I was startled and looked up to see a man looking at me amused. He was tall with ocean-blue eyes; he had the energy that pulled me like gravity and that scent of forest and breeze that felt intoxicating. My wolf screamed, "Mate! Mate!" But I was not ready to get fooled with this mate bond once again. I ignored it.
I had seen him before, and then it hit me—it was Alpha Elias of the Red Crest Pack.
"Ah, yes... council meetings can be overwhelming," I replied.
Alpha Elias sat on the bench across from me and said, "Or, maybe it was something more. You seemed distant."
I was caught off guard, but something made me feel at ease. I felt I could share anything with him without judgment, and I would feel safe.
“Sometimes, we go where we think we can hide.”
He raised a brow.
“And yet, here you are, sitting in plain sight.”
“Lysa?”
I stiffened when I heard that familiar voice. I turned to see Alpha Kade with Mia hovering beside him.
“Alpha Kade, I was just getting to know your best healer,” Alpha Elias greeted politely.
Alpha Kade gazed at the rose I held, and his jaw tightened.
“I wasn’t aware you knew each other.”
“Oh, well, I make it a point to get to know everyone who visits Red Crest. I find it helps build connections. Strengthens alliances.”
Mia smirked and said, "That’s very kind of you, Alpha Elias. But you’ll find that Lysa prefers to stay… low profile.”
There was something about what she said that made me snap. And for the first time, I interrupted, "Low profile doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a bit of peace, Mia. Some of us don’t crave attention.”
It took her by surprise, but she hid it with a smile.
“Of course. I’m sure Red Crest offers all the quiet you need.”
Alpha Kade looked annoyed at me but couldn't scold me.
“Mia, perhaps we should return to the meeting. There’s plenty left to discuss.”
The moment they were gone, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Never let anyone make you feel you are low, regardless of their position," Alpha Elias said, startling me because I had somehow forgotten he was there.
The council hall opened before I could respond, and several Red Crest Pack members came out. One of them a young warrior, said, "Alpha Elias, there’s been a breach on the western border. Scouts reported a group of rogue approaching."
Alpha Elias' expression hardened when he asked, "How many?"