand.
“So do you,” I said, my senses being overwhelmed by his scent.
Ronan turned on the engine and sped off.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
This is where we were supposed to sign the treaty tonight.
Did Nicholas decide against it?
Nic remained silent and reclined in the car seat, a small, sly smile teasing the edges of his mouth.
Oh Goddess, should I worry about where my mate is taking me?
****